Friday Finds: Excerpt, Excerpt, Read All About It + More

Skimm_LogoI was reading a magazine from December that I just found in my apartment in plastic (oops). I saw an interview with the women who started theSkimm. They were friends and news producers who were “the go-to news source” for their friends. Here is how they describe what theSkimm is:

theSkimm is an email newsletter for anyone short on time. No one wants to be the deer in headlights when someone says “did you hear about the latest in Syria?” or “did you hear about Johnny Football?”

Our concept is simple. We read. You Skimm.

This is a service everyone needs. You may follow the ‘right’ people on Twitter or get the ‘right’ breaking news alerts but with so much noise, it’s hard to filter what you need to know in politics, international affairs, sports, entertainment, technology etc.

theSkimm is your filter. We cross party and subject lines to break down what it seems everyone else is talking about.

theSkimm is not just another email. It’s about choosing to make your mornings better by being informed in a way that fits into your routine. Even before your first cup of coffee.”

I started getting theSkimm and I dig it! The writing is succinct and clever. I feel like my savvy friends are telling me the scoop. It is good to have friends in the know. Each day they have a “quote of the day”, tops stories, “repeat after me” (which I think is a recap of yesterday’s important stories) and the new “things to know.” Yesterday’s “thing to know” was :

“YoPro – Apparently slang for “young professional.” Feel free to ignore this and pretend it’s a small video camera.”

I recommend checking out theSkimm. You can sign up for daily emails HERE.


next draftYou may remember my post last May when Maureen sent me a link to a really cool subscription news service called Next DraftNext Draft  is daily news e-mail from Dave Pell which is “a quick, entertaining look at the day’s top ten stories.” I have been getting this digest for a year and I agree with Dave Pell’s assertion:

“Imagine this: You’ll actually look forward to email again. It’s totally free and almost no one ever unsubscribes. The subscription form is up there, just a few pixels away. Go ahead. Give your inbox some awesome.”

There is also an “app for that.” Check out the Next Draft app HERE.

Click HERE to sign up for the newsletter.

theSkimm + Next Draft = all the news you need to be in the know… or at least a VERY good start!


It’s Friday, so you know the drill… here are some great deals* that I found:

  • LAST DAY: Get an extra 20% on already reduced prices on active wear at Leftlane Sports with code 20FORME. If you are a new member and sign up for an account (free), you get $10 off your first purchase.
  • Save 50% on a Blissage75 Massage, Facial or Combination Package at Bliss Spa Chicago  via Living Social
  • RueLaLa has great gifts for dads, goodies for men, women and home. Check out these awesome limited time sales!
  • Save 47% on Shedd Aquarium tickets from Time Out/Travelzoo (valid through June 20 and in September)
  • Check out Twice where you can buy pre-worn designer clothes for 70-90% off or sell your own. Get 25% off your first purchase for taking a brief quiz!
  • Check out Swim Outlet’s Clearance sale. LOTS of great deals.
  • Get 25% off of everything at Boden and free shipping over $50. Get an additional 2.5% cash back if you start with ebates.
  • Get $35 credit on your first booking with Travel Pony if you sign up with this link
  • Get great deals on stylish jewelry (up to 80% off) from GemRoc. Sign up and get $20 off and free shipping on your first order with code GEMROC20.
  • Save up to 67% on photo books from Shutterfly for Father’s Day from Groupon. Not a member of Groupon? Get $10 off if you sign up HERE.
  • Instacart is now available in Los Angeles (in addition to San Francisco Bay Area, New York City, Chicago, Boston, Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia!) Get groceries delivered in one hour and $10 off first order + free delivery.

  • You know I love giveaways! Check out Whole Mom’s Zavida Coffee for a Year (and 5 runner up gifts) giveaway.
  • Check out awesome deals on athletic gear and trips from The Clymb. Act fast deals are up for a limited time. Start with Active Junky to get an additional 8% cash back. See many more offers at Active Junky.
  • Gilt City has great deals in Chicago, NYC, LA and more. Start with ebates for additional cash back.
  • Get 50% off your first outfit at FableticsI LOVE mine!
  • Save 40% on awesome portable coconut water products from Cocogo with code ERICAFINDS.

That’s all I have for now! What is everyone up to for the weekend? The husband and I were out of town last weekend, so this one will be pretty mellow. 

PS. Don’t forget my Torie and Howard’s Organic Candy and Mohawk Valley Trading Company giveaways!

*Please note: This post contains some affiliate/referral links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Some are just good deals I found and shared. Either way, you win!