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!

Sale Alert: Towne & Reese Sample Sale

Towne and Reese Sample Salon allows you to add some bling to your jewelry box

Towne & Reese, an affordable and fun accessories line is having a sample sale this Wednesday and I encourage you to stop by to pick up a few sparkly gifts. The sale is only happening in Charlotte but I do have a surprise not-so-close readers too. I can't leave you hanging!
For those in the 704, you can stop by the Towne & Reese office, cash in hand to purchase  rings, bracelets, earrings and more at 214 W. Tremont Avenue, Suite 303. They ask that you park across the street from their building in the old warehouse lot on the left side of the fence only (they are very specific because they do not want anyone to get towed!).
 The items that are apart of the sample sale includes overstock items, sample rep samples, accessories left over from season's past and a some with irregularities. Oh--and guess what? Everything is between $5-$15! This sale is a great opportunity to stock up your  gift closet and with these prices I encourage you to pick out a lil' something for you too!

Bzzz: Before going to the sample sale, look in your own jewelry box and see what you are missing (yellow necklace, gold studs, etc) and make a list for your shopping day at Towne & Reese. Also, think about your friends and their jewelry "style" and make note...knowing these things will help you to not duplicate your jewelry pieces and allows you to pick up something perfect for a friend.

Be sure to tell them HoneeBee Gifts sent you...and I will see you there!

Bzzz: For my non locals, I have a surprise!! Just go to the Towne & Reese website for 30% off. In addition, if you spend over $100, the shipping is free.

Out the Box: Laura James

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: Laura James

Today we are featuring Laura James, Owner and Designer of  Laura James Jewelry. She is a talented jewelry maker whose work has been featured locally and nationally including the Today Show, Lucky Magazine, Charlotte Magazine and more. I spotlighted her company last year and the goods are still there...beautiful jewels continue to come from her studio boutique! She is a sweet person and brilliant artisan. I also just found out she is pregnant so congratulations are in order!

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

Best gift received: It's a tie--my engagement/wedding rings from my husband and a drawing from my 8 year old niece titled "My Favorite Relative"
Best gift given: A jewelry fundraiser to help my brother and his wife reach their adoption goal to bring home a baby girl, Caroline Faith from Ethiopia. They are currently #10 on the waiting list!
My "go-to" gift (to give): More than anything I love to customize a piece of Laura James jewelry specifically for the person.
What's on your gift wish list: Earrings by jeweler Anthony Nak
Your most recent shopping splurge: A pair of handcrafted diamond pave stud earrings from one of the jewelry artisans I carry at Laura James Jewelry.
Fill in the blank: I love shopping on Slate Interiors for inspiration. Not to mention their vintage and contemporary home decor....anything tagged one of a kind has my name on it.

The Bow: Let's peek into the life of Laura...

On a Saturday afternoon you'd most likely find me...if I'm not at the studio creating new baubles, you'll find me perusing Charlotte's locally owned home decor boutiques for vintage treasures and inspiration. Laura also took up paddleboarding this summer with her husband.
Favorite quote...In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different--Coco Chanel
I am most inspired by...nature, architecture, home decor, Diane von Furstenburg and anything vintage from the 1920's-70's.
I'd love to meet...CFDA nominee jeweler Anthony Nak. The architectural influence in his latest jewelry designs which are influenced by mosaics and antique stained glass has blown me away.

Bzzz...Laura James Jewelry now carries diamonds and 14K gold jewelry, crafted by hand by artisans handpicked by James herself. No one else in NC carries these items. Be sure to check out their Facebook page and website for jewelry auctions, where the public can acquire jewels at a steep discount.

photo source: Facebook.com

Experience: Fall Enrichment Forum with Designer Trina Turk

Today I had the opportunity to attend an exclusive Trina Turk Trunk Show at Duke Mansion. The trunk show was the start of a long, fashionable day for Ms. Turk who is in town for the Fall EnrichMINT Forum: A Passion For Fashion event hosted by The Auxiliary of the Mint Museum. The trunk show is a sneak peak at what you can expect during the forum, which includes a fashion show and live auction. Tickets are still available and can be found here.

The trunk show included an appearance by Trina Turk herself (see her in my last picture she shines in her pink blazer) as well as beautiful items from her women, men and residential lines. Here are a few items from the trunk show that would make great gifts:



Throw pillows are the perfect way to brighten your home and screams housewarming gift



Pair these eye catching ice buckets with a cocktail book for any hostess with the mostess gift

Bold and bright jewelry would be a great addition to anyone's jewelry box



And of course, clothes for any fashionista including swimsuits, menswear and of course women's apparel



Giftology

InStyle Magazine conducted a survey asking its readers about their bling. I thought I would share a bit of their findings to help you in making future jewelry purchases for a lucky giftee….

YEA or NAY? Wearing a ring on the ring finger of your left hand--if you're not engaged or married.

59% YEA

source: instyle magazine (may 2012)

Giftology

InStyle Magazine conducted a survey asking its readers about their bling. I thought I would share a bit of their findings to help you in making future jewelry purchases for a lucky giftee….or for yourself because according to this survey many of you are purchasing your own jewelry....

Have you ever purchased a major piece of bling?

40% YOU BET

source: instyle magazine (may 2012)



Giftology

InStyle Magazine conducted a survey asking its readers about their bling. I thought I would share a bit of their findings to help you in making future jewelry purchases for a lucky giftee….

Which of these gems makes your heart skip a beat?

49% Diamonds

31% Emeralds

15% Sapphires

5% Rubies

source: instyle magazine (may 2012)

Giftology

InStyle Magazine conducted a survey asking its readers about their bling. I thought I would share a bit of their findings to help you in making future jewelry purchases for a lucky giftee….

What’s your biggest (jewelry) weakness?

47% Earrings

26% Necklaces

18% Bracelets

8% Watches

1% Brooches

source: instyle magazine (may 2012)

Giftology

 

InStyle Magazine conducted a survey asking its readers about their bling. I thought I would share a bit of their findings to help you in making future jewelry purchases for a lucky giftee….

This season the jewelry you most want to add to your collection is…

57% Classic and ladylike

26% Modern and artsy

11% Boho and tribal

6% Edgy and goth

source: instyle magazine (may 2012)

Mother's Day Gifts: Show Mama some Love

Mother's Day is coming up and you do not want to be caught out there with no gift for your Mom.  That would not go well! She is that special someone who deserves to be treated well...every day and May 13th will only bring about some extra special treatment! Here are a few gift ideas on how you can celebrate your Mom on her special day through cupcakes, tea and jewelry to name a few.

Cupcakes for Mom
Have kids visit one of my all-time favorite cupcake places, Polka Dot Bake Shop on Saturday, May 12th between 10:30am-1:00pm to decorate a gourmet cupcake for their Mom. Each child will have one-on-one time with expert decorators to create their cupcake masterpiece. Once completed, their cupcake will be placed in a box with a bow, ready to be presented to their #1 Mom. To  reserve your spot or for more information, call 704-523-5001. Spot must be reserved by May 11th.

Chocolate Afternoon Tea
Everyone is familiar with the tradition afternoon tea but The Ritz Carlton-Charlotte takes it up a notch by adding chocolate from their infamous Bar Cocoa. In addition to a selection of loose-leaf teas, the world's greatest Mom will enjoy tea sandwiches and sweet treats like chocolate and salted caramel tart and white cholocate and orange scones.

Cooking with Spices
Treat your Mom to a cooking class at Savory Spice Shop in Southend. The classes vary but the main ingredient is always--you guessed it--spices! Some upcoming classes include How to Make Mustard (May 4th) and Healing Spices (May 17). During the Healing Spices class, you will learn about spices that have a healing effect and Chef Karen will teach you how to make a delicious pizza. These classes book up fast so be sure to secure your Mom a seat soon.

A Day at Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens
For Mother's Day weekend, take your special lady to Daniel Stowe Botantical Gardens to enjoy beautiful flowers and fresh air. To honor Moms, their entrance fee will be waived and the first 250 Moms will receive a potted plant from Rountree Plantation Garden Center. Other special activities going on that weekend include a tiffany style stained glass demonstrations by artist Bob Yost and mosaic art demonstrations by artist Pat Groome. These demonstrations will occur on the hour starting at 10 a.m. You can also snag artwork that day and  picnic baskets created by Best Impressions can be pre-ordered (do so by May 7th) to enjoy during your visit.

Jewelry
This may sound cliche but jewelry for Mom never goes out of style. While keeping Mom's style in mind, pick out a small gift at one of the many local jewelry stores around town...and to add a twist to this gift make sure she creates a "wish list" so the next time you want to gift Mom something special you have a few items to choose from. You can have her create her own by writing it down on the spot or most jewelry stores will help you create a list and keep it on file for future purchases.



sources: Polka Dot, Savory Shop, Ritz Carlton, DSBG, prettythings.tumblr.com

The Spotlight: Laura James Jewelry

Laura James of  laura james jewelry is not only a talented designer of bracelets, necklaces, rings and everything in between she is one of the sweetest people I have interviewed for HoneeBee Gifts. James, who provides jewelry to television and movie sets, whose work has been featured in national publications such as People StyleWatch says that she "just wants to make people smile". Her one of a kind jewelry does just that!
Growing up, Laura was inspired by her aunt (an artist herself) and her Dad, who at an early age took her to gem & mineral shows in their hometown. It was going to these shows that peaked her interest in fine gems and stones and you can see the inspiration in her work. At 10 years old, she would use her fathers tools to take apart jewelry and create something new.
Her inspiration comes from traveling, nature, European fashion and Barneys NYC.When she's not feeling inspired she will work on her craft in another way, by studying trends. From our conversation, she seems to be such a go-getter with a streak of adventure. For example, she and two girlfriends  would always take trips together and on a whim they decided to choose between three cities to live in for a few years and "move on". Well--the city that won out was Charlotte...then unexpectedly she and her friends met their husbands here and Charlotte got lucky with having a talent like Laura in its midst for longer that she and her friends expected.
Laura began her business in 2005 and opened a brick & mortar store in 2009. The store allows for more accessibility for Charlotte dwellers--and comes with a few other perks such as stopping in and seeing the artist at work. What a luxury! James loves having input from her customers and I know alot of giftees who would enjoy having a handmade, one of a kind piece from a world-renowned artisan. A gift from James is something that can be passed down through many generations. It can also be a piece that you (or your giftee) wears every day or on special occasions. Laura James has something for everyone in her store--and if she doesn't have it, she can create it, sharing that some customers come in with magazine pieces or want to merge some of her already designed pieces and she happily obliges.
Some of her top selling pieces include the sideway cross necklace, cuff bracelets, adjustable cocktail rings and stud earrings.  For this season, Laura sees all metal jewelry, fringe and statement necklaces taking center stage. She just debuted her vintage couture collection and is working on an artisan collection, where other artisans will come together and she will sell some of their pieces in her store. The store also provides items to store your jewelry and origami hand stamped enclosure cards. This is a great idea, making Laura James Jewelry a one stop shop. It also allows your gift to stay on theme by purchasing packaging with the same "feel" as the jewelry. Stop in to laura james jewelry today and let me know what you think!

Bzzzz: If you sign up to be on their email list, you will be alerted of their Chic Sprint Sale, where once a month select jewelry is up for grabs at 50% off!

Showing your Mom some Love

It's almost Mother's Day and it's time to show your Mom some appreciation for bringing you in this world and helping you become the person you are today. There really is no gift that can match what she has done for you...I mean really--you literally would not be here if it wasn't for her but that's no reason to cop out and not get a gift at all. Give her a little something to let her know that you care, appreciate and love her! Here are my top 3 Mother's Day picks:

Professional Portrait-Moms always want to have a "family photo" but since it's her day why not set up a professional portrait for just her? Use a local photographer, do the photo "on location" at one of her favorite places or at home, wherever she feels most comfortable. She will get to primp and smile for the camera just like Naomi Campbell. In the end, you know there will be at least one group photo...so as the giftee you should be camera ready too. Mom usually wants the attention but wants you to get in on the action too. Say cheese!

Jewelry-A little bling to add to her collection will be sure to make her smile. There are plenty of jewelry stores that now do custom made pieces. It will cost you but no one else will have your Mom's unique piece. If that's not your Mom's style, you can always go classic with Tiffany & Co. or funk it up with many fun pieces you can find at etsy.com or a local jewelry boutique like Handpicked. Be sure to pick a piece that reflects your Mom's personality and style.

Mom's Day Off- Maybe your money is a little funny right now. Hey, it happens to the best of us! Instead of a trinket why not give Mom a break. A break from something she hates doing, whether it's laundry, washing dishes, making dinner or going grocery shopping make it your gift to do it for her! She will appreciate the time she has to not do those things and do something she loves...and maybe that is having a glass of wine on the balcony or a hot bubble bath. Oh- and if you money isn't funny, you can hire a cleaning service. Just a thought.

Few extra ideas...

• Night out at her favorite restaurant. You know she loves the place, why not take her there and to make it even better--get her a surprise dessert! Heck, they may even put candles on it- it's almost like a birthday, right?



• Does she love cooking? Get her the latest and greatest cookbook. Choose the type of food that she loves to make- is it Italian? Maybe try Everyday Italian by Giada De Laurentiis.

And I will leave you with a question- is there one item that you know your Mom wants but she can't bring herself to purchase just because of its frivolous nature? If so, that's the gift! Get it- she'll love it and wished she purchased it long ago- and now she has you to thank for it! Who's the #1 child?! Ummm, yup it's YOU!

photo source: mylware.bravehost.com

Gift Insight

From Mario Buatta....

Go the extra mile
A picture frame can be a beautiful gift as long as you put a photograph inside it. I prefer the photo to be something humorous, an inside joke. The same is true of books. Unless you write something meaningful on the inside flap, the recipient could have easily brought it himself. Monogramming and engraving are also great ways to give things like robes, towels, jewelry, and frames a more personal quality.

source: Allure Magazine, zazzle.com

The Spotlight: HandPicked

You know the store that you always pass by and say that you are going to stop in one day soon? I have a few and this blog helps me to make the effort to just walk on in and see what I find.

Recently, I did that with HandPicked and picked up the cutest bracelet. A friend of mine picked up a nice necklace for her sister too. Both pieces were different and unique. I was told mine was hot off the presses...an item that had just been delivered to the store. I'm sorry that I don't have pics of those purchases but I do have a few that I might have to go back for. They are:

Antique Coral Earrings (on sale for $16.80)

Pearl Cuff ($26.60)
Antique Tear Drop Pendant ($42.00)

These items are also available online via http://www.handpicked.net/. In addition to costume jewelry, Handpicked carries HP Originals (items made in limited quantities and handcrafted), trendy pieces, sterling silver, accessories and can even monogram appropriate jewelry.

These pieces would be great for a girlfriend and Handpicked is definitely guy-friendly. The staff knows their jewelry and were completely nice. Since I stopped in around the holidays I got to see plenty of guys who had no clue what to purchase their significant others but knew that she shopped Handpicked. One guy said he was purchasing a stocking stuffer. Yes, the holidays are over but gifting is all year! Instead of a stocking stuffer, just lay a cute bracelet or ring on her pillow like a chocolate before turn down service:)

Check out the Handpicked story straight from the source...

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

It began as more than a love of fashion, but a passion for the land and people of Mexico. With a desire to bring meaning to her life and a calling to unite the village markets of Mexico and her home country, HandPicked was born. Through her vision, Melanie Mauldin not only built her own family business, but helped build better lives for the families of silversmiths that have created HandPicked treasures for the past 20 years. And, even today, Melanie continues to work to improve the quality of life for women in those villages.
By offering handcrafted sterling silver jewelry that represents value, HandPicked has evolved from home shows and holiday markets to a family-owned chain of stores in three states. Our company's mission is important - provide a fun environment which helps women express who they are or who they want to be.

source: http://www.handpicked.net/

The Spotlight: Darrell Roach Designs

Darrell Roach Designs creates beautiful jewelry and presenting someone with his work of art in the form of rings, necklaces and earrings would gain ohhhhss and ahhhhhs from the recipient. These unique pieces are handmade by Darrell Roach himself and his inspiration is the curves of women. Here are a couple of his designs:

Swimming C's earrings

Joany Page Roach necklace

From the horse's mouth (i.e from Darrell Roach's etsy page)
I have made and designed jewelry for many fabulous people and I would like to design for you next. From Super Models to Super Moms I can make your jewelry look fabulous. Darrell Roach Designs is a full service Fashion and Fine Jewelry Design and Manufacture House. From a simple copper bangle to a 3 carat Platinum wedding band we can make it for you.

Get to know the person behind the business
I had the chance to interview Mr. Roach and here's an excerpt from that interview.

Darrell Roach and me in front of his Wall of Fame, which included photos of America's Next Top Model Winner Eva Pigford in his wares and media articles. Check out the beautiful necklace I am wearing- a Darrell Roach original, of course.

Type of Business: Jewelry

Website/Blog/Best way to contact: www.facebook.com/darrellroach & http://www.darrellroach.etsy.com/

Experience: 10 years

Career Advice:Work hard and let God guide you, Praise Him for the beauty that he does through you and never let that be changed or kept quiet because of the though that you won't be accepted.

Business Founded (year): June 4, 1999 Incorporated 2006

Essential Business philosophy: When things go wrong look for the open road

Toughest business decision: Work or Home

Biggest missed opportunity:Not going to a Tommy Hilfiger Fundraiser

Biggest business lesson learned:The biz is what you do not who you are.

Mentors:Cheryl Orrahood, Robert Venguechea, Alfred Ward, Allison Love.

Greatest passions: Jewelry, Art, GOD.

Favorite quote: Go the extra Mile!!

Most influential book: Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, Success through a positive mental Attitude by Napoleon Hill

What was your most favorite gift received: Nina Ricci Vintage Glasses 1966 from Hope Nichols

What sets your brand apart from competitors: No one does Darrell Roach like Darrell Roach there is no competition.

What are the next steps for your company: Going International and National on purpose one more time!! New format new Agency, New Manager, New purpose, tear down and rebuild a new house only keeping the good bricks.

Anything else you would like to add: Success is open ended not a specific canned destination the biggest thing that you have to do is never give up the vi son even when it is not working because theory and vision are perfect it is just the human factor that has to be adjusted. It took me 10 years to become a known designer, I lost a wife, a house and even went hungry many nights, I cried in between and in the midst of some of my greatest success because they were not financial and I was in distress. I have seen night where I looked at my work on TV and could not afford to eat and I would not change any of it. God gave me a talent and if I have nothing else i will show what God has given me regardless of how much it does or does not pay me. All things have a purpose in our journeys we have to stay in tune with the journeys accept them and work through them with undying faith. When the business is failing hold on that is your baby and it is never going to be perfect but because it may be off at a particular moment you can not through it away, love it it will grow up. Henry Ford went bankrupt 10 times before he made his first car( Think about it).

Fun Facts about jewelry/stones

• We have to mine over 100 tons of the earth's crust to get one Diamond large enough to cut a fine one carat gem!



• Over one million Diamonds are mined to get that one gemstone!



• The largest Pearl ever found weighs over 14 pounds!



• Fine Emeralds were believed to be good for the eyes and engravers used to use them to stare into when their eyes grew fatigued.



• Opals bring wisdom and good fortune. It was believed that they were pieces of Heaven that got knocked down during violent thunderstorms.



• Karat refers to purity of Gold. Pure Gold is 24 karat and 14 karat gold (14k) is 14 parts gold out of 24.



• A Ruby is a red Sapphire.

source: darrellroach.etsy.com, charlottemagstyle.com,paradise-jewerly.com