Gift Faux Pas: Wedding Gift Amount Deemed Insufficient By Bad-Mannered Bride

Have you heard about the bride who sent one of her wedding guests a Facebook message questioning their gift choice? How offensive. This my friend's is a gift faux pas. Read the article below from The Huffington Post:

Photo credit: Huffington Post

Wow, talk about bad manners! On Friday, we received a truly horrifying email from one of our readers that would make etiquette guru Emily Post turn in her grave. The reader, Tanya, told us about a recent Facebook message she received from a bride after attending her wedding last month. In the message, the bride expressed her dissatisfaction with the $100 wedding gift she received from Tanya and her date. You can read the message for yourself below, but we must warn you: Your blood WILL boil.
Last weekend I attended a wedding of a not-close friend with my boyfriend and as a gift we gave $100 cash. This was generous considering my financial situation. I just finished university with $40,000 in student loans, and have only found part time (12-18 hrs per week) minimum wage. I gave as much as I could and attended to show my support. 

Today I received a rude and condescending message from the bride via Facebook messenger: 

"Hi Tanya, how are you? I just want to know is there any reason or dissatisfaction of Mike's and I wedding that both you and Phil gave 50$ each? In terms of the amount we got from you both was very unexpected as a result we were very much short on paying off the reception because just for the cocktail + reception alone the plate per person is 200$ (as per a normal wedding range with open bar is about) and Mike and I both have already paid for everything else including decor, photography, attire etc and didn't expect we had to cover that huge amount for reception as well. As I know you both live together and work, so I did not see any reason for that amount, when it comes to your wedding hopefully you'll know what I mean. I hope for the best as from what we receive is what we will give back. Anyways, good luck on everything." [all sic]

It's infuriating that she had the nerve to make assumptions about my finances, and assume that I or my boyfriend had an extra $400 lying around. Those $100 were hard-earned and she didn't show an ounce of gratitude for what she did receive. That money didn't grow on a tree. If she had a minimum gift requirement, she should have specified it...or asked everyone for income statements before inviting them.

To hear the advice from HuffPost experts, go here. 

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.

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!  

 

www.charlottemagazine.com/best-of-the-best

 

 

 

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

 

Party Announcement: Flip Your Gift Party: Sat. Jan 5th

I'm throwing a party that is perfect for those Christmas gifts...see the details below:)

 

 

 

Flip Your Gift is a FREE “swap” party that focuses solely on gifts. It allows you to “re-gift” without the negative connotation.

Perhaps you received a duplicate gift this holiday season or received a gift that is amazing but doesn’t match your style or decor.

Flip Your Gift allows you to exchange a similarly priced gift for one that better suits your needs, wants, style and/or decor. No gag gifts allowed! This is a free, fun festive event in which you exchange gifts, leaving with a special present that you cannot wait to take home to use, wear and/or admire.

Attendees bring a gift to exchange for a similarly priced gift that best suits their needs and/or wants.

This event is proudly sponsored by The Boulevard at South End.

Complimentary small bites, wine and desserts by Hey Sugar Shop

 

Date: Saturday, January 5, 2013

Location: The Ashton SouthEnd

Time: 11am-2pm

RSVP via Facebook or by leaving a comment/your name at the end of this post.

HoneeBee Gifts featured in The Charlotte Post

 

Hey there! On Thursday I was featured in The Charlotte Post. Writer Michaela Duckett conducted a fab interview...she was great to talk to and really excited to learn more about HoneeBee Gifts. I think this was reflected in the interview. Please see an excerpt below and click the link at the end to see the full article on The Charlotte Post website. Gift-giving is not just for holiday season

Consultant's advice: The time's always right

The holiday shopping season will be in full swing in a couple of weeks as shoppers flood the malls in search of the perfect gifts for the special people in their lives. One local entrepreneur believes that gift giving should not be relegated to one time of year, but should occur all year long.

“I’ve always loved giving and receiving gifts,” says Simone McDowell, who launched the blog HoneeBee Gifts in 2008. “I just like seeing someone’s face when they get a good gift. I like the excitement when they are unwrapping it.”

McDowell, a public relations and marketing professional, says her passion for gifting began when she was a child.

“I always had such a fun holiday season with my family,” she says. ‘I feel like you should have that feeling all year round. It shouldn’t just be during the holidays.”

To read more (including the secret of the perfect gift) go here.

source: charlottepost.com

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.

Don't Stress, It's Just A Gift

Gift giving should not be stressful and I am here to share a few tips on how to have a stress-free gifting season...which is all year round! Happy Shopping!

Gather gift ideas all the time: The best way to not be stressed is to gather ideas throughout the year. Take notes (mental or written) on what you see others glancing at, noticing and talking about. These items will give

you clues when it's time for gift giving.

Keep your budget in mind: Before hitting any boutique or store, know what you want to spend and be strict about it. If you go over budget, it will only make you resent the gift receiver....and it doesn't do anything for your bank account.

When you see it, buy it: If you come across the perfect gift for someone, purchase it right then and there. It's best to house the item in your gift closet until their birthday/anniversary, etc comes around rather than waiting to purchase. Odds are if you come back it won't be there and you'll always think "What if'?

Sweet Gift Giving: HoneeBee Gifts by Charlotte Style Magazine

                                               

 I am usually the one behind the pen but a few months ago I spoke with the publisher of Charlotte STYLE Magazine about my blog and after a few chats to learn more about HoneeBee Gifts she expressed interest in conducting an article on me and my blog. Oh happy day!! I was so excited to conduct my first print interview on HoneeBee Gifts! I knew this would be a great opportunity to get the word out and share my thoughts on how my blog came to be, where I'd like to be in five years, as well as a few signature gift tips that I practice daily. Below is a blurb of the article. I would like to give special thanks to photographer GQ Lewis and Makeup Artist Nalini Eldridge. They made me look good! See full article here.

                               Sweet Gift Giving: HoneeBee Gifts by Sasha/Charlotte STYLE Magazine

Gift-giving is always a fun experience. It allows you to show your appreciation for the recipient for any occasion. Sometimes the gift search can be a little frustrating, especially if the receiver has everything you could ever imagine. Trust me, I have been there.Simone McDowell, creator and owner of HoneeBee Gifts gives us some quick tips to “Give in Style”.See full article here.



Since conducting the Charlotte STYLE Magazine interview, I have become a monthly contributor to the publication and I sometimes want to pinch myself I feel so lucky! Right now we are Celebrating September in Style and I urge you to get your ticket to Fashion's Grand Finale on September 30th. It's STYLE's Fall Fashion + Makeover Issue Release Party and you don't want to miss it!

2011 Emmys-- before the event it's all about the gifts!

If I were a celeb, I think I'd be as excited to go to the gift lounges/suites as much as the actual award show! For those not familiar, gift lounges/suites are areas set up with the latest, most original and/or sought after items (i.e. swag) that range from on-site spa services to baby gear to jewelry and more. 
They are set up prior to all the major award shows and welcome celebrities, nominees, writers and producers to check out a candyland of gifts. Most suites are hosted by companies you are familiar with including but not limited to HP TouchSmart,  HBO, and GBK-Tic Tac and the products and experiences are top-notch. Some of the gifts given out for the 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards include:

• Klipsch's One noise isolating headphones
• Designer sunglasses from Solstice
• Watches from Invicta
• Notebook Computers from  HP
• sterling silver hoop earrings by Silpada 
• Cinnamon sugar popcorn from Popcorn, Indiana
• HoneyPrint Stationary

Who wouldn't want a little swag to go along with an Emmy win? Heck, who wouldn't want a little swag, period?

source: scoop.today.com,abcnews.go.com, news.yahoo.com, boston.com

The Importance of a Gift Closet

Busy, busy, busy--that's us, right? Truly, that is the society we live in and I wanted to share a "to-do" that will make life easier in the long run--having a gift closet. A gift closet (or drawer or cabinet) is a place to stash gifts that can be given at a moments notice. These would be a gift that would suit a variety of people (teacher, family friend, relative or neighbor) but still has your special touch on it. Some items that would be a good fit for a gift closet include candles, stationary/notecards, books, wine and more. To ensure that your special touch is seen in every item, you must pick presents that you have tried and loved, cannot live without or is simply one of your favorite things. Everyone that receives the gift will feel that you chose something you enjoy and thought they would too....and you arrive carrying the gift like the calm, poised person you are. No one ever needs to know that you pulled the item from your sanity..errr...secret stash!

photo source: Domino Mag, 2007

Waaahhh! Gifts for a New Mommy

A recently saw a friend of mine and she has this cute baby bump. After I rubbed her belly (not really!) I thought WWMW- WhatWouldMommyWant. While this post won't include over the top push presents like Rachel Zoe (did you see her new ring?) it will include ways to remember all the things your new bundle of joy will do, how to make yourself comfortable during the process and what to when you get that little cutie pie home. I will share three books that are modern, informative and would make a great gift for any MTB (Mommy to Be).

This book promises tips on how to handle those long nine months of pregnancy The Baby Bump Book

This books allows you to jot down moments that turn into memories, whether it's a funny thing your tot did to a special quote that reminds you of your precious one.

Mom's One Line a Day Book

Once your little one is home, your hands will be FULL. This book of 50 songs to read, sing and hear will hold your baby's attention...and may produce the next Celine Dion. Lullaby Baby Book

Bzzz: Check out a diy hospital survival kit for new moms here from My Own Road blog. Extra treat: You can add one of the books above into the kit.

sources: @RachelClapp, istockphotos.com, chroniclebooks.com, jensowroad.blogspot.com

Spotlights, gifts, oh my!

This weekend I discovered a few new places to spotlight and a couple of gifts that I think you (or a lucky giftee) will enjoy. Can't wait to share with you this week. Smooches!

photo source: apartment34.blogspot.com

WOW gift: Beyonce Gifts Jay-Z $2 Million Car

When Jay-Z's Bday rolled around Beyonce gifted Jay-Z quite well!! See the video from ABC News, along with a pic of the gift:

http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/video/beyonce-gifts-jay-million-car-12362838

Gotta love Jay and Bey, they do it like no other!

sources: abcnews.com, google.com