Category: home

Simple Amenities That Airbnb Guests Appreciate

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When I embarked on the Airbnb life, there were so many things to consider.  Trying to plan for multiple what-if scenarios and the wide array of weather possibilities, it is super easy to fill up suitcases before you even blink an eye. 

But I only had one car, and I had no option but to fit everything I’d need into that one car.  From clothing to medications, to electronics to home conveniences, the car filled up super quick!  At some point I had to put my foot down.  I had to realize that I may just have to do without some items, or I may have to buy them as I go.  Or if I’m lucky, my host may actually have some of the things I’ve left behind.

I realize that a lot goes into making an Airbnb home aesthetically pleasing, and having numerous odds and ends may detract from a host’s efforts to keep things simple and clutter-free.  I completely get that. 

But if there are ways to add a few of these items to your space without sacrificing your look, please give it some thought.  You may not realize how handy these items are to Airbnb guests, especially the long-term ones, but I promise you, the perfect small gesture makes such a big difference.

I also realize you don’t want to break the bank with random knick-knacks and unnecessary items. The good news is that some of these items can be picked up on trip to your local dollar store or Walmart. Or even easier, some can be purchased with a quick click on Amazon, and then tucked away in your home pretty easily.

Here’s my list of simple amenities that add value to my stay as a long-term Airbnb guest, and I’ll link to a few things as well:

KITCHEN

  • Oven mitts: Cute and clean, not dingy and old.
  • Dish towels: I’m all about reusing and reducing, so going through paper towel after paper towel is annoying to me.
  • Toaster: Basic is good, no need to get fancy. Just something that I can toast a bagel or waffle in.
  • Chip clips: This is such an overlooked necessity. I like sealing everything that I open.
  • Olive oil: I’ve been carrying my own but it’s nice if there’s some in the house in case I run out.
  • Paper towel holder: It’s perfectly fine to set the towels on the counter, but a holder is great to have.
  • Dish soap dispenser: Makes washing dishes so much more convenient.
  • Dish drying rack: Some people prefer to wash dishes in between dishwasher loads, so a rack helps.
  • Full set of silverware: Two sets are even better. It takes a while to fill up a dishwasher load, so going through four spoons happens pretty quickly.
  • Cooking utensils: Nothing fancy, just a spatula, large spoon, and wooden spoon. Long term visitors will likely cook a meal or two.
  • Pots and pans: Clean and usable (ie., non-crusty). I am begging you, please do not just leave your crustiest dishware that you know is well past its lifespan for your guests to use. Opt for an inexpensive set of a couple of pots and pans. I’d rather it be cheap than crusty.
  • Cookie sheets: These have been the unsung hero of my airbnb stays. You don’t realize how many things get reheated in the oven until you don’t have a cookie sheet.
  • Cutting boards: Otherwise people may opt to cut directly onto your counter…and you may not want that. Cutting boards will help. And if it’s a set that has a different board for meat, veggie, etc…even better!
  • Mat for the kitchen: Drips happen. It’s nice to have a floor mat by the sink.
  • Tea kettle: I boil water every day for some reason or another. Though pots do the trick, I love not having to watch the pot while I wait for my water to boil…the whistle gets my attention just perfectly.
  • Counter spray: I love Method which is good for pets and children, but whatever works best for you is perfect.

BATHROOM

  • Qtips and cotton balls: Always a good bathroom staple
  • Sewing kit: When I purchased pants and they had a hole in them, I was so happy to see a needle and thread in my host’s bathroom.
  • Hand lotion: Hotel samples or a small bottle next to each sink is wonderful!
  • Hair dryer: This is a pain to lug around, so it’s so convenient if there is one in the home
  • Disinfectant wipes/cleaning spray: It’s nice to have a few handy for guests.

BEDROOM/LIVING ROOM

  • Full length mirror: I like knowing how I look from head to toe. What if my shoes look stupid?? I need to know! This is definitely something you could get inexpensively from your local Walmart or Target.
  • Extension cords: Everything in our lives requires a plug, and wall sockets just aren’t enough.
  • Chargers/wall adapters: A little help with the effort of staying powered up is so appreciated.
  • Hangers: A walk-in closet means nothing without hangers and they are so bulky for travelers.
  • Lamps: There’s something nice about soft lighting. Sometmes overhead lights can be a bit harsh and it’s nice to have options.
  • Tissues/Kleenex: Just toss a box on the nightstand, perfect!
  • Ironing board: A small dorm sized one is fine.
  • Hamper/laundry basket: As a long-term guest, having a place to put dirty laundry is really nice to have.
  • Extra blankets/comforters: For the couch or to layer up onto the bed, definitely a thoughtful touch.
  • Rug: If you have hardwood, a landing pad for your feet is really nice when you hop out of bed.

BONUS ITEMS (Not necessary, but definitely nice to have)

  • A second tv: Definitely not a must, but certainly nice when multiple people are staying long-term.
  • Dressers: Long-term guests will want to unpack. Having designated spaces for clothes is really helpful.
  • Nightstands: You don’t appreciate them until you don’t have them, that’s for sure. A bedside space for your gadgets and medications is helpful.
  • Desk: Because I’m full-time teleworking on the road, it’s so nice to have a designated space for those times that I want to sit at a desk, particularly when I am on web meetings and such.
  • Blender: It is totally not necessary to have a vitamix or some kind of super expensive appliance, a blender of any sort would be nice to have on standby for long term guests. Not every guest will use it, but for the ones that will, they will appreciate that it’s there.

I do not expect every house to have EVERY item. I realize that a lot of these may not even be feasible due to space constraints. And trust me, your guests realize that as well. I also know that running an airbnb can be costly, exhausting, and sometimes less-important things have to go by the wayside. I know that every experience is unique in its own way, and whether you have a sewing kit or not will not sway a guest’s opinion one way or another. Please use these lists however you see fit.

justamarylandgirl

Easy Broccoli and Cheese Quiche Recipe

I promise you, I will not load you down with a bunch of text before this  recipe. But I will say this. I’m NOT a very good cook. I don’t particularly enjoy cooking, and it doesn’t soothe me or relax me in any way. But every once in a while, I do get the urge to do a little something in the kitchen.

So earlier this week, my bestie said she made a quiche and it just got my mind spinning. After looking up a few recipes, I pulled from a couple, went to the store, and got to cooking. I came up with my rendition of a broccoli and cheese quiche and I present to you the recipe!

Here are the ingredients:

  • 1 pie crust 
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1.5 cups taco blend shredded cheese
  • 1.5 cups whole milk
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1 small head broccoli
  • 2 TBS olive oil

Here are the directions:

  1. Thaw and bake the pie crust according to instructions on the package
  2. Heat oven to 350 degrees and place one of the racks into the bottom third of your oven
  3. Chop onions and broccoli
  4. Heat a medium sized skillet on medium high
  5. Add olive oil
  6. Sautee onions and broccoli until the broccoli is charred
  7. Take the broccoli and onion mixture out of the skillet and place to the side
  8. In a medium sized bowl, add the eggs, milk, salt and pepper
  9. Whisk together until the eggs become frothy
  10. Spread half of the shredded cheese into the bottom of the pie crust
  11. Spread the broccoli and onion mixture on top of the cheese layer
  12. Add the remaining cheese on top of the broccoli and onions
  13. Pour in the egg mixture, evenly distributing it into the pie crust
  14. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil
  15. Place the pie crust onto the lined baking sheet
  16. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until the top is browned
  17. Cool for 20 minutes before serving

Now that that’s out of the way, I’ll add the discussion about how quiche is amazing and wonderful.  How it’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and how it would be wonderful if paired with a nice salad or a croissant.  And if you’re having company, quiche is a wonderful dish to serve that makes you look fancy smancy.  Add your favorite prosecco or cocktail, and you’re a brunch superstar!

Let me know if you try the recipe!

Bon appetit!

justamarylandgirl

$40 Nightstand Makeover in Four Steps

I recently moved a have been looking for just the right nightstands to go in my bedroom. I’ve seen a few that I liked, and I hemmed and hawed way too long, and now that we are in the middle of the COVID pandemic, store closures have brought my search to a semi-halt.

Of course I can still look around online, and I could do a delivery, but I like having options before making a furniture purchase. And quite honestly, I wasn’t in he mood to spend a lot of money. And I also like going into stores and getting good visuals of the things I’m interested in.

So when I stumbled across two nightstands for $30 on Facebook marketplace, I decided to go with an all-together less expensive, more creative option.

These tables weren’t exactly what I was looking for, but for the price, I could see the potential to turn my weekend quarantine hours into a project that would keep me busy while creating some furniture pieces that would suit my needs.

If my bedroom furniture was a different style, I would have used these well-kept pieces as-is. But I have more rustic contemporary feel going on in my bedroom and figure that these traditional furnishings may work better if they were repainted. I’ve seen a lot of furniture makeovers using matted blue, grey and black and thought that painting in one of those hues was more in my wheel house.

I perused around online and saw that I could do a pick-up order of some matte blue spraypaint from my local Walmart, so I went with that. All of the other materials that I used were things I had around my house leftover from various other projects, so the cost of this project wound up being $30 for the tables and about $7 for three cans of spray paint. Not bad!

Here are the materials I used:

  • Sanding block (I don’t know what the coarseness is because it was leftover from other projects)
  • Rust-Oleum Ultra Matte spraypaint in True Navy (3 cans)
  • Design Master 14 kt gold spraypaint (1 can leftover from other projects)
  • All purpose interior/exterior primer (leftover from other projects)
  • Paintbrush
  • Rags
  • Tarps

So here’s what I did:

1. Sanded the tables. After removing the hardware and the drawers, I used a sanding block and sanded the tables and drawer fronts. The tables had a glossy finish, and I knew I was going to need some texture for the paint to grab on to, so the sanding seemed like a good idea. After I sanded, I wiped them off with a wet rag to remove the dust, and let dry for a few minutes.

2. Primed the tables. I had some primer on hand from another project, and spread a layer on the tables. I didn’t use very much, so if you have some, use what you have. If not, maybe buy a small can or a bottle of spray primer. It may not even be needed if you are working with an unfinished, non-coated wood.

3. Sprayed the tables. I sprayed a thin coat of the navy spraypaint, let it dry about 20 minutes, then sprayed another coat. Once I sprayed the second coat, it needed 24-48 hours to fully fully completely dry.

4. Sprayed the hardware. These tables came with bronze hardware that was pretty well tarnished. If I didn’t have gold spraypaint on hand, I would have left them as is until I found replacement hardware. But…because I love having craft items laying around, I happened to have a can of gold spraypaint. So I gave these knobs a couple of quick coats and they came out perfectly.

I poked holes in the cardboard backing of an ink pen package (lol use what you have, right??) and I set the knobs in there for painting.

 

Once everything dried, I put the knobs into the drawers and that was that! I love how the project came out! And I love even more than I did it for under $40!

Have you done any cute makeovers that you want to share? Drop me a comment!

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justamarylandgirl

DIY Reusable Disinfecting Wipes

Lemme tell you, COVID caught me completely off guard. I have prided myself lately in trying to remove hoarding tendencies from my life. And one area where I’ve worked the hardest is on not stocking up on tons and tons and tons of household items. I would buy one pack of paper towels, one counter cleaner, one pack of paper towels, etc. Use those and re-up when the time was right. Space is limited and I typically don’t use most items very fast.

This no-hoarding lifestyle has totally failed me when it comes to COVID prep. Luckily I had recently re-upped on toilet paper and paper towels, apparently the biggest must-haves for the virus.

But when it comes to disinfecting wipes, I have what remains in one container I bought several months ago, and that’s pretty much it. I had started using non-toxic cleansers years ago because I had a cat, so I haven’t stocked up on virus killing products. This means I have little to no bleach, alcohol, peroxide, etc. This will all be rectified once we return to normal.

But in the mean time, I decided to try to stretch the items I have, and stop trying to fight people in the store for wipes and sanitizers. And with that said, I present to you my quick, easy reusable disinfecting wipes.

Materials:

1) 1 and a half cups of 91% rubbing alcohol

2) 3 tablespoons of Palmolive dish soap

3) 10-20 drops of essential oils

4) Cloths

5) Container

This step is optional. For my purposes, I figured it would be a better for my usage for me to cut them. Also, one of the last things I stocked up on when I moved a couple months ago just happened to be this HUGE bag of microfiber cloths from home Depot that were on clearance for $2.50. I’ve only used a few of them, so they were perfect for this project. Also, cheap wash cloths would work as well.

When you use them, you can toss them in the wash.  You can easily refresh the mixture when necessary.

The end! Easy peasy!  

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justamarylandgirl

Why The Annual “State of My Finances” Is Important

state of finances 2

Money, money, money money….MONEY!!!  Some people got to have it, some people really need it…and some have no idea whether they have it or they need it because they don’t take the time to review their books.  “What books??” You ask.  Well, whether it’s a book or a spreadsheet or an app on your phone, I’m talking about your finances.

Every year kinda goes the same way when it comes to my finances.  I have a pretty strong start with being disciplined and focused, then I eventually lose focus but somehow the bills still get paid, and by the end of the year, things get pretty loosey goosey.  I am not aware of balances, I stop telling myself “no” to purchases as much as I should, I start becoming really focused on when I get paid again, and the paycheck-to-paycheck mentality kicks in a bit.  Then January rolls around and I force myself to get reacquainted with my finances, and I become focused and disciplined all over again.

So…here we are…it’s January and it’s time to know what’s happening with my finances.  It’s time to regain control, see the big picture, know my numbers and dates, and make the promise to myself to be more fiscally responsible than I was last year.

Where to begin:  I have a spreadsheet which has been my trusty companion for the last five years or so.  I use it to track account balances, financial obligations, and monthly payments.  So I pulled that out and got to work.  I went account by account, checked balances and limits, minimum payments, and due dates.  One page of the spreadsheet contains every debt that I owe for every monthly payment I make.  It has the date that those payments are due each month, the current balance of that account, the limit for that account, and the method which I make my monthly payments.  I update it for any new accounts and delete any old accounts that no longer apply.  I sum this all up and I see where I stand from a total debt perspective.  Then I compare that amount to the debt reported on my freecreditreport.com report.  (Side note:  Freecreditreport.com is a very useful tool. I highly recommend this or some type of credit monitoring service.)

So here’s the spreadsheet template that I use.

budgetspreadsheetcapture2

After I’ve updated all the accounts on my current payment roster, I go to my other sheet that lays out my monthly perspective.  I put in my paycheck dates for the year, the amount of each paycheck, and the bills that I pay each month.  This is where I track each time I get a paycheck, and each time I actually make a payment towards my bills.  This is also where I become a little lazy because most of my payments are set to be automatically paid.  I like that these payments occur behind the scenes and that I do not have to monitor them on a daily basis.  I feel like I should stay on top of my monthly payments, but because God invented autopay, I just don’t have the need to monitor it super close.

budgetspreadsheetcapture

So…between these two spreadsheets, this is how I go about performing my “State of My Finances” review.

Upon completing my review, here’s what I found out— I kicked ASS this year financially!  GO ME!  1) I paid off all credit card accounts except one that I use for vacations and such.  2) My credit score has gone up, up, up despite purchasing a vehicle last year! 3) My monthly utility, cell phone, cable, etc. have all been kept at a satisfactory level.  4) I am spending significantly less than I make.  5) And I have a much healthier surplus at the end of each month.  YES!  This is what it’s all about!

Doing an annual “State of Your Finances” is an absolute MUST for everyone, and here’s why:

You know where you stand:  Every adult should know who they owe, how much they owe, and when they owe it.  You need to know whether you need to make changes or stay the course.  You need to know whether you can withstand a financial crisis or an unexpected life change.  While credit reports are a great way to know this information, sometimes they are wrong.  If you haven’t done your own work, you may not realize there are errors, and that can hurt you in the long run.  A good example for me is, when I was furloughed for 35 days, and missed nearly three paychecks, my boyfriend was actually surprised that I wasn’t a big ball of stress.  That’s because I knew I had savings, I knew I had credit cards that weren’t maxed out, and I knew what sat in my bank account.  Granted, it wasn’t a great time, I definitely avoided Target like the plague…but I was able to survive it unscathed.

Knowing your financial status is empowering:  Every year when I do my self-audit, I come out of the experience feeling better.  When they say knowing is half the battle, that’s legit.  You feel empowered to do better, to plot a course, to move to the next step.  Or you feel validated in the way you spent money in the previous year.  Even in the years when I realize my financial situation was not great, when I was completely under water and overwhelmed, I still completed my finance-check feeling better.  I’d rather know than not know.  Knowing your starting point helps you determine your goals.  Just because things aren’t great doesn’t mean you can’t improve and get to where you want to be.  Trust me.  I know first-hand, and maybe one day I’ll write about my journey to this point.

Not knowing is stressful:  Flying blindly is a bad idea.  Not knowing whether you are close to financial ruin or well on your way to financial freedom can cause stress.  Playing fast and loose with your finances is never a good thing.  Getting to a checkout line and not knowing whether you have $500 or $5 in your account is not cute.  Going to dinner with your girls, and having your stomach in knots because you don’t know what the waiter is going to say when he brings your card back…is a horrible position to be in.  Remove one source of stress from your life.  Know for sure what’s going on.  Either way, the money is either in your account or it isn’t.  Don’t add to the stress by putting yourself in embarrassing situations just because you don’t want to know your truth.

You can set the course and let go of the wheel:  What I’ve learned is that by going over my bills and payments in the beginning of the year, I actually figure out what my plan is for the year, set everything up, and then I don’t think about it.  I just let the auto-pay magic happen.  Because I know that I’m not the greatest at being disciplined, I set myself up for success from the beginning and then I don’t worry about it.  Over the course of the last few years, I always dread this audit, and then realize things are better than where I started.  But that’s because I’ve set payments up, I’ve updated when things get allocated based on my pay dates for the year, so I don’t have to constantly monitor and look at things in order for them to get done.  Lay out your plan and let it go to work!

You can take advantage of opportunities: Whether it’s planning a trip you swore you didn’t have enough money for, or increasing your contributions to your 401k, knowing definitively where you stand with your finances opens the door to more opportunities.  For me, if I have money sitting in the bank, that’s money available for me to spend.  But instead, if I allocate it before I see it, then it’s helping me accomplish a goal.  I know I’d much rather accomplish a goal than purchase yet another pair of jeans.  Let your money help you experience life to its fullest.  Don’t let it be the reason you don’t want to get out of bed in the morning.  I’ve been there–it’s horrible.

Start your year off right.  Don’t hesitate!  Know where you stand financially and set yourself up to be in a better position when you review your finances next year.  I know you can do it!

tata for now -m- (2)

 

justamarylandgirl