• Bahamas dock
    Lifestyle,  Travel

    My Vacation Cruise Package – Beware of Extra Costs

    Have you bought a vacation cruise package? Back in 2019, I received a phone call about a Caribbean cruise package deal. It was for a discounted price and also included a few days stay in a couple of hotel resorts in Florida and the Bahamas. (Of course, they also required me to listen to a timeshare presentation.) Thanks to the…

  • Travelling friends
    Lifestyle,  Travel

    The Benefits of Travelling with a Friend

    Travelling alone can be fun but travelling with a friend also has it’s benefits. On my cruise vacation to the Bahamas and Florida, I went with my long-time friend, Deb. We refer to ourselves as “Thelma and Louise” on our adventures, although we have never robbed or killed anyone, or driven off a cliff. This was our fifth adventure together.…

  • black knapsack with suitcase section
    Lifestyle,  Travel

    Packing in a Knapsack for a Ten Day Trip

    For my vacation to Florida & the Bahamas, I packed in a knapsack for a ten-day trip. On my last trip, to British Columbia, I packed with a small carry-on suitcase and knapsack. Although that worked out well, I thought I would challenge myself to go more minimal. It is a lot easier to get around on buses and trains…

  • Dining Room Chandelier
    Holiday,  Lifestyle,  Organizing

    Organizing for the Holidays to Minimize Stress

    Do you have your holiday plans organized yet? The gifts, the food, the events, the decorations, and card sending (if you do that)? I know some people put their tree and decorations up right after Halloween. Some people, not naming any names, leave all their gift-buying until December 24th and end up over-spending. The more organized you can be for…

  • back patio
    Airbnb,  Decor & DIY

    Back Patio Refresh 2022 (Budget-Friendly)

    This year I finally got around to doing a refresh on my back patio for my guest suite #2. Everyone likes to have a nice place to sit and enjoy the sunset. What can you do to make a special outdoor area for yourself? Even small areas can be transformed to make your own special oasis and be budget-friendly. Back…

  • Current Airbnb guest suite#2 living/dining room
    Airbnb,  Decor & DIY

    Airbnb Guest Suite #2 Updates Before and After

    My Airbnb guest suite #2 had the biggest transformation over the last couple of years. From little repairs, to some new furniture and accessories, to a major kitchen renovation. As you enter my Airbnb guest suite #2… First the entrance door was replaced and I got a new screen door. Unfortunately, a windstorm wrecked the hinges on the screen door…

  • Airbnb entrance/dining room update
    Airbnb,  Decor & DIY

    Airbnb Guest Suite #1 Updates 2022

    It’s been a couple of years since I started my Airbnb guest suites and I’ve made a few minor changes to my guest suite #1. Whether someone is coming for work or leisure they like to have a safe, homey place they can stay. New Barbecue. My newest Airbnb update to guest suite #1… I have added a little barbecue…

  • IKEA Drawers
    Airbnb,  Organizing

    Small IKEA Kitchen Organization-Guest Suite #2

    Organizing a small kitchen has it’s own special challenges. I had to re-examine what was needed with my newly renovated IKEA kitchen in my guest suite . My accent colour of red remains to co-ordinate with the colours in the living room. Halfway between kitchen declutter & organizing. Step One in kitchen organization… Of course, I had to declutter before…

  • Guest bedroom -after
    Airbnb,  Decor & DIY

    Guest Suite #2 Makeover Part Two – Bedroom Refresh

    My guest suite #2 also had a little update in the bedroom this year. It’s amazing what a little paint and a few “new” accessories can do. Some “Before” bedroom makeover pictures… Before makeover Before with antique dresser Corner bedroom – before I had originally painted the pale lilac colour for my mother, but didn’t have time to repaint when…

  • Airbnb Housekeeping Hall
    Airbnb

    Organizing An Airbnb Housekeeping Station

    My back hall finally got a mini-makeover and my Airbnb housekeeping station was re-organized. The goal was to make the process easier and more efficient to save time. This area frequently became a dumping ground for items that didn’t have a home or I hadn’t gotten around to putting away. Back Hall Before Back Hall Pass-through The pass-through hole to…

  • Airbnb guest tips - table & chairs
    Airbnb

    How To Be A Great Airbnb Guest – Top Ten Tips

    Whether you have to travel for work or education, or if you are lucky enough to live in an area where leisure travel is allowed again, you might want to stay at a short-term rental such as an Airbnb. Unlike most hotels and motels, these are usually in someone’s home, or cottage and can be like a home away from…

  • Airbnb#1 entrance dining room
    Airbnb

    Start Your Own Airbnb Guest Suite -Top Ten Tips

    Are you looking for tips to start your own Airbnb guest suite? Read on for my top ten tips. Last year when my long-time tenants moved out of my apartments in my home I turned them into guest suites and listed them on the Airbnb site. It continues to be a learning experience for me but I thought I would…

  • guest suite #2 reflections grey bedding
    Airbnb,  Decor & DIY

    Welcome to Church Hill Haven Guest Suite #2

    I finally got Church Hill Haven Guest Suite #2 ready in August. I had already painted the main areas last year in neutral greys. The main kitchen, living, and dining room had red and green accent colours. Guest Suite #2 Entrance and Mudroom… Guest Suite #2 Furniture Transformation… I commandeered a couple of pieces I had in my shed, left…

  • Airbnb guest suite #1 reflections grey bed & antique night tables
    Airbnb,  Decor & DIY

    Church Hill Haven Guest Suite #1 (Before and After)

    Recently, I decided to turn my basement apartments into guest suites. (I’ve always loved an excuse to decorate.) During my travels I stayed at some accommodations on Airbnb and I was impressed at how easy it was to use the site. They handle all the payments in a safe, secure manner, submit the taxes where applicable, and then pay the…