Gift Tip #118: Charlotte silkscreen map

Image courtesy of City Supply Co.

From Derita to Myers Park and all areas in between this map of Charlotte highlights well-known neighborhoods throughout the city. No matter where you turn, Charlotte’s communities are filled with culture, food and fun and this artwork pinpoints each one. The 12 X 18 silk screen print comes in various colors and is created by artist Evan Plante.

Giftology

ShopSmart conducted a national survey asking women about why and where they shop locally and I thought I would share a bit about their findings. 

Photo credit: PrettyThings@Tumblr



5 Of The Top Reasons We Like To Shop Locally:

Fun to browse:  40%

To support small-business owners:  34%

Customer Service: 29%

Location: 27%

Unique or speciality products: 25%

Bzzz: Love in the air with HoneeBee Gifts & SouthPark Magazine



Be sure to pick up the February issue of SouthPark Magazine (blvd. section) where I highlight the people, places and things in and around Charlotte. This month I interviewed the talented Ivy Robinson who owns Ivy Robinson Events and she shared her top picks on having a stellar Oscars party. In addition, I penned items that ranged from a greeting card to makeup that matched the "it" color of the color of the season: wine. It all begins on page 21 and copies can be picked up throughout Charlotte.

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.



Stationary & The Art of the Love Letter

Yes, Valentine's Day just happened but love should be spread throughout the year. So I wanted to share some tips on the art of the love letter and a few LOVE-ly cards to give to someone you care about!  



Big Kiss Card from Bobs Your Uncle



• Get prepared-Gather your letter writing tools: pen and paper. Whether it’s notebook paper or fine stationary, be sure to write legibly and don’t even think about emailing or texting your love letter.

·         Get in the mood-Make sure you have privacy when writing your love letter and that the atmosphere is one that welcomes an open heart.

·         Hello, my name is: Use pet names or nicknames that you may only use when alone to address your significant other. This will make him/her smile and that is a great way to begin a heartfelt letter.

The One from Paper Polite

·         Leave your heart on the page- You want to be sure that your significant other knows that there is no doubt in how you feel about him/her because your emotions should ooze from the page.

·         Get specific-Share examples of how he/she means the world to you and makes your heart sing.

·         The chosen one-Tell him/her how lucky you are to have them in your life. Share personal anecdote and memories of how you met and the impact it has in your life.

·         Sealed with a kiss- Mail your love letter to your significant other for a nice surprise between bills and junk mail. Another alternative is leaving the note somewhere he/she will find it like their pillow or jacket pocket.

Bzzzz: To elevate the gift experience try custom cards, if you are in the Charlotte area Olive Paper is a great option or you can try etsy.com for some other options. In the end, the words that you write will matter most of all--it's the gift and the card itself is the wrapping:)

Experience: Guy's Night Out at The Boulevard at SouthEnd

Calling all men to shop Guys Night Out at The Boulevard at SouthEnd. Yes, I know shopping may not be high on the list of things to do BUT making it out tomorrow will help you get on top of your significant other's list (get your mind out of the gutter) AND you can drink beer while doing so! Here are the highlights for tomorrow's event:

• The World of Beer will be pouring a local brew, called Lone Rider of Raleigh
• The Southern Cake Queen will be on hand with sweets and so you can order delectable desserts for your lover
• Escape Hair and Skin Studio will offer gift certificates and salon specials to help beautify your lady. Oh--and if you purchase a gift certificate for a facial your giftee will receive a free shampoo and blow out
• Fashion Florist of Charlotte will be ready and willing to take your orders for bouquets of roses and flowers

 

 

And of course, The Boulevard has an fantastic selection of gifts for that someone special. If you are stumped, check out the HoneeBee Gifts table in the front of the store to see my top picks:)

In addition, if your lady has filled out her "wish list" The Boulevard will have that on hand to make shopping a breeze.

Once you have made your selection(s), boutique staff will wrap it for you! Seriously, this is a one stop shop that makes your Valentine's Day easy peasy! Guys Night Out takes place tomorrow (Tuesday, February 11th) from 5-8pm. Details can be found here.

Experience: Charlotte Style Mag 5th Anniversary Party

photo source: Charlotte Style Mag

 How lucky is the Charlotte metro area (and beyond) to have a magazine focused solely on fashion & style?Charlotte STYLE Magazine has been giving stylish information, events and tips since 2008 and will be celebrating their five year anniversary this Saturday at Crave Dessert Bar. The event will take place from 6:30pm-9pm.

Guests will mingle with STYLE editors while enjoying a photo exhibition, appetizers and a signature stylish drink created especially for the event. Attendees will also enjoy giveaways, celebrity appearances and be the first to hear an announcement related to Men of STYLE.

In addition, for the first time ever, guests will be able to nominate individuals for the 25 Most Stylish People in Charlotte, a signature event for the magazine which takes place in April.

To get more information or to attend this event, please go here. It's a great gift for all your stylish friends!

Experience: Blo ouT

Did you know that I am "do-my-hair" challenged? I can do a pretty good manicure and put a pop of color on my nails but hair...that's a whole 'nother story. So in realizing this, I leave my hair to those pros that have been blessed with that skill.

Speaking of pros, when it was time to prep for my Flip Your Gift Party, Blo ouT came to the rescue! Fairly new to Charlotte, Blo ouT  is boutique that specializes in "blowout" hairstyles (thus the name) and is located right outside Uptown. Their motto is "No Cuts, No Color, Just Style" and that's what I got.

I came into the salon (which also houses Gorgeous Glo) and picked out my style (all styles are named after Charlotte neighborhoods) and the best part--I was in and out in about 30 minutes. What?! This is unheard of...but it did happen! I am living proof...see my fresh face early in the am (gimme a break!) before my event and then once I pulled myself together at the Flip Your Gift Party.



My Blo ouT experience was a good one!

Here's a lil' extra info about Blo ouT:

• Standard Blo ouT's are $35
• The boutique is open 7 days a week
• The hairstyle I got was "The Ballantyne" but here's the menu list
• Yes, you do get shampooed before the Blo ouT and if you an updo or deep conditioning it's extra $ 
• The space is cozy, modern and has all the latest mags to flip through
• Blo ouT is located at 1518 E. 3rd Street, Suite 100,  Charlotte, NC 28204

Bzzz: They also offer a Glo and Blo special where you can get a spray tan and a Blo out for $80.
Bzzz: Look for their second location coming to SouthPark next month!