Monday, October 31, 2011

The Spotlight: Laura James Jewelry

Laura James of  laura james jewelry is not only a talented designer of bracelets, necklaces, rings and everything in between she is one of the sweetest people I have interviewed for HoneeBee Gifts. James, who provides jewelry to television and movie sets, whose work has been featured in national publications such as People StyleWatch says that she "just wants to make people smile". Her one of a kind jewelry does just that!
Growing up, Laura was inspired by her aunt (an artist herself) and her Dad, who at an early age took her to gem & mineral shows in their hometown. It was going to these shows that peaked her interest in fine gems and stones and you can see the inspiration in her work. At 10 years old, she would use her fathers tools to take apart jewelry and create something new.
Her inspiration comes from traveling, nature, European fashion and Barneys NYC.When she's not feeling inspired she will work on her craft in another way, by studying trends. From our conversation, she seems to be such a go-getter with a streak of adventure. For example, she and two girlfriends  would always take trips together and on a whim they decided to choose between three cities to live in for a few years and "move on". Well--the city that won out was Charlotte...then unexpectedly she and her friends met their husbands here and Charlotte got lucky with having a talent like Laura in its midst for longer that she and her friends expected.
Laura began her business in 2005 and opened a brick & mortar store in 2009. The store allows for more accessibility for Charlotte dwellers--and comes with a few other perks such as stopping in and seeing the artist at work. What a luxury! James loves having input from her customers and I know alot of giftees who would enjoy having a handmade, one of a kind piece from a world-renowned artisan. A gift from James is something that can be passed down through many generations. It can also be a piece that you (or your giftee) wears every day or on special occasions. Laura James has something for everyone in her store--and if she doesn't have it, she can create it, sharing that some customers come in with magazine pieces or want to merge some of her already designed pieces and she happily obliges.
Some of her top selling pieces include the sideway cross necklace, cuff bracelets, adjustable cocktail rings and stud earrings.  For this season, Laura sees all metal jewelry, fringe and statement necklaces taking center stage. She just debuted her vintage couture collection and is working on an artisan collection, where other artisans will come together and she will sell some of their pieces in her store. The store also provides items to store your jewelry and origami hand stamped enclosure cards. This is a great idea, making Laura James Jewelry a one stop shop. It also allows your gift to stay on theme by purchasing packaging with the same "feel" as the jewelry. Stop in to laura james jewelry today and let me know what you think!

Bzzzz: If you sign up to be on their email list, you will be alerted of their Chic Sprint Sale, where once a month select jewelry is up for grabs at 50% off!
Pin It!

Charlotte Observer highlights HoneeBee Gifts Blog Party

Olivia Fortson, Scene & Heard Social Editor for The Charlotte Observer featured the HoneeBee Gifts Blog Party in today's paper. The feature not only included a *photo of me greeting guests (at the party) but
also featured a few of my gift buying tips. Click here to read my tips!

Thank you to all who came to the blog party! If you are interested in hosting a HoneeBee Gifts Party, please email: simonemcdowell@gmail.com.

Bzzz: The *photo is not coming through so I will try to scan and share soon! In addition, all party pics from the HoneeBee Gifts Blog Party should be online by mid-week on the Charlotte Observer website, in the meantime check out the Facebook Fan Page which has plenty of photos. I will share the  Charlotte Observer link once the photos are uploaded!
Pin It!

Friday, October 28, 2011

The Gift of the Weekend

This weekend feels special. Of course, I LOVE a weekend, in general but this one has a spark to it. I wonder what will happen. I've got good vibes about it! The weekend makes me want to...


Pin It!

Monday, October 24, 2011

Gift Tip #89: Cake Pops from Bramia's Sweets & Treats


Cake Pops are literally what they say they are...think of a lollipop but instead of candy on top there is delicious cake to bite into! Yes, please! This concept is new to the bakery industry and gives you just enough to calm down your sweet tooth.

Bramia's Sweets & Treats specializes in these bite-size treats that come in various flavors including carrot to butter pecan. In addition, this sweet shop does something that I have not seen done with any other cake pops--they can add alcohol to the treats. Yes, that's right you can have mojito, pina colada or Jamaican rum cake pop if you so desire. I think this is a great twist on this new concept.

These delicious desserts would be a great gift for a birthday party or some other celebration...I should know I had the french vanilla and chocolate dipped in oreo cake pops at my blog launch party.

source: bramiasweetsntreats.net
Pin It!

Friday, October 21, 2011

The Gift of the Weekend

Oh weekend! So glad you arrived and blessed me with your presence. Now what to do with you? Hmmmm, maybe....
Pin It!

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Shecky's article: DRESSing for Date Night

Hello! Check out my article on Sheckys.com on DRESSing for Date Night where I highlight five dresses that would make a great gift to yourself and your lucky guy.


DRESSing for Date Night
When getting ready for a date, there are so many elements to think about: hair, makeup and…what to wear. These one-piece wonders allow you to take the pressure off putting together the best top with your favorite jeans or finding a skirt that matches your new blouse. Dresses are easy-breezy, allowing you to focus on the date itself, whether it be conversation starters or what to order for dinner.
See entire article here.
Pin It!

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Gift Tip #88: Shakespeare's Love Sonnets

This book, illustrated by Caitlin Keegan contains 29 sonnets all pertaining to love. Whether it ended well or with sadness, Shakespeare had a way with words and telling a love story. On some level, many giftees will be able to relate to the sonnets featured in the beautiful book. This gift would be best for a Shakespeare fan, lover of love and/or books, in general. An extra treat is that Keegan's illustrations appear throughout the book so someone interested in such details (an artform in itself, if you ask me)  would also be interested in this simply classic gift.
source: chroniclebooks.com
Pin It!

Monday, October 17, 2011

HoneeBee Gifts FAN Page

I created a Facebook FAN Page and encourage you to LIKE the page here. You can also search "HoneeBee Gifts" on the Facebook website. If you head over now, you can view all the party pics from the HoneeBee Launch Event at The Wine Palette. Hot off the presses!
Pin It!

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Charlotte Magazine highlights HoneeBee Gifts Blog Party

As if I wasn't excited enough for my blog party, now I am even more excited about the aftermath! Everyone shared that they had a great time and I have made a few great connections (keep em coming!) as a result of the party. I wanted to share a GREAT highlight from the event-- the Charlotte Magazine article that talks about the HoneeBee Gifts Blog Party by freelance writer/editor and blogger, Jarvis Holliday, who I am also lucky to call a friend. Here's a snidbit of the article below:
Dusk Till Dawn
I’m always looking for new and different ways to experience an evening or night out. I’d heard a little about The Wine Palette since it opened in June in Plaza Midwood, and I finally got the chance to check it out Saturday when a friend and fellow blogger had a party.


Simone McDowell, of HoneeBee Gifts, threw a party to celebrate the redesign of her blog. The Wine Palette hosts private events, so Simone welcomed about thirty of her friends and fellow bloggers, and we had the place to ourselves from 5-8 p.m.


To see the entire article, click here.
Pin It!

Sunday, October 9, 2011

First Photo from HoneeBee Gifts Blog Launch Party

My HoneeBee Gifts Blog Launch Party was a success! To me, that means people came, had a good time and I was able to talk to guests about my blog and share the newly designed site. As a bonus, I was even able to create my own masterpiece. To sum things up, I feel happy and blessed!

I could not have maintained my sanity were it not for a few fab friends who brainstormed with me, helped me set up, stuffed swag bags and simply gave me their support. To each of you, I am grateful!

I would also like to thank The Wine Palette. The Wine Palette was the perfect place to host my party and I thank owners Neha and Monika for their support. If you have not tried this place out, you must--mention HoneeBee Gifts and they may give you a discount:)

I don't know about you but I feel like parties are not complete without a little sweetness. Special thanks to Polka Dot Bake Shop, Southern Cake Queen and Bramia's Sweets & Treats for providing sweet treats to the event.

Without further ado, here's the first photo: http://yfrog.com/186bsmpj compliments of my great friend and attendee, Rachel Clapp. More photos to come soon.
Pin It!

Friday, October 7, 2011

The Gift of the Weekend: HoneeBee Gifts Blog Party


HBP Hint #1: Guests are in for a "sweet" treat

 It's finally here--my blog party!! For this Gift of
the Weekend post, I thought it would be fun to share a few pictures that did not make the cut for my Charlotte Style Magazine article....and drop a few hints of what you can expect at the HoneeBee Gifts Blog Party (HBP).
HBP  Hint #2 Creativity won't be the only thing flowing

HBP Hint #3: Gifts abound from beginning to end,
you'll have to party with me find out what kind 



Photography by: GQ Lewis
Makeup by: Nalini Eldridge
Pin It!

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Gift Tip #87: Chima + Rose Handbag


Chima + Rose, a leather goods company carries unique bags that are handmade and lined with bold, african prints. The oversized bags can amp up jeans and a t-shirt, spice up your date night dress or help you tear the club up. The  bag compliments many looks and would be a great gift for a fashion-forward chica, purse fanatic or the every day modern girl. Here are a few of my favorites:



Bzzz: It's HoneeBee Gifts Blog Party week. Get details here.


source: www.chimaandrose.com, chima + rose facebook fan page
Pin It!

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

HoneeBee Quote

Bees remind us that the rewards of diligence and communal efforts are sweet- Whole Living Magazine

                               


Bzzzz: Remember it's HoneeBee Gifts Blog Party week: Get details here!
source: whole living magazine (july/august 2011), greatsunflower.org
Pin It!

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Gift Tip #86: Copper Willow Monogram Cards

These monogram cards by Copper Willow are so cute! They are bright and modern and would be a great gift for any girl (or guy) who knows the importance of the hand-written note. The cards come in vibrant colors such as peacock, lipstick, eggplant and navy and are matched with a non matchy-matchy envelope. The inside of the envelopes are beautiful and steal the show, if you ask me! The envelope lining is an overload of whatever letter you choose for your card and that's what really sets these monogram cards apart from the many others we see daily. The letterpress cards are created on high-quality paper and make a sweet, inexpensive gift.

Bzzzz: Remember it's HoneeBee Gifts Blog Party week: Get details here!

source: http://www.etsy.com/shop/copperwillow, punchbowl.com
Pin It!

Monday, October 3, 2011

HoneeBee Gifts Blog Party Week!!


Sooo...this week I am having my HoneeBee Gifts Blog Party and I am excited (and nervous!!) about the event. I decided to have the party to share the redesign of my blog but wanted everyone to attend to also get to know what HoneeBee Gifts is all about. Of course, it's about creative gift ideas but I wanted to go beyond the surface and really show everyone what that means. If you have been following my blog you have a good idea:) but let me go deeper...
HoneeBee Gifts includes my thoughts on one of a kind gift experiences (no gift cards allowed here), gift tips and spotlights on companies that provide great gift options. At the event, everyone will get a glimpse of gifts I have featured on my blog--and get a chance to win for themselves or a lucky giftee. Of course, I can't have an event without sharing a gift! That would be insane! All attendees will experience The Wine Palette, a sip and paint establishment and can create their own piece of artwork and take home with them that evening. There will also be wine and a dessert bar to enhance the gift experience.  So far, I have gotten a great response about the event and I can't wait to meet new friends and see everyone buzzing around on Saturday. If you have not RSVP'ed yet, please go here to do so!
Pin It!

Sunday, October 2, 2011

The Gift of the Weekend

So this weekend included alot of daydreaming...to the point that I missed The Gift of the Weekend Post! Here's a reflection of my weekend in pictures. How did you enjoy the weekend?






source: prettythings.tumblr.com
Pin It!