Small Business Boot camp!

Last weekend I taught my first small business class. I named the class small business boot camp because I wanted it to be a little of this and that...I didn't know who would sign up and what they would want to cover, so I planned a lot of content to share and planned for the class to be very fluid and flexible.

We covered:
my story of turning my part time small business into a full time sales position
how to register a business through the secretary of state website
how to stay ready, organized, mentally positive to be successful
resources for starting small business and the importance of using other peoples best ideas
networking and social media
defining our business and creating a mission and brand


I had two students! YAY! 4 signed up ( and paid) so I will take that! My students liked the class and said they felt inspired (YAY!) and I had more information than time (YAY!)!!!!!!!!!!

So anyways I really wanted to stay focused and write to all of you. My sales have been crazy! Lots of clients this Fall. I am still working for my new job at Shaw Design/Magic Carpets Minneapolis. The plan is to get Frost Fine running for painting in 2016. And I will still do design consults, writing and projects I want to do for fun. Because running my business is fun to me. It's a challenge and it's my baby. I am really excited to keep it moving.

That's why it was fun for me to teach others in my small business boot camp about the thrill of turning something they love into a living! Thinking now if I have time to do the class again.....

Summer Blog

Well, I thought I started this already, but I can't find my draft. Writing in the summer is hard because it's a busy time. When you work on homes it seems people are either starting summer projects, or they are on vacation and will plan to do it this fall before the holidays. So we are busy! 

But this is exactly what my blog entery is about today! Taking time to have fun - play a little bit- especially when it's summer in Minnesota! 

I'm a list maker, task manager, love to work (yes I actually do love to work hard and get things done if you know me I think you'll say I like to be busy!!!) and being the well rounded holistic person I am I know the importance of taking time to play. Schedule it in! Do nothing. Just enjoy things so that you can get back to healthy relaxed you!  Very healthy experience! Repeat as needed. This is a very serious part of any summer regimen!

Here's a fun little day we had. 

Pool Day and Cotton Candy with my Aunt Cheryl! 

I'm not going back to teaching this fall. I'm a full time designer now! I work flooring sales out of the Shaw Design Center and am going to continue to do painting and design work, writing and projects with Frost Fine Finishing! So this summer has been a bit different working full time and not having my nieces and nephews to watch...today I took off and am actually watching them, my oldest niece had middle school orientation today! I'm sitting outside enjoying the weather and writing...thanks for checking out my post today. It was a goal of mine to keep it up and so here's to checking things off the list! ✔️✔️✔️ Stay productive, stay focused, but don't forget to just have fun once in a while and celebrate!

I would love to hear what you did this summer to have FUN!!! Please reply in the comments- I love the responses I got when I asked on facebook! Thanks again so much everyone take care! -Jac

Manly Master Bathrooms

For information about design consultations contact Jaclyn jacjfrost@gmail.com

Forget the potpourri and embroidered hand towels. Let's give our guys a throne fit for a king with these manly master baths:

Here's a picture of our master while it was in progress 

We started with a black granite top double vanity. This was the inspiration for the room: 

Dark planked ceramic floors and grey mosaic tiles create a modern and masculine look. For more inspiration check out my Pintrest board: http://pinterest.com/jaclynjfrost/manly-master-bathroom-june-2015/

What to fix and what to leave before you sell!

Frost Fine Finishing can help with your realtor's "To-Do" List.

Meeting with the right realtor can help answer all the questions you have about getting your home ready to sell for top dollar. Frost Fine Finishing has worked with many families and realtors who are getting ready to list.

Here are a few tips taken from This Old House article "Upgrades Worth the Investment" 
Before you sell: Fix it or Leave it 

To maximize the return on your investments you want to do things that will appeal to buyers. Somethings they will expect to have done and some things they might want to do themselves. Depending on your listing price they will either expect to do some work or not have to lift a finger...move in ready. If you want top dollar you want to appear move in ready but not have too much invested into things that appeal to personal preference.

Paint should be neutral, carpets should be new and clean. These are things move in buyers are looking for.

The yard and landscaping tend to be things that people have a preference about. Keep it simple and clean. Think curb appeal not customized.

Here are the fixes This Old House talked about:

 1) Appliances. This is something the new buyer can purchase an replace easily. Do not spend the money to update appliances. Your buyer may want to pick out something themselves. The article recommends using stainless decals. Another more unique and fun idea would be chalk board paint for the fridge. This seems more personal but if it may be a quick fix to a bland appliance. If you are really looking shabby you can look on craigslist or on local garage sale sites on Facebook to get free or cheap replacements. But the big idea is not to spend the money on new appliances!

       

   

Check out  Stainless Steel Covers for your appliances here! 

Chalkboard Fridge pics from Pintrest
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/357191814171551971/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/341429215472757622/






2) Do invest into fixing or updating any wood floors! Wood floors and laminate flooring is a big selling point for buyers, so make sure yours look great!

3) Window can be left to the buyer. If you have drafty windows it will take time and money to fix. Buyers can take on this expense. You can also look into "wrapping" instead of replacing. Most exterior contractors (siders, builders, window installers) know how to in case or wrap (also called capping) windows if they need a cheaper alternative to replacing. However, this might be something you want to pass on all together.


4) Cracked floor tiles can be easily replaced! Tiling is important because cracks may lead people to think there is a larger problem. Fix up your floors and maximize your return on all the fixes you do before you sell!

For a free project estimate contact Jaclyn at (763)227-3843
We can work with your real estate agent to get your home ready to sell!

Spring Clean Out!

 I have been cleaning my garage for Spring Projects! So I have lots of boxes of samples and left overs from jobs of hard wood and laminate wood flooring! If you want to finish a small space this may be a good deal for you! Please call me, I'll hook you up!

We also have to ability to do some junk removal for you! If you need an old couch moved or a load brought to the dump I can help arrange for my guys to come pick up your junk. The rates vary based on what you need, so set up a project consultation for free with me today!

Seriously just hire someone to get rid of it for you! It's what we do and clearly if that old stuff has been sitting around you need to call now! (763) 227-3843

Works great for the Spring Cleaners, people moving or helping get Grandma's house cleared out! We have worked with several clients to help lighten the load- call today!

What's your focus?

What we pay attention to matters. I wrote a post earlier this year about the Money Love Challenge by Kate Northrup

the challenge is closed for now but you can sign up for the next time around here: http://moneylovechallenge.com 

Kate also offers other great online workshops and news for growing your abundance, so if you want to know more check out her website or the money love challenge link!

We tend to spend a lot of time worrying about money, but not talking about it. Our focus is usually about getting by, but not on growing our abundance. To do this requires focus, so the challenge was to spend 21 days focusing on different aspects of our finances. I had even offered up little bonus prizes for the first few that followed along with me!

My friend Ashley was one of those who dived into the challenge with me. We were able to connect and share the experience through a few of the challenges. A big motivation for her was to tackle some of her student loan debt and look for a new career that would support her new financial plan. 

Well, I am very happy to share with you that Ashley was offered a new, higher paying position! More importantly it was in her licensed field of teaching and something she felt passionate about. The time, energy and focus that is takes to make a positive change is a lot of work, and being purposeful about making it a focus and goal DOES MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE between getting it done and just a dream...

Ashley and her Fur Baby Hemingway

Martin, her oldest of the two cat children, was there to celebrate too! 

                 

Thanks for your support in joining me for the money love challenge. It helps to do things together for accountability but also to learn more from our experience through sharing! Enjoy your treat Ashley! Cheers to abundance!

Challenge: Start your focus on finances by creating a MONEY LOVE VISION BOARD $$$

Luxury Carpet available at Frost Fine Finishing

http://pinterest.com/jaclynjfrost/new-luxury-samples-2015/

Check out some of our newest samples. Free project estimates! Email jacjfrost@gmail.com to schedule an appointment in your home! 

Organizing for Abundance! My #moneylovechallenge !

Happy Valentine's to all my readers and friends! Since I love you all so much I wanted to share something fun you can do! Once you follow along contact me on Facebook and I have a gift for you! The first 5 readers to complete the money love challenge and send me a message telling me their results will get a valentine from me! Message me on Facebook or email me through my blog, and make sure you add "money love challenge" to the subject line! The actual challenge has taken place, but I posted a link to day one below. You can follow along and go through each of the 21 days. It's a great journal activity if you like to write (like me), or you can use it to start a vision board, or just as a way to make your finances a priority this year! It's still early enough to follow through on your New Years goals, and who doesn't want more money? 

Have you heard of the money love challenge? It's a fun 21 day challenge to focus on your finances. I took into consideration that many of the challenges had me taking inventory of what I do have, so I worry less about all the "wants". I love to organize, and so going through all my extra stuff was my next step. I challenged myself to turn some of that extra stuff into cash. There are so many places to turn your trash in treasure, and I wanted to use the money love challenge as a way to clear out my mental and physical space so that I can have more in 2015. 

Check out the challenge here:

http://moneylovechallenge.com/day-1/

I promise you people want your stuff! New Uses will take your household goods, or you can use craiglist and local garage sale pages on Facebook. Go a head and sell that extra blender you have sitting around. Or those boots you never wear. Live with less and have more! Clear out some space and treat yourself! 

One of my favorite exercises was day 7 where we studied a bit of feng shui and prepared our prosperity corner. http://moneylovechallenge.com/day-7/

I know this isn't for everyone, but it's fun to think about what we have in our homes and how it affects the energy in our lives. Also it just pretty and nice, and organized! And organization has been shown to have impact on happiness and well being for some people. Take a look at the chart above. Orientate your house so that your front door is in one the lower three quadrants. What is in the back left corner? Is it a space that bring prosperity or is it an energy clogger? 

Do you need help organizing? My professional organization services are for hire! Please contact me for a free consultation! Frost Fine Finishing can also help with moving items and junk removal. We can help do anything! Call (763) 227-3843 for any questions or to schedule an appointment 

New Year, New Floors!

Hello, are you in the swing of 2015 yet? We jumped right into a few projects to kick off the year. If you are still wondering what it is we do here is a list of services Frost Fine Finishing can offer:

Painting

Floor installation

Wood work

Design consultation

Choosing Materials and Care Instructions

Junk Removal

Professional Organizing

Rental Turn-Overs

Real Estate Listing Prep

and more that I probably can't think of right now. If we don't do it we know someone that does! Give me a call today! (763) 227-3843

First Floor Finished in 2015 Vinyl Installation. Vinyl is a low maintence choice for high traffic areas, and is perfect for kitchens because it's so easy to clean! It stays warmer than tile and is available in many updated styles. I have samples on Pintrest if you'd like me to send you a board please email jacjfrost@gmail.com

Free wall prints

Nothing beats free! Print these and frame to create a wall collage on a budget! http://pinterest.com/pin/197595502377096963/