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!

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

(Super) Last Minute Mother's Day Gift Ideas

 Sooo, you meant to get your Mom's gift like last week, right? I 'm sure you are not alone. Here are a few items that can be picked up as late as, well tomorrow. Talk about the 11th hour....
         

                   

Below are five items that you can pick up on Mother's Day. I have  included prices but check your local stores for hours, as they may vary...but are definitely open on Sunday! Good luck!


                                                        Patterned Jewelry Boxes: West Elm $49-79

                                                                 Ivory Marble Wine Cooler: Crate & Barrel $29.99

Kate Spade Grove Court Maise Satchel Bag: Neiman Marcus $298

Keurig Special Edition Home Brewing System: Target $149.99

Only Hearts Organic Cotton Pajamas: Nordstrom $128

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.