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But you know, I am so much more awesome in real life over here: Katrina from The Block.
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A-M
August 30, 2010 at 7:39 am

…hey… and Alison's! A-M xx

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ABOUT KATRINA

Hi there! I’m Katrina, a DIY buff and Airbnb host with a knack for interior styling by day. I’m a proud grandma with 3 grown boys and am buzzing about starting a new house build this year. I also write eBooks on renovating and mastering the Airbnb game. Living life to the fullest, I don’t let anything slow me down, not even my colostomy bag.

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ABOUT ME

I’m Katrina, a DIY enthusiast and Airbnb host. By day, I work my magic in interior styling, bringing spaces to life. Excitingly, I have a new house build coming in 2024. Additionally, I sell eBooks on Renovating and How To Be an Airbnb host. Oh, and I proudly embrace life with a colostomy bag.

Hot Tip for Painting ⤵️ Don’t Skip the Prim

Hot Tip for Painting ⤵️

Don’t Skip the Primer!

Ever wondered why professional painters always start with a primer? Here’s why you should too! Paint-and-primer combos work well on already smooth, clean surfaces. But if your walls show any signs of wear or it’s been a while since their last coat (think eight years or more), you’ll want to opt for a separate primer.

Make a water-based primer, sealer, and undercoat the first thing you grab before that paintbrush. Your future self will thank you for a job well done.

📘 Want more savvy painting tips or advice on what products to use and when? Comment ‘DOWNLOAD’ below, and I’ll send you my free paint guide!

When those middle-aged men comments don’t hurt,

When those middle-aged men comments don’t hurt, but that one person, who you thought should probably scroll past, stops and decides it’s time they told you what they think. Ha! 🤣

Just for fun. Which two would you pick? ⤵️

Just for fun. Which two would you pick? ⤵️

I love the one-on-one client work; it gets me exci

I love the one-on-one client work; it gets me excited and pumped up. I also work a full-time day job, but I am usually at my computer by 5am designing and styling for my online clients. 🤍🤍

Today, I had a little road trip—you know, three

Today, I had a little road trip—you know, three hours there and back in the car on my own. My mind was racing! I’m in a pretty good space right now, and my thoughts are positive and I’m kind to myself.

Things have been a bit rough for me, but I’m not dwelling on it. This year has been better.

Anyway, back to my car thoughts. I’ve learnt a lot lately. I don’t mean just the self-discovery stuff; I mean my skills. I feel like I’ve been enhancing my work skills. I’m learning so much about the building industry, renovating, marketing, and interior design—all of it. Actually, I don’t think I’ve learnt this much since before I had kids. I have grown-up children, you see, which means I have more time to practice things, take a course, and be conscious of what I’m learning and how important it is to keep up.

I saw a post in a Facebook group where a lady in her mid-50s had never asked for a raise. So she thought it was about time. She worked hard, wrote out her case, thought of all the pros and cons, and figured the worst they could say was no. But she was wrong. They actually apologised, saying they were scaling the business back and would be letting her go. She was in shock and really hadn’t seen that coming. So here she was, in her mid-50s, trying to look for another job but also realising she didn’t have enough skills to compete. It hit me hard for many reasons.

Things are always changing. The online space is changing, workplaces are pivoting, and you can’t stay still. The cost of living is insane, and jobs can change in an instant. The more you learn, the more you know, and the more security you’ll have.

Are you learning something new? I’d love to hear all about it.

I’ve been teaching myself how to do joinery drawings. Next on the list is how to draw an electrical plan. Can’t wait! ✅

Cleaning is a crucial part of home staging when it

Cleaning is a crucial part of home staging when it comes time to sell. It can help your home sell faster, generate more interest, and potentially secure a higher price. 🧹

Not everyone can afford a professional home stager and the associated costs of hiring furniture, but one thing you can do yourself to present your property effectively is to clean and declutter. Never stop cleaning and decluttering!

Property decisions are often more emotional than logical. People buy homes where they feel a connection; they want to imagine themselves living there. The goal is to help buyers visualise their life in the property.

If you’re currently renovating and planning to sell, have you watched my free webinar to learn more about my online course? Comment with the word ‘JOIN’ and I’ll send you the details. 🔨

As much as I love a good DIY project, there are so

As much as I love a good DIY project, there are some tasks best left to the pros! Here’s why I wouldn’t attempt these three:

1️⃣ Sanding Floorboards

• It requires specialised equipment and a steady hand to avoid uneven surfaces and irreparable damage. Better safe than sorry!

2️⃣ Tiling Floors

• Precision is key in tiling. Misalignments or improper sealing can lead to moisture problems and a less durable finish. A pro ensure a flawless look and lasting results.

3️⃣ Pouring Concrete

• This is an art as much as a technique! It’s harder than you think. Getting the mix right and ensuring a smooth, level finish without cracks is crucial, especially for foundational work.

🔧 Why Risk It?
Hiring experienced professionals saves time, money, and a lot of headaches in the long run. Trust me, it’s worth the investment!

What’s your no-go for DIY?

➡️ Also - I’d leave electrical and plumbing well alone too. They are obvious!

Let’s talk ASBESTOS👇🏻 Found some in the b

Let’s talk ASBESTOS👇🏻

Found some in the bathroom and laundry, and yep, we tackled some of it ourselves (initially). It’s a bit of a juggling act, so if you’re thinking of going the DIY route, just remember it’s not as straightforward as it seems. Definitely worth considering some expert help.

Did you know in NSW you can remove a small portion of non-friable asbestos on your own? 10m2, so that’s a small bathroom. But from what I’ve learnt, even if it’s legal, getting the pros in for anything more serious is a wise move. It’s all about playing it safe – take it from someone who’s been there! The Service NSW website has all the details you need. Check your own state laws.

And if you’re up for the DIY challenge, brace yourself, it’s quite an undertaking! Beyond just the removal, there’s the disposal thing – make sure to let your local waste management know before you land there with it. And the cleanup? That’s a whole other story. Wiping down frames, re-sheeting... it’s a lot, but hey, we’ve got this!

Lastly, a little word of wisdom: asbestos can be sneaky. Mine didn’t look like asbestos at all, and even some builders were thrown off. But after shelling out about $4,000 and two tests, it was confirmed. So, a friendly reminder – always double-check and test. It can save you a ton of trouble and keep you safe.

The end of the story - do it yourself if you want, and you’ve researched and know how to. But if you’re unsure and even slightly hesitant, don’t bother. Pay someone to make sure it’s done right for you.

Have you got a contingency in your budget for any surprises when renovating? Nope? OUCH! If you want to be better prepared watch my free webinar and learn more about my online course. Comment with the word JOIN and I’ll send you the details.

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