The Gift of the Weekend

Weekend time, folks! Want to put a smile on someone's face in the next two days? Here are a few last minute gift tips...and remember last minute does not mean thoughtless! Check out these options for a lucky giftee...

Tonight head on over to the NC Music Factory for their last Fridays LIVE concert. For just 5 bucks in advance ($10 at the door) you can treat a buddy to a fun night on the town while listening to some good tunes. You can also slip into one of the many restaurants for a little din-din.

Take a loved one to the Tavis Smiley America I AM ribbon cutting ceremony at the Harvey B. Gantt Center tomorrow at 10am. The exhibit spans the entire museum sharing artifacts that show the major contribution African Americans have made to society. From Alex Haley's typewriter that he used to create Roots to Prince's guitar.

Sunday would be a great day to check out the Fresh Music Festival with some friends and fellow music lovers. The event will take place at Time Warner Cable arena and boasts having the best R&B, Hip-Hop, Soul, and Comedy acts. The lineup includes Dougie Fresh, SWV, Keith Sweat, Guy and K-Ci & JoJo. Talk about bringing the 90's back!

source: prettytumblr.com

Experience: And the Bead Goes On Exhibit

Any fashionista and museum lover should run, not walk to the And the Bead Goes On exhibit currently taking place at The Mint Museum Randolph. The exhibition celebrates the Mint's renowned Fashion Collection by meshing vintage garments with contemporary pieces that can literally be found on a runway near you.


Charles Mo, the Mint's director of fine arts discusses the beautiful garments

One of the contemporary designers, Kevin Carter resides in Charlotte and says he "still can't believe" his designs are on display at The Mint Museum. His work is among fashion icons such as Alber Elbaz for Lanvin, Oscar de la Renta, Halston, Bob Mackie, Giorgio Armani and Lisa Folawiyo. All the designs show a variety of beadwork including glass beads, metallic sequins, metal filigree beads, faux pearls and faceted crystal rhinestones. 

Fashion Designer, Kevin Carter stands in front of his work

Some of the historic beaded garments on display look as though you could take them off the manniquins and wear this weekend for a fun girls night out or dinner with the hubby. The contemporary garments are fresh and fun.
The And the Bead Goes exhibit will be on view until February 2013.  Here are a few photos to peak your interest....

source: my iphone

Surprise find at Ohio thrift store

In April, an Ohio man shopping at a thrift store paid $14.14 for what he thought was a framed poster of a Picasso work. But the art turned out to most likely be an original linocut print that Picasso made himself for a 1958 exhibition in southern France. A month later, the man turned around and resold the print to a private buyer for $7,000. Not bad for a thrift store find.

source: www.businessinsider.com

HoneeBee Gifts Top SummerTime Picks for The Blvd.

With yesterday being the official start of Summer, it is timely that I strolled over to The Boulevard at South End to pick out a few sizzling hot items from their beautiful boutique that reflects the season we are in. Here is a snapshot of my top picks, be sure to stop in, browse and maybe grab something for someone special. Summer, summer time..

Gift Tip #103: A Belle in Brooklyn

It's been awhile since my last page turner so I had to share this book by entitled A Belle in Brooklyn by Demetria Lucas, The Go-To Girl for Advice on Living Your Best Single Life. Lucas, a former Essence magazine relationships editor, blogger and now author shares her experiences in the dating world in a fun and inspiring way. The chapter titles (i.e.The Atlanta Fiasco, Henny.Mixed., Growing Pains: I Got Issues) draw you in and you begin to think of your own love/lust experiences. Not to mention that at some point while reading, you start to think of Demetria as your homegirl--honestly, her writing style makes you feel like you are sitting on the edge of her bed as she shares with you her tales of her "exciting life".While reading the book, there were moments where my jaw literally dropped, where I laughed out loud and clutched my heart with slight concern. To me, that's a good read!

This book would be a great gift for a bosom buddy, any single lady who wants a quick read and the ultimate book lover (maybe the next book club read?). Also, A Belle in Brooklyn just came out in paperback, pick one up just in time for beach reading.

source: abelleinbrooklyn.com

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to all the #1 Dads out there!

source: prettythings.tumblr.com

Attn: Last Minute Father's Day Shoppers

So I finally got my hands on the actual article that I created for SouthPark Magazine and while I had problems uploading the documents to my site, SouthPark Magazine uploaded on their site so I am happy to share with you...just in case you were not able to pick up a copy. See below for the article:

It's Father's Day, and it’s time to celebrate the first man in your life. You know, the one who helped you ride your first bike (no training wheels!), walked you down the aisle and taught you many life lessons. From traditional gifts like cologne to experiences including a Microbrews Cruise, and a few things in between, here are a few gifts that will make it a [Happy ital] Father’s Day!


Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/06/14/3317552/blvd.html#storylink=cpy

Father's Day is almost here!

Hey busy bees, I have been warning you and now Father's Day is almost here. Have you picked out your gift for good ole' Dad yet? Well, if you are still in need, please visit The Boulevard at South End and peruse my gift picks table and check out the June issue of SouthPark Magazine. Between both of these resources, I have shared over 25 ideas! Happy shopping!

source: southparkmag.com

Experience: IFSA Summer Fashion Day Camp

Sonya Barnes, owner of Harris & Barnes, an international image and consulting firm and now the International Fashion Style Academy (IFSA) has created an innovative opportunity for young stylistas: the Summer Fashion Day Camp.


During this week long day camp, young girls between 12-16 years old come to not only learn about fashion as we may know it (i.e. beautiful clothes, photo shoots, fashion boutiques, etc) but also the business side of fashion, like creating your own fashion conglomerate, becoming a fashion writer, stylist, etc.

The young ladies will create their personal style profile project, listen to industry experts share their knowledge and experiences, star in their own fashion photo shoot and runway experience with a fashion photographer and go beyond the classroom by touring local boutiques and retailers.

The Summer Fashion Day Camp will take place between June 18-22 from 8:30am-5:30pm at the NC Dance Theatre, you can find more info. here. 

source: intfashionstyle.com

HoneeBee Quote

Kim Kardashian went all out -- dropping $750,000 on a Lamborghini for Kanye West, her love of three months.

The Lambo in question:)

source: usweekly.com

Gift of the Weekend

Weekend time, folks! Want to put a smile on someone's face in the next two days? Here are a few last minute gift options...and remember last minute does not mean thoughtless! Check out these options for a lucky giftee...

Friends, kids and everyone in between can take a moment to stroll through Taste of Charlotte to try some of the best food options Charlotte has to offer. In addition to the bites, there will be a marketplace, kid's activities, entertainment and more. I also suggest going to people watch--a free fun activity in between moroccan lamb sliders from Cafe Sienna to Kosmic Karma Pizza from Mellow Mushroom. Yummy, right? Well, that is just a taste of what's in store, to see the entire food list for Taste of Charlotte go here.

On Sunday, grab a bottle of wine, some delicious eats and take your giftee to the opening night of Summer Pops, a summer concert series with performances by the Charlotte Symphony. This is a popular series, so I suggest you get there early...and please know that you will be getting major points for this oh-so-cheap gift idea.


source: prettythings.tumblr.com

Out the Box: Jacinda Garabito

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: Jacinda Garabito
Today we are featuring Jacinda Garabito, media maven who has conquered radio (remember her from 96.1 The Beat) and TV.  Jacinda is currently a reporter and weather forecaster for Fox Charlotte (her previous position was Afternoon Traffic Reporter for WBTV) and loves the rush of energy you get right before you go on air. A few years ago, Jacinda was an emcee/hostess for a friend's book launch and I remember her being so personable and upbeat. Since then has career has grown even bigger and I think it has alot to do with her spirit, in addition to her talent.

The Wrapping: Jacinda shares just a bit of her gifting life...
Best gift received:
~An All About Me book created by my fiance
My boyfriend, now fiance published a book  all about me called The Life of a Gemini Named J. The book depicted my life. There were pictures of my family, scriptures, and poems he wrote. He discussed the beauty of a father/daughter relationship and wrote about the love between a mother and a daughter. He included my best friends, my two dogs and my accomplishments. He even included emails we had written to each other. I will forever be grateful for this book.
Best gift given:
~Princess float for a princess
This gift was simple but very timely. A few weeks ago I ran across a princess float for the pool. I thought it would be a perfect gift for my best friend's daughter, as she was having her first birthday soon. Soon thereafter, I randomly took a trip to see my best friend and brought the float with me. My best friend waited for me to arrive so we could both experience her daughter's first pool experience. Her daughter loved the float, the pool, the whole nine yards! I think it was the absolute perfect gift I could have ever given a 9 month old little girl.
My "go to" gift to give:
~Candles
I think men and women alike love nice smells. This is usually a big winner, especially if you purchase a big fancy one.
What's on your wish list (to receive):
-Fully-detailed car
I asked for this last year for my birthday and it never happened so it's going back on the list for this year ( Editor's note: I hope Jacinda's friends are reading this!--easy gift idea, she is telling you what she wants). I want that full wax and polish detail. The one where your seats come out and they shampoo my carpets and shine the leather, lol.  
Your most recent shopping splurge: Work clothes. I just splurged on this the other day!
Fill in the blank:  I love shopping at The Limited for everything women!!!

The Bow: Let's peek into the life of Jacinda, off-air...
On a Saturday afternoon you'd most likely find me...outside enjoying nature. I love playing with my two dogs Lil Reeses and Twix. There's something about the wind blowing against my face and the freedom of enjoying God's natural blessings. I have such a feeling of peace.
Favorite quote...You are imperfect, permanently and inevitably flawed. And you are beautiful--Amy Bloom
I am most inspired by...that feeling of knowing I made someone else's day. I live for those moments. What fuels me in life are those simple moments that do not cost a dime but make you feel so rich. I love knowing that something I did or someone else did was so powerful that it changed someone else's day to be more fulfilling.
I'd love to meet...Oprah. I admire her.

Bzzz..Be sure to read Jacinda's inspirational stories reflecting the Ups and Downs of Life here and watch her on Fox Charlotte. You can also follow her on Twitter @JustJacinda. 

source: justjacindashow.blogspot.com 



 

The Spotlight: Nidasii

Nidasii bath and body care company began organically (rightfully so since the ingredients are all natural) in 2004 by Nicole Perkins, a cutie pie who currently lives in Harlem. The company name is actually made up of her name and the names of her two sisters, Danya and Sica (nickname). The product line includes sugar butter scrubs, body butter and sugar rush scrubs. I got the chance to try out the mango-go body butter (Thanks, Nicole!) and while there are alot of body butters on the market, this one seemed different. Maybe it was the whipped texture, being chemically-free or just the love that went into the packaging. The packaging is simple but impactful and includes the tagline: experience beauty naturally. I could see it catching the eye of many ladies in a cute boutique or store.
Nicole's desire to create such products came from her being a self-proclaimed beauty product junkie and a specific need--she had chronic eczema as a child and she needed a product to help her dry skin. Growing up, she would purchase various products and mix them together to create the right consistency and moisture level for her skin. Finally, she began creating her own products for personal use but it was when others began asking for the products that the company was born.
Nicole shared with me that creating each product was trail and error and she likes to source the best ingredients. For her, quality is key. She is open to expanding her line and is currently looking for boutiques to carry her body butter and scrubs. Right now, all her products can be found online and today is the launch of the Nidasii Beauty Concierge where Manhattan residents can have products delivered to you wherever you are (i.e. gym, home, work, etc) during the month of June!

Fun facts about Nidasii:

• Nidasii's products are multifunctional--Nicole uses the body butter products to moisturize her hair and the sugar rush scrubs can be used to cleanse and exfoliate.
• The company name is not only made up of each sister's name/nickname, it also goes in chronological order of their birth.
• In the beginning, Nicole researched ways to create products with everyday food grade products found in her kitchen cabinets.
• Nicole knew she had a “passionate obsession”when all her free time was spent in front of the computer researching recipes and ingredients.

source: nidasii.com

Gift of the Weekend

TGIF, people! Happy Weekend! As with every weekend, I hope that you are able to do something you actually want to do instead of what you have to do. Cutting the grass, be damned this weekend...get out and do something fun!  Here are a few last minute gift options...and remember last minute does not mean thoughtless! Each of these ideas should bring a smile to the giftee's face:

Stop by the East Blvd Sidewalk Sale and get great deals from various retailers including Laura James Jewelry, Cottage Chic, Summerbird and more. You are sure to pick up a great gift for yourself or some lucky giftee. To take it a step further, why not stroll the sidewalk with your BF (best friend or boyfriend, whatever) and tell them they can pick out one item and you'll foot the bill.

Have a Demi Moore & Patrick Swayze moment (remember Ghost?) and take your sweetheart to Clayworks, Inc and participate in Muddy Fun Saturdays, where you can get on the wheel and let your imagination take hold. Hey, it's okay if the end result is a lopsided clay bowl.

Pick up your love's favorite sweet treat and surprise them. Hey, if it's Dairy Queen, take a ride for a late night snack together. Sit out on a bench or in your car and chat while enjoying the summer breeze....

sources: prettythings.tumblr.com, scoopcharlotte.com, clayworksinc.org