Uncategorized

Every once in a while you meet a person that has a profound impact…

Ella B. Candles has captured the essence of Quail Hollow – available exclusively at…

Milestones that Will Make You Cry . . . (Huge Gigantic Tears of Relief)…

Do you have a flair for design? Can you see gold in another’s garbage?…

By Dr. Kashyap Kansupada at CEENTA Did you know your eye can be a…

{Thankful, Lovely, Creative}

It’s not about the gift, it’s the whole presentation. Gifting should be joyful and filled with attention to detail. There is no substitute for a thoughtful present. A common item can become extraordinary with simple additions such as gorgeous ribbon or fresh greens.

When presenting a Hostess gift, be mindful. She has taken great time to invite you to her home. Treat her time with respect and offer something with a lasting impression.

Here are our favorite, beautiful, creative items:

Breakfast? Yes, please.

The morning after hosting an event is usually filled with dishes and chores. Make her morning relaxed with breakfast. This is my personal “staple” Hostess gift and it has never failed me. Ever. Dean & Deluca Cinnamon Babka is a hit and wrapped with lovely material. Or, try making something homemade. Wrap it beautifully and top with a personalized message

Photocredit: Dawn Freeland Photography

Smarties, we’re thrilled to introduce you to Charlotte Shackleford! We recently got to know Charlotte with her passion for the Isabella Santos Foundation. Charlotte is a champion for this organization and we support her every step of the way.

Charlotte recently took on the role of Director of Mouzon United Methodist Weekday School. Her dedication for children is evident in all aspects of her work.

We’re honored to feature Charlotte Shackleford as Smarty Mom this Thanksgiving Saturday. Let’s get to know Charlotte!

Happy Thanksgiving, Smarty Charlotte! We hope you enjoy this beautiful Carolina weather and spend time with your families. Don’t forget to catch the Smarty Party in her pink & green fabulousness in the Belk Carrousel Thanksgiving Day Parade on WBTV at 4pm today. We’re thrilled to be a part of it!

You know the holidays are right around the corner when you hear that Trans-Siberian Orchestra is coming to town! What a treat, this is one of my all-time favorite holiday performances, and thanks to our Smarty friends at Time Warner Cable Arena, we bring to you a fun holiday giveaway for your family to enjoy ~ a family 4-pack to Trans-Siberian Orchestra one week from today!

Last spring I spoke at a middle school career day. That night, I received this email from a sweet girl seeking some advice. (All names have been changed.)

Hello Mrs. Michelle,

I was in your one of the groups that you presented to today and I wanted to ask you a few questions. First I have a friendship that’s going south and I would like to end it as easily as possible with little to no DRAMA. I need to know how to do this and listening to your speech, I know you know how. Also there’s another thing. And I’m pretty sure you knew this was bound to come up. I like a guy named Mark. We were friends but his girlfriend made our communication restricted so we kinda grew apart. Now that they’re not a thing anymore we began to talk again but not how we used to. But now even when he doesn’t say anything to me he looks at me all the time… the problem is that he’s a player so I dont know whether its all in fun for him or this is the way he really feels. Please email me back with your thoughts or opinions.

– Eva

I love to tackle interior DIY projects, but I don’t usually have the time that they require so I look to a few of my favorite blogs to read about inventive re-do’s. One of my regular reads is Little Green Notebook. Jenny provides great descriptions and how-to’s for all of her DIY projects – and I can say that they all turn out beautifully. A favorite is this super easy Ikea Lack table update.

+