Simplicity is often associated with minimalism, but it can also refer to the beauty and joy found in the simplicity of life itself. In a world that is constantly evolving and becoming more complex, it can be refreshing and uplifting to embrace simplicity in our daily lives.
One of the greatest joys of simplicity is the feeling of clarity and focus it brings. When we declutter our physical space and eliminate unnecessary distractions, it can be much easier to concentrate and be productive. This can be especially beneficial for those who are easily overwhelmed or have trouble managing their time. Simplicity can also bring a sense of calm and inner peace. By letting go of material possessions and external distractions, we can find greater contentment and satisfaction within ourselves. This can lead to a greater appreciation of the present moment and a deeper connection to our own values and priorities. Another benefit of simplicity is the opportunity it provides for creativity and self-expression. With fewer distractions and less clutter, we can more easily tap into our own unique interests and passions. This can be especially rewarding for those who are seeking to lead a more fulfilling and meaningful life. Overall, the joy of simplicity is about finding happiness and fulfillment in the present moment, rather than constantly seeking out external sources of pleasure or validation. By embracing simplicity in our life, we can find greater joy, clarity, and purpose. Share if this resonates with you! xo Katerina
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"As a furniture refinisher, I often encounter potential clients who are hesitant about my prices. That's when I remind them of the old adage: "fast, good, or cheap - pick two."
You see, when it comes to refinishing furniture, you can't have it all. If you want the job done fast, it's not going to be cheap. If you want it done cheap, it's not going to be good (at least not to the same standard as if you paid more). And if you want it done well, it's not going to be fast. This is because furniture refinishing is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. It requires patience, attention to detail, and a skilled hand. It's not something that can be rushed or done cheaply without cutting corners. So when a potential client expresses concerns about my prices, I make sure to explain this to them. I let them know that if they want the job done fast, they'll have to pay a little more. If they want it done cheap, they'll have to be okay with a lower level of quality. And if they want the best possible job, they'll have to be willing to wait a little longer and pay a little more. It's not about trying to gouge my clients or charge them more than they can afford. It's about setting realistic expectations and delivering a high-quality product that will stand the test of time. In the end, it's up to the client to decide what their priorities are and how much they're willing to pay for my services. But I always make sure they understand that with furniture refinishing, they can't have it all. They have to pick two out of the three: fast, good, or cheap." What are your thoughts? I'd love to hear what you have to say! If you're anything like me, you might get a little bit too excited when it comes to DIY projects – especially ones that have the potential to completely transform a room. So when I decided to tackle the task of painting my kitchen cabinets, I was all in. But let me tell you, it was a much more frustrating process than I anticipated. As a professional furniture refinisher, I have a lot of experience tackling DIY projects. And while I have to admit that painting my kitchen cabinets was a bit more frustrating than I anticipated, it was also incredibly rewarding when it was all said and done. First of all, there's the prep work. If you want to get the best results, you need to make sure you sand down the cabinets, fill in any holes or imperfections, and give them a good cleaning before you start painting. This can be a time-consuming process, especially if your cabinets are particularly rough or dirty. Then there's the actual painting. Depending on the type of paint you use, you may need to apply multiple coats to get an even finish. In this case, I used 2 coats of paint, and touched up as I went along. But the worst part for me was the waiting. When you're in the middle of a DIY project, it can be hard to be patient and wait for things to dry. You just want to see the finished product as soon as possible! But with painting cabinets, it's important to give the paint plenty of time to dry before moving on to the next step or putting everything back in place. So why am I telling you all this? Because while painting your kitchen cabinets can be a frustrating process, it's also incredibly rewarding when it's done. And the key to getting through it is to be patient – with the project, with yourself, and with the drying times. As a professional, I know firsthand how important it is to stay patient and take your time to get the best results. And in the end, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing that you tackled a big DIY project and came out on top. So don't get discouraged if things don't go perfectly – just take a deep breath, stay patient, and keep at it. You've got this! Before & After pictures of my recent DIY Kitchen update!Welcome to the new year! As a furniture refinisher, the start of a new year is always an exciting time. It's a chance to reflect on the past year, set new goals, and start fresh with new projects.
If you're like me, you probably have a list of pieces that you've been wanting to refinish but haven't quite gotten around to yet. Well, now is the perfect time to tackle that list and bring new life to those pieces. One of the great things about refinishing furniture is that it's a sustainable way to give old pieces a second chance. Instead of buying new furniture, you can take something that might have otherwise ended up in a landfill and give it new purpose. Not to mention, refinishing can be a fun and rewarding hobby. As you begin your new projects in the coming year, don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques and styles. Whether you're into a rustic, farmhouse look or a sleek, modern finish, there are so many ways to customize and personalize your pieces. And don't forget to take care of yourself as well. Refinishing furniture can be physically demanding, so make sure to take breaks, stretch, and listen to your body. Here's to a productive and fulfilling year of furniture refinishing! What a difference a year makes.
This time last year, I was spiraling into a very dark space. It would be the first Christmas spent entirely without my eldest son. My 1st born. We made the decision to move across the country knowing we would be without him. We offered him the choice. Stay with us or move in with your Dad. He chose his dad this time. It was a gut wrenching moment - knowing he wouldn't be coming with us on our new journey. It felt like my heart was being carved out of my chest little by little every day. For months. As Christmas eve arrived, I hit the peak of my emotions. I was at my limit. I could not see the light at the end of the tunnel. It was took dark. I was too far gone. My husband came to me by my bedside (I spent a large portion of the evening crying and cocooned myself in our bed) and gave it to me straight. I needed to sort my head out; and fast. I needed to choose - stay in the past, in the darkness OR move forward, stumbling along the way until I can stand up straight enough once again to see the light at the end of this tunnel. He left me there. In the darkness. Alone. On Christmas Eve to think and make the decision. So that's exactly what I did. I thought; and cried. One thing people close to me know about me is once my mind is set - it's set. It is very difficult to push me aside once I've made up my mind. I'm a bull. Through and through. The next morning, Christmas day - I remember waking up and saying to myself - out loud - "get your shit in order, You've got this. You deserve to be here and those that love you deserve to have you here. Stop it. Now get off your ass and MOVE." And move I did. I got out of bed. Apologized to myself, my husband and my children and made it through the day. I haven't stopped making it through the days since then. I made the choice to thrive and work on myself and the shit I've lived through. The traumas I've experienced. I decided to focus on repairing myself and most surprisingly, I found myself doing exactly that through the art of Furniture Refinishing and making blankets. There is something special in being forced to sit in a space, and work with your hands to PRODUCE something. There is a deep satisfaction and appreciation that I achieve every single time I complete a project or a blanket. I MADE THIS. I FINISHED THIS. I brought happiness to myself and others. This feeling is euphoric. To me, it's a drug and I'm an addict. In just 23 days, my eldest son will be here, celebrating Christmas with us. He will be here with us for 9 days. 9 GLORIOUS days. To say I am over the moon excited is the understatement of the century. I cannot wait to hold my boy again. The last 1.5 years of not being able to hold him and squeeze him has been excruciating. He will be here with us celebrating once again with his 2 younger siblings. His 4 year old sister and 2.5 yr old brother. His little brother who now walks and talks. We've all missed out on so much with each other. 9 days will go by in the blink of an eye, I'm sure of it. But this year, it's not darkness. It's nothing BUT light. And I'm 100% here for it. Wishing every one of you who takes the time to read this light and love during our darkest of days. The choice to thrive is always in your hands and heart. Choose wisely. xo Katerina |
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