Darphynia's Diary

There are so many gadgets out there that it can be difficult to decide what to take, especially when we travel.  What items do I need to take?  Which cables will I need?  How will I pack them?  How much room will they take up?  These are a few items I like to take whether I am flying or driving to my destination. 1.  Macbook Air + Charger   ($899.00 and up) Image courtesy of apple.com I am so glad that I was able to purchase the MacBook Air.  It was awhile ago (mine is the 2011... I think), but it still runs as well as the day I purchased it.  I chose it for several reasons.  It has everything I need program-wise with ample storage.  Another big selling point was the weight.  It weighs next to nothing (~3lbs.), so I carry it with ease.  Since I have neck and back problems, it is difficult to carry weight.  If you are in the market for one, I suggest that you look at the r efurbished section first.  Anything that needs replacing is fixed, so you pretty much get a new comput

There are so many subscription boxes and programs out there now that it is hard to keep track.  Recently, I purchased the FabFitFun box to see what $49.99 could really get me.  I also used a promo code that got me two extras, but one has not arrived yet.  For first-time subscribers, they have other promo code incentives, such as $10.00 off your first box. I had seen the FabFitFun ad plastered all over my Facebook page , so I decided to see what others thought about it.  The reviews were generally positive, so I signed up, and my box was shipped 10 business days after I placed my order.  The site does mention that boxes will ship 10 business days after payment, unless (1) you have signed up before, or (2) the box is sold out.  In that case, you have to wait until the next season's box.  You can upgrade your membership as well, which will allow you to customize your box, for $20.00 more/month. When the box arrived, I thought, "Damn, this is heavy!"  Below are pictures

Yes, I found both of those while at Tokyo Central.  Of course, I had to get them.  They had a third (spicy curry), but I didn't get that.  It was the same price as the other two, and had about half as much.  Unlike the other Ramune, these bottles are plastic and have a different shape. Curry (left) and Wasabi (right) The first one I tried was curry.  Upon opening it (the ball is significantly easier to push down in the plastic bottle) I immediately got a whiff of curry.  It was like opening up a box of curry blocks, with a sweet finish.  And the taste?  Well, the taste is not as bad as it sounds.  It's similar to a curry-spiced sweet ginger ale.  Part of me really likes this curry ramune, but the other thinks it would serve a better purpose elsewhere.  I probably will not purchase it in the future, but I'm glad I tried it.  You never if you will like something until you do. Now, onto the wasabi ramune.  It smells amazing, much like a stronger version of the plain

Hello to all of you beautiful people!  The past week and a half has been crazy.  I've been getting (maybe) 4 hours of sleep a night, and that's being generous.  One of our wonderful cats was ill, so we took her to the emergency vet.  She was given an antibiotic and pain killer, and then had a check-up on Monday.  Her tests results were fine, so nobody knows what was wrong with her.  Whatever was wrong has seemed to clear up, and she is finally back to her spry self.  I should probably mention that she is around 16, but still acts like a kitten most days.  With her medication schedule, there is little time for anything between the hours.  Luckily, she will only need them through Sunday. The box was damaged, but the products weren't. Now, onto the PINCHme box.  PINCHme is a really neat way to receive samples, though there are a few cons.  There is no shipping, so everything actually is free.  First, sign up and make sure you post a valid e-mail address and mailing

So I walked down to the mailbox, and was greeted by the July Birchbox.  I started my subscription last year, and after the June box had seriously considered cancelling.  Boy am I glad I didn't.  The July box features the following:   A benefit mini they're real mascara, mini Stila liquid lipstick (I received the shade Venizia), a travel-sized Oribe dry hair texturizing spray, a deluxe sample of COOLA 's cucumber SPF 30 sunscreen, and a deluxe sample of Dr. Brandt 's microdermabrasion (one of my favorite exfoliators!). I haven't had an opportunity to try everything just yet, but as soon as I do, I will have a review.  Did you receive the July box?  I would love to know your thoughts on which product(s) did or didn't work for you. Also, if you haven't subscribed but would like to, click here to sign up.  It's easy and you can cancel at any time. Stay beautiful!  

Hopefully you all had an amazing 4th of July weekend, and for those of you who don't celebrate the 4th, I hope your weekend was nice and relaxing!  After my friend's daughter's birthday party (on the 4th), there were fireworks...and then I had an upset stomach...but it was all good!  Last night we watched Magic Mike XXL followed by dinner.  I thought the first was better with worse choreography, and the second had far better dance sequences.  I was in the minority, though...the general consensus was the XXL was better overall.  At any rate, both contained men with amazing bodies, dancing around and showing that they all have rhythm.  If you have seen either or both, which was your favorite? I just want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for all the love and support!  I would also like to know what you'd like to see in future posts, and what your favorite travel necessities are. Stay beautiful!

It's already Independence Day!  Be safe everyone.  Also, please make sure your pets are safe.  I know most people keep their animals outside, but they really should be inside... especially if you live anywhere near fireworks. Image courtesy of geeksugar.com

Image courtesy of Facekins.com I was sent a sample of Facekins to try out, and I am in L-O-V-E!  For those of you who don't know, Facekins are washable, reusable fabric facial pads.  I took these with me while I worked camp, and they were such a blessing!  I didn't have to gauge the amount of cotton facial pads and cotton balls I would need, and the Facekins took up far less room in my kit!  Since I wash my face at least twice a day (morning, night, and in the shower of course!) and always use makeup remover and toner, I go through a ton of cotton.  Okay, not literally a ton, but you know what I mean.  It is one of the softest products to ever touch my face!  It reminded me of something that would be used during a luxury spa treatment.  I also found myself using less product.  At first, I thought it was too good to be true Facekins, but no.  I tested out how far one spray of toner would go on a cotton pad versus the Facekins.  Both items were the round-shape, and were