Head over to the NEW HoneeBee Gifts site!

Hey HoneeBee'ers! I am sorry it's been quiet over here:( It's been for a GREAT reason though. I have been working on a new site and it's finally up and ready to go!

Please visit me there: www.honeebeegifts.com. I'd love to show you around & please let me know what you think and how I might be of service to you!

Get GIFT TIPS from HoneeBee Gifts at the Southern Women's Show TOMORROW

So excited to share my gift tips at the Southern Women's Show TOMORROW  at the Charlotte Convention Center.  The presentation entitled Elevating the Gift Experience will begin at 3:30pm at the Spotlight Stage. You will find out how you can go beyond the gift card, learn ways to create the whole gift package...down to the wrapping, the importance of a gift closet and much more! And of course, I will highlight a few great gifts that you can pick up right at the Southern Women's Show. 

Here's a bit about the Southern Women's Show and me....

About The Southern Women's Show
The Southern Women's Show has some wonderful things planned from September 19-22 The Charlotte Convention Center. Everyone is invited to join the FUN! Jam-packed with cool jewelry and handbags, make-up tips and tricks, delicious gourmet treats and more. Besides incredible shopping, you can enjoy runway fashion shows, cooking classes and informed speakers. Grab your mom, sister or best friend and spend the day--or weekend--doing everything you love! Tickets are $10 at the door and children under 6 are free. 

About Simone McDowell

Simone is a public relations and marketing pro who knows how to find the perfect gift, for the perfect budget. Find her insights and ideas on her blog, honeebeegifts.blogspot.com. Based in Charlotte, she is a regular contributor for SouthPark Magazine and Charlotte Style Magazine and Sheckys, a lifestyle company based in New York. A native of Baltimore, Simone earned her Bachelor of Arts from Bowie State University and her Master’s Degree from College of Notre Dame of Maryland. She has also taught the art of public speaking at University of North Carolina at Charlotte. When she isn’t blogging or finding the perfect gift, you can find her enjoying the arts, good food, and working with several community nonprofits including the Young Affiliates of the Mint Museum where she serves on their board of directors.

source: http://www.southernshows.com/wch/

Experience: Isabella Santos Foundation's 5K for Kid's Cancer

Listen up, HoneeBee’ers! I am getting a little serious on the blog today. If you are local resident of Charlotte I encourage you to step up and step out for cancer awareness this Saturday by participating in the Isabella Santos Foundation's 5K for Kid's Cancer.  The race is named after Isabella Santos, a young girl who was diagnosed with a rare childhood  cancer called neuroblastoma. Shortly after her diagnosis, the Santos family started the race to raise funds for pediatric cancer research. In its’ sixth year, the race celebrates Isabella (who passed away in 2012) and continues to raise funds for pediatric cancer research.  Last year’s event was very successful bringing in 1600 attendees and raising over $200K. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, September 21 at Ballantyne Corporate Park, beginning at 8am.

Here are the details of the event:

·         A 1-mile kids' fun run where kids will have a chance to wear a race chip and capture their time just like the adults

·         A Kids Zone sponsored by Levine Children's Hospital and United Support Services with food, music, and lots of activities for kids and families

·         There are many great raffle and silent auction items being donated by businesses and individuals throughout Charlotte.  Some of the prizes include:  Xbox 360, tickets to sporting events , Girls Night Out Packages, Golf Packages, Concert Tickets and more! (great way to pick up some great gifts while supporting a good cause!)

 Bzzzz: To learn more or to participate in this Saturday’s race (including how you can virtually participate, auction item details, etc) please go to Isabella Santos Foundation or visit their Facebook page here. 

source: isabellasantosfoundation.com

Hollywood's Charming & Spectacular Push Presents

People Magazine compiled 10 push presents that celebrities received for bringing their bundles of joy into the world. Here are some great gifts from the significant others of Jessica Simpson to Beyonce....

From sweet teddy bears to luxe Birkin handbags, see the gifts star moms received after welcoming their bundles of joy.

A month after welcoming son Ace Knute on June 30, fiancé Eric Johnson gave the mom-of-two a pair of stunning Elahn Jewels Moonstone Earrings. Adorned with micro pave diamonds and with a price tag of $4,500, the gems have a sentimental meaning for the couple: moonstone is young Ace's birthstone.

What do you give the woman who just gave birth to the future King of England? For Prince William  he surprised his wife with an adorable teddy bear from London department store Harrods. The new dad is said to have purchased the Charles Stephens stuffed animal – the retailer's annual bear, fully decked out in a smart white shirt, dapper red tie and pinstripe vest – before Prince George's July 22 birth.

To read more about these extravagant and thoughtful celebrity push presents go here. 

source: people.com

Experience: Romare Bearden Park Grand Opening Celebration

There's something about a city park, no? Charlotte has a few green spaces but nothing quite like the new Romare Bearden Park. Maybe, I'm taking it too far but with the opening of the park could it be that Charlotte now has its own, albeit small, version of Central Park in its midst? {OK--did I take it too far? You know, I don't think so!}
Named after the famed 20th century artist who grew up in Charlotte, the 5.4 park will feature two gardens, event lawn, tables and chairs, children's area, formal lawn, as well as areas for events including weddings.

                              
                              

Romare Bearden Park will have its' grand opening celebration this weekend with performances, activities and of course the opportunity to view the park. Here's just one thing you can do each day of the grand opening celebration:

*Ribbon cutting (Friday at 4pm)*

*Art Show (Saturday at 10am)*

*Storytelling (Sunday at 1:30pm)*

Throughout the day there will be live music, fitness demonstrations, jugglers, face painters, caricature artists, stilt puppets and much more! Please go here for the entire schedule of events and best locations to park. This park brings about many gifts--the gift of music, art, fitness and community. In addition, this would make for a not-so-run-of-the-mill date--did someone say gift of a great date?

Bzzz: Throughout the year the park will host fitness and cultural arts programs. For more on these specific activities including bootcamp classes, music box lunch series and art and photography classes go here. 

source: charmeck.com, architects newspaper, arts and science council 

HoneeBee Gifts featured on Sleeveshirt Consulting & Banglewood Crafts

So excited to be featured by Sleeveshirt Consulting and Banglewood Crafts! It was great to share a bit about me and my baby, HoneeBee Gifts. Both Sleeveshirt and Banglewood help entrepreneurs in their own special way. Sleeveshirt Consulting works with inventors launching products, businesses looking to develop new product lines, and established brands needing targeted marketing and publicity. Banglewood Crafts is an online craft store, blog and how-to-information source that serves as a platform for artists of all kinds to display their work and tell their story. I really appreciate them sharing a bit of my story with their loyal readers & followers.

 

See below for each article and be sure to check out their products and services!

 

To see the entire Sleeveshirt Consulting article go here.

To see the entire Banglewood Crafts interview go here.

sources: sleeveshirt consulting, banglewood crafts

Sneak Peek: The Cheeky Bean Boutique-SouthPark

On Saturday I had the chance to check out The Cheeky Bean Fashion Boutique in SouthPark. This is their second location in less than a year! Their first location is located in Ballantyne and before opening a brick & mortar store they were exclusively online. The SouthPark location has special touches throughout the store including ready made outfits including jewelry on high level racks (pic below), an accent wall infused with glitter and beautifully draped dressing rooms. All items in the boutique are hand selected from various designers including Free People, I.Madeline, Swell Caroline and many others. Here are a few shots I took of the boutique's new digs:

Thanks Justine and Allison for showing me your new space!

The BUZZ on Gift Giving

Here's a quick "don't" when going through the gift giving process....

Don't stop with the gift. Pay attention to the gift wrap,
boxes and bags too. 

The BUZZ on Gift Giving

Here's a quick "don't" when going through the gift giving process....

Don't give a gift that you feel ashamed to give
or would not want to receive

The BUZZ on Gift Giving

Here's a quick "do" when going through the gift giving process....

Do have a well-stocked gift closet

The BUZZ on Gift Giving

Here's a quick "do" when going through the gift giving process....

Do think about the giftee when making a gift purchase

The BUZZ on Gift Giving

Here's a quick "don't" when going through the gift giving process....

Don't rush the shopping process

photo credit: madewell.com

HoneeBee Quote

My go-to accessory for Deborah Lloyd, President and Creative Director of Kate Spade's go to accessory is...a great cocktail ring from Kate Spade New York or Chanel. Lloyd says she has a 1920s Chanel sparkler that has started many conversations.


image source: google images

Out the Box: Augusta Campbell

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: Augusta Campbell
Before my gift scouting trips I love to research places to go/shop, people to see....as well as leave time to simply explore. On my recent trip to Memphis, I had plans to chat with Augusta Campbell, Freelance Wardrobe Stylist and Fashion Editor of Memphis Magazine to get her insight but unfortunately our schedules couldn't mesh. I was sad that I wouldn't get a chance to chat with Campbell--I knew she would be able to share her city knowledge and shopping nuggets like only a native could (yep, born and raised!). 
Well, let me tell you how Augusta went above and beyond when she knew the chances were slim that we would meet up--she sent me an email sharing a few of her favorite places including specific names, things I should try and so on. Her tips were invaluable and some of the places she shared have now become my favorite Memphis spots too.  I was completely blown away by her southern hospitality! 
In addition, she is also a self-proclaimed Memphis city lover and loves feeling creative...all these things are evident in her gifting life so without further ado, let's learn more about Augusta Campbell...  

The Wrapping:  Augusta shares just a bit of her gifting life...

Best gift received:  Family Jewelry

Best gift given: A pair of almost never worn Balenciaga shoes.

My "go to" gift to give is:  Anything from Brave Design

What’s on your gift wish list: Gold jewelry, another dress by Ossie Clark

Your most recent shopping splurge: my vintage Oscar de la Renta dress for my son’s First Communion. And Grizzlies play off tickets!

I love shopping at Spruce for inexpensive jewelry and treasures for the home. 

The Bow: Let's peek into the life of Augusta, out of stylist mode...

On a Saturday afternoon you'd most likely find me: outside

Favorite quote: “You can be gorgeous at thirty, charming at forty, and irresistible for the rest of your life.”-Coco Chanel

I am most inspired by: life and my family

I'd love to meet: Pablo Picasso

Bzzz...Be sure to "like" Augusta Campbell's Facebook page here.  

Buzzing around SouthPark Magazine

Be sure to pick up the July issue of SouthPark Magazine which is filled with great articles on the who, what, when, where in Charlotte. This month I was beyond excited to not only write but style the cover story entitled Fresh Brewed Fashion featuring men in the thriving local beer scene.  The article covered many aspects of the industry talking to brewers, a beer blogger and bottle shop owner...and not only did we talk beer but we also played dress up in high end suits from local boutiques and department stores like Neiman Marcus and Blank Canvas. Also, in this issue I share products men should stock up on for the summer...I did have help top local grooming hubs like Emerson Joseph and Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge. Plus, I interviewed individuals whose style is their profession...from Sonya Barnes, Image Consultant to Richard Pattison, of Taylor Richards & Conger and they shared their tips for instant style for me. 

Be sure to drop me a note and let me know your favorite place to grab a beer or even your best grooming or instant style tips for men. Look forward to hearing from you!

Gift idea: Be the best girlfriend ever by taking your dude to a brewery and sample the best local beer. 

Giftology: Cherry Blossoms in D.C. were a gift from Japan

In 1912, Japan presented the then first lady Helen Herron Taft with more than three thousand cherry trees of twelve varieties to be planted in Washington, D.C.'s tidal basin. Those trees still stand today and are the central feature of Washington's famous Cherry Blossom Festival. 

sources: the enchanted home blog, you shouldn't have book

Experience: Flawless Makeup Art

Flawless Makeup Art owned and operated by Joy Nichelle Randall is a makeup boutique catering to celebrities (did someone say Fantasia?) to the everyday gal (raises hand!).
Specializing in quick, professional makeup, Joy feels that you should look your best at all times—not simply special occasions. To help you do so, she has created the Flawless Makeup Art membership program where you can have unlimited access to the skills of Ms. Randall. Clients choose either a three or six month option for $175 and $250 respectively. 

With over 7 years of professional experience, Randall's work includes countless weddings,  magazine photoshoots and fashion shows (be sure to check her out in September as she takes on the Beauty Director role for Style Night Out) and she is sure to have you leaving her chair looking better than when you first sat down.  Plus, being serviced in her studio adds a level of relaxation that simply cannot be had at your local mall.  Not to long ago, she did my makeup for an event and the results are below. I wanted a natural look and she asked if I was okay with a pop of color and I said 'go for it'  soooo check out the look below.

Photo courtesy of The Charlotte Observer
My lips were the pop of color but I was snacking and drinking and it rubbed off  a bit:)

Bzzzz: If you sign up for the Flawless Makeup Art membership program here and use promo code  "HoneeBeeFlawless" you will receive $25 off your membership! Be sure to check additional services provided by Flawless Makeup Art by visiting their website here.

Here’s a gift: In addition, Joy shared with me that flawless is a lifestyle that does not stop with how you look on the outside, it’s also how you feel on the inside. With her job being one that does normally focus on the “pretty” it was intriguing to know that there is more than meets the eye in Joy’s world of lipsticks, blushes and eye shadows. Let's all be flawless on the inside and out, ladies! 

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. 

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