enJOY it

an archived personal and craft blog from Elise Blaha Cripe.

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Hooray! My business baby is out in the world. Feels GOOD. I've got a long way to go. But something that I have learned is that with time management skills and a passion for what you're doing, "work" doesn't feel like "work." I've been scheming and planning for months and this project (while huge!) is going to be (I hope!) very manageable thanks to some professional list-making, spread-sheeting and time-budgeting. I am so excited.

And I can't thank you enough for sharing in my excitement. I woke up Monday morning with a knot in my stomach (and like 14 in my hair). But you know what "They" say…."if you're not scared of your dreams they are not big enough." … or something like that. I'll be sharing the first product and some "behind the scenes" re-branding posts early next week.

Elseware on the Internet, my podcast feed got approved by iTunes! I plan to get a few more episodes recorded (with guests!) and develop an actual schedule before making the official debut, but we're getting closer. I will write a HOW TO MAKE A PODCAST post in the near future with simple step-by-step instructions (I would have killed for this resource a few months ago). You can see a fraction of my planned topics in the photo above.

Also on the agenda, an updated post (here's the first one) about how I am making things work as a work-at-home Mama. Spoiler alert, having an awesome nanny come for eight hours a week has been a game-changer for me, my business and my family. I am a tornado of productivity on Monday and Wednesday mornings and Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday all get to reap the rewards.

In other news…Happy Valentine's Day! This is the first year since 2011 that Paul has not been deployed for the month of February which is just crazy. We're celebrating with a healthy baby, leftovers for dinner and House of Cards season 2 (released today on Netflix).

Have a great weekend.

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35 responses to “around here.”

  1. Leah Noble Avatar

    And I would kill to have a resource on the “professional list-making, spread-sheeting and time-budgeting” that you reference. Any chance of a how-to post about that?
    Happy Valentine’s Day Elise! You rock!

    Like

  2. Tinkster Avatar
    Tinkster

    Love love those instagrams. Can’t wait for your new business.

    Like

  3. Harmony Avatar

    I can’t wait to listen to your podcast. I am addicted to audiobooks and podcasts for my commutes.

    Like

  4. Leah Noble Avatar

    I’d love to read more on the “professional list-making, spread-sheeting and time-budgeting” you refer to! I could use some tips in that department.

    Like

  5. Michelle Avatar
    Michelle

    if you’re not scared of your dreams they are not big enough – AMEN! You are such an inspiration for goal setting and going after your dreams. Can’t wait to see your new adventure unfold.

    Like

  6. Tami Avatar
    Tami

    But there isn’t a podcast to listen yet right?!? I can’t wait for the first one
    My google /feedly reader has just a few blogs in it now but I am here cheering you on

    Like

  7. kelly Avatar
    kelly

    Hooray for nannies!! I am a full time nanny and it’s the BEST job!! Women, and moms, deserve some time to be productive and take some moments to breathe. Good for you, Elise!

    Like

  8. Tiffany B. Avatar

    You always make me get excited again and again for my small biz. I read what you write and how awesome you feel and it makes me feel the same way about your biz and mine! Have a great weekend!

    Like

  9. Martina Avatar

    I’m celebrating with House of cards too – I was so excited when they announced season 2 was coming out today! woop
    Enjoy your first family V-day all together 🙂
    Martina

    Like

  10. Brianna Avatar
    Brianna

    Happy Valentine’s Day! Your business acumen is inspiring me to make my business bigger and better.

    Like

  11. JC Avatar

    You’ve got momentum now. Things a rolling for you. It’s easy to spot in your posts and your excitment over it is infecting.

    Like

  12. Sonja Avatar

    Happy Valentine’s day for you and your little family♥
    Hak

    Like

  13. france Avatar

    Looking forward to your Podcast:) I am always up for something new to listen to and if includes a bit of knitting talk all the better.

    Like

  14. Marya Avatar

    I’m really curious about where you get your custom shop stickers made. I love the idea and would love to create some of my own! I’m sure you’ve been asked and answered before, but I missed it! Would you be willing to share? Thanks. And btw, good luck with the new venture!

    Like

  15. elise blaha cripe Avatar

    I will be sharing more about all the promotional pieces in the next few weeks! but if you can’t wait, these are from stickergiant.com 🙂

    Like

  16. elise blaha cripe Avatar

    thank you so much!
    technically … the first podcast episode is up (I had to record one to get itunes to accept me) but I am going to get a few more recorded and available before sharing a feed. 🙂

    Like

  17. Donna M Avatar

    All the best with your new venture. Your enthusiasm and hard work ethic is infectious and inspiring:)

    Like

  18. elise blaha cripe Avatar

    I will share more about this/talk more about this. I am hoping the podcast will really cover this sort of stuff … it’s so much easier to TALK about it than WRITE About it. 🙂

    Like

  19. Marya Avatar

    Thanks! Instant gratification girl over here appreciates it!!!

    Like

  20. Lori W. Avatar

    Yes, yes, yes! As a fellow work-from-home Mama I have been curious about how you manage the logistics, lists, emails, etc. I try to keep my personal and business info separate, but it’s tricky. I think of you often and wonder how you manage your “stuff”. Thanks for all you do!

    Like

  21. Ali Avatar

    Nanny for the win!

    Like

  22. Lori W. Avatar

    Grrr..my post was gobbled up.
    I would love to hear this as well. As a fellow work-from-home Mama I’m curious as to how you manage the emails, budget, to-do lists, etc. and keep it separate (if possible) from your personal “stuff”. Thanks for all you do!!

    Like

  23. A Beautiful Mess Avatar

    Oh man- I forgot House of Cards is coming out tonight! (double yay!!)
    So excited for your adventurous year, Elise! Your spirit is contagious.
    xx- Elsie

    Like

  24. Jess Avatar

    So excited for your upcoming blog posts and podcasts! Congratulations on your new project 🙂

    Like

  25. Marian Avatar

    yay! I’m really excited for your podcast.

    Like

  26. Michelle Tercha Avatar

    I came late today and everyone said it already so I’m a repeat. But, I am excited for the podcast too. I’m looking forward to it. I listen to one already and can’t wait for it. Again good luck with the business it will be great. Enjoy your special evening together. Michelle t

    Like

  27. Melissa H Avatar

    While she naps (Abby glassenberg) recently started a podcast an posted this week a “how to start a podcast” blog post. Google it if you need more tips. I am eagerly awaiting your podcast!

    Like

  28. April Avatar
    April

    Clearly you are an inspiration for many of your readers (including me) with your ability to be so efficient and productive. I would love to hear more on balance and “fitting” it all into your life. You create and make all the time , yet you carve out time for reading, tv shows etc. I never hear you say “I’m too busy” or “I don’t have time” even though you must grocery shop, clean, cook, etc. Real life examples as to how you accomplish this would be awesome whether on the blog or on the podcast.

    Like

  29. dickeybeth@gmail.com Avatar
    dickeybeth@gmail.com

    Yes! I’m totally a House of Cards fanatic too. Thanks for really becoming my baseline for where or how to get creative things made. IE: working on invitations at Paper Source Georgetown based on your recommendations.

    Like

  30. Jenny Avatar
    Jenny

    I am excited what’s to come 🙂 Looking forwards to the podcasts 🙂 I actually finished the entire new season of House of cards already hahaha It’s a good one!

    Like

  31. Welcome Home Taylor Avatar

    Congrats on all your progress! You’re so inspiring!!
    xoxo
    Taylor
    http://www.welcomehometaylor.com

    Like

  32. Tami Avatar
    Tami

    And what is your schedule for watching house of cards. My husband wants to plow through them npbut I say once a week …..I was shocked at a certain part…rip zb

    Like

  33. Leah Noble Avatar

    Great, Elise! Looking forward to it.

    Like

  34. JenEverAfter Avatar

    You’re “can do” attitude is very inspiring! As someone with HUGE time management issues (as in, Time Manages Me) it is so wonderful to hear about your abilities to prioritize what is important to you and then find a way to make it all fit. I am still attempting to take control of my life. I’ve got two kids in school full-time now AND a full-time housekeeper (because we live in Honduras, also Navy!) so you’d think I would finally have a handle on this, but no. Sometimes I am so overwhelmed with all the things I WANT to do, that nothing gets done. Well, except checking off a few more shows in the queue on my Hulu account or filling up a shopping cart on joann.com, but not ordering anything! But I have lots of faith and hope for the future!!!

    Like

  35. JenEverAfter Avatar

    Oh, and speaking of procrastination, I usually read one or two of your posts before finally typing up my own. I have your blog in my Typepad feed and you are my go-to procrastination tool. You are helping AND hurting me!!!

    Like

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