I spent some time today cleaning up my site a little bit. I added a few things and updated others. If you have a moment, check out the new Welcome Guests page and be one of the 1st to comment. I am looking forward to having this platform to interact more in the future. I will probably change the name of it at some point.
Stop by and say hello, leave some comments or feedback, or start a conversation.
Against my better judgement, I ventured out today. I had to. We were really low on groceries. I packed my sanitizer, got my mask on, and shoved my anxiety down as far as I could.
The amount of people that are still out and about is amazing to me. I just don’t understand it. Whether, I chose a bad time or not. There shouldn’t be this many people out! Not to mention, they are oblivious to social distancing rules and are rude.
There’s a good portion of people not wearing masks. I realize it’s a choice, but I feel more comfortable wearing one and seeing others wearing one.
I went to a drive through and asked why they weren’t a wearing mask. They replied that they aren’t sick, so there’s no point.
But what if they are? What if they picked it up from a customer and didn’t realize it, didn’t have any symptoms, and continued to spread it to others. That scares me.
The other night, we ordered take out. The delivery guy got entirely too close to me and touched me. He had no mask and no gloves. I didn’t want to be rude and tell him to back off, but I was getting close. What happened to contact-less delivery?
Am I being completely ridiculous?
I wanted to send out a quick thank you to everyone.
I’ve noticed a recent increase in the amount of traffic on my site. It’s been a while. This is really exciting to me, especially while watching the transformation of how much things have changed.
I originally created this site voluntarily to help promote local bands and businesses. That was many years ago. I thought it would be a great platform to display their information, promotional ads, and photos. I also did a lot of photo shoots for them, handed out promotional materials, made merchandise in my home, and even managed a few bands as well. It was fun, interesting, educational, emotional, and sometimes aggravating. But overall, I’m grateful for the experiences.
Why did it all end?
Eventually, I started a new job and had to cut back on my volunteering. I had just started to actually make a few dollars and take on some more serious projects, however I had to rethink my life. I needed the income for my family and they needed my time with them. Nearly all things outside of that had stopped.
At that point, I should have closed my site. I’m a hoarder and I didn’t want to give it up. I liked having my own site to do whatever I wanted. I had no idea what that was for several years, so it laid dormant. Every so often, I would move a few things around or post a note that it was under construction, but that would be it. I think I tried a new direction once but that went nowhere.
Where to go from here?
Just recently, I decided to massive change the content. Of course, I kept some tidbits of the original LadySkullshine Entertainment site in the archives and the About Me page. I’ve shifted gears to helping others to save money and to make a few bucks. I also have a page displaying the coins that I have for sale on eBay. There is now a page dedicated to the awareness of certain conditions. This exists because they greatly affect my life in one way or another. I plan to add a lot more content when I have more time.
I often toss around the idea of posting things or not. I wonder if anyone cares what I have to say or share. Then I get the notifications that tell me that others are reading and liking my posts. That means a lot to me. It inspires me to continue sharing whatever the next adventure brings.
Again, I really want to say thank you and that I am so very grateful.
I took a survey on Toluna today that I thought I would share. It asked “What’s your mixtape for a road trip?” I don’t take enough road trips to relate, but I do love music. It almost always seems to make me feel better, no matter where I am and what’s going on.
For me, my music list changes constantly. My musical interests are all over the place. But off the top of my head, I answered the question as follows:
1. Me And Bobby McGee – Janis Joplin
2. Jump Around – House Of Pain
3. Break Stuff – Limp Bizkit
4. Halls Of Illusions – Insane Clown Posse
5. Faith – Limp Bizkit
6. Seven Nation Army – The White Stripes
7. The Way Of The Fist – Five Finger Death Punch
8. What I Am – Edie Brickell & The New Bohemians
9. Solitaire / Unraveling – Mushroomhead
10. Sugar Magnolia – Grateful Dead
What is your go-to music list?
Since everyone has been home looking for things to do, I figured it was a great time to share some of my savings tips and where you can make a few extra bucks. I’ve done the hard part. You can find the apps that I’ve been using on the Financial Tips page.
One way that I save money is by scanning all of my receipts, which then turns into points and cash. I am currently using five apps that have successfully paid me. I’m also using a 6th app on good faith. I’ve made approximately $105 to date, using this method. Since I’m saving my receipts anyway, I enter all the information into my spreadsheet for budgeting. It’s another one of my projects in progress, but at least all the data is there. It’s been interesting to see it along the way.
Another great way to save some money, is to use the apps and sites that give you cash back. The percentage and time frame varies, but I’ve had success with one company in particular. So far, I’ve received $27.36 back using two apps. Also, check with your credit card companies. They will often give cash back as well. My bank gives a percentage off at certain retailers, while my credit card gives me back a percentage of my spending. I’ve received a decent amount back from this as well.
My favorite so far, has been playing games. Previously, I was very anti-playing games. Now that I’ve been making money from it, I’ve changed my mind. As long as I can multitask and remind myself that I’m making money, then I can justify it. I’ve actually made $86 just playing mindless games.
I haven’t added them to my site yet, but there’s also several other ways to make some money. There’s surveys, which I’m always on the fence with. I don’t mind them and they definitely pay off, but they can be time consuming. There’s also apps that pay you to watch videos, click emails, and have so many other opportunities.
If you’re interested in making a few bucks, then click on my referral links. They are found on the Financial Tips page.
What apps / sites are you successfully using to increase your income?
I’m trying my best to stay busy during this time of quarantine. Of course there’s always something to do. I’m never ever bored. Not sure how anyone could be with so much to do all the time. I am constantly racing against time to do as much as possible. I usually fail, but I keep trying. Those small wins, really do matter. Baby steps, right?
I can say that lots of cleaning has been done. Repeatedly. Except the dishes. I just can’t stand to do them. Once I start, I’m ok. I know that’s a major thing and usually no one else will do it, but getting there is difficult. I actually just found a used portable dish washing machine for sale online today. That may be a happy new addition in our tiny home. It might be a tight fit, since I also want a hot/cold water cooler. I know, they are so 80’s. My fiance tells me constantly how lame they are. I had one for years up until recently and I regret not taking it with me. I absolutely loved it. Except for the part where I had to obtain the bottles. That part sucked. I guess we shall see.
I’ve also been doing all sorts of organizing, updating, filing, and so forth. I’ve fallen so far behind with this, that I have a few piles started here and there. Usually I do this during the mercury retrograde, but I wasn’t properly prepared for this last one. I’m a major dork. Give me a pack of sticky notes and I’m happy. Everything must be labelled, things need to be in bins, and paperwork must be in chronological and priority order. I have OCD and ADHD, so I often get distracted while being super focused on a particular project for a while. Hence, the multiple piles started here and there. But I get through them all, eventually.
Since I’m always working on anything that provides an extra few bucks for my family, I figured I’d take this time to follow up on the sites and apps I’ve been working with. Some were a bit more time consuming so I’ve been delaying them till now. I’ve been narrowing down a few more survey sites and places to get free Amazon items. I’ve also cashed in on a few Amazon cards from playing games and scanning receipts. My eBay has also been updated with a few ongoing coin listings. I expanded to a few other selling sites.
I have ventured out as needed for medications and food, but I make those trips as little as possible during this time. My family won’t let me leave without a mask and gloves. It’s so strange when I’m out driving. Very little traffic or people in general. Fast food places only have their drive thru’s open. Places are now delivering that didn’t before. E-vists are becoming standard, as doctor offices don’t want you to spread anything further. We all have to be safe everyone. Even if you feel like you won’t get it, someone else you interact with might.
How are you staying busy, sane, and safe?
I knew it! I’ve been feeling so out of sorts and everything has been going wrong. I wondered, then dismissed it. I did my best to not assume what was happening, until I couldn’t ignore it anymore. I googled it and sure enough, I was right. We just went through a retrograde.
Whether you believe in it or not, it’s happening all around us. Everyone makes fun of me whenever I mention it, so I keep it to myself mostly. I’ve even learned how to use it to my own advantage in some cases. But I do see the affects and it never fails to put a damper on things regardless of what preparations are made.
I usually pay much more attention. I make a new post it note every year with the MR dates listed. However, this year, I thought I would lay off and be normal. LMAO. That worked out just peachy for me. I just made my 2020 post it note and placed it under my clear desk mat for easy reference. I may not openly speak about it, but I will be much more aware the next time around.
I’m not sure which Farmer’s Almanac link below is more accurate. I haven’t looked into the exact dates. Besides there’s always residual affects beyond the last day. So take them as an approximate guideline of dates to pay attention to. These are times to do a lot of researching, listening, cleaning, & organizing. Be prepared to experience issues with electronics, travelling, and communication. Don’t make any major decisions or purchases.
Per Farmer’s Almanac.com:
* 2/16/20-3/9/20
* 6/18/20-7/12/20
* 10/13/20-11/13/20
Per Almanac.com:
* 2/17/20-3/10/20
* 6/18/20-7/12/20
* 10/14/20-11/3/20
I got through almost one week without my phone. I thought it would bother me more but I managed. I guess having an old tablet laying around helped a bit. I’m able to keep up with at least some of my rewards apps. However, some things have been slightly irritating. For example, going to Dunkin without being able to scan my app. Not so fun at all. Of course, there is also the inconvenience of not having my banking apps. Ok, so the list does go on. But, I made it so far.
I would probably have a new one by now but I struggle with making decisions. I also hate spending so much money for anything. I need something compatible with my current phone service, but that I can also use elsewhere later. I’m not too picky, but the camera has to be pretty decent. I take a lot of pics and scan documents all the time. I also need to be able to run a lot of apps. I requested some recommendations on Facebook, but got nothing. I’m hoping Amazon can help me decide.
I’m pretty sure the grieving process of my phone went smoother since I have been so focused on finding a new used car and rearranging things around the house, among other things. Thankfully, I was able to step back from looking for a car. I just don’t know enough about that financial/mechanical end. I get my hopes up and then instant disappointment. I can’t take much more of that. My fiance knows what I like so I’m leaving it to him and his friend to work on that project. I’ll just keep rearranging things and continue down my never ending list of things to do. That will keep me busy for a while.
At least I’m not sitting in some electronics rehab center somewhere. Silver lining, right?
How long have you genuinely been without your phone, on purpose or due to an unexpected incident?
This past weekend was an ongoing series of horrible train wrecks one right after the other. It may not have been so bad overall, but one of my mental medications ran out on Thursday and I never called the doctor Friday to have it refilled. I was a bit preoccupied so it slipped my mind.
Friday was full of anxiety over the upcoming co-parenting session, the session itself, along with the residual emotional wreckage that it brings. I mostly worry about my youngest daughter. She has been through enough as it is, then added her multiple disabilities to the mix of things. I see what all this does to her and it’s really not right. I just want to actually accomplish something with the sessions, along with learning how to prevent our vicious cycles from happening again. Wishful thinking, stupid girl.
Saturday comes along and I’m thinking that I’m focused and can accomplish some shopping. The moment I ventured out, I felt nauseous. I figure some DD coffee and a snack will help, but I want to break my habits so I duck into the dollar store for a moment to grab a few things and make sure I’m up for the grocery trip. That confirms that I need to head to Dunkin, but the line is out to the street. McDonald’s is next but they tell me there are no ice bags when I ordered iced coffee so I thought they meant I couldn’t get coffee. Turns out, they got orders mixed up.
I texted my fiance saying I really hope all of this isn’t a indication to go back home. Despite my feeling, I went on to food shopping.
Partially through my grocery trip, I stop at the customer service desk to follow up on a previous visit when I overpaid for grapes. The sign said $4.99 each. I paid $5.99/lb. She said they always charge per pound. I had a pic as proof, but had to locate it. So I let someone go ahead of me. He carried on for some time arguing because a discount won’t apply to his app for use until the following day. I waited patiently and then slightly impatiently when it became monotonous for too long. I got closer and said out loud “Sir, you know I’m still waiting here.” I know it was rude, but I was nice enough to let him go ahead. It was time to move along. He did. I immediately showed the lady the pic. Another lady ran off to check the current sign. In the end, I had my receipt and the date stamped pic of their sign, so I received my $9 something back.
Continued on to the rest of my shopping, in a somewhat crowded store. I managed to get through it, then it was time to cash in all my coins at the very loud clunking machine. I do this every few trips since we always have a lot of coins left from the bank rolls when my fiance gets done with them. If you never used a CoinStar, when you first start the machine, it wants to know if you want a cash voucher or gift card. I usually take the Amazon gift card because it’s free and I’m a freak for saving money. I knew I spent a lot on this trip and I always hear about how silly I am about savings. I bit the bullet and took the cash. I spent more on fees than I got back on my grapes. I later declared that I will never ever do that again. Amazon cards always and forever.
Finally, I pay and begin to load up my truck. Most of it inside, some in the bed. I’m running the heat so it’s nice and cozy when I get in. I shut the door and realize instantly that I locked my keys in my now running truck. My purse and phone, and about $300 in groceries are also locked in there. The store had me call the non emergency police, then I called AAA. Apparently someone else called the police from their Onstar. They reported that someone needed ems for panic attacks in the parking lot. So the police finally do show up and got me in at least. AAA would have been another 40 mins of me freezing and sobbing about how stupid I am. By the way, I don’t think I was displaying major signs of distress, but thank you mysterious Onstar person.
Sunday I’m thinking is a new day and can only get better. I wake up to a dead phone that will not charge. It was pretty beat up to begin with, but now it was shot. I was mainly upset because I was chatting with my oldest daughter right before bed. The rest of my aggravation has been in trying to figure out how to access certain accounts and other items now lost. Not to mention, trying to find a new phone.
Meanwhile throughout all of this, my meds have my head screwed up. I get gretzy really easily and I’m lashing out. I’m doing and saying stupid impulsive things that I know I shouldn’t but have no filter or control. My fiance always gets the brunt of it. Once I come to my senses, I’m usually sobbing for hours because I’m so sorry and feel horrible about everything.
I get through it. I always do. Somehow. I am definitely fortunate to have my youngest daughter that keeps me going, and my fiance who keeps me centered and focused. He takes a lot of crap from me as well. I’m grateful knowing no matter what the universe throws at me, I can get through it.
Sometime soon, I plan to update the Financial Tips page. There’s several more sites to add that I’ve been using. I also realized that I added some that haven’t actually paid me yet. I tend to get side tracked and lose my train of thought. I really want to make a point to separate those that are legit, tried, and true.
That’s the whole point of sharing all this on my site. I’ve experienced not being paid, wasting too much time, contacting customer service multiple times, researching, and so forth. I have been doing the crappy part of the work and discovered what is right for me. Now, those that are interested can partake in the benefits part with me. All I ask is that my referral links and codes are used. Most of the time when you do this, both parties get some sort of extra rewards.
The rewards are absolutely the only reason I do any of this. I honestly never had any interest in playing games on my phone. Except for that time I was obsessed with Dragon Vale for a while, but that didn’t last long. I viewed anything unproductive as a complete waste of time and other things should be done instead. When I learned about being paid to play games, this finally intrigued me. I looked into several apps. One paid me, but then stopped accumulating points. I ran into all sorts of snags, but I have found one that has been pretty decent. It’s called Mistplay. So far, I made $40 and I’m just about to cash out another $25.
I am taking a break from testing out any extra apps at the moment. It’s time consuming and I want to check out a few other things. I definitely need to do more surveys. If you find the right ones, they actually can be profitable. They are a bit of a timed, focused commitment which I struggle with. I will add the ones I have been successful with at some point. My latest endeavor has been testing and receiving discounted and free Amazon items. There’s one site I’ve received several items from, but it’s not always successful. I am working on researching some other sites at the moment.
Are there any apps or sites that you are using to make or save a few extra bucks? Share what works for you and any referral codes you may have as well.
LadySkullshine 