This is what I do:
- Makes sure I have 2 of every resource building
- Upgrade resource buildings when possible
- Have a couple of chickens - need the eggs for noodles
- With crops and crafting do short time when I'm playing and long time when I'm not
- Leave pretty much all coin buildings uncollected
- Use most of my energy harvesting crops before collecting from an adventure or sir piggles
- Use a fair bit of energy getting mermaid scales
- Have a number of neighbours who gift me wisps
I'm lucky that I have all 4 shards. This gives be a better drop rate for mermaid scales and some energy back when harvesting crops.
During the day I also have someone who keeps a bit of an eye on my kingdom and does some collecting/crafting.
I'd suggest if you're struggling spend a couple of days stockpiling stuff for the first adventure. That will give you some time to start stockpiling for the other adventures.