Twitter Facebook Tripadvisor Weather Email Follow us

Announcements - Owners Blog

May 4, 2012 - 4:54pm -- Darren

I created a web based CSV to QIF convertor tool that will allow me to convert CSV files (like you receive from the bank) into QIF files so the data can be imported into Quicken.   It's primarily made for Bill.com since (although the provide good bill payment services) they do not provide output of their reports in Quicken format.   If you would like to try this convertor please email me at csv2qifconvertor AAAATTT temps.e4ward.com.  

 

The convertor takes this:

 

March 5, 2012 - 11:29pm -- Darren

In my recent post about my QIF Converter for Processing Shoeboxed Check Receipts I mentioned my Mac automator workflow for automatically uploading receipts to Shoeboxed.   Since that post went live, I have already received a couple of emails asking how I do this.   Apparently there are others looking for ways to make receipt data entry as painless as possible.  As promised, I'm posting the details here. 

February 29, 2012 - 9:44pm -- Darren

As most small hostel owners know, it's difficult to keep up with the bookkeeping for a micro-business when there are so many other important aspects of the business (like customer service, maintenance etc).   Recently, I have been trying out a service called Shoeboxed.  So far, Shoeboxed seems fantastic.   All one needs to do is stuff all the business receipts in their prepaid blue envelope and the Shoeboxed service will do all the data entry for you.   Then at the end of the month, you just have to download a Quicken export file (in QIF format) and import said file into Quicken.

February 27, 2012 - 11:22pm -- Darren

This just in....I just noticed we are now in the #1 position for speciality accommodation in San Francisco on Tripadvisor. Yeah!      Now, if Tripadvisor would establish a hostel category on their site we might be the #1 hostel in the world!      In any case, we love tripadvisor because people who use the site are real travelers.   

 

January 23, 2012 - 12:01pm -- Darren

Sorry, the Prius is sold now. Sean Scherer is the new owner.

After taking my website diympg.com down, I frequently get asked about the information I had there about converting a Prius into plug-in hybrid.   So I have decided to host it on this website.   In addition, my first Plug-In Hybrid Prius conversion is for sale now.   Look for that information here.   

January 9, 2012 - 5:41pm -- Darren

I was tagged today in a friend's Facebook post.    He wrote: "I read an article about this lady who has lived 16 years now without money. This made me think of a friend Darren Overby who I could see doing this very same thing if he wanted. He is that resourceful."  Thanks for the compliment, Dave.  Although, I once lived in Europe for two years with only $1600, the kindness of strangers, and a lot of thinking outside the box -   I have never truly lived without money at all.

December 27, 2011 - 7:06pm -- Darren

As you know, I'm a huge fan of hostels.  My son is a huge fan of Pawn Stars.  As luck would have it, on my recent business trip to Las Vegas we discovered Hostel Cat - Las Vegas is located very near Gold & Silver Pawn Shop - the real Pawn Stars Store.   So we decided to make a family pilgrimage to both of these Las Vegas icons.   

The Show

December 19, 2011 - 11:50pm -- Darren

Thanks to all volunteers that seek to be part of our mission to promote tolerance, understanding, global citizenship and environmental stewardship.

December 18, 2011 - 4:47pm -- Darren

Those who have known me for a while, probably know I'm a huge fan of collaborative consumption.   My thinking is this: we have a limited number of resources on the planet, so we should share the resources we have.   Our parents raised us to share afterall.  

Rent My Car

December 16, 2011 - 2:01pm -- Darren

I just returned from the World Hostel Conference in Vancouver, Canada.   This was my first time attending the event, and I have to say I was very impressed. Over 150 hostel owners from around the world attended the event which was hosted by Gomio.com.    Special thanks go to Michael Tumminia and Danielle Brumfitt for organizing and hosting the event.

Subscribe to <a href="http://www.san-francisco-hostel.com/owners-blog/">Announcements - Owners Blog </a>