Learn how to “Shop Your Way to Wealth”

Shop Your Way to Wealth!

Join Barb Tobias, America’s “Thrift Talk” Diva, as she shares her signature speech Shop Your Way to Wealth.

 

 Lunch & Network Event

Thursday, April 14, 2011  

11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

A Spice of Life Event Center

5706 Arapahoe Ave. Boulder, CO 80303

Barb Tobias has spent a lifetime transforming trash into treasure. She is a master at creating stunning interiors, dressing clients like supermodels and turning the forgotten into the unforgettable—for a fraction of the cost.

“The Lunch and Network Event offers a huge networking opportunity, a dedicated speaker sharing their business expertise and a delicious catered buffet lunch. Come, have fun and meet some awesome people and vendors!”                                                                                      ~ Tobi Hunt

 

 Register at: http://www.tobihuntevents.com/Lunch-&-Network-Event.html

INVITE A FRIEND to have the time of their life! People are really doing business and creating powerful relationships, connections and friendships.

77 Year Old Woman Makes a Difference by Holding Garage Sales

 Rochester Hills, Mich: Neighborhood gives back for 19th year

Here’s a tip: When visiting Joanne Marcil’s home, watch your stuff. Just ask her husband, Ray, who left a jacket lying around. Joanne grabbed it and sold it at her community’s Make A Difference Day flea market. When Ray later asked her about it, she just smiled.

The project began in 1992 as a garage sale, raising $150 to buy high chairs for a soup kitchen. Marcil, 77, had such a good time she enlisted family and friends to create bigger events every year. The two-day market is now tradition, requiring 150 volunteers and five families’ garages to store donated items.

In 2010, the sale raised $13,000 for women in crisis, the homeless, people with chronic diseases and others. In 19 years, the project has raised $71,000. It’s hard work but well worth it, Marcil says. “I’m doing something to help this world, not just wishing things were better.”

$10,000 Make A Difference Day Award from Newman’s Own goes to The Baldwin Center, Pontiac, Mich.

This year’s judges:

Charles Gabrielson: President & Publisher, USA WEEKEND Magazine

Brian Gallagher: President and CEO, United Way Worldwide

Michael Havard: Vice President of Marketing, Newman’s Own Inc.

Kim Martin: President and General Manager, WE tv and Wedding Central

Michelle Nunn: CEO, Points of Light, Institute & Co-founder, HandsOn Network

A Collector of “Orphaned” Stuff

I am the queen of the unwanted; a collector of “orphans.”  Over the years I’ve embraced the flawed, snatched up rejects others passed over, delighted in the blemished and greedily coveted the imperfect and scarred. 

Like metal to magnets, yard sales, consignment shops and thrift stores still lure me into their murky depths to find wonderfully tarnished bits and pieces that I meticulously turn into treasures.  Spotting décor that is unique or unusual has become my specialty … my signature talent. And, dramatic objects that ooze style or demanded attention make me blubber with affection.  

After years of searching through the dimly lit recesses of garages, junk yards and barns, I’ve learned to ignore obvious defects, and concentrate on spotting the potential in every item. Identifying the latent beauty hidden beneath decaying layers of tarnish and grime became the rule as my skill and artistry grew. 

 

In addition to recognizing and purchasing promising finds, I’ve learned to fix broken legs, repair antique frames and mend holes in tattered throws.  Discovering that a peeling piece of furniture could be transformed with a brisk sanding and a new color, spurred me to reconsider items I would have normally passed on.  Oil stans became my best buddies as I turned the scratched and marred into things of beauty.  I learned what products took offf rust, what transformed mirrors into bright reflectores and what oils thirsty furniture craved.

Before I considered a piece worthy of purchase, I would first consider its assets, examining it from one angle then another, thinking, “What can I do with you?  How would you look in a different color? What would it cost me to repair you?”

Once I made the decision to rescue a waif, I would purchase the item if I felt that its condition warranted the asking price. Otherwise, I would make a reasonable offer hoping for acceptance or at least a friendly haggle.

Over the years I’ve transformed my home using amazing thrift finds that have turned a frumpy house into a fabulous home.  And, my nondescript wardrobe now boasts $20 fashion statements that are the envy of my frugal friends. 

 

 

 

 

Barb Tobias is a professional speaker and inspiring coach who renovates lives, homes and wardrobes by sticking her curious little nose into other people’s “thrifty business.” After a lifetime of transforming trash into treasure, this savvy mistress of thrift shares her secrets to finding deals, repurposing before tossing, reconstructing the tattered and renewing things others view as passé in her recent release…Tossed & Found; Where Frugal is Chic. Her “tell all” book is not simply a journey of personal transformation, but teaches a newly frugal nation how to purchase, purge and profit from thrift.    

 

 

Fifteen Reasons To Fall In Love With Thrift … … Cheap doesn’t need to be Cinchy

I’ve been happily thrift shopping for over 30 years.  But, I wore gently used clothes from my toddler days clear through my teen years … from the proverbial hand-me-downs to the secondhand gown my mother bought me when I was voted Homecoming Queen.  Needless to say, having to live on the cheap for so long, I abhorred anything thrifty. 

Once I was married, and on the rebound from anything recycled,  I was determined to buy new and staying far away from a life filled with someone else’s cast-offs.

 Today I can honestly say that my beautifully decorated home and fabulous wardrobe have cost me nothing. I buy exclusively from the remarkable thrift venues that pepper the nation; garage sales, flea markets, yard sales, consignment shops, auctions, tag sales, antique malls and estate sales!

Furthermore, I hold a garage sale … every year.  Actually, I call them Diva Sales because they are stocked with all the fabulous things I let go of after each season. The yearly purging of my home allows an array of new-to-me items back into my home and a fresh wardrobe every year. 

Coming full circle, there are layers of reasons to love and live frugally.  And since I buy only thrift, here are 15 of my best and brightest motivations:

1. No more sticker shock!
2. Best bargain bragging rights
3. Guilt-free shopping . . . the price is always right.  
4. Decorate for FREE by purging yearly … Thar’s Gold in Them Thar Cupboards!
5. Incentive to clutter-bust your home – Reduce, Reuse, and Redo
6. Create magazine spread homes using trendy thrift
7. Donate to feel GREEN and great!
8. Capture items not normally affordable
9. Find once-in-a-lifetime treasures
10. Power dress for pennies
11. Find Red-Carpet fashions  . . . cheap
12. Have fun while saving a ton
13. Unique finds that express your individuality
14. Build personal wealth by dressing and decorating for free
15. Ignite the creativity within; repurposing at its best

An Interview with the “Thrift Diva”

 

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.

Christmas in the Mountains … a Pictorial Memory

                                 After receiving a call from a local television to put together a thrift segment, every room in my home was decorated to the hilt.  After all that attention to creating a holiday wonderland, we desided to take advantage of the decorated house and throw a serious holiday party. . . After all, it just seemed like the perfect excuse!  

 

Memories were bountiful  … and, here are just a few of the highlights. 

At least five feisty divas braved the mountain roads and drove in from Boulder and Fort Collins to celebrate the holidays with us.  Here Jill, Dixie, Patrica Michele and Vicki smashing in their holiday splendor, decked the halls with their Divaness.   

Tara Becker, founder of the Elle Women’s Group, poses with hostess Barb. 

Then the group gathered for the traditional gift swap.  The thrifty exchanges this year were things that had been recycled, repurposed, restored or regifted.

Ladies in red …. Debbie Polkhorn, travel specialist extraordinaire, shares a Yule drink with Linda.

Kristin is one of the first to open her gift…chosen for the beautiful wrapping.  Meanwhile Patrica Belanger watches someone attempting a sticky-finger maneuver with Kristin’s very cool M&M hotrod…too cute!

Even Barb and Stephen got in on the act! Once opened, the gift revealed an amazing set of Cinnamon scented candles. 

 

 

The soup was hot and ready to warm the soul.  Well, we thought we would have snow with freezing temperatures.  So, we figured that a steaming bowl of homemade bean soup would warm the innards of the frostiest guests.  Hmmmm, the sun shone and the solar effect in the mountains pushed the thermometer to 65 degrees!  What the hay?  We enjoyed the soup anyway. Here festive Kai helps Barb dish it out.

Amazing filmmaker and friend Barry Bortnick celebrates the holidays with his darling wife Shanda. 

Friends and neighbors gathered to wish each other cheer for the season. The partiers basked in the season of camaraderie.

Awww, neighbors, Karen and Michael, snuggle close during the gift exchange.

Thrifty Holiday Decorating Tips

 

I am a hopeless thrift-aholic … saver of parts … collector of broken stuff … savior of discarded orphans.

I love to put together all the unloved pieces that people throw away to make creative masterpieces.  And, no season brings more opportunity than the Holiday Season.

I begin my Holiday decorating by purging and sorting.  First I pull out all my Christmas finds and begin the process.  One pile is a group of “orphaned” items that will be used to fashion holiday displays.

This year I made a splendid centerpiece from odds and ends collected throughout the year from various thrift venues…garage sales, flea markets and estate sales.  Earlier in the year I found a solidly built chrome stand that once held a globe … I presumed.  I wasn’t sure what I would do with the piece, however I loved the height and heft of it and snatched it up for a mere $2.00.  I was a little concerned that I might not find a lantern that would fit effectively within the ridged top, but felt it was worth a try. 

 

 

 

I’ve learned, from being a hopeless thrift-a-holic for over thirty years, that patience eventually pays off.  And, sure enough … four or five months later, I was delighted to find a cracked glass hurricane.  I placed my new acquisition on my miscellaneous shelf where it sat until this holiday season.

After I had sorted all my items I was anxious to see if the globe would fit into my tall, stately stand. As I slid the lantern into place it was the perfect fit!

Next I got busy creating my Christmas centerpiece.  I took two random greenery vines, twisted them about the base and placed a fresh pine-scented candle 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 draped over mirrors, mantels and bowls.  These festive ropes are often decorated with odd flowers, berries, balls and candles. 

 

And finally, I enjoy decorating with some holiday humor … adding a little spice and personality to my rooms. Often, décor pieces that adorn my home year ‘round, are decorated with a bit of holiday whimsy.

The Diva returns to Atlanta!

An Evening with The Thrift Diva

   …Divine Home Decor & Fabulous Fashions for the Holidays

America’s “Thrift Talk” Diva is heading back to Atlanta for round 2 of the Frugal is Chic Tour. Join us for an evening of fun while The Diva shares her holiday decorating secrets and tips to finding that fabulous holiday outfit for a fraction of the cost. 

Have you run out of money or at a loss for holiday ideas for your home or wardrobe? Enjoy an engaging evening of networking, refreshments, an autographed copy of Barb’s newest release, Tossed & Found and a lively presentation from world-class speaker, author and entertainer Barb Tobias.

Date: Thursday, December 16, 2010
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Southern Comforts
2510 Mt. Vernon Rd.
Dunwoody, GA 30338

Pre-registration: $20
Register at Southern Comforts – Dunwoody Store or register below:

Barb Tobias – Guest Speaker for Love, Life and Lipstick

Barb Tobias – Guest Speaker for Love, Life and Lipstick

We are women, mothers, wives and professionals who share a vision of uniting all women, expanding and creating new opportunities, living life to the fullest and sharing ideas.

 Love Life and Lipstick is a complaint free environment full of support and uplifting hands. Join us each month and meet great new women, hear about exciting business ideas and plan on inspiration from the speakers for each event.

Women are amazing, we have the ability to create, to love, to grow and want more for others then we do for ourselves. When that power comes together into a room, great things happen … that is the purpose of Love Life and Lipstick!

This month we will feature Barb Tobias;  professional speaker and inspiring coach … a woman who renovates lives by sticking her curious little nose into other people’s “thrifty business.”

 Barb speaks with candor about her journey; the pitfalls, the heights and the call to reinvent oneself.  She is quoted as saying,  I have sought inspiration in varying level at various times and have found that there is a rich tapestry of inspiration and those that inspire. Prophetic whisperings may come to us in different forms; a song we hear in the background, a headline or even a book title. Maybe the Universe is trying to give us a nudge or some divine spirit is vying for our attention.  Regardless of the venue or purpose of these innocuous inklings, we know at a core level that we have connected with a higher power.

Every guest this month will  walk away with an autographed copy of her book Tossed & Found.

Event Date: Wednesday November 17, 2010

6:30-9:00 p.m.- 26476 E Peakview Drive, Aurora CO 80016

This events Cost: $20.00 Cash event (includes book)- feel free to bring your business cards or brochures to share.

RSVP is needed for this month’s event to ensure that we have plenty of books and seating.

Meet America’s “Thrift Talk” Diva … Barb Tobias

Anthology Book Company

422 East 4th Street Loveland, CO 80537

(970) 667-0118

www.anthologybookcompany.com

Friday November 19, 2010

6:00—7:30 PM

Barb Tobias, is an admitted thrift-aholic…a veteran radio and TV personality, former fashion model and professional speaker. Barb crisscrosses the nation in search for “fabulously frugal finds”.

 

Join Barb for a free presentation and book signing.

Next Page »