Gift Tip #25: Scarves

Charlotte may be getting snow and I am so excited!! With the thought of snow coming I knew the perfect gift tip- scarves!! This will keep Charlotteans warm during the blizzard (or flurries...whatever!) this weekend. Here are a few faves:

Elegant Zebra Animal Print Fringe Scarf $10.99 from Amazon.com

basic black pashmina $19.95 from amazon.com

Checkered hot pink/blue scarf from overstock.com

Here are a few ways to wear them:

And if pics aren't enough, here's a link to a tutorial on how to wear your scarf from whowhatwear.com. They give three versions and its worth taking a look.

sources: theinsider.com, polyvore.com, whowhatwear.com, overstock.com, amazon.com, whowhatwear.com

The Spotlight: Three Little Birds

Three Little Birds is a stationary shop tucked in the South End area of Charlotte. I love stationary and got my fix at Three Little Birds. Check out some of my most recent purchases:

There are small trinkets (i.e. bags, coasters, etc), boxed cards and even better: custom-made stationary located in this cozy store! Most customers are brides-to-be but the company also services corporate businesses and the average Joe looking for extra special business cards, party invitations or the like.

With hundreds of papers, fonts and ribbons, Three Little Birds creations are sure to please the eye and owner Kristen Stewart aims to please each customer she encounters.

When visiting the store, be sure to check out the sales table that usually has great items up to 50% off and ask about the wedding workshops and lunch and learn events for small business owners. You can also visit the Three Little Birds blog here for details on their workshops and events, as well as see examples of their work.

source: www.threelittlebirdsinc.com

Gifts for each zodiac sign: Sagittarius

Sags...the only sign that I want to give a nickname...Sagittarius is too long:)

Sagittarius (November 22 to December 21)

Positive traits: Optimistic, freedom-loving, jovial, good-humored, honest and straightforward, intellectual and philosophical

Negative traits: Blindly optimistic, careless, irresponsible, superficial, tactless and restless

Gifts include:

Computer software

Camera, video camera and the like

a puppy or a kitten

state of the art gadgetry

Sagittarians love the great outdoors so sleeping bags, a tackle box or a tent will be gives they will appreciate.

Gifts for each zodiac sign: Scorpio

Here comes the Scorpios...watch out!

Scorpio (October 23-November 21)

Positive traits:- Loyal, passionate, resourceful, observant, dynamic

Negative traits:Jealous, resentful, compulsive, obsessive, secretive and obstinate

Gifts include:

Jewelry

Hot little black dress (for the ladies)

love poems

Diamonds

Exploring equipment (like binoculars)

Books on Old World philosophies

I lie to you not...one suggestion was sex toys. Old World philosophies and sex toys...I can't make this stuff up.

Gifts for each zodiac sign: Libra

Libra (September 23-October 22)

Positive traits: Diplomatic, urbane, romantic, charming, easygoing, sociable, idealistic and peaceable

Negative traits: Indecisive, changeable, gullible, easily influenced, flirtatious and self-indulgent

Gifts include:

Expensive jewelry

tickets to a play or community theater(something artsy)

Trips

Surprise party

Set of luggage

From my research, it seems that Libras love the finer things of life. The more expensive the gift, the better.

Gifts for each zodiac sign: Virgo

Virgos...

Virgo (August 23-September 22)

Positive traits: methodical, modest, shy, meticulous, reliable, practical, diligent, intelligent and analytical

Negative traits: unimaginative, fussy, a worrier, overcritical, harsh, perfectionist and conservative

Gifts include:

books

quality clothing

gift certificates

electronic gadgets

work-related items

Gifts for each zodiac sign: Cancer

I seem to know so many Cancers...which is the opposite of my sign Capricorn. Opposites attract? Hmmm...

Positive traits: emotional, loving, intuitive, imaginative, shrewd, cautious, protective and sympathetic

Negative traits: changeable, moody, overemotional, touchy, clinging and unable to let go

Gifts include:

Items for the home

Flowers

Singing telegrams (great for a laugh)

I read that Cancers want you to acknowledge the day, even if you not have money to spend on a gift.

Gifts for each zodiac sign: Leo

Ode to my brother, my #1 Leo...

Leo (July 23-Aug 22)

Positive traits: Generous, warmhearted, creative, enthusiastic, broad-minded and expansive, faithful and loving

Negative traits: Pompous, patronizing, bossy, interfering, dogmatic and intolerant

Gifts include:

Write a song or poem

Fine jewelry

A getaway

Oh, and I read that Leos love extravagant presents like fine china.

Gifts for each zodiac sign: Gemini

Here comes the Geminis....

Gemini (May 21 to June 20)

Positive traits: Adaptable, versatile, communicative, witty, intellectual,eloquent, youthful and lively

Negative traits: Nervous, tense, superficial, inconsistent, cunning and inquisitive

Gifts include:

Surprise your Gemini with a daytime birthday party

Concert tickets for a favorite performer

Scavenger hunt

Grab bag of goodies with all his/her favorite things

Gifts for each zodiac sign: Taurus

The next sign we will explore is Taurus. Is it possible to not know anyone under a particular sign? I don't think I know any Taureans. Weird, huh?

Taurus (April 20 to May 20)

Positive traits: arduous, patient, reliable, warmhearted, loving, persistent and determined, placid and security loving.

Negative traits: Jealous, possessive, jealous, possessive, resentful, inflexible, self-indulgent and greedy

Gifts include:

A coupon that entitles him/her to one full day of whatever he/she wants during a 24-hour period

Gift for the home A Daily Journal personalized with the person's name

Their favorite perfume/cologne

Gifts for each zodiac sign: Aries

Next up is Aries!

Aries (Mar 21 to Apr 19)

Positive traits:optimistic, independent, playful
Negative traits: selfish, accident-prone, impulsive



Gifts:
Surprise makeover from head to toe
Out of the way weekend camping or fishing trip
Cute pet (Arians are said to be animal lovers)
Adventurous gift like bungee cord jumping or hang gliding
Books on tape

Gifts for each zodiac sign: Pisces

Gifting for the zodiac is fun! I've decided to add in some characteristics of each sign, in addition to the gift examples. Next up is Pisces.

Pisces (Feb 19-Mar 20)

Positive traits: passionate, romantic, imaginative

Negative traits: oversensitive, indecisive, lazy, escapist

It is said that Pisces people shy away from aggressive types. It will take forever to really know a Pisces.

Gifts:

Jewelry

Keepsake items

Books of poetry or season tickets to the symphony

Metaphysical paraphernalia like crystals and pyramids

Flowers, balloons, cards and teddy bears

A cruise getaway

Gifts for each zodiac sign: Aquarius

Next up on the zodiac sign list is Aquarius. Here are some gifts that are supposed to be coveted by this water sign:

Handmade jewelery, hand-carved statues, or woven fabrics from arts and crafts shows

Sketch made from a photograph and have it framed

Spa membership

Antique furniture

Personalized gift like a poem

souvenir from out of the country

Interestingly enough I noticed that some gifts overlapped with Capricorns, namely season tickets to the theater or favorite sport and original artwork signed by the artist.

Gifts for each zodiac sign: Capricorn

I have been hearing alot about astrology lately and decided to do some research on what gifts are best for each zodiac sign. What I found was pretty interesting. And for my sign (Capricorn) they mentioned some items I would really enjoy having...while some were those that I could do without and never think twice about.

For the next few posts, I will share gift examples for each zodiac sign beginning with the fabulous, ambitious and goal-orientated Capricorns! I know, I'm biased!

Capricorn:

Gift ideas include:

Books on how to invest wisely, retire early, or do self-improvement.

Signed, numbered print that would be of value one day

An engraved watch for him or a locket for her.

Practical gifts (i.e. lawn service contract, set of tennis raquets, etc)

Buying stock in a new company

An expensive bottle of perfume or cologne

Season tickets to spectator sports or the theater

Orginal artwork

They also say Capricorns look for quality and loved personalized gifts.

Speaking as a Cap, I think the outcomes were pretty dead on. I mean, I would like any of these gifts...except maybe the locket- I would probably prefer the watch, even though they say that would be the male gift.

Anyway, if you decide to "gift by zodiac" be sure that you are doing it because your Capricorn girlfriend really would like to recieve an engraved locket...not only because "research" says so.

Again, in the next 12 days or so, I will share the other gift suggestions for the other zodiac signs. Let me know if they get your sign dead on or not. It would be interesting to know if the other signs matched up as well as the Capricorns.

source: Black Sun Signs & Black Love Signs books by Thelma Balfour

Gift Tip #46: The Ellement of Personal Style

The ELLEmets of Personal Style book highlights 25 modern fashion icons on how they dress, shop, and live. It was created by two ELLE magazine editors and is put together well. The icons that are featured run from the typical actress/model types but also includes those in the art world, the design world and even a TV producer. I appreciate that ELLE looks beyond the natural scope of who is seen as a fashionista...I know that I have friends that are true fashionistas but their runway is a city street, not a Marc Jacobs fashion show.

Not only does the book have great style shots of the icons but also includes a brief style story, background on their work/careers and of course their style inspirations. Some icons share their fave places to shop, style quotes and what they would wear, if they could only wear one thing.

This is a great book for the fashionista at heart, stylist or anyone with a curiosity towards fashion and celebs.



photo credit: amazon.com

The Spotlight: HandPicked

You know the store that you always pass by and say that you are going to stop in one day soon? I have a few and this blog helps me to make the effort to just walk on in and see what I find.

Recently, I did that with HandPicked and picked up the cutest bracelet. A friend of mine picked up a nice necklace for her sister too. Both pieces were different and unique. I was told mine was hot off the presses...an item that had just been delivered to the store. I'm sorry that I don't have pics of those purchases but I do have a few that I might have to go back for. They are:

Antique Coral Earrings (on sale for $16.80)

Pearl Cuff ($26.60)
Antique Tear Drop Pendant ($42.00)

These items are also available online via http://www.handpicked.net/. In addition to costume jewelry, Handpicked carries HP Originals (items made in limited quantities and handcrafted), trendy pieces, sterling silver, accessories and can even monogram appropriate jewelry.

These pieces would be great for a girlfriend and Handpicked is definitely guy-friendly. The staff knows their jewelry and were completely nice. Since I stopped in around the holidays I got to see plenty of guys who had no clue what to purchase their significant others but knew that she shopped Handpicked. One guy said he was purchasing a stocking stuffer. Yes, the holidays are over but gifting is all year! Instead of a stocking stuffer, just lay a cute bracelet or ring on her pillow like a chocolate before turn down service:)

Check out the Handpicked story straight from the source...

From the horse's mouth (i.e. their website):

It began as more than a love of fashion, but a passion for the land and people of Mexico. With a desire to bring meaning to her life and a calling to unite the village markets of Mexico and her home country, HandPicked was born. Through her vision, Melanie Mauldin not only built her own family business, but helped build better lives for the families of silversmiths that have created HandPicked treasures for the past 20 years. And, even today, Melanie continues to work to improve the quality of life for women in those villages.
By offering handcrafted sterling silver jewelry that represents value, HandPicked has evolved from home shows and holiday markets to a family-owned chain of stores in three states. Our company's mission is important - provide a fun environment which helps women express who they are or who they want to be.

source: http://www.handpicked.net/

Experience: Teavolve Cafe & Lounge

Teavolve, housed in Harbor East in Baltimore is a tea house with so much more to offer including live jazz, brunch, desserts and more. It is a tea lovers dream with almost 50 different types of tea to choose from and an atmosphere that urges you to just chill. In addition to tea and the aforementioned items they have house made tea-infused sangrias. Yummy!

This place would be a great experience for a date, lazy brunch with family, or the corporate folk that want to forego Starbucks with all the same amenities.

Gifting-wise, you could invite a friend for an "I appreciate you" night out, start with a glass of wine and take in one of the many local artists that play on Friday and Saturday nights at Teavolve. The genre of music is almost as varied as the loose leaf teas including jazz, soul, rock, funk and the list goes on. Many local favorites play there and is sure to be a fun evening. Also, there are happy hour specials on drinks and food after 5pm until closing.

On a visit with one of my BFF's at Teavolve we chatted up our waitress, Casandra and she told us English Breakfast tea is the most popular tea but also encourages people to try her favorite, Lime Blossom. I'm a pretty plain Jane and I have branched out with my teas and have never had one I did not like at Teavolve!

The first Teavolve located on Eastern Avenue is a small space that is available for special events only. If you had the opportunity to visit that space, it was a treat...felt like you were home listening to Coltrane with a glass of wine. The new space in Harbor East is more than four times the size of the original but has the same great ingredients to make it a success.

Be sure to stop by Teavolve located at 1401 Aliceanna Street.