Sunday, October 31, 2010

From Mario Buatta....

Price isn't everything
The best gifts are often inexpensive. I recently gave out Dame Edna wigs and glasses-they were real conversation starters and everyone got a kick out of them. And magazine subscriptions are wonderful because they show up in the mailbox every month for a whole year.

This tip was exciting to read especially since I gave the magazine idea as a gift tip some time ago and use this tip pretty regularly. You should too!
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Saturday, October 30, 2010

Gift Insight

From Mario Buatta...

Shop year-round
If you start shopping for holiday gifts in December, you're too stressed to be creative-and everything is picked over. Instead, I keep my eyes open all year. If I spy something unique that would please several friends, I stock up. One year, I discovered fur-covered water bottles-they looked like little mink coats, and people just loved them.
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Friday, October 29, 2010

Gift Insight

From Mario Buatta....
Don't forget pets
People who have everything usually have pets. Buy them something special like gourmet dog treats or a beautiful collar.
source: Allure Magazine, zazzle.com
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Thursday, October 28, 2010

Gift Insight

From Mario Buatta....


Go the extra mile
A picture frame can be a beautiful gift as long as you put a photograph inside it. I prefer the photo to be something humorous, an inside joke. The same is true of books. Unless you write something meaningful on the inside flap, the recipient could have easily brought it himself. Monogramming and engraving are also great ways to give things like robes, towels, jewelry, and frames a more personal quality.

source: Allure Magazine, zazzle.com
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Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Experience Charlotte

This year I have had the pleasure of working on the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Charlotte Chapter Awards Celebration taking place tonight. I am chairing the silent auction portion of the evening and the theme is Experience Charlotte. The entire committee has been great about bringing in items for the auction and I have been lucky to bring in some pretty snazzy experiences that I hope will cause bidding wars at the event:)

As many of you may know from reading this blog, I am all about creating experiences so the PRSA silent auction theme was right up my alley! Here are a couple of items that will be auctioned off:


Ladies Night Out at local boutique

Dinner and a Show with car service

Chocolate and Wine Pairing

In-Home Wine Tasting

VIP Lounge at local lounge


I will share details of each experience following the Gift Insight posts. Over 30 silent auction items were secured and I can't wait to share the experiences with you, in hopes that you will create the same experience (only better) for someone special in your life. Can't wait!
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Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Gift Insight

I was looking through my HoneeBee files for inspiration and came across an old article from Allure Magazine. The article shares tips on how to give a personal gift from the perspective of Mario Buatta, interior designer who has worked with Mariah Carey and Barbara Walters. The information was so good that I clipped the article and will be sharing these tips with you over the next few days. Without further ado....

Gift Insight #1: Don't be boring. When you give a gift certificate, its like admitting that you didn't put any thought into your gift. (sidenote: I don't totally agree with that statement but Buatta has his opinion. If I were to give a gc I would jazz it up with a personal touch but all in all gc's are fine, not fabulous, but fine). If your friend talks about a specific restaurant, take her to dinner there. If she has a favorite spa, set her up with specific treatments. I love mailing sterling-silver postcards from Links of London. The recipient's name, address, and your message are all engraved, and it can be used as a paperweight for years. And I recently gave someone a few hours of chauffeured car service in New York City. It was something she never would have done on her own.


This gift insight was great...while I think gift certificates can be given-they must be jazzed up. His thoughts on taking the person to a restaurant that they have raved about in the past is a great way to show your friend that you were listening when she said how great that filet mignon was or how delectable the dessert at XYZ spot. I also love the chauffeur idea, while most of us are not in NYC this can still be adapted to our lifestyle. For example, for a special night out instead of driving to dinner have a car service pick you and your boo up for a night out on the town. Now that's a memory!
source: Allure article, zazzle.com
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Monday, October 25, 2010

Gift Tip #34: Cardholders

When you are asked the #1 question at a networking event--Do you have a card?--You can respond with not only giving out your business info. but showing some personal style with a cardholder that compliments your business and/or personality.

Here are a few examples:
Assettes Cassette Style Card Holder $19
ABAS 'Classique' Envelope Card Case $30

Lodis "Cairo" Mirrored Foldover Card Case $38
This is great gift for someone entering the workforce (think college grad) or someone reentering the ( d*mn reccession).


source: nordstrom.com, shopkitson.com

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Friday, October 22, 2010

HoneeBee Quote

My favorite splurge is anything unique: vintage jewerly, one-of-a-kind vintage coats and dresses' art pieces and crafts from places I travel to. -Margherita Missoni
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Thursday, October 21, 2010

Gift Tip #33: Nail Polish

It's a nice girlfriend gift that's a simple "thinking about you" gesture. A pretty bottle of nail polish. Maybe you will choose your homegirl's favorite color or give the polish based off the name of it. I mean how can you resist a polish titled Party in my Cabana or Clubbing till Sunrise...both of which are a part of OPI's South Beach collection.
Here's what you'll need to do an at home manicure:

Things You'll Need:
Cotton Swabs
Cuticle Creams
Hand And Body Lotion
Manicure Kits
Nail Brushes
Nail Buffers
Nail Cleaners
Nail Clippers
Nail Files
Nail Polish Remover
Nail Polishes
Nail Strengthening Polish
Cotton Swabs
Instructions:
1 Remove old nail polish thoroughly.
2 Soak hands in warm water for 10 or 15 minutes. Dry hands.
3 File nails in one direction only. Avoid using a seesaw motion.
4 Push back cuticles. Use a cuticle moisturizer if they do not push back easily after soaking.
5 Massage your hands. Use a moisturizing lotion. Use an exfoliating lotion if your skin is dry and/or roughened.
6 Apply a base coat. Allow it to dry.
7 Apply polish. Clean any stray marks with a cotton swab dipped in polish remover.
8 Add a second coat for deeper color.
9 Finish the manicure with a top coat of clear polish
source: opi.com, ehow.com


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Wednesday, October 20, 2010

HoneeBee Quote

My favorite drugstore buy is "Colgate Wisp disposable toothbrushes".-Nicole Ritchie
source: InStyle Mag

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Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Gift Tip #32: Lingerie



Sexy! Sexy! Let's get down to it. Who doesn't love a little bit of lingerie. Women love to wear it (it's nice to know you have a little secret under that dress or pants suit, right?) and men love to see it. So it's an easy pick, if you know what you like. Men: I am hoping you know your woman enough to pick out her faves. Here are a few tips on picking out the right lingerie and places to go!
Hey guys--I found this somewhat cheesy but very informative video on purchasing lingerie for your lady: http://askmen.com/video/dating/607-how-to-pick-out-lingerie-for-your-lady.html

Ladies: Make sure when you go lingerie shopping that you double check your size with a bra expert. All the major department stores have them and if you go to a speciality shop they should be able to assist you too. By working with the specialists, you will find out your size (duh!) and find out the best brands/type of bras that best suite your body type. There are plenty of options out there. Happy sexy shopping!


sources: nordstrom.com, victoriassecret.com,askmen.com













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Monday, October 18, 2010

HoneeBee Quote










When I'm abroad I buy..."Containers, boxes and bowls in natural materials-from wood to crocodile and horn." -Michael Kors
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Sunday, October 17, 2010

Gift Tip #31: Watches

First of all...so sorry for my hiatus! I won't bore you with excuses but I will try my best to be better with posting! NOW ON TO THE POST:)

Year ago watches used to be a part of my everyday then for one reason or another I stopped wearing them. Now, I'm jonesing for a new one. They can be used for their original purpose of telling time but I have been noticing them used as a fashion piece, intertwined between bracelets--so chic. Watches are a nice holiday present...something that takes time to pick up, has a great price point and there are so many options. Here are a few...

Casio Women's Classic Analog Watch-Silver $29.99

Anne Klein Black Leather Wrap Watch $65.00
Michael Kors Golden Runway Watch with Glitz $250
Here are a few tips on how to pick the right watch:
  • Think about why you want a watch? Basically is it more for fashion and/or function. Will you use it to add pizazz to an outfit, will you wear it during water sports?
  • Determine how much you want to spend. You should know your price point before you start shopping.
  • Consider the life span of the watch, maintenance needs and resale value.

sources: anneklein.com, michaelkors.com,target.com, geniusplanet.com




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