An Interview with the “Thrift Diva”
Filed under Press Room
What inspired you to write your book? 
The idea behind my book, Tossed & Found, came as direct result of a sliding economy and corporate cut backs. After managing a sales team in the Midwest and Western United States for years, my team and I suddenly found ourselves … jobless. With few options available in an market spiraling out of control, I knew I had to reinvent myself – again. The inspiration for writing a thrift memoire came during my regrouping stage. I visualized a book that not only talked about my tumultuous life, but also showcased the shift to thrift that was occurring across our nation.
What was the hardest part about completing your book?
Two thing actually; learning all the parts to the entire process; from writing the book to getting it published. And, and the edits … the seemingly endless edits.
Well, there’s actually a third item I had difficulty with … letting go! After countless edits, I learned that my book would never be perfect; there would always be mistakes or a better way of saying something … a sentence or paragraph that could be written differently. And, there would continue to be a lurking temptation to do another rewrite – or two. At some point an author needs to let it go – give birth – push it out into the world.
Did you learn any lessons in the book creation process, if so what where they?
Having been a first-time author, I learned many, many lessons, the most important of which … staying on task, committing to writing every day, surrounding oneself with mentors, becoming a storyteller, and showing the reader versus telling the reader.
Did you enlist support in getting your book done?
Yes I did. Right out of the shoot I hired a coach. Although he was supportive and directive with my goals I quickly realized I needed to enlist the help of coaches that lived and breathed writing and publishing. I regrouped and hired a book coaching team the literally took my book from limp to alive!
What tips or advice do you have for aspiring authors?
Authorship is a lonely and complex process. However, a fledgling author does not have to attempt the process alone. There is an abundance of writers groups and a wealth of seminars and publishing gurus that can help writers sift through the glut of information and options.
If you self-published, what made you self-publish?
Launching my speaking career determined that I self-published. My book was my calling-card, so to speak. After dipping my toes into the publishing arena, I realized that traditional publishing would take me many more months to get my book out than I was willing to sacrifice. Additionally, I felt that it was judicious to retain all the rights to my creation.
If you had to do your book all over again, would you?
Writing Tossed & Found was a wondrous adventure; it was cathartic, revitalizing, wearisome, creative, exasperating, nerve-wracking, euphoric, tedious, liberating, frustrating and inspiring. And yes, I would so do it again … to feel the euphoria of holding my creation in my hand for the first time, the delight in doing a reading to that first audience, and the appreciation expressed by those inspired to reinvent their lives or lifestyles.
Are you writing or planning to write an additional book(s)?
Yes, I have a Diva sequel planned; Decorating like a Diva … On the Cheap.
But, there is another book begging to be published. I was a dog trainer for 20 years. I envision a book of dog stories; true-life adventures of the many dogs and situations I’ve stumbled upon during my tenure with dogs … from antics on fashion runways to heroic deeds of brave dogs and their owners.
What else would you like to share about you or your book?
The title Tossed & Found is really a double entandre. My book chronicles the journey of trash to treasure, contrasting those that toss things out versus those that find unloved items and turn them into beautiful furnishings or fabulous wardrobes.
And, it is also about my life … my journey. I believe my path parallels the journey of many people that find themselves tossed out of relationships, jobs or life. I also suppose that life throws us curve balls to teach us great lessons. So, it’s not whether we get tossed around, living a meaningful life is about what we do when it happens … whether we find ourselves again.
How can people find out more about your book?
Tossed & Found is available at local bookstores, on Amazon or by visiting www.ThriftTalkDiva.com.
Barb Tobias, America’s “Thrift Talk” Diva, is an author, speaker, coach and the entertaining mistress of thrift. This radio and TV personality renovates lives, homes and wardrobes by sticking her curious little nose into other people’s “thrifty business.” After a lifetime of turning trash into treasure, Barb shares her secrets for finding deals, repurposing before tossing and reconstructing the tattered in her new release, Tossed & Found. Her “tell all” book is not only a journey of personal transformation, but teaches a newly frugal nation how to purchase, purge and profit from thrift.
Make a Holiday Date with “The Diva!”
Filed under Fashion
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Make a Holiday Date with “The Diva!”
Thrifty Christmas Decorating
Filed under Decorating
I know, I know. It’s just November…I mean the Thanksgiving stuff isn’t out and my holiday meal isn’t even organized. Yet, here I am planning my Christmas decorations. My rationalization is this … it takes me a month or two to orchestrate the festive bedecking of my home in the spirit of frugal yet chic décor.
I enjoy this creative holiday endeavor, and dive into producing grand arrangements with gusto. After all, I am a collector of orphans … the savior of parts … creatively piecing together all the unloved odds and ends that others unconsciously toss away. And how I hem and haw over each selection, lovingly turning them into cheerful masterpieces … for little to no money.
I begin by sorting through all the holiday finds I’ve collected from garage sales, flea markets, consignment shops and thrift stores. The sorting and grouping of each “orphaned” item eats up quite a bit of time as I contemplate the potential of each piece, figuring out how it might be used to fashion a stunning display.
This year I pieced together a lovely holiday centerpiece crafted out of four random castoffs. Wonderful chrome stand that once held a globe … I presumed. Not sure what I would do with the piece, I snatched it up for a mere $2.00 after being drawn to its height and heft. After the purchase I was concerned that I might not find a lantern that would fit effectively within the ridged top. Hey, it was worth a try, and for two bucks … come on!
I’ve learned, from my years as a hopeless thrift-a-holic, that patience eventually pays off. And, sure enough … a couple of months later, I was delighted to find a cracked-glass hurricane. I placed my new acquisition on my holding shelf where it sat until this holiday season.
Once I started my holiday decorating I was most anxious to see if the globe would fit into my tall, stately stand. As I slid the lantern into place I was delighted to find that it fit perfectly!
I finished up creating my Christmas centerpiece by twisting two random greenery vines, twisted them about the base and placed a fresh pine-scented candle (another garage sale find) within the globe. Now I had a centerpiece worthy for the most festive table … for under $10.00!
Greenery and garlands, collected throughout the garage sale season, are lavishly draped over mirrors, mantels and bowls. These festive ropes are regularly decorated with odd flowers, berries, balls and candles.
When the spirit moves me I add a bit of holiday humor, frivolity and personality to each room. Notice the elf hitching a ride on a San Francisco motor bus, while a precious doll holds a bouquet of holiday splendor in an adjoining guest room.
Creative buying throughout the year, when holiday items sell for pennies on a dollar, can make lovely additions to a home during the holidays…cheap yet chic decorations that defy the sharp eye of the most discerning guest.
Barb Tobias, America’s “Thrift Talk” Diva, is an author, a dynamic speaker, and the entertaining mistress of thrift. This radio and TV personality renovates lives, homes and wardrobes by sticking her curious little nose into other people’s “thrifty business.” After a lifetime of turning trash into treasure, Barb shares her secrets for finding deals, repurposing before tossing and reconstructing the tattered in her new release, Tossed & Found. Her “tell all” book is not only a journey of personal transformation, but teaches a newly frugal nation how to purchase, purge and profit from thrift.
