Thursday, March 21, 2013

The Spotlight: St. John Boutique




Last week I was lucky enough to visit St. John Boutique and view their Spring collection over brunch provided by The Roots catering company. I had already received their Spring collection catalog but there's nothing like seeing the clothes up close and personal. After chatting with fellow guests and perusing the store, we sat in anticipation of what we could expect from the American company most known for its signature knitwear.
Well, let me tell you...the line includes staple pieces like its iconic statement jacket and the must-have pant but there are some surprises. There are pops of color like yellow, mint and pink. In addition, you'll find a few feathers, lace and hand-sewn jewels as apart of this year's line too.
One of the things I enjoyed about the fashion show was tips given by Merchandise Specialist, Deb Arthur. She shared many ways to wear your investment pieces and the options were endless. Here are a few pictures from the fashion event with St. John because sometimes you just need to visualize! I suggest you stop by the SouthPark location to see (and touch) the beautiful knits and lounge in their beautiful dressing room....with a glass of champagne, of course! It's a great place to do a mother/daughter shopping spree or even a girlfriend's day out. Tell them HoneeBee Gifts sent you!

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Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Giftology

According to Forrester Research, Inc there is a steady growth in the number of web shoppers helping to boost e-commerce sales. Forrester says that 192 million U.S. consumers will shop online in 2016, up 15% from 167 million in 2012
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Monday, March 18, 2013

Experience: Runway for the Ballet

 
Photo courtesy of NC Dance Theatre
I love fashion and while I can watch clothes from every season make it down just about every runway I can appreciate when events add a twist to the show. This is what Runway for the Ballet does! In it's 6th year, this event marries fashion with dance by highlighting 2013 spring arrivals from Macy's with short performances of the theatre's most popular shows including Innovative Works. Oh--and guess who's modeling? It's NC Dance Theatre dancers, of course. Neat, huh? If you haven't been (or if you are like me and have been and can't wait to go again) treat yourself (and maybe a friend) to the gift of fashion. VIP tickets start at $60 for exclusive seating, cocktails, and swag; general admission will start at $35. There will be two shows that day; a 4pm reception with a 5pm matinee show, and an 7:30pm reception with a 8pm evening show and 9pm afterparty. The evening takes place at Patricia McBride & Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux Center for Dance which is located at 701 N. Tryon Street. The event benefits NC Dance Theatre. To purchase tickets, click the link: http://www.ncdance.org/RunwayWayForTheBallet or call 704-372-0101. 
 
Bzzzz: Want a $10 discount? Enter "DANCE" when purchasing your ticket for either the matinee or evening show. General admission only.
 
Other highlights to keep in mind:
  • Dion Lim with WCNC, NewsChannel 36 will be bring her fun personality to both shows as the emcee of the evening  
  • Celebrity DJ Shogun will rock out the runway with his DJ'ing skills
  • Gourmet fare will be provided by Luce Restaurant
  • Raffle tickets will be available for purchase and some of the gifts include restaurant gift cards, yoga classes and more
     

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Thursday, March 14, 2013

Experience: Taste of the Mint


The Mint Museum Uptown has created a new event entitled Taste of the Mint and the premise is to pair art and food...two of my loves so you know I was in foodie art heaven when I heard about this, right?!
The museum decided to mix art and food by partnering with two local restaurants, Halcyon, Flavors from the Earth and e2 emeril's eatery. Attendees go on a "food tour" indulging in a small plate and drink pairing made especially for them by the respective restaurant chefs. Following the meals, attendees will receive a customized one-hour exploration of the Mint's collections with a focus on the Mint's F.O.O.D. exhibition.

I had the pleasure of attending last month's event and it was, well like I said earlier--foodie art heaven. The theme was tied to "salt" and was inspired by the current exhibition, Return to Sea: Saltworks by artist Motoi Yamamoto. At Halcyon, we were greeted by Chef Jacksina who led us in an "Interactive Tomatoes" demonstration where we tried salt from various regions including Hawaii and Portugal. The course was paired with a Tarragon Salty Dog cocktail. We then had cabbage fermented in kosher salt paired with salmon and dessert, a scoop of rich salted caramel ice cream was unexpectedly delicious. It actually made me do a little dance!

Next we headed to e2 emeril's eatery where we dined on more salt inspired dishes which included oysters with the best garnish I have ever tasted--a mix of diced cantaloupe, fresh shallots, champagne vinegar, parsley and salt and pepper. The signature cocktail for the evening, Zydeco Punch, included a splash of South American pisco liquor and we also had Zinfandel with dessert--a chocolate ganache tart.

 Following the food, we were able to check out not only the Saltworks exhibit but all the exhibits currently open at the museum. For the March 20th Taste of the Mint date the highlighted exhibit will be the much talked about F.O.O.D exhibit. The F.O.O.D. (Food, Objects, Objectives, Design) exhibit provides a thematic look at modern and contemporary objects, handmade and mass produced, that have one of three objectives: to prepare, to cook, or to present food.

Is it me or did this post just make you hungry?

Bzzz: This would be a great gift for an art aficionado or foodie.

Bzzz: The cost is $45 per person and $30 for museum members. Registration closes tonight at midnight. Get your tickets here.
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Monday, March 11, 2013

2013 Charlotte Magazine BOB Awards: Vote for HoneeBee Gifts

The 2013 BOB Awards Voter's Choice -Blogs + Media + The Arts Ballot has officially arrived!!
 
 
 
 
Among the categories currently open for voting is Local Shopping/Style Blog and I would LOVE your vote! 

Can you please take a few moments to VOTE for HoneeBee Gifts in the local shopping/style category for the 2013 BOB Awards?

DIRECT LINK TO VOTE: http://www.charlottemagazine.com/Charlotte-Magazine/2013-BOB-Awards-Voters-Choice-Blogs-Media-Arts/index.php?

Please note: In order for your vote to count, you must fill in at least 25% of the ballot and votes must be in by March 24th. There are so many great options in Charlotte and I am sure they would like you vote as much as I would!  

 
 
 
 


Thank you in advance for taking the time to support me and HoneeBee Gifts!


 
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Sunday, March 10, 2013

Out the Box: Ivy Robinson

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!





Photo credit: Smitten and Hooked
The Gift: Ivy Robinson
Today we are featuring Ivy Robinson, Owner of Ivy Robinson Events. She is a talented wedding and event planner whose work has been featured locally and nationally including Whose Wedding is it Anyway? and the Style Network. She is a down to earth mover and shaker who plans events like no other. She is a force to be reckoned with....plus, to me (I can't be alone) her career allows her to give clients great gifts (who doesn't want a fab party?!) but let's talk a little bit about her personal gifting life...

The Wrapping: Ivy shares just a bit of her gifting life...
Best gift given: A rescued kitten from the SPCA for my Mom
What's on your gift wish list: A gift card to Y2 Yoga and lululemon
Your most recent shopping splurge: Treating myself to Miraval Resort & Spa after a crazy wedding season


The Bow: Let's peek into the life of Ivy...
On a Saturday afternoon you'd most likely find me...getting a mani/pedi or a massage
Favorite quote...You miss 100% of the shots you never took--Wayne Gretzky
I am most inspired by...different experiences and different cultures through traveling
I'd love to meet...Jackie Onassis

Bzzz...Ivy Robinson Events are creative, modern and fun, just like its owner. Ivy, an innovator in event planning prides herself in really getting to know her clients and making sure their personality shines through during their event, whether it's a Mardi Gras party or their wedding. Be sure to check out their Facebook page and website to learn more about Ivy Robinson Events. Be sure to think of Ivy and her team for your next soiree.
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Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Gift Tip #120: CLT Buzz Blend Coffee

Want to feel good about your coffee habit..well I have just the thing!


Photo courtesy of CLTBuzz
Let's combine your love of coffee with helping a great cause with this new and pretty cool partnership between CLTBuzz, Magnolia Coffee Company and my beloved The Young Affiliates of the Mint Museum. The partnership is centered around coffee...but not just any coffee...it's Magnolia's newly roasted artisan coffee called CLT Buzz and with every bag sold one dollar goes to support the Mint Museum "Cultural Campus" program. The coffee is a medium roast blend with hints of chocolate, honey and light citrus and bags can be purchased at select speciality retailers including Reid's Fine Foods, Whole Foods, Julia's Cafe and Mugs Coffee. You can also purchase online at www.MagnoliaCoffeeCo.com. The Mint Museum is the first to benefit from this program I think it's a great way to combine something you already do (cup of joe, anyone?) with a great cause. So pick up a bag today (for you or any coffee lover) and support children, arts and the community! 

Bzzzz: Here's a bit about the partners:

About CLTBuzz
CLTBuzz is an alternative digital magazine focusing on metropolitan lifestyles in the Charlotte community. The blog focuses on food, fashion, culture, lifestyle, technology, music and other unique aspects of the Queen City.

About Magnolia Coffee Company
Magnolia Coffee Company is an artisan coffee roastery in Charlotte, NC specializing in small batch, roast to order coffees to local cafĂ© and retailers. 

About The Young Affiliates of the Mint Museum
The Young Affiliates of the Mint Museum are a diverse group of young professionals in the Charlotte area who support and promote the Mint Museum through social, educational, leadership and fundraising opportunities.  The Young Affiliates make substantial donations to the Mint Museum each year, including contributions towards the annual fund, acquisitions, and the Cultural Campus program. 

available to order online at www.MagnoliaCoffeeCo.com
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Monday, March 4, 2013

Gift Tip #119: Charlotte: Then & Now Book

The Charlotte Then and Now book allows you to compare present day landmarks, streets and buildings with what they once were over a century ago. From the most popular streets uptown—Trade & Tryon to the modest beginnings of Myers Park, this book allows you to get to know the Queen City better. You will learn about the history of Charlotte and have a new appreciation for how much the city has changed over the years.
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