Monday, November 2, 2020

The Perfect Guest Room

Make your guest room feel like that getaway vacation retreat that every visitor of your house hopes for. You wouldn’t want an invited guest to feel unwanted and uncomfortable in your home, so spice it up any way that you can. I promise you won’t regret it. Think about how you would want to be treated as a guest. You would want to feel special and appreciated. Create a guest room that won’t make you have to give up your own room temporarily. When you are having a guest stay with you, you will want to eliminate any unnecessary awkwardness by letting them know the good and bad factors of the room. Point out the fun details, but do not forget to make them aware of any unusual faucets in the room.

How to Get Your Guest Room Ready

One of the most essential pieces of a cozy guest room is the bed. Ensure that your bed is not a squeaking mess for your welcomed guests. Think about the type of bed you would expect in a five-star hotel. Do not allow your guests to sleep on the most worn-out mattress in your home. Even if you have to obtain some kind of an air mattress so your visitor can sleep comfortably, do not let them sleep on something that you wouldn’t even let your dog sleep on.

An xl twin mattress is a perfect size for one guest. Ensure they are sleeping on a comfortable cloud full of decorative materials and vibrant colors. Here are some other factors that make a guest room livable:

• New Linens

• Cleared Deck Areas

• Relaxing Seating Area

• A Bright Space

• Clean Closet

• Empty Drawers

Family members and friends will rave about your home and the wonderful experience they had staying temporarily in your home, so take every step you can to create the perfect aura for this guest room.

It is very important that you leave plenty of room for your guest to place their things temporarily. Make sure that they have an area for their suitcases to go to. You could place a luggage rack or a small bench table in the room to accommodate this need, and if push comes to shove, you can use a chair.

Don’t forget about the basic necessities that come with staying somewhere new for a short period. Provide an alarm clock so that your guests can keep up with the time accurately. Everybody might not have a phone to look at the time on. It also would not be a bad idea to provide a hairdryer, robe, shampoo, snacks, and writing utensils.

Entertainment

It would be wise to leave your Wi-Fi passcode somewhere in the room for easy and consistent access to the internet. Your guest might have run out of data on their phone, or they might have some work to complete on their laptop, even though they might be on a short vacation at your house. Do not make this information hard to access. It would be a shame for your guest to need this information while you are asleep. You would not want to be disturbed, and I’m sure your visitor does not want to disturb you either.

Another way to provide some good entertainment options for your guests is to have a TV in the room with the remote nearby the bed. Nobody enjoys looking endlessly for a lost remote. Do not make watching television harder than it has to be. It also would not be a bad idea to keep some type of travel guides and good reads by the bedding area. Travel guides make guests aware of all of the places that they could visit in the city with or without you, and it is never a bad idea to keep an interesting book at the bedside.

Privacy

Protect your guests by ensuring that they are protected from outside eyes. Your windows should have curtains and proper shading to stop predators and nosey neighbors from looking at the parts of your home you do not want them to see. Blinds will work great to solve this privacy issue, and it also adds to an amazing ambiance and aura to your extra bedroom. You wouldn't want any harassment coming to your guest after leaving them exposed to your neighborhood.

Another important factor to consider is to not keep too much privacy. Your guests should know how to work your security systems in case of an emergency and any other guidelines that will help them navigate around the house better with minimal trouble.

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

How To Survive The Pandemic & Keep Your Sanity

Folks, believe it or not, but it's me again. Your favorite retired blogger's retired blogger. Yes, this site does still exist, and yes, on rare occasions I use it when I've got no place else to say what I need to say.

This yeah, obviously, has been like no other. Vacations are a thing of the past. The concept of "quality time" with your family doesn't really exist because you're literally spending all your time with them. Like everyone else (I hope) me and mine have simply adopted to the smaller world inside the confines of our residence. We only venture out for groceries and essential stuff. Recreation is a thing of the past. Zoom schooling is in, playgrounds are out. It's a harsh new reality and one highly unlikely to change anytime soon. The current abnormal will likely just become the new normal, until there's a vaccine. And even then, who the heck wants to be first to get said vaccine?

I don't mean to get all Andy Rooney on ya'll, but keeping your sanity in the midst of all this containment can be a challenge. I'd love to go to Nats game, spend a day at the Bay, or maybe a weekend at the beach. All of those things have to wait, because they mean nothing if you're dead. So, we adjust, we adapt, we pivot. But that doesn't come without a price.

~

Assuming you're a longtime reader, you'll know this blog is nearly a teenager at this point. I kicked it off in 2007, because I loved reading other people's blogs and figured "how hard can that be?" Turns out, it was hard AF, especially in the first year or so when my daily readership consisted of my then-sister-in-law and me. Over time, I caught some fortunate breaks, some people told other people and before long, AB.com was a full fledged daily community with guest posters, several thousand daily unique viewers, and a comment section that felt like the neighborhood watering hole, assuming such a thing still exists. I made friends here that I still speak with daily.

Of course, social media changed the landscape of where people went to exchange opinions, and blogs quickly fell out of favor. This one is no different. I keep the lights on here because, well, there's financial incentive to, but my daily thoughts have migrated elsewhere along with the rest of the world.

~

People keep talking about how awful 2020 has been, and there's some truth to that. A lot of beloved people have died, the economy has cratered, people are protesting (and getting killed at protests) continuously, and of course, there's the elephant in the room that's taken many lives and altered others permananently. But the overarcing menace here is the same one that's been around since 2016. And I sincerly hope that part of this horrible year ends, come November 3rd.

Be good to yourself, and those around you.

-Jay

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Summer Drinks for Entertainment

Summer is almost upon us, and that means evenings of frivolity. Whether your backyard is large enough and inviting enough to entertain a group of your friends, or you prefer an intimate affair indoors, you will be sure to delight when you make one of these summery cocktails. We give you seven ideas that are just as fresh as what they are made from and taste delicious on a warm summer's day. These drinks can be made individually or in large batches out of a pitcher. They are perfect for a steamy summer garden party.

1. A Sweet Authentic Mojito

There are so many mixers available for this Cuban favorite, but nothing can quite compare to making one from scratch, just raw ingredients to make the perfect drink. A good rum will give it the sweetness it needs. When mixed with a bit of sugar and club soda, poured over ice, and garnished with some lime wedges and sprigs of fresh mint leaves, it is sure to please everyone. This is a great drink for a summer evening because it is fresh, it is light, and the mint works perfectly to make it a summer staple.

2. Use Blackberry Syrup in a Bramble

As almost anyone with even a passing interest in bartending lore can tell you, the bramble is a British cocktail that pairs a gin sour with the refreshing, tart bite of blackberries. For a more modest and time-sensitive host or hostess, a bramble can be made by preparing a gin sour and some blackberry syrup in a tall glass over ice. Add another dash of lime juice for an ultra summery twist on a modern classic.

3. Daiquiris to Use Up All the Fresh Strawberries

While it may seem like the ultimate in girly drinks, daiquiris are just plain delicious, no matter how they appear. This drink, as a cocktail packs quite a punch of rum, but the slush, when made with fresh strawberries, is delicious on its own. Simply mix a cup of strawberries (fresh is preferred) with 1/2 cups of sugar and lemon juice in the blender. Blend it to your preferred consistency and pour it in a glass over ice with half as much lemon-lime soda and a few ounces of rum if you like. To preserve the beach day vibe of this drink, use light rum.

4. Use Seasonal Fruit in a Sangria

Wine does not really have a season. A fresh bottle can be opened and enjoyed at any time in the year. However, summer calls for the fresh, light taste of fruit to be added in the form of a sangria. Adapted from the Latin for blood,  a "sangria" is meant to be made with red wine, staining the fruit it contains as blood can stain. With the advent of summer, you want to use the summer fruits that are now plentiful. Things like strawberries, watermelons, or orange slices are welcome and delicious additions. The fresh fruit in this drink just adds to its benefits. Sangria is an excellent addition to any gathering you throw for the relaunching of a sport or anything else you think is worth celebrating.

5. Mix Up a Frozen Summer Slush Treat

Sometimes when the weather is warm, nothing will refresh us and cool our bodies like a frozen slush treat. This is a sweet, flavorful slush that is very versatile, not being tied to just one type of drink. In fact, you can change up the drink with whatever you would like to have in it, but it is recommended that you have this with clear liquors. Simply mix some cans of frozen orange juice and lemonade concentrates with a few spoonfuls of sugar and some water in a blender, add your favorite drink (gin is recommended), and serve it in a glass with a straw. This is a drink that tastes like a dessert.

When you are entertaining your friends and family during the summer, you want to be able to serve them something that is light and refreshing and captures the taste of the season. Mix up a cocktail that is perfect for a warm day and uses all the fruits around you at this time. No matter what a person's drink of choice is, you can find something that delights them.

Saturday, May 16, 2020

5 Things To Remember Regarding Love, Career, and Money

My nephews asked me for advice about life the other day. They are in the middle of their teen years and still have a little ways to go before they are adults. I’ve had my share of ups and downs. I’ve had money and I’ve been broke. I have known complete love and felt utterly painful rejection. I’ve had an interesting life. Recently I suffered a knee injury and have been stuck in a wheelchair for a few months. Friends have commented, "You always seem to be positive and come up out on top. How do you do it?" Let me share with you some advice my parents told me when I was young.

Nobody cares about you as much as you do

Everyone in life has their own concerns and essentially focuses on their own circumstances. Be realistic. This is true. Family and very close friends love you and can often be counted on to come to your aid, but they are living their own lives with their own set of ups and downs. When you are young, your parents shelter you from many problems, As you get older and begin your life on your own, you cannot always depend on someone watching over you. You are independent and the only one that can ultimately choose your paths in life.

Show genuine interest in the welfare of others

Even though you are dealing with your own goals and issues, you should show genuine interest in what happens to those along your journey. These people affect your journey in one way or another, no matter how small their part. When you care for others besides yourself, you will find help in your time of need. Call it karma, paying it forward, or the golden rule. Whether it be helping a stranger on the street, helping a lost child, providing a ride, helping a friend or family in need, or just crying with someone who is crying and providing a shoulder of comfort, your heart will be lightened. Somehow when you find yourself needing assistance someday, someone will be there for you.

This includes how you treat others in your business dealings. You should be fair in all of your business deals and try to give more than you receive. An example would be a BiggerPockets review. BiggerPockets is dedicated to helping investors at any stage of investing experience. New investors will find lots of free materials. They are trying to provide a service intending to help others. Whatever you do as a career or vocation, even if for now it is a temporary job at a restaurant, seek to give far beyond expectations.

Be consumed by love for the people in your life

We all like to have nice things, stylish clothes, and the latest gadgets or mobile phones. There is absolutely no reason not to if it is within your means. Physical items are fleeting. They come and go. Don’t let having things detract you from what is important like love, health, and career. Going into debt for that possession that can be lost, stolen, or may break isn’t necessary. The U.S. Government says we have trillions in personal debt because of our desire to have things. By controlling possessions instead of letting them possess you, you will find that you seem to always have money when you truly need it, even to the extent of helping others.

When you can love people around you more than the possessions you have, then you will find you will always have what you need. I don’t mean to sound preachy, but I’ve lived the experience. When I focused on the things that truly mattered, like the people who flowed in and out of my life, I always had more than enough.

Choose a career that you love doing

A career is your chosen profession. It should be something you enjoy. I can’t imagine dreading going into work day after day. If you choose a path with a career you enjoy, it can be a joy to work. I’ve tried many jobs in my life. The days flew by when I was employed at something I enjoyed. For me, that was starting out as a bookkeeper and eventually creating my own company. For others, it may be hairstyling, being a baker, a computer analyst, or any other activity.

Tons of resources are available to help you along the way. Thousands of articles and videos are available to help guide. Visit AverageBro.com for some interesting tips you may enjoy.

Yesterday, today, and tomorrow

If you live for today, you are able to enjoy the moment. I have planned for my future. Setting aside small investments along the way has enabled me to be prepared for unexpected problems or to afford that special trip. Remembering the experiences of yesterday has helped me avoid pitfalls and make better choices.

How to Find the Best Doctor for Yourself

Life is highly unpredictable. There are scads of possibilities of you harming your health or an accident taking place. The ancient philosophy of Stoicism claims that humans are prone to believe a small possibility based on their preference. For example, consider you roll a dice and you bet all your money on the result coming out to be six. In your mind, you start believing that the only possibility is the result coming out to be a six. However, if any other of the five possibilities comes out as a result, you will be devastated.

It may sound unintelligent to bet all your money on a single result, but this is what many of us do on a nearly daily basis. We have the best healthcare services that humanity ever had and they are continuously improving. Under these circumstances, it is of great importance for you to make sure that you get an excellent doctor for yourself. However, if you have no idea about how to find the right doctor, you are in the right place. In this article, we will tell you how you can get a good doctor for any unforeseen snafu.

What to look for in a doctor

The following are some factors you need to consider when trying to find a doctor:

• You must pay heed to the reviews of the potential candidates of suitable doctors. You can easily find reviews of doctors online. The reviews will help you get an idea of how the services and attitude of your potential doctor are beforehand. You want a doctor who is the best when using a scalpel and has a clean and sanitary office.

• One of the most important factors you need to look for in a doctor is the costs. Naturally, not all doctors charge the same fees. Under this scenario, you need to find one that you can afford. However, the element of costs is not the only factor that you need to consider. A miser approach will get you nowhere. You need moderation in this regard to get the best results.

• Another factor of monumental importance for you to consider is the availability of the doctor. The availability depends on the timings as well as the geographical distance from you. Ideally, your doctor must be easily accessible. It means that you must be able to get a hold of your doctor at short notices. Hence, it is recommended to get a doctor that is near you and is available within your time schedule.

• Another similar factor you need to pay attention to is word of mouth. If someone you know talks highly of a doctor you might be interested in, it may be a feasible option for you. There is considerable experience talking. By paying heed to it, you can make better decisions.

• Last but not the least, you must also consider the past record of your potential doctor. There are many doctors who are not up to par. You can easily spot such doctors by digging deeper into their past records. You can find these records online as well as directly from their past patients.

Now that you know about the different factors of consideration when it comes to the selection of a doctor, you can make better decisions in this regard. It is essential for you to realize that you need to get a doctor even if you are healthy. By doing so, you can reap a wide array of benefits. For example, you can significantly lower your healthcare costs. Also, you can detect any major health issues before they grow, and you can improve the overall level of your health.

These are only some of the many benefits of getting a doctor despite your good health. If you have a prevalent health condition, it is all the more important for you to get a good doctor. By following the guidelines explained in this article, you can make better choices in this regard. So, what are you waiting for? Get yourself a suitable doctor today and take the first step towards living a truly healthy life!

Thursday, May 7, 2020

7 Things a Man Can Do to Improve His Financial Life

Having a financially secure future for you and your family is always a dream that most people have. However, what most people lack is the know-how of where to begin and how to maintain their financial growth once obtained.

To help you with that, we’ve listed seven things a man can do to improve his financial life and the life of his family.

Create Financial Targets

Creating a financial target is a great way to boost your overall financial gain. Make sure that they are clearly set for amounts that are obtainable. You can easily use an earnings calendar to set a date for when you expect to be at your target.

Being able to set financial targets can be for short-term or long-term. It will depend heavily on the amount you will be able to set realistically.

Having realistic targets will allow a change to occur within your unconscious that will help you to reach your target. This change is how you are able to reach your target, as long as you are truly set on reaching it.

Include Milestones

Having milestones allow your financial path to be a smooth one. For the targets that you set, the milestones fill in the gaps in case of any unforeseen financial changes. Milestones will also keep you financially sound by being able to reach your target.

A milestone not only works for your long-term targets, but they also let you maintain smaller targets and track them.
Monitor Your Expenses

Knowing how to monitor your expenses is a great habit to get into, especially while building financial growth.
Having good financial habits like monitoring your expenses will let you maintain your spending as you monitor what amount is going where on a daily basis.

If you fail to monitor your expenses, then you will likely overspend. As you monitor it all, it will be harder to miss it. If monitoring finances seems too hard for you to accomplish, just know that your financial status will transform positively if you begin.

Review Bills Once Received

Reviewing your bills once you receive them will make a nice improvement to your finances because you’ll see exactly how much is going where. Make sure that your understanding of them is clear, and never think that they are unimportant. As soon as you start to forget to review your bills, you will begin to spend based on impulse and not need.

Set Aside a Financial Review


Before you start your day, take a minute to take a look at your financial accounts and review all of the prior transactions. This review will help you improve your financial planning strategy. The goal of this review is to ensure that you know that your money is being taken out and the reasons for it. Plus, it’s not a bad idea to double-check yourself even if you already monitor your expenses.

Make Debt Repayment a Priority

It is lucrative to make debt repayment a priority. The best way to start is by paying off a credit card that has high interest and paying more than the minimum. Once your high-interest cards are paid in full, move on to another, and continue the process. If you have set a target to be debt-free, then you need to make sure to have a solid repayment plan while also monitoring your habits.

A lot of times, people who obtain extra money from an inheritance immediately feel the urge to become debt-free and pay off their bills, only to see themselves accumulating more debt shortly after.

If debt-free is a lifestyle that you want to achieve, then you need to be able to track the expenses you accumulate and be able to understand where it all goes and how much.

Set Fifteen Percent of Income Aside and Invest It

Today, it might seem impossible to save an easy fifteen percent of income for investing purposes, but if you know how to modify your current lifestyle, then you’ll have no problem with making investing a reality. Over time, you’ll start to see how investing this amount can quickly grow and become strong over time.

So in the end, you must be able to make it a priority to invest if you want to stay ahead financially. If you are unable to manage this habit, then you are not pushing yourself hard enough. Being able to create a nice savings is not impossible. As your savings grows, you’ll want it to continue.

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

Ad Rate Sheet (Effective 2.1.2020)

Before you press the email link below, here's some helpful information to save us both time.

Rate Sheet (as of 2.1.2020)

Prices are for standard posts and ads. Exclusions may apply. Serious inquires only please. PayPal only. This is my only site, I don't have others. Do not email me about SEO optimization for my site.

Guest Post - You write it. I run it. Absolutely no adult sites or payday lending. Gambling ads are ok. - $30, non-negotiable

Sidebar Ad - Text only, 1 outgoing link. - $50

Sidebar Image Ads - Vary by size and nature - $60 is lowest rate.

If interested and ready to buy, email me now.