Dear Airbnb,  

I have heard a lot about you. Nonetheless, up to this point, I am still skeptical towards using the site and hosting other travelers in my property.
If you are one of the many people who have apprehensions with regards to the use of Airbnb in searching for alternative forms of accommodations or for earning side income, keep on reading and you will be enlightened. By the time that you are finished reading, you will find it easier to decide if you should host or use Airbnb.

Using Airbnb

Among others, the use of Airbnb for your next travel could be beneficial in terms of cost savings. Compared to traditional accommodations like hotels, the rates are much cheaper.  It also provides an excellent opportunity to meet locals, who often act as hosts, and they will give you a more genuine experience during your holiday.  You also get to stay in a place that will feel like home, and hence, being more comfortable.  With Airbnb, you will have limitless selection of accommodations as the number of people who are hosting grows day after day.


In spite of the good things, there are also some drawbacks. There is no room service and the accommodations vary as far as private bathrooms, etc.  So, read the description carefully because it may be a very low price for a reason.  You also have to communicate effectively with the owner, and you have to pay upon booking.   Furthermore, every individual has different standards as to what “Clean” actually means.  So if you are a neat freak be careful where you book!

Hosting on Airbnb

If you are looking for opportunities to earn a side income, hosting on Airbnb is going to be a good choice. Because you are making your home or room available for rent, this is going to be an opportunity to meet other people.  You will meet a lot of interesting travelers, and more importantly, as a host, you can earn additional income.  Rather than just letting your property sit unproductively, it would be better to have rented it out for people who are looking for alternative accommodations in their vacation.

However, it does not come without drawbacks. You have to exert effort maintaining your property to be assured that it will attract travelers. You are also risking your property as there are instances wherein guests can misbehave and can cause significant damage to your home.
What is the cost to host? Airbnb charges 3% which, in my opinion, is very reasonable! 

If you are still thinking about using Airbnb as a host or traveler, do not think any further. While it is indeed true that there are drawbacks, the benefits are still more dominant. It is an excellent way to earn more money, and at the same time, a good opportunity to enjoy warm local hospitality through having friendly hosts in your chosen destination.

Happy Trails,

Life’s Baggage

P.S. Share this on Facebook to help others learn more about Airbnb
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Power of Positive Being

• Life's Baggage       

Power of Positive Being 

Dear Pessimist,

 

Ugh, why me you think as the light turns red just before your turn! I always get stuck at the lights.  Later at work you think Ahh, the copier always runs out of paper for me.  I always get the short end of the stick.  Are you a glass is half empty kind of person?  Believe me, you are a JOY to be around and make my day brighter but, maybe, just maybe you should consider making a change for the better… 

 

Positive thinking is a mental connection that definitely brings success and personal development in life. Positive thoughts meet us with joy, happiness and health, and cause a successful outcome in every situation. Believe in the power of positive thinking and learn how to use it effectively. Results could astound you.

 

Therefore, do not be one of those people who do not believe in the power of optimism. At any time, believe in the power of positive thinking and learn how to use them effectively…

 

The word optimism is derived from the Latin word “optimus” which means “best”. It points the way optimistic person always looks at the situation and find the best solution in each of them. Optimistic people believe, expect and hope that everything will end in the best way.

 

“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” – Winston Churchill

 

Optimistic people live longer.

 

Benefits of positive thinking are:

• better immune system
• better abilities to cope with stress
• better resistance to disease

How does the brain of optimistic people work?
Optimistic people believe that they are responsible for their own happiness, and that in the future can expect even better things. Also, optimists do not blame themselves when they run into something bad.
 “Look forward to life because it gives you a chance to love, work, play and watch the stars” – Henry Van Dyke.






How optimistic people think?

• they are convinced that their world provides many opportunities for success
• believe that there are no boundaries that can prevent them from achieving the goals
• do not complain when something bad happens
• each obstacles for them is a new challenge
• in all will find something good

Get rid of negative thoughts!

Change negative thoughts to positive ones. When you have negative thoughts, try to visualize good and enjoyable experience – we are sure that you have a lot of them to spare. Optimism is the ability to deal with emotional intelligence, which means better success and a better life.  Negative situations can be seen as an opportunity laid before you learn something new, understand another person better, or in a red light situation take the opportunity to breath deep knowing you can relax because there is nothing you can do to change where you are in the moment in time.

“Pessimism leads to weakness, optimism to power.” – William James

How positive thinking became science?

Only in the past year, in professional journals are published several hundred papers on the effects of a positive opinion on health. The expectation of good outcomes or dispositional optimism, as the researchers call it, is associated with almost all aspects of life – from less subjective experience of loneliness to an increased tolerance to pain.  Optimism as a variable in their research has a very interesting history.  If we go back three decades ago, we found a pile of evidence that research optimism has no future.  Then, in 1985, in the journal Health Psychology, psychologists Michael F. Scheier and Charles S. Carver published their study “Optimism, Coping, and Health: Assessment and Implications of Generalized Outcome expectancies”.  Since then, other researchers have been quoted in the writings of at least 3,150 times.

During the 1980s, Carver and Scheier collaborated on research and targeted motivation (motivated) behavior. From the beginning they knew that the expected outcome of a very important aspect of this behavior is interested in the answer to the question: Whether and how the expected outcome affects the outcome?  Behind this question is seemingly simple reasoning.  When you set a goal, there are a number of steps, a number of behaviors that need to be carried out in order to reach it.  It is, therefore, about the planned behavior.  No matter how well-planned way to the finish line, on it we will have fewer or greater difficulty.  Scheier and Carver hypothesized that the human mind has a kind of calculator that assigns specific values of these difficulties and as a result generates the expected outcome – a subjective assessment of the probability to overcome the difficulties and despite them reach their goal.  This result, that expectation, they assumed, plays a role in the general emotional tone of people, even in her behavior.

More or less the answer to the question why optimists are doing better than pessimists is shaped. Studies show that optimists are proactive, in persistent search for the solution to the problem and, not least, easier to adapt to the situation when they realize that something is, at least at a given time and the circumstances, beyond their power. Because they have such access problems, are less exposed to psychological stress.  This makes them less prone to smoking, alcohol and unhealthy behaviors in general.  It is not surprising that, in the end, optimism variable upon which, to some extent may provide general mental and physical health.

How are we really positive at a time when almost all is negative? Often we complain about how people have become “strange”, all are close to their homes, less socializing.  At a time when people still find themselves together discussing the problems with the children, the financial crisis, double shipwrecks, health problems, like we are losing life energy, as we no longer think positive.  Some will ask how to think positively when around me all is wrong.

If you are not a born optimist, there are ways to learn how to think positively. Several common strategies involve learning how to identify negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones.

• Think of why a negative situation could be positive in the long term
• Start the positive conversations and try to redirect
• Don’t give up

Positive Thinking!

Positive thinking is the act of developing positive thoughts. Many people tend to think positively in order to get rid of depression, unhealthy and negative thoughts.  Positive Thinking in our mind is the technique that requires effort to focus on the optimistic thinking to minimize or cancel the negative.  Positive thinking improves the health of mind and body.  Positive thinking is now recommended as a form of functioning of a person and the way in which all people should look to the world.  It has been scientifically proven that optimists live longer and better because optimism has a positive effect on the immune system, which allows health happiness and longevity.  Positive thinking will not overnight fill your pockets, but with its help your situation will be able to observe as a transitory period after which we will improve.

“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” – Helen Keller

Smiles,

Life’s Baggage

P.S. Share this on Facebook and Twitter or email to a friend that need more good vibes in life.

3 Steps to Making Money on Craigslist

3 Steps to Making Money on Craigslist

Dear Frugal Friend,

You work hard to cut corners and make extra income on the side. You appreciate a good deal and enjoy it even more when it makes you money.  I am going to teach you 3 simple steps to making money on craigslist.  I made thousands doing this one summer when my husband was laid off.  It is easy and doesn’t take a lot of know how.   Craigslist is great to get amazing local deals on cars, furniture, and anything!  But, did you know it is also a great source of revenue.   Here are the three simple steps you can take to make additional income this week.

1. Watch craigslist for a great deal on furniture OR find it for FREE!
2. Paint it and fix it up
3. Resell it on craigslist for a profit

Now we will get a little more detailed. I prefer to find wood furniture.   It is sturdy and durable and easy to paint and fix up.  I suggest looking for items like tables, benches, and bedroom furniture.   Once you pick it up for free and get it home the first thing you need to do is wipe it down with a damp rag.  Then you will really be able to see what you are working with.  If you do not need to strip and/or sand it I suggest using a de-glosser before you paint.  It is a quick and easy step that will help the paint stick much better.
My community has a place at the dump where people can drop off paint and other items that cannot go in the dump. I suggest looking online to see if you r community has something similar.  I can go there and pick some paint and other items great for furniture and the best part is, it’s FREE.  So, you look on Craigslist and find a couple pieces of free furniture.  Go to your local dump and get some free paint.  You can also look for some sort of de-glosser.  Luckily shabby chic is still in so the furniture doesn’t have to be perfect.

TIP: Look for chalkboard paint for kids furniture! It is a fun and easy way to change it up. 

I highly suggest sticking with more neutral colors for the paint. I know you can be drawn to that bright purple but, black and white sell best.  If you really want to use a color go with an earthy green, or a solid accent color.  Most items will need two coats.  Once it is painted you can either leave it or sand a few places to add to the shabby chic look.

 TIP: Patio furniture is a big seller in the Spring! New cushions do wonders!

Now you can look on Craigslist for similar items to see what they are priced at. Make sure you price yours right around there or slightly under.  You should expect people to haggle when they come to look at it.  You should plan on the final sale price to be 10-20% less than it is listed for.   If you price it to move it should be gone within 48-72 hours.   My best item was a buffet I purchased for $20 and resold for $300.  Tell me in the comments below what you flipped.

Happy selling,

Life’s Baggage

P.S. Share this on Facebook to teach others how to make a profit on Craigslist.

http://www.lifesbaggage.com/2015/09/mindy-mizell/

Mindy Mizell

• Life's Baggage

Life's BaggageSeptember 7, 2015No Comments
do good, Golden Rule, IJM, Interhational Justice Miccion, mind mizell, Nonprofit, World Vision

Mindy Mizell

 

What makes a good person “good”? Just like every characteristic in life there are different levels of goodness and kindness. When you meet someone who is exceptionally good you can see it in all they do and the way they live their life. Mindy Mizell embodies classic characteristics of goodness and kindness and she lives her life in a way that makes it easy to see.

“Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” – Albert Einstein

Life’s Baggage would like to honor Mindy Mizell with the “Golden Rule Award” for she truly treats others as she would like to be treated. She is kind, caring, and does her best to make the world a better place. She also surrounds herself with others that also have a positive impact on the world through the places she works. Mindy was gracious enough to answer a few questions for me about her life and career choices.


To begin I inquired about her time while working at World Vision. For those of you who are not familiar with this organization, World Vision, is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. Mindy Mizell served as the Media Relations Director form October 2010 – April 2013. While she enjoyed her time with this organization two of her most memorable moments in her own words are:
“Managing a team of “misfit toys”…..that’s what I lovingly and respectfully called the team I managed. We all had different backgrounds, areas of expertise and it didn’t seem like we would work well together…..but we did! I wasn’t hired to be a manager but inherited the team during my nearly 3 years at WV, and together we became a highly effective team and generated thousands of media placements each year. I learned that being a good leader truly does mean caring more about others than yourself.”

“Deploying to the Horn of Africa in 2011 for the Famine Crisis in Somalia: I was tasked with serving as a general communicator where I gathered resources, conducted interviews and supported our VIPs in the field but I was also able to introduce cutting-edge digital marketing strategies and create WVI’s first emergency social media channels. I created a blog and produced more than 40 videos on my flip camera….which ultimately helped our fundraising teams raise millions of dollars. I still picture the children in my head and how I was tasked with serving as a bridge between them and donors who could help.”

What a great cause and a wonderful impact Mindy was able to have with so many in the world. Many times in life we are led down a path, and other times we choose a new direction. Mindy was blessed with a new position being able to positively impact a new group of coworkers and people around the world. She currently works at The International Justice Mission (IJM) as the Global Public Relations Director. With this position she does a wonderful job raising awareness for IJM worldwide so that more people are encouraged to support their work.

She has had many impactful moments with The International Justice Mission but one in particular stands out when she used cutting-edge and innovative strategies last fall to tell the story of four women who had been rescued from sex trafficking in India. A team in Mumbai had alerted IJM that they’d conducted a rescue at a brothel where they had found the girls inside the wall! They sent over some iPhone videos of it so Mindy quickly mobilized a team to conduct a skype interview and do it as breaking news. “We posted in on YouTube and Facebook and it garnered thousands of views. It also became our primary fundraising video during the Christmas fundraising dinners and helped raise millions in support.” Mindy was able to visit them in India and do a follow-up story. Mindy said “I was proud that I was able to help them tell their story more broadly and compellingly by using innovation and unique strategies.”

Click here to see Mindy interview Sanjay Mcwan about the rescue.

Click here to see the women as they were rescued as well as after.

“You may choose to look the other way but you can never say again that you did not know.”   – William Wilberforce

Mindy doesn’t think she is necessarily on the path of being a good person. In her eyes she is just on her own journey and doing “good” can be done in any career or calling. She looks at life as a path of growth and becoming the best version of herself. In Mindy’s words “Sometimes I’ve gotten off track….even when others perceive what I’m doing as “good”. And sometimes people have perceived that I’ve been off track, even when I’m doing what I know in my heart is right and good. “Doing good” is not just about helping others but it’s an opportunity or invitation to allow God to help us become who He made us to be. I’ve been inspired by nearly everyone I meet and have met along the journey. Every person has taught me something….and has caused me to grow. Sometimes growth is painful and sometimes it’s pleasurable, but I’m confident that doing “good” is always growth that’s bringing me closer to God and who He created me to be.”

As many remarkable people in life are, Mindy is very modest in her view of herself. While to an outsider, like myself, I see her as an exceptional person and someone that is able to have a great impact of making the world a better place. Mindy reminds us that people are able to “do good” every day in their own unique ways. Mindy states “Sometimes it’s just the guy who holds the elevator open as you come running down the office hallway.” This is a great example of how simply acknowledging the presence of others and that you are not alone in the world can be impactful in a good way to others lives.
Mindy poses some interesting questions “What is good? How do we define it? One definition is: that which is morally right. But of course, the next question would be….what IS morally right? I don’t think one can truly define “good” until we define “morally right.” Who determines what is moral? Who determines what is right? Do we? Or is that God? And that’s when it seems I can’t help but think about God and what He thinks is good. God’s two greatest commands are to love Him with all my heart, soul, mind and strength….and love others as myself. That’s what I believe is “doing good” …no matter what job we happen to do.”

To sum up her views she said the one that inspires her throughout her life is Jesus. In her own words “Whenever I think about who has done the most good in the world, who sacrificed the most and who modeled all the characteristics I aspire to be about, it’s Jesus. He was loving, selfless, respectful, generous, focused and even creative. He often used stories or parables to communicate hidden truths to crowds…..and he wasn’t afraid to go against normal ways of doing things (like dining with tax collector or healing the sick on the Sabbath). He inspires me to focus only on seeking God’s favor….not others and not even my own.” Mindy, we thank you for being who you are! You are a great example of what one person can do on their personal life’s journey.

Dear Minion’s,              
Well, my children think you are hilarious. They laugh at your gibberish, crack up when you fight over a banana, and Bob is their favorite. Yet, as a parent I am not sure how I feel about your uncouth behavior. My problem is that I hope my children will not try to emulate you in their behavior. However, I look to look at the good in all people no matter their size and behavior. So, we can teach them to look for the good in you.

• Friendship and Loyalty are important.
  • Being a loyal friend is something you should strive to be and strive to find – Life’s Baggage
• Don’t take life too seriously and you should always be able to laugh at yourself.
  • The most wasted of all days is one without laughter. – E. E. Cummings
• Work can be fun with the right attitude and coworkers.
  • Virtually nothing is impossible in this world if you just put your mind to it and maintain a positive attitude. – Lou Holtz
• Goals and fun are more likely accomplished as a team!
  • Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success. –Henry Ford
• You can learn from others mistakes
  • You must learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t possibly live long enough to make them all yourself. – The kids are going crazy for the minion’s! So, what can parents learn from them?

In conclusion, thank you for teaching them these life lessons and for making mistakes so that, hopefully, they don’t make the same ones. I hope you have a great career and my children look back on your movies with fond memories.

Poopaye!

Life’s Baggage

P.S. Share this with parents you know whose kids are Minion Crazy.

P.P.S. To read more articles by this author go to http://www.LifesBaggage.com

Dear FitBit Team…

As you sit in your comfortable office in San Francisco I think you should take a minute to pat yourself on the back. Your goal in 2001 was to make a wearable product that would change the way we move. Your mission to help people live a healthier lifestyle has been a success in my life. So, thank you for creating such a wonderful product.

If you are not on the FitBit team and want to read online about the different FitBit models you can go here www.FitBit.com. You can also read about the wonderful app and product features. If you want to know about how this product can change your life then, you can keep reading.

“To keep the body in good health is a duty, otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.” –Buddha

Once upon a time I was an active, competitive, person with a mission to stay fit and healthy. Then I found beer, poor college eating habits, and discovered I was a horrible cook, did I mention beer? Then before I could get fit as an adult I did something to my body that destroys any hope you may have had to feel sexy again….yup, I had children. So, my encouraging husband was excited for me when I mentioned getting a fitness watch. I did my research on the Misfit Shine, FitBit HR, FitBit Charge, Mio Fuse, Jawbone UP24, Garmin Vivofit, and more.  I tend to be a research junky when I am about to drop money on something. This was an important purchase to help me get fit, benefit my health, and fit my lifestyle. Not to mention, it was going to help me be a better parent, by showing my young children that being healthy and having an active lifestyle are important at any age.

After lots of research, reading reviews, and trying them on I selected the Fit Bit HR.  Yes, the price can give you a shock and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have a little buyer’s remorse the next day but, that faded quickly as I discovered a renewed love of exercise, and striving to be at the top of this list while I taunted everyone below me! I think if you actually use all the features it is like having a personal trainer and nutritionist with you 24/7 pushing you and saying “really…you are going to eat that!”  If you are considering purchasing one I am telling you to not hold back. The features and the app are wonderful! This product is definitely a way to help lighten the load in your britches as well as in your Life’s Baggage.

If you are looking to lose weight, diet, and just get in shape you will love this product.  The buyer’s remorse disappears after you realize how wonderful this product is, and you will be thankful you ponied up the money.  I think long-term it saves you money, as you eat less food and drinking less beer!  I love it so much that my husband had to get one as well. Please comment below on which fit device you use and your favorite feature.

Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live. – Jim Rohn

Thank you to the FitBit team for the difference you made in my life.

Sincerely,
Life's Baggage

P.S. Share this with anyone you know who would benefit from a renew love for activity.

Life's Baggage : FIRST SIMPLE KEY TO YOUR SUCCESS

How can you be successful if you never try?  The answer is simple, you can’t and you won’t.  The first key to your success is decisive action.  The main hindrance in achieving your goals is not making the decision to start.  Open a note in your phone right now.  Now write your top three goals this year.  Save that note on your phone and refer to it daily.  Keeping those goals in the front of your mind will help

you to start making the decisions to turn those goals into reality.

If you want to be successful you need to have decisive action.  You will not be successful if you can’t make a decision, and you will never be successful if you do not act on that decision.  Sometimes right or wrong you just need to make a choice and go with it.  That doesn’t mean you can’t change your path down the road. You cannot be afraid to try; you can be successful and achieve your goals. Making a choice and acting on it is always better than being indecisive and inactive.

Commit to your goals and start making the decisions AND acting on them today.