Over the past few years, I have dreamed of starting my own business. I kept asking myself, what could I do that would be interesting and impactful? Blogging kept coming to mind, and after a few attempts, I realized it was the perfect fit. Then it hit me—Heidi and I could do this together. Despite our different lifestyles and homes, we could connect with a broad audience and relate to many of our readers.

Friends and coworkers often ask me for advice, especially on travel destinations and career guidance. This made me realize we could build a community to share and grow together. Additionally, my husband and I love to take pictures while we travel and do activities. Some images throughout the website will contain links to our SmugMug Site.

I have been fortunate in my career but have wanted something "more" for a few years. It would be nice to have something of my own instead of working towards the goals of a corporation that could sell us or lay us off at any time for profit. In my 20s, I only considered doing something other than working for a company and earning a decent living. I thought only risk-taking entrepreneurs had the freedom and financial means to start a business. With the help of YouTube and online posts, the possibilities are endless today. Regardless, drive and determination are essential. Nothing ever happens overnight.

The challenge has been prioritizing our time towards the most critical aspects.

1. The Blog

2. Pinterest

3. YouTube

The Blog, Pinterest, and YouTube are the main focus, while Instagram, X, and Facebook are supplemental platforms we post on when we have time. I am learning a lot about all the tools that are available today. In the early 2000s, I blogged for two websites and my blog. Back then, there weren't many tools available, and our posts were shared on Facebook. Although those sites have long been defunct, it was a fun experience. I was a stay-at-home mom to our son and three stepkids during that time. I stopped writing after a few years when I returned to work.

There is a sense of fulfillment that comes from creating something that is entirely your own. We can make our own choices decide what we want to share or keep private, and explore new opportunities for growth and learning. I feel like I am learning more than I have in a long time because I am actively engaged in this venture, constantly acquiring new knowledge and skills. I enjoy writing, finding images, creating pins for Pinterest on Canva, and doing research.

I’ve just completed our first Christmas Planner, and the experience was fun and educational. Throughout the process, I made several adjustments to ensure everything fit neatly within the page margins, which taught me extensively.

The planner is now available for purchase on Lulu.com, and getting it published there was a valuable learning experience. While initially hoping to link it to our shop, I discovered that wasn’t possible. As a result, I’m now planning to create another version specifically for Kindle since the costs of selling on Amazon through Lulu are too high.

My long-term goal is to replace my current income, allowing me to blog, create, and sell related products full-time. I'll be sharing more details on this as the journey progresses! We’re still in the early stages, so there’s a long road ahead.

I immerse myself in podcasts and YouTube videos in my spare time, often while multitasking, like during my commute. I make it a point to apply the insights I’ve gained to improve our blog. One of the most consistent pieces of advice I've come across is to focus on building the site and leveraging Pinterest to reach a broader audience. YouTube also offers a great way to connect with blog readers more deeply. On the other hand, I’ve found Instagram to be more challenging when sustaining ongoing engagement.

With both Heidi and I working full-time, we must maximize every bit of our free time.

Our Daily Lifestyles launched on August 11, 2024. It took months of research and focus to get the blog launched. During the creation and launch phase, we were busy with family life, travel, and work. We understand how busy you are, too. We are excited to continue evolving and expanding in the coming years. Thank you for being a part of Our Daily Lifestyles.

Cheers!

Jaime

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