Advertise on podcast: The Thrift Diving Podcast

In a recent blog post and podcast episode, I confessed that I had been experiencing creative burnout, but I think I was just...bored. I needed to learn something new, challenge myself, and add new skills to my "DIY toolbox." I realized that I have actually learned a lot by taking creative online classes. So in this episode, I'm sharing my top 10 lessons and tips on how to take creative online courses (so that you actually learn something!). Have a listen!  Got a question? Send me an email. READ THIS ON THE BLOG:  10 Lessons for Taking Creative Online Classes (So You Actually Learn Something!) - Blog post CREATIVE RESOURCES: Creative BugLinkedin LearningCraftsySkillshare UdemySketchUp REFERENCED Building a Custom Closet - Blog PostJigsaw - Home Depot SIGN UP! Join the WAITLIST for my EmPOWER Tools 101 online course!Support the show 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 Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe Subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/thriftdiving Let’s Connect! Blog YouTube Instagram Facebook Pinterest TikTok Twitter

This episode is a heart-to-heart about creative burnout and showing up for your creativity even on the days when you’d rather do anything else. I’m sharing the epiphany I had while making my bed (yes… really), what Michael Jordan and Stephen King taught me about discipline, and why I’m done letting my mood decide whether I create. If you’re rebuilding your spark, feeling stuck, or searching for permission to start again — listen in. Got a question? Send me an email. READ THIS ON THE BLOG: STOP Creating Only When You "Feel" Like It - Blog post CREATIVE RESOURCES: Skillshare xTool laser engravers REFERENCED Excited reel I posted about my upcoming project - YouTube shortxTool Reel on making wooden earrings - YouTube shortStephen King InterviewMichael Jordon referenceStephen King Book - 11/22/63 (Amazon) SIGN UP! Join the WAITLIST for my EmPOWER Tools 101 online course!Support the show 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 Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe Subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/thriftdiving Let’s Connect! Blog YouTube Instagram Facebook Pinterest TikTok Twitter

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!) (If not, you should, because there are only 216 people entered at the time of this publishing, so your odds are better than Power Ball! HA! You'll win a $500 AMEX gift card and a $500 ArrowToolGroup.com gift card. Free money for your next project!) But did you know we're also doing a 30-day DIY challenge to give you a kick in the DIY pants during the month of September? SIGN UP HERE! MENTIONED: BEFORE & AFTER: My Pretty Laundry Room Makeover! (Blog post)Home Office Makeover (Blog Post)SIGN UP! Enter the Arrow Tool Group $1,000 Giveaway!Enter the 30-Day "Fall Overhaul" DIY Challenge!Join the WAITLIST for my EmPOWER Tools 101 online course!Support the show 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 Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe Subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/thriftdiving Let’s Connect! Blog YouTube Instagram Facebook Pinterest TikTok Twitter

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: BEFORE & AFTER: Colorful Home Office Makeover! (YouTube)Home Office Makeover (Blog Post)SIGN UP! Join the WAITLIST for my EmPOWER Tools 101 online course!Support the show 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 Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe Subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/thriftdiving Let’s Connect! Blog YouTube Instagram Facebook Pinterest TikTok Twitter

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: SSG Appliance AcademyWatch my vintage dresser makeover on YouTube! SIGN UP! Furniture Painting Classes!Join the WAITLIST for my EmPOWER Tools 101 online course!Support the show 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 Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe Subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/thriftdiving Let’s Connect! Blog YouTube Instagram Facebook Pinterest TikTok Twitter

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: Watch my vintage dresser makeover on YouTube! ChatGPTFacebook MarketplaceSIGN UP! Furniture Painting Classes!Join the WAITLIST for my EmPOWER Tools 101 online course!Support the show 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 Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe Subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/thriftdiving Let’s Connect! Blog YouTube Instagram Facebook Pinterest TikTok Twitter

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 Why We Lose Our Creative Spark - Episode #147Join the WAIT LIST for my EmPOWER Tools 101 online course!  RESOURCES Beyond Anxiety - Curiosity, Creativity, and Finding Your Life’s Purpose by Martha Beck (Buy on Amazon) Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe Subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/thriftdiving Let’s Connect! BlogYouTubeInstagramFacebookPinterestTikTokTwitterSupport the show 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 Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe Subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/thriftdiving Let’s Connect! Blog YouTube Instagram Facebook Pinterest TikTok Twitter

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. Want to share your thoughts on this episode or have a question? Email me serena@ thriftdiving.com or on Instagram @ThriftDiving. MENTIONED & RESOURCES Console Table I Built with a Friend! (YouTube)My Son Left for College (blog post)BEFORE & AFTER: Hakimah's Bathroom Makeover (blog post)Workbench Makeover (Youtube)Wiring the Electricity in My "She Shed" (Video) RESOURCES Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe Subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/thriftdiving Let’s Connect! BlogYouTubeInstagramFacebookPinterestTikTokTwitterSupport the show 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 Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe Subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/thriftdiving Let’s Connect! Blog YouTube Instagram Facebook Pinterest TikTok Twitter

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! Want to share your thoughts on this episode or have a question we didn't answer? Email me serena@ thriftdiving.com or on Instagram @ThriftDiving. MENTIONED & RESOURCES BEFOER & AFTER Bathroom Makeover! (YouTube)Watch all of Bathroom Week! (YouTube)Woodpecker ToolsFestool Tools (affiliate link)Rust-Oleum rust removerBack sawNail setTape measure with auto-lock and fractions Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe Subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/thriftdiving Let’s Connect! BlogYouTubeInstagramFacebookPinterestTikTokTwitterSupport the show 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 Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe Subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/thriftdiving Let’s Connect! Blog YouTube Instagram Facebook Pinterest TikTok Twitter

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. We discuss  Tune in to learn more about my journey, get inspired, and hear some behind-the-scenes stories that shaped Thrift Diving. Don't miss this insightful and fun conversation! Want to share your thoughts on this episode or have a question we didn't answer? Email me serena@ thriftdiving.com or on Instagram @ThriftDiving. PODCAST EPISODES MENTIONED Getting to Know the REAL Serena Appiah - #113Getting to Know the REAL Serena Appiah - #114How $400,000 in Habitat ReStore Sales (and Volunteers, Sweat Equity!) Fuels Affordable Homes for Families! - #107 MENTIONED & RESOURCES Building a Floating Deck - YouTubeHow to Insulate Your Windows with Plastic - YouTubeDiary of a CEO Podcast with Stephen BartlettDiary of a CEO: 33 Laws of Business and Life - AmazonHaven ConferenceWorkbench ConBrianna Shelko on InstagramHow to Use a Jigsaw - YouTube Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe Subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/thriftdiving Let’s Connect! BlogYouTubeSupport the show 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 Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe Subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/thriftdiving Let’s Connect! Blog YouTube Instagram Facebook Pinterest TikTok Twitter

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 This Is Why I Haven't Been Posting Much - #143RESOURCES (contains affiliate links) Habit Stacking - (Amazon)Atomic Habits - (Amazon)Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe Subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/thriftdiving Let’s Connect! BlogYouTubeInstagramFacebookPinterestTikTokTwitterSupport the show 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 Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe Subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/thriftdiving Let’s Connect! Blog YouTube Instagram Facebook Pinterest TikTok Twitter

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. Now that I've gotten over this hump, it's time to start creating, inspiring, and teaching again! Let's gooooo! MENTIONED What It's Like For a Newbie to Do Their First DIY Room Makeover - #140When a Blogger Loses Her Job - (blog post)Getting to Know the REAL Serena (PART 1) - #113Getting to Know the REAL Serena (PART 2) - #114Join the WAIT LIST for my Power Tools 101 Course! Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe Subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/thriftdiving Let’s Connect! BlogYouTubeInstagramFacebookPinterestTikTokTwitterSupport the show 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 Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe Subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/thriftdiving Let’s Connect! Blog YouTube Instagram Facebook Pinterest TikTok Twitter

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 Are You Embarrassed of Your House, Too? (blog post)The Story of Thrift Diving - (Podcast Episode #1)Painting My Kitchen Cabinets White (blog post) Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe Subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/thriftdiving Let’s Connect! BlogYouTubeInstagramFacebookPinterestTikTokTwitterSupport the show 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 Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe Subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/thriftdiving Let’s Connect! Blog YouTube Instagram Facebook Pinterest TikTok Twitter

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: Cleaning your dryer vent.Changing your HVAC filter.Checking for leaks and using leak detectors.Getting an annual termite inspection.Getting an annual roof inspectionGutter cleaning and why it's so importantChecking smoke detectors! RESOURCES WATCH on YOUTUBE - 7 Most Important Home Maintenance Tasks LISTEN: Podcast on termites! - Episode #9MENTIONED Order your filters from Filterbuy HERE. (affiliate link)Dryer vent cleaning tool - Home Depot (look at the video on this page and you'll see my product video listed on the product page!) :)Drain tool with metal 3-prong tool I mentionedLeak detectors (Leak Bug brand)"Smart" leak detector - Amazon 3. Leak detectors - Leak Bugs - https://amzn.to/49MJpXDFire blankets - Home Depot Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe Subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/thriftdiving Let’s Connect! BlogYouTubeInstagramFacebookPinterestTikTokTwitterSupport the show 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 Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe Subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/thriftdiving Let’s Connect! Blog YouTube Instagram Facebook Pinterest TikTok Twitter

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! //LINKS// See the "BEFORE" and "AFTER" pictures.HomeStyler - The online platform to create a free 3D model of your room online.Pfister Colfax sink faucetsPfister Colfax shower faucet handleEdmundo - For all your stone needs for your home improvement projects, contact Edmundo (E & C Granite and Stone at 301-968-5738)3 themes I talked about for the beginning of last year, 2023. - Episode #97 Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe Subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/thriftdiving Let’s Connect! BlogYouTubeInstagramFacebookPinterestTikTokTwitterSupport the show 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 Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe Subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/thriftdiving Let’s Connect! Blog YouTube Instagram Facebook Pinterest TikTok Twitter