Oprah gifts staff with all-expenses-paid cruise

Before leaving Harpo to start her OWN network, the talk-show host showed gratitude to 100 members of her Chi-town staff by buying them all-expenses-paid tickets to a Mediterranean cruise. Winfrey and her family joined the staff on the approximately $5,000-a-person cruise, which stopped in Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Malta. It was the second time in four years that Winfrey had given her staff cruise tickets—the first time around, Winfrey and her crew sailed to Hawaii.

source: thedailybeast.com

Bzzzz: Pick up a SouthPark Magazine today!

Be sure to pick up the October issue of SouthPark Magazine (blvd. section) where I highlight the people, places and things in and around Charlotte. This month I interviewed beautiful mom and entrepreneur Avi Woolman who owns Activewear USA and shared items that range from candy buffets to fitness grear. It all begins on page 15 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.

picture source: southpark magazine

Gift Tip #108: Art of Shaving Carry-On Kit

This kit, created by shaving experts allows for easy grooming at home or while traveling for business or pleasure. These products pay close attention to sensitive skin and other shaving issues, so men not only get a close shave but also soothed skin. The collection includes pre-shave oil, shaving cream, after-shave balm and a shaving brush.

photo source: nordstrom

Charlotte Observer highlights HoneeBee Gifts at Southern Women's Show

As I conducted my gift presentation I had no idea that my gift  tips and picks at Southern Women's Show picks would be highlighted by the Charlotte Observer. I found out shortly after leaving the stage--what a fabulous surprise! Honestly, I think if I knew beforehand, I would have been even more nervous!

Please take a moment to read the Charlotte Observer article below and go to their site to see pics of my Southern Women's Show picks. Be sure to stop by the show today--it's open from 11a.m. to 5 p.m.

Gift expert Simone McDowell's Top 5 gift ideas

from the Southern Women's Show

Charlotte gift expert Simone McDowell of HoneeBee Gifts (www.honeebeegifts.blogspot.com) gave an interesting talk filled with her gift giving tips during opening day of the Southern Women’s Show at the Park Expo & Conference Center. (The show continues from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday; 10 a..m.-7 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $10 at the door; for details go to www.southernshows.com.)


In front of an audience of women, including a group wearing tiaras, McDowell shared her five Golden Rules of gift giving:

Think about the “giftee” when making a purchase. Do they have a trip coming up? What do they really like?
Don’t rush the shopping process. Take your time and do your research.
Do have a well-stocked gift closet. Keep a supply of evergreen gifts (candles, wine, coffee table books).
Don’t give a gift that you feel ashamed to give or would not want to receive. That also applies to regifting, which is fine as long as it’s done discreetly.
Don’t stop with the gift. Pay attention to the card, gift wrap, boxes and bags.


During the Q&A portion, McDowell gave her thoughts on hostess gifts.

“A hostess should never expect her guests to give her a gift, but I always like to bring something,” she said. “Just make sure it can easily be set aside and doesn’t require immediate attention – don’t bring flowers that need to be put in a vase.”
Even if you bring a simple gift it can be elevated to something special by the way it’s wrapped, including a beautiful ribbon, but you don’t have to spend a lot. Her favorite spot for finding festive ribbons is in the bargain bin at Michael’s craft store.
McDowell ended by going over a display of her Top 5 favorite gift ideas from the Southern Women’s Show :

Cake truffles and sugar cookies from Hey Sugar Shop.

Cards from Phoenix Trading, a card line from England with offices in Charlotte, especially the bestselling peacock and butterfly cards.
Aunt Bunny’s Gourmet Wine Jellies and her “Eat, Drink & Have Jelly!” cookbook.
Miracle Whisk, a whisk designed to whisk faster than normal with just an easy downward motion.
A yoga mat and towel given with a lightweight Keep Calm and Carry On T-shirt. (note: from Yoga MATTY)

See pictures and read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/09/22/3549344/gift-expert-simone-mcdowells-top.html#storylink=cpy.

The Spotlight: isme (Sponsored Post)

isme, an online home shopping catalogue based in the UK carries a wide range of products including clothes, electronics, toys and even beauty items. One stop shop, anyone? I'd say so!

isme reps encouraged me to check out their maxi dresses--and we aren't just talking simple "beach destination" maxi dresses either...think day to night and a little something in between. Maxi dresses could be a great gift for your bestie as you prepare for your last beach trip of the summer...or perhaps a simple "just because" gift for you. Maybe you'd love to wear an evening maxi dress for a night out on the town or you can throw one of the casual versions on to run your daily errands. The dresses come in various colors, prints and range from sizes 6-28. I have picked out a few of my faves:

Savoir Confident Curves Maxi Dress

South Petite Pull On Maxi Dress

Teatro Embellished Maxi Dress

This post is sponsored by isme.com.

picture source: isme.com

Gift Tip #107: Combat RC Copter

The only difference between this remote helicopter and a real aircraft is the size. This helicopter is ready for battle with real-flight maneuvers, shooting sounds and infrared shots to get the bad guys. In addition, you can battle anyone who also has one of these combat RC Copters but be careful, after three "hits" from your counterpart, your copter will make a landing and your remote will be deactivated--game over! Included with your purchase is a remote (that doubles as the charger) and a spare-parts repair kit. 

photo source: brookstone

Exciting Announcement: HoneeBee Gifts to present at Southern Women's Show

I am very excited to announce that I will be sharing my gift tips at the Southern Women's Show on opening day--Thursday, September 20th at The Park Expo and Conference Center (formally Merchandise Mart).  The presentation entitled Elevating the Gift Experience will begin at 11:30am at the Balance Your Life Stage. You will find out how you can go beyond the gift card, learn ways to create the whole gift package...down to the wrapping, the importance of a gift closet and much more! And of course, I will highlight a few great gifts that you can pick up right at the Southern Women's Show.

Want to come? ((((Contest Alert))))
If you are interested in checking out my presentation and the Southern Women's Show, simply LIKE me on Facebook or Follow Me on Twitter and make yourself known...a short note that says "I'd love to win a ticket to the show" is easy enough. You can also leave a comment on this blog post! Please do so by Tuesday the 18th, midnight. Reach out to me via all social outlets for a better chance to win. I will choose 10 random winners.

Here's a bit about the Southern Women's Show and me....

About The Southern Women's Show
The Southern Women's Show celebrates its 30 year anniversary this year and has some wonderful things planned from September 20-23 at The Park. Everyone is invited to join the FUN! Jam-packed with cool jewelry and handbags, make-up tips and tricks, delicious gourmet treats and more. Besides incredible shopping, you can enjoy runway fashion shows, cooking classes and informed speakers. Grab your mom, sister or best friend and spend the day--or weekend--doing everything you love! Tickets are $10 at the door and children under 6 are free.

About Simone McDowell

Simone is a public relations and marketing pro who knows how to find the perfect gift, for the perfect budget. Find her insights and ideas on her blog, honeebeegifts.blogspot.com. Based in Charlotte, she is a regular contributor for SouthPark Magazine and Charlotte Style Magazine and Sheckys, a lifestyle company based in New York. A native of Baltimore, Simone earned her Bachelor of Arts from Bowie State University and her Master’s Degree from College of Notre Dame of Maryland. She has also taught the art of public speaking at University of North Carolina at Charlotte. When she isn’t blogging or finding the perfect gift, you can find her enjoying the arts, good food, and working with several community nonprofits including the Young Affiliates of the Mint Museum where she serves on their board of directors.

source: southernwomensshow/wch.com

Gift Tip #106: Grill Alert Talking Remote Thermometer

Do you know someone who thinks they are a grill master but every time they fire up the grill, the meat is more charred than delicious? Let's help that guy (or gal...it is 2012!) with a gourmet gadget that that takes the guess work out of BBQ'ing--the grill alert talking remote thermometer from Brookstone. To use, you simply put the stainless steel probes in the center of the meat, choose how you would like the meat cooked and it will alert you with a voice prompt when the meat is done. The "chef of the yard" is no longer tied down to the grill and can now mix and mingle with the guests.

picture source: brookstone.com

Carmelo gifts wife Lala with upgraded wedding ring

Well they say diamonds are a girl's best friend and who am I to disagree? (Silence) Well, I think Lala would agree too! For her birthday she received a wedding ring upgrade from her hubby, Carmelo Anthony.

Pic of the happy couple at one of the many events they attend together

Please brace your eyes! A friend of Lala's tweeted the ring after her bday celebration

Lala being her fab self at her bday celebration

picture source: nypost.com, twitter, shesomajor.com

Gift Tip #105: King for a Day

Have you be wracking your brain trying to get your man something? Well, I have an idea:) Try a King for a Day package at Emerson Joseph, a grooming salon for men. The package includes a full service cut, pedicure and 60 min Swedish massage and is perfect for the on the go guy that doesn't take much time for himself. What a great way to slow him down and spoil him a bit! The grooming salon also encourages a relaxed environment with pool tables and flat screen TV’s.

picture source: emersonjoseph.com