The Thrift Diving Podcast

Serena Appiah
  • 4.6 (26)
  • Home & Garden

Inspiring you to decorate, improve, and maintain your home with DIY, without compromising your wallet, the environment, or style.

  1. 11/18/2025

    10 Lessons for Taking Creative Classes Online! - Episode #154

    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!Mini Goldendoodles for saleDesigner Mini GoldenDoodles offers top quality mini golden doodle puppies for sale.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! BlogYouTubeInstagramFacebookPinterestTikTokTwitter

  2. 11/10/2025

    STOP Creating Only When You "Feel" Like It - #153

    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!Mini Goldendoodles for saleDesigner Mini GoldenDoodles offers top quality mini golden doodle puppies for sale.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! BlogYouTubeInstagramFacebookPinterestTikTokTwitter

  3. 08/27/2025

    Join My 30-Day DIY Challenge and Win $1,000! - #152

    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!Mini Goldendoodles for saleDesigner Mini GoldenDoodles offers top quality mini golden doodle puppies for sale.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! BlogYouTubeInstagramFacebookPinterestTikTokTwitter

  4. 08/27/2025

    10 Tips for Your Next Room Makeover! - #151

    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!Mini Goldendoodles for saleDesigner Mini GoldenDoodles offers top quality mini golden doodle puppies for sale.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! BlogYouTubeInstagramFacebookPinterestTikTokTwitter

  5. 04/13/2025

    Women Can Repair Appliances, Too! (And This Woman Is Teaching Them How) - #150

    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!Mini Goldendoodles for saleDesigner Mini GoldenDoodles offers top quality mini golden doodle puppies for sale.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! BlogYouTubeInstagramFacebookPinterestTikTokTwitter

  6. 03/14/2025

    How to Sell Refinished Furniture on Facebook Marketplace - #149

    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!Mini Goldendoodles for saleDesigner Mini GoldenDoodles offers top quality mini golden doodle puppies for sale.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! BlogYouTubeInstagramFacebookPinterestTikTokTwitter

  7. 01/16/2025

    Social Media is KILLING Our Creativity! - #148

    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! BlogYouTubeInstagramFacebookPinterestTikTokTwitterMini Goldendoodles for saleDesigner Mini GoldenDoodles offers top quality mini golden doodle puppies for sale.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! BlogYouTubeInstagramFacebookPinterestTikTokTwitter

  8. 09/22/2024

    Why We Lose Our Creative Spark (And How to Get It Back!) - #147

    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! BlogYouTubeInstagramFacebookPinterestTikTokTwitterMini Goldendoodles for saleDesigner Mini GoldenDoodles offers top quality mini golden doodle puppies for sale.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! BlogYouTubeInstagramFacebookPinterestTikTokTwitter

See All (154)

4.6
out of 5
26 Ratings

About

Inspiring you to decorate, improve, and maintain your home with DIY, without compromising your wallet, the environment, or style.

Information

  • Creator
    Serena Appiah
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    154
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Thrift Diving Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Thrift Diving Podcast