Out the Box: Kathryn Burcham

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: Kathryn Burcham
I first met Katie (she prefers this over Kathryn) at Charlotte Style Magazine's 25 Most Stylish People event and she seemed like a ball of F-U-N. Yes, she was off the clock and at an event that beckoned you to have a good time but even beyond that--her personality seemed genuinely upbeat. 
Now fast forward a few months and throw in a few chance encounters (you know Charlotte is small!) with Katie and her cute crew and I can now confirm that she literally is a ball of fun! HA! Anyhoo, when Katie is not throwing her fun around the city, she is a reporter at WSOC TV Channel 9. She loves getting to meet interesting people everyday and being able to share their stories. "It's such an honor when people let you into their life to tell you a bit about themselves." She also enjoys writing everyday because it allows her creative spirit to shine.

The Wrapping:  Katie shares just a bit of her gifting life...
Best gift received: Although it's intangible, my mother gave me the best gift by teaching me how to be a good host. That's sort of an all encompassing term for the ability to whip up an appetizer in a jiffy for unexpected gifts; the art of making people feel comfortable in your home; and treating your guests like royalty! 
Best gift given:  When I flew home to surprise my mother for her 60th birthday. I scrimped and saved to afford my ticket but when I walked through the front door, ready to make her a special dinner for her big day--I will never forget the look on her face. 
My "go-to" gift: Champagne. Seriously, who doesn't like champagne? 
What's on your wish list: I'm in the process of redecorating my home right now--and I am in desperate need of the perfect yellow area rug. Fairly certain my eyes are permanently crossed from browsing online. 
Your most recent shopping splurge: I love shopping Target for anything. (Two words: Dollar Aisle)

The Bow: Let's peek into the life of Katie, out of reporter mode...
On a Saturday afternoon you'd most likely find me...in the summer--poolside with a good book and some good friends. In the winter, likely watching sports somewhere and yelling at the tv.  
Favorite quote..."I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you" Matthew 17: 20-21
I am most inspired by...the people I meet every day on the job. The firefighter who rushes into the burning home. The cop who helps pull the wounded woman from a crushed car. The teacher who spends their own meager salary on classroom supplies because they love their students. 
I'd love to meet...Soledad O'Brien. She is one of my news celebrities. I actually stood next to her at the Edward R. Murrow awards in New York City a few years ago but was too shy to say hello! 

Bzzz...Be sure to watch Katie on WSOC TV Channel 9.  

Polished Nail Bar Style Influencer V.I.P. Event

One of the pedicure stations, please notice the waterfall behind the chairs

I was super excited to receive an invitation to a private event at Polished Nail Bar in Ballantyne to celebrate their newest salon located in Stonecrest Shopping Center. The event brought together style influencers (yup, they included me--go figure!) including some of my best buds and some new faces! We all celebrated over breakfast bites (think quiche and fruit), mimosas (that's what I had) while enjoying a complimentary manicure.
The Ballantyne location is only two months old and is quite spacious. If I had to guess, I'd say this location is about double the size of the Myers Park nail bar, just to give you an idea of what size.
This space would be perfect (gift alert!!) for a Girl's Night Out or a morning of bridal party pampering. I mean, I must agree with their flyer which stated: "Snack, Sip and Spaaah together" sounds good to me! After checking out the space and catching up with some of my best buds and some new faces, I decided it was time to get my nails did, as they say:) This was easier said than done!

After much contemplation, I chose Shelter Island by Essie. Here are just a couple more snapshots of a lovely morning:

Manicures in process, do you spy my bud Katie's baby bump?

All done & pretty!

Bzzzz: Now that you know it's open, be sure to stop by & tell them HoneeBee Gifts sent you! You can check out their pricing and additional services such as waxing and facials here.  

Special Thanks to From the Hip Communications & Scoop Charlotte. 

picture sources: my Iphone and ipolished.com 

Bzzzz: HoneeBee Gifts buzzes around SouthPark Magazine

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

Be sure to pick up the June issue of SouthPark Magazine which is filled with great articles on the who, what, when, where in Charlotte. This month I was like a kid in a candy store picking out beautiful jewelry from local designers like Kristin Hayes and Laura James. Each piece had it's own character and would be a perfect accessory to many summer outfits. The article is called Summer Sparklers and begins on page 23. Oh and we all love a good cookout, right? I feel like I am always on the lookout for a fun one:) Anyhoo, be sure to read Thrill of the Grill where I pick out some not-so-expected items to take your BBQ from simple to supreme.  Oh, and you can pick up a copy of the magazine throughout the city. Here are all the locations. 

Be sure to drop me a note and let me know your favorite place to shop for local baubles or even your top BBQ tip. Look forward to hearing from you!