Pamper Yourself: Toka Salon's Express Blowout and Giveaway

Deacon's lush locks need all the help they can get, so when Toka Salon and Spa Georgetown invited us to try their Express Blow Out, we couldn't say no!

Toka Salon and Spa Georgetown

  

FinePoint Digital PR and Toka put on a fabulous Blow Out Blowout, where Deacon was treated like the celebrity dog he thinks he is.  The event featured catering by Cafe Milano, delectable desserts by Making Whoopie, and even tasty cocktails to keep even the rowdiest of dogs with a happy buzz.

For $40, in under 20 minutes your hair is looking so sleek and shiny, you could grace the cover of Vogue!   Owner of Toka Salon, Nuri Yurt, has styled everyone from First Ladies to celebs (actually IN Vogue).  After about ten minutes, my hair was beyond glossy and bouncy, and it stayed that way for three days after the service.

One lucky reader will win a gift certificate to Toka Salon, just comment below why your hair needs the help and we will pick a winner August 1st!

(Deacon Does DC's Hailey Robbins after her blowout and quick style update)

Check out all the action from FinePoint Digital PR's event at Toka Salon and Spa Georgetown!

Be sure to enter for your chance to win a $20 gift certificate to Toka by commenting on this post!  Entries must be in by noon on August 1st.

Deacon Giveaway: Andy Cohen's Tell All Book

In honor of the Bethesda Row Front Row fashion event we posted about below, we're giving away a copy of Andy Cohen's new book, "Most Talkative: Stories from the Front Lines of Pop Culture."
Entering is simple, and the contest ends May 25. Check below for details!
xoxo,
Deacon 

To enter, click here: a Rafflecopter giveaway a Rafflecopter giveaway

Win Tickets to Hudson's New Year's Bash

There are still a few days left to win tickets to Mad Men themed bash at Hudson!

Enter below to win two tickets to the party, which  a four-hour open bar, passed apps, and a champagne toast at midnight. Click "read more" for the easy entry form. You can multiple times!

To Do Thursday Giveaway: Win Tickets to Hudson's Mad Men New Year's Eve Bash

What are you doing New Years Eve? What better way to ring in 2012 in style than with a Mad Men themed bash at chic nightlife destination Hudson? Hosted by none other than our friend Meredith from The FFJD, Micha of Crooked Monkey (and a few other swank folks), this bash includes a four-hour open bar, passed apps, and a champagne toast at midnight. Even better? Deacon is giving away a pair of tickets! We'd highly suggest you guard that +1 wisely ... this is a hot ticket item. To enter, just use the Rafflecopter form, below!

Giveaway: Sugarloaf Crafts Festival

This year marks the 36th anniversary of the Sugarloaf Crafts Festival with a fun "New This Season" theme. This weekend, plan on heading to Montgomery County to get some of the most unique holiday gifts around.

The Annual Sugarloaf Craft Festival will be held in Gaithersburg, Maryland, November 18th through November 20th, and we're giving away tickets just for with a contest though our partner site, GalTime!

The festival will feature creative artists who have been personally selected to showcase thier talents. The crafts at the Festival will include pottery, sculptures, jewelry, glass, fashion, wood, metal, furniture, home accessories, photography, food and fine art.  One-of-a-kind crafts can make great gifts to get jump-started on your holiday shopping.

The Sugarloaf Crafts Festival will be held at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 16 Chestnut Street in Gaithersburg, Maryland, 20877. Admission is $7.00 when purchased online and $9.00 when purchased at the door (good for all three days). The hours are Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Free parking is available on site. For more information, please visit www.sugarloafcrafts.com.

We're giving away three pairs of tickets to the show! Entering is super simple - just follow the instructions below! 

Giveaway: Great Skin Is In! Win a Skin Authority Touch Transforms Kit

If there's one thing Deacon loves, it's a great beauty product. Perhaps only next to a great spa treatment. But we get to try so many awesome things, it's hard to stick with just one - until we tried Skin Authority, one of Deacon's Favorite Things.

This luxe line was founded by Celeste Hilling, board member of the International Spa Association, with a focus on medical-quality products and Ph-balanced formulations. We're not ones to buy into a lot of product mumbo-jumbo, but we tried the line last year and have been hooked ever since.

Our favorite part of the line, other than the amazing products? A licensed esthetician calls or emails you after every product purchase to make sure you're happy and using the line correctly. Can you say amazing?

And what better way to share the love than with Deacon's dear readers? That's why we're giving away the line's brand new Touch Transforms Kit, a $59 value. It's a great way to get introduced to the line or travel with your favorite products in TSA-approved sizes (also saving money on bag check fees!)

This special edition includes four of the brand's most popular and Deacon-recommended products, including: 

• Daily Cleanser: Fragrance free wash gently removes dirt and oil from the face and body, leaving the skin refreshed, soft, and primed for daily regimen.
• Tri-Power Peptide Hydrator: Formulation combines intense hydration with the anti-aging benefits of peptides, neuropeptides, and vitamins A, B, C, and E to help promote healthy cell growth and reduce the appearance of fine lines and deeper wrinkles.
• Sunscreen Moisturizer SPF 30: Lightweight moisturizer for all skin types. Provides full-spectrum and SPF 30 sun protection.
• Olive, Fig, Shea Butter Body Cream: Drenches the body in moisture and heals the negative effects of toxins and the environment while stimulating the senses.

Want to snag your own? For each kit you purchase, Skin Authority will contribute $5 to Look Good...Feel Better® program, a free support program that helps individuals with cancer improve their appearance and self-esteem.

Entering the giveaway is super easy too, thanks to Rafflecopter. Simply follow the instructions below! We look forward to sharing the love with you.

Deacon Giveaway: Luxury Bath & Body Products from Jackson Sage

Deacon is one lucky puppy, often getting to test out the latest and greatest products in the beauty world. But it's rare we find a brand that we're totally in love with - and even more rare when that brand is local. So we're super excited to present this giveaway from Richmond-based brand Jackson Sage Botanics.

Their handcrafted line of soaps, body products, and (naturally) pet care not only smells and feels great - but it's eco-friendly too!

So we're spreading the love by giving away two great products that will keep you clean and smelling great - the first is their Blue Eucalyptus handcrafted soap, featuring French Green Clay, Apricot Meal, Sweet Almond, Olive Oil, and Shea Butter - it's moisturizing, exfoliating, paraben-free and all around amazing.  But we don't want to forget the dogs in the family either, so we're also giving away the "Doggie Sage" Shampoo Bar, perfect for lathering up your pup and protecting their skin at the same time.

To Enter, Just Tweet (@deacondoesc), Facebook, E-Mail or Comment Below with your name and favorite way to pamper yourself and we'll select a winner at random on Sunday!

Deacon Giveaway: Two Tickets to See Brazil's Hottest DJ in His DC Debut!

Do you love discovering new music? So do we. Don't miss Brazil's hottest import (next to the Caipirinha, that is) from Sao Paolo, DJ Tudo. He's been highlighted in The New York Times, collaborated with Mad Professor and Adrian Sherwood on his new CD and the rest of his tour includes Lincoln Center and the Chicago World Music Festival.



And we've got two tickets to give away for Thursday night's show at LIV nightclub! 

To enter, just Tweet, Facebook or e-mail us and we'll pick a winner at random no later than noon on Thursday! 

That's: 
@deacondoesdc
Facebook.com/DeaconDoesDC
deacondoesdc@gmail.com 


Of course, if you don't win ... here's the link to buy your tickets like the rest of the world. The show's at 8 PM and tix are $12 in advance or $18 at the door.



 

Deacon Giveaway: Bake Me A Wish Cake Giveaway

In honor of Deacon's birthday today, the team at Bake Me A Wish has generously offered to give away one of their fabulous cakes to help us celebrate! To win, simply leave a comment (via @DeaconDoesDC on Twitter, Facebook, the blog, or e-mail to deacondoesdc@gmail.com) with what you think Deacon should do to celebrate his move into adulthood. After all, he's just turned 21 in people years!

Enter by midnight - we'll pick a winner at random tomorrow and contact you with details about getting your cake.

Of course, you can always up your chances of winning by joining Bake Me A Wish's Social Media giveaway between 3 and 4 PM today. They've giving away five cakes!

Deacon Giveaway: Exclusive Artwork by Stephen L. Miller

Want to own a piece of artwork by a renowned photographer on display at the Smithsonian Museum? Now's your chance. Stephen L. Miller photography has partnered with DeaconDoesDC for an exclusive giveaway, and it's super easy to win.

Send us the best photo you've taken in the DC metro area. We'll narrow to the top three and the readers will vote. The winner will received a signed work of art mailed to their home or office address.

Hurry! The initial round of e-mail submissions (send it to deacondoesdc@gmail.com or leave a link to your photo in the comments) are due to us by Friday, February 12th at midnight!

Scope him out on Facebook for even more great images and inspiration.

Deacon Sponsored Giveaway: Two Nights at the W and a $100 Bliss Gift Card

Deacon Partner ShopItToMe is giving away a swank prize - two night at a W Hotel of your choice and a $100 gift card to Bliss Spas. You know you want to win, and it's easy too. Just refer friends to ShopItToMe.com, our favorite sale aggregator. Or, tweet the message once a day until Feb. 5 for extra entries. If you win, each friend who signs up also gets a free subscription to Harper's Bazaar, so everyone emerges richer.

Deacon Giveaway: Planning A Wedding? Get a Free Ticket to the Wedding Expo

The first ten lucky readers to register today will get a free ticket!

Deacon Giveaway: The Young Victoria Winners!

Congratulations to the winners of Deacon's "The Young Victoria" giveaway!

*Arthur Nelson
*Katy Maher
*Kristina Libby
*Brian Rose
*Michael Wostehoff

You will all be enjoying a private pre-reception at the Ritz-Carlton Georgetown and passes for two to an exclusive screening of the film.

Stay tuned for more Deacon Giveaways coming up soon!

Deacon Giveaway: WIN Tickets to an exclusive screening of The Young Victoria, starring Emily Blunt!

Deacon has five pairs of tickets to give away to lucky readers who want to see the first U.S. screenings of "The Young Victoria," an award-winning UK film starring Emily Blunt as the infamous English monarch.

It's got just about everything a Deacon fan should love - fabulous costumes, a compelling romance and plenty of luxury.

If you win, you'll get a ticket for you and a friend for an exclusive pre-party at the Ritz-Carlton Georgetown on TUESDAY DECEMBER 15TH, plus admittance with reserved seating to the screening at the Georgetown theater next door.

To win, tell us what law you would make if you could be Queen for a day. Send answers to deacondoesdc@gmail.com or leave love in the comments below - remember to include contact info or check back so we can tell you if you won!!

Winners will be posted on Monday at noon.

Trailer below, to get you amped up :-)

Deacon Giveaway: Exclusive Preview of "Bright Star" Film and Ritz-Carlton Pre-Party!

A few weeks ago, Deacon had the exclusive opportunity to preview Jane Campion's latest film, "Bright Star," the story of a young John Keats and his love/muse Fanny Brawne. Now, the production company has offered us the chance to share a similar experience with you, our loyal readers!

On Monday, September 21, Deacon will host five lucky readers (and a friend of their choice!) at the Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown, for a private reception featuring specially-crafted Keats cocktails and apps as well as a private screening of the film before it hits theaters.

This is a party you'll 100% want to attend - not only do you get to sample the great libations of the Ritz, but you'll get to see the film (starring Abbie Cornish, Ben Whishaw and Thomas Sangster) before anyone else!

We're under strict orders from the production company to hold our opinions until the film debuts on September 25, but really ... has Deacon ever steered you wrong before??

To enter, just comment on this post or send deacondoesdc@gmail.com an email telling us your favorite literary love story - poem or novel, modern or historical - it doesn't matter. We'll pick five and e-mail you this weekend to let you know if you've won!

BRIGHT STAR

First love burns brightest

Bright Star, would I were steadfast as thou art -

Not in lone splendour hung aloft the night,

And watching, with eternal lids apart,

Like Nature's patient sleepless Eremite,

The moving waters at their priestlike task

Of pure ablution round earth's human shores,

Or gazing on the new soft-fallen mask

Of snow upon the mountains and the moors-

No-yet still steadfast, still unchangeable,

Pillow'd upon my fair love's ripening breast,

To feel for ever its soft fall and swell,

Awake for ever in a sweet unrest,

Still, still to hear her tender-taken breath,

And so live ever-or else swoon to death.

-John Keats, 1819

Deacon Giveaway: An Autographed Copy of the Best Beach Read Ever

Welcome to the DOG DAYS OF SUMMER giveaway on Deacon Does DC!

Deacon says that there's nothing more relaxing than sitting by the pool or beach with a good book during the lazy days of July and August.

Our top beach read this year is local author Cathy Alter's "Up for Renewal," conveniently debuting in paperback later this week.

The hilarious and totally relate-able story details Alter's quest for personal improvement as she follows the advice of women's magazines like Cosmo and Real Simple for a year.

In celebration, we're giving away a signed copy of the work.

WIN it by e-mailing deacondoesdc@gmail.com or commenting on the below post with the answer to this question:

What's the best piece of advice you've found in a magazine?

It can be a practical tip, a hilarious suggestion, or even an inspiring quote.

The winner will be announced on Thursday! Look for more "Dog Days of Summer" giveaways to come over the course of the month.

If you'd like to meet Cathy in person, pop by Ginger on Thursday night - we can give you your copy of the book and you can enjoy a reading, sip bubbly and browse merchandise by our fave jewelery designer Suzanne Somersall in an exclusive fall trunk show!

RSVP to rsvp@thepattongroupinc.com or 301.229.4883 if you're interested in attending, and look for the reminder later this week!

Deacon Giveaway: Downtown Shop Around Card

Don't miss the final three days of the Junior League of Washington's Downtown Shop Around.

Supporting children's literacy, a shop around card gets your 20 percent off at shops like J.Crew, Kate Spade, Sugar, Urban Chic and more.

Deacon happens to have ONE more card ($25 value) to give away to a lucky reader.

Answer us this, and the winner will be announced at noon:
What's your must-have fashion pick for spring, and why?

Be sure to leave your contact info in the comments, or if you prefer, email them to deacondoesdc@gmail.com. We'll make sure you get the pass asap.