I first learned about “crowdfunding” when my friend Steve T from high school was looking for support for his movie project, Riot on the Dance Floor on Kickstarter. I thought it was really cool to be able to be a small investor to support a friend’s dream project.
I learned about the competitor site, Indie Go Go, when Michelle was looking to fund her What-If Monsters and I have some handmade monsters to show for my support (which I LOVE!)
So what is crowdfunding? According to wikipedia, “crowdfunding (alternately crowd financing, equity crowdfunding or hyper funding) describes the collective effort of individuals who network and pool their resources, usually via the Internet, to support efforts initiated by other people or organizations. Crowd funding is used in support of a wide variety of activities, including disaster relief, citizen journalism, support of artists by fans, political campaigns, startup company funding, movie or free software development, and scientific research.”
So when I saw this running related post on an indiegogo newsletter, I knew I had to get a “taste” and show my support. A triathlete was eating raw cacao and real ginseng and he wondered why there wasn’t a chocolate made with anything good for you – one with a real benefit and not just a different flavor. He started Perfect Fuel and for as little as $10, you can support them and get a small taste, too! (and you can say you knew them when!) or if you are nice to me, I will share mine. Check out indiegogo – you may find your perfect match, too!
I found lots of great deals this week!
Spa Week is back!!! – check out $50 options at spas all over the country for appointments the week of October 15 – 21. It is a great chance to try out high end spas at a low(er) cost! Book now as appointments fill up FAST! (and speaking of awesome spa deals – Gilt City NYC has 40% off of several spa options at the Setai and it looks awesome!)
Yay! Katie from KS Style Consulting who helped me get my closet organized and took away (and donated or consigned a ton of stuff for me) (see my post on her services here) has a deal on Gilt City Chicago – $95 for 2 hour closet clean out and outfit pairing (and she will take and consign your stuff, too) Katie is awesome Chicago friends! Give her a try!.
– Gilt City Chicago has other fun deals right now including beer tasting at Blue Bird and wine tasting at Webster Wine Bar for 2 people at 50% off (and other good stuff, too!) Plus cash back on Ebates.
– Hey New Yorkers – Well + Good has paired up with Clean Plates to offer daily deals on healthy options throughout the city – all you need to do is give them your email address. Not in NYC but still like to eat healthy (or learn about healthy eating)? Check out Clean Plates.
– I love these cute kids’ labels from Emily Press on Daily Candy Deals for 50% off for back to school and they have 50% off on Jane Marvel bags and accessories.
– Chicago friends – never too early to plan for the Randolph Street holiday market 50% off on 4 tickets Good for four tickets to your choice of Randolph Street Market’s three events: Chicago Antique Market and Indie Designer Market (Sept. 29-30), Modern Vintage Chicago Fall Jewelry and Clothing Explosion (Oct. 20-21) and Holiday Market (Nov. 17-18; Dec. 15-16). There is also still a chance to do good and be treated with $18 for $30 at Blue Sky Bakery & Cafe – a nonprofit pastry shop provides employment for homeless and at-risk youth.
– Hey Runners – Active Schwaggle has $25 for Pro Compression marathon calf sleeves. Follow the link and use code SLEEVES to get the discount. They have some energy bars and muscle relief gel at 50% off here, too.
That’s all for now – have a great weekend and let me know if you find anything worth blabbing about!