30 Days of Blogging: Day 4

Hey guys it's Friday which means I continue (for now) with the 30 Days of Blogging Challenge! Today we talk about ---

My Dream Job

My dream job is to be able to run Hot Chocolate Weather successfully and be able to spend my day being creative. I know there is more to running my own business than just making the products even if that part is the most enjoyable. It also would allow me to stay at home (mostly) with my little boy and future kids that I may decide to have. 

This blog isn't too long because I feel I am working towards my dream job. I think every little step I take I get a little bit closer. What is your dream job? 

Next Week: Will have a WIP Wednesday and 2 more installments on the 30 Days of Blogging challenge. I hope you're all enjoying this. Let me know in the comments if there is something else you'd like to see on here instead of the 30 day challenge, or even something to talk about on Wednesday. Have a good weekend! Take some time out to relax and enjoy yourself. 

Work In Progress Wednesday

Hello! It is Work In Progress Wednesday! (WIP Wednesday from now on.) I just thought I'd let you see two of the projects I'm working on, because they are the most current ones. I do have some that are in project limbo, and maybe soon - if I stick to any resolution they will be worked on again!

So this is the stash buster. It is a granny square throw, or at least it might be. It depends. I had three skeins left of this yarn, and part of it went to making hand warmers as a gift for a friend. (I forgot to get a picture, but will because it will be the free pattern I will be posting.) The yarn is Red Heart With Love, and it was an impulse buy when I found out I was pregnant with a boy. I still love the colorway, but I don't have the wrap anymore (I have a little boy) so I couldn't tell you the name of it. 

This is the custom order I am working on. She picked up the yarn without a wrap, so I couldn't tell you what it's called, but it looks like cotton candy. She wants an elf like hat for her two year old daughter and matching mittens. I finished the mittens before my college finals. I will get a picture of the whole set once it's finished. I haven't quite liked some of the patterns I've found for hats, they look nice, but work-ability for me have been awkward. So, I decided to do this on my own with some scribbled notes that may end up being a free pattern in the future. 

What are you working on? Is it for you or are you gifting it to someone? What are some of your favorite stash busters to work on? Have a Happy New Year's Day everybody! 

30 Days of Blogging: Day 1

30 Days of Blogging
Day 1: The story of your blog

I decided to do this 30 Days of Blogging challenge for two reasons.

1. So readers could to know me, and what I want to do.
2. So I could possibly figure out what I want to do.

I know, I know... The two statements contradict each other. Shouldn't I already have a clear picture in my mind how I want things to go? Yes, and no. I have a picture, an idea that is Hot Chocolate Weather. What I don't have is the idea refined crystal clear enough that I'm ready to open an actual store or go to craft events with it. I'm still working on the brand of what I want it to be. Do I want it to just be a segment of a hand crafted business, do I want to incorporate other types of crafting besides crochet and knitting? Would I be doing too much? It's all very muddled.

 

Which is where this blog comes in. I was hoping that by starting it early in Hot Chocolate Weather's infancy that I would be able to come up with a clear idea, with the help people reading, enjoying, and maybe even commenting about their own personal journeys about their scary, nerve-wracking foray into entrepreneurship. Whether it's an Ecommerce business or brick and mortar. It's all a gamble.

 

I wanted to be able to share this with you. I hope you enjoy and maybe, possibly, learn from my own mistakes, struggles, or even from my triumphs.

 

I'm not sure if this is necessarily the 'story of my blog,' but more, why I blog. Why now, before I even have a store or inventory. I am thankful I have a learning outlet for Hot Chocolate Weather, and even more thankful for any possible readers I may get from starting this blog.

 

Side Note: Day two will be posted Friday. Wednesday will be a Work In Progress blog which will feature a custom order I am working on. Also, stay tuned because in the coming week I will be featuring a free pattern for hand warmers!

 

Have a Happy and Safe New Years everyone!



New Year's Resolution

I spent way too much money on Christmas gifts this year. Plain and simple. Which leads me to my only resolution for 2014: I am only going to give hand made gifts this year. I know, I know, I said that for 2013 too... However, here is the difference: I now know my limits AND I got a sewing machine for Christmas. I should probably get started, there's five birthdays in January. Ufta. 

Somebody played too hard at Grandma's on Christmas Eve. Not going to say who, but let's just say I was in bed shortly after too! 

I also have some goals I want to achieve with Hot Chocolate Weather which is to have an Etsy shop and inventory by the end of 2014. I'm currently only taking custom orders and I want to actually have SOME inventory. Especially if I want to be going to craft shows eventually too. 

What are some of your goals or resolutions? How do you manage your time best? Let me know in the comments!

Holidays

I don't know about you, but I am getting super excited for the holidays. My Pinterest board "Holiday Cheer," is currently getting bigger and bigger with ideas for decorating my apartment for Christmas. A lot of them are things I can have my son make (he'll be one, so it's easy stuff like his foot print) to create keepsakes for the years to come.

What are you looking forward to this holiday season? Food, decorating, family, maybe even the snow? I am just getting giddy with excitement for Thanksgiving too - can't forget the day we give our thanks! 

One thing I am thankful for this season is being able to do what I love to possibly bring others happiness. I am thankful for my family and all of the craziness they bring. Also, I am thankful for you, for reading this post. 

Thank You. 

Hot Chocolate Weather

A quick link to my Pinterest Holiday Cheer Board: Holiday Cheer

Now on Facebook!

Hot Chocolate Weather is now available to be liked or shared on Facebook! Once I get to 100 likes there will be a giveaway! Oooooh Exciting. :)

Hot Chocolate Weather on Facebook!

Like me & Share me because there might be a surprise for a referral.

Also.... it's kind of blank, now. But I will be updating it when I get more pictures of what I have on hand.


Thank you!

Hot Chocolate Weather

Welcome to the inaugural post of Hot Chocolate Weather! My name is Hailey and I will be your host for this evening.

Hot Chocolate Weather is my brain child for possibly a new business venture for me. I intend to create things that make you feel homey and warm. Just like a steaming cup of hot chocolate.

I got the idea for the name while taking garbage out at work (glamorous I know!) but it was chilly and raining and I thought to myself, "I just love this hot chocolate weather." Hot Chocolate Weather? Love.

Over the next few days this blog will take a less generic look as I change and add more about the future of Hot Chocolate Weather!

Thank you for reading and have a lovely day!