Why are you closing?
We've run at a loss since the day we first opened. As much as we love our concept and all of our makers, it's just not sustainable in the market at the present moment.
When are you closing?
There isn't an exact date. Our sale begins Aug. 6 and will run until we're out of inventory. But it won't be overnight!
Where can I get those products I've come to rely on?
Almost all of our makers sell directly through their own websites or through other stores. Search for your favorite brands, and you'll be able to order them.
What happens to my Quinster points?
You can accrue and use them up until we're completely closed.
What if I have a Nift I haven't used?
We will be accepting Nifts through Aug. 31. Nift will also be happy to let you choose a different gift if you would rather. Please contact them.
What about Summer Bingo?
Keep playing! We won't be closed before Aug. 25 when the game ends, so the stamps and extras and drawing are all still going on! We've got some good giveaways coming up, so make sure you stop in!
But I'll miss buying products that I know are good for people and the planet!
We will too! But those brands are out there. It just takes a little effort to find them. If we leave any legacy, I would hope it is that our customers still want clothing, soap, handbags, toys, etc., from makers doing good in the world. Search out those products and support them with your dollars!
What now?
Rob and I have started a consulting business to help the little guys keep emerging into the world. We will help those Etsy shops and little boutiques get off the ground and get noticed. You can find us at Daydreamers Consulting. Our dream is still to help build other people's dreams of working for themselves.
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You may be thinking, "It costs way too much to buy these products, though, even if I wanted to." Fair point. But let's break it down, because ethical doesn't have to mean expensive.
All of the products I've been talking about this month use higher-quality ingredients than traditional, commercial products. Yes, that makes them more expensive per unit, but it also means that you are getting more bang for your buck. To start with, ethical products list all their ingredients. A quick check of bath bombs available online at Target, for example, tells me that you can get one for about $4-$5. But even though I can find phthalate-free and paraben-free and vegan-friendly options, I can't actually see what is in it! Our bath and shower bombs from Rinse are $5-$6 and list every ingredient right on the label.
Better ingredients also mean that the products tend to last longer. My Magic Mud charcoal toothpaste, which we've just gotten in, is $12 for a 4 oz tube. And, OK, that is expensive for toothpaste. However, I know from personal experience that their 4 oz tube will last for about 6 months. That's because without all the air and water and unnecessary "filler" ingredients, the paste is denser and you don't need as much of it for each brushing. A 4 oz tube of Crest may only be $4.00, but how long does it last? In my experience, about 3-4 months.
One tube of My Magic Mud is still $4 more expensive than two tubes of Crest, but that extra $4 over 6 months works out to about 17¢ per week. Is a product that's better for you and the environment worth an extra 17¢ per week? Only you can decide that, but once you break it down like this, the cost difference is truly minimal.
What we're trying to do by carrying more ethical beauty options is simply to raise your awareness and their availability. One of the hurdles to making ethical choices when you decide to do so often is the convenience of finding them. We're making them easier to find and easier to use. Stop by and see how!
Read the whole series:
Part 1: What is Clean Beauty?
Part 2: The Ethics of Makeup
Part 3: Let's Talk About Sweat, Baby
I know, I know: this is supposed to be a blog post about ethical beauty. And who ever wants to talk about sweat??
I get it. But to be truthful, we need to talk about how you stink. Or at least how I do. Natural deodorants are one of the key products emerging from the indie beauty movement, and to be honest, nobody really wants to talk about it.
I met Nisreen and Scott of True Wild Botanics at the Indie Beauty Expo, and I fell in love with their products and their outlook. Their background is in gardening and landscaping. They grow all their own plants for their products! Their energy and enthusiasm was infectious.
But Nisreen and I got to talking about deodorant, because it's one of their newest products. She admitted — she stinks! I admitted that I do too! Honestly, all humans do. That's why we tend to wear deodorant.
But commercial deodorants are full of aluminum and those parabens and triclosan that I talked about in the first part of this series. Those are the "anti-perspirant" part. The problem is that they're known to block lymph ducts. Stopping your body from perspiring can really only be achieved by plugging up the holes where sweat can come out. Not only does this lead to painful lumps but a surprisingly high number of people are sensitive or allergic to these chemicals, especially on their delicate underarm skin.
I know I am. I have been on a quest for about ten years to find natural deodorant that works. This is exactly what Nisreen and I talked about. I'm not a hippie and I generally give a good amount of thought into how I look (and smell). I've tried about ten different brands of natural deodorant in the past ten years or so, and the trick is not just to find one whose scent you can stand but to find one that will actually work for more than a couple of hours.
At the moment, I'm personally using a product that we don't carry at our store. But I'm excited for our True Wild order to come in! In the meantime, we're already carrying Spinster Sisters and Sam's Natural deodorants. While I haven't personally used them, we have customers who swear by them! Admitting you stink is the first step — doing something about it, naturally, is the next.
Read Part 1: What is Clean Beauty? and Part 2: The Ethics of Makeup
]]>Increasingly, though, makeup manufacturers lead the way toward more ethical living. This doesn't have to mean GOOP-level changes in your life. One of the key ideas I came away from the Indie Beauty Expo with was how simple it is to incorporate more ethical choices into your beauty routine.
A long time ago — like a decade ago — "cruelty-free" and "not tested on animals" were makeup's buzz words. We've gotten to a place where that's now the minimum bar for acceptable ethics, though. Today's cosmetics companies, especially the indie ones, pay attention to social causes and ingredients.
It's become easy to find vegan-friendly products, like B'Livinn nail polish, which we started carrying this week, and Clove+Hallow cosmetics, which we are ordering soon. And we did a Facebook Live video last week demonstrating My Magic Mud charcoal toothpaste, which has taken out chemicals like triclosan and fluoride to make a better toothpaste. Bitchstix, a new skin care company with whom we hope to start working, creates their products with 100% renewable energy offsets. They're also dedicated to raising awareness about domestic violence and sexual assault, which is why they not only donate some of their profits to those causes but also partner at the local level with retailers to support local organizations. See why we want to work with them?
There's still the question of whether it looks good or not. We'll let you be the judge of that. But every vendor I spoke to at IBE was adamant that their product has to work. They know that. You don't have to become a dirty hippie in your quest for more ethical cosmetics. More on that next week, though (dirty hippies).
Read Part 1: "What Is Clean Beauty?" and Part 3: Let's Talk About Sweat, Baby
]]>I'm going to spend the month of February writing about the benefits of "clean beauty," which I learned so much about at the expo. And we'll be bringing in some great new brands and products to help you clean up your skin care and cosmetics routine.
Clean beauty refers to the movement in the cosmetics industry to remove harmful chemicals from nail polish, mascara, lipstick, and so forth. It includes a commitment to be cruelty-free — not tested on animals — and many times it also includes a commitment to plant-based materials — vegan-friendly.
This is about so much more than vanity. You may be thinking, "I don't care about the latest 'hot' shade of lipstick" or "I don't worry about my laugh lines; I love them!" Whether we want to or not, though, we're all beholden to the beauty industry. If you so much as wash your face with conventional soap, you may be putting ingredients from the naughty list onto your skin (credit Nude and Noir). These are chemicals known to be carcinogenic, toxic, or hormone disrupting.
Who wants to knowingly add that to their daily routine?
I'm not trying to scare you! I'm not above a box of nuclear orange mac & cheese now and then. But I do also actively seek healthier alternatives. The best part about the Indie Beauty Expo was seeing how many fantastic alternatives (like Nude and Noir!) are out there. I look forward to sharing my discoveries with you this month!
Read Part 2: The Ethics of Makeup and Part 3: Let's Talk About Sweat, Baby
]]>When you buy a pair of jeans from your favorite retailer, do you think about where and how they were made? Probably not too much. When you buy them online, you probably think about it even less. I'm not trying to make you feel bad; I'm the same way. The system itself of purchasing from large corporations, and especially the ease of doing so with a few clicks on a website, increases the distance between the people involved in the transaction and decreases the humanity of it.
That's why purchasing from small businesses matters. That's why small businesses buying from small wholesalers and direct from small manufacturers matters. It promotes a more direct connection between the hands that made the item and the hands in which the item ends up. It's the difference between 2 or 3 degrees of separation and 20 or 30.
I'm going to take this opportunity to introduce a new brand we'll begin carrying very soon: Good hYOUman. Besides including a clever pun, they're committed to making high-quality clothing in the US. They collaborate with different designers to create comfortable, soft casual wear with positive messages. We'll have them in-store in the next few weeks!
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That almost sounds like a silly question. You eat, you sleep, you work, maybe you exercise. But actually taking care of oneself is not an automatic activity. I've learned this the hard way, from getting to the brink of collapse before stopping to say "What do I need right now?" And since I've learned that lesson, I've also become alert to the fact that there are many people who behave that same way. Often it's women, mothers, but there are many men too who put others' needs and demands ahead of their own.
Sure, there are also lots of selfish people in the world. In fact, the selfish ones, who always take care of their needs first, are the ones who make the rest of us feel like we have no right to put our needs first. It seems selfish, doesn't it?
It's not. The advice I get from the people I trust is "you can't take care of anyone else unless you're taking care of yourself first." So that's what this vacation is: a chance to take care of myself. My absolutely fantastic staff is still around to take care of you, so come in and let them do that.
]]>Taking care of your skin in winter presents an extra challenge: there's very little moisture in the air and the wind whips that cold, dry air right across exposed skin. Frostbite, chapping, cracking — these are not pleasant things to deal with!
So we're highlighting some of the best products for taking care of your skin throughout this season. Relax, we'll get through this together ...
Best Face Forward |
Your face has some of the most delicate skin on your body, and it's some of the most-exposed skin during winter. Honey Belle's elixir sets provide a daily antidote, though. Add them to your cleansing routine to rejuvenate, soothe and protect that beautiful puss! The Gold Collection includes foaming face cleanser, toner and face cream. Or go Luxe for an entirely serum-based approach. |
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Best Hand Fix |
After the face, the hands take the brunt of winter's wicked sting. Shoveling, skiing or even just walking the kids to the bus stop can put your hands in harm's way. Bloody Knuckles hand salve from Duke Cannon does the opposite of what it sounds: it saves those chapped hands from cracking and bleeding. Despite its manly packaging, it's a light, non-greasy formula that we know for sure women enjoy too! |
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Let's Get Personal |
Those Canadians up at Walton Wood Farm have a sense of humor. They've formulated a couple of products to care for the most intimate of skin. Their B'ver Balm and Proud Cock Manscaping Balm soothe the places where the sun don't shine. You can use them where the sun does shine, too, though. Anyplace that needs a little TLC after waxing or shaving can benefit from these. |
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The Toes Have It |
Well, the toes need it, anyway! I know for me personally my feet are some of the toughest skin to care for during the winter. Fortunately, Rinse makes great Peppofoot products to tingle your toes! The Pedi-to-Go kit has a travel-friendly spray and lotion stick, but the best part is the foot polish. It honestly is almost as good as a professional pedicure for dry, dead skin. (And even if peppermint isn't really your scent, it doesn't leave you smelling like a candy cane. It's closer to an astrigent or citrus scent with a hint of mint.) |
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That Overall Ahhhh |
When you're ready for a good soak in the tub after sledding (or snowblowing), Spinster Sisters has an array of good ones to choose from. Their Orange Hibiscus, Calendula Cornflower and Lavender Rose soaks contain pink Himalayan salt — known for its detoxing properties — and epsom salts — which have been used for centuries to relax muscles. And if you'd prefer some tea with your bath, they've whipped up some bath teas, sitz baths and facial steam teas that you can measure into a muslin bag to soak to your skin's content. |
Kaizen has, apparently, become a buzz word in business circles. There are consulting companies dedicated to kaizen as a sort of optimization of employee efficiency: Are your employees constantly improving? How do you know? Measure their gains to foster kaizen!
It's sad but not surprising to me that a concept like kaizen has morphed from the peaceful, meditative act of steadily improving something like a bonsai, a little at a time, into a business practice to measure efficiency.
So when I say that kaizen is something we at Quinstance strive for, please know that I mean it in the most positive, calm sense: we want to be better for you every day. We walk around to make the store look better. We continually dream up events and promotions that we hope will engage and inspire you. We scout out new products and new vendors and develop relationships with them, so that we can show it to you.
The new year feels like a good time for renewing our commitment to kaizen. What will you decide to focus on to achieve your kaizen? I'd love to hear in the comments or by email!
]]>Around here, we've had a big year. We celebrated our 2nd anniversary in June and we opened a store at the beginning of December. We've welcomed four new team members and said sad goodbyes to three others.
We attended new trade shows and returned to some familiar ones. We caught up with our existing vendors and added new ones to the family.
The biggest change, of course, is that our Burlington store is now closed. After 2.5 years at 3rd Ave, we made the leap to a bigger and better space at Market Street in Lynnfield. The energy and excitement at Market Street is wonderful, and we're already settling in well.
The new year will bring new opportunities, like the addition of our maker space, which will allow us to offer classes and workshops. We're also bringing in some new categories of products, like the pet toys and beds we got just before the holidays.
Thank you for being a Quinster and thank you for supporting us again this year. We know we have the best customers around and we're very grateful for that!
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Rules: One entry with each purchase. Additional entries for every additional $50 spent. Winners will be drawn and contacted on December 9.
]]>One of the products we got in this batch is their very newest product: the Cook Slab! These are roughly the same size and shape as a food slab, but with added functionality. The food slabs are beautiful and great for showing off cheese and honey and other sumptuous edibles. The cook slabs may not be as pretty, but they are workhorses!
You can put the cook slab directly on the grill or in the oven and then cook food right on it. Both sides of it are ready for cooking and prepared as food-safe surfaces. The solid stone is perfect for delicate items like shrimp or vegetables or for small items that might fall through the grill grate. If camping is your thing, you can even cook right in your campfire on a cook slab.
Best of all, you can bring the food right to the table on a hot stone that will keep the food hot. If you want to add a little drama to your meal, you can even cook something like bacon or a steak almost all the way to done and then finish it with some sizzle on the table.
]]>But I'm having fun with it now. I keep thinking about what I'm going to talk to you about. I know most of you will watch the video after the fact, rather than catching it live, but even so, it feels like more of a connection between me and you. And considering that so much of what we're about is making those real connections viable and visible between consumer and maker, that seems like a good move!
So if you haven't caught it yet, here are the archived ones. And you can always catch me at 2:00 on Mondays talking about ... something! (This week it'll be introducing our newest employee, whose first day is Monday!)
Facebook Live 7/24 (Tour of the Sale) | Facebook Live 7/31 (New Arrivals)
]]>But I was pleasantly surprised to find a number of makers at the fair who create more than cosplay accessories.* There were henna artists, leather workers, metalsmiths and a delightful woman making flower crowns, handmade wands and bottles of pixie dust. Most of them sell through their own websites and/or through Etsy.
Then this morning, I heard that the President has declared this "Made in America Week." Much of the news surrounding that pronouncement focuses on the fact that President Trump's own companies don't uphold the American-made values he's promoting. True enough. However, I'm thinking in a different direction.
We hear a lot about the demise of retail. Well, I do, anyway. Small retailers lie awake at night pondering the Whole Foods/Amazon merger and Macy's shutting down stores and the latest figures about online shopping vs. brick and mortar.
What I see in the brands we carry and what I hear in conversations with vendors like those at the fair, though, gives me hope. I see stay-at-home moms becoming entrepreneurs in their own neighborhoods. I see people who start a "side" business that becomes successful enough for them to leave their "real" job.
When the media or politicians talk about "small business," they're talking about companies with under 500 or even under 1000 employees. To an Etsy paper maker or an independent yarn shop, that's laughable. Those aren't "small" companies! We're talking about makers who sneak two hours a night after the kids go to bed to pour candles. Or little shops that employ maybe 1-3 other people.
These are the small businesses making a difference, though. The maker movement has momentum. At the fair, I heard one gentleman talking about how a few years ago, they hoped to have 800 people come through over the course of a weekend; this year they had that many just in one day!
This is what gives me hope: small, person-to-person business is actually thriving. Go to a craft fair and you'll find new artisans year over year. Talk to your friends and you'll probably find at least one who is doing something in their spare time that they sell through some small channel or another. Sure, buy your books through Amazon and your music through iTunes. Those products are all going to be the same no matter where you buy them. But when you want something interesting, unique, different, special – you'll find a whole community catering to you!
]]>First up, we're introducing Brass & Unity. Kelsi Sheren founded her company after returning as a Canadian veteran from Afghanistan with post-traumatic stress disorder. Her jewelry designs incorporate elemental beads long considered to have healing properties, alongside shell casings that have actually been fired from military guns.
The purpose behind linking beauty and might in this way is to heal veterans, especially those returning from overseas with PTSD. Kelsi's experience is not an uncommon one, and she has dedicated herself to reaching out to veterans all over the world, of all kinds of wars, so that they can share their support and respect. A portion of all sales goes toward veterans' causes.
Brass & Unity collections are "Warrior"-themed, highlighting the strength of the men and women who serve. Their jewelry is designed to be unisex, with many colors and textures. One piece is a seed bracelet whose clasp is a simple piece of brass. It's the only one in the collection that doesn't use a shell casing, and its purpose is to allow those for whom bullets might be a trigger for their PTSD to still benefit from the healing and inclusion the brand represents.
We're proud to now be carrying Brass & Unity, and we hope you'll enjoy their designs!
Fun fact: Kelsi's designs range from a simple Mini Warrior Bracelet for $60 up to a gorgeous diamond and 14k gold necklace for $8000. We're starting out with some of the simpler pieces!
]]>Fortunately, we've got a number of items that can make your packing easier! From TSA-approved bath and body products to handy tools to hostess gifts, read on for how to simplify your travel this summer:
Mixture makes some great travel-sized bath and body for on-the-go! We've got their shea body lotion and shower gel in Lavender Lemongrass, as well as their cute bar soaps in a range of scents. And best of all, their containers are all TSA-approved. ($6-$8) | |
Duke Cannon knows how to be cool, this time literally. Their cooling field towels are like a cold slap to the face. Perfect for after those long lines in the hot Florida sun! ($14) | |
Walton Wood Farm and Library of Flowers keep you smelling great on the go. Solid cologne for men and parfum crema for women, respectively, are a much easier way to transport scents than in a spray bottle. With these, you don't have to worry how many ounces it is or that it's going to break or leak in your bag. ($22-$36; Men's | Women's) | |
The Pocket Monkey by Zootility Tools is an incredibly handy thing to carry in your wallet! It's as thin as a credit card and functions 12 ways: as a bottle opener, ruler, screwdriver, orange peeler, cord wrap ... ($12) | |
This leather-accented satchel by Joyn India makes an excellent day bag! It's roomy enough to carry sunscreen, wallet, phone, room key, Band-Aids - all those essentials for a day out away from home. But it's compact enough to pack easily and not weigh you down. (Black or Brown accents; $80) | |
If you're staying with friends or family this summer, don't forget a little something to thank them for their hospitality. A travel-sized candle, a unisex bracelet that benefits veterans, or this incredibly popular putty for kids are all fun items they'll remember but they won't take up much space in your suitcase! |
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Mother's Day traditionally is the day you try to remember to send your mom a card or some flowers. If you don't have a great relationship with her that can be difficult: send something half-heartedly that you don't really mean? Or don't send anything and deal with the guilt and accusations for not celebrating?
It's even more difficult for those whose mothers are sorely missed, either through separation or passing away. It's also a gut-wrenching holiday for those who desperately wish to become mothers but experience infertility.
And at the same time, the holiday overlooks a lot of people who do the work of mothers without the credit: a special teacher or adult confidante who looks out for a kid in need; pet parents who devote energy, love and considerable resources to care for their little loved ones; men who are raising children either in same-sex relationships or as single parents; nurses who care for us when no one else is there. I could go on, but I'm sure you have some of those people in mind.
That's why to me "mother" is a verb. Mothering is performing those caring, soothing functions that we all need. Mothers listen. Mothers comfort. Mothers drop everything to come to your aid. Chances are that if your own mother doesn't or can't perform those actions for you, there is someone else in your life to whom you turn for that nurturing and caring.
Celebrate those people. Let's honor the people in our lives who look out for us, who support us, whose shoulders we cry on. As a mother, that's what I want out of this holiday, much more so than flowers.
]]>On April 24, 2013, there was a catastrophic building collapse in Bangladesh at Rana Plaza, a clothing manufacturing facility. 1134 people died and thousands more were injured. And a fashion revolution began.
When you purchase a piece of clothing, do you look at the label to see where it was made? We're not here to shame you; we all buy clothing made in Bangladesh, India, Vietnam and other developing nations where manufacturing is cheap. Fashion Revolution Week, though, is about remembering that there are actual people behind the clothes you wear. Being a part of the fashion revolution means caring about those people: Do they work in safe, clean conditions? Do they get paid a fair wage for their work? Have the materials in the garment been sourced ethically, with respect for the environment? Are the workers exposed to harmful chemicals in the process of making that shirt or those pants?
Fashion Revolution Week seeks to make us all aware of these factors when we choose what clothing to buy. The great news is that all of the brands we carry are ethically made by real people. Most of our clothing is American-made: angelrox, Easy, Tiger, United by Blue, Laurel & Octavia, Flytrap, Tiny Whales and Oscar Mike. And the fair trade companies we work with – tonlé and Pebble Baby – subscribe to this model of ethical fashion as well.
We want to make it easy for you to shop ethically, which is why we only carry American-made and fair trade products in the first place. And in honor of Fashion Revolution Week, 10% of all clothing purchases will be donated to the Clean Clothes Campaign, a non-profit organization that encourages clothing manufacturers to be open about their materials, their labor practices, their wages and more. You can also help by asking manufacturers "who made my clothes?" Fashion Revolution Week's website has an easy form for you to fill out to send to your favorite brands to ask. And all our ethical clothing is right here: Shop Now!
]]>We know we need to. The "why" is the easy part. Slowing down and doing something nice for yourself sounds luxurious. But that's exactly the problem: it sounds like a luxury, something extra, something you can't actually attain.
That's where we come in. Last week I was at The Herrington Inn & Spa for a conference with my independent retail buddies. It was work, yes: two intensive days of brainstorming on how to build a better store and a better customer experience. But the Herrington is known for its baths: every room has a whirlpool bath, and the spa will deliver a bath basket to the room upon request. So I did the unthinkable: I took time for me.
It was absolutely glorious: 20 minutes to myself, and the Herrington provided a handy sheet to walk me through the order of using the products they provided. But maybe the most important thing I realized was that I needed those 20 minutes. I slept better. I felt happier and more relaxed. I felt rounded at the end of the day: I had worked hard, but I had also taken some time for myself.
I also realized I can absolutely do this at home. In fact, I just got back on Wednesday, and I've already taken a bath once. 20 minutes! It's really not that long. And we're here to help; remember that a "quinstance" is something that "makes you happy every time you use it, put it on or look at it." That is some self-care right there!
Erin's Recipe for a 20-Minute Bath
1. Start with the Cottage Greenhouse's bubble bath. I just started using the Japanese plum and white tea, and it's amazing. It's light and not too bubbly. It's an excellent base for your bath.
2. Pour in one of Rinse Bath & Body Co.'s salt soaks. These are incredibly gentle and just turn your bath into a light epsom salt soak. There are several scents, including lavender, the traditional soothing scent, but choose one that works for you.
3. Just soak and relax for about five minutes. Listen to the faucet drip. Close your eyes. Then, on to the next step:
4. Scrub after your soak to slough off dead skin. It's amazing how the roughness of a sugar scrub actually makes your skin softer and smoother. I like Spinster Sisters' Gardenia sugar scrub, but again, pick a scent that works for you. We carry neutrals like Oats & Honey and Pure & Simple if you don't want to layer scent over scent.
5. Just sit again. Soak. You've got another five minutes. Really.
6. Step out carefully, dry off, and then apply a good lotion. Walton Wood Farm makes a nice, whipped one with shea butter. Lots of scents, but there's actually one called "Me Time," which rounds out your evening well.
That's it! That's the magic formula! I know as well as anyone that finding the time to take care of yourself isn't easy. And I resist the notion that I have to find time for myself first, too. But those 20 minutes really do make a difference. Find those 20 minutes.
]]>The love I want to share with you – the love I hope you'll share with others – is the simple, interpersonal humanity we share. We have all read terrible stories in the news about destruction, oppression, denial of rights and hateful speech and acts committed against some of the most vulnerable people in our country. That's not America. And that's not Quinstance.
Instead, we choose love. Love for our country and love for its people. Love for our planet and love for its people. Love for our neighbors as well as our families. Love for our community and also our friends. We're not the only ones. We've also seen wonderful acts of love out there in reaction to the hate.
Quinstance is my labor of love and has been for almost two years. Love is at the heart of our business model, because I truly love the products I bring into the store. I love my vendors and I deeply appreciate the love I know they put into their work. I love my staff and I know you do too! I love you, my customers, and I want you to love the store, the time you spend in it and the things you take away from it.
So I'm asking you to choose love this season. Sure, get your honey something or your kids or your mom for February 14. But choose love today and see what happens.
]]>Instead I want to reflect on where we're going. It's been a tough year for so many. On the national level, the election generated so much friction and tension. On the personal level, myself and my staff have all faced challenges and difficulties.
But rather than dwell on the past, I want to look to the future. I've shared my favorite photo from the store from 2016 here, some glowing candles in a Monique Studio votive tray. There's so much about this photo that I love. I love that I took it and it didn't need any editing (I'm no photographer!). I love the way the glass looks like water in the candlelight. I love that Monique is a local artist and that we've been able to develop relationships with her and many other local artisans throughout this year.
What I love most about this photo, though, is that it those little candle flames are shining against the dark night outside the window. I want our store to be a little candle flame for each of our customers: small but unwavering, offering peace and comfort amidst uncertainty, local and exuding warmth to passersby. From the beginning, Quinstance has been about finding that little something that you connect with. I sincerely hope you'll allow us to help you find that in the coming year.
Thank you for supporting us this year! And wishing you all the best for 2017...
Erin
]]>Walton Wood Farm
Women Smell Pretty Box
Fill one of these boxes with any hand rescue, sugar scrub and bath soak by Walton Wood Farm. ($68, incl box)
Faribault Woolen Mills Throw Blanket
Made in Minnesota by a 150-year-old mill, these blankets are cozy and practical but heirloom quality. Get this for Mom and years from now the kids will be arguing over who it gets handed down to. ($150)
Matr Boomie Small Cutwork Box
This little box keeps a few treasures close at hand. Store your rings or loose change on your nightstand or use it for paperclips on your desk. She'll find uses for it, and she'll want to display it because it's so beautifully carved. ($18)
Gifts for Guys
Guys are not easy to shop for. That's a given, right?
We can make it easier.
United by Blue Polar Pullover
United by Blue is a clothing company based in Philadelphia that creates sustainable gear for men and women. They're driven by their connection to the outdoors, so if you know a guy who likes to be outside this will hit the spot! ($64)
Duke Cannon
Handsome Man Grooming Can
Women aren't the only ones who care about smelling nice! Your guy might not say it, but he'll appreciate the collection of these manly scents all in one adorable - I mean, tough - paint can. Includes two full Big Ass Bricks of Soap, face wash, 2 lip balms, Bloody Knuckles hand relief and shave cream. ($80)
Gräf & Lantz Card Case
These felt cases, made in L.A., can be used as a business card holder or as a slim wallet. Up his style game with something small. After all, you don't want him to change completely, do you? ($20)
Stocking Stuffers
We have loads of little goodies to stuff those stockings. Or as a Secret Santa present. Or a teacher gift. Or ...
TOPS Malibu Holiday Surprize Balls
These are a larger, holiday-themed version of the ones we have for kids. Each is about the size of a baseball and has 12 small items wrapped inside. Maybe a tiny horn or a new ornament? Unwrap to find out! ($20)
Faribault Woolen Mills Coffee Sleeve
That throw blanket up there for Mom? Well the mill takes remnants from those blankets and turns them into these neat coffee cup sleeves. They feel much better on your hand than those cardboard ones, plus they insulate your drink a little. And you can tell which Starbucks or DD cup is yours on a crowded conference table. ($12)
Rinse Bath & Body Mini Box of Goodness
Rinse is the one who makes those fabulous shower bombs. And this is a little surprise box of Rinse goodies. Every one has a salt soak, a lip balm, a lotion stick and some soap samples. But you don't know which scents you'll get until you open it! This one really is for teachers, daughters, sisters, all the grandkids or anyone else. ($25)
Tree Hopper Toys Stencil Sets
These stencil sets come with cutouts of Adventure, City or Monsters and step-by-step instructions to create full-page scenes with them. But the best part is watching your child's imagination take off and create their own pictures out of the sets. ($22 each)
A Flower for Rose Hair Accessories
Made right in Burlington by Lisa Ramirez, these hair accessories never stay on the shelves long. Lisa hand-folds the fabric that makes up the flowers and then sets them on alligator clips, bobby pins and headbands.
($10-$24)
Zooguu Faux Taxidermy
Zooguu is a Massachusetts company that makes these stuffed and mounted animals. Kids have been absolutely wild about them this winter since we got them in. Choose from Elephant, Moose, Narwhal, Squid and more in two different sizes. ($60 small/$80 medium)
American Stonecraft Food Slabs & Coasters
Each of the slabs American Stonecraft cuts turns out a unique product. Their workshop in Lowell is a sight to behold (see our Instagram video)! With sizes ranging from 4" coasters to 10" slabs, you can find one that fits the color scheme and the budget you're looking for.($25-$125)
Monique Studio Glass Trays and Votive Holders
Monique Feldman creates these beautiful trays from recycled plate glass in her Burlington studio. From a small 2-candle votive holder to a large serving platter, these pieces are one of a kind and will be appreciated by anyone who likes to set a table.
($45-$85)
Pequea Valley Forge Kitchen Tools
Al Stephens is a blacksmith in Alabama who hand-forges these iron kitchen utensils. There are choppers, pizza cutters, cheese slicers and a candle snuffer. They add rustic, antique charm to anyone's kitchen, while being absolutely functional.
($28-$43)
10:00-12:00 | 50% off all jewelry | |
12:00-2:00 | 40% off all home goods | |
2:00-4:00 | 30% off all kids' items | |
4:00-6:00 | 20% off all grooming products | |
6:00-9:00 | 10% off every order |
Free Gift with Purchases Over $75 |
Bring your friends! Deals at each store.
For example, at Quinstance, we'll have a selection of jewelry, soap and fragrance Buy One, Get One for 50% off. Redstone and Lunchbox are offering a discount on services and Xtend Barre will have specials for both new clients and current members! Just mention Ladies' Night while you shop, dine and take care of yourself around 3rd Ave.
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