The Creative Currency Blog

Turning creative passions into passive income. Short term rental strategy, travel from someone who actually lives it, holiday ideas, and the lifestyle stuff in between.

Short Term Rentals

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Short Term Rentals

Airbnb's New 15.5% Host Fee Explained (What Changed & How to Adjust)

Short Term Rentals

Airbnb shifted its service fee to a 15.5% host-only model. Here's exactly what changed, why hosts are upset, and how to adjust your pricing without losing income.

Short Term Rentals

Holiday, Halloween

Halloween Decor Ideas: Indoor and Outdoor Inspiration for Your Home

Holiday, Halloween

Get into the Halloween spirit with decor ideas for both indoors and out. From porch displays to cozy interior touches, here's how to decorate your whole home this year.

Holiday, Halloween

Travel, Big Island Hawaii

Hilo, Hawaii Restaurant Guide

Travel, Big Island Hawaii

Discover where to eat in Hilo, Hawaii, with this local restaurant foodie guide covering the best breakfast, lunch, dinner, and budget eats on the Big Island.

Travel, Big Island Hawaii

The Best Restaurants in Kona, Hawaii

Travel, Big Island Hawaii

After years of visiting (and eating my way through) the Big Island, I’m sharing my go-to Kona spots, from epic brunches to sunset dinners and the best poke on the island. This is your not-so-touristy, local-ish food guide.

Travel, Big Island Hawaii

Is It Worth Visiting Kona, Hawaii?

Travel, Big Island Hawaii

Wondering if Kona is worth the trip? Discover why this sunny Big Island destination is a must-visit for travelers, from beaches and snorkeling to Kona coffee and cultural gems. Includes where to stay and what to do.

Travel, Big Island Hawaii

Short Term Rentals

How to Start an Airbnb Business with No Money (2026 Guide)

Short Term Rentals

You don't need to own property or have startup capital to launch a profitable Airbnb. Here are 5 proven strategies to start your short term rental business from scratch in 2026.

Short Term Rentals

Best Mattress for Airbnb: The Complete Guide to Beds, Sheets, and Bedding Hosts Trust

Short Term Rentals

The best mattress, bed frame, sheets, and bedding for your Airbnb, tested across 6 mattresses and 5 years of hosting. Everything I actually use, with exact links.

Short Term Rentals

Blog

Why the "Bedbug Claim" Is One of the Most Common Host Complaints

A guest claiming bedbugs to score a refund is one of the oldest tricks in Airbnb hosting. Here's how to spot it, respond fast, and protect your listing.

Airbnb's New 15.5% Host Fee Explained (What Changed & How to Adjust)

Airbnb shifted its service fee to a 15.5% host-only model. Here's exactly what changed, why hosts are upset, and how to adjust your pricing without losing income.

What to Do When a Guest’s Dog Damages Your Rental

When a pet-friendly stay leaves damage, here’s how to document it, charge fairly, and decide if your pet policy still makes sense.

How an Airbnb Listing Optimization Helped Me Generate $6,000 in Bookings in One Week

See how an Airbnb listing optimization generated $6,000 in bookings and transformed my short-term rental strategy.

Travel

Blog

Best Ways to Rent a Car in Kona, Hawaii

My honest take on renting a car in Kona, Hawaii: my biggest rental mistakes, a comparison of every option, and whether you actually need a Jeep.

Ironman Kona 2026: The Ultimate Training and Packing Guide

Everything you need to know about training for Ironman Kona 2026, including the heat acclimatization tips and packing list nobody warns you about.

Best Restaurants in Captain Cook, Hawaii

South of Kona, Captain Cook is home to some of the most authentic and beloved food on the Big Island. Here's where to eat — from legendary laulau to clifftop breakfast views.

Best Restaurants in Waikoloa, Hawaii: Where to Eat on the Kohala Coast

From beachside cocktails at Lava Lava Beach Club to fresh sushi and resort dining, here is where to eat in Waikoloa — the Kohala Coast's most underrated food scene.

Holiday

Blog

Halloween Decor Ideas: Indoor and Outdoor Inspiration for Your Home

Get into the Halloween spirit with decor ideas for both indoors and out. From porch displays to cozy interior touches, here's how to decorate your whole home this year.

The Ultimate 4th of July Gift Guide: Funny Patriotic Shirts for Everyone You Love

Looking for the perfect 4th of July gift? These funny patriotic shirts for dads, grandpas, moms, and dog moms are made to order and ship in time for the holiday.

Seven Experience-Based Valentine’s Day Gifts for Him He’ll Never Forget

Looking for Valentine’s Day gifts for your husband or your boyfriend? These seven experience-based gift ideas show you how to turn simple Amazon finds into unforgettable moments he’ll actually love.

Life of a Showgirl Stocking Stuffers for Women

If you love Taylor Swift, and Christmas a Life of a Showgirl–themed Christmas stocking is perfect. Inspired by her most recent album release, I’m bringing teal, orange, rhinestones, and shimmer into the holidays—ideal for any Swiftie or for treating yourself.

Lifestyle

Blog

Five Winter Bedding Looks You Can Recreate

Designer winter bedding looks you can recreate with Anthropologie style using Amazon finds.

The Definitive Guide to Cabinet Hardware

Learn how to choose and install cabinet hardware, from gold and black to brass and bronze, for cohesive interior design.

Make Money with Your Creative Passion using Etsy, Amazon, and Affiliate Marketing

SexyAF Embracing Sex Positivity, Self-Discovery, and Confidence

Explore sex positivity, self-discovery, and top-selling self-care products, including Period kits, sex toys, and personal care items.

So You Want to Be an Amazon Influencer

The beginner course for turning your everyday shopping into a second income stream.

Get Started

Alisha Arnold 7/18/23 Alisha Arnold 7/18/23

Alt Summit Recap 2023: Why every female Airbnb Host Needs to Attend

Get the scoop on the latest Airbnb trends and tips from the Alt Summit! Our recap covers everything from design inspiration to hosting success. Boost your bookings today!

Alisha Arnold 5/19/23 Alisha Arnold 5/19/23

Best Mattress for Airbnb: The Complete Guide to Beds, Sheets, and Bedding Hosts Trust

The best mattress, bed frame, sheets, and bedding for your Airbnb, tested across 6 mattresses and 5 years of hosting. Everything I actually use, with exact links.

Alisha Arnold 10/13/22 Alisha Arnold 10/13/22

How to get your kitchen ready for Airbnb guests

Optimize your Airbnb kitchen for guest satisfaction! Explore practical tips and budget-friendly ideas to prepare a welcoming culinary space. Elevate your hosting game now.

Alisha Arnold 7/12/20 Alisha Arnold 7/12/20

3 Ways to Maximize your Airbnb Profit During the Slow Season

Maximize Airbnb profit in the slow season! Unlock strategies and tips to keep bookings flowing year-round. Boost your rental income with our expert advice!

Alisha Arnold 5/20/20 Alisha Arnold 5/20/20

HomeBnB Podcast Interview Alisha Arnold

Dive into the HomeBNB Podcast for insightful tips on Airbnb hosting. Explore success stories, expert interviews, and pro strategies. Elevate your hosting journey today!

Alisha Arnold 5/4/20 Alisha Arnold 5/4/20

What to Include in your Vacation Rental Welcome Book

Master the art of creating an unforgettable Airbnb welcome book. Enhance guest experiences with personalized touches and essential information. Elevate your hosting now!

Alisha Arnold 4/29/20 Alisha Arnold 4/29/20

Gluten-free Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Soup

Savor comfort with our delightful Crockpot Chicken Rice Soup recipe. Easy, healthy, and perfect for busy days. Elevate your home-cooked meals now!

Alisha Arnold 11/6/19 Alisha Arnold 11/6/19

3 Ways to Start your Short Term Rental on a Budget

In this blog post, I will cover 3 ways to get started with a vacation rental on a budget. Low cost ways to start a vacation rental

Alisha Arnold 8/28/19 Alisha Arnold 8/28/19

How to Decorate a Short Term Rental Bedroom

Decorating their short-term rental bedroom is easy. I can help you get started with my 6 big tips for styling your short-term rental bedroom.

Alisha Arnold 7/22/19 Alisha Arnold 7/22/19

Lodi Restaurants

Lodi, CA is full of fun stuff to do, great wine tasting and amazing restaurants. I’ve put together a list of a few of my favorites places to grub breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Alisha Arnold 6/25/19 Alisha Arnold 6/25/19

Lodi Landing

Want to take relaxing to the next level, stay in Lodi Landing for some serious R & R. Take your staycation to the extreme.

Alisha Arnold 4/17/19 Alisha Arnold 4/17/19

Baby's First Easter Basket

Wondering what to include in your Baby’s First Easter basket? I’ve made a list of all of the go-to goodies for babies under one.

Alisha Arnold 2/23/19 Alisha Arnold 2/23/19

Lodi Wine Tasting

Lodi is the Zin capital of the world. With over 85 wineries and many tasting rooms walking distance of Lodi Landing.

Alisha Arnold 2/3/19 Alisha Arnold 2/3/19

Lodi Activities

Lodi is known for wine tasting, but there's a lot more to do. Here are my favorite kid friendly, date night, and outdoor activities around town.

Alisha Arnold 7/9/18 Alisha Arnold 7/9/18

How to Babymoon Like a Pro

WTF is a babymoon? It’s a vacation you take with your spouse before you have your baby, usually in the second trimester. It's the last hurrah before baby enters your world. A lot like a honeymoon, but minus the alcohol. And the sex (just kidding, sort of.)