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 

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. 

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

Say Thanks with Sweet Stationary

I wrote a short article on fun & beautiful stationary centered around giving thanks for friends and family around the Thanksgiving holiday for Shecky's. While Thanksgiving has passed, just about all the cards can be used throughout the year. You can also give the box set as a present to a lucky giftee...and to make the gift extra special...why not scribe a note to the giftee on why you are thankful for them in your life? It will skyrocket the gift to the next level. Below is an excerpt to the post written for Shecky's.

Thanksgiving is a time when most give thanks to the people and moments that have enriched their lives throughout the year. Many family and friends gather over a delicious spread of food, fun and laughter, but while there are many highly regarded traditions that take place during this time of the year, there is one tradition that I look forward during this time—going around the room, right before dinner and sharing what I am most thankful for! This year, I thought it’d be nice to take this tradition a step further and thank my loved ones with a handwritten note. Here are six sweet stationary gift sets to say “thanks” to someone who has made an impact (small or large) on your life at some point this year! See my stationary picks here.

source: sheckys.com

The Charlotte Observer interviews HoneeBee Gifts

Just when I thought things couldn't get any better (after my Charlotte Post interview and positive HoneeBee Gifts meetings) I picked up a copy of The Charlotte Observer this past Sunday and was greeted with an article about me, my blog and my gifting services. It was the cherry on top of my Sunday:) 
It was just a few weeks earlier that I had the pleasure of talking with reporter Hope Yancey about HoneeBee Gifts. We had a great chat over tea and I am so excited to share the article with you.
Please see an excerpt below and click the link at the end to see the full article on The Charlotte Observer website.

Her focus is gifts, etiquette

Simone McDowell, a freelance marketing and public relations professional who lives in uptown Charlotte, writes a gift-giving and etiquette blog, HoneeBee Gifts, which is creating a buzz.
“It really is kind of a passion project,” said McDowell, 33. The Baltimore native attended college and graduate school in Maryland, and moved to Charlotte five years ago for a job. She started the gift website in 2008 for fun and because she likes to shop.
 Now she hopes it will lead to something more. To read more (including the importance of a gift closets and biggest gift blunders) go here.  source: charlotteobserver.com

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/11/16/3667521/her-focus-is-gifts-etiquette.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/11/16/3667521/her-focus-is-gifts-etiquette.html#storylink=cpy