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How to Take Smart Notes in Obsidian

Tim TashLeave a comment

“You don’t rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” — James Clear

Here’s the truth no one tells you: taking a bunch of notes doesn’t mean you’ll remember anything.

When I first started using Obsidian, I dumped everything into it—quotes, book highlights, web pages, random thoughts—but it quickly turned into a digital junk drawer. I had notes, sure… and if I could even find a set of notes following a theme or idea, I wasn’t learning from them.

That’s where smart notes come in.

Inspired by the Zettelkasten method, the idea is to write notes that think for you—notes that actually connect, resurface, and help you develop ideas over time. And Obsidian? It’s the perfect tool for this, once you know how to set it up.

What Are Smart Notes, Really?

📚 The 3 Big Principles

  1. Capture atomic ideas
    → One idea per note. Not a brain dump.
  2. Link ideas together
    → Use wikilinks to connect concepts. Think like a spiderweb.
  3. Make your notes usable
    → Add your own thoughts, not just quotes or info. Notes are for thinking, not storing.

If you’ve ever highlighted an entire page of a book and remembered none of it… yeah, same. Smart notes fix that.

Using Headers, Tags, and Links Like a Pro

Let’s break down the Obsidian features that make smart note-taking possible.

🧱 Use Headers to Structure Thinking

Instead of one giant blob of text, structure your note using #, ##, ### headers. Like this:

# Idea: Social Media Kills Deep Work

## Quote "Social media is like sugar for the brain..."

## My Take This makes sense because I can’t even finish a podcast without checking Twitter.

## Related Ideas - [[Deep Work Notes]] - [[Dopamine Addiction]]

Headers make it scannable later. Your future self will thank you.

🏷️ Use Tags (But Don’t Go Nuts)

Tags help organize by theme. Think: #productivity, #philosophy, #quotes.

💡 Tip: Don’t turn every word into a tag. Keep a short list of core tags. I use:

  • #concept – for abstract ideas
  • #insight – for notes that made me go “whoa”
  • #reference – for book/article summaries
  • #quote – for notable quotes
  • #todo – for tasks I need to act on

🔗 Link Everything Contextually

Here’s the magic sauce: don’t wait to link ideas later. Link as you write.

Twitter feels like [[Slot Machine Design]] for attention. I think [[Cal Newport]] warned about this in [[Digital Minimalism]].

It’s messy. It’s fast. But that’s okay.

Every time you link, you’re creating a network of ideas, not just a pile of files. That’s what turns note-taking into knowledge building.

Linking Notes Contextually (with Examples)

Let’s say you write a note about the idea of status signaling. Instead of writing:

“Instagram encourages status signaling.”

Try this:

Instagram encourages [[Status Signaling]]—people post not just to share, but to look cool. This ties into [[Social Comparison]] and probably affects [[Self-Esteem]].

Now you’ve connected 3 different ideas. Obsidian starts working like a mind map you didn’t have to draw.

Bonus: Template for Smart Notes

Want a reusable format? Here’s one I use:

# [[Concept Name]]

## Summary Short, atomic version of the idea.

## Source Book, article, or thought origin.

## My Thoughts Your personal take, disagreement, or connection.

## Links - [[Related Idea 1]] - [[Related Idea 2]]

Create a note in your Templates folder and use the Templater plugin to drop this into new notes automatically.

Conclusion

Smart notes changed how I think. Seriously.

Now, when I’m working on a project or writing something new, I stumble across forgotten ideas I saved months ago—and they still make sense. That’s the whole point: your notes should be usable, not just saved.

So if you want your second brain to work with you instead of against you:

  • Capture one idea per note
  • Use headers and tags for structure
  • Link everything like crazy

Obsidian was made for this. You just need the right habits to make it sing.

💬 What’s your favorite tip for keeping your notes useful? Drop your best trick in the comments!

How I Use Obsidian Daily Notes to Actually Get Stuff Done

Tim TashLeave a comment

You ever have one of those weeks where your to-do list turns into a guilt trip? Yeah — that used to be my life. Sticky notes everywhere, five different apps with half-finished tasks, and a brain that felt like a browser with 42 tabs open. Enter: Obsidian.

I’ve talked about Obsidian before some years ago that describes what Obsidian is and why I chose it. Now I wanted to explain how I use it every day. I didn’t expect a plain-text note-taking app to change my productivity game. But it did. And it all started with one simple habit: using Daily Notes.

Let me walk you through exactly how I use them — from my morning routine to linking ideas, using plugins, and ending the day with a brain that’s not screaming at me.

🗓️ Why Daily Notes Work in Obsidian

Obsidian has this beautiful thing called Daily Notes — a note automatically named with today’s date, where you can dump your thoughts, tasks, wins, random rants — anything.

But what makes it powerful is this: it’s not just a journal. It’s a launchpad for your day and a hub that connects everything else.

At first, I just used it for to-do lists. But over time, it became the command center for my brain.

✅ My Daily Note Template (Simple, Not Fancy)

I don’t do complicated. Here’s my go-to layout:

# 📅 {{date}}

## Top 3 Tasks
- [ ] Thing 1
- [ ] Thing 2
- [ ] Thing 3

## Notes / Brain Dump
- Random ideas, quotes, thoughts here

## Meetings / Events
- 10:00 - Team stand-up
- 2:00 - Client call

## Links / References
- [[Project X]]
- [[Big Idea Notes]]

This gives me just enough structure to focus — without boxing me in.

🔗 Linking Tasks and Ideas for Seamless Flow

Before I started linking stuff, my notes felt like digital sticky notes — helpful in the moment, but gone forever two days later.

Now? I use Obsidian’s [[double brackets]] for backlinks like a pro.

Say I’m working on a course called “Side Hustle Starter Pack.” I’ll write:

- [ ] Outline lesson 3 for [[Side Hustle Starter Pack]]

Later, I can go to the Side Hustle Starter Pack note and see every time I mentioned it — all automatically. No fancy project manager needed.

I also drop little quote ideas into daily notes and link them to theme pages:

Note: Minimalism isn’t fewer apps — it’s fewer open loops. #quote [[Digital Minimalism]]

It’s like leaving breadcrumbs for my future self. And it works.

☀️ My Morning Routine With Daily Notes

Every day, I open Obsidian, hit my Templater hotkey, and boom — a fresh daily note.

Here’s my quick ritual:

  1. Sip coffee
  2. Brain dump everything on my mind
  3. Pick 3 top priorities
  4. Link tasks to their project notes
  5. Add any meetings or appointments

It clears my head faster than coffee (okay, maybe not faster… but close).

🌙 My Evening Review

This one’s subtle, but powerful.

At the end of the day, I:

  1. Check off tasks
  2. Move unfinished ones to tomorrow
  3. Write 1–2 lines of reflection
  4. Link anything that deserves a follow-up

No deep journaling. Just a soft landing for my brain. I don’t feel like I’m leaving chaos behind when I shut the laptop.

🧩 Best Plugins to Supercharge Daily Notes

Okay, here’s where things get spicy. These are the plugins that actually improved my workflow — not just added noise.

1. Templater

Automates your daily note structure. Adds dates, recurring tasks, and custom prompts. I use it to inject a consistent layout every morning without thinking.

2. Periodic Notes

This one gives you daily, weekly, and monthly notes — all nicely tied together. It’s super handy for weekly reviews and reflection.

3. Tasks Plugin

This is the one I didn’t know I needed. It lets you manage tasks across your entire vault and even filter them. For example:

``` tasks
not done
due before tomorrow
```

It’ll show every unchecked task due before tomorrow — no matter which note it’s hiding in. Game changer.

You can even get fancy and start adding tags to your tasks. For example I use #followup on tasks that need extra attention, but may not have a due date. Do collect them under one heading I have a task query that looks like this.

 tasks
description includes #follow-up not done

4. Dataview

If you’re a data nerd, this is your playground. You can turn your notes into custom dashboards, summaries, and dynamic views based on tags, dates, and frontmatter.

I’ve used it to build a weekly task board, habit tracker, and even a writing progress chart. Steep learning curve, but massive rewards.

5. Calendar

It’s not flashy — but man, it’s useful. This plugin gives you a sidebar calendar. Click on any day, and it opens the daily note. That’s it. Simple, effective, frictionless.

Bonus Plugins Worth Exploring

  • Day Planner: Perfect if you like time-blocking your day. Drag tasks into specific time slots.
  • Natural Language Dates: Type “next Friday” or “tomorrow” and it becomes an actual date. Huge time saver.
  • Kanban: Build Trello-style boards inside your vault. Great for project planning or high-level overviews.

Pro tip: Don’t install all of these at once. Start with one or two and build your system gradually. Otherwise, you’ll spend more time tinkering than thinking.

🎯 Make Daily Notes Your System

Here’s the deal — your system should serve you. Not the productivity gurus. Not the Reddit templates. You.

I use daily notes to:

  • Stay focused
  • Connect my thoughts
  • Reduce mental clutter

Some days it’s neat. Some days it’s messy. Some days I skip it altogether. And that’s okay.

If you take nothing else away from this post, take this:
You don’t need perfect. You just need consistent.

🛡️ Quick Note on Privacy

Obsidian keeps everything local by default, which is awesome for privacy. Just make sure if you’re syncing between devices, you’re doing it securely — especially if you’re logging sensitive data.

🚀 Final Thoughts

If your brain feels overloaded — start with one daily note.

Seriously. Open Obsidian, hit Cmd + P or Ctrl + P, and type “Daily Note.”

Jot a few tasks. Dump your thoughts. Link one thing. That’s it.

You’ll be shocked at how fast it turns into a habit that actually sticks.

And hey — if you’ve got your own tips, tricks, or plugin recs, hit me up or drop a comment below. I’m always down to geek out about workflows that make life just a little bit easier.

Let’s build digital brains that don’t burn us out. 🧠💪

👋 Want more?
Let me know if you’d like a walkthrough of weekly reviews, project dashboards, or even second brain setups in Obsidian. I’ve got plenty more to share.

Let me know if you’d like this:

  • Converted into an HTML file for direct upload
  • With featured image ideas or WordPress categories/tags
  • With internal links or affiliate mentions if you’re monetizing

Happy posting!

12 Local Weekend Side Hustles You Can Start This Saturday

Tim TashLeave a comment



“More than 40% of Americans have a side hustle—and most of them start on weekends.”

That stat hit me hard while I was standing there pumping gas watching the numbers growing larger and larger with every passing second. That’s when I knew I needed a weekend gig. But not the kind that chains you to a screen or needs some online course. I wanted real, local work—something I could do right here in my neighborhood.

Over the past couple years, I’ve tested more weekend hustles than I can count—from dog walking to flipping free junk I found online. Some flopped. Others paid for gas and brunch. This article? It’s my greatest hits playlist. No fluff. Just 12 real weekend side hustles you can start as soon as Saturday morning.

1. Dog Walking and Pet Sitting for Neighbors

I started with pet sitting almost by accident. A neighbor needed someone to watch her golden retriever, and I said, “Why not?” That one gig led to four more that month—mostly just feeding, walking, and chilling on a couch watching Netflix while the dogs snored.

Start by posting in your local Facebook groups or neighborhood apps. Most folks don’t want to use apps like Rover—they’d rather trust someone local, but Rover can be a good jumping off point.

Bonus: If you’re already familiar with the neighborhood dogs, that’s instant trust points.

2. Flipping Free Stuff on Facebook Marketplace

Let me tell you, the phrase “one man’s trash…” is dead serious when it comes to local flipping. Friday nights are golden for finding “curb alerts” or free listings on Facebook Marketplace. People clean out garages or move, and they just want stuff gone.

One time I picked up a dusty end table, cleaned it with vinegar, hit it with black spray paint, and flipped it for $60 the next morning. That’s a $60 profit for maybe 90 minutes of effort.

If the item is something easily shipped, and you comfortable with being on camera, you could branch out to Poshmart and WhatNot auctions. They take a little more effort, but if you curate a good selection you can use your phone and start selling on those Platforms  as well as Facebook Marketplace.

3. Lawn Mowing or Yard Cleanup Services

This one’s a classic.  There a probably a lot of Gen-X’ers that have done this as kid.

If you’ve got a leaf blower or pressure washer? Game changer. You don’t need gear to start—some clients are fine with you using theirs. Flyers still work, especially handwritten ones. People trust that more than digital ads.

If  you would like more details on this you can check out my post How to Start a Lawn Care Side Hustle With Just $300 in Gear – And Earn $700/Day.

4. Local Gig Apps: TaskRabbit, Gigwalk, and Nextdoor

I signed up for TaskRabbit and ended up assembling an IKEA bed for a guy who tipped me with cash and cookies. These apps are full of weekend gigs—from furniture assembly to garage organizing.

Not super handy? No problem. You can get paid for errands, hauling boxes, or helping with small home projects. Nextdoor is a hidden gem for this stuff—local and trust-based.

5. Cleaning Houses on Saturdays

Cleaning might not sound exciting, but it’s profitable. I would start with offering a deep clean for busy families and you could walk away with sore arms and serious cash. Bring your own supplies (natural stuff impresses clients), and offer flat rates based on home size.

6. Running Errands for the Elderly or Busy Professionals

This one’s all about heart. Think grocery runs, package drop-offs, pharmacy pickups. I started doing it for my grandma and realized the demand is massive. Print some flyers or cards with “Errand Runner” and drop them in local community centers, community boards at your local grocery store.  You could also post on Nextdoor to get the word out.

7. Hosting a Weekend Yard Sale

This is the ultimate clutter-to-cash move. Friday night, gather your junk. Saturday morning, sell it with signs at intersections and posts in Facebook groups. Join forces with neighbors to create a block-wide sale for extra traffic.

8. Car Detailing and Mobile Car Wash Services

This side hustle smells like soap and money. People love the convenience of having their car cleaned at home. Start with waterless kits, a good vacuum, and simple packages ($25 wipe-down, $60 full detail).

9. Babysitting or Childcare

Parents love weekend sitters for date nights or errands. If you’re good with kids and responsible, word spreads fast. Bring a “kid kit” with coloring books or puzzles and you’ll stand out instantly.

10. Weekend Delivery for Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Instacart

This one’s straightforward. Focus on peak times (Friday dinner, Sunday brunch), track your best zones, and listen to podcasts while you hustle. Add snacks and napkins to your car—you’ll thank me later.

11. Renting Out Equipment or Tools

Got a power washer, cooler, or ladder? People will pay to use it. Create weekend bundles—like “Yard Work Kit: $30 includes rake, mower, blower.” Easy passive income if you’re organized.

12. Street Vending or Farmers Market Side Gigs

If you bake, build, or craft, local markets are gold. Just check your city’s vendor rules. Price things in $1, $5, and $10 amounts for quick decisions, and always have change ready.

Conclusion

You don’t need an online business or TikTok fame to make extra money—you just need a weekend and a plan. Whether it’s babysitting or flipping freebies, these local weekend side hustles are legit, doable, and profitable.

Start this Saturday. Worst case? You get fresh air. Best case? You make a few hundred bucks and kick off something bigger.

Got a local hustle that worked for you? Share it in the comments below! I’m building the ultimate community-powered hustle list.

10 Side Hustles to Avoid Doing in 2025 (And What to Do Instead)

Tim Tash1 Comment

Getting past the noise.

Since the pandemic there has been a increase interest in and around the idea of creating a passive income, or working on your side-hustle, with this new gig economy. Search on youtube and there is no shortage of vague how-to’s showing how this latest idea has generated real income.

As the economy slows and the cost of living rises, it is easy for the excitement of the moment and the lure of quick cash to influence our choices.

Which leads to the question that started it all : Are all side hustles created equal?

Absolutely not. In fact, some can waste your time, drain your energy, and leave you with nothing but regret. According to a 2024 survey by SideHustle Nation, over 35% of people said their side gig cost them more than it earned — yikes! 🚫 I’ve been there too, chasing the hype only to realize it wasn’t worth the hustle.

In this guide, I’m breaking down the side hustles to avoid in 2025, why they’re not as glamorous as they seem, and what you should focus on instead. Let’s save you time, money, and sanity—starting now.

Why Some Side Hustles Just Don’t Work Anymore

Not every opportunity is a golden ticket. Many side hustles that used to work just fine are now plagued with problems:

  • Oversaturated Markets: Too many people are trying the same thing (like dropshipping), making it harder to stand out.
  • Hidden Startup Costs: That “free” side gig might require hundreds to get off the ground.
  • Poor ROI: You’re putting in hours for pennies.
  • High Competition, Low Pay: Low barriers mean more competition and less earning potential.
  • No Long-Term Growth: Some hustles don’t teach you skills or grow with you.

The Top 10 Side Hustles to Avoid in 2025

  1. Dropshipping Generic Products from AliExpress

Selling products online without having to hold inventory sounds great! The reality is, the days of throwing up a general store with a trending electronic gadget are behind us. It is extremely difficult to find a product that is unique and in demand. Combine that with the fact you will be competing against thousands of others. This makes this side hustle difficult to become successful. Without a strong niche you will be facing a race to the bottom on price, while burning cash with paid ads. Combine that with the stress of awful shipping times, and customer service nightmares.

  • Shipping times are awful
  • Margins are thin
  • Customer service nightmares
  1. Taking Low-Paying Online Surveys

Earning money for giving your opinion might sound like easy money. But these platforms are notorious for underpaying participants. You could spend an hour filling out forms and walk away with $1 or less. Most survey sites sell your data, waste your time, and rarely offer worthwhile payouts.

  • You earn cents per hour
  • Data often sold to third parties
  1. Multi-Level Marketing (MLMs)

On the surface, MLMs might look like a legitimate business opportunity, especially when pitched by a friend. But they rely heavily on recruitment rather than real sales. The odds of turning a profit are slim, and most participants end up losing money or stockpiling products they can’t sell.

  • Heavy on recruiting, light on profit
  • Often borderline pyramid schemes
  1. Gig Apps in Oversaturated Cities

Driving or delivering for apps like UberEats or DoorDash can be convenient, but as more people flood these platforms, competition increases and pay decreases. In busy cities, you’re stuck in traffic, spending on gas, and burning out for barely minimum wage.

  • DoorDash, UberEats, etc. are flooded with workers
  • Wear and tear on your car vs. low earnings
  1. Selling Low-Quality Courses Without Expertise

The rise of “edupreneurs” has led to a flood of low-effort online courses. If you lack real experience, selling a course is a quick way to get negative reviews and refunds. Long-term, this damages your reputation and credibility.

  • Hurts your reputation
  • High refund and chargeback rates
  1. Freelance Platforms With Race-to-the-Bottom Pricing

Sites like Fiverr and Upwork are saturated with freelancers from around the world competing for the lowest price. Unless you have a standout portfolio or unique niche, you may find it hard to earn decent money.

  • Fiverr and Upwork are full of $5 gigs
  • Hard to stand out without a strong portfolio
  1. Reselling Cheap Amazon Products

Amazon reselling sounds easy: buy low, sell high. But between fees, shipping, returns, and cutthroat competition, the margins disappear quickly. You’re often competing against huge sellers with bulk buying power.

  • Competition with big sellers
  • Razor-thin profit margins
  1. Creating Low-Effort Faceless YouTube Channels

Automated or faceless YouTube channels using AI voices or stolen footage rarely last. YouTube cracks down on reused content, and without a personal brand or original perspective, growth is nearly impossible.

  • Content ID issues
  • No originality = no growth
  1. Investing in Meme Coins or Pump-and-Dump Crypto

Crypto can be exciting, but chasing meme coins and “next big things” often ends in losses. These projects are volatile, easily manipulated, and rarely backed by real value.

  • Extremely risky
  • You’re likely the exit liquidity
  1. Paid Mentorship With No Real Credentials

Beware of self-proclaimed gurus offering mentorship for thousands of dollars. Many are just marketers with no real success outside of selling the dream. Always vet your mentors before investing.

  • Many “mentors” are just marketers
  • You’re paying for recycled advice

Common Red Flags to Watch For

Before diving into any side hustle, watch for these warning signs:

  • Promises of “Guaranteed Income”: Nothing is truly guaranteed.
  • Emphasis on Recruiting: Classic MLM tactic.
  • Hidden Fees or Costs: If you have to “buy in,” be cautious.
  • Bad Reviews or Scam Accusations: Google it before you commit.
  • No Real Value Offered: If it’s not solving a problem, it’s not a business.

What Makes a Side Hustle Worth Doing

Successful side hustles share a few key traits:

  • Provides Real Value: Solves a problem or serves a need.
  • Skill Building: Helps you grow and gain marketable experience.
  • Scalability: Has room to grow over time.
  • Fits Your Lifestyle: Flexible and manageable.
  • Transparent Income Potential: You know how and when you’ll get paid.

High-Potential Side Hustle Alternatives in 2025

Instead of chasing trends, focus on high-value, sustainable options:

  • Niche Affiliate Marketing
    • Build content around your passion
    • Monetize with honest product recommendations
  • Offering Specialized Services
    • SEO, design, copywriting, consulting
    • Charge premium rates with the right skills
  • Selling Digital Products
    • eBooks, Notion templates, online courses
    • Create once, sell forever
  • YouTube Channel with Unique Commentary
    • Personality-driven content wins in the long run
  • Virtual Assistance or Remote Customer Support
    • Stable, growing demand
    • Entry-level friendly
  • Monetizing on Platforms Like Gumroad, Ko-fi, or Substack
    • Build a loyal audience and sell directly to them

Conclusion

Not all side hustles are worth your time—especially in 2025. The online world has changed, and so should your strategy. Avoid the hype, ignore the get-rich-quick promises, and look for opportunities that let you build skills, serve people, and grow over time.

Side hustling can still be powerful, but only if you hustle smart. Focus on value, not vanity. Learn before you leap. And above all, protect your time like it’s your most valuable asset—because it is.

How to Start a Lawn Care Side Hustle With Just $300 in Gear – And Earn $700/Day

Tim Tash3 Comments

I’ve had a heck of a time finding someone to mow my lawn this summer. We would have people agree, and then for one reason or another they just couldn’t complete the task. This got me thinking what would you need to start up your own lawn care service.

You wouldn’t need a landscaping truck or commercial mower to start making real money in lawn care. If you like the outdoors, have a good work ethic, capable of talking to people, a basic lawn mower, and a few hours to spare, you can start earning $60 per yard and scale to $700+ a day.

Here’s exactly how I would start, market, price, and scale a lawn care business — plus this is how I would use social media to stand out.

👟 Step 1: Get the Gear — Keep It Simple

To start, you only need three tools:

  • Push lawn mower – $200
  • Weed eater (string trimmer) – $60–100
  • Leaf blower – $40–100
  • Gas can, gloves, safety glasses – $20

💡 Tip: Buy used equipment from Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist to keep costs low.

💡 Tip: You can upgrade your equipment once you a steady customer base. Save a percentage from each job to invest in better equipment, magnetic signs for your truck or car, or various trailers for your equipment.

🛠️ Total Startup Cost: ~$300

💡 Step 2: Set Your Price and Daily Goal

Set your base rate at $60 per lawn, which includes mowing, trimming, and cleanup.

A solo operator can reasonably aim for:

  • 12 lawns per day x $60 = $720/day
  • Even part-time: 3 lawns/day = $180/day, or $900/week

This is a volume-based hustle — speed and consistency are your moneymakers.

🧭 Step 3: Pick the Right Neighborhoods

Look for middle-income suburban neighborhoods where:

  • Yards are too big to mow by hand
  • Homeowners are busy or elderly
  • HOA contracts aren’t in place

Drive around your area and take notes. The best leads are often the slightly overgrown lawns in otherwise clean neighborhoods.

📢 Step 4: Local Marketing That Works

Here’s how to land your first clients fast — without paying for ads:

📝 Door Flyers or Hangers

  • Simple, clean flyer
  • Offer: “$60 Lawn Service — Mow, Trim, Blow”
  • Include your name, phone, and town

💬 Facebook Groups

  • Post in neighborhood or “Buy/Sell/Trade” groups
  • Share before/after pics and offer first-mow discounts

📍 Google Business Profile

  • Create a free listing
  • Add keywords like “Lawn mowing in [Your City]”
  • Ask every client to leave a review

🧠 Word of Mouth

Tell your family, barbershop, or church group — referrals can scale you faster than any ad.

🧾 Step 5: Onboarding, Estimates & Billing

Make it easy for clients to hire you and pay you. Here’s how:

✉️ Quick Estimate Template (Email/Text)

Hi [Client Name],

Thanks for reaching out! I offer lawn mowing, trimming, and blowing for $60 per visit.

No contracts required — just let me know your address and preferred day, and I’ll get you on the schedule.

Thanks!  
[Your Name]  
[Your Number or IG Link]

💵 Payment Options:

  • Cash – Reliable, no fees
  • Check – Good for older clients
  • Venmo / CashApp / Zelle – Instant, free
  • PayPal – Trusted but includes small fees
  • Square – For credit/debit cards

🧾 Invoice Methods:

  • Leave a paper invoice at the door
  • Use free apps like Wave or Invoice Simple
  • Email invoices via Google Docs template

🛠️ Step 6: Deliver 5-Star Service

Quality service = repeat business and referrals.

Focus on:

  • Crisp mow lines
  • Clean edging
  • Clear walkways
  • Showing up on time
  • Sending a follow-up thank-you text or message

📸 Pro Tip: Take before/after photos for marketing!

🎥 Bonus Step: Record Your Lawn Care Journey for Social Media

Documenting your work is a great way to build trust, land clients, and grow a loyal audience.

It can also be a source of income as well, yard work videos are popular – the crazier the yard, the more views you will most likely get.

Start accounts on:

  • Instagram
  • TikTok
  • YouTube Shorts
  • Facebook Business Page

🎬 Suggested Video Structure:

  1. Quick Intro Voiceover:
    “Today I’m cleaning up an overgrown yard in [City]. Let’s get to it.”
  2. Before Walkthrough:
  • Pan the yard
  • Describe the challenge: tall grass, overgrown edges
  1. Action Footage:
  • Mowing in patterns
  • Trimming edges
  • Blowing off debris
  • Bagging clippings
  1. After Walkthrough:
  • Show clean mow lines and walkways
  • Add voiceover: “Took 45 mins. Another happy customer!”

🎥 Example video: Watch on YouTube

Use captions, trending music, and hashtags like #lawncare #beforeandafter #smallbusiness.

🔁 Final Thoughts: From Side Hustle to Full-Time Gig

Lawn care is one of the most underrated side hustles out there. It’s physical, honest work — and highly profitable if you systemize your routes, pricing, and service.

Start small. Be consistent. Market smart. And who knows — your weekend hustle might become your full-time freedom. Let me know if you start one, I could use a reliable lawn service.

New stuff!

Leslea TashLeave a comment

Yes, I started my Podcast back up a few weeks ago. It’s such great lovely wonderful nice mental health practice. Come listen if you wanna, or watch:

The Leslea Show on YouTube:

If all of that is too much noise, you can read along (maybe, possibly), in a more intimate fashion than I have been sharing on PlanetTash.com. For right now, it’s got a personal blog post, but I’m also thinking about moving my email newsletter there and integrating them together. If you’re already on Substack, you know how cool it is. If not, maybe follow me for free and check it out: Leslea on Substack

And now I am told I must go help with the kitchen painting project. Lordt.

Top 10 Saturday Morning Cartoons of the 80s That Defined a Generation

Tim TashLeave a comment

The 1980s were the golden age of Saturday morning cartoons, a time when kids would wake up early, grab a bowl of sugary cereal, and settle in for hours of animated adventures. Networks were in fierce competition, leading to some of the most iconic and beloved cartoons of all time. From action-packed heroics to wacky comedy, the 80s delivered unforgettable animated series that still resonate with fans today.

Here’s a nostalgic look back at the Top 10 Saturday Morning Cartoons of the 1980s that made weekends magical.

1. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987-1996)

Cowabunga, dude! When four mutant turtles trained in ninjutsu burst onto TV screens in the late 80s, they became an instant pop culture phenomenon. Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael fought crime in New York City, battling the evil Shredder, Krang, and the Foot Clan while cracking jokes and eating pizza.

Why It Rocked:

  • Epic mix of action, humor, and catchy one-liners
  • A toy line and comic series that fueled its success
  • Gave kids a love for pizza, ninjas, and sewer lairs

👉 Fun Fact: The show was so influential that it led to live-action movies, video games, and a franchise still thriving today.

2. Transformers (1984-1987)

“More than meets the eye!” The Autobots vs. Decepticons battle took over Saturday mornings as kids watched Optimus Prime, Megatron, Bumblebee, and Starscream wage war. It wasn’t just a cartoon; it was an epic sci-fi saga with surprisingly deep storytelling for a toy-based series.

Why It Rocked:

  • Giant robots transforming into vehicles—what’s not to love?
  • Intense battles and an unforgettable theme song
  • Spawned the legendary 1986 animated movie

👉 Fun Fact: The Transformers franchise is still alive today with movies, comics, and new animated series keeping the legacy going.

3. He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (1983-1985)

“By the power of Grayskull, I HAVE THE POWER!” This sword-and-sorcery-meets-sci-fi series featured Prince Adam transforming into He-Man, the most powerful man in the universe, battling the villainous Skeletor to protect Castle Grayskull.

Why It Rocked:

  • A unique mix of fantasy, mythology, and futuristic tech
  • Skeletor’s legendary insults made him an unforgettable villain
  • Encouraged kids to shout catchphrases while wielding toy swords

👉 Fun Fact: He-Man’s toy line influenced the show’s creation, not the other way around.

4. G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero (1983-1986)

“Knowing is half the battle!” This military-themed action cartoon pitted the G.I. Joe team against Cobra Commander and his band of terrorists in explosive battles filled with gadgets, vehicles, and epic missions.

Why It Rocked:

  • Introduced kids to teamwork, strategy, and military heroism
  • Every episode had an educational PSA at the end
  • Diverse characters like Duke, Snake Eyes, and Storm Shadow

👉 Fun Fact: The show was so successful that Cobra Commander’s voice actor (Chris Latta) also played Starscream in Transformers.

5. The Smurfs (1981-1989)

These blue, three-apples-tall creatures lived in a magical village, constantly outwitting the evil wizard Gargamel. Their simple yet charming adventures became one of the longest-running cartoons of the decade.

Why It Rocked:

  • Cute, family-friendly stories with life lessons
  • Distinct personalities for each Smurf (Brainy, Jokey, Hefty, etc.)
  • A theme song you either loved or found annoyingly catchy

👉 Fun Fact: The Smurfs were originally comic book characters from Belgium, dating back to 1958.

6. DuckTales (1987-1990)

“Woo-oo!” Scrooge McDuck and his nephews, Huey, Dewey, and Louie, went on globe-trotting treasure hunts in this action-packed Disney classic. The mix of adventure, comedy, and amazing animation made it a fan favorite.

Why It Rocked:

  • Indiana Jones-style treasure hunting made every episode exciting
  • The theme song is still one of the catchiest of all time
  • Introduced fan-favorite characters like Launchpad McQuack

👉 Fun Fact: DuckTales inspired a 2017 reboot that was just as beloved as the original.

7. Thundercats (1985-1989)

“Thundercats, HO!” This sci-fi/fantasy series followed Lion-O and his team as they escaped their dying planet to settle on Third Earth, battling the evil sorcerer Mumm-Ra.

Why It Rocked:

  • A blend of action, mysticism, and futuristic battles
  • The Sword of Omens was one of the coolest weapons in cartoons
  • Epic animation style that still looks great today

👉 Fun Fact: The show’s intro sequence remains one of the best animated intros ever made.

8. Alvin and the Chipmunks (1983-1990)

This revival of the classic Chipmunks introduced kids to Alvin, Simon, and Theodore’s hilarious antics under the watchful eye of their manager, Dave.

Why It Rocked:

  • Musical covers of pop hits made it stand out
  • Alvin’s mischief and Dave’s iconic “ALVIN!!!” yell were legendary
  • Spawned multiple movies and a resurgence in popularity

👉 Fun Fact: The Chipmunks covered 80s hits, making them mini rockstars for kids.

9. Muppet Babies (1984-1991)

A preschool-friendly version of the Muppets, this show used wild imagination sequences to take Baby Kermit, Miss Piggy, and the gang on epic fantasy adventures.

Why It Rocked:

  • Encouraged creativity and imagination
  • References to classic movies like Star Wars and Indiana Jones
  • Sweet, wholesome storytelling with humor for all ages

👉 Fun Fact: The show never showed Nanny’s face, only her striped socks!

10. Ghostbusters (The Real Ghostbusters) (1986-1991)

Inspired by the 1984 movie, this animated series followed Egon, Ray, Peter, and Winston as they battled ghosts with their proton packs. It was surprisingly dark at times, but always exciting.

Why It Rocked:

  • Featured tons of cool ghosts and supernatural creatures
  • Gave Slimer a bigger role, making him a kid-favorite
  • Had a mature tone compared to other cartoons

👉 Fun Fact: The show was called “The Real Ghostbusters” to avoid confusion with another Ghostbusters cartoon.

The 80s defined Saturday morning cartoons, and these shows shaped childhoods with their mix of action, comedy, and adventure. Which of these cartoons was your favorite? 🎞️🍿

A cozy fantasy midlife mystery

Leslea TashLeave a comment

Hey! Happy New Year! Have you heard of “cozy fantasy”? Oh, it’s divine. A lot of it is set in fantasy worlds, but some of it is more on the magical realism side, or low fantasy, where the magical world intrudes into our everyday life. Cue Miss Fitz! I’m now subtitling these as “Cozy Fantasy Midlife Mysteries.”

A deep purple tarot-inspired background with fantasy font says "Miss Fitz Discovers Midlife Magic" by Red Tash

AND, obviously an entirely new aesthetic!

I really loved the original artwork I had commissioned for the series. It seems as though cozy fantasy mystery is heading another direction, though, very into the floral filigrees and the fantasy fonts (and not so much on images of the witches themselves). So, I hope you will appreciate this tarot-inspired book cover makeover.

And book 3 is still in progress, but you can get an idea of what it’s going to look like in the Secret Updates from Red Tash facebook group.

Looking forward to hearing what you thought of the audiobooks, as well! If you enjoyed my narration, I would very much appreciate a review on Audible.com. They still have the old covers, as of this post.