Gift Tip #50: Charm Bracelets

Charm bracelets are a another way to express your likes, hobbies and even your favorite things to do. There are various charm bracelets out there...some that are ready made with a theme or others that allow you to start with an empty bracelet and collect meaningful charms along the way. Here are a few options: Juicy Couture Multi Strand Charm Bracelet, nordstrom.com

Vintage Blue Glass Charm Bracelet, etsy.com, seller: blessedvintage

Sweet Romance Candy Glass Hearts Bracelet, overstock.com

The Spotlight: Clean Catch Fish Market

Clean Catch Fish Market is a special place located on Selwyn Avenue in Tranquil Court. The name says what it is--but you do have to go inside to understand just what makes this place a true gem in Charlotte. This one of a kind fish market boasts fresh seafood and the customer service was supreme. I came on a slooowww day, Sunday, but picked up a crabcake. Being from the Baltimore area, I was a skeptic. Let me just say, it was the best crabcake I have had in Charlotte...and it rank pretty high overall too.

Clean Catch Fish Market is the place a chef (amateur or professional) would go to pick up the best oysters (or whatever fishy delight you choose) to prepare a gourmet dinner for a special someone and yes...you can give the gift of food!

Bzzz: I heard that Fed-Ex makes deliveries at least once a day, which goes to show how fresh the fish (and scallops, shrimp, etc) are!

Spotlights, gifts, oh my!

This weekend I discovered a few new places to spotlight and a couple of gifts that I think you (or a lucky giftee) will enjoy. Can't wait to share with you this week. Smooches!

photo source: apartment34.blogspot.com

HoneeBee Quote

"Shashi bracelets are so affordable and look awesome piled on"

-Kate Ciepluch, fashion director, Shopbop.com

Gift Tip #49: Verve candles

Verve candles are one of the best candles that I have come across in quite a while and what makes them even better is that they are produced locally. These 100% soy candles are created by Pam Mahaffey and she sells them at Atherton Market. The candles come in over eight scents including ginger sucre which has hints of ginger and clove with an understated vanilla bean and orange medley which boasts intoxicating fruity blend of mimosa leaves and orange zest. Pam will even decorate the containers and if you save the empty containers, bring them back to the market, she will give you a discount on your next purchase!

photo credit: http://www.pamatverve.blogspot.com/

Gift Tip #48: Piggy Banks

Kids want bank too! Gifting a piggy bank (which as you will see below doesn't have to be an actual piggy) is an easy way to begin the importance of saving with your little ones Why not encourage financial literacy in a small way in the early years with your children, nieces or some other little kiddie? While, they may not understand the concept that you are teaching in the beginning they will know that they have their own money to buy that piece of candy or other treat and eventually they will see the money lessons you were teaching when they just wanted to play. Hey, there's nothing wrong with creating your own little Suze Orman! Here are a few options:

Giraffe Big Belly Bank, mybambino.com

Mud Pie Piggy Bank with Crown, nordstrom.com

Bird Bank, potterybarnkids.com

Happy Weekend

Take these couple of days to buzz around your city and see if you find something new or rediscover something you may have long forgotten about. Hope its a weekend to remember! XOXO

photo credit: dressdesigndecor.blogspot.com

HoneeBee Quote

"A handpicked playlist burned on a CD with a beautiful and cool cover is a creative, inexpensive gift!" - Kelly Wearstler, Interior Designer

sources: People Style Watch, site-press.com

Gift Tip #47 Zodiac Wedding Shot Gift Set

Interesting, right? Who would put shot glasses and marriage together...hmmmm from what I've heard marriage does make you want to throw one back every now and again. Just joking!

Whatever your thoughts on the matter, this gift is pure fun. It's for the couple that likes a quirky gift...maybe give it at the bachelor/bachelorette party instead of the actual wedding or you could use as wedding favors. The set comes with a drink recipe and the characteristics whatever zodiac sign you choose. Even if you are not "into" zodiac signs, you can still put a little bourbon in it in a pinch.

photo source: intoxicatedzodiac.com

Gift Tip #46 Mealtime Masterpiece

When kids are fussy about eating dinner use this creative placemat to convince your child that broccoli is a good thing. Maybe the little ones can even draw what their eating for dinner. This might be a great way to keep kids happy during dinners out at the neighborhood restaurant or a holiday dinner.

source: worldwidefred.com

It's my Birthday!

It's My Birthday...oh what to do!?!

I plan on gifting myself a few things...some have been set in motion and others are still thoughts dancing in my head, which is cool because I celebrate throughout the month. Here are some thoughts...

Fun with the Girls...maybe a mani/pedi with a girl talk session thrown in or dancing the night away!Dinner at a new restaurant including dessert for the Birthday Girl

Maybe a bit of travel Oh! and...

of course there will be shopping!



I wonder what I will gift myself this year?

Seriously though, I feel that I have many gifts in my life, one being this blog and I am grateful to those that read it, comment and share. Thank you!! I will be out of pocket having loads of bday fun but will reconvene next week with fab posts!

sources: prettystuff.tumblr.com

The Spotlight: Kendra Studios

Kendra Baird's artwork caught my eye at the NoDa Arts Market. She is a local Charlotte artist who has been in the area for over five years and works on traditional canvas, as well as wood. She has some whimsy pieces but my favorite ones include street scenes and umbrellas. When asked "why umbrellas" Kendra said (and I am paraphrasing) "Its something about how many people can be in the same space but not really see each other because everyone is hidden under their umbrellas". From our conversation, I gathered that umbrellas struck a cord with her audience/fan base and she continued doing more and I am glad she did. They are my favorites and I hope to purchase one soon. Here are a few of her pieces:

Rainy Day #3

Red Light

Rain on Me

The Blues

To purchase art for another takes research. If you know that your giftee has a favorite artist by all means make a purchase. If you are unsure, take in one of the many art crawls in Charlotte or visit a local museum or art school together and pay attention when something catches the eye of the giftee...that's when you will know what piece they would love to hang on their wall.

Sidenote: Mark your calendar for Friday, April 1st. Kendra Baird will have a show at Green Rice Gallery in NoDa.

source: kendrastudios.com

WOW gift: Beyonce Gifts Jay-Z $2 Million Car

When Jay-Z's Bday rolled around Beyonce gifted Jay-Z quite well!! See the video from ABC News, along with a pic of the gift:

http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/video/beyonce-gifts-jay-million-car-12362838

Gotta love Jay and Bey, they do it like no other!

sources: abcnews.com, google.com

Gift Tip #45: Luggage Tags

Whether your giftee is traveling by plane, train or automobile; luggage is not far behind. For the long-distance lover, business traveler or spring breaker headed somewhere sunny give him/her a set of unique luggage tags. This gift is often overlooked...but it shouldn't be--how many times have you conducted a full blown search for your suitcase at baggage claim? Get this gift so all giftees start their vacation earlier, attend to business sooner and not be stressed because they can't find their luggage.

Here are a few options:

Red Luggage Tag w/Red, White & Green Stripe Ribbon Strap, yourbagtag.com

Schlep Luggage Tag Set, bobsyouruncle.com

Emoticon Luggage Tags, crewcuts.com

Happy New Year

I hope everyone had a wonderful time bringing in the new year. Remember make goals not resolutions, create solutions instead of being a part of the problem, be your most authentic self and know that this is your year...source: citified.blogspot.com