Explore every episode of the podcast The Thrift Diving Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Join My 30-Day DIY Challenge and Win $1,000! - #152 | 27 août 2025 | 00:24:43 | |
Do you need a kick in the DIY pants? Then you should join my 30-Day DIY Challenge! Recently I shared with you the "BEFORE" and "AFTER" of my friend's home office makeover that I did for her. (If you haven't seen it, you can read the blog post HERE and watch the video tutorial HERE). I also told you about the $1,000 giveaway I'm doing in partnership with Arrow Tool Group. Did you enter yet?! (ENTER HERE!)
MENTIONED:
SIGN UP!
WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools | |||
| 10 Tips for Your Next Room Makeover! - #151 | 27 août 2025 | 00:38:52 | |
Don't forget to enter my $1,000 giveaway with Arrow Tool Group! ENTER HERE! Be sure to sign up for the 30-Day DIY Challenge, too! JOIN HERE! I just got done doing and epic home office makeover with my best girlfriend in her home! What started as a disorganized, uninspiring "catch all" room, became a colorful, layered room full of second-hand furniture and DIY projects that turned it into a room she loves! In this episode, I'm sharing with you 10 tips on doing your own room makeover on budget--what to expect, what to do, what NOT to do, and some behind-the-scenes chit-chat about working on this room! Got a question? Send me an email. MENTIONED:
SIGN UP! WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools | |||
| Women Can Repair Appliances, Too! (And This Woman Is Teaching Them How) - #150 | 13 avr. 2025 | 00:58:09 | |
Did you know that women make up only about 3% of the home appliance repairers, but they excel in this field? In this episode, I sit down with Mona Sims, the inspiring owner of SSG Appliance Academy. She shares her journey of starting and growing a business that empowers individuals (with a focus on women women re-entering society from incarceration or being victims of domestic abuse and sex trafficking) to learn how to repair appliances and start their own appliance repair businesses. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a DIY enthusiast, or someone curious about exploring a new industry, Mona’s story is full of valuable insights and encouragement. Got a question?? Send me an email. MENTIONED: SIGN UP! WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools | |||
| How to Sell Refinished Furniture on Facebook Marketplace - #149 | 14 mars 2025 | 00:42:34 | |
I don't know about you...but in this economy, I need a side gig! Have you ever considered selling your refinished furniture on Facebook Marketplace? I've started dipping my toe into selling furniture online, and although it hasn't been very long, I've learned a few important things that you've got to keep in mind before you start selling on Facebook Marketplace! It's a great way to bring in another stream of income in this tough economy, while allowing you to exercise your creative muscle. Let's talk about how to do it right! Have you ever sold your refinished pieces of furniture on FB Marketplace? I'd love to hear your how it's going for you! Send me an email. MENTIONED: SIGN UP! WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools | |||
| Social Media is KILLING Our Creativity! - #148 | 16 janv. 2025 | 00:46:15 | |
In this episode, I’m sharing my recent struggles with feeling uninspired and disconnected from the projects that used to spark joy for me. Life has been “lifin’,” and honestly, social media hasn’t helped. I’ll talk about how anxiety that social media creates shuts down creativity, why taking a step back from social media might be exactly what you need, and the small changes I’m making to protect my creative spark. Let’s take back our creativity, ditch the pressure to "measure up", and create for the love of creating again. Don’t forget to check out the blog post! Want to share your thoughts on this episode or have a question? Email me serena@ thriftdiving.com or on Instagram @ThriftDiving. MENTIONED & RESOURCES
RESOURCES
Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools | |||
| Why We Lose Our Creative Spark (And How to Get It Back!) - #147 | 22 sept. 2024 | 00:47:57 | |
I have a confession: I haven't been feeling very creative lately. I've been working on projects behind-the-scenes, but I haven't felt that same creative spark and excitement. I've felt stuck and absorbed in other things, particularly family matters. It made me wonder if you've felt this way at times, too? What can we do to reignite our creativity? Listen in as I share personal stories on why I think we temporarily lose our creativity and how we can try to bring it back. MENTIONED & RESOURCES
RESOURCES Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools | |||
| The 46 Top Hand Tools For Your DIY Toolbox! - #146 | 05 août 2024 | 00:54:28 | |
I talk a lot about power tools, but I often don't mention all the hand tools that are most important for your DIY toolbox! Join me and listener, Elizabeth, who is a former shop teacher, as we talk about all the hand tools that you should put on your list to invest in for your workshop! MENTIONED & RESOURCES
Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools | |||
| How Thrift Diving Went from a Hobby to a Business! - #145 | 09 juin 2024 | 01:17:09 | |
In this episode, my friend and I discuss how I got started with Thrift Diving, the evolution of my brand, and the challenges and rewards of running a DIY blog and YouTube channel. From thrift store finds to major brand partnerships, we cover it all. I'm chatting in this episode with Laura Rudder, a loyal Thrift Diving reader turned dear friend. Laura originally interviewed me about personal topics in Episodes #113 and #114, and now she's back to dive deep into the business side of Thrift Diving. PODCAST EPISODES MENTIONED
MENTIONED & RESOURCES
Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools | |||
| How to Get Almost ANYTHING Done in 5 Minutes - #144 | 20 mai 2024 | 00:23:26 | |
It's hard to believe, but you can get almost anything done if you focus on it for 5 minutes at a time. I've been using this strategy this week to knock out some of my most stressful "MUST DOs" that I have been ignoring. But I'm finding that by setting a time for 5 minutes at a time, and "habit stacking" the chore with something that I am already doing, I've been able to make a ton of progress--all in 5 minutes increments! Listen to see how you can use this strategy to knock out your "To Do" list! Want to share your thoughts on this episode? Email me serena@ thriftdiving.com or on Instagram @ThriftDiving. MENTIONED RESOURCES (contains affiliate links)
Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools | |||
| This Is Why I Haven't Been Posting Much - #143 | 12 mai 2024 | 00:36:16 | |
As we approach mid-2024, I've been wrestling with late-night anxieties about unmet goals, unfinished DIY projects, health and family concerns, and more. Today, I share with you why I haven't been posting much, including why things feel like their moving at the pace of molasses! :) As I share with you my personal thoughts that reads more like a journal entry, I'd love to know if you have (or are!) struggling with some of these concerns, too! Share your own story and thoughts by reaching out to serena@ thriftdiving.com or on Instagram @ThriftDiving. MENTIONED
Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools | |||
| How to Fall In Love With Your Home Again - #142 | 25 mars 2024 | 00:29:53 | |
When we spend too much time around something (or someone!) we stop noticing all the things that make them special and unique, and we start taking it for granted. The same can be true for our home, as well. After living in your home for awhile, you stop noticing and appreciating all the things that you originally loved about your space. You start taking it for granted. Let's talk about how we can fall in love with our home again, and it doesn't have to cost a lot of money! MENTIONED
Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools | |||
| Do These 7 Home Maintenance Tasks NOW! - #141 | 04 mars 2024 | 00:49:51 | |
I know that home maintenance sucks, and it would be nice to hire someone else to take care of all of it for you. But most of us can't afford that or don't have the expertise. But there are some things we can do ourselves and we should do right now! Including:
MENTIONED
Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools | |||
| What It's Really Like for a "Newbie" to Do Their First Room Makeover - #140 | 19 févr. 2024 | 01:16:57 | |
We're going behind-the-scenes to hear the complete story of that epic bathroom makeover that I just finished in my best girlfriend's bathroom! What makes this an inspiring episode is that my friend and I get vulernable about what it was really like to tackle a DIY project together. She lacked interest and confidence because she was a "DIY newbie," and I lacked confidence because I had never done a project in someone else's house before (only my own house). Listen as she and I share the inside scoop on navigating this project to turn out as amazing as it did, and how we filled our "confidence buckets" for what we are capable of achieving!
Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools | |||
| Finishing the Interior of a "She Shed" Workshop! (w/Guest Diane Dains) - #139 | 13 févr. 2024 | 01:19:46 | |
I love hearing from other women who decided to make the leap and buy a "she shed" to turn it into a workshop! Reader and fellow DIYer in the Thrift Diving community, Diane Dains, did that very thing: she bought a huge 16' x 28' shed to use as a workshop, but she decided that she would finish off the interior herself. She even hired an electrician to be her "teacher" to oversee her interior wiring (and she had never done interior wiring before!)
WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools | |||
| This Bathroom Makeover Brought Me Closer to My Best Friend - #138 | 24 janv. 2024 | 00:41:01 | |
In this episode, I dive into an exciting new challenge: renovating a friend's bathroom. This project is an exciting new path from my usual DIY projects in my own 1973 home! I partnered with BathWorks for this extensive makeover, facing unexpected challenges like COVID interruptions and the challenge of coordinating such a big project in such a small space! This project has been stressful, but soooo rewarding--from refinishing the tub and tile to choosing the right paint colors, to reconnecting my friendship with my friend! The process wasn't just about the physical transformation of the space but also about strengthening my friendship and pushing personal boundaries in DIY. I wrap up the episode by reflecting on the emotional journey and how we can all learn from this project that stepping out of your comfort zone is not an option, but mandatory, in order to move forward. Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools | |||
| I Was Too Poor to Volunteer...Until Now! - #137 | 22 janv. 2024 | 00:24:29 | |
I'm sharing my personal journey of giving back with Habitat for Humanity. I reflect on my early desire to volunteer, the challenges of balancing work and family, and the fulfilling experience of joining Habitat. As a crew leader, I contribute to building homes for low-income families and highlight the impactful programs supporting new homeowners. I also share my participation in a fall festival, where I painted and donated a desk that was later sold for $175, contributing to Habitat's fundraising. Join me in exploring passions and embracing meaningful callings! WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools | |||
| I'm Doing the 75 Hard MENTAL TOUGHNESS Challenge! - #135 | 29 déc. 2023 | 00:26:28 | |
I tend to DIY everything in my life, even my health and workouts in order to lose weight and get mentally stronger. I told you in a recent episode that I am doing the 75 Hard Challenge, which is a mental toughness challenge that requires you to do the following things every single day for 75 days, and if you miss ANY of these daily, then you must start over at Day 1:
I'm on Day 54 as of the publishing of this episode! It's not always been easy. In this episode, I'm sharing with you how the challenge is going so far, along with some health challenges I recently faced that caused me to question if I am doing the right thing or not for my health. Send me an email (serena@thriftdiving.com) or DM me @ ThriftDiving on Instagram if you've got a question! Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools | |||
| I'm Making Over THIS Outdated Bathroom in a Friend's House! - #134 | 29 déc. 2023 | 00:41:00 | |
Not everyone is a DIY'er....and not everyone can afford thousands of dollars to rip out their bathroom and start over! So I'm teaming up with a good friend who has wanted to make over her bathroom for YEARS, but she has felt stuck: it's too expensive to gut her bathroom, and she has zero confidence on how to do a makeover like this on her own. So I'm teaming up with her to make over her entire bathroom with paint, power tools, and thrift stores! And the whole process is being captured on camera. Listen as I share with you behind-the-scenes details about this epic bathroom makeover! Click here to see the "BEFORE" of the bathroom I'm making over in my friend's house! Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools | |||
| Let's Set Our 2024 Goals! - #136 | 29 déc. 2023 | 00:42:08 | |
This is my favorite time of year! I love setting goals for the new year. Last year, though, I didn't set goals, but rather, set "themes" for how I wanted my life to go in 2023:
In this episode, I share with you how those goals went for 2023 and what I'll be focusing on for 2024! I want to hear what YOUR goals are, too! Send me an email (serena@thriftdiving.com) or DM me @ ThriftDiving on Instagram to share your goals with me! Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools | |||
| 'Twas the Night Before Thrifting! - #133 | 10 déc. 2023 | 00:03:08 | |
‘Twas the night before thrifting, when all through the house WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools | |||
| What Kind of Paint Sprayer Should You Buy for DIY Projects? - #132 | 05 déc. 2023 | 00:34:26 | |
If you're a DIYer, then you'll want to buy a paint sprayer for your DIY toolbox, but what kind should you buy? There are 3 types, but for DIY projects, there are only two you really should consider: an HVLP paint sprayer and an airless paint sprayer. I'll share with you in this episode for which projects (and!) why you should consider one over the other (or buying both!) Send me an email (serena@thriftdiving.com) or DM me @ ThriftDiving on Instagram if you've got a question! PRODUCTS MENTIONED (contains affiliate links)
RESOURCES
Click to send me an email or send the email to serena@thriftdiving.com. Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools | |||
| Ask Me ANYTHING! (Q & A) - #131 | 20 nov. 2023 | 01:01:08 | |
Last month I asked you on YouTube to ask me ANYTHING, and today, I answered them! Got a burning question about DIY or something person? Send me an email (serena@thriftdiving.com) or DM me @ ThriftDiving on Instagram to get your question included in the next "Ask Me Anything"!
MENTIONED:
Click to send me an email or send the email to serena@thriftdiving.com. Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools | |||
| "I'm Never Renting My Home Again!!" - #130 | 13 nov. 2023 | 01:06:23 | |
In this episode, I share with you how the tenant that just moved out of my rental townhouse caused me to spend over $8,000 on new carpet due to dog urine, including other damage that she left behind without telling me. In this episode, I'll share with you:
WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools | |||
| 20 Surprising Things I Learned in Carpentry Class! - #129 | 30 oct. 2023 | 00:58:01 | |
Several years ago I decided to go back to school for a Carpentry program at my local community college. I learned so many things but these 20 things about construction, building trades, and more were the most surprising bits of information learned! Which one did you find most surprising? Also, please take a moment to leave a review for The Thrift Diving podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!
WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools | |||
| Do You HAVE to Sand or Prime Furniture Before Painting?? - #128 | 23 oct. 2023 | 00:35:30 | |
Don't believe furniture paint brands that claim you can always skip sanding and priming before painting. I think that's a gimmick to get more people to think their product is the easiest to use for painting furniture. In truth, there are times when you CAN skip sanding and priming, and there are time when you MUST sand and prime first. In this episode, we will talk about when you can jump right into painting wood and projects, and when you have to do more prep work!
Click to send me an email or send the email to serena@thriftdiving.com.
WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools | |||
| The "60 Minutes Per Day" Declutter Trick! - #127 | 16 oct. 2023 | 00:37:28 | |
We tell ourselves that if we just had the time to declutter a room, we would get it done this weekend....right?? The problem isn't time, though. The problem is that we don't want to face the unpleasant emotions surrounding the decluttering: self-doubt, boredom, confusion, and frustration. We just don't know where to start, either! Well, committing to 60 minutes per day, it is possible to tackle an overwhelming declutter project in a space. Listen in as I share with you how I'm decluttering my garage now, and how I'm using a "60 minutes per day" declutter trick to make progress! Want to join in on the challenge??! Click to send me an email or send the email to serena@thriftdiving.com.
WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools | |||
| 5 DIY Projects That Scared Me to Death! - #126 | 29 sept. 2023 | 00:41:39 | |
Not every project is as easy as DIYers make them appear to be! Sometimes they're quite scary because you're afraid you'll ruin it....you're afraid you don't know what to do... you're afraid that you'll not know where to start...And all of these fears can prevent you from taking a step forward to complete your DIY projects! In this video, I'll share with you the 5 projects that scared me to death and almost never got done because I was sooooo afraid I would ruin them! Let's talk about them!
Click to send me an email or send the email to serena@thriftdiving.com.
WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools | |||
| 7 Things I Regret After Buying My She Shed - #125 | 18 sept. 2023 | 00:47:44 | |
It's been 2 years since I bought my 16' x 26' "she shed" for my backyard that I use for office space and a creative workshop! What are the things I regret now that I've been using the shed for 2 years? What are the things I absolutely would do again in a heartbeat? Let's talk about it! Email me serena@thriftdiving.com!
RESOURCES MENTIONED
WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools | |||
| Where Have I Been? What Have I Been Working On? - #124 | 11 sept. 2023 | 00:44:57 | |
It's been a few weeks since I uploaded a new episode, but there is good reason! In today's episode, I share with you where I have been and what I have been working on behind the scenes! What have you been up to?! Send me an email and share your own updates! Email me serena@thriftdiving.com!
PAGEANT VIDEO CIPS
WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools | |||
| 10 Tips for Affordable Bathroom Makeovers! - #123 | 21 août 2023 | 00:38:55 | |
Bathroom remodeling can cost a whopping $11,000 or more. But who has that kind of money to spend?? In this episode, I'm sharing some inexpensive tips for transforming your bathroom on a budget! Email me serena@thriftdiving.com!
RESOURCES
WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools | |||
| Remember THIS the Next Time You Procrastinate on a Project - #122 | 14 août 2023 | 00:28:59 | |
We all procrastinate on projects, whether they're DIY projects or other types of projects that we've never tried before. But you don't realize this: if you can work through that angst of starting a new project you've never done before, the next time you tackle that same project, you'll be so much faster, neater, and cleaner! You will learn so much that you will apply the next time you do that same type of project. That is where the learning takes place, and the self-confidence blossoms. Listen in as I explain how I came to realize this important lesson this week as I started working on building my second deck ever! Want to share your thoughts on this episode? Email me serena@thriftdiving.com!
RESOURCES
WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools | |||
| The Real Meaning of "Home" - #121 | 06 août 2023 | 00:55:51 | |
My family and I just returned from Ghana, Africa after a 3-week vacation to visit family. I left America with a mindset of showing my kids how much "better" their home in America was; I wanted them to see others "struggling" and how much "privilege" they had living in America. But I got it all wrong. "Home" is so much more than just how it looks. The lesson I learned was much more poignant. Read the blog post HERE.
WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools | |||
| 5 Hidden Truths I Learned About the Home Depot - #120 | 04 juil. 2023 | 00:41:12 | |
As much time as I have spent at The Home Depot (and Lowe's, for that matter), I have learned a few things along the way. In this episode, I'm sharing with you some of the things I discovered along the way!
WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools | |||
| How to Easily Hide Scratches in Wood Furniture - #119 | 26 juin 2023 | 00:29:17 | |
Not every piece of furniture needs to be completely stripped and stained, or painted. Sometimes, it's only superficial scratches that need to be removed or disguised. In this episode, I'll walk you through how to easily properly restore the furniture to hide the scratches.
WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools | |||
| How to Manage Your Weeds and Garden with These Helpful Tips w/Stephen Dubik! - #118 | 19 juin 2023 | 00:57:32 | |
I sat down to chat with master gardener Stephen Dubik to talk about how to tackle pesky weeds, invasive plants, and successful fruit and vegetable gardening! Mr. Dubik also works part-time for the University of Maryland Extension where he serves as the Coordinator for the Montgomery County Master GardenerProgram. Manages over 400 active volunteers who provide professional assistance in the area of environmental/ornamental through a telephone hotline, plant clinics, demonstration gardens and a speakers group. Resources:
Products Mentioned:
WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools | |||
| I'm Building a Deck! - Lessons Learned So Far - #117 | 12 juin 2023 | 00:40:34 | |
This month I have been working on building a floating deck for my "she shed" using a foundation system called Tuff Block. I've been feeling some fears and challenges, along with important lessons learned.
Resources
Click to send me an email or send the email to serena@thriftdiving.com.
WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools | |||
| I'm Struggling to Finish This DIY Project (And Here's Why) - #116 | 05 juin 2023 | 00:42:03 | |
It's not easy to get started on a new DIY project. I've been struggling to finish a recent DIY project that I started. I share with you why it's been difficult to start (and to finish!) this project, and how I am planning to move forward!
Click to send me an email or send the email to serena@thriftdiving.com.
WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools | |||
| I've Got Pre-Diabetes (And Here's What I'm Doing About It!) - #115 | 28 mai 2023 | 00:50:06 | |
You don't have to be overweight to have the metabolic disorder known as "pre-diabetes." The truth is that, because of my genetics, my body doesn't process carbs very well, which over time, can lead to sickness and diabetes. I've decided to take my health into my own hands and wear a continuous glucose monitor. And what I tested and found out during this week of wearing one was shocking! Click to send me an email or send the email to serena@thriftdiving.com.
WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools | |||
| PART 2: Getting to Know the REAL Serena Appiah - #114 | 22 mai 2023 | 00:43:42 | |
In Part 2 of 2 of getting to know me, I share with you how I lost my job--the job I was doing prior to becoming a full-time blogger and YouTuber, including sharing with my my 2 biggest fears, what's on my bucket list, and more! Click to send me an email or send the email to serena@thriftdiving.com.
WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools | |||
| PART 1: Getting to Know the REAL Serena Appiah - #113 | 15 mai 2023 | 01:04:18 | |
In Part 1 of 2, as much as we all love to talk about ourselves, I never thought I would actually do an entire episode about the real Serena behind Thrift Diving. My friend, Laura Rudder, a fellow Thrift Diving reader and listener, asked to interview me to dig a little deeper into who is the real face behind Thrift Diving. She wanted to know more about who I was, where I come from, what I studied in college, how I met my husband, what jobs I did prior to starting Thrift Diving, and more. She and I delve into my family dynamics, as well. Follow along as Laura and I go deep into who Serena Appiah really is.... Click to send me an email or send the email to serena@thriftdiving.com.
WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools | |||
| How to Start Taking Care of Your Body TODAY! - #112 | 05 mai 2023 | 01:02:59 | |
What you do to your body today determines what your body will allow you to do tomorrow. Without good health, you can't do your favorite DIY projects or hobbies ....you can't chase your kids or grandkids.... and you may not even be able to properly care for home or yourself without assistance. That is NOT the type of life you want. In order to continue to live your best creative and independent life in your own home and on your own terms (without assistance), you need to make your body, your health a priority today!
Episodes Mentioned
WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools | |||
| 10 Things You MUST Know Before Hitting the Thrift Store - #111 | 24 avr. 2023 | 00:58:01 | |
Earth Day was this past weekend, and it got me thinking about thrift store shopping and how buying used can help with cutting environmental costs that come with buying "new." But before you hit the thrift stores to find furniture and such, what are some things you should know before going? Here are my 10 tips!
WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools | |||
| My She-Shed Has a Bug Infestation (Plus...Creating More Storage) - #110 | 15 avr. 2023 | 00:32:35 | |
Just when the interior of my she-shed is "done" and ready to be turned into pretty office space with a workshop area, it's become invaded by clover mites! These little red bugs aren't harmful to humans, but are a major nuisance. They're super tiny and can barely be distinguished between flecks of normal dust and actual clover mites (they're part of the spider family). It's been a bit traumatizing! That's what I've been battling this week, including building a gazebo and finishing up a utility room makeover where I added more storage space between exposed studs. Let's jump into it!
WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools | |||
| 7 Reasons Why You're Struggling to Get Started on Your DIY Projects - #109 | 03 avr. 2023 | 00:54:55 | |
When I ask readers, "What's your biggest DIY challenge?" one of the biggest challenges mentioned is GETTING STARTED. This is a challenge for me, too, even after all these years of experience. There are so many reasons why that happens, but I think it boils down to these 7 reasons. Let's figure out solutions to these problems with procrastinations so that we can be productive and get our DIY projects done!
WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools | |||
| THIS Is How You STOP Projects From Taking So Long - #108 | 25 mars 2023 | 00:49:08 | |
There's a saying: "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail." While that definitely puts fear in us to plan, a lack of planning doesn't necessary lead to complete failure. Rather, it makes us frustrated, can cost extra money, and waste time. However, your project may still turn out spectacular! :) The problem is that all that extra work makes DIY projects take so long and can suck the joy out of the creative process. Here are some questions to ask yourself before starting on a project so that you can reduce the time and frustration on those projects!
WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools | |||
| How $400,000 in Habitat ReStore Sales (and Volunteers, Sweat Equity!) Fuels Affordable Homes for Families! | 18 mars 2023 | 01:08:05 | |
How does a non-profit like Habitat for Humanity do such incredible work to provide affordable housing to families? Through its volunteers, donations, and the money raise through its awesome ReStore thrift shops sales, of course! This week I sat down with Jeff Dee, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Metro (the local affiliate here in Maryland, DC, and Virginia) to talk about how Habitat for Humanity got started, how they design their homes for maximum efficiency, how it selects families to buy a Habitat home, the nurturing provided for these homebuyers, why volunteers are the lifeblood of this non-profit, and how and why you should consider volunteering with Habitat (even if you have no building experience). LINKS:
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WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools | |||
| Imposter Syndrome Hit Me HARD This Week... #106 | 11 mars 2023 | 00:47:57 | |
This week was physically and mentally exhausting. I was on set most of the week in Baltimore, Maryland for a photoshoot for Great Stuff, a brand that makes spray foam insulation. I was hired as an actor to be on set for video and photography, as a "pro" who was comfortable using the spray foam, only to completely mess up my one of my shots on the first day. In this episode, I'm sharing with you what happened, how it felt to feel like others would think I was a fraud, and how I recovered. Do you ever suffer from "imposter syndrome," too? ACTORS & PRODUCTS MENTIONED: MENTIONED
WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools | |||
| How to Paint Over Rusty Metal Furniture - #105 | 06 mars 2023 | 00:32:20 | |
If you find old metal furniture at the thrift store (or you might have some in your garage!), you might be wondering if you can paint over metal furniture with rust. The answer is YES, but you have to follow a few important steps first! In today's episode, I'll share with you how I found these two cool vintage metal cabinets at an online auction and am in the process of removing rust and painting them for my "she shed"! Email me at serena@thriftdiving.com if you have any questions, or just want to share with me your thoughts or feedback on The Thrift Diving podcast! PRODUCTS MENTIONED:
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WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools | |||
| The Joy of Journaling (And Why You SHOULD Be Doing It!) - #104 | 27 févr. 2023 | 00:33:25 | |
People think that journaling has to be writing pages and pages of long paragraphs, but it doesn't have to be! While that's how I personally love to journal, for you it can be whatever you would like it to be. And it doesn't have to be a deep dive into your emotions. You can journal to document your home and its transformation, including documenting your DIY projects! Journaling is a way to think through your thoughts and feelings, as well as way to track change over time. In this episode, I'll share with you the reasons why you should be journaling, including how I got started and what I discovered about myself recently while reading over my old journals! Do you love to journal? Share your journaling story with me! Email me at serena@thriftdiving.com and tell me about what journaling means to you! Connect with me on Instagram @ThriftDiving. KEEP READING:
WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools | |||
| I'm Ashamed to Have Wasted This Much Money in 2022 - #103 | 18 févr. 2023 | 00:57:34 | |
In this episode, we're taking an honest look at our spending habits, exploring the reality of where our money is going, and how it affects our lives. From tracking expenses to discovering unexpected expenditures, we're taking a deep dive into our financial realities. And it's pretty shocking. Join me as I examine our relationship with money and share with you how I learned to make better financial decisions over the past month, thanks in part to our 30-Day DIY "Money Makeover" Challenge!
EPISODES MENTIONED:
WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools | |||