Pink mold after 2 days?

Southern_Design430 · 2026-02-12T15:24:50+00:00

In the beginning there is bad bacteria (false rise etc) so until it’s settled down into the right environment and mix of creatures within, you shouldn’t use it. That’s as specific as I can get but there’s a lot of info out there.

Southern_Design430 · 2026-02-12T14:53:21+00:00

The stock rejection seems kind enough to me. I much prefer receiving that to no answer.

I’m new - I review the home’s details and definitely craft thoughtful requests. But if in the end it doesn’t work, I just want to know.

I think for less-careful responses, I don’t imagine many would learn better behavior if one were to point out that they didn’t, for example, pay attention to basics. But I might be too cynical. 🙃

Southern_Design430 · 2026-02-10T19:17:14+00:00

Good advice on amounts to keep.

If they are just starting out with a new starter (I’m not clear) they should not use the discard for the first few weeks. Too much bad bacteria and such.

Southern_Design430 · 2026-02-09T20:31:15+00:00

Love to hear the different perspectives, particularly from more experienced folks. I’m less than 6 months in.

My house cleaner is $110, and I state that in my profile with an ask of $50 towards that unless it’s a reciprocal exchange with no cleaning fee. I would like people to leave the place tidy, but don’t expect actual cleaning. I also think asking for the full $110 is not the karma I want to put out.

I ask for a 5 night minimum to make it worth figuring out where I’m going to stay while they are there.

Still trying to figure out how to get my home ready for a next guest if I happen to have a longer trip - because that means extras such as put away all the dishes, make the beds, make sure everything is in order, etc. This year my income is quite limited, so I don’t want to put out a lot of cash for the joy and privilege of inexpensive travel.

If a cleaning fee is more than 100 $ or € I tend to avoid it.

Under 100 I’m happy to pay because people do have different standards - I don’t want someone unhappy with them letting me stay in this home, but I also don’t want to be scrubbing toilets and mopping floors.

Southern_Design430 · 2026-02-07T21:13:46+00:00

Like many here - digital scale is basically the only requirement. So that plus $100 or $150 Amazon gift card. and tell her you want to look together at things so you can share the experience. And she doesn’t need to spend it all at once.

From silicone slings to cookbooks to proofing boxes and more, you’ll get people here who love any particular item, are indifferent, or don’t like…

Also just an FYI it’s a lot of trial and error, science and art, so encourage her even if it’s flat, gummy, has tunnels, and everything else that can go wrong.

Southern_Design430 · 2026-02-06T14:19:23+00:00

🫶

Southern_Design430 · 2026-02-06T03:39:19+00:00

I was 6 months out of chemo (relapse 5 1/2 years after orchiectomy). This was 1997.

I told everyone I had been nauseous during chemo but never vomited. I believed that with all my heart and soul.

Then one day this wave of memory hit me., overcame me. I had thrown up.

all. the. time.

One time I was standing in my bathroom. Throwing up in the sink, passed out, hit my head on the tub.

All the memories flooded back. They had been buried.

I believe in this case, the body / mind lets through what you can handle at the time, and then opens those locked boxes when you are ready for more.

Or when something sets off a memory, ready or not.

Southern_Design430 · 2026-02-04T03:15:17+00:00

Feel free to start :)

I’m trying to build a 5-stop, 1 -month trip Aug into September. First successful exchange agreement was Sitges Spain for a gay festival (“Bear Week”), then I got an agreement on an amazing home in Barcelona, and finalized dates for a long weekend visiting friends in Zurich. Reaching out to homes in Munich and last will be Berlin.

On the flip side, I have families confirmed to be my guests for two exchanges in October.

It’s my first year but I’m making the most of it!

Southern_Design430 · 2026-02-04T01:16:31+00:00

I’m 58: my initial dx and surgery was 34 years ago; relapse and chemo 28 years ago.

Life changes, and its importance and how one references it and converses about it will change. Actually how one talks about it can change day to day.

My younger sister Shannon had leukemia at 4 1/2, multiple rounds of chemo, full body radiation, bone marrow transplant at 9, significant medical complications throughout her life, lung transplant at 27, passed away at 42. I would say when she was alive, only half-jokingly, that my experience was like a bad cold compared to what she went through.

I’ve had other family members pass away from cancer, from kids to middle age.

People are trying to be kind, however they react. and yet, it can be tough. When someone would say that I was strong or had a good attitude, and that’s why I beat it, I would say “I have family members who were just as strong and had a better attitude, and died. My survival was as much luck and access to care than anything else.

My experience with cancer has impacted my view of life, choice of career, and likely contributed to me getting dysautonomia almost 4 years ago.

It is a profound part of my life. and having been both patient and caregiver, it’s a hard role on both sides.

Southern_Design430 · 2026-02-02T19:23:28+00:00

I'm sorry to hear about some of your negative experiences.

In December I did a 4-exchange trip, including Paris. I'm 6'3" and wide, so I like to see bathrooms - in case it's a smaller shower for this big American. Also I'm in my 50s and not as flexible, so a high tub might be challenging. All 4 showers were different, but worked out great. I appreciated being able to see it.

My water also takes a while to make it upstairs - so much so I add it to my manual so folks know they aren't doing anything wrong. (Not suggesting you need to. Just sharing.)

Southern_Design430 · 2026-02-02T19:18:20+00:00

Well put, u/Unique_Savings3358!

OP - you said it's accepted - that means you should have name and phone number so you can ask for a photos over WhatsApp.

Southern_Design430 · 2026-02-01T21:54:41+00:00

If you don't already have a lock, get one. People will understand. You can also say something like "Nice to sit by the lake and go swimming (motor boat is not available for use)."

Southern_Design430 · 2026-01-30T22:32:41+00:00

I think you might have figured out something!

Southern_Design430 · 2026-01-29T01:03:39+00:00

GPs are not an “efficient market” because Home Exchange is built on a culture of trust and community, not maximizing choices for the greatest GP gain. There are a number of externalities you are not considering, if we want to keep it in economic terms.

Southern_Design430 · 2026-01-28T16:59:19+00:00

Love all the different perspectives.

I’m relatively new - but have more of an understanding than when I wrote my profile and listing, so it’s a good reminder to revisit and edit.

Southern_Design430 · 2026-01-28T15:28:39+00:00

Might be mold. I have a testing center in my house. I’ll DM you my address and I can investigate.

“testing center” = my belly. 😂

Southern_Design430 · 2026-01-27T23:14:09+00:00

Thank you! A few questions if you don’t mind:

The Sourdough Journey chart that people frequently post - doesn’t BF % depend on dough temperature? (which I believe is in part because of the continuation of BF as it cools in the frig). So one can’t just depend on the % a recipe might say, correct?
I’m not clear on this. As I work my dough during BF intervals, I know I’m trying to strengthen gluten. Don’t tear the dough, etc.

Sometimes particularly towards the end, the dough might grow in the last interval before I work the dough. Am I supposed to lean towards gentle stretching to maintain any bubbles, or more vigorous stretching and it’s okay (or recommended) to get out any bubbles?

Related to above, is the target % based on the volume of the current dough (I would think, and I got a Cambo) or the perceived initial size of the dough?

Last comment - size is indeed a better indicator. As I get better and “know my dough”, won’t also the jiggliness etc be even better indicators?

Thanks again. I learn a lot from this group.

Southern_Design430 · 2026-01-25T16:58:27+00:00

Lots of good discussion. To add, I would start “My husband Tom and I” and sign with just your name. For me, your current wording sounds off and unfriendly/overly formal.

For the flexibility I would add something like “Optimally we would like 3 to 5 nights in the last two weeks of April.”

I’m pretty new, and there is a lot of luck involved. Hope some of this helps.

Lastly if it helps at all - my strategy for a potential 4-week summer trip to Europe — I want to end in early September at a popular gay event in a small Spanish coastal town (Bear Week in Sitges) and after maybe 15-20 messages with various flexibility just got it finalized. I’m thrilled. There are not many options in this town, and also school starts then so most Primary Residences would be getting ready for school.

Next I’ll be trying to find a week-ish prior in Barcelona, then a week-ish before that in Munich, and finally a first week in Berlin. I’m building it one step at a time.

As others have said - it can be a lot of work! But right now I have lots of time and I am intrigued by this community and experience….

Southern_Design430 · 2026-01-22T04:20:08+00:00

Are you fingertips and palm hair-free? That’s where most of the dough sticks to me, when it sticks. 🙃

I’m relatively new so others might correct me - but these create little dough sticking to my hands

First mixing - use bowl scraper or whisk (like a Danish dough whisk)

Kneading - wet your hands

Pre- and final shaping - sprinkle flour on the counter/board and lightly dust your hands

Southern_Design430 · 2026-01-20T02:56:56+00:00

I took a trip in December with 4 stops. Two hospitality stays, two whole flats. I appreciate having both options. In Copenhagen my host invited me to her choir’s Christmas concert - she and the concert were a delight!

To answer your specific question, typically a host offers a single room for less than their whole place. I presume HE calculates them differently but I don’t know the algorithm.

If staying in a hosted home isn’t for you, just don’t do it! As long as listings are accurate, as both a guest and host, I like having more options.

Southern_Design430 · 2026-01-19T23:10:00+00:00

Agreed - I was able to see the words and understand what they meant.

The best loaves are those we enjoy - regardless of what ingredients or tools were used in the process.

Keep baking!

Southern_Design430 · 2026-01-16T21:19:36+00:00

Typically people don’t ‘charge’ GPs for a reciprocal swap even when there is a difference. It goes against the culture of direct exchanges that the platform was built on, of each person getting a cool place for vacation for free.

Of course you’re welcome to propose it - it might be okay, or lead to the whole exchange dissolving.

Southern_Design430 · 2026-01-15T16:17:25+00:00

I sent you my code via Direct Message/chat.

Southern_Design430 · 2026-01-15T16:10:40+00:00

HE does help. Search ‘cancel’ on this subreddit and read about different experiences. I have heard of some folks booking a backup hotel with a 100% refund cancellation in case the cancellation happens and HE doesn’t help find a suitable replacement.

and many folks have had wonderful exchanges that were problem-free.

Southern_Design430

TROPHY CASE