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

HoneeBee Quote

Change always comes bearing gifts. - Price Pritchett

I know some people are like who? Price Pritchett? Mr. Pritchett is Chairman & CEO of PRITCHETT, LP, a Dallas-based consulting and training firm with offices in eight other countries. His firm was the first in the United States to specialize in merger integration strategy, and he has spent 30 years as an advisor to senior management in Fortune 500 companies, governmental organizations, and not-for-profits. His assignments have taken him to Europe, Asia, and throughout the Americas. Not a sexy celeb but a sexy smart businessman. Even better! I decided to use this quote to give a twist on Black Friday...the most famous shopping day of the year. Just think about it.

Two for One: mini*mergency kit and Footzyrolls

The Pink Hanger event that I attended last week was a success and according to an email I recieved the store is still accepting donations for Crisis Assistance Ministries until November 30th. You will also recieve a 20% discount on any new Pink Hanger items for your donation.


While at the event, I preused the store while waiting for a friend. Of course, I loved the clothes that I came across but a couple of other gift items caught my eye...the mini*mergency survival kit and Footzyrolls Ballet Flats...and it must of been on the top of Pink Hanger owner Whitney's mind too because she included these gifts on her Holiday News e-newsletter (you should sign up!). Here are pics and a little blurb about both items:


This kit is such a cute idea that I knew I had to share. It is tiny and includes various items from lip balm to breath freshener to deodorant. I could see this as a cute stocking stuffer, slumber party parting gift or a girls night in novelty item. It's small enough for your purse or car glove department.

I must admit that I did not try these on but just by touching them I could tell that my feet would love them:) They are very durable but cute, sensible and necessary when your feet can do no more in the heels you have been rockin' all day. I could see myself wearing these home from work.

These items are available online, I found the mini*mergency survival kit on http://www.shopintuition.com/ and Footzyrolls (which have been featured on Oprah!) on http://www.footzyrolls.com/.

If you are in Charlotte, check them out at The Pink Hanger. Tell them that HoneeBee sent you!

sources: shopintuition.com, footzyrolls.com, pinkhangeronline.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

Discount at Rachel Roy

Want to grab something fab from beautiful designer Rachel Roy? Today's your lucky day! Go to http://www.rachelroy.com/ and use code rrfriend for 30% off your purchase. This offer is good until November 23rd.

Here are a couple of finds I came across via Ms. Roy's website...

Transfourmer Coat

Groupie-Hobo Purse

Criss Cross Back Dress

This girl is talented! Happy Shopping!

source: rachelroy.com

Shop for a Cause at The Pink Hanger

Don't let the dreary weather keep you from getting a deal and helping a good cause! Beginning today, you can stop by The Pink Hanger and support Crisis Assistance Ministry whose mission is to provide assistance and advocacy for people in financial crisis, helping them move toward self-sufficiency.

The event is called Project Give & Take and will place until Saturday. Tonight is the kickoff party, which includes wine & champagne as you shop, treats from The Sweetie Pie Bakery, raffles and if you donate clothing at the party you get a discount on your purchase. Sidenote: you can still donate even if you don't purchase!

Here's some more info. from The Pink Hanger website:

This season The Pink Hanger is enlisting your help to give back to our community through a fantastic organization that assists families in the greatest need, Crisis Assistance Ministry. This is a great opportunity to do something for Charlotte and improve your Fall wardrobe at the same time!

Details:
~ From Wed, Nov 18th to Sat, Nov 21st, bring in clean, gently-used clothing to TPH (tops, dresses, coats, sweaters, pants only)
~ For every item you give, take 20% off one new item at the store!
~ Donation forms for tax purposes will be provided
~ Kick-off Party is Wed, Nov 18th from 5 to 8pm at TPH; bring your donations that night and get an extra 5% off per item!

source: pinkhangeronline.com, flickr.com

Experience: Winestore

Moscato d' Asti is my favorite (wine) but taking a trip to the winestore made me think about a few other strong contenders! The winestore is a concept that I am sure plenty of people wish they would have thought of first. Its a wine store that sells moderately priced wines but what I love most about this place is the wine sampler. Yes, you can sample select wines! The sampler is what really made the winestore an "experience" in my book!

Picture yourself and someone special going to go pick up a bottle of wine for a quiet dinner at home. You step into the winestore. You see the sampler. Let the fun begin.

The wine sampler is a wonderful machine that allows you to literally sample various wines for a nominal fee. To use the wine sampler you have to purchase a card (similar to a credit card in size) to slip in the slots of each wine you choose. The sample prices range from 50 cents to $2.50 and there are 16 red wines and 8 white wines to choose from. After sampling, you can pick up your bottle of wine, as originally planned (remember that quiet dinner at home?) and stroll back to the crib.

Here are a few of the winestore's best sellers....who knows you may find one of these in the sampler.

• Atteca Old Vines


• Burgans Albarino


• Chateau Smith


• Conundrum


• Evodia

Again, the wine sampler is a fabulous "pit stop" of sorts that makes wine shopping fun. Of course, if you have any wine questions (i.e. what is the best celebration wine, what wine should I pair with pasta, etc) just ask one of the informed folks behind the counter.

Want to experience the winestore? Check out http://www.winestore-online.com/. There are two locations: SouthPark (the one I checked out!) and the latest one in Blakeney. Always remember to drink responsibility!

source: www.winestore-online.com

The Spotlight: Amelie's French Bakery

Yummy in my tummy! Everyone should check out Amelie's Bakery located in NoDa. It's really more than a bakery and once you check it out you will understand why I say this.

It's almost like hanging out at your cool (but eclectic) aunt's house who likes to whip up tarts, bearclaws, breakfast sandwiches and more to tempt your tastebuds. I'm telling you about this place because you can treat it as an experience and swing by anytime to have an almost 9 1/2 weeks (remember that movie...HOT!) moment with a date or pick up treats for an everyday or special occasion.

By now your mouth should be watering. Just remember these delicious items could be picked up for breakfast in bed or an office party. Your choice! These yummies will work for both....and more. Be creative.

From the horse's mouth (i.e. the website)

Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Amélie’s is a French bakery and café in the historic NoDa arts district, just north of uptown Charlotte.

Besides providing the city with award-winning pastries and desserts, Amélie’s offers a select menu of fresh soups and sandwiches around the clock.Host an event in one of our salons. Or simply enjoy our eclectic café and outdoor patio.Live or work on the south side? Stop by A Slice of Amelie’s inside Café Monte Bistro near Phillips Place in the SouthPark area.
Our mission: We believe that everyone deserves access to excellence and our commitment is to keep you supplied with finest French pastries to be found in our region. We want to give you a superior experience every time you come through our doors!

source: ameliesfrenchbakery.com