Savvy Shopping: $1.99 Holiday Card Deal

Truthfully, I'm not a huge fan of VistaPrint, never have been, mainly because of the cheesy, free business cards I see people have made through them (sorry if I offended anyone). Over the weekend I came across an amazing deal for holiday cards. The promo said 20 personalized holiday cards for only $1.99.

I figured I'd just visit the link provided and see what the options available were. Surprisingly they had hundreds of holiday cards and every one of them was customizable outside, inside and on the back. I just knew there had to be a catch, that my almost free cards would end up being $20-30, no catch. They do have several option listed where they try to upsell you, but if you're just looking for cards, simply bypass all of the offers.

With customization on the front, inside and on the back where I included my photo and a message, it was still only $1.99 and the shipping $6, not bad. I usually pay $15-20 for 20 boxed cards each year at Target or Hallmark. These were half of that and are fully customized so I won't need to spend countless hours, writing messages and signing each of them. You truly can't beat this deal!

My Advice: Since it's still early in the season, I'd highly recommend you jump on this deal so you can pay the least amount for shipping and still receive your holiday cards prior to December.

Use this link to instantly save $5 on your first order. Happy Shopping!

Savvy Shopping: Lulus.com

For those who know me, know that I love cute, girly dresses. I can't remember who first turned me onto Lulus.com but it's become my go-to website to find dresses for any and every occasion.

I've bought everything from sundress to cocktail dresses and everytime I wear one, I get a ton of compliments. The best part of it is the dresses are really affordable, perfect for savvy shoppers who want to look great without spending a whole lot of money. Another great thing is they offer free shipping on purchases of at least $75.

Here are some of my the dresses I love on their website right now (just bought the one in the middle). And guess what, none of them are over $60.

Make sure to shop LuLus.com!

Savvy Deals: Village Vines

Recently, I learned about a new website called Village Vines.  Village Vines is somewhat like a OpenTable.com meets Groupon.  Members join for FREE and have a chance to get great discounts on a number of popular restaurants.  You book your reservation online, pay a $10 fee, and you'll receive 30% off of food and beverages. 

The biggest advantage is you do not need to bring a coupon or print out with you, the discount will come off automatically on your bill.  (Hint: Fellas if you want to save a few dollars on your next date, this is the perfect way to do it.)

Village Vines provides discounts to popular restaurants in Washington, DC, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

The statement below was taken from their website.

VillageVines gives food lovers access to preferred pricing with their city's most popular restaurants. We make your dining experiences more convenient and more affordable, and we do so by partnering with the best dining establishments – from the restaurant icons to the up and coming gems.

If you haven't tried VillageVines, give it a try for FREE.  Please accept my invitation below:

http://tinyurl.com/villagevinesDC

Review: Artfully Chocolate Kingsbury Confections (aka ACKC)

Recently, I went to Artfully Chocolate Kingsbury Confections, or better known as ACKC, a cocoa bar & cafe for the first time.  Walking up to the spot I had no idea what to expect. 

In front of the cafe there was a small area for patio seating but because of the oppressive heat that day no one was willing to take a chance at getting heat stroke.

When we walked in there were all types of chocolate gift baskets and a large selection of chocolate from bars to individuals pieces.  I even spotted the "ChocObama" bar (pictured above) The cozy cafe was eclectically decorated with tchotchkes throughout the shop and sitting area.  I also noticed signs that they have free Wi-Fi, always a plus.

My friend and I walked over to the wine bar.  I had a glass of sparkling wine, prosecco to be exact, and he a glass of red, Shiraz.  We asked the server to suggest some chocolates he thought would pair well with our wine selections and he complied.  As we sat there, the manager came over and warmly greeted us, which is rare these days.  We sat and chatted with her for a while as we enjoyed all of our selections.

All in all, our experience at ACKC was great!  I look forward to going back to sample more of their delicious wines and rich chocolates.  I hope to try some of their desserts next time.  Must try: The Wine & Chocolate Flight, it's only $12 and includes three 1.5 oz. pours each paired with a unique chocolate bite.

Savvy Deal: 
From now through August 13, spend $10 and get $20 worth of chocolates & drinks at ACKC. Click here for this special offer. (It's Free PLUS you will get $5 just for signing up meaning you'll only pay $5 for $20 worth of spending.  What could be better?)


ACKC
1529 14th Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20005-3785
(202) 387-2626
http://www.thecocoagallery.com/

Things to Do: Taste of Gaylord

Throughout the month of August, the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center is pleased to offer a Taste of Gaylord.  Stop by Fridays this August from 5:30 - 7:30PM, for your opportunity to sample food and drinks from all of four of their acclaimed restaurants for a great price

If you're not familiar with the Gaylord, it is located at the National Harbor just south of Washington, DC and across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge from Alexandria, VA.  The Gaylord is a 300-acre waterfront destination, mainly frequented by convention goers and tourists.  As an effort to attract more locals, it doesn't say that anywhere but I'm sure that's the reason behind this promotion, they are hosting the Taste of Gaylord on July 30, Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27.

Here's more information I found about the event...
Savor the flavor of Old Hickory Steakhouse's Ossau-Iraty Artisanal Cheese with a glass of Honig Sauvignon Blanc, then get your crunch on with some Crispy Fried Calamari with Citrus Emulsion and a Moon Bay Breeze cocktail at Moon Bay Coastal Cuisine, followed by Lobster Fritters and Red Sangria a la Pienza Italian Market. Finally, wrap your lips around a juicy Steak Sandwich with Onion Sauce and polish it down with a Loose Cannon IPA Maryland craft brewsky at National Pastime Sports Bar & Grill. After you taste the offerings from all four restaurants (for a mere $15), take your pick and dine in any one of them -- and get 10% off your bill! Now that sounds like a Gay[lord] old time!


To purchase your discounted tickets for the low price of $15, click here.  Note: you will need to create an account on What's the Deal DC to purchase the tickets at the discounted rate.

Restaurant Week Summer 2010

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm a foodie.  As a foodie, one of our favorite times of the year is Restaurant Week.  Restaurant Week in Washington, DC is quickly approaching and will be held August 16-22.  If you're not familiar with RW, it's a week when local restaurants offer 3 course meals at their establishments for a lowered price, $20.10 for lunch and $35.10 for dinner.  To view the participating restaurants, click here.

The best part of Restaurant Week is it allows you to try out some of the top and typically some of the more expensive restaurants for an unbeatable price.  When you add it all up, usually I spend about $55 for a 3 course dinner, with an alcoholic beverage, and tax and tip, that really isn't bad.  Many of the places have entrees that tend to range from $20-$35 so it's like getting an appetizer and dessert for free.  What could be better?

Every Restaurant Week, I try to choose three new places that differ in variety.  The restaurants I've chosen this time are no different, Bibiana (Italian), Cafe Atlantico (Latin), and Mie N Yu (Asian Fusion). 

SAVVY DEAL
I've been to Mie N Yu several times but they're offering an incredible deal that I couldn't pass up. Instead of the usual 3 course dinner, they are providing 4 courses plus a glass of wine, beer or a nonalcoholic beverage for same price of $35.10.  If you've never been to Mie N Yu, it's a great spot and the atmosphere is amazing.  Hint: It's also perfect for dates.  Go on a Thursday for the live music or on the weekends for the belly dancer.  I always have a great time!

Savvy Deals: What's the Deal DC

Happy Friday! On my mission to find the best deals in DC, a friend sent me the link for yet another website that let's you know about great deals on restaurants and things to do in DC. It's called called What's the Deal and is somewhat similar to the others that I posted Groupon, Living Social, DC Girls in the Know but it's just for DC and they list several deals (instead of just one) that last longer than just for one day.

Some of the current deals they have listed are below:

$25 for $50 worth of food/drink at Ping Pong Dim Sum
$15 for $30 worth of food and drink at il Canale
$5 for Salsa Lessons at the Salsa Room

It only takes 30 seconds to sign up.  Have a great weekend!
Sign up for What's the Deal, click here.

Being Savvy Ain't Easy

I'm the Queen when it comes to finding deals and learning about free things going on in DC.  I'm definitely savvy when it comes to knowing about anything and everything going on around me.  I'll let you in on a little secret, I don't find out about all of these events and promotions on my own.  I receive several emails on a daily basis that keep me up-to-date on the best deals this city has to offer. So, I'm going to share some of my favorites with you.

***Living Social
Living Social offers daily deals on everything from restaurants and spas to outdoor sporting events and entertainment.  Their deals are not limited to DC. They have deals in cities across the US including Boston, St. Louis, Charlotte, NYC, Austin, and New Orleans just to name a few.  As of now, I still have a few deals that I need to use: Tea & Treasure Hunt at a mansion, gift certificate to a new wine shop and dinner at an upscale Italian restaurant. 

The best part of joining Living Social is it's FREE, plus you'll received $5 off your first purchase. To sign up for Living Social, click here

***Groupon
Groupon and Living Social are a lot alike in that they offer similar deals.  What sets Groupon apart is they offer global deals in addition to those they offer in many US Metropolitan cities.  Their global reach spans to Germany, Spain, Italy, The Netherlands and 13 other countries.  Since they are a large company they offer more promotions, including surrounding deals, for instance if you live in DC they also provide you with deals in Northern Virginia and Maryland.

In addition to the usual, what I like most about Groupon is they often have daily deals that are ideal outings to do with friends or on a date including golf packages, laser tag, kayaking, white water rafting, and even yoga and pole dancing classes. 

Sign up for your own FREE Groupon account today, click here.

***DC Girls in the Know
I'm not exactly sure who told me about DC Girls in the Know but instead of sending daily deals like Living Social and Groupon, they send monthly offers.  Another great feature about this one is they have a listing of the newest restaurants in the city.  Their deals range from miscellaneous gift certificates, to cosmetic procedures (teeth whitening, botox) to discounted Polo tickets.  They definitely earn the name DC Girls in the Know because they give you exclusive access to the hottest events at a discounted rate.

When you click on the link below to join, you'll receive a $10 credit on your account to be used towards your first order.  If you don't click on the link to sign up you won't get the $10, sorry.  This month they are offering a $20 gift certificate to Artfully Chocolate (a chocolate and wine bar) for only $10 through June 30.  When you sign up using my link, you can get a $20 gift certificate for FREE, no strings attached.  I got mine for free!  This month they are also offering a $40 gift certificate to Cake Love for $20, which will be $10 for $40 worth of cupcakes. You can't beat that!

Join the savviest women in DC and become a part of DC Girls in the Know, click here 

Whether you're new to the area or a native, these sites provide excellent sources for things to do.  They don't cost you anything and you won't feel like you're being bombarded by multiple emails.  Why pay full price, when you can go practically anywhere and pay 40-90% less than everyone else at places around the city and around the world?  I'd suggest you'd take my advice and sign up for these great sites and take advantage of all that your city has to offer, I know I do!

Note: Please email shessavvy@gmail.com to let me know if any of the links don't work and I'll send you a new one.

Summer Travel: Did you say FREE?

Just came across this amazing deal courtesy of Travel Zoo.  Apparently, MegaBus is offering free travel from select cities in the Northeast in celebration of Philadelphia becoming their newest bus hub. 

While, I've never taken MegaBus, I have several friends who swear by it and take it on a regular basis between DC and NYC.  The site says they are giving away 10,000 tickets between the cities listed below.  When the free tickets on each route are gone, remaining seats will start as low as $1 each way.  Still a great deal right?  You can travel at no cost between the following 11 cities from July 21 - Sept. 20:

Atlantic City
Baltimore
Boston
Buffalo
Harrisburg
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
State College
Syracuse
Toronto
Washington, D.C.

Taken from the megabus.com website:
With express service on all of its coach buses, megabus.com takes the hassle out of travel. Plus, new double-decker buses boast free Wi-Fi, video services, restrooms, reclining seats, power outlets and air conditioning.

Visit www.megabus.com and enter code "LUVPHL" in the Promotion Code box. Free tickets are subject to availability on select dates and routes, as well as a $0.50 per transaction booking fee.

Safe travels!

EARN $75 - Blogger Usability Study

This morning while I was scrolling through my timeline on Twitter I saw a few people talking about a way to earn a quick $75 (a $75 AMEX gift card to be exact) for participating in a study on Blogger.  I figured I'd spread the wealth and share what I found out.  It only requires 60 minutes of your time and you must have a computer running the later versions of Windows, fairly simple right?

Below is a little information about the study.

Tell us what you think about Blogger by signing up for a usability study! The study is an opportunity to provide feedback on something that's currently in development. This study will help the Blogger team better understand your needs in order to incorporate them into future product enhancements.

We’re currently scheduling participants for a study that takes place June 17-23, 2010. Sessions will be remote - basically we’ll call you on the phone and set up a screen sharing session with you on your own computer. You’ll need a high-speed Internet connection and a computer running Windows 7/Vista/XP/2000. If you’re interested in participating, please complete the questionnaire linked below. We’ll then be in touch directly to discuss details and set your appointment time.

Here's the link for more information and to participate. Blogger Study

Savvy Tips: Happy Hour at Starbucks

No, Starbucks is not selling adult beverages.  That would be interesting though.  From now through May 16th, Starbucks is offering a special "happy hour" promotion on their delicious frappuccinos.  Just in time for the warm weather.

Visit any location from 3:00PM - 5:00PM and you'll get 1/2 off on your purchase of a frappuccino. I'm not a coffee drinker, and usually only go to Starbucks when people give me giftcards there.  Going there daily can get kind of pricey or so I hear which makes this a great time to take advantage of this deal.

Just thought I'd share in case you hadn't heard.  Enjoy!

For more info:
http://www.frappuccino.com/happy-hour

Things to Do: Tossed & Found Rummage Sale

As a member of the Junior League of Washington (JLW), I had to put in a plug for our 18th Annual Tossed and Found Sale, one of the largest fundraisers for the JLW.  The sale is being held this weekend, Saturday, 3/27 and Sunday, 3/28 from 9:00A - 5:00P at the Crystal City Shops (2100 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA).

Every year the ladies of the League are required to donate items to this huge rummage sale.  The JLW is no different other Junior Leagues.  We have some pretty affluent members so rest assured there will be some amazing items including clothing, jewelry, household goods being sold for a bargain.  This year, I donated designer jeans and small appliances.  I'm sure there will be tons of designer items, art, and furniture available for purchase. 


Proceeds raised from Tossed & Found benefit the Junior League’s literacy programs. Shopping for a good cause, what could be better?

Savvy Tips: My Obsessions

I think I have a problem when it comes to shopping.  I really and truly think I'm addicted to it.  I guess I've been able to manage this obsession because I've always paid my bills on time and I save so I feel as though whatever's left I can splurge just a little.

Right now I'm obsessed with some Tory Burch sandals, among some other items. As I'm typing this I'm on the phone with my girl at Saks in New York trying to order them.  Hey they say the first step is to admit you have a problem.  Besides, I never pay full retail price so that makes it better. Right?

I figured I'd share some of my latest obsessions. 

Tory Burch
Wrap-Up Sandal
For more info or to purchase



















Diane Von Furstenberg
Herringbone Wrap Dress
For more info or to purchase

Christian Louboutin
Pigalle Patent Leather Pump
For more info or to purchase














Marc Jacobs
Bruna Classic Quilted Bag
For more info or to purchase

Savvy Tip: Good Credit Does Matter

Over the last few weeks, I've talked to colleagues and friends who are Managers within their companies.  Each of them works in different industries from retail to financial services.  They'd tell me the economy is turning around and they're looking to hire people to fill vacant positions but are unable to because of one reason.  The reason is not that they can't find a number of qualified people who are looking for work.  The issue lies in that people are not passing the required credit checks.

No matter what industry you work in credit checks are becoming more common and although you may have a perfect interview, excellent references and are perfect for a position, if your credit is messed up chances are you aren't going to get hired.

Without divulging too much information, I admit I fell for some of those credit card schemes when I was in college.  You know the ones where they'd sucker you into opening a credit card and in return you'd receive some minimal incentive, like a t-shirt or a gift certificate to a restaurant.  Glad that's not allowed anymore.  Even though I opened a few credit cards, I never charged them up and ignored my balances as had some of my friends.  To this day, I make sure my bills are paid on-time every month, whether it was a credit card, utility, cell phone, or student loan bill because all of those can be reported on your credit if you miss payments.

I was taught from an early age that without good credit you will not get far in life.  Good credit is needed to get a job, a mortgage, a car note, and start a business.  The better your credit is the lower interest rates you will have and the less money you'll be throwing away in the long run.

Just felt the need to write this post because I don't think a lot of people realize how important it is to have good credit. Paying your bills on time, keeping track of your finances, and checking your credit report annually are the keys to maintaining a successful track record when it comes to your credit.

Savvy Tips: Shopping For Haiti

It's hard to believe it's been over a month since the tragic, life-altering earthquake that has impacted the people of Port-au-Prince.  While the needs are still great in Haiti, the outpour of donation has dwindled over the past few weeks. 


Since I love to shop, I've been searching to find companies and designers who are donating a percentage of their sales to help various charities supporting the Haitian Relief Efforts. Here are some of the ones I've found so far.

Beauty & FragranceTen-percent of proceeds from the sale of Bond No9’s The Scent of Peace ($210) will be donated to assist parts of Haiti that have been effected by the earthquake. Click here to view the press release.  This fragrance can be purchased from Bond No9 stores in New York and Saks Fifth Avenue locations worldwide. Click here to purchase from Saks Fifth Avenue


Bliss is selling their glamour gloves to show their support to lending a helping hand to Haiti -- Seventy Five (75) percent of their $48 gloves (which moisturize your hands and are reusable) will go to help Haitian children. Click here to purchase


TechnologyFor the tech-savvy, App Relief, a group of iPhone application developers, will contribute anywhere from 50- to100-percent of their sales to the American Red Cross. Available through their website and the iTunes store. Click here to purchaseApparel
The Fame Monster with a big heart, Lady Gaga is donating 100-percent of the proceeds from this Special Edition T-Shirt ($27) to Hatian Relief. Click here to purchaseAccessoriesHavaiana, my favorite flip flop maker (whenever I actually wear them) are offering a colorful, limited edition flip flops. Thirty (30) percent of proceeds from the "Little Birds" print sandals will be donated directly to the Red Cross through March 1. (Havaianas Slim Little Birds Sandals, $30, at havaianas.com). Click here to purchase

FEED -- My personal favorite because I love these reusable bags. The FEED Project presents their latest project, the FEED Haiti Fund.  It has been established to support school feeding so that kids can get back to school and receive a daily school meal.


Their newest FEED Haiti 50 Bag, launched last Tuesday February 9, will provide 50 school meals to kids in Haiti through the UN World Food Program. Along with the FEED Haiti 50 bag, now through June any FEED 1 or FEED 2 bag purchased at feedprojects.com will have the bag’s donation go to their FEED Haiti Fund to provide even more school meals for Haitian kids.



Another Opportunity toShop for Haiti. Purchase a Tent for a homeless family.
Don't forget about Shaun King of Atlanta's Courageous Church.  He's asking people to purchase tents to be donated to the people of Haiti.  Currently many of them are forced to live under plastic tarps which will not protect them from the elements, especially with the approaching rainy and hurricane seasons.


For more information about his cause, click here. To purchase a waterproof tent from Amazon.com, click here and have it shipped to the address below:

Courageous Church
Attn: Shaun King
1330 West Peachtree Street, Suite 560
Atlanta, GA 30309

New Year's Resolutions vs Goals

Maybe it's just me but I never saw the point in setting New Year's resolutions.  People come up with the generic resolutions ever year saying things like "I'm going to lose weight" or "I'm going to work harder."   Although, I'm a firm believer in having goals, I believe setting goals and making resolutions are two very different concepts.

As a child, my Dad made me sit down and write out my goals both short term and long term and this was never done during New Years.  He always emphasized that writing your goals down, not just saying them aloud, trains your thoughts.  Let me also say my Dad was a fan of Zig Ziglar in the 80s so he taught me everything he learned from reading books and listening to tapes.  Even today I write my goals down, whether it's a daily Things-to-Do Lists or setting long term goals, because it not only serves as a reminder but it makes you more accountable in your actions.

Resolutions are empty thoughts while goals are actual, deliberate statements.  A resolution would be "I'm going to exercise more" while a goal would be "I'm going to exercise three times a week, for a minimum of 30 minutes a day."  There's a clear difference.  Plus goals should always have a time limit or commitment.  For instance, a resolution would be "I'm going to get out of debt" while a goal would be "I'm going to pay off my credit card by May 31, 2010." 

Goal setting needs to be something that makes sense, it should be deliberate in thought and action.  In order to successfully reach your goals, you must have a solid plan which provides a way to execute the goal.  With that said, let's stop wasting time with resolutions and spend more time developing goals.