Blog

Hospitality Homes & Giving Back

We’re Giving Back!

Right now until May 31st, 15% of the profits from every single sale will be donated to Hospitality Homes. 

Hospitality Homes is a Boston organization that supports patient-centered care in Boston, beyond the hospital. 

People travel from all over the world to receive cutting-edge treatment at Boston’s medical centers. But finding a place to stay in Boston can be a challenge – one that often comes with real sticker shock.

They match out-of-town patients with volunteer host homes and donated apartments, finding patients and their caregivers a place to stay during their medical treatment.

Hospitality Homes logo

Hospitality Homes serves patients regardless of income level, background, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, age or diagnosis.

They host people from all over the country and the world, enabling them to receive the care they need – from the medical providers we are so fortunate to have here in Boston. 

How to Store Your Knits for Summer

Store Your Knits for Summer

When the weather starts to warm up, there comes a day that we decide that we don’t need to wear our cozy knits anymore. For the best results, you should make sure your knits are tucked away safely. Here’s how to store your knits for summer:

First, make sure that your items are clean. Even though it’s cold in the winter, we still tend to sweat a little when we’re warm and cozy. To find out how to wash your item/s, check out our Care Guide.

Second, you will want to get an air tight container. I personally recommend under the bed storage. Make sure that there is no moisture in there. You could also use one of those re-usable vacuum storage bags.

Third, when you add your knits to the container, add a small sachet of lavender or cedar. This will help keep moths away and add some freshness during the warmer months where the air tends to get stale, especially in the air tight container.

So there you have it, how to store your knits for summer. You will be so happy when fall is back and you know all of your coziness was well cared for and ready for you!

What Inspired Me To Start Salem Style

Salem Style started over 10 years ago. Yes, you read that right, 10! I never thought that I would be still doing this as a business, but I truly believe in what inspired me to start this business:

1. I find crocheting to be incredibly relaxing and meditative

Crocheting is my happy place. I have been crocheting since I was 7 years old, and it’s been therapeutic for me. A trip to the yarn store with my mom was always a special treat. Once I get into the groove with a piece, I almost don’t even have to think about it. It’s like my hands know exactly what to do, and the repetition of making the stitches is soothing.

2. I was making more items than I knew what to do with

You can only own so many hats and scarves, am I right? Although I was giving them out as gifts as well, the items started piling up. My 300 sq. ft apartment didn’t lend itself to holding all of the items. I started storing what I made in boxes under tables, in my pantry, and under my bed. I had to be able to still crochet without stockpiling my finished pieces.

3. I wanted to make myself something of my own

When I started Salem Style, I felt really unsettled. I wanted to be able to have something that I owned, and was able to make the decisions. What inspired me was creating something that was mine was the ultimate way to express myself, put myself out there, and feel like I had control over my life.

4. I love learning new things

While I have had many years of experience with crocheting, running a business was a new concept. Turning a hobby into a business made learning how to run a business into the next exciting hobby. I would spend hours researching product photography, shipping options, SEO, and how to create a brand. Of course, I am still learning these things today!

5. And I wanted to have the opportunity to share what I love doing with everyone

A few days after I opened my shop online, I received my first sale from someone I didn’t know. A complete stranger wanted one of my items. Now don’t get me wrong, I love all my friends and family who have purchased from me, but this hit different. This was what I needed to see. This made it REAL.

I never in my wildest dreams thought that people would find me online and want to purchase items that I designed and made by hand.

The first item I ever listed in 2011

And they still do. ✨

Introducing: The Aries Season Bundle

Looking for the perfect gift to celebrate Aries season? Look no further than our carefully curated Aries season gift bundle! This bundle features a selection of products that are sure to delight and inspire any Aries, with their bold and adventurous spirit.

aries season bundle

Included in this bundle is a beautiful Aries zodiac necklace, featuring a delicate pendant with the “Aries” in Gothic font.

Also included in this bundle is a gold quartz crystal hair pin to help Aries harness their strength, courage, and determination that defines the Aries spirit.

Another included item is the jersey twist headband in red wine. This headband will hold their hair back whether they’re in the gym, on a hike, or running errands.

And what better way to show the Aries fiery spirit than with the Basic Witch pouch? This fun pouch is sure to make them smile.

To complete the bundle, we’ve included a ruby red iced coffee cozy in medium for the Aries who wants to enjoy their iced beverage without the cold wet drips.

So whether you’re celebrating an Aries’s birthday, welcoming the start of Aries season, or simply looking for a thoughtful and inspiring gift, our Aries season gift bundle is the perfect choice. Order now and let us help you celebrate the fearless and fiery spirit of the Aries!

Holiday Gift Guide :: Tweens in 2022

Tween girls can be so hard to buy for! They are starting to lose interest in toys, but they’re not quite teenagers yet. So as far as gift ideas go, there is a lot of confusion! Here are some gift ideas for tweens for the tween girl in your life who you might be wondering, “what do I get??”

1. A Personalized Mickey Mouse Fanny Pack from The Fanciful Mouse. This bag has the trendy belt bag style with a whimsical design perfect for a tween! She’s going to love keeping her stuff in this bag when she’s on the go!

2. A Tie Dye Scrunchie from To Tie-Dye for Clothing. This scrunchie is perfect for her hair, or as an accessory on her wrist!

3. The ASHLEY Gathered Bamboo Tank from Jia Loungewear. She’s going to love how soft this shirt is, and how flattering it is. It’s super soft so when she’s home from school, it will almost feel like pjs!

4. A Hawthorne Ear Warmer from Salem Style. She’s going to love how soft it is, and how the twist detail is trending.

5. A Happy Ghost Desk Calendar from Keegsie Designs. This calendar is perfect for her homework space or getting ready area. She’ll love the different adorable ghost illustrations!

The best part about all of these gift ideas? They all come from small businesses! If you’re looking for even more small businesses to shop from this holiday season, check out the Shop 1-in-5 Pledge Small Business Directory.

Holiday Gift Guide :: Gifts for Them in 2022

So often gift guides are made for roles based on gender. And while we have a few of those in our collection, we canted to include a guide for our non-binary friends. These are great gifts for anyone, and are not gender specific. So if you’re looking for a gift for them, we’ve got you covered!

1. A Pass The Cider Candle from Soy Much Brighter. Not only does this candle smell like holiday happiness, it’s vegan and cruelty free from a brand that believes in creating products that don’t come at the expense of animals, people, or the environment. This candle is perfect for invoking warm and fuzzy feelings all winter long!

2. A Gold Sun and Moon Necklace Set from Goldenhour Goods. They can be worn as a set or individually. Goldenhour Goods is a queer, woman owned small business and everything is designed and hand assembled.

3. A Botanical Moon Print in Teal from Moondrop Collective. They’ll love this beautiful watercolor print to display in their home!

4. The Harmony Grove Scarf from Salem Style. They are going to love being wrapped up in a long chunky scarf. They can style it in a number of ways, so it’s sure to be a favorite this winter!

5. The Little Big Bag from From Esme. Who doesn’t love a great bag? The Little Big Bag is as stylish as it is functional. The waxed canvas and waterproof zipper protect your items from water as the softness of the material molds to your hip!

Holiday Gift Guide :: Stocking Stuffers in 2022

We couldn’t have a gift guide in the series of 2022 Holiday Gift Guides without – Stocking Stuffers! Whether you’re stuffing an actual stocking, or just looking for something small and fun, here are some items that are sure to bring a smile to their face!

1. A bar of Bamboo Baddie soap from ButtahFly Skin Co. This bamboo scented soap is homemade with natural ingredients!

2. A Wild Decal from 603stix. This decal is made of durable weatherproof cut vinyl. You can use it for indoor or outdoor use on flat surfaces such as laptops, water bottles, skis, snowboards, vehicles, windows, etc.

3. A jar of Gingerbread Whipped Body Butter from Navana Creations. This body butter is all natural and sure to keep your skin dry during the winter months. Plus it smells like a delicious seasonal treat!

4. An Anderson Ear Warmer from Salem Style. It’s small enough to fit in a stocking, but still warm and cozy enough to keep any “not a hat person” warm and cozy!

5. A You Rock! Affirmation Deck from Katie Clover Therapy. Katie is a licensed therapist creating products that help people with their mental health. Her mission is to change the world and help people heal!

Holiday Gift Guide :: Someone You Don’t Know Well in 2022

This was by far the most popular guide last year, so it’s back! Holiday Gift Guide – Gifts for Someone You Don’t Know Well.

Oh man! Haven’t we all been there?? A new coworker? Your neighbor? Someone you got for Secret Santa? Someone your sibling just started dating? Or even someone you just started dating???

It’s so tough because you want to give something thoughtful, but you’re not sure where to start. Here are some ideas that you really can’t go wrong with!

They’re all special items that will make the lucky recipient really excited! And maybe they’ll go from someone you don’t know, to someone you DO know??

1. A Lobster Towel from Clutch Towels. They’re going to appreciate a super-absorbent and quick-dry towel! It’s also ultra-compact, making it easy to pack & take anywhere. And it’s made from 50% recycled water bottles!

2. A bar of The Unusual Soap from That Crystal Queen. Everyone uses soap (hopefully) and with this unique crystal infused bar, you’re just giving the recipient some good energy! You can also let them know it’s vegan and cruelty free!

3. A Lunar Calendar from Laura King Paints. This beautiful calendar is a memorable alternative to a traditional calendar. With this calendar, the recipient will not only have a work of art, they will be able to keep track of the phases of the moon.

4. An Iced Coffee Cup Cozy from Salem Style. Because if they’re a human, chances are they need to stay hydrated. They’ll love that it can be used on cold and hot cups. Game changer!

5. A Pumpkin Pecan Waffles candle from Memoirs Candles. This candle is sure to make their home smell amazing and bring out joy. You can also feel good that it’s from a small business that specializes in clean, non-toxic products.

The best part about all of these gift ideas? They all come from small businesses! If you’re looking for even more small businesses to shop from this holiday season, check out the Shop 1-in-5 Pledge Small Business Directory.

Holiday Gift Guide :: That Man In Your Life in 2022

A new favorite category returns for this year: Gifts for That Man In Your Life in 2022! Now he may be your husband or boyfriend, or whatever. You KNOW who I am talking about and you’re like “why are men SO DIFFICULT to buy for?” Well my friend, here are a few ideas to get you started. And he’s going to be so psyched.

1. A bar of Yule Soap from Plainville Homestead. He is going to love how it smells, and the fact that it’s made with a focus on sustainability, ethical supply chains, and human rights advocacy.

2. A tube of Magic Hand Cream from New England Apothecary. This cream isn’t just a hand cream, it’s made by a research scientist with dry skin and a cosmetic chemistry hobby, so this cream is a science-first custom designed formulas focusing on performance and texture.

3. The Tech Traveler Bag from Tripped Travel. He’s going to love that there is a place for everything and his cords and tech accessories will not be a tangled mess. Now he’ll be ready to go anywhere!

4. A Dunnie Beanie from Salem Style. This hat was specifically designed for Mr. Salem Style himself and has been a favorite among men for several years! Your guy is sure to love it as well!

5. A Terry Tracksuit Set from Beached Goods. It’s going to be cold, and he’s going to want to live his coziest life. This tracksuit will be perfect for those days when he’s looking to be extra comfy, in style.

The best part about all of these gift ideas? They all come from small businesses! If you’re looking for even more small businesses to shop from this holiday season, check out the Shop 1-in-5 Pledge Small Business Directory.

Holiday Gift Guide :: Your Sister or Aunt in 2022

New for 2022 – Holiday Gift Guide – What to get for your sister or aunt in 2022. These ladies are pretty special, and you want to think of something that they will really enjoy.

Bonus points for a double gift category if your sister also happens to be an aunt.

Gift Guide for Your Sister or Aunt 2022

1. A Goddess Gift Basket from Moonlight at Midnight Holistics. She is going to feel like such a goddess after she uses all of the treats in this box for some much needed self care!

2. A Lavender Candle from Essex County Candle Co. Just one deep breath in and she’ll feel like she’s in a field of lavender, and it be instantly relaxed. Okay yeah, you probably should get this for yourself too!

3. A set of Manic Monday Hair Clips from The Style Fílos. She’ll appreciate how effortless it is to wear one of these clips. People will think she spent a lot of time on her hair. It will be your secret.

4. The Kernwood Hat from Salem Style. She’s going to love how soft it feels and how it pulls together what she’s wearing. Whether she’s running errands or at an event, she’ll make a statement in this hat!

5. A pair of Gold Twig Earrings from BeccStar Designs. Your sister or aunt is going to love a pair of beautiful handmade earrings. She’ll love the detail and how they elevate her style!

If you’re looking for more gift ideas to get something for your sister in 2022, be sure to check out the local shops in your community!