Cold Weather = Creativity

It's soooo cold outside right now. I know what you're thinking...of course it's cold in January, in Chicago! And yes, that's true. But this is one of the coldest winters in 30+ years. It's insanely frigid, and unfortunately, no end in sight.

So what does one do when it's this cold? Stir up the creative juices and start making some things, of course! Here's what I have made lately:

www.hazelstreetdesigns.com

Last Day of Summer {Sunset}

Whenever I see amazing sunset skies like this from my 5th floor apartment in the middle of a large city, I wonder how spectacular it must look in the open space, with no obstructed views

Pink Spring Trees

The flowering trees at spring are breathtaking and this spring, the pink ones seem more vibrant than usual.

These beauties greet me when I walk outside my building...

www.hazelstreetdesigns.com

Spring is Here!

Finally!!

Hopeful Thinking

I'm pretty sure it's safe to say this has been the worst spring. Ever. It's almost the middle of April & I have yet to put away my winter coat, remove my down comforter, or wear flip flops. In fact, as I type this, it's barely 40 degrees outside. I'd say the weather can't get much worse, but the forecast for Friday includes snow. Awesome.

To cheer myself up, I've perused photos I've taken in the previous couple of springs. I'll post some here, in hopes of cheering you up as well!

www.hazelstreetdesigns.com

From Pinterest To Real Life {Part 2}

It's been a while since I've done a post about making something based on Pinterest finds. You can find part 1 here.

Yarn-Wrapped Bottles

These yarn-wrapped bottles are so simple to do, and they drastically change the way bottles look as decor.

Here's the original link I pinned:

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photo courtesy of Wedding Chicks

And here's my version

Fall Votives

Again, these were so simple to create, yet added a touch of fall to my apartment.

Original pin:

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photo courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens

And my leaf-wrapped votives

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Back to Reality

I knew sooner or later, I would have to come back to Chicago & leave this little one.

And truth be told, tears were shed as I got on the train to leave. But I know I'll be heading back in October, so I have that to look forward to.

Being gone for 17 days can feel like being gone for 17 months. And my "to do" list proves it! It's extremely long with things like going through two weeks worth of mail, restocking my cupboards & refrigerator with food, finding a 2nd job, changing out my summer clothes for fall/winter clothes, and laundry. But none of that is fun to talk about, so I'll show you my latest creation.

A friend of mine was looking for cute recipe cards & couldn't find any she liked, so she did the next best thing...asked me to make them!

I think they turned out pretty cute :)

I'm hoping to come have some new holiday cards & decor in my shop soon. Stay tuned!

Soaking in the Last Bits of Summer

{movies in the park}





{beach time}

{corn on the cob}

{fresh veggies}

{millennium park concert}

www.hazelstreetdesigns.com