2020 To-Do List....May Update

*PLEASE NOTE--Posting may be a bit sporadic over the next week or so as I am sort of on vacation between getting stuff done here in Virginia and don't feel like writing blog posts worth reading.
I'll try to write something worth reading a few days a week.  Thanks for your indulgence on this.


Let's see how we did at getting stuff done in May.........

* Pay Bills  DONE
Always number one on the list and always done.

* Read 1, 2, 3 Books  PASS
I only got 2 books read in May.
First off was this lovely tome..........

"The Land Will Be Deluged in Blood: a New History of the Nat Turner Rebellion" by Patrick H. Breen

This one read like someone's Master's Thesis that they expanded a bit.  Very boring for the most part especially if you don't like reading about history.  But I say that reading a book is always ok if you learn something from it.  Specifically I learned about the dual justice/court/legal systems in the Antebellum South which I was totally unaware of before this book explained it in great detail. 

and then there was this one...........

"Shakespeare's Rebel" by C.C. Humphreys
If you enjoy historical novels and are in love with all things of the Tudor/Elizabethan era and Shakespeare's plays then run and get this one!
The protagonist is a deeply flawed character called John Lawley, a drunk, ex-soldier and sometimes actor/sword master and fighting choreographer. Lawley is a fictitious character who interacts with historical persons of the era: William Shakespeare, Richard Burbage,
Queen Elizabeth I(my 4th cousin), Sir Robert Cecil(father in-law of my 10th cousin), and Robert Devereux the 2nd Earl of Essex(my 6th cousin, etc.).
I didn't get through a 3rd book in May.
Ah well.....


* Hold Giveaway  DONE

* Mail Giveaway  DONE  The first winner never contacted me in the 48 hour window so I drew another winner and she has received her goodies and is enjoying them.

* Do a Sewing Project FAIL  Nope, didn't get anything sewn.

* Cash in a Savings Bond  DONE  We had a  Bond mature in May so it got cashed in.  Don't let US Savings Bonds sit if they have fully matured.  It's like putting cash under your mattress and letting it sit and not earn a penny.  Put it somewhere it will earn at least a little bit(or better yet, if you have debt, throw that cashed in bond toward your debt).

* Mail Cards  DONE  I needed to send two sympathy cards out to 2 friends.  The rack of cards was decimated at the store, the sympathy ones, I suppose due to Covid 19 victims lately.

* Plant Garden  DONE  

We planted our usual garden along the backyard deck. Dan planted green bean seeds along the back of this area but nothing came up so after that the buckets behind the fenced barrel in the photo below, holding the collard plants I finally found at the nursery well after everything else was planted got put where the green beans didn't germinate.

And greens were planted in the 2 half barrels on either side of the backyard deck garden.

* Make a New Garden  DONE
We have an old dog run from when we had our beagles which has just sat on the back side yard for years.
I finally had a good idea on how to use it in the flat circular area of the backyard where our pool us to be................

We moved the dog run there and I had Hubs build raised garden beds inside.  Not a lot more space but enough to grow a bit more veggies this year and expand the garden with a built in fence to keep the deer and rabbits out.
Go us! :-)


*  Start Seeds  FAIL  I just didn't find enough time to get this done.  Then we got a spat of very hot unseasonable for us weather so the seeds went right into the ground instead.

* Bathe and Groom Dogs  DONE

The perpetual motion machine Dixie and the guardian Chester after being bathed.

* Change out Clothing for Summer  PASS  I got everything dragged out and changed over.  I threw out a few worn out items and will be glad when I finally get a few more pounds off for good so I can donate a few more clothing items once our thrift stores open back up.

* List Items on eBay FAIL  No motivation at the beginning of May and then since I was going to be out of town I figured wait until I was back to list anything in late June.

* Pack my Bags to Get the Helloutta Here!  FAIL  Nope I didn't get my luggage packed even though I got the Summer clothing out since I didn't know for sure until the last minute whether this trip was going to happen.

* Plan Goals for 2020  PASS  We have very few goals for 2020 at this point in the year.  Maybe a vacation in the Fall and a few house projects with an eye toward moving.  I am working on getting the ball moving on that moving/relocating goal this week.

That's about it for the highlights from my May.
What did you(or didn't you)get done in May that was on your list of stuff to do?

Sluggy

This Week on the Dining Table

The "Would You Eat This?" Edition..........

I am not a big fan of spicy foods.  I saw this Ghost Pepper Pizza Sauce at the Sharp Shopper in PA on the way down here. I almost bought some for Elder son I was on the way to see as he IS a fan of spicy.'

Moving On....

Onward to the meal planning-

This is what was planned.........

1. Sunday--Leftovers(Hubs-Goulash over Rice, Me-Soup, Strawberries)
2. Monday--Salmon, Sweet Potatoes, Green Beans
3. Tuesday--Hot Dogs and Burgers, Salad

4. Wednesday--Fend For Yourself/Leftovers
5. Thursday--? Hubs in charge

6. Friday--? Hubs in charge
7. Saturday--? Hubs in charge

And this is what really happened.......

1. Sunday--Leftovers(Hubs-Goulash over Rice, Me-Soup, Strawberries)
2. Monday--Salmon, Sweet Potatoes, Green Beans
3. Tuesday--Fend for Yourself(I just had salad and Butternut Squash Ravioli tv dinner)

4. Wednesday--Fend For Yourself/Leftovers
5. Thursday--? Hubs in charge(I had Chicken Tender, Salad and Corn on Cob from Chili's)

6. Friday--? Hubs in charge(I had a big salad from Bob Evans)
7. Saturday--? Hubs in charge(I had Steak, Butternut Squash, Baked Potato at brother's house)

Last week saw 1 nights of home cooked dinners(before I left), 3 nights of leftovers/FFY(before I left), and 0 night of Take-Out.  At son's I had fruit for breakfast and we only ate a combined lunch/dinner-linner? of a restaurant meal each day/evening while I was there.

What got put into the freezer last week....
* I doubt Hubs put anything in the freezer last week.

What got taken out of the freezer and used.....
* Salmon

1 trip to Sharp Shopper on the way down here was all the food shopping I did so far which brings my June Total spending on food/toiletries/HBA/paper goods so far to $149.61+ whatever I spent at Sharp Shopper on the way to VA.(Don't have that Sharp Shopper receipt on me right now...I'll add it all in when I get home.)

I am at $4.20 total earned in Ibotta rebates in June so far.

My savings percentage last week was ?%(without "regular"Rite-Aid trips)for June and the monthly savings total comes in at ?%(w/out R-A). 

I have 16 more food shopping/spending days in June.

Leftovers going into this week.......no clue what they ate or didn't at home and frankly I don't care right now. lol

Here is this week's "food plan".....my Sister in-law is in charge this week. ;-)

1. Sunday--Didn't eat Dinner(Had a big salad for lunch and applesauce later.)
2. Monday--Taco Salad
3. Tuesday--No Clue

4. Wednesday--No Clue
5. Thursday--No Clue

6. Friday--No Clue
7. Saturday--No Clue

What needs buying for this menu? Don't know the menu so don't known what needs buying.  I'll throw my sister in-law some cash toward whatever.

What's left on my master list of meals we can make from what's here...........
* Shrimp Tempura
* Tuna Casserole
* Roasted Chicken
* Shrimp/Crab Ravioli
* Cheese Ravioli

* Spaghetti and Meatballs

* Breakfast for Dinner

* Grilled Chicken  new

* Grilled Steak  new

* Haddock Fish Dinner  new
* Chicken Tenders  new

* Beef Liver  new

Plus lots of thinly sliced Chicken Breast, grass fed Ground Beef and Ground Turkey in the freezer.

What is getting fixed and served at your house this week?

Was last week's plan successful, did you go off plan or did you not even plan what was going to be eaten last week?

Any great deals on food at your stores this week?  

Sluggy

Frugal Friday....the June 12th Edition

Here what frugal stuff happened around here this week around Chez Sluggy.........

*  Put gas in my car for the first time since late March(I think).  The price however was not so frugal.  We were at a low in PA here of $2.04 but now it's up in the $2.25-$2.29 range. bleh.  Surprisingly at home the best deal was at Sunoco w/my .05¢ per gal. discount on my Sunoco card so $2.02 per gallon.  Luckily my little car gets great mileage.


*  I went back to Rite-Aid before leaving town and bought this again..........

Paid $3.99 w/sales tax in Bonus Cash and earned $2 in new BC.  I submitted for $1.00 in Ibotta rebates again but they gave me $1.50(1 x .50¢ for the body wash, 2 x .50¢ for the deodorant)maing these cost .49¢ combined in BC.
I am up to $3.20 in Ibotta rebates for June.


*  I found money!

 These were all last Friday when I went searching for all those bags of coffee on 75% clearance at various Rite-Aids.  If they are photographed together it means I found them in the same store but I can't for the life of me remember which I found in what store. lol

I do remember this was found at the 4th store I hit(no 75% clearance left there)but this shiny fellow was over by the rack of sales flyers.

These two were found up by the register/candy rack at one of the other stores.

I didn't find any change at the Sharp Shopper last week but on the way down to my son's in VA yesterday I stopped at a SS outside of Harrisburg just to see what deals they had and to use the bathroom.

This dime was on the floor in the bathroom stall with me at Sharp Shopper.

Then is penny was laying on the sidewalk outside the store as I wheeled my cart out to my car.

Then I stopped for gas at a Sheetz outside of Warrenton VA and this penny was laying on the asphalt in front of my car.
Remember I am careful when picking up change now.  I pick things up with a wipe, a tissue, etc. and disinfect the coins once I get home or wherever I am going to.

Found Money This Week..... .17¢
Found Money This Year So Far....$45.88

* My son and I got food from Chili's yesterday for dinner.  I had bought a bunch of Chili's gift cards at R-A last Black Friday/Dec. to get BC.  Well wouldn't ya know it our Chili's at home closed down for good this past Jan. lol  And I am not hiking to the next closest one to use these gift cards.  I bring them when I go other places that have Chili's still and use them while traveling.  There's a Chili's near my brother's house so I'll be getting Chili's again this trip. ;-)  The only cash spent for dinner was the $10 tip I gave the guy. 8-)

* I hit P and R outlets last Friday while I was out pillaging Rite-Aids's 75% clearance sections and got this freebie there........

Boxes of Miso Broth they were giving away to customers you bought anything in the store(which I did). ;-)

* My greens are going gangbusters in my garden at home.  I picked the first of the lettuce and spinach and had a salad for dinner on Wednesday night.
I didn't take any pictures but I will when I get home if it all hasn't gone to seed.

* Speaking of Sharp Shopper I did pick up some items........
clam shells of 1 lb. strawberries weren't .99¢ like at the other store but $1.49 so I picked up one and had half this morning for breakfast and I'll have the other half tomorrow before I leave son's place.
I picked up 2 boxes of tea bags for 2/$1.  I also bought this........

2 x quarts of OJ to use on the trip.  They were 2/$1 as well.  I like a little OJ in my unsweetened iced tea in the mornings to get me going.

I also picked up 3 x 12-packs of these........

Sugar-free Powerades.  Now that Diet Pepsi has gone back to using Aspartame I drink this stuff instead with Sucralose.  These were 3/$1 so $4 per 12 pack.
If they all get used up while I am down here I'll hit a Sharp Shopper on the way home and load up for the Summer months. lolz

Now here is where the Food Police are going to go "tsk tsk" at me......

I love Kozy shack pudding(it's a PA thing)and like a few spoons of it as a snack at times.  My usual tapioca flavor was .99¢ a tub but the rice pudding was 2/$1!! so I picked one of those up.  I'll probably leave that at son's for him to eat what I don't have today or tonight.

I bought these 5 packs of Reese's cups with Reese's pieces in the filling as a gift for my son for letting me sleep on his sofa. lol
They were 2/$1.

That's about it for this week.....

Try to keep on keepin' on with your frugal ways and tell us all about your frugal wins for this past week!

Sluggy

June Giveaway Time is Here!

Time for the Eighth Sluggy's Boring Blog Giveaway for 2020!

Let's take a look at what is in the ol' box o' goodies..............

1 x Visine allergy eye drops
1 x Betadine wound gel
1 x Nivea body lotion
1 x Clorox anti-baterial wipes
1 x Lady Speed Stick deodorant
1 x Almay mascara
1 x Carmex lip balm(cherry)
1 x Ace cold pack
1 x Arm and Hammer toothpaste
1 x Hydralyte hydration tablets(grape)
1 x pack of night light bulbs
1 x Cover Girl eyebrow pencils
1 x Revlon lipstick
1 x Cover Girl mascara
3 x E.L.F. cosmetic brushes(3 different types)
1 x Wether's sugar-free caramel candies
2 x Freeman face masks(cucumber, avocado)


Stuff to make you acceptable looking when you get to go out in public again, stuff to deal with seasonal allergy symptoms, "ouchies" and exertion in the heat, and sugar-free candies that won't melt in the heat.
And by popular demand pandemic wipes and lotion for all that extra hand washing being done now. ;-)

Close up shots of these goodies..........

Depending on where you shop the winnings have a reg. retail value of approximately $50.00.

From all the VALID entries I receive I'll pick a winner at random.

* This Giveaway Box of goodies is open to all readers!

There is a limit of ONE ENTRY PER PERSON PER DAY for this Giveaway.
Come back every day and enter though!

In your entries I'd like to hear about your plans for June.
Can you go out in your state yet?, Are you planning Fall travel this year and where?, Are you tired of your family yet?, Have you contemplated murder?, Anything you still can't find in stores(here it's yeast!), etc.  Stuff like that.

If you are on my Giveaway emails list just leave a comment and your name to enter. If you aren't on the Giveaway emails list make sure you leave your email in your comment OR email me your email privately after you leave a comment(my email is in the side bar area under "About Me").
I'll leave this giveaway open until Sunday June 21st at 11:59 pm Eastern Daylight Savings Time. On June 22nd, Monday, I'll draw the winning entry and post who won.

*Please note these rules*
I'll post the name/ID of the winner on this blog on  and that person has 48 hours from the time stamp on that post to contact me privately via email(my email addy is listed on my "About Me" page, as well as on my side bar).

Disclaimer--This giveaway is open to those with mailing addresses within the US only.  As the cost of postage to foreign countries has gotten too high I am sorry to say I can no longer afford to mail boxes outside the US.  These giveaways are not sponsored by any companies.  I pay for it all(the cost of items given away and the postage to mail it all)out of my own pocket.

***PLEASE NOTE***

Please make sure there is a way for me to contact you in your comment.

If you're not a registered Blogger User with YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION on your User page, please put your email addy in your comment or email me your email addy privately when you leave a comment so I can get a hold of you. If your Blogger associated user profile is a GOOGLE one make sure your email info is linked to your profile.

If I can't contact you then you can't win.  I am still having to disqualify entries due to this issue and I sure don't like doing that.  Thanks!


So let's get this Giveaway started. Good luck to everyone!!!

Sluggy

Song for a Wednesday

I was listening to some of my old LPs yesterday and came across this song by Jackson Browne I hadn't heard/thought about in a long time.  It wasn't one of his monster hits during his heyday but it's worth a listen anyway.
I'm rather too busy to blog anything else today so I am putting an old video of JB playing this song here.
Maybe it reminds you of your youth(I was in college at the time this came out)as it does mine or maybe it's a new gem to you.
Enjoy



Sluggy