Category Archives: July Blog Challenge

What happens when you go down the Youtube video rabbit hole

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Yesterday, I decided to seriously explore reviving my old YouTube channel.
I ended up watching numerous content creators discussing how to monetize your channel quickly. Since the start of my old channel, I’ve wanted to join the YouTube Creators Program. It would be a great side hustle, and I could definitely use the extra revenue stream.

After watching many videos from small channels and their monetization attempts, I’ve decided to dedicate August to this goal. I’m giving VidIQ’s Boost Plan a 7-day trial to see what it can do for me. So far, I’ve worked on renaming old videos, adding better tags, and rewriting some descriptions. I haven’t seen any major improvements yet, but it’s only been one day.

What I like most about VidIQ is that it gives you content ideas based on your channel, its description, and your target audience. I’ve already come up with several ideas, and this has helped me fine-tune them. I’m excited to try some of their recommendations for future videos.

If you are so inclined, visit my channel and subscibe! https://www.youtube.com/@CreativeLivingwithLisa

https://vidiq.com/CreatingwithLisa

Embracing Imperfection: Missing a Few Days in My July Challenge

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Hello, Creative Living community!

I started a daily post challenge for July, but I missed a couple of days. Initially, I felt disappointed, because this challenge was to get me back into the swing of blogging. I felt like a failure and remember the two failed Vlogmas attempts from the past two Christmases. I started thinking maybe I’m just a screw up when it comes to things like this. I get all excited and pumped to start a project, then the wheels fall off.

I started asking myself, why do you do this? It seems like every time I start a project, I end up dropping it. After a lot of beating myself up, I realized it’s okay. Life happens, and missing a day or two doesn’t mean failure. I’m a single gal with a full-time job and sometimes I don’t have time in my day for fun things or I’m just so done with the day I don’t want to do anything else.

So here’s what I’ve learned:

  1. Be Kind to Yourself: It’s about progress, not perfection.
  2. Stay Flexible: Adjusting goals can make the journey more enjoyable.
  3. Celebrate Wins: Focus on what you’ve achieved, not what’s missed.
  4. Value Community: Your support means everything to me.

Starting this writing challenge has inspired me to put more effort into reviving my YouTube channel. I have exciting new content planned, including crafting projects, weight loss updates, cooking tips, and thrifting hauls. I would love for you to join me on this journey!

If you haven’t already, please head over to my YouTube channel, Creative Living with Lisa, and hit the like and subscribe buttons. Your support means the world to me and helps keep the creative energy flowing!

Thank you for being part of this journey. Let’s embrace the imperfections and keep moving forward together!

With gratitude, Lisa

Keep it Simple Stupid: The YouTube Reboot

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In a recent turn of events, I’ve made the decision to breathe new life into my old YouTube channel. Initially created to document my weight loss journey, this channel is now evolving into something fresh and exciting. Let me share the reasons behind this choice:

  1. Existing Followers: While my follower count may be modest (just 19 strong), I’m not starting from scratch. These loyal viewers have been with me, and I appreciate their support. By keeping the channel, I can continue engaging with this small but dedicated community.
  2. Preserving Effort: Let’s face it—I’ve invested time and effort into creating those videos. Rather than scrapping everything, I see an opportunity to build upon that foundation. The existing content can still serve a purpose and contribute to the channel’s growth.
  3. The Ironton Wizardfest Video: Ah, the magical memories from my visit to the Ironton Wizardfest in Ohio! I want to keep that video alive. By retooling the old channel, I ensure that this cherished piece of content finds its place in the new direction I’m taking.

So, here’s to embracing change, repurposing, and creating something even better. Stay tuned for exciting updates on my revamped YouTube journey!

Here’s that Harry Potter Ironton Wizardfest video:

The Wondrous Best Friend: My Dog Roland

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In my Facebook memories, I stumbled upon the sweetest photo of my dog, Roland. It was taken in 2011 when he was just a couple of months old. Back then, he was a wee beast—my affectionate nickname for him—sitting front and center in the passenger seat of a rental car. The three of us—my mom, Roland, and I—had embarked on a holiday trip to Fairy Stone State Park in Virginia, all in pursuit of those elusive fairy stones.

Roland’s ears were still delightfully floppy at that time, not yet the iconic erect ears that corgis are known for. It would be a few more months until those satellite-dish-like ears fully developed.

Today, Roland is a wise 13-year-old. He has been my faithful companion for nearly his entire life. Our bond formed on May 23, 2011, when fate intervened. Roland and his ten siblings were orphaned just hours after birth, and a friend’s Facebook post led me to them. I knew instantly that one of those puppies had to be mine.

An intriguing twist: When I visited the litter to pick out my new best friend, I discovered that their momma dog’s name was Lisa—a coincidence both spooky and endearing.

Rollie Bear, as I affectionately call him, has been by my side through thick and thin. His unwavering presence has seen me through countless difficult moments. As I introduce him to the mix of topics on my blog, I can’t help but smile. And even though I gave up on Vlogmas last year, I couldn’t resist sharing YouTube shorts of us eagerly opening the dog treat Advent calendar from Aldi.

Here’s to Roland, my constant companion and the heartwarming star of our adventures!

The Gen X Perspective : A July 4th Tribute to the American Spirit, Heart, and Independence!

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With the USA’s 248th birthday today, I thought it would be fun to dive into some nostalgic vibes. As a Gen Xer, I have a hazy but colorful memory of the Bicentennial celebrations back in 1976. I was just a wee 3-year-old then but it left quite the impression on my little brain.

I recall a sea of red, white, and blue everywhere, Betsy Ross flags waving proudly, and “Spirit of America” emblazoned on everything in sight. A few years later, I started hoarding those special Bicentennial quarters because, well, they were just so cool and different.

One of my favorite memories is of my great-grandmother’s living room, where a framed puzzle of the “Spirit of ’76” painting hung proudly. My mom had put the puzzle together and framed it. As a young child, I would spend hours gazing at it, convinced that the fife player looked like an ape from “Planet of the Apes.” I guess I had quite the imagination even then.

Ah, then into the Reagan Era! Nothing quite like the constant Cold War tension to keep things interesting, right? The ever-present threat of the “Ruskies” pushing the button certainly added a unique flavor to Gen Xers’ childhoods. But hey, it also gave us some of the most iconic 80s movie tropes that we still cherish.

From the underdog American hero taking on the Soviet menace to the epic sports showdowns, those East vs. West themes were everywhere. Think of classics like “Rocky IV,” where Rocky Balboa took on Ivan Drago, or “Red Dawn,” with its tale of American teens defending their homeland from a Soviet invasion. These films not only entertained us but also captured the spirit of the times.

Reflecting on those vibrant years, I can’t help but smile at the memories of growing up as a Gen Xer. From the iconic music and fashion to the groundbreaking tech and unforgettable pop culture moments, it was a time that truly shaped who we are today. The Gen X American experience was a unique blend of independence, resilience, which is a lot like America itself. As I nation we’ve been through hell but we always bound back stronger.

So, here’s to the days of mixtapes, roller rinks, and the spirit of a generation that knew how to make the most of every moment. Cheers to the good old days and the incredible journey that made us who we are!

PS: Bite Me 😉

Overcoming Being a Chonk: The New and (hopefully) Improved Weight Loss Journey

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I’m back on my weight loss journey, having restarted in June with some medical assistance. I underwent a final blood panel and thyroid test to understand my health better. Years ago, I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which makes weight loss particularly challenging due to the various effects it has on the body.

Despite the difficulties, I know it’s possible to lose weight, though I haven’t yet found a lasting solution. Keto and low-carb diets helped for a while, and I lost a few pounds on Weight Watchers, but nothing has been permanent.

On June 22, I took my first Mounjaro injection, aiming to lose weight and manage my insulin resistance, another symptom of PCOS. The first week was manageable, with the main side effect being extreme fullness and bloating for the first three days. Despite eating less, I gained half a pound that week.

Last Saturday, I took my second injection. The side effects are milder this week, but my appetite remains low. My weight continues to fluctuate, as usual, with small gains and losses throughout the week, but nothing significant.

Igniting Creative Living: 31 Days of Daily Posts and a Dog

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I’ve had this website/blog for a couple of months now but I haven’t been writing anything to post. I decided to challenge myself with a once a day post for the month of July. I have lots of things to talk about in the creative realm.

There are tons of projects I want to start but I never act upon it. Part of it is because I want to blog and vlog about it and never take the time to set up the video camera. Then I say to myself, “oh I don’t want to get all of that out.” So it goes the by the waste side.

But today, for some reason, I decided to just jump in a write a post today and make myself port daily for the entire month. But I want the posts to have some value to the blog, not just a hey I’m posting to post so I can check off today. I’m looking at it from the standpoint of building a habit to post regularly. If I get really into the groove, I can add videos to the You Tube channel.

I have several things to write about. My veggie garden, which I did want to make a video about it a few months ago when I was planting. I have been refocused on weight loss and overall health in the past few weeks. So there are many things to discuss.

The biggest challenge for this month, I think, won’t necessarily be from finding topics to write but just sitting down to do it. So far the weather hasn’t been very nice. We’ve had a few near 100 degree days before summer even officially arrived! My Hobbit house doesn’t have central heat and air, so I suffer along with a portable AC unit and window AC unit. There are times the kitchen is hot has the seventh ring of hell. So yeah, July weather sucks.

And here’s a photo of my dog Roland just because…