Wrap it Up

{Creative Ways To Gift Wrap}

My {Holiday Gift Guides} have been "think out of the box" type ideas so I figured I would follow up with creative gift wrapping ideas as well. Today I am going to show you how to beautify those lovely wrapped boxes. Today I am featuring my artistic friend Sara. Sara is truly talented and it shows in her gift wrapping abilities below. To keep in the holiday spirit I decided to use a picture of Sara from when she won {Best Dressed} at our Annual Girls Night Cookie Exchange- Check out the hosts recap post here on Blue Daisy in the BlueGrass.

• Rudolph on the top left is the only one that I personally made. It was really simple, all you do is buy solid wrapping paper and any printed wrapping paper. You go about your normal wrapping business and wrap the gift in the solid wrapping paper. After this you choose any design you like, whether that be initials, Christmas trees, or in my case Rudolph. Trace this on the back of the printed wrapping paper, cut design out and finally glue or tape onto box! and Voila! You've created a masterpiece.

Saras technique is a little more complicated so I will let her take it from here!

Hi all of QUINNtessentials readers! It’s going to be a sparkly holiday this 2012!

Instead of using the same ol' wrapping paper this Christmas, why not add a little flare to your gifts this year? With a little time and effort, you can add some festive holiday art for those special people in your lives!

Supplies:

• Elmer’s glue
• Small paint brush
• Pencil
• Scissors
• ModgePodge Adhesive Spray
• GLITTER

Directions:

• Print out templates of the images you want to trace onto the package, or stencil your own (I sketched mine from an image on my phone)
• Trace or stencil your image onto the paper and paint the glue on heavily.
• Add a layer of glitter (Add more glue/glitter if it didn't stick evenly).
• Let it dry before shaking off the excess.
• To help keep the glitter in place, spray it with the Modge Podge Adhesive spray when finished- it will also protect it.

There you have it! A great way to individualize and personalize your gifts this holiday season. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and an even better Christmas. Stay warm and enjoy this wonderful time with your family and friends.

Holiday Gift Guide

{For Dear Ol' Dad}

We are officially down to the count of just 7 days until Christmas! My final {Gift Guide} is for the Dads. Like the Moms, Dads are equally as hard: actually probably harder. Below are my top three picks for the man who taught you how to drive, cuss like a sailor, and will always view you as “their pride and joy".

• Golf Club Grill Tools: What man doesn’t like to grill? I think these golf club grill tools are hysterical, clever, and useful. Give your dad the gift of practicing his swing off the course and on the grill.
• Cigar of the Month Club: This is one of the coolest gifts you could give your old man if he likes to light up and relax with a nice cigar. This website also offers a variety of other “monthly clubs” such as beer and wine. Give your dad something to look forward to after Christmas for the next few months.
• Cuff Links: Cuff links are always a staple for any man who occasionally needs or likes to dress up. Why not engrave them and personalize them just for your dear old dad. They are simple and classic, which are two things most dads appreciate.

I hope I've been helpful with shopping for that special someone in your life! I've been so busy helping you all that I haven't even had time to shop, I am in t.r.o.u.b.l.e. I have 11 people to still shop for! Whoopsie! Good lucking fighting the crowds if you are in the same boat as me!

Holiday Gift Guide

{For the Mommas}

Every year when I am buying for my Momma I always strive to give her something sentimental. I am sure your mom is just like mine in the sense of when you ask her what she wants she says something sweet and genuine like, “nothing honey I have everything I need”. So what do you buy for the woman who has everything and wants nothing? Below I picked a few items that I could see my mother loving and thinking I put some thought into them.

• Apron: Why not make your momma more stylish while she is slaving over the hot oven in the kitchen. Get your mom one of these adorable aprons from Anthropologie so she can look glamorous while being generous!
• Necklace: I absolutely love Dogeared products, not only is the Jewelry adorable but it has incredible packaging. Why not tell your mom you love her with a dainty necklace and a sweet note already written right there on the package for you. If that isn't killing two birds with one stone I don’t know what is!
• Fleur De Lis Tea Cup: Not only is this design so beautiful and intricate it serves major purpose. My mom loves tea, drinks it all the time. So I figured, why not get her a tea cup special to just her. Being from Louisville our house is covered in Fleur De Lis so I think she will appreciate this simple yet dainty design.
• Book: This book is extremely clever and personal; it is an interview book all about your mom. I think it would be a great bonding moment to sit down with her and write down funny memories and stories from her life. It is something I think moms would appreciate going through the process of filling it out and keeping it as a great keepsake. 

Be on the the look out for great gifts for the Dad's next!! 

Holiday Gift Guide

{For the Fellas}

I find that the fellas are often harder to shop for than the ladies. I think it's because men have what they want and if they don't they usually just go out and buy it for themselves. I also think it's because women tend to just want and lust after things more often than the men.  I decided not to do your typical {tie + sweater} gift guide so instead I put together some things that are unique and outside of the box. So instead of giving him a piece of clothing surprise him with something different this year!

• Vintage Coors Can Bottle Opener: I stumbled upon this on Etsy and really loved it. It is vintage cool and useful. The can is where the bottle tops go after you've removed it. You should check out the shop {Handy Sam} because they offer a huge amount of different vintage cans. 
• Personalized Bottle Opener: This bottle opener can be personalized and has a great manly appearance. I like the mix of metals and the shape, I think any man would like the look and size of this opener. You can also find other metal pieces created by {NazForge} in their shop!
• KY Mirror: Have a someone in your life that has moved away? This mirror is a great way to send them something to remind them of where they came from. I think this mirror is not only a great decoration but also a great conversation stater. Being from the wonderful Bluegrass State I was biased, check out their store {Flux Glass} for other states. 

{Dock Artisan}

• 3 Dock Charger
• Golf Club Dock
• Single Driftwood Dock

I found this store while I was looking for something for my “techy” brother. I think this is a really cool concept to recharge your apple products. All three of the products I have chosen are different and can suit a number of different men’s tastes. You should definitely check out their Etsy shop if you have a tech savvy man in your life!  

Well there are some of my picks from Etsy for the fellas! I hope everyone is having a great week! 



Holiday Gift Guide

{From My Favorite Etsy Shops}

It's that time of year again where you make your list and you check it twice. I'm here to help make shopping this year a teeny bit easier! I am a huge fan of Etsy and their shop owners, I really love small business owners who really come from the ground up and sell incredible unique gifts. Today I am focusing on {Her} accessory gift guides. Throughout the next few weeks I will continue to post different guides in hopes of helping people who are lost and confused when buying for their loved ones.

 

{Her}

K.Slademade

• Polka Dot Foldover: I can not even begin to tell you how many compliments I get on my polka dot bag from Kslademade. This is her new edition of the one I have that was featured here. If you are as polka dot crazed as I am this bag is for you or your loved one.
• Monogram Tip Pouch: From personal experience I have found that gifts that are personalized tend to make better gifts. The person recieving it feels special since you took the time to make something unique to them. These are perfect gifts that can be a great everyday accessory.
• Leather Key Chain: This lovely key chain is a great way to find your keys when they are lost in a big purse. The bright color and shape make it easier to keep track of your keys!

Gigglosophy

I recently found this shop from my friend Danielle, you can follow her incredible blog here: Lou What Wear.

• Gold Chain With Pave Balls: I think this is the perfect mix of glam and prep. I love it so much that I even have it on my list for myself for Christmas. I think it will be a great addition to any and every arm party. It also helps that it is on sale right now! If you follow Gigglosophy on Instagram she always posts promo codes for free shipping! Don't miss out on this incredible deal.
• Spike Bracelet: I squealed with joy when I found this bracelet. It resembles a Stella and Dot bracelet that I've had my eye on for quite a while but couldn't commit to because of the price. I was over zealous to find this at a mere $20.00.
• Pave Chevron: Ok, I'm guilty, I am also asking for this one too. I love it because it is so dainty and chevron. It's a great gift and at the amazing price of just $16.00 it is pretty irresistible.

So there you have it two of my favorite shops on Etsy.com. Keep a look out for what I've picked out for the fellas on tomorrows post! I hope everyone has an incredible weekend! Happy Shopping!

Thankful

{What a Wonderful Life}

With Thanksgiving rapidly approaching I decided today to share the things I am most thankful for: {Family & Friends}. This past Friday my older brother Chris proposed to his girlfriend Trisha. Below see their adorable picture after their engagement. I am so incredibly happy for them and overjoyed with the new addition our family will be gaining once she is officially a “Paul”. My family is incredible, hands down the perfect mix of loving, caring, and at times crazy. Now that we all are getting older it is nice around the holidays to get everyone together. With that being said, I am really looking forward to Wednesday. My friends are like my second family: I don’t know where I’d be without them. Tonight is our 2nd annual {GALSgiving}. It’s the perfect excuse to get together with countless bottles of wine and even more carbohydrates. To put things into perspective it is a huge group of girls sitting around stuffing their faces, drinking until their teeth are stained red from the wine, and leaving with stomach aches from either too much food or laughing too hard. Needless to say it is one of my favorite nights of the year. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday week!! Happiest Thanksgiving to each and every one of my readers!

It's that Time of Year Again

{Pre-Santa Wish List}

Well here we are again fellow readers: a week until our bellies are full, our hearts are happy, and our wallets are about to be emptied. Yup, you guessed it! It’s officially the holiday season filled with turkey, stuffing, laughter, and lots of shopping. I cannot believe that Thanksgiving is just a week away, where has the time gone? Before we know it it's going to be Christmas Eve and then the big 2013. I decided that I would put a little Pre-Santa list together of some items that I have my eye on for not only myself but for my friends and family members as well. Below are just a few accessories that are adorable and unique in their own ways. 

Top Left: Monogram EarringsTop Right: Polka Dot Tights, Bottom Left: Blouse, Bottom Right: Jewelry Box

Top Left: Locket, Middle Left: Bootie, Bottom Left: Love Bracelet, & Right: Essie "Don't Sweater It"

San Francisco Stole My Heart

As hard as it is for me to believe, my best friend JoAnna moved to SF over a year ago. Even though I was terribly sad when she moved it ended up being a blessing in disguise since I was dying to go anywhere in California. So I impulsively bought a plane ticket three months ago and it was one of the best decisions I have made this year. San Francisco is like a different world and I absolutely loved it. The people, the places, the food - everything was incredible. JoAnna was like one of those tour guides on top of one of those double-decker busses, the woman knew her facts. It was really impressive how native she seemed knowing she had only been there for a short amount of time. All I can really say is JoAnna not only found a new home but has also made SF her bitch. Below are some of my favorite pictures from the trip, I was there for about five days which at the time seemed like two. I cannot wait to return to sweet SF because I am sure I didn’t get to experience everything that beautiful city has to offer.  

Above is Miette, the cutest little candy store/bakery I have ever been in. JoAnna's little sister Christina works here and it has the BEST macaroons ever!

Jo and I on our {romantical} dinner date at Lers Ros.

This was one of my favorite things we did while I was in SF. A picnic at Dolores Park. It was an incredible view and it was a beautiful day weather wise. It was heavenly.

Jo and I just being our typical weird selves. {Hotdogs + Pizza}

Our signature pose at Golden Gate.

It was Halloween weekend so Jo and I dressed as 80's Barbies, while her lovely roomie Katie, whom I adore, was a great Pocahontas.

Yes, that is thee Sexy Sax Man. He was AMAZING.

Pretty much sums us up. {Love}

So there you have it! Pictures capturing my lovely days spent in SF which hold so many incredible memories! I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!!!!!!

Red White & Blue

Today's post is a quick one! Happy Election Day!!!! Do your part and VOTE!!!

 

Red White & Blue by quinn-paul featuring a black sweater

Lustful

Lustful by quinn-paul featuring slim tees

My current obsession is {LEATHER}. I love it, I love that it is no longer just a motorcycle hard style. I think it has evolved into a more accepting trend that can be applied to all types of styles. For example, I personally love the more feminine girly pieces available. The peplums, the flared skirts, and mixed textures really having me loving all things leather.

Well I hope everyone is keeping warm! I just got back from visiting my dearest friend JoAnna in San Francisco and will be doing a re-cap soon! It was an incredible trip and I miss it already!!!

Monthly Round-Up

{Life}

Hi all, since I have been majorly slacking on posting lately I thought I would share some photos from all the fun things I've had going on lately! By the way have you noticed the little facelift I gave to QUINNtessential? How do you like it? Now you can {shop with moi}, {read with moi}, and {follow moi}. Besides giving QUINNtessential a new look I've had a jammed pack schedule and have thoroughly enjoyed myself and my lovely friends! Looking back on some of these pictures I realized how much fun I've been having and how fast time is truly flying by! It's crazy to think it's already half way through October! It kills me to realize how fast days are coming and going. Time just needs to slooooow down for me! Anyway, sorry for the mini rant, but I also plan on doing a recap of Jenni's bach which was totally tubular like oh my god amazing. Let's just say the night was wild and everyone looked fantastic! I will plan on doing that post next week once I return from the most magical place on earth, DISNEY WORLD! Yup it's true I leave tomorrow for Mickey Land and will return on Wednesday.

And just as a sneak peek for Jenni's bach I included a little teaser photo for your enjoyment. Yes, that is Laura's real hair, that is not a wig. I repeat that is NOT a wig!

Until next week! XoXo Quinn

Totally 80's

{Jenni's Bach}

One of my greatest pals Jenni is getting married! Yes that is her hunk a hunk a man Stuart with the awesome mullet above. This weekend is her bachelorette which is themed {80's}. I am beyond excited about this because if you haven't noticed I LOVE THEME'S. I can't wait to show you all what I've been crafting...2 hints, acid wash and jewels. I figured I would do a post on some 80's attire for this upcoming weekend. I don't know if it's because it's almost Halloween or what but the clothing out right now is terrifying in my opinion. I mean everything screams 80's which is lucky for us because of this weekend but tragic for people who are just shopping for their regular outfits. Forever21 looks like a neon biker chick threw up all over the entire store, truly tragic. Anyway back to the 80's! Enjoy the mood board I threw together for fun! Have a great weekend!!!

Totally 80's by quinn-paul featuring neon jewelry