Experience: Party in the Park at The Mint Museum

 

Picnic in the Park is a family friendly event that takes place on the grounds of the Mint Museum-Randolph.  Couples, friends and kids can lounge out on the lawn, watch a movie (this year’s flick is Top Gun) and eat food from local food trucks including Roaming Fork, Southern Cake Queen and Papi Queso.

Guests are encouraged to participate in outdoor games, relax to “celebrate the Summer” tunes and check out the latest exhibits inside the museum.  The evening will also feature a silent auction which will benefit the Mint Annual Fund.  There will be a cash bar. Be sure to bring blankets & chairs.

 

Bzzz: Cost details: Mint Members $10, Non-Members $20, Children under 18: Free You can pre-register at here or call 704-337-2000. mintmuseum.org/happenings

(Super) Last Minute Mother's Day Gift Ideas

 Sooo, you meant to get your Mom's gift like last week, right? I 'm sure you are not alone. Here are a few items that can be picked up as late as, well tomorrow. Talk about the 11th hour....
         

                   

Below are five items that you can pick up on Mother's Day. I have  included prices but check your local stores for hours, as they may vary...but are definitely open on Sunday! Good luck!


                                                        Patterned Jewelry Boxes: West Elm $49-79

                                                                 Ivory Marble Wine Cooler: Crate & Barrel $29.99

Kate Spade Grove Court Maise Satchel Bag: Neiman Marcus $298

Keurig Special Edition Home Brewing System: Target $149.99

Only Hearts Organic Cotton Pajamas: Nordstrom $128

Out the Box: Michelle Boudin

Out the Box is a series on HoneeBee Gifts that focuses on local community notables who share a bit about their gifting life...and a little more. I am excited to share this feature with you and I hope you enjoy this up and personal look at gifting. It's kind of like peeking into someone's closet...but much more fun!

The Gift: Michelle Boudin
Today we are featuring Michelle Boudin, NBC Charlotte Reporter and Magazine Contributor.  Michelle is a straight forward, entertaining conversationalist. While we've never actually partied together, she is one that I think would bring "life" to any dinner party. You know, one of those active participants that every party needs! Now, bringing back to her reporter side...I actually went to dinner  (no party) with her and one of my good friends...and found out stuff about my friend that I didn't even know--now THAT's a good reporter! Michelle loves the people she gets to meet while working and enjoys telling their stories. "Everyone has a story. I'm lucky enough to hear a lot of good ones. Occasionally I even get to make a difference and on those days I go home really happy" said Boudin when asked what she loves most about her job. 

The Wrapping:  Michelle shares just a bit of her gifting life...
Best gift received: We just lost my grandmother--one of the most stylish women I'll ever know. My mom gave me a gorgeous ring that she used to wear. It's kind of big and hard to miss and it makes me smile every time I look at it. 
Best gift given:  When my sister graduated college I took her on a trip to California. We drove the Pacific Coast Highway in a convertible, stopping at lots of cool places along the way. 
My "go-to" gift: I love giving truffles from Whole Foods. The box is pretty and the truffles are delicious--and it's only $5.99! 
What's on your wish list: Um...so much! I love getting gifts as much as I love giving them. I love surprises. I'm a product junkie so anything that smells good (candles, lotions, lip gloss, etc). I love jewelry--from statement necklaces to the special stuff from Tiffany's. And I love gift cards because not everyone can know exactly what you're dying for...although I am always up for a spa day!
Your most recent shopping splurge: I love shopping Tory Burch. I got a great deal at 3am on Black Friday at the outlet in South Florida on a fun tote. 

The Bow: Let's peek into the life of Michelle, out of reporter mode...
On a Saturday afternoon you'd most likely find me...in puppy obedience school. We're a work in progress. (Note: Michelle has a cutie patootie doggy)
Favorite quote...It's never too late to become what you might have been--George Eliot
I am most inspired by...the people I meet on the stories I'm covering
I'd love to meet...Mr. Right 

Bzzz...Michelle told me that she is always on the lookout for great human interest stories. She encourages HoneeBee readers to email great ideas to her at: mboudin@wcnc.com. In addition, to reporting for NBC Charlotte, Michelle writes for People magazine, Charlotte Magazine and more. 

HoneeBee Gifts buzzes around SouthPark Magazine (blvd. section)

 

Be sure to pick up the May issue of SouthPark Magazine (blvd. section) to find out some of the best locally made treats to include in your picnic basket. Some of the items I highlighted were from Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, Blacklion, Sunflour Baking Company, Reid's Fine Foods, Duke Bread, Orrman's Cheese Shop and Isabella boutique. 

SouthPark Magazine is a speciality publication under the Charlotte Observer family. It is Charlotte's premier luxury lifestyle magazine and highlights various topics including fashion, travel, philanthropy and more.

Bzzzz: Grab a few of these items and take your significant other on an alfresco date. Picnics are high on my list of "experience gifts" and it's a perfect way to have a memory and not simply objects as gifts! 

Oh--and you could even couple the picnic with a local event like Symphony Pops or any of the many outdoor events that take place through the Spring/Summer months. 

Giftology



InStyle Magazine conducted a survey asking its readers about their shopping confessions. I thought I would share a bit of their findings to get you into the shopping mood....


                                                   

          Which would you prefer: GIVING or RECEIVING?

70% Giving

I am not surprised that giving won over receiving...which goes to show there is hope for mankind. But seriously, don't you just love giving someone a gift and they light up like the sun? It's one of the best feelings in the world. If you haven't tried it, you totally should--become a part of the 70%!















sources: prettythingsontumblr, instyle mag dec 2012

Earth Day Beauty Gifts

Image courtesy of First to Know 

Looking for some green-friendly beauty gifts that still leaves money in the bank? Well I have rounded up a few all natural products, from a mask to soap and lip gloss that helps the environment, all while making you beautiful, just in time for Earth Day. 

Japanese Matcha Tea with Acai and Goji Berry Mask/$10.20

Created to rejuvenate skin, this mask tightens pores and leaves your face feeling fantastic. The deep cleanser includes wildcrafted seaweed and gives you a new radiant look. 

The Honest Company Healing Balm/$12.95

This balm that  mixes together various essential oils including sunflower and olive oil should be used to restore your skin from winter’s blues. The hypoallergenic balm promotes healthy and balanced skin. 

English Lavender Soap/$5.50

The relaxing fragrance of this lavender infused with chamomile soap makes lounging in the bath more enjoyable, all while moisturizing and soothing your skin. The 4 oz bar is marbled with violet ultramarine and the scent helps to relieve stress naturally. 

Trilogy Rosehip Antioxidant/$36

Derived from rose bushes, the oil is recommended for all skin types and will leave your skin looking younger, brighter and refreshed. It is especially good for those worried about environmental damage and premature aging. Who isn't, right?

Burt's Bees 100% Natural Lip Gloss/$9.00

Shine bright like a diamond...or maybe lip gloss instead? Burt's Bees has come up with a lip gloss that is all natural and leaves lips soft and shiny. The gloss comes in 12 shades with cute names like Spring Spender and Summer Twilight. 

Giftology

InStyle Magazine conducted a survey asking its readers about their gift giving (and getting) confessions. I thought I'd share a bit of their findings...

Photo courtesy of Zimbio featuring Nia Long and Sanaa Lathan shopping

Where do you do most of your gift shopping?

58% Department Stores
26% Online
16% Speciality Boutiques