Out the Box: Aundrea Cline-Thomas

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: Aundrea Cline-Thomas
Today we are featuring Aundrea Cline-Thomas, Reporter for WTVF news station in Nashville, TN. I had the chance to meet Aundrea while she was a reporter in Charlotte but not long after meeting, WTVF scooped her up! She says that she loves how her job allows her to meet people that she wouldn't otherwise speak to. "If my story evokes some sort of emotion, whether it be happiness o anger, all the better." She is also a bit of a foodie (we met over food at Cowfish) and her favorite restaurant is Lady and Sons in Savannah.

The Wrapping: Aundrea shares just a bit of her gifting life...

Best gift received: Last year my Mom made me a photo album for my birthday. She's not crafty at all. I move alot and I don't live anywhere near my family. Getting that album filled with pictures taken throughout my life makes any new place feel like I'm a little closer to home. Along those same lines, my other favorite gift is a picture of my nephews--they are my heart!
Best gift given: I try to give people gifts that are relevant to their lives. One of my friends was studying for her medical school exams around her birthday last year so I have her a themed gift. It was tea, a blanket and candles to help her relax.
My "go-to" gift (to give): Wine or whatever alcohol they like. I also like giving candles as gifts.
What's on your wish list (to receive): My birthday is coming up and I haven't asked for anything. To me, there's nothing like being with people who know, love and support you...showing up is gift enough.
Your most recent shopping splurge: My last splurge was taking a vacation with one of my best friends for her birthday in the Spring but we did it on the cheap. I'm entirely too practical and love a bargain.
Fill in the blank: I love shopping at World Market for tea. 

The Bow: Let's peek into the life of Aundrea, off-air...

On a Saturday afternoon you'd most likely find me...at work. But on Sundays (which are my Saturdays) I'm at church, at brunch with friends, reading or catching up with my family and friends.
Favorite quote...God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. Courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
I am most inspired by...People who live their lives to serve others and those who persevere in the face of adversity.
I'd love to meet...Oprah. So cliche but I would forget my name!
Bzzz...Be sure to follow Aundrea on twitter at @NC5_AundreaCT and whenever you are in Nashville, check her out on WTVF.

Giftology

InStyle Magazine conducted a survey asking its readers about their bling. I thought I would share a bit of their findings to help you in making future jewelry purchases for a lucky giftee….

YEA or NAY? Wearing a ring on the ring finger of your left hand--if you're not engaged or married.

59% YEA

source: instyle magazine (may 2012)

Bzzzz: HoneeBee Gifts & SouthPark Magazine (blvd. section)

Be sure to pick up the September issue of SouthPark Magazine (blvd. section) where I highlight the people, places and things in and around Charlotte. This month I interviewed a young designer participating in Charlotte Fashion Week and shared items that range from loungewear to notepads. It all begins on page 19 and copies can be picked up here. Many of these items featured would make great gifts!

SouthPark Magazine is a speciality publication under the Charlotte Observer family. It is Charlotte's premier luxury lifestyle magazine and highlights various topics including fashion, travel, philanthropy and more.

source: southparkmagazine.com

Experience: Dining with Bevy

Dining with Bevy: Life with Vision is an enhancement of the infamous Dinner with Bevy events that have included guests such as Soledad O'Brien to T.I. and have taken place in the beautiful Big Apple, during the Sundance Movie Festival and other fun locales.

Dining with Bevy: Life with Vision goes beyond meeting Bevy (although a nice perk!) and having a delicious meal. The premise of the series is to "be the platform to begin changing the direction of your life and help usher in the tools and skills necessary to begin living your life with purpose and vision." 

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend the Dining with Bevy: Life with Vision event in Charlotte, NC. Let me tell you, I am just coming off my inspirational high! It was an event like no other and I was happy to be in the room. The event included about 50 attendees who were hand selected by Bevy (you must submit a resume to be considered) and were a mix of lawyers, stylists, teachers and communications professionals all wanting to live their best life. The good vibes in the room were palpable and smiles were given as freely as business cards. Bevy Smith greeted us like old friends, shared her stories and tips over delicious food, all while making us feel like we were on top of the world. Here are some of my takeaways that I scribbled down from the event:

Bzzzzz....

• Why are you asking someone else to change your life?
• It is possible to have your work life collide with your fun life.
• Leverage and respect your relationships.
• Know when you are "clearly in your zone"
• Don't chase the stuff, chase the feeling.
• Figure out your passion push points

Dining with Bevy: Life with Vision would be a perfect gift for any dream chasers, goal diggers and success climbers. You know one or two of those, right? Why not encourage them to submit their resume...and yours for that matter for a chance to attend! You can foot the bill for your love, your bud or your Mom to attend this one of a kind event.

The next Dining with Bevy: Life with Vision will take place on September 8th in LA. Bevy plans to continue the series in major cities in 2013 so be sure to keep up with Bevy via the Dining with Bevy: Life with Vision's facebook page. You can also check out the photos from the Charlotte event.


photo source: dining with bevy facebook page

Giftology

InStyle Magazine conducted a survey asking its readers about their bling. I thought I would share a bit of their findings to help you in making future jewelry purchases for a lucky giftee….or for yourself because according to this survey many of you are purchasing your own jewelry....

Have you ever purchased a major piece of bling?

40% YOU BET

source: instyle magazine (may 2012)



Out the Box: Kate Gaier

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: Kate Gaier
Today we are featuring Kate Gaier, Reporter for News 14 Carolina. She works right here in Charlotte and loves that her job allows her to meet new people everyday."You never know what stories you will hear and get to share. I've met so many amazing people along the way." said Gaier. She inspires me with her running (while I am running 5K's she is preparing for her first marathon (!!), the Marine Corps Marathon in DC) and her giving spirit (the marathon she is running will benefit the AHA to honor her Dad and his brother who died before the age of 43 from heart disease). Kate is also proud to say she is thrifty. "I cut coupons, and shop around for deals" said Kate. What a busy, fit lady!

The Wrapping: Kate shares just a bit of her gifting life...
Best gift received:
~A picture frame my sister Meg gave me; it's got pictures from different stages in our lives and I have it on my desk at work. It makes me laugh to see our little kid, goofy grins.
~I love gifts I know I want, but just never got around to buying myself. My Mom gave me a cruise as my college graduation present--it was my first cruise and it was fun to celebrate the entire time.
Best gift given: One Christmas, my siblings and I went in together to get my Mom an iPad. I will never forget the look on her face when she opened it! Complete shock! She uses that thing all the time. And it was fun to do a group gift with my sisters and brother.
My "go-to" gift (to give): Gift cards
What's on your gift wish list (to receive): Ha, what isn't?!?! said Kate. Here are a few of her top items:
~I could always use running gear (especially now as I train for my 1st marathon).
~Jewelry, what woman doesn't want new jewelry?
~I'd love to have my teeth professionally whitened--I drink alot of coffee so my teeth aren't as pearly white as I would like.
~New sunglasses-my favorite pair got stepped on as I was running down an interview outside the courthouse
~A trip--a vacation to anywhere!
Your most recent shopping splurge: A few tops for work and a sundress for weekend cookouts at Gaffney outlets  and a new pair of running shoes.
Fill in the blank: I love shopping at Ross/TJ Maxx/Marshalls for bargains! Who doesn't want a discount?

The Bow: Let's peek into the life of Kate, off-air...
On a Saturday afternoon you'd most likely find me...Icing my knees! I run every Saturday morning...it's ME time, time to unwind and detox from the long week. By afternoon, I'm ready for lunch, a nap (maybe poolside) and a good book.

Favorite quote...Jokingly I say, "If I wanted your opinion I would have given it to you" (I'm very sarcastic). I love quotes about laughter, because it really does feed my soul and the quote "never give up on your dreams".
I am most inspired by...My Mom! She is such a strong, open-minded woman, who believes everyone deserves a chance. She was a single mother raising 5 kids, working and earning a doctorate degree. She never gave up on her dream and is such an inspiration for me.
I'd love to meet...I would love to sit down with my Dad; he died when I was little. I have memories of him but I'd love to hear his opinion on society today. I've met some really cool people in my career but still haven't met a President. That would be very cool to meet the person in charge of our great country.

Bzzz...Be sure to tune in to News 14 Carolina to see Kate in action! You can email her at
kate.gaier@news14.com, follow her on twitter @reporter_kate or look her up via Facebook.


source: charlotte.news14.com

5 Gifts For Your Last Trip Of The Summer

Summer is coming to a close and while we knew it was coming, there are plenty of things to miss about the season, from sultry days by the pool to snow cones and walks on the beach. Wait…walks on the beach?! Do you think you can squeeze in one last beach trip before fall beckons everyone indoors? We think so! Gather your friends, family and beau, and make your last hurrah to a beach near you. Over at Shecky's, I have shared five great gifts to bring along and make the best out of your last summertime beach trip! 

source: sheckys.com

Giftology

InStyle Magazine conducted a survey asking its readers about their bling. I thought I would share a bit of their findings to help you in making future jewelry purchases for a lucky giftee….

Which of these gems makes your heart skip a beat?

49% Diamonds

31% Emeralds

15% Sapphires

5% Rubies

source: instyle magazine (may 2012)

Experience: Think Chocolate

Think Chocolate, a sweet spot located in Ballantyne offers handmade chocolate, baked goods, coffee and gifts.
The chocolate lover's dream shop is a labor of love of owner Ruth Faure and features homemade treats ranging from cookies to macaroons to cake bites, croissants and more. The chocolate list is vast and delicious and other items not to be missed include the caramels and crumb cake. You can even grab a frozen hot chocolate drink or homemade marshmallows, if you’d like. And if coffee is all you need, you can grab a cup of joe brewed in house with beans from a local coffee roaster in Charlotte. In addition to the sweet treats, Think Chocolate offers gifts that range from cute mugs, chocolate dipped wine bottles, journals and a variety of items with a Charlotte flair created by local artisans. Think Chocolate also does custom catering for all types of events.

To see photos and my article on Think Chocolate for Charlotte Style Magazine, go here.


source: thinkchocolate.net

Giftology

InStyle Magazine conducted a survey asking its readers about their bling. I thought I would share a bit of their findings to help you in making future jewelry purchases for a lucky giftee….

What’s your biggest (jewelry) weakness?

47% Earrings

26% Necklaces

18% Bracelets

8% Watches

1% Brooches

source: instyle magazine (may 2012)

Happy Weekend

Take one of your artsy friends to Ciel Gallery for the Through the Eye of the Art: GREEN exhibit. The opening is today and attendees will enjoy a collaboration of different local artists around the color green. This is apart of a four part series and artists will use various media to paint the town green.

Get your Ommm and downward dog on at Studio K, for an art inspired yoga class on Saturday. It's a great way to start your day and bring good vibes to you and others that tag along.

Take your history buff on a tour of the historic Rosedale Plantation which promotes the heritage of the Southern Piedmont and and the lifestyle of the 19th century Catawba River Valley region.

Gift Tip 104: Frisbees

During these summer days, why not hit the park and throw a frisbee with a friend? This old school activity is as much for your buds, as it is for your favorite furry friends. Dogs enjoy catching these discs, as much as anyone. Here are a few examples:

Innova Disc Golf DX 3-Disc Set, Dick's Sporting Goods



Freestyle Frisbee Sport Disc, Frisbeedisc.com

Frisbee Malibu, wham-o.com

Take these to your next cookout or family reunion..it will compliment the other outdoor games and hot dogs well!

Fun facts

• The name Frisbee pays homage to the Frisbee Baking Company, whose pie tins were tossed around by college students in the 1920’s.
• Toy company Wam-O first manufactured the Frisbee flying disc in 1957.
• In 2002 in California, Christian Sandstrom, threw a disc about 820 feet—or a little longer than two football fields—to set the record for the world’s longest throw.

Bzzzz: According to national Ultimate Frisbee competitor Gregg Shapiro, “throwing a disc is a lot like hitting a backhand Ping-Pong ball. But at the end, flick your wrist to add some spin.”

sources: real simple mag, discksporting goods.com, frisbeedisc.com, wham-o.com