That’s right.  Its our way of giving back to you guys.  If you haven’t added us on FB yet, do so here.

We want to see and be tagged in your pictures of food.  Yum!!!

The best picture will get a deal to the Allston Yacht Club.  Yep, $40 worth of free food (and wine) just for tagging us in your picture.  The contest will run untill 5:30 P.M. on Thursday April 19th and we will announce the winner on Friday.

Get ready to tag….but this time you’ll be it.

I was surfing the internet last night and I kept noticing still frames from Star Wars being posted.  The image where R2D2 gets knocked around and shows a hologram of Princess Lea.  But instead of Lea, it was just a random figure with his arms up.  It took me a while (and a few questions) to figure out….It was Tupac!!!  in hologram form!!!

He materialized during Snoop Dogg and Dr Dre’s set and then vanished just the same.

The amount of time and effort that went into bringing a long gone singer back is astronomical.

If you haven’t seen it.   Look at the video

PS Kaufman Crosswalk Shoe, sold on HipSwap

We love HipSwap! HipSwap is the new age swap meet. Basically it’s a mobile and web platform to buy and sell sweet stuff. You can find amazing vintage bags, boots, musical instruments, bikes, knickknacks and much more on their website! Or if your LA apt. is getting a bit cluttered, make some quick cash by selling that lamp your ex gave you, or those heels you never wear. We love the site because it makes selling goods and buying second-hand, easy and wallet-friendly. Not to mention they deliver your purchased goods -if you can wear it or comfortably hold it in your hands- to your door in a PINK mustache van! If you live in LA, chances are you’ve spotted this baby on the road!

Mixte 3 Bike, sold on HipSwap

Rush49 decided to have some fun, so we set up a HipSwap account and created a board of our favorite HipSwap items!

Check what Rush49 thought was super fab HERE!

Max Lebovitz, HipSwap Marketing Coordinator

We also had the pleasure of sitting down with HipSwap Marketing Coordinator, Max! He is an awesome dude who graciously agreed to answer a few questions about HipSwap! Here’s what he had to say:

Name: Max Lebovitz

We love mini things. MINI cars, Minnie Mouse, mini chocolate bars and mini car detailing! What is all of this mini talk about? Rush49 is offering a mini car detail for your car, truck or SUV at Overland Car Wash!

With Overland Car Wash’s special mini-detail, you get:

• Magic wheel treatment
• Steam clean tires and rims
• Lexol leather treatment renewal
• Detailed vacuum
• Hand wax
• Exterior armor all dressing
• Interior armor all dressing
• Under body wash
• Floor mats detail shampoo
• Odor eliminator
• Your choice of air freshener

What sold us was the air freshener! Such a mini treat!

Get this deal for only $59, a $90 value!! Buy this Eco-friendly mini-detail deal HERE!!!

Photo Source: Hair Junky

Are you in the mood to try something new with you hair? Something that says spring, carefree, and exciting? Well we have the stylist for you! His name is Shane and he is THE guy to see in LA. But don’t take our word for it, check out his stellar reviews on yelp!

So what makes Shane special? He gives you exactly what you want–we’ll maybe the Photoshopped, model version of what you envisioned–how you want it. Rarely can you find a stylist that listens to YOU and what YOU want. Stylists, in our experience, are always trying to cut off 6 inches, add trendy bangs and a purple strip of something unnatural. It’s infuriating when you feel like you’re not being heard, and can often lead to tears of frustration. But with Shane you wont feel like he’s styling your hair to suite his vision; instead he gives you what you deserve. A cut that flatters your face and makes you want to shake your locks like you’re in a Vidal Sassoon commercial. Speaking of  Vidal Sassoon, did we mention he trained at their prestigious academy? Well he did. Have no fear Shane is here!

Interested in giving Shane a try? For new customers, Rush49 is offering $29 for A Cut, Blow Dry & Style from Shane, a $75 Value!

What are you waiting for? Go get done up and treat yourself to a night in Hollywood!

Photo Source: Taboo

This town is full of stars. What we lack in the sky at night, we see at grocery stores, on boulevards and in restaurants.

Say what you will about LA but you can’t knock the old Hollywood feel it generates.

We love you LA!

In a city like LA, there is so much to do and so little time. Few of us have the will, want or drive to clean up at home after an 8 hour (plus) work day.

Rush49 thought of YOU, LA, when we put this deal together.

FairWay House Cleaning will provide you with 2 FULL hours of cleaning for only $39 dollars, a $99 value.

We know that letting strangers into your house can be, well creepy, but we did our research and found some great reviews on FairWay! One review on Yelp, from Ingrid J said:

I called to get my carpets cleaned, but ended up getting my house cleaned too! They did a great job on both.  The prices were VERY reasonable for the quality work they did.  The carpet cleaner was so NICE! How rare to get a service professional who ACTUALLY LOVES what he does! I had a small stain on an area rug, and he quoted me the price but I declined as it wasn’t that dire.  After he left, I noticed that he had removed the stain and DIDN’T charge me!  It’s rare to find quality professionals these days where everyone is about just getting to the next job.  The House Cleaning was equally as impressive!

In the mood to get your house spic and span, without lifting a finger? Buy the Rush49 deal HERE!

*As described in the Yelp review,  FairWay also offers carpet cleaning services, however this deal is only valid for the house cleaning service!

Photo Source: Daily ISO

We love that LA is a land full of dreamers. It’s a place where anything is possible. A city where a chance encounter can lead to a record deal, or a successful business venture. LA is a landscape filled with possibilities. Even if you live a normal life in LA, the excitement of “what if” keeps life interesting.

Here’s to LA, a place where dreams come true.

Pictured: The Santa Monica Beach, after Sunday’s rain.

We hope you enjoyed the rainy weekend! We cuddled up with our favorite books, blankets and tea for the majority of Sunday! However we did take advantage of the two-hour break in rain (around 6PM), with a trip down to the beach. It was nearly deserted and as peaceful as LA gets.

The beach is breathtaking after it rains, try it sometime!

Before and After - Brazilian Keratin Blowout

Rush49 visited hair stylist to the stars, Anush in Beverly Hills this week.

Anush has a monopoly on Canon Drive and has styled the hair of notable celebs and socialites, like Paris Hilton. She even has a Yelp review from a former Teen USA Title Holder, Katie Blair!

Anush provides amazing services like hair extensions, cut and color but we opted for the $99 Brazilian Keratin Treatment; a deal we are currently offering on Rush49. We took a “before and after” shot, so you can see what we’re dealing with– VERY CURLY HAIR! For those of you who don’t know, Keratin is a hair straightening treatment.

How it works: The Keratin treatment includes a wash, application of the solution, application of heat (under hair dryer) and a quick flat-iron to seal in the solution. Three days following the service, you cannot wash your  hair - which stinks, literally. BUT after three days you get four whole months of wash and go hair! The level of wave after the treatment depends on your starting point. Because Jen has such curly hair, the treatment will leave her with a “beach wave”. If you have less curls more wave, you’ll come out with straight locks. The Keratin (what your hair is made of) in the solution is responsible for the improvement in the overall look, feel, and health of the hair.

Back to Anush. She is a busy lady and for good reason. She’s a hair whisperer in addition to being a miracle worker. She’ll take one look at your hair and tell you what products, vitamins or treatment you should use! She recommended Jen take a Silica vitamin to stop breakage and improve hair health while promoting growth! Silica can be found at your local Whole Foods or GNC. We thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Anush and learning more about our individual hair needs!

These photos were taken day ONE of the treatment! We’ll post another photo day four so you can see what Jen’s hair looks like after a wash and go, low maintenance regimen!

Jen and Anush at the Beverly Hills Salon

A huge thank you to Anush!

*Quick tip about this salon: Park at the parking structure off of Santa Monica and Canon, it has 2 hour free parking! Other lots will charge you a whopping 2 bucks an hour!

Photo Source: Just Jen

Where else can you sunbathe on the beach in March? Ok Australia, I’ll give you that one. But really one of the most fabulous things about living in LA, is the weather and our proximity to the beach! Even if – on   occasion – we forget how close we live to a sandy getaway and a mental reprieve!

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Check out Rush49 deals HERE!

Photo Source: NPR Intern Edition 

We heart KCRW almost as much as we heart Clooney. Those of you who live in LA likely spend copious amounts of time in you car, and thus are aware of the awesomeness that is KCRW or 89.9 FM. This radio station has a great mix of NPR news, music and sick DJ’s like Jason Bentley, Anne Litt, and many more. We can’t help but love it!

This question goes out to our LA readers, who is your favorite KRCW DJ and why?!
As always remember to check out our website for the best deals in LA!

Photo Source: Long Photography

If you live in LA and have not visited the Walt Disney Concert Hall in DT LA, you should be ashamed. It’s one of the most aesthetically confusing buildings in LA. Rounded stainless steel walls will have you walking sideways, while wondering if you’re in the movie Inception. Check it out, and let us know how you liked it!

Meet Lisa, our new Sales Exec!

Name: Lisa Marie Dill

Hometown: Nashville, TN

School: Middle Tennessee State University

Biggest Pet Peeve? Flaky people!

Best thing about working at Rush49?  Everyone has great energy and is fun to be around (like me)!  ;)

What did you eat for breakfast? Egg white and oat crepe w/ pears (ask Lisa for the recipe).

Favorite spot in LA? Beso. Beautiful bar crowd, yummy menu, great signature drinks and a club upstairs on the weekends for the times that my friends and I overstay our welcome…

One beauty item I can’t live without: Hempz Herbal Moisturizer

On a Saturday I am likely to be: At the beach with friends.

Photo Source: Culver City Times

Pictured: Seventy7

If you are as fascinated with Al Capone and flappers as we are, Seventy7 is the place for you. It’s a speakeasy located in Culver City. The coolest thing about this place? You need a password to get in! How do you access these precious passwords? By way of twitter of course. If you’re interested in a roaring 20′s night, be sure to follow them here!

Photo Source: Eatosaurus Rex

Pictured: Mixed Berries Liege from Syrup in DT LA

In DT LA? Have a hankering for something sweet and breakfast like? Look no further than Syrup on Spring St. They serve delicious versions of waffles, called “liege” topped with your choice of fruit and ice cream! Indulgent? Check. Delicious? Check. Huge glass cups filled with yummy liquids? Check.

Not in the mood to travel DT or anywhere for that matter? Check out this deal on gourmet meals delivered right to your door!

Have you been to Syrup? Let us know how you liked it!

We’re the little guys! Help us get 100 page likes by Friday!

(Oh and for my loyal readers, that’s me!)

LIKE US HERE!

Meet Rush49 Co-Founder, Kumar:

Name: Vamsi Kumar Kotla
Hometown: Hyderabad, India
School: I went to USC for Masters, Computer Science Program and am currently enrolled in LMU, MBA (part-time) program.
Biggest pet peeve? That they chose Lucas Black to play the hero role in “The Fast and Furious Tokyo Drift” and not me (obviously!).
Best thing about working at Rush49? I get to meet and work with so many wonderful people from different parts of the world.
What did you eat for breakfast? Brown rice & black bean burrito from my fave brunch place (Pure Energy Cafe).
Favorite super hero? Ghost Rider, and fave “super” heroine is Eva Mendes
On a Saturday I am likely to be: Reading The New Yorker Magazine or listening to Carnatic Classical Music.

A big thank you to Kumar, for sitting down with us!

Support Kumar by visiting Rush49.com!

Newsflash, we’re not the only deal website or app out there. So why did we launch? Why did we even try to compete with powerhouses like Groupon?

One answer, two words: our app.

What makes our app so fancy?!

• Our app learns about you. Hate getting deals for Rogaine when you have a full head of hair? Don’t worry Rush49 wont recommend things you don’t want or need.  The more you use the app, the more accurate and relevant the deals suggested become. Our app is smart, and it’s learning about what makes you, you.
• The app can unlearn about you (THIS IS RARE PEOPLE). Did you buy one baby onesie for a friend’s Baby Shower a year ago, but still receive deal suggestions for diapers? Rush49′s customer profiles decay overtime, meaning the app will stop suggesting specific deals, if your preferences change.
• Location, location, location. Don’t want to drive to DT LA for a free ice cream scoop? The app recognizes your location, what you purchase and where.  Rush49 app suggests deals in areas you are likely to frequent!
• Reward Points! Did you like, buy, or share a deal? You just got points. If you earn points equal to the value of the deal, the deal is on us! You heard that right, it’s free!  The concept is similar to earning airline miles and getting a free fight, but oodles easier!

Speaking of Reward Points, we’re running a promotion! If you share a deal (via Facebook, twitter or email) and three of your friends buy that deal, you get the deal for FREE! View our deals here.

Meet the Director of Marketing, Eddie Lee (AKA E. Lee)

We sat down with Eddie, and asked the sometimes shy, business guru by day, ninja by night, a few questions. Here is what he had to say:

Hometown: New York City
School: UPenn
Biggest pet peeve? People who take what (and who) they have for granted; people who complain about everything.
Best thing about working at Rush49? Facing the inherent challenges of launching a local consumer web marketing business (we would have guessed the casual dress code).
What did you eat for breakfast? Omelet with Swiss cheese and spinach, and a bowl of mixed brown & red rice with marinara sauce.
Favorite super hero? Jeremy Lin (you would).
On a Saturday I am likely to be: On a trail somewhere and, preferably, not too far from the ocean or a bar.  Definitely a bar.

There you have it folks, an insight into the mysterious E. Lee.

A big thank you goes to Eddie for sitting down with us!

Photo Source: Go Tumblr

LA Times on Mulholland Drive:

“Mulholland Drive, originally opened in 1924, has always been a favorite road for drivers — and illegal racing.

This photo, by former Los Angeles Times staff photographer Rick Corrales, was used to illustrate a 1982 story about dangerous night racing on Mulholland between Laurel Canyon and Coldwater Canyon boulevards.”

Launch, Photo Credit: http://soddingtypical.blogspot.com

Rush49 is gearing up for our hard launch in February! Our team wanted to launch with a bang, so we decided to host a Happy Hour shindig at HQ! We are in the throes of party planning, website improvements, social media blasts, sales calls and countless emails. Needless to say the office has been a little wild! So wild, we have become a bit outrageous with our ideas.

Outrageous idea numero uno: We’re considering buying a gong. That’s right a gong. The first question that should come to mind is, “Why would Rush49 need a gong”? We think it would be a stupendous  incentive for sales. Picture this, each time the sales team finalizes a deal, they ring the gong. I mean let’s get real, who wouldn’t want to hit a gong?

Gong, Photo Credit: http://artsysf-mybuzzarts.buzznet.com

What do you say, should Rush49 buy an office gong?!

Blueberry pancakes from Pure Energy Cafe

]]> http://rush49.wordpress.com/2012/01/18/we-3-la/ Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:13:13 +0000 rush49 http://rush49.wordpress.com/2012/01/18/we-3-la/

Tumblr (http://jendeangelis.tumblr.com/) image.

Our staff is comprised of Returned Peace Corps volunteers, former TOMS employees, tree huggers, avid animal rights activists and vegetarians galore. We care about LA and giving back, but as a company we were undecided on HOW to give back, until today. Today we made a promise to support 3 local, non-profits in 2012.

We’re currently running a Rush49 “Best of LA” contest. We are featuring 12 notable, LA based non-profits, asking Rush49 fans to vote on their favorite organizations. The top three winning organizations will be supported for 4 months throughout 2012 by Rush49.

Rush49 will donate 50% of our profit share – on select deals- to the featured non-profit. Bottom line we’re giving back.

Jen, Rush49 employee organized a Breast Cancer walk in Albania

Kumar, Rush49 founder, at a LMU beach clean up

Kumar, helping out at the St Francis Center