 |
| Pic of the happy couple at one of the many events they attend together |
 |
| Please brace your eyes! A friend of Lala's tweeted the ring after her bday celebration |
 |
| Lala being her fab self at her bday celebration |
30 Eylül 2012 Pazar
Carmelo gifts wife Lala with upgraded wedding ring
To contact us Click HERE
Well they say diamonds are a girl's best friend and who am I to disagree? (Silence) Well, I think Lala would agree too! For her birthday she received a wedding ring upgrade from her hubby, Carmelo Anthony.
picture source: nypost.com, twitter, shesomajor.com
Gift Tip #106: Grill Alert Talking Remote Thermometer
To contact us Click HERE
Do you know someone who thinks they are a grill master but every time they fire up the grill, the meat is more charred than delicious? Let's help that guy (or gal...it is 2012!) with a gourmet gadget that that takes the guess work out of BBQ'ing--the grill alert talking remote thermometer from Brookstone. To use, you simply put the stainless steel probes in the center of the meat, choose how you would like the meat cooked and it will alert you with a voice prompt when the meat is done. The "chef of the yard" is no longer tied down to the grill and can now mix and mingle with the guests.
picture source: brookstone.com
Do you know someone who thinks they are a grill master but every time they fire up the grill, the meat is more charred than delicious? Let's help that guy (or gal...it is 2012!) with a gourmet gadget that that takes the guess work out of BBQ'ing--the grill alert talking remote thermometer from Brookstone. To use, you simply put the stainless steel probes in the center of the meat, choose how you would like the meat cooked and it will alert you with a voice prompt when the meat is done. The "chef of the yard" is no longer tied down to the grill and can now mix and mingle with the guests.
picture source: brookstone.com
Exciting Announcement: HoneeBee Gifts to present at Southern Women's Show
To contact us Click HERE
I am very excited to announce that I will be sharing my gift tips at the Southern Women's Show on opening day--Thursday, September 20th at The Park Expo and Conference Center (formally Merchandise Mart). The presentation entitled Elevating the Gift Experience will begin at 11:30am at the Balance Your Life 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.
Want to come? ((((Contest Alert))))
If you are interested in checking out my presentation and the Southern Women's Show, simply LIKE me on Facebook or Follow Me on Twitter and make yourself known...a short note that says "I'd love to win a ticket to the show" is easy enough. You can also leave a comment on this blog post! Please do so by Tuesday the 18th, midnight. Reach out to me via all social outlets for a better chance to win. I will choose 10 random winners.
Here's a bit about the Southern Women's Show and me....
About The Southern Women's Show
The Southern Women's Show celebrates its 30 year anniversary this year and has some wonderful things planned from September 20-23 at The Park. 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 McDowellSimone 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: southernwomensshow/wch.com
I am very excited to announce that I will be sharing my gift tips at the Southern Women's Show on opening day--Thursday, September 20th at The Park Expo and Conference Center (formally Merchandise Mart). The presentation entitled Elevating the Gift Experience will begin at 11:30am at the Balance Your Life 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. Want to come? ((((Contest Alert))))
If you are interested in checking out my presentation and the Southern Women's Show, simply LIKE me on Facebook or Follow Me on Twitter and make yourself known...a short note that says "I'd love to win a ticket to the show" is easy enough. You can also leave a comment on this blog post! Please do so by Tuesday the 18th, midnight. Reach out to me via all social outlets for a better chance to win. I will choose 10 random winners.
Here's a bit about the Southern Women's Show and me....
About The Southern Women's Show
The Southern Women's Show celebrates its 30 year anniversary this year and has some wonderful things planned from September 20-23 at The Park. 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 McDowellSimone 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: southernwomensshow/wch.com
Charlotte Observer highlights HoneeBee Gifts at Southern Women's Show
To contact us Click HERE
As I conducted my gift presentation I had no idea that my gift tips and picks at Southern Women's Show picks would be highlighted by the Charlotte Observer. I found out shortly after leaving the stage--what a fabulous surprise! Honestly, I think if I knew beforehand, I would have been even more nervous!
Please take a moment to read the Charlotte Observer article below and go to their site to see pics of my Southern Women's Show picks. Be sure to stop by the show today--it's open from 11a.m. to 5 p.m.
Gift expert Simone McDowell's Top 5 gift ideas from the Southern Women's Show
Charlotte gift expert Simone McDowell of HoneeBee Gifts (www.honeebeegifts.blogspot.com) gave an interesting talk filled with her gift giving tips during opening day of the Southern Women’s Show at the Park Expo & Conference Center. (The show continues from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday; 10 a..m.-7 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $10 at the door; for details go to www.southernshows.com.)
In front of an audience of women, including a group wearing tiaras, McDowell shared her five Golden Rules of gift giving:
Think about the “giftee” when making a purchase. Do they have a trip coming up? What do they really like?
Don’t rush the shopping process. Take your time and do your research.
Do have a well-stocked gift closet. Keep a supply of evergreen gifts (candles, wine, coffee table books).
Don’t give a gift that you feel ashamed to give or would not want to receive. That also applies to regifting, which is fine as long as it’s done discreetly.
Don’t stop with the gift. Pay attention to the card, gift wrap, boxes and bags.
During the Q&A portion, McDowell gave her thoughts on hostess gifts.
“A hostess should never expect her guests to give her a gift, but I always like to bring something,” she said. “Just make sure it can easily be set aside and doesn’t require immediate attention – don’t bring flowers that need to be put in a vase.”
Even if you bring a simple gift it can be elevated to something special by the way it’s wrapped, including a beautiful ribbon, but you don’t have to spend a lot. Her favorite spot for finding festive ribbons is in the bargain bin at Michael’s craft store.
McDowell ended by going over a display of her Top 5 favorite gift ideas from the Southern Women’s Show :
Cake truffles and sugar cookies from Hey Sugar Shop.
Cards from Phoenix Trading, a card line from England with offices in Charlotte, especially the bestselling peacock and butterfly cards.
Aunt Bunny’s Gourmet Wine Jellies and her “Eat, Drink & Have Jelly!” cookbook.
Miracle Whisk, a whisk designed to whisk faster than normal with just an easy downward motion.
A yoga mat and towel given with a lightweight Keep Calm and Carry On T-shirt. (note: from Yoga MATTY)
See pictures and read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/09/22/3549344/gift-expert-simone-mcdowells-top.html#storylink=cpy.
Please take a moment to read the Charlotte Observer article below and go to their site to see pics of my Southern Women's Show picks. Be sure to stop by the show today--it's open from 11a.m. to 5 p.m.
Gift expert Simone McDowell's Top 5 gift ideas from the Southern Women's Show
Charlotte gift expert Simone McDowell of HoneeBee Gifts (www.honeebeegifts.blogspot.com) gave an interesting talk filled with her gift giving tips during opening day of the Southern Women’s Show at the Park Expo & Conference Center. (The show continues from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday; 10 a..m.-7 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $10 at the door; for details go to www.southernshows.com.)
In front of an audience of women, including a group wearing tiaras, McDowell shared her five Golden Rules of gift giving:
Think about the “giftee” when making a purchase. Do they have a trip coming up? What do they really like?
Don’t rush the shopping process. Take your time and do your research.
Do have a well-stocked gift closet. Keep a supply of evergreen gifts (candles, wine, coffee table books).
Don’t give a gift that you feel ashamed to give or would not want to receive. That also applies to regifting, which is fine as long as it’s done discreetly.
Don’t stop with the gift. Pay attention to the card, gift wrap, boxes and bags.
During the Q&A portion, McDowell gave her thoughts on hostess gifts.
“A hostess should never expect her guests to give her a gift, but I always like to bring something,” she said. “Just make sure it can easily be set aside and doesn’t require immediate attention – don’t bring flowers that need to be put in a vase.”
Even if you bring a simple gift it can be elevated to something special by the way it’s wrapped, including a beautiful ribbon, but you don’t have to spend a lot. Her favorite spot for finding festive ribbons is in the bargain bin at Michael’s craft store.
McDowell ended by going over a display of her Top 5 favorite gift ideas from the Southern Women’s Show :
Cake truffles and sugar cookies from Hey Sugar Shop.
Cards from Phoenix Trading, a card line from England with offices in Charlotte, especially the bestselling peacock and butterfly cards.
Aunt Bunny’s Gourmet Wine Jellies and her “Eat, Drink & Have Jelly!” cookbook.
Miracle Whisk, a whisk designed to whisk faster than normal with just an easy downward motion.
A yoga mat and towel given with a lightweight Keep Calm and Carry On T-shirt. (note: from Yoga MATTY)
See pictures and read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/09/22/3549344/gift-expert-simone-mcdowells-top.html#storylink=cpy.
Oprah gifts staff with all-expenses-paid cruise
To contact us Click HERE
Before leaving Harpo to start her OWN network, the talk-show host showed gratitude to 100 members of her Chi-town staff by buying them all-expenses-paid tickets to a Mediterranean cruise. Winfrey and her family joined the staff on the approximately $5,000-a-person cruise, which stopped in Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Malta. It was the second time in four years that Winfrey had given her staff cruise tickets—the first time around, Winfrey and her crew sailed to Hawaii.
source: thedailybeast.com
Before leaving Harpo to start her OWN network, the talk-show host showed gratitude to 100 members of her Chi-town staff by buying them all-expenses-paid tickets to a Mediterranean cruise. Winfrey and her family joined the staff on the approximately $5,000-a-person cruise, which stopped in Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Malta. It was the second time in four years that Winfrey had given her staff cruise tickets—the first time around, Winfrey and her crew sailed to Hawaii.source: thedailybeast.com
29 Eylül 2012 Cumartesi
The People's Cocktail Competition at Drago Centro
To contact us Click HERE
For four weeks straight, Drago Centro and Michael Shearin, Drago Centro's Sommelier and Beverage Director hosted The People's Cocktail, a weekly cocktail contest held over Twitter. Each Monday they would tweet out a secret ingredient and you have until Friday afternoon to tweet in your recipe. Over the weekend, Michael Shearin and head bartender Jaymee Mandeville worked on the submitted recipes and by Monday afternoon a winner was announced.
Last week, all four winners came together for a final battle for a spot on Drago Centro's summer cocktail list. I ain't gonna lie. I was terrified going up against guys with monikers like SazeracLA, Rumdood and LushAngeles. What did I get myself into???
So thankful my husband Dylan emailed our friends in the area to stop on by. There was a lot of waiting around but with good friends and a stiff Aviation, it was easy to relax and have fun.
My best friends, my husband Dylan and my brother Jeremy. They knew I was nervous but both of them were so encouraging. Love you guys!
Once all the judges arrived, it was time to make cocktails.
Week 1 Chuck Taggart
Secret Ingredient: Blueberries
Week 2 Ron Dollete
Secret Ingredient: Fernet Branca
Week 3 Matt Robold
Secret Ingredient: Gin
Week 4 Jeni Afuso
Secret Ingredient: Lemon
When it was my turn to make my cocktail, all I was left with melted ice and some shaky knees. I don't know how I did it, but I threw out four Momo Rye Fizz's within minutes and even made several drinks for my friends who came.
After the judges, Caroline from Caroline on Crack, Lesley of The Tasting Table, Shauna of The Minty, and Chef Celestino Drago from Drago Centro had time to sip through all the cocktails, they announced Drago Centro's Peoples Cocktail Winner. It was a very close finish, but I was able to push past the big boys and win it with my Momo Rye Fizz. Hooraaaaay!
We spent the remainder of the night celebrating at Caña Rum Bar. Lots of party punch went down. It was truly a great night.
Thanks for reading!
Last week, all four winners came together for a final battle for a spot on Drago Centro's summer cocktail list. I ain't gonna lie. I was terrified going up against guys with monikers like SazeracLA, Rumdood and LushAngeles. What did I get myself into???
So thankful my husband Dylan emailed our friends in the area to stop on by. There was a lot of waiting around but with good friends and a stiff Aviation, it was easy to relax and have fun.
My best friends, my husband Dylan and my brother Jeremy. They knew I was nervous but both of them were so encouraging. Love you guys!
Once all the judges arrived, it was time to make cocktails.
Week 1 Chuck Taggart
Secret Ingredient: Blueberries
- 2 oz. Woodford Reserve Bourbon
- 20 blueberries
- .5 ounce Amaro Ramazzotti
- 1 barspoon (tsp) Trader Tiki’s Cinnamon Syrup
- Lemon peel for garnish
In a mixing glass, muddle the blueberries thoroughly in the whiskey. Add the Amaro and syrup, ice and shake for 15 seconds. Double-strain over ice into a large Old Fashioned glass, and garnish with a large swath of lemon peel.
Week 2 Ron Dollete
Secret Ingredient: Fernet Branca
- 1 oz. Fernet-Branca
- 1 oz. Krogstad Aquavit
- 1 oz. Cointreau
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
Week 3 Matt Robold
Secret Ingredient: Gin
- 2 oz. Bols Genever
- .5 oz. Scotch
- .25 oz. Simple Syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters.
Week 4 Jeni Afuso
Secret Ingredient: Lemon
- 1/2 fresh peach
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 2 oz Rittenhouse 100 Rye
- 1 oz lemon juice
- Club soda
When it was my turn to make my cocktail, all I was left with melted ice and some shaky knees. I don't know how I did it, but I threw out four Momo Rye Fizz's within minutes and even made several drinks for my friends who came.
After the judges, Caroline from Caroline on Crack, Lesley of The Tasting Table, Shauna of The Minty, and Chef Celestino Drago from Drago Centro had time to sip through all the cocktails, they announced Drago Centro's Peoples Cocktail Winner. It was a very close finish, but I was able to push past the big boys and win it with my Momo Rye Fizz. Hooraaaaay!
We spent the remainder of the night celebrating at Caña Rum Bar. Lots of party punch went down. It was truly a great night.
Thanks for reading!
Harro from Tokyo!
To contact us Click HERE
My husband Dylan and I made a last minute decision to spend our summer in Japan, the land of Hello Kitty! Summer is definitely my favorite season in Japan. The heat, humidity, matsuri (festivals), tanabata (fireworks), sitting by rivers are all things that make summer in Japan amazing. We'll be here for three weeks traveling and eating our way through Tokyo, Hokkaido, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka. We'll also be camping (for our first time together) at the FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL in Niigata. Forecast shows it's going to rain all weekend there. Wish us luck...we'll need it.
Much rabu rabu (love love) from Japan,
Jeni
My husband Dylan and I made a last minute decision to spend our summer in Japan, the land of Hello Kitty! Summer is definitely my favorite season in Japan. The heat, humidity, matsuri (festivals), tanabata (fireworks), sitting by rivers are all things that make summer in Japan amazing. We'll be here for three weeks traveling and eating our way through Tokyo, Hokkaido, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka. We'll also be camping (for our first time together) at the FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL in Niigata. Forecast shows it's going to rain all weekend there. Wish us luck...we'll need it.
Much rabu rabu (love love) from Japan,
Jeni
Fuji Rock Fesival 2010
To contact us Click HERE
In June, I sent a quick email over to Dylan...
"This would be so awesome!"
http://www.smash-uk.com/frf10/lineup.html
Who knew that we would book a last minute trip to Japan and make our way over to rural Niigata for the Fuji Rock Festival. I've been wanting to go for years, but timing, weather and the thought of camping in Japan never really enticed any of my friends. Thank God I married someone like Dylan.
After a couple of nights in Tokyo, Dylan and I grabbed our backpacks and our $29.95 tent from Target and made our way northwest.
It only took 75 minutes to get from Tokyo to the Echigo Yuzawa train station on the shinkansen.
After arriving to the Echigo Yuzawa station, we had to stand in line to hop on a 45-minute shuttle to get to the Naeba Ski Resort where the Fuji Rock Festival takes place.
Like thousands of others, we arrived to the Fuji Rock Festival a day before the actual festival commenced in order to get a nice, cozy and FLAT spot for our tent. That's us, the red $29.95 tent from Target. Dylan managed to pitch our tent within minutes under pouring Niigata rain. Thanks Dylan.
Within a couple of hours, prime flat land has been taken and all that is left are spots on a slope.
If there's any music festival to go to, Japan has to be the cleanest. There were "WOMEN ONLY" toilets and they NEVER smelled.
Don't forget to store your valuables in the Coin Rocker.
After pitching our tent, Dylan and I took a long nap during some of the heaviest rainfall that weekend. We woke up around 10pm, totally dazed and confused. It was still pouring, but we were both extremely hungry.
Thank God the food stalls were all up and running. Ramen in the rain!
The next morning we woke up to this, beautiful forested mountains.
My favorite breakfast, simple donburi with an onsen (boiled for 30 seconds) egg.
On rainy mornings, Dylan would run out and fetch breakfast. There's nothing like breakfast in a tent.
Dylan made a some new friends working the stands. This kid Daisuke is Tupac's biggest fan.
Off to the Fuji Rock Festival!
This is seriously the cleanest festival in the world. Everyday they would pass out these bags (made from last year's PET bottles) to help keep the forest clean. D and I used it to lie down on when we needed to pass out on the lawn. Everyone passes out at the Fuji Rock Festival.
Even smokers are clean. Portable ashtrays!
Like I said, you'll never go hungry at Fuji Rock.
Some of the best chicken sausage I've ever had.
This is the salt they used to season the sausages.
Yakitori all day long.
Freaky pinwheel sausages.
Cheapest snack for 100 yen. Cucumber & miso.
Wood-fire pizza.
Tons of ramen.
Of course, if you want to save money, you can bring your own portable bbq and bincho.
When we weren't eating and catching performances, Dylan and I cooled down by the river.
Every now and then, we would stop and say, "Wow, I still can't believe we're here."
The greatest part of the Fuji Rock Festival and our main reason for coming is to watch some of our favorite bands in another land. We had an amazing time partying with the adorable Japanese fans.
Local Natives
LCD Soundsystem
Vampire Weekend
Dirty Projectors
Them Crooked Vultures
Atoms For Peace
You'll find that after long nights of partying until 6am, people get sleepy.
After four rainy and muddy nights, Dylan and I were ready to head back to civilization. We survived our first international music festival and four nights of marriage in a cramped tent. High-five.
Special thanks to these portable chairs. They saved our lives.
Last goodbyes to friends we made.
Goodbye to our local drinking friends.
Back on the bus at 5am.
Heading back to Tokyo and then off to Hokkaido...
Thanks for reading!
In June, I sent a quick email over to Dylan...
"This would be so awesome!"
http://www.smash-uk.com/frf10/
Who knew that we would book a last minute trip to Japan and make our way over to rural Niigata for the Fuji Rock Festival. I've been wanting to go for years, but timing, weather and the thought of camping in Japan never really enticed any of my friends. Thank God I married someone like Dylan.
After a couple of nights in Tokyo, Dylan and I grabbed our backpacks and our $29.95 tent from Target and made our way northwest.
It only took 75 minutes to get from Tokyo to the Echigo Yuzawa train station on the shinkansen.
After arriving to the Echigo Yuzawa station, we had to stand in line to hop on a 45-minute shuttle to get to the Naeba Ski Resort where the Fuji Rock Festival takes place.
Like thousands of others, we arrived to the Fuji Rock Festival a day before the actual festival commenced in order to get a nice, cozy and FLAT spot for our tent. That's us, the red $29.95 tent from Target. Dylan managed to pitch our tent within minutes under pouring Niigata rain. Thanks Dylan.
Within a couple of hours, prime flat land has been taken and all that is left are spots on a slope.
If there's any music festival to go to, Japan has to be the cleanest. There were "WOMEN ONLY" toilets and they NEVER smelled.
Don't forget to store your valuables in the Coin Rocker.
After pitching our tent, Dylan and I took a long nap during some of the heaviest rainfall that weekend. We woke up around 10pm, totally dazed and confused. It was still pouring, but we were both extremely hungry.
Thank God the food stalls were all up and running. Ramen in the rain!
The next morning we woke up to this, beautiful forested mountains.
My favorite breakfast, simple donburi with an onsen (boiled for 30 seconds) egg.
On rainy mornings, Dylan would run out and fetch breakfast. There's nothing like breakfast in a tent.
Dylan made a some new friends working the stands. This kid Daisuke is Tupac's biggest fan.
Off to the Fuji Rock Festival!
This is seriously the cleanest festival in the world. Everyday they would pass out these bags (made from last year's PET bottles) to help keep the forest clean. D and I used it to lie down on when we needed to pass out on the lawn. Everyone passes out at the Fuji Rock Festival.
Even smokers are clean. Portable ashtrays!
Like I said, you'll never go hungry at Fuji Rock.
Some of the best chicken sausage I've ever had.
This is the salt they used to season the sausages.
Yakitori all day long.
Freaky pinwheel sausages.
Cheapest snack for 100 yen. Cucumber & miso.
Wood-fire pizza.
Tons of ramen.
Of course, if you want to save money, you can bring your own portable bbq and bincho.
When we weren't eating and catching performances, Dylan and I cooled down by the river.
Every now and then, we would stop and say, "Wow, I still can't believe we're here."
The greatest part of the Fuji Rock Festival and our main reason for coming is to watch some of our favorite bands in another land. We had an amazing time partying with the adorable Japanese fans.
Local Natives
LCD Soundsystem
Vampire Weekend
Dirty Projectors
Them Crooked Vultures
Atoms For Peace
You'll find that after long nights of partying until 6am, people get sleepy.
After four rainy and muddy nights, Dylan and I were ready to head back to civilization. We survived our first international music festival and four nights of marriage in a cramped tent. High-five.
Special thanks to these portable chairs. They saved our lives.
Last goodbyes to friends we made.
Goodbye to our local drinking friends.
Back on the bus at 5am.
Heading back to Tokyo and then off to Hokkaido...
Thanks for reading!
Kaydol:
Kayıtlar (Atom)