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. 

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!

WCNC Story: Tips for those still looking to finish holiday shopping

Please check out my interview with WCNC NewsChannel 36 discussing last minute gift ideas. Just click the links below!

Video (Part 1): Tips for those still looking to finish holiday shopping WCNC.com Charlotte

Video (Part 2): Interview: Dion talks to Simone McDowell WCNC.com Charlotte

Holiday Gift Guide: Last Minute Gifts

Has life gotten in the way of being able to pick out gifts for your friends and family? Did you think you checked everyone off your list but then realized...oops, I forgot so-and-so? Well, I have five great gift ideas that will make any giftee feel that they were on top of your list. Hey, no one needs to know that they were almost forgotten! These gift ideas can be picked up right before the Christmas (thank God for holiday hours!) and placed under the tree with care before the big day.

Laura James Jewelry

This last minute gift idea will make any woman swoon! From detailed vintage necklaces to bold cocktail rings and earrings, these pieces are sure to grab a compliment or two every time you (or a lucky giftee) wears it. All pieces are one of a kind and hand crafted by designer Laura James. Below is one of my fave pieces, the Vintage Signed Florenza Moonstone Pendant Necklace. I also have my eye on the Emerald Cut Vintage Ruby Red Glass Stone Statement Cocktail Ring and the Vintage Emerald Green Glass Drop Earrings--just the right colors for the holiday too!

                                  

Laura James Jewelry will be open from 10-7pm until December 23 and from 9am-3pm on Christmas Eve.

Green City Bottles Corona Tumblers
Guys think it's hard to find gifts for girls but isn't it a bit harder to find guy gifts? I mean most shopping was created for us girls and maybe, just maybe the guys are left out in the cold. Well, I have just the gift that will make you look like a gift rockstar. The Green City Corona Tumblers, available at The Boulevard at Southend are made from upcycled beer bottles and are sure to get guests talking at your next gathering. All glasses are hand cut, sanded and polished to ensure safety. What a great way to give back to the environment and reduce waste!

The Boulevard at South End will be open from 10am-6pm until December 23 and from 10am-3pm on Christmas Eve.



Sky High Sports
A 40,000 foot trampoline park allows children and adults to jump around to their heart's desire. There are three main areas including a mosh pit filled with soft sponge-like squares and an area to play dodge ball. Of course, there is open play for anyone who wants to bounce around freely and organized activities like AIRobics, a low impact exercise class for others. This would be a great gift for kids...and kids at heart. Check me out (below) being one of those "kids at heart".

Sky High Sports is open today and tomorrow from 10am-10pm, Friday from 11am-midnight and closes at 4pm on Christmas Eve.

The Wine Palette
Get to know your creative side with this gift from The Wine Palette, a locally owned sip and paint establishment in Plaza Midwood. At the Wine Palette, you can bring your own bottle of wine, have a glass or two while an instructor guides you through making your own masterpiece. Trust me, you don't have to be Picasso to get into this creative class. It is for everyone and would make for a great holiday gift.  Below is a painting a friend creating at The Wine Palette for my HoneeBee Blog Launch!

The Wine Palette will have holiday inspired classes this week and will be open from 6-8pm on Wednesday and Friday and 7pm-9pm on Thursday. They will be closed on Christmas Eve.

Magazine Subscription
This gift fits just about everyone because you can match someone's interest to a particular magazine and order the subscription on their behalf. There's the person who reads the gossip mag before boarding a plane and the businessman who is addicted to Forbes....and so on and so forth. This is a creative gift but does not break the bank and as an extra bonus every time the magazine arrives in the giftee's mailbox, they think of you! Below are a few ideas, maybe one will be the right fit for your giftee.

To purchase, you can visit the respective magazines website, pull a subscription card from the magazine or for discounts visit http://www.discountmags.com/ or a similar site for a deal.

Bzzzz: Be sure to check out my interview with WCNC News Channel 36 featuring these items today at 4 & 5:30pm.

WCNC shares unique V-Day gifts by Honeebee

WCNC's Dion Lim shares unique Valentine's Day gift ideas from yours truly! I was so excited to see the story. For your viewing pleasure:)




Link here: http://www.wcnc.com/news/consumer/Unique-gift-ideas-for-Valentines-Day-115754879.html

source: wcnc.com