Head over to the NEW HoneeBee Gifts site!

Hey HoneeBee'ers! I am sorry it's been quiet over here:( It's been for a GREAT reason though. I have been working on a new site and it's finally up and ready to go!

Please visit me there: www.honeebeegifts.com. I'd love to show you around & please let me know what you think and how I might be of service to you!

Get GIFT TIPS from HoneeBee Gifts at the Southern Women's Show TOMORROW

So excited to share my gift tips at the Southern Women's Show TOMORROW  at the Charlotte Convention Center.  The presentation entitled Elevating the Gift Experience will begin at 3:30pm at the Spotlight 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. 

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

About The Southern Women's Show
The Southern Women's Show has some wonderful things planned from September 19-22 The Charlotte Convention Center. 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: http://www.southernshows.com/wch/

HoneeBee Gifts featured on Sleeveshirt Consulting & Banglewood Crafts

So excited to be featured by Sleeveshirt Consulting and Banglewood Crafts! It was great to share a bit about me and my baby, HoneeBee Gifts. Both Sleeveshirt and Banglewood help entrepreneurs in their own special way. Sleeveshirt Consulting works with inventors launching products, businesses looking to develop new product lines, and established brands needing targeted marketing and publicity. Banglewood Crafts is an online craft store, blog and how-to-information source that serves as a platform for artists of all kinds to display their work and tell their story. I really appreciate them sharing a bit of my story with their loyal readers & followers.

 

See below for each article and be sure to check out their products and services!

 

To see the entire Sleeveshirt Consulting article go here.

To see the entire Banglewood Crafts interview go here.

sources: sleeveshirt consulting, banglewood crafts

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.  

HoneeBee Gifts Displays: Have one at your next event!

For special occasions events I have created unique gift displays that help businesses celebrate their anniversaries, launches and more.  It's been fun to get creative in a totally different way! These displays go beyond simply having a table with materials and a candy dish—my displays have included 5 ft. Christmas trees and 15 lb. televisions, along with gifts for guests, of course. These displays allow businesses to stand out among the crowd and are  a great conversation starter for guests and/or potential clients. In addition, I’ve noticed that HoneeBee Gifts displays have been used as a beautiful backdrop to many photo ops. So far, my displays have been three-dimensional and the theme is usually a direct correlation to the event.  I work directly with the event planner, share sketches (I’m not much of a sketch artist though) and/or ideas until we get the best concept for the event. Next I research and gather all the materials to make a one-of-a-kind display for the client. Here are a few photos of some of the displays I have done:

Harris & Barnes 10 year Anniversary Party at Kanvas, photo courtesy of Bluesol Photography

Pret a Portea, high fashion and tea event at Duke Mansion, photo courtesy of Green Valley Photography



Life During the Commercial Break Blog Launch Party, 10 Park Lanes, photo courtesy of my friend, Ang

If you are interested in having a gift display done for your event. Please email me at simonemcdowell@gmail.com.

For more photos of my gift displays and the events I have been a part of, go here. This page is overflowing with pics!

Experience: Party in the Park at The Mint Museum

 

Picnic in the Park is a family friendly event that takes place on the grounds of the Mint Museum-Randolph.  Couples, friends and kids can lounge out on the lawn, watch a movie (this year’s flick is Top Gun) and eat food from local food trucks including Roaming Fork, Southern Cake Queen and Papi Queso.

Guests are encouraged to participate in outdoor games, relax to “celebrate the Summer” tunes and check out the latest exhibits inside the museum.  The evening will also feature a silent auction which will benefit the Mint Annual Fund.  There will be a cash bar. Be sure to bring blankets & chairs.

 

Bzzz: Cost details: Mint Members $10, Non-Members $20, Children under 18: Free You can pre-register at here or call 704-337-2000. mintmuseum.org/happenings

Out the Box: Michelle Boudin

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: Michelle Boudin
Today we are featuring Michelle Boudin, NBC Charlotte Reporter and Magazine Contributor.  Michelle is a straight forward, entertaining conversationalist. While we've never actually partied together, she is one that I think would bring "life" to any dinner party. You know, one of those active participants that every party needs! Now, bringing back to her reporter side...I actually went to dinner  (no party) with her and one of my good friends...and found out stuff about my friend that I didn't even know--now THAT's a good reporter! Michelle loves the people she gets to meet while working and enjoys telling their stories. "Everyone has a story. I'm lucky enough to hear a lot of good ones. Occasionally I even get to make a difference and on those days I go home really happy" said Boudin when asked what she loves most about her job. 

The Wrapping:  Michelle shares just a bit of her gifting life...
Best gift received: We just lost my grandmother--one of the most stylish women I'll ever know. My mom gave me a gorgeous ring that she used to wear. It's kind of big and hard to miss and it makes me smile every time I look at it. 
Best gift given:  When my sister graduated college I took her on a trip to California. We drove the Pacific Coast Highway in a convertible, stopping at lots of cool places along the way. 
My "go-to" gift: I love giving truffles from Whole Foods. The box is pretty and the truffles are delicious--and it's only $5.99! 
What's on your wish list: Um...so much! I love getting gifts as much as I love giving them. I love surprises. I'm a product junkie so anything that smells good (candles, lotions, lip gloss, etc). I love jewelry--from statement necklaces to the special stuff from Tiffany's. And I love gift cards because not everyone can know exactly what you're dying for...although I am always up for a spa day!
Your most recent shopping splurge: I love shopping Tory Burch. I got a great deal at 3am on Black Friday at the outlet in South Florida on a fun tote. 

The Bow: Let's peek into the life of Michelle, out of reporter mode...
On a Saturday afternoon you'd most likely find me...in puppy obedience school. We're a work in progress. (Note: Michelle has a cutie patootie doggy)
Favorite quote...It's never too late to become what you might have been--George Eliot
I am most inspired by...the people I meet on the stories I'm covering
I'd love to meet...Mr. Right 

Bzzz...Michelle told me that she is always on the lookout for great human interest stories. She encourages HoneeBee readers to email great ideas to her at: mboudin@wcnc.com. In addition, to reporting for NBC Charlotte, Michelle writes for People magazine, Charlotte Magazine and more. 

HoneeBee Gifts buzzes around SouthPark Magazine (blvd. section)

 

Be sure to pick up the May issue of SouthPark Magazine (blvd. section) to find out some of the best locally made treats to include in your picnic basket. Some of the items I highlighted were from Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, Blacklion, Sunflour Baking Company, Reid's Fine Foods, Duke Bread, Orrman's Cheese Shop and Isabella boutique. 

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.

Bzzzz: Grab a few of these items and take your significant other on an alfresco date. Picnics are high on my list of "experience gifts" and it's a perfect way to have a memory and not simply objects as gifts! 

Oh--and you could even couple the picnic with a local event like Symphony Pops or any of the many outdoor events that take place through the Spring/Summer months. 

Sale Alert: Towne & Reese Sample Sale

Towne and Reese Sample Salon allows you to add some bling to your jewelry box

Towne & Reese, an affordable and fun accessories line is having a sample sale this Wednesday and I encourage you to stop by to pick up a few sparkly gifts. The sale is only happening in Charlotte but I do have a surprise not-so-close readers too. I can't leave you hanging!
For those in the 704, you can stop by the Towne & Reese office, cash in hand to purchase  rings, bracelets, earrings and more at 214 W. Tremont Avenue, Suite 303. They ask that you park across the street from their building in the old warehouse lot on the left side of the fence only (they are very specific because they do not want anyone to get towed!).
 The items that are apart of the sample sale includes overstock items, sample rep samples, accessories left over from season's past and a some with irregularities. Oh--and guess what? Everything is between $5-$15! This sale is a great opportunity to stock up your  gift closet and with these prices I encourage you to pick out a lil' something for you too!

Bzzz: Before going to the sample sale, look in your own jewelry box and see what you are missing (yellow necklace, gold studs, etc) and make a list for your shopping day at Towne & Reese. Also, think about your friends and their jewelry "style" and make note...knowing these things will help you to not duplicate your jewelry pieces and allows you to pick up something perfect for a friend.

Be sure to tell them HoneeBee Gifts sent you...and I will see you there!

Bzzz: For my non locals, I have a surprise!! Just go to the Towne & Reese website for 30% off. In addition, if you spend over $100, the shipping is free.

Giftology

InStyle Magazine conducted a survey asking its readers about their gift giving (and getting) confessions. I thought I'd share a bit of their findings...

Courtesy of Pretty Stuff Tumblr

Have you ever paid to have presents professionally wrapped?

68% No, that's what gift bags are for
32% Yes, it's much easier (and prettier) that way 

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!

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 café 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

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.



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.

HoneeBee Contest: Tickets to Special Advance Movie Screening: The Five Year Engagement

Are you interested in winning a ticket for you and a guest to see The Five-Year Engagement movie before it hits theatres? All you have to do is "LIKE" the HoneeBee Gifts Fan Page between now and Monday, April 9th! On Tuesday I will pick randomly pick a winner and announce it on my the HoneeBee Gifts Fan page. Be sure to check back to the site to see if you won! This contest is limited to Charlotte, NC residents. This is a short contest but worth putting you hat in the ring for!

A bit about the movie....
The movie features Jason Segel and Emily Blunt. It is a comedy about the journey between popping the question and tying the knot. It is from the producer of mega-hit Bridesmaids and officially hits theatres on April 27th.


Just a bit more from their official website...
The director and writer/star of Forgetting Sarah Marshall reteam for the irreverent comedy The Five-Year Engagement. Beginning where most romantic comedies end, the new film from director Nicholas Stoller, producer Judd Apatow (Knocked Up, The 40-Year-Old Virgin) and Rodney Rothman (Get Him to the Greek) looks at what happens when an engaged couple, Jason Segel and Emily Blunt, keeps getting tripped up on the long walk down the aisle. The film was written by Segel and Stoller.

A bit about the contest:
The only way to win is to become a fan on the HoneeBee Gifts Fan Page
Contest begins now (Sunday, April 8th) until Monday, April 9th, 11:59pm
Winner announced  & arrangements for ticket pick-up Tuesday, April 10th
Advance Movie Screening takes place on Thursday, April 12th at 7pm at AMC Northlake

Questions: Just shoot me an email at simonemcdowell (at) gmail.com.

It's here! HoneeBee Gifts Blog Party photos by Charlotte Observer

A photo slideshow of the HoneeBee Gifts blog party have just been placed on the Charlotte Observer's website. The photos were taken by the talented Daniel Coston. To see all photos go here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/11/02/2743254/scene-heard-110211.html?spill=1

source: charlotteobserver.com

HoneeBee Gifts FAN Page

I created a Facebook FAN Page and encourage you to LIKE the page here. You can also search "HoneeBee Gifts" on the Facebook website. If you head over now, you can view all the party pics from the HoneeBee Launch Event at The Wine Palette. Hot off the presses!

Charlotte Magazine highlights HoneeBee Gifts Blog Party

As if I wasn't excited enough for my blog party, now I am even more excited about the aftermath! Everyone shared that they had a great time and I have made a few great connections (keep em coming!) as a result of the party. I wanted to share a GREAT highlight from the event-- the Charlotte Magazine article that talks about the HoneeBee Gifts Blog Party by freelance writer/editor and blogger, Jarvis Holliday, who I am also lucky to call a friend. Here's a snidbit of the article below:

Dusk Till Dawn
I’m always looking for new and different ways to experience an evening or night out. I’d heard a little about The Wine Palette since it opened in June in Plaza Midwood, and I finally got the chance to check it out Saturday when a friend and fellow blogger had a party.


Simone McDowell, of HoneeBee Gifts, threw a party to celebrate the redesign of her blog. The Wine Palette hosts private events, so Simone welcomed about thirty of her friends and fellow bloggers, and we had the place to ourselves from 5-8 p.m.


To see the entire article, click here.

First Photo from HoneeBee Gifts Blog Launch Party

My HoneeBee Gifts Blog Launch Party was a success! To me, that means people came, had a good time and I was able to talk to guests about my blog and share the newly designed site. As a bonus, I was even able to create my own masterpiece. To sum things up, I feel happy and blessed!

I could not have maintained my sanity were it not for a few fab friends who brainstormed with me, helped me set up, stuffed swag bags and simply gave me their support. To each of you, I am grateful!

I would also like to thank The Wine Palette. The Wine Palette was the perfect place to host my party and I thank owners Neha and Monika for their support. If you have not tried this place out, you must--mention HoneeBee Gifts and they may give you a discount:)

I don't know about you but I feel like parties are not complete without a little sweetness. Special thanks to Polka Dot Bake Shop, Southern Cake Queen and Bramia's Sweets & Treats for providing sweet treats to the event.

Without further ado, here's the first photo: http://yfrog.com/186bsmpj compliments of my great friend and attendee, Rachel Clapp. More photos to come soon.

HoneeBee Gifts Blog Party Week!!

Sooo...this week I am having my HoneeBee Gifts Blog Party and I am excited (and nervous!!) about the event. I decided to have the party to share the redesign of my blog but wanted everyone to attend to also get to know what HoneeBee Gifts is all about. Of course, it's about creative gift ideas but I wanted to go beyond the surface and really show everyone what that means. If you have been following my blog you have a good idea:) but let me go deeper...
HoneeBee Gifts includes my thoughts on one of a kind gift experiences (no gift cards allowed here), gift tips and spotlights on companies that provide great gift options. At the event, everyone will get a glimpse of gifts I have featured on my blog--and get a chance to win for themselves or a lucky giftee. Of course, I can't have an event without sharing a gift! That would be insane! All attendees will experience The Wine Palette, a sip and paint establishment and can create their own piece of artwork and take home with them that evening. There will also be wine and a dessert bar to enhance the gift experience.  So far, I have gotten a great response about the event and I can't wait to meet new friends and see everyone buzzing around on Saturday. If you have not RSVP'ed yet, please go here to do so!