📑 Agenda ... ✍🏻 Planning .... 𖡎 OCDing

Today was a clinic day which means being away from my other crafts, hobbies, ideas and such.  Does that mean out of sight out of mind? Absolutely freaking not! Instead I broke out a notepad to jot things down during the downtime I did have between stocking, patient care and of course non paid breaks.  I figured where is best to put them so I can not only reference back but also show you how my mind works. So blogging it of course.

Each of the platforms or outlets I use do have their own to do's and thought processes of course.  Also thinking of getting a dry erase board for my office / crafting room for deadlines, brainstorming or doodling.  

With Canva the plan is create designs, use the pro account to it's full potential, and steer away from AI usages beyond the batch reformatting when I have resized a project.  Although I have found sometimes I end up having to undo what reformatting was attempted because it just wasn't right for what the project called for.

With Blogger the goal is post at least 3 times a week and possibly show off what I am making because it is awesome!

With Printify as I am creating new products that magically then post to my Etsy store AND need to also research trends so I can create products people will purchase ... instead of throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what will stick.  

With Etsy AND TikTok I need to post my stock (e.i., blankets and other items) and get to making videos about these great items I am making.  Like girl throwing these things out here and using platforms to promote them is important.

With Vinted ... post more items because there is always something to add to that stock and also revamp older listings in an effort to move them to the sold part of my profile.

With LATEAMS LLC ... work on finishing the course work for ACD and also check out other opportunities.  I mean WFH is an option but it isn't magically just going to happen without the effort put forward.  Sheesh .... time to manifest an account growth!

With Read For Pay ... I will be working my way through books that peak my interest to be able to review them.  You know a book with decent reviews will always be a good read or addition to the library.  

With Barnes & Noble Press ... things I am working on with my Canva will be published here.  Looking into Shopify or a Wix storefront to be able to not only advertise my products but also be able to show the interiors. I do think that B&N Press should open up that option to make it easier for all authors and not just for the books & series.

There is more on this list and I am totally getting things more organized.  

Bills ... revise the list and keep track of progress

Google Drive ... reformat the grimoire contents and release full grimoire in 2027.  Do not rush the process and make it something I will be proud of.

Zillow ... looking through homes and will be adding specifics to my vision board aka dry erase board.  Goal is getting a permanent home before turning 50.  Hindsight says a lot but logic tells more in all honesty.  

When Your Body Says Nope: A Day of Rest-ish and Getting Things Done

Yesterday, I worked a shift at the clinic and started feeling like something was trying to grab hold of me. Enter the lovely, wicked weather change and the cold that apparently decided it wanted to join the party. My bones were aching like I'd worked out for HOURS, my throat was sore, I had a slight cough, and random rib pains were making themselves known.

Fast-forward to this morning, when I woke up feeling like all of the above had been turned up a notch. My immediate thought? "Oh shit, I don't have time for this crap!"

Well, apparently, my body had other plans. It basically told me to LAY DOWN and take a damn nap, and for once, I actually listened.

Do I feel refreshed? Not really. Let's not get carried away here. 

BUT I did manage to accomplish a few things! I started posting stock on Vinted and actually sold TWO things before I was even finished posting everything. Now that's the kind of motivation I can appreciate!

Oh, and I took a Dayquil. This girl cannot take NyQuil unless she's prepared to be out of commission for HOURS. Seriously, I will be GONE. So, Dayquil it is!

I also tackled some laundry because, unfortunately, the clothes aren't going to wash themselves. Wouldn't that be nice, though?

Apparently, I Got More Done Than I Thought!

Now that I've actually stopped and thought about everything I managed to do today, I realize I accomplished quite a bit considering how I've been feeling.

Here's the rundown:

• Laundry (because it never ends).

• Dishes (because apparently we need those).

• Sweeping and basic cleanup.

• Posted more stock on Vinted.

• Crocheted on a blanket that currently has no known home. 

• Made dinner: TACO SALAD!

Honestly, not too shabby for someone whose body was trying to shut everything down.

I'm learning that sometimes we get so caught up in what we didn't accomplish that we completely overlook everything we actually managed to get done. Today was a good reminder of that.

My Husband Said WHAT?!

Now, let's talk about a moment that had me looking at my husband like he'd suddenly started speaking another language. He came downstairs and said he was just going to go to the courthouse.

I looked at him completely confused.

WHY? WHAT DO YOU NEED TO GO TO THE COURTHOUSE FOR?!

Now, had he mentioned the ballots first, my brain probably would have connected the dots a little faster. But nooooo. My mind went straight to questioning why on earth he needed to go to the courthouse.

Mind you, I was doing something else when he started talking, so I was only half paying attention. LOL.

Sometimes, I swear, my brain has about seventeen tabs open, and none of them are loading properly.

What's on the Agenda for Tomorrow?

Tomorrow, I'm thinking I'll be more productive.

Notice how I said THINKING? Because let's be realistic here. It all depends on how I feel when I get up and start moving around.

I'm not about to make a whole list of things to accomplish only to wake up feeling like I've been hit by a truck and decide that list can mind its own business.

One thing I did decide was to go ahead and get Canva Pro so I can work on my products and take advantage of more of the design features available. I want to get more out of my existing templates and create products without constantly running into limitations.

That said, I'm also trying to steer clear of relying too heavily on the AI features. Don't get me wrong, they have their place! I mainly want to use them when I need to make bulk changes to specific elements in my templates or streamline repetitive tasks.

The goal is to work smarter, not harder!

Between my publishing projects, my crochet, getting things listed on Vinted, and keeping up with everyday life, there is always something I could be working on. The trick is figuring out how to make progress without running myself into the ground in the process.

Because, let's be honest, I have things to do, money to make, and a life to live. I just need my body to get with the program! 

For now, I'm going to keep taking things one day at a time, listen to what my body is telling me (even when I don't particularly like what it's saying), and work on making progress where I can.

Tomorrow is another day, and we'll see what kind of shenanigans it brings!

Published Works

I did it! I have published 3 books on Barnes & Noble!!

Shadow, Please!

 Ink & Intention - Light Version

Ink & Intention - Dark Edition

I am going to open a Shopify store and get the links on there with interior visuals.  There are also other planners, journals, projects in the works to be able to get out there.  Feeling accomplished for sure!

Back to Work on Shadow, Please

Back to Work on Shadow, Please!

I’m currently working my way through my Shadow Work Journal, Shadow, Please!, revising and resizing everything so I can get it ready for publication through Barnes & Noble Press. There’s a bit of work involved in getting everything formatted correctly, but I’m determined to get this project across the finish line.

Once I’ve finished making the necessary adjustments, I’ll be reaching out to Barnes & Noble Press customer service with a question about displaying interior pages. From what I can tell, the option to preview interior pages seems to be available for eBooks, but I haven’t found the same option for printed books. I want potential customers to have a better idea of what they’re purchasing, especially when it comes to journals, planners, and workbooks. Being able to see the inside is just as important as liking the cover!

Now, I know I can work around some of this by creating digital versions of my published products. That’s something I want to explore anyway, especially versions that can be used on iPads, tablets, and other compatible devices. Offering both printed and digital options would give customers more flexibility and open up another avenue for myself.

But not being able to show off those beautiful interior pages? A little frustrating, to say the least. I put time and effort into designing these products, and I want people to see more than just the outside.

The Great iPad Debate

Speaking of iPads and tablets, this has me thinking about investing in a portable device that would let me create wherever and whenever inspiration strikes.

Honestly, the biggest benefit would be being able to work on my projects during downtime at the clinic. Instead of just sitting there thinking about all the things I could be working on, I could actually pull out a device and get something done.

Of course, now I’m researching another potential purchase when my whole goal is to start bringing in money from the products I’ve already created.

NOTE TO SELF: Consider this idea... but maybe after the products start making money. LOL!

One thing at a time. One thing at a time.

ADHD, Open Tabs, and Staying on Track

My (self-diagnosed) ADHD has me bouncing between browser tabs like I’m participating in some kind of internet Olympics.

On the bright side, at least I’m still sitting here working on the project instead of wandering off to do something completely unrelated. There’s a small victory in that!

The challenge is keeping myself focused long enough to finish what I started. I have a habit of jumping ahead to the next idea before completing the one in front of me. Sometimes that means I have several projects in progress, a dozen new ideas brewing, and nothing quite ready to launch.

Sound all too familiar?

This time, though, I have a goal: get Shadow, Please! published today.

That is where my attention needs to stay. The other ideas can wait their turn. I have products to finish, a business to build, and money to start making from all this creativity.

The Canva Pro Dilemma

There is one more thing I need to address: my Canva subscription.

I’ll need to reactivate Canva Pro to take advantage of some of the features and options that will help me with my designs and publishing projects. I’ve been hesitant to pay for the subscription again before making any sales, and I still believe in being careful about adding expenses to a business that hasn’t started generating consistent income.

However, I’m also realizing that sometimes you have to invest in the tools that help you move forward.

The trick is knowing which expenses are actually necessary and which ones are just tempting distractions. I don't want to throw money at every shiny new tool or subscription that promises to make life easier. I want to make thoughtful decisions that support the business I'm building.

For me, Canva Pro may be one of those necessary expenses, particularly with the number of journals, planners, and other products I want to publish. If it helps me work more efficiently and gives me access to features I genuinely need, then it's something I'll have to factor into the business budget.

Of course, the goal is to make that investment worthwhile by getting these products finished, published, and in front of potential customers.

One Project at a Time .. sometimes 

Building everything has been a learning experience. There are always new things to research, platforms to explore, designs to improve, and ideas to chase. It's exciting, but it can also be overwhelming when I try to do everything at once.

So, today's mission is simple: finish revising Shadow, Please!, get it ready for Barnes & Noble Press, and take another step toward turning my creative work into something that generates income.

The tablet research can wait. The other projects can wait. And those browser tabs? Well, let's not get too ambitious!

For now, I'm focusing on getting this journal published and continuing to build something I'm proud of.

One finished project is worth more than ten ideas sitting in the planning stage.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a journal to finish and a publishing goal to meet!

A Little Progress, A Few New Ventures, and Finding My Balance

There has been a lot going on behind the scenes lately! Between designing journals, working on my creative business, clearing out my closet, and still showing up for my clinic shifts, I'm keeping myself busy. I'm making progress, learning as I go, and trying to remember that I don't have to do everything in one day.

Let's catch up!

My First Journal Is Here!

This past week, I received an author copy of a journal I designed, and I had to share it! Seeing something I've created come to life as an actual printed book is such a good feeling. Overall, I absolutely love how it turned out, and now I'm ready to get more of my designs published.

You can check out the journal and my excitement in my TikTok post below.

Unveiling on TikTok

Of course, I'm already looking at what I want to publish next. I started working on another design, but I need to revisit the size requirements for Lulu Self Publishing before I can move forward. Thankfully, it should only take some minor adjustments in Canva to get everything resized.

Believe it or not, publishing a journal takes more than a few clicks! There is a lot of adjusting, checking, and making sure everything looks the way you envisioned before you can finally hit that publish button.

I'm also considering Barnes & Noble Press as another publishing option. I'm comparing the platforms to see which makes the most sense for my planners, journals, notebooks, workbooks, and future projects.

Decisions, decisions! I'll share what I decide once I have everything figured out.

Clearing Out the Closet and Making Extra Money

A few weeks ago, I joined Vinted, and I've already been making sales!

I have another stack of clothes waiting to be added to my shop. I had planned to tackle that today, but it'll have to wait until after my clinic shift tomorrow.

Honestly, selling gently used clothing is a great way to clear out your closet while making a little extra money. Two birds, one stone!

I might even venture into my husband's closet to see what he has that he no longer wears. Of course, I'll be getting his thumbs-up before listing any of his things. I'm trying to make extra money, not start a household debate!

It's one more way I'm working on bringing in income from things I already have instead of constantly spending money to start something new.

If you're cleaning out your own closet, you might want to give it a try!

Visit my Vinted shop: lisaminer

Finally Joining the Amazon Affiliate Program

I also signed up for the Amazon Associates program, and honestly, I wish I had done it sooner.

I can't even count how many times I've recommended products I've purchased, used, or found on Amazon. Your girl has been sharing recommendations without earning a thing from them!

Now, let's be realistic. Signing up doesn't mean money will magically start rolling in. I still need to create useful content, share products that genuinely fit my audience, and be intentional about how I use affiliate links. But since I'm already talking about products I enjoy, it makes sense to explore the opportunity.

I'll be sharing recommendations where they naturally fit into my posts and everyday life. And as always, I want to be honest about what I'm sharing and why.

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means I may earn a commission if you purchase through eligible links, at no additional cost to you.

Giving 3C Champagne Creative Creations Some Attention

I'm also working on revising my Etsy shop, 3C – Champagne Creative Creations, and creating digital versions of the planners, journals, and other products I've been designing.

My goal is to give people more ways to enjoy my work, whether they prefer a physical product or a printable version they can download and use at home.

I'm exploring different ways to make my designs available while being mindful of the costs involved. I want to build a collection that reflects my creativity, serves a purpose, and gives the business room to grow.

There are plenty of ideas floating around in this head of mine, from journals and planners to other creative projects. The trick is figuring out which ones to focus on first instead of trying to do everything at once.

I'm learning that building a business isn't just about creating products. It's also about making thoughtful decisions, finding the right platforms, and figuring out how to turn all those ideas into something sustainable.

Learning to Find My Balance

At this point, I'm trying to find a balance between working at the clinic, building my business, managing everyday life, and actually making time for myself.

I'm grateful that next month I'll be working fewer days at the clinic. I even scheduled a full week of PTO so I can slow down, breathe, and enjoy some much-needed me time.

I have plenty of ideas and projects I want to work on, but I'm reminding myself that I don't have to do everything at once. The goal is to build something sustainable, not run myself into the ground trying to make it happen overnight.

I want to create additional income without constantly adding more hours to my work schedule. I want to enjoy the creative process, see my ideas come to life, and build something that can grow over time.

Some days I'll make a lot of progress. Other days, I'll have to adjust my plans and try again tomorrow. That's life, and I'm learning to give myself a little grace along the way.

For now, I'll keep taking things one step at a time, celebrating the little wins, and figuring out what works best for me and my business.

Here's to making progress, creating new opportunities, and remembering to enjoy the life we're working so hard to build.

Thanks for following along on this journey with me. There's more to come, and I'll be sharing the wins, the lessons, and probably a few of the behind-the-scenes hiccups, too!

FRIDAY = TGIF

 Today admittingly I am struggling and I am working on how to manage that in a positive manner.  Being too hard on myself per usual and having to remember to take some of my own advice because things do not happen overnight in any aspect of life.  The pups are being extra vocal which today is really not doing me any good so hoping they get the point when mom is telling them to simply chill out.  Tomorrow I have work and so that will keep me busy and I may do some things on downtime for my own business needs.  Currently I am downloading some templates and reconfiguring them to fit my business needs while doing some research on best place to self publish.  I am probably going to take time to question a few contacts to get their input on that.  Now we know KDP is out of the running but there are other avenues to use.  

Now back to the grind and I think I am also going to listen to a podcaster I recently found that I actually like listening to.  The Goddess Divine Podcast

Early Gifts & Random Shit

 Yesterday I got off of clinic work later than expected which worked out since my daughter needed to grab something from my house.  Bought her the collab set of makeup from Ulta (R.E.M & Ariana Grande) as a Christmas gift and ended up giving it to her early.  I am still waiting to see her TikTok haul about it which I am sure she will soon post.  May it end up reposted on Ariana's page .. would be really cool to see that happen.  Did I mention I also got her an iPad?  Yes, she got that yesterday too.  She is uber creative so giving her the tools to flourish with that.