HoneeBee Gifts buzzes around SouthPark Magazine (blvd. section & more!)

 

For the December issue of SouthPark Magazine, I was able to go beyond my normal contributor duties of working on the blvd. section. I also wrote the "Lost Art of Dinner" article on the roaming dinner and activity club, Relish Carolina and my do's and don'ts of gift giving was featured by Olivia Fortson in the Swirl section. In addition, the blvd. section was expanded due to the holiday season and I was able to get even more creative with the section by interviewing a local mixologist  Nicholas Glass with Delta's Restaurant, bakery (Polka Dot Bake Shop) and stationary shop (Paper Twist). In addition I worked directly with the photographer setting the holiday scene for blvd. section of the publication.  It felt great to have an expanded role with one of my all-time favorite magazines...how lucky am I?!

 

Anyhoo, be sure to pick up the December issue of SouthPark Magazine and shameless plug...be sure to check out--

blvd. section beginning on page 17

Do's and Don'ts for gifting on page 22

The Lost Art of Dinner article highlighting Relish Carolina on page 42

Some of the articles can be found online throughout the month. For example The Lost Art of Dinner is up now but you can also pick up copies of the magazine  here.

 

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.

 

source: southparkmagazine.com

Sneak Peek: WCNC Interview on Mother's Day Gifts

Today I had the opportunity to share some of my gift ideas for Mother's Day on WCNC, NewsChannel 36. For those familiar with my blog, you know that I like to go beyond the gift card and today was no exception. I was able to highlight unique experiences/gifts from The Ritz Carlton-Charlotte, The Boulevard at South End, Savory Spice Shop and Polka Dot Bake Shop.  I hope to have video to share soon but in the meantime, here are a few pictures I took on set.  In addition, here is a post I shared earlier on my blog about these unique experiences/gifts.

Myself and News Anchor Dion Lim holding delicious cupcakes...we really wanted to eat them but we needed them for the news segment:)

The gift table is set--it's almost lights, camera, action time!

Mother's Day Gifts: Show Mama some Love

Mother's Day is coming up and you do not want to be caught out there with no gift for your Mom.  That would not go well! She is that special someone who deserves to be treated well...every day and May 13th will only bring about some extra special treatment! Here are a few gift ideas on how you can celebrate your Mom on her special day through cupcakes, tea and jewelry to name a few.

Cupcakes for Mom
Have kids visit one of my all-time favorite cupcake places, Polka Dot Bake Shop on Saturday, May 12th between 10:30am-1:00pm to decorate a gourmet cupcake for their Mom. Each child will have one-on-one time with expert decorators to create their cupcake masterpiece. Once completed, their cupcake will be placed in a box with a bow, ready to be presented to their #1 Mom. To  reserve your spot or for more information, call 704-523-5001. Spot must be reserved by May 11th.

Chocolate Afternoon Tea
Everyone is familiar with the tradition afternoon tea but The Ritz Carlton-Charlotte takes it up a notch by adding chocolate from their infamous Bar Cocoa. In addition to a selection of loose-leaf teas, the world's greatest Mom will enjoy tea sandwiches and sweet treats like chocolate and salted caramel tart and white cholocate and orange scones.

Cooking with Spices
Treat your Mom to a cooking class at Savory Spice Shop in Southend. The classes vary but the main ingredient is always--you guessed it--spices! Some upcoming classes include How to Make Mustard (May 4th) and Healing Spices (May 17). During the Healing Spices class, you will learn about spices that have a healing effect and Chef Karen will teach you how to make a delicious pizza. These classes book up fast so be sure to secure your Mom a seat soon.

A Day at Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens
For Mother's Day weekend, take your special lady to Daniel Stowe Botantical Gardens to enjoy beautiful flowers and fresh air. To honor Moms, their entrance fee will be waived and the first 250 Moms will receive a potted plant from Rountree Plantation Garden Center. Other special activities going on that weekend include a tiffany style stained glass demonstrations by artist Bob Yost and mosaic art demonstrations by artist Pat Groome. These demonstrations will occur on the hour starting at 10 a.m. You can also snag artwork that day and  picnic baskets created by Best Impressions can be pre-ordered (do so by May 7th) to enjoy during your visit.

Jewelry
This may sound cliche but jewelry for Mom never goes out of style. While keeping Mom's style in mind, pick out a small gift at one of the many local jewelry stores around town...and to add a twist to this gift make sure she creates a "wish list" so the next time you want to gift Mom something special you have a few items to choose from. You can have her create her own by writing it down on the spot or most jewelry stores will help you create a list and keep it on file for future purchases.



sources: Polka Dot, Savory Shop, Ritz Carlton, DSBG, prettythings.tumblr.com

Make Your List and Check It Twice!

I know some people have been in Christmas mode for some time now, while others are just getting into the gifting spirit. I must say that I agree with Nordstrom's philosophy of celebrating one holiday at a time...I go in some stores in October and see Christmas cards and ornaments and I feel rushed--and life already moves to fast!

Thanksgiving was just a few days ago and it was a treat for me, spending time with one of my BFF's family...who I affectionately call my "second family". I hope everyone had a great time with friends and family and are thankful for that time. Now, I am getting into the Christmas spirit and want to encourage you to make your list and check it twice!

I encourage you to check out the HoneeBee archives for fab gift ideas for anyone in your family. If you need assistance for a picky wife, distant cousin or new mother-in-law, just let me know!

Also, check out the latest magazines that are on stands. The December issues have wonderful shopping and gift tips.

HoneeBee tip: If you know someone who subscribes to a particular mag, you can bet your bottom dollar that he/she will appreciate at least one of the gift ideas shared in the magazine. You can do some extra research by purchasing the mag yourself and seeing what they have in there or (for the super sleuths) check out that person's copy of the magazine...he/she may have dogeared or circled some wish list item.

I few mags that I have come across that have some unique ideas include:

Real Simple

Some gift ideas from the mag: Infused vodka, chocolate nut bark, monogrammed journal

Town & Country

Some gift ideas from the mag: Johnathan Adler Pop rocks glasses, Harper's Bazaar: Fabulous at Every Age book, DVF leather and rubber flip flops.

PS: Even if you do not celebrate Christmas, there are still great deals and gift ideas out there.

sources: Real Simple mag, Town and Country mag, about.com

Polka Dot offers free cupcakes!

Many of you know my love of Polka Dot Bake Shop from a previous post I did on the business. In celebration of their two-year anniversary, Polka Dot will open its doors on Sunday, November 22nd (they are usually closed on Sundays) to entice you with a free cupcake.

That's right, stop by Polka Dot and they will give you one of their yummy treats for free. I encourage you to stop by between 1-4pm, pick up a cupcake and purchase one for a friend...or for later:) Trust me you will thank me for the sweet tip. Although, it may add a few minutes to your workout, it is worth it.

Polka Dot Bake Shop is located at 1730 E Woodlawn Rd. Their website is http://www.polkadotbakeshop.com/.

source: polkadotbakeshop.com

The Spotlight: Polka Dot Bake Shop

Cupcakes, cupcakes, cupcakes. I HEART You....and if anyone wants to get me a special gift (aka a super delicious treat) I will gladly take a cupcake from Polka Dot Bake Shop...I don't even need a bow. What I do need is a fork...so I can really enjoy. Take a peak at how I eat my favorite cupcake from Polka Dot.

Creme Caramel Cupcake

This cute little space has a few outdoor tables and indoor seats so you can dine in with your cupcakes. I usually take mine to go but to each its own. The staff are funny, cute and always smiling when you enter the door.

Cupcakes are a treat--not your traditional "gift" but could replace the usual cake at a party, be added to a brunch or shared as a nightcap..instead of Cognac.

Fun Facts:

• The cupcake evolved in the United States in the 19th century.



• In the beginning, cupcakes were sometimes called "number" cakes, because they were easy to remember by the measurements of ingredients it took to create them.



• According to the Food Timeline Web, food historians have yet to pinpoint exactly where the name of the cupcake originated.