Freaker awesome in the form of the Lumbersmack, $8. Will explain later.
But first (and not at all relevant to the lumberjack magic above): I love Stanford Social Innovation Review. Like, a lot. Most recently, I read this article: "Microfinance Misses Its Mark." It was written in 2007, long before I even started using Kiva to help fund seamstresses and farmers in developing countries. However, I think it's still relevant, as many of the products I promote here are a mix of microfinancing, small projects with artisans, and larger concepts. Is there only one way? I don't think so. But it starts a good discussion.
The argument is that while microfinancers have the best of intentions, "Creating opportunities for steady employment at reasonable wages is the best way to take people out of poverty." Most people would rather have a steady job than have to struggle to run their own business. And state governments need to step up and give their population personal freedoms to allow/encourage market growth.
OK, so that's a slightly jumbled synopsis. But you can read the whole thing for yourself here and see what you think (and explore more recent SSIR articles while you're there, though most validly require a subscription).
As for the knit flannel magic above, it's crafted by some magic elves out in North Carolina who just want you to have a freakin' good time and keep "bottles cool and hands comfortable." The freaker supposedly fits every bottle possible, and I also love their water bottle:
Freaker water bottle, $15
They even have a freaker penguin holder (along with a wide variety of other patterns/images):
Waddledoo, $8
I really just want to hit up the club and in the middle of it all bust out my lumberjack freaker, and then the next day, use it to keep my water bottle cool on the beach. A girl can dream, OK?? Now, I heard about Freaker from a friend of a friend who said the company is trustworthy, but I'll do a double check and if not, I'll eat my socks. Or just let you all know. Whatever.
Now go get your SSIR and Freaker on.
Yes!! What a magical thing to stumble upon!!! Microfinance AND freakers?!? Amazing! And I'd say we're trustworthy (Lauren from Freaker USA checking in! Hello! Good day! Chip chop!) we're a small company that gets freakers made locally and travels the country in our boxtruck house throwing grilled cheese parties! We were fueled by crowdsourcing (Kickstarter!!) and are in love love love with the ideas of microfinancing! Kiva is delicious! And you are too! We're all sending you digital bearhugs RIGHT NOW!!
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