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. Lau…

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 do…

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 jour…

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 ta…

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 det…

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," …

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 t…

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 smal…

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…

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 s…

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: Flow Connection Simplicity 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! Se…

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…

‘Twas the night before thrifting, when all through the house Not an outfit needed washing, not even a blouse; The laundry was folded by the dryer with care, In hopes that tomorrow I’ll buy more things to wear; My husband was nestled all snug in our bed, Asleep after accusing that I’m hoarding again; And my boys in their jammies, asleep in a snap, “…

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 …

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"! What is your routine to keep you motivated, healthy, and cute? Brutally h…

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: Tips on the best place to get affordable new carpet and how much cheaper and faster it was to…

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 D…

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 epis…

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 …

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…

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! WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE…

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! PROJECTS MENTIONED How to Refinish Your Shower with Paint …

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! PROJECTS MENTIONED How to Refinish Your Shower with Paint Half Bathroom Makeover with Stencils! 5 Budget Friendly Bathroom…

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 …

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. T…

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! Got a DIY question? Email me with your question and get it featured on The Thrift Diving Podcast! BLOG POST 5 Truths Learned at The HomeDepot ME…

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. Got a DIY question? Email me with your question and get it featured on The T…

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! Stephen Dubik is a Professor and the Program Coordinator of the Environmental Horticulture and Sustainable Agribusiness Program (HORT) at Montgomery College since 1988. Mr. Dubik also works pa…

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. Episodes Mentioned: 7 Reasons You're Struggling to Get Started on Your DIY Projects - #109 How to Start Finishing Projects w/Guest Charles Gilkey…

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! Episodes Mentioned: 7 Reasons You're Struggling to Get Started on Your DIY Projects - #109 How to Start Finishi…

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…

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! As much as we all love to talk about ourselves, I never thought I would actually do an entire episode about the real Seren…

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 ab…

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 conti…

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! **NOTE: The free 50-page book I refere…

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…

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 s…

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 proj…

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…

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 f…

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 an…

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…

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 sha…

I thought we were done with avocado green toilets and powder blue vanities, but apparently, the 70's are back when it comes to bathroom design! Last week I attended the National Hardware Show (NHS), International Builder's Show (IBS), and Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Las Vegas, Nevada. Let's recap some of the highlights, including the 7…

I ran into Demetric West by accident and found out she is a rug weaver! I decided to sit down and pick her brain on how she got started, why she loves thrift stores for finding materials for weaving, and what tools and materials you need for this hobby! What's most inspiring is how she pulled from her childhood experiences to rediscover a passion f…

In today's special #100th episode, I sat down with Matt Ellison, Director of Marketing for EstateSales.net. He and I talked about building your own backyard shed, must-haves for a successful day of estate sale shopping, how to score valuable finds at estate sales, and more! Be sure to listen to the end of the episode for a special chance to win for…

January is the next best time to clean out your closet and drawers (December is the best because you can donate them and get a tax deduction!). Half of the month is already over, and if you're like me, you're still cleaning and decluttering your home. One of the most cluttered spaces is where you store your clothing. It's time to let it go! Here ar…

This past weekend I went to a woodworking show in Baltimore, MD and learned some game-changer sanding and finishing tips from a professional finisher named Bill Bush from Lake Shore Hardwoods. These tips will definitely help you get more professional results! Pssst!....Want to join my 30-Day DIY "Money Makeover" Challenge? We're starting January 10…

I have always loved this time of year, when people reflect on what they achieved (or didn't) and what they will achieve next year. But honestly...a lot of time, it feels like a bummer to realize you didn't actually achieve any of those specific goals. I have decided that instead of beating myself up about what I did or didn't achieve in 2022 (and i…

Today's episode is sponsored by GoodwillFinds.com - a new secondhand marketplace where you can find great values on top quality clothing, tools, jewelry, home items and one-of-a-kind gifts online from select Goodwills across the country, all without having to leave home! And, in addition to great values, you can feel great about shopping on the sit…