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!

Merry Christmas!

I just want to say Merry Christmas to all of my readers! Thank you for reading, and I hope you have an enjoyable day that you get to spend with family/friends. Have safe travels!

Thank you everyone who has contributed to Hot Chocolate Weather in some way this year. I have some big plans/ideas for this blog and HCW in the coming weeks and I hope you all are as excited as me. So stay warm -- and you stay classy San Diego. ;)

Business Wish List

Some things I've been thinking about while I should have been crocheting some of the custom orders I have (!!!):

I really want to be efficient and organized and still be able to keep a relationship with my current and future customers. I want to be able to keep track of things I have made for them, with pictures and maybe a copy of the pattern (or if it's one I whipped up on the fly maybe a brief description of what I did.)

I don't have much space in my apartment for an office area. If I did, I'd be afraid my little monster would get into it. So, anything I do have for HCW needs to be able to be tucked away or hidden from his little, curious fingers.

I started a wish list (on paper not on Amazon or other shopping site) for possible things I might want to help keep me organized.

- File Folders
- File Box or Case -- Or even a hanging wall file - that would keep it away from curious little fingers!
- Manila or "Kraft" Envelopes
- Receipt book(s)
- Printer (and ink and paper.... )
- Ledger Cards & Notebook
- White Board/Bulletin Board to keep track of custom orders and progress of custom orders.

Sidebar - I just really like office supplies as a whole, but these are things I'd like to help me run my business more efficiently.

What makes you efficient? How do you stay organized? Let me know in the comments :) Have a nice day!

DIY & Tutorials

Lately I've been in love with watching DIY Youtube videos. Some are pretty ingenious. One of my favorites is Anne Le. She has room decor, fashion, and organizational DIYs. A lot of which are no sew which is excellent because I do not have a sewing machine (soon hopefully!)

I really want to gather some pretty fabric and make the wall hanging organizer: Video Tutorial

Ann's Website
Ann's Youtube Channel

I hope you enjoy her tutorials as much as I do! What are some of your favorites?

Facebook Give Away!

There is a Facebook give away going on!

All you have to do is like the status that mentions the give away (there is one and will only be the one) and be liking Hot Chocolate Weather too!

Bonus entry for sharing it too!

Winner gets a FREE custom order mitten and hat set! So get to liking and sharing!
Hot Chocolate Weather Facebook

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!