<![CDATA[Hope's Favorite Things - Blog]]>Tue, 20 May 2025 08:30:07 -0400Weebly<![CDATA[Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Buy Local:]]>Mon, 05 Dec 2016 21:00:33 GMThttp://www.hopesfavoritethings.com/blog/top-10-reasons-why-you-should-buy-local
1. STRENGTHEN YOUR LOCAL ECONOMY
Every dollar that you spend at a local independent business will return 3 times more money to your local economy, as opposed to if you spend it at a chain store like Walmart. 
2. HEALTH
If you’re buying something that is handmade, or locally made, chances are you know all that was put in or used to produce the good. This makes it easier to rid your body of synthetics and chemicals.
3. HELP BUILD UP YOUR COMMUNITY
When you shop at a local store where you may know or make friends with the people that own it, you gain a sense of fulfillment. [[satisfaction or happiness as a result of fully developing one's abilities or character]]
4. GIVE BACK TO YOUR COMMUNITY
It has been said that small businesses donate more than twice as much per sale dollar to local non-profits, events, or teams compared to big corporate businesses!
5. CREATE JOBS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Independent businesses are also the customers of other local printers, accountants, wholesalers, farms, entrepreneurs, etc. [[once you go local, you never go back.]]
6. CUSTOMIZE
If you’re the shopper that is looking for something specific and unique, your local entrepreneur can easily customize their product to fit your needs because chances are, they are doing it themselves!
7. CONTRIBUTION TO A HEALTHIER ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL
Independent local businesses are “people-sized” or in other words, they consume less land, carry more locally made products, they are closer to other residents, and create less traffic, air pollution, etc.
8. LOWER TAXES
If you’re shopping 10 minutes from your house, you and everyone else doing so will put less demand on roads, sewers, and safety services. They also generate more tax revenue per sales dollar!
9. BETTER THE LOCAL DEMOCRACY
Local ownership of a business means that residents with roots in the community are involved in decisions that shape your everyday life and the local environment.
10. GET QUALITY SERVICE
Local businesses usually hire people that, or they themselves, know exactly what it is that they are selling and why it would be of use to you. They also take time to get to know their customers and appreciate their needs and wants!
]]><![CDATA[Drop Spin Class #1]]>Wed, 24 Feb 2016 21:02:52 GMThttp://www.hopesfavoritethings.com/blog/drop-spin-class-1
Picture
We had such a fun time at the first drop spin class of 2016! Thank you to those who came out and a special thanks to Rebecca Dioda of Simpatico Fiber for instructing the class! Also thanks to the Spinnery for the use of hand carders. Check out the Simpatico Fiber Collective fb page by clicking HERE. Everyone loved the many process of preparing the wool to become yarn. The development from fiber into yarn is truly an amazing thing. I hope you enjoy these pictures and sign up for the next class in March by clicking HERE. Spinning is such a wonderful skill to learn!
]]><![CDATA[Drop Spindle]]>Wed, 03 Feb 2016 14:23:41 GMThttp://www.hopesfavoritethings.com/blog/drop-spindle




One of the most primitive forms of 
​hand-spinning.
There are a lot of things that I want to do in 2016! In the studio, I am going to be hosting a drop spindle class as well as beginner spinning, knitting, and crocheting. Along with those classes, I will also be teaching rug hooking, punch needle, and essential oil classes. Keep checking the Facebook page and website for schedule updates. 

First things first, I'm going to start with the most primitive form of hand-spinning, the drop spindle. This type of spinning was birthed out of innovation, where people used the materials most readily available to them and their surroundings including stone, bone, wood, shells, and even clay to create their spindle. Then, they would tie a piece of yarn to it and begin looping it around the spindle in order to spin their own yarn. This drop spindle class is an easy and affordable way to learn the Fundamentals of spinning yarn! Sign up for it HERE.
Photos via Pinterest
]]><![CDATA[8 Ways To Use Lavender]]>Thu, 02 Jul 2015 16:49:27 GMThttp://www.hopesfavoritethings.com/blog/8-ways-to-use-lavender
I just harvested my lavender in late June and thought it would be fun to give you some different ideas on how to use it. Lavender is such a unique herb that can heal, soothe, lower blood pressure, calm itchy skin, give flavor to meals, and more. Take a look at a few ways that I use lavender in my everyday life below. 


8 Ways To Use Lavender

1. Lavender Tea: 2 tbs of lavender, hot water, and some honey or lemon makes for the perfect calming cup of tea. This tea can also settle an upset stomach and reduce muscle spasms.

2. Lavender Soap: Because of it's antibacterial properties, lavender is perfect for bug bites, burns, and other skin conditions. Lavender soap can also treat eczema. 

3. Vacuum Refresher: When you change your vacuum cleaner bag, toss lavender buds on the floor and vacuum them up. You'll leave the room fresh and smelling great each time you vacuum. 

4. Moth Repellant: Lavender buds naturally repel moths and their scent is a lot less harsh than cinnamon or cloves. 

5. Lavender Eye Pillow:  For puffy eyes, add lavender to a fabric bag and then freeze it for a cold compress. You could also heat it in the microwave for 20 seconds for a warm compress.

6. Potpourri: Keep lavender in a container or wooden bowl around the house. Every so often, add lavender essential oils to the container/bowl. Throw in some pine cones, berries, or twigs for a visual effect and you've got a beautiful, fragrant display that is perfect for Autumn.

7. Cooking: Add lavender to grilled meats, poultry, or veggies to give your meal flavor.

8. Decoration: Tie lavender in a bundle to hang on doors, windows, and cabinets. It brings an delicate touch to your home decor and its purple color stands out nicely. 
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