It turns out that the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia is very expensive to attend. Unsurprisingly, the local hotels have jacked up their prices, and the cost per night is astronomical. Add to that the fact that I need to be at the official California delegation hotel each morning to get my credentials, and it's proving tough to find alternative options. I am splitting a room with roommates, have booked cheap red-eye flights, am trying to find allergy-friendly food options, and am hoping my friends will help me offset the costs.

In return, I am willing to offer something back: donations of $40 or more will earn you a batch of Christmas cookies that you can eat or pass off as your own to others. Donations of $200 or more will earn you an evening of personal chef services, for a party of up to eight to have a multi-course meal (you buy the ingredients).