Sunday, December 23, 2012

Holiday Hiatus

Hello, all.

I know I haven't been on for a while...there were finals, then I moved (in the middle of finals--what was I thinking?!?!), and now come the holidays, then my trip to Kenya!!!

With all of this going on, it's pretty clear that my life has been, and will continue to be quite chaotic (not once I get to Kenya, but you know, I'm going to want to focus on my trip!).

With that said, I just wanted to officially announce that I will likely not be posting again until late-January / early-February.

I know, I know, you're going to miss me like crazy!!! 
But I'm sure you'll survive!

To make our next meeting even sweeter, I'll even include some pictures from my trip in my first post when I get back!
Better?!?! Good!

Since I won't get to say them on the actual days...

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

And, of course,




Monday, December 3, 2012

Holiday Gift Guide: For the Kids

And so begins the second installment of this year's Holiday Gift Guide!

Today's is focused on the cute little ones that light up your life!

I'm going to keep the intro short on this post and just get straight into the goodies! Here we go!

Books


Toys


Clothes


Functional Items




Want even more options for the kiddos? Just send me a deal request over at the Deanna's Deals Facebook Page and I'll find you the perfect gift!



Sunday, December 2, 2012

Holiday Party Attire Guide

Tis the season...to look HOT!

Now that the holiday season is here, it's time to pull out (or go buy) your cutest dresses, sweaters, skirts, and of course, heels!

Not sure what to wear? Well good thing you stopped by!
Today I've got holiday attire deals like you've never seen!
I've even pulled out a few outfits to inspire you!

Here we go!






But wait, there's more! Lists more! Just look below!

Dresses

Skirts

Tops

Shoes

Still don't know what to wear? 
Just head on over to the Deanna's Deals Facebook Page and send me an outfit request! I'd be more than happy to help you find the perfect outfit for your event!



Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Product Review: Royal Dynamite

Today's post marks the beginning of a new segment here at Deanna's Deals!

Starting today, I will now feature product reviews every once in a while!

Today's product review is on an up-and-coming t-shirt line called...

Royal Dynamite is an environmentally and socially conscious line, focusing specifically on children and education. 

Royal Dynamite has also launched a campaign called RDCares!

RDCares "is a One-for-One give back program, geared at empowering and supporting school children growing up in marginalized and low income communities around the world."

How RDCares Works:

"For every Royal Dynamite t-­shirt bought, we will donate an RD Educational Care (RDEC) package to a child in need. Each RDEC package will contain the following items: a composition book, a pencil, an eraser,and a sharpener. The program will first be introduced in Sierra Leone and the United States, and will eventually expand to other countries and regions of the world."

How about that?!? Just by buying a t-shirt, you can help a child in need!

Now for the product review!

A while back, I was sent two t-shirts to try out, the "Let it Fly!" shirt, and the "Tahiti Blue Logo" shirt, which you can see below.





First off, let me just say that it has been a long time since I've worn a t-shirt this comfortable! The t-shirts are both 100% cotton, and super soft! And you know how some t-shirts with designs on them are itchy underneath where the design is printed? Well, these weren't like that! And I'm being completely honest!

I wore the "Let it Fly" t-shirt around campus one day, just with some jeans and a light sweater over top, and got quite a few compliments! And for those of you who like to dress up, I even tried this shirt with darker jeans, a blazer, and some pumps, and it still looked great! It's definitely a day-to-night type of shirt!

Here are some other shirts on their site that I like!






By the way, "Nyumbani" means "Home" is Swahili, which, as a budding Anthropologist who's only a month away from going to Kenya, I absolutely love!

So there you have it! My first product review, and what a great product it was!

I highly recommend this t-shirt line!



Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Deanna's Deals Exclusive: Kendra Renee

And I'm back!

Today, I've got a wonderful, new, Deanna's Deals exclusive for you!

The lovely Kendra Lawrence over at Kendra Renee Handmade Jewlery
kindly created a coupon code just for you, my awesome readers!

Before I give you the code, let me tell you a bit about Kendra Renee Handmade Jewelry and the artist making the gorgeous pieces shown below.

"my self
Artists rarely plan on becoming artists. I didn’t. I was a little girl in Vermont who, while making sequin tiaras for my dolls, would predict pastry chef one day and pathologist the next. I was a college student in Florence learning as much about tagliatelle as I was about DavidI was a metal-working apprentice still on the cusp of learning where my art lived.
I didn’t plan on becoming an artist, but passions have an unexpected way of sneaking up on you. You don’t even realize they are there until you’ve spent three hours hunched over the same piece of silver and sit up still smiling with something beautiful in the palm of your hand. But once you do – once did – it’s like they had always existed, just waiting to be discovered, and nothing else could feel so right.

my work

The jewelry you wear should speak to you. It should inspire confidence, joy and strength. It should harmonize with your body, yet it shouldn’t blend in. It should be noticed.
The jewelry I create is just that, the result of meticulous craftsmanship and the shapes and textures I dream of every night. I craft each piece by hand: the bowl-shaped pendants, the clasps of the necklaces, the posts of the earrings. I dream and I draw then I sit and I cut and I form and I forge and I solder and I hammer and then I send you a little cream colored box with my initials embossed on the outside.
My jewelry is elegant. It is unique. And most of all, it is wearable.
The only thing you can do that will ever break my heart is leave your favorite pair of earrings in a box waiting for the right occasion. My jewelry is made to be worn." --Kendra Lawrence

And now for the eye candy!
These are some of my favorite pieces, but there are many more to see!













Inspired by these pieces? Have a design idea you just can't get out of your head? Well, guess what?!?! Kendra Renee does custom work!

And now for the coupon code I promised!
From November 14-November 28, enter the word DEANNA
at check out and receive 20% OFF!!!




Want to keep in touch with Kendra Renee Handmade Jewelry?
Like the Facebook page, and check out the Etsy store!

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Holiday Gift Guide: Jewelry For Her

As of today, Christmas is only two months away!
A bunch of other holidays are on their way as well!
Where did the year go?!?

Because I know there are many of you out there who are going to wait until the last minute to even think about what you're getting your friends and family, I'm going to give you a little push to get started!

Today, I've found some great gift ideas that are sure to get a smile out of that special girl in your life!

They're also sure to get a smile from your wallet since every item below is under $50!



Know a person who's really hard to shop for? Still not sure what to get for this person, or that person, or your boss? Have no fear, Deanna's here! Just send me a message over at the Deanna's Deals Facebook page telling me about the person you're shopping for, and your budget, and I'll send you some ideas!




Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Still Here

Don't worry, all, I'm still here!

The semester's just getting busier and busier, with this past week, and next week, being filled with projects and midterms galore.

The only break I was able to take was last Sunday, the bf and I's 5 year anniversary (how could I not take a break for that?!?!)

Fear not, new deals are on their way, as well as more Deanna's Deals only exclusives, promotions, and a new feature...product reviews! 

So keep checking in, because you never know when I'm going to get a few minutes to post!

And until that time, here's a quick deal to tide you over!

This chic little get-up would only cost you...
wait for it...
$36.50!!!


Wish me luck on all this school craziness!
Be back soon!
And, as always...



Monday, October 8, 2012

Liebster Award...AGAIN!!!

Oh my goodness! I've been awarded the Liebster Award again! 
I am so incredibly honored!



This time, I was nominated for the award by the darling Jo Lane

THANK YOU JO!!!

For those of you who don't know, the Liebster Award is for up-and-coming blogs with under 200 followers.

The Rules
  • Each person awarded must post 11 facts about themselves.
  • They must also answer the 11 questions the nominator has set for them.
  • They must then create 11 more questions to ask bloggers they have nominated.
  • They must then choose 5 bloggers to nominate who have less than 200 followers.
  • These lucky bloggers must be told.
  • There are no tag backs.
11 Things About Me
  1. I am going to Kenya this winter!
  2. This trip will be my first time off my home continent! (But not first out of the country)
  3. I love handling skeletons! (Hey, I am majoring in Anthropology!)
  4. I am constantly changing my career goals (this is an awful trait considering I love planning out every bit of my life...right now I'm thinking Museum Curator)
  5. I absolutely love planning events and parties!
  6. I recently decided to become vegetarian. (Just about 2 months now!)
  7. I have a growing obsession with Elephants! I think they're gorgeous!
  8. I love that the weather's finally getting colder! I was getting sick of the heat...
  9. I am going to see a talk by JANE GOODALL this Saturday!!! I am so excited! I've wanted to meet her since I was a kid!
  10. I can't fall asleep without the TV being on (which is unfortunate for the BF who hates the TV being on at night, but thankfully loves me enough to deal with it! I've got myself a great catch over here!)
  11. The day after the Jane Goodall talk is my 5 year anniversary with the aforementioned wonderful BF! What a wonderful way to ring in our own little holiday weekend, right?!?!
Questions from My Nominator
  1. If you could go anywhere in the world to visit, where would it be?
    • Paris! It's just so elegant and beautiful and romantic! **sigh** I am really excited about my upcoming trip to Kenya though!
  2. Do you read? If so who is your favorite author?
    • I LOVE reading! I actually don't follow authors though. I just pick out books I think I'll enjoy, read them, love them, cry when they end, then pick out the next one! My favorite genre, though, tends to be fantasy (I loves me some vampire!)
  3. What is your occupation?
    • I am a full time student, and part time freelance concierge, baker, and, of course, blogger!
  4. What inspired you to blog?
    • I LOVE to shop, but being a full time student, I obviously don't have the budget to buy things with crazy price tags. I knew I wasn't the only one in this situation, so I decided to combine that passion, and the knack for finding deals I'd developed for my own shopping desires and out popped Deanna's Deals!
  5. Who is your fashion Icon?
    • Oh boy...there are just too many to name! I guess the big ones would be Audrey Hepburn, Jackie O, and Rachel Zoe.
  6. What is your favorite store to shop for clothes?
    • Buffalo Exchange!!! It's a consignment store that sells the BEST styles (vintage and modern, though they're mixing a lot these days) for really great prices!
  7. What is your favorite store to shop for cosmetics?
    • CVS. Don't laugh! I've gotten amazing cosmetics there for under $5; some have even been better quality than brand name ones I've bought. Wet 'n' Wild's where it's at, hun!
  8. Where do you live? USA? UK? Other?
    • USA
  9. Favorite tv show?
    • I am AWFUL at choosing favorites! So instead, here's a list for you to enjoy! Bones, How I Met Your Mother, Smash, Private Practice, Big Bang Theory, 30 Rock, Glee, The Office, Community, and Grey's Anatomy!
  10. If you could only choose 1 cosmetic to use on your face, what would it be?
    • Eyeliner. It's the one cosmetic guaranteed to be on my face (unless I'm feeling lazy!)
  11. Have you ever met up with a fellow blogger?
    • Considering I have family members who blog, the answer would be yes! Haha!
Questions for My Nominees

I liked the questions I was given, so again, I'm going to pass them on!
  1. If you could go anywhere in the world to visit, where would it be?
  2. Do you read? If so who is your favorite author?
  3. What is your occupation?
  4. What inspired you to blog?
  5. Who is your fashion Icon?
  6. What is your favorite store to shop for clothes?
  7. What is your favorite store to shop for cosmetics?
  8. Where do you live? USA? UK? Other?
  9. Favorite tv show?
  10. If you could only choose 1 cosmetic to use on your face, what would it be?
  11. Have you ever met up with a fellow blogger?
My Nominees
A final heartfelt THANK YOU to Jo! 

And, of course...



Sunday, September 30, 2012

Deanna's Deal Exclusive!

Hello lovely readers, ready for a surprise?!

I've got some AMAZING items to share with you today, as well as a 
Deanna's Deals Only Coupon Code!!!

That's right! You get savings just for stopping by my blog!
How great is that?!?

This wonderful promotion comes from the super talented and creative people over at Colom and Brit Interiors

Colom and Brit Interiors offers their customers the chicest of homewares, "mixing complimentary styles, patterns and textures to create a home that is truly your own." 

Here are a few of my personal favorites:





Just looking for accessories? Check out their Under $50 page!
In the market for some bigger pieces? Make sure to peruse the furniture page! 

And now for that exclusive, Deanna's Deals Only coupon code!
Enter the code DDEALS (case sensitive) into the coupon box at checkout
to receive $10 off your order of $50 or more!
Offer expires October 10, 2012





Want to get more exclusive deals and updates from Colom and Brit Interiors?
Go like their Facebook page, and follow them on Twitter and Pinterest!


Saturday, September 29, 2012

Fall Must Haves

Now that the weather's FINALLY starting to cool down here on the East Coast, I thought it appropriate to share with you some of this season's must haves!

Please keep in mind that this is in no way a full list of what you need for fall (this season's just going to be too amazing fashion wise).








Keep cozy, and cute!

And, of course...



Saturday, September 22, 2012

Liebster Award

Oh my goodness!
The wonderful Hayley over at Planet Mommy has nominated my blog for a Liebster Award!



This is the first official award my blog has been nominated for since it's start in May and I am so incredibly honored to have received it!

For those of you unfamiliar with the Liebster Award, it is an award "for blogs that have 200 followers or less. The word 'Liebster' is German for kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, valued, cute, pleasant, endearing and welcome!"

Thank you so much Hayley!!!

Rules for accepting the award:
1. Each person most post 11 things about themselves.
2. Answer the questions the tagger has set for you, and then create 11 new questions for the people you tag with the award.
3. Chose 5 bloggers (with less then 200 followers) and link them in your post.
4. Go to their page and tell them about the award (social networks accepted).
5. If you have not done so already, follow the tagger and visit at least three nominees. Spread the love!
6. And remember, no tag backs!
 
ONE: 11 Things you don't know about me.
1. I am a Biological Anthropology student.
2. I started a pseudo-bakery, Bella Dolci.
3. I LOVE to read (this is a relatively new hobby).
4. I am obsessed with polka dots and houndstooth patterns.
5. I LOVE thrift stores.
6. I am super short (4'10")...don't laugh :-P
7. My favorite color is Tiffany Blue.
8. I make purses and bags out of recycled floppy disks called Geek Chic.
9. I have an obsession with shoes, especially heels (see #6).
10. My boyfriend and I have been together for almost 5 years (Oct. marks it!)
11. My dog, Bella, might as well be my daughter with how spoiled she is.

TWO: Answers to questions given to me
1. What is your favorite season, and why?
  • I actually don't have a favorite season. However, I get super happy and relaxed at the beginning of each new season (especially when the weather calls for wardrobe changes!!!)
2. Would you rather travel to Hawaii or Italy, why?
  • Italy, because that's where my family is from!
3. Favorite quote or saying:
  • "To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting." ~E.E. Cummings
4. Do you prefer long hair or short?
  • Depends on the person. Long hair looks best on me, because my hair is so thick, but there are definitely some short looks I wish I could pull off!
5. If you were given one million dollars, how would you spend it?
  • Easy: pay off students loans and pay for the rest of schooling for me and my family, then invest the rest in a high interest account.
6. What is your decorating style?
  • Oh dear...boho chic meets art deco meets modern simplicity meets environmental meets vintage. Yeah, I'm kind of all over the place.
7. Are you a reader? If so, what's the latest book you read?
  • YES! The book I'm currently working on is called People of the Book, by Geraldine Brooks. It's not my favorite, but it's not bad either! Just not my usual genre.
8. Favorite flavor of ice cream:
  • Fudge Brownie (the kind with the big chunks of chewy brownie pieces)!
9. What is something you want to accomplish within the next six months?
  • A 4.0 GPA for the semester!
10. Do blondes really have more fun?!
  • Absolutely not! Brunette's where it's at!!!
11. What's your favorite vacation spot?
  • Anywhere my family is! Love those crazies!
  
THREE: 11 Questions for the winners (I liked the questions I was asked, so I'm going to pass them on)
1. What is your favorite season, and why?
2. Would you rather travel to Hawaii or Italy, why?
3. Favorite quote or saying:
4. Do you prefer long hair or short?
5. If you were given one million dollars, how would you spend it?
6. What is your decorating style?
7. Are you a reader? If so, what's the latest book you read?
8. Favorite flavor of ice cream:
9. What is something you want to accomplish within the next six months?
10. Do blondes really have more fun?!
11. What's your favorite vacation spot?
 
FOUR: Winners! Go check them out!

Thank you again, Hayley! You made my day!

And, as always...