Darphynia's Diary

It's hard to believe we started the #MinsGame nearly 31 days ago!  Where has the time gone?  So far, we have piled up an incredible number of "things" we have accumulated over the years.  It's easy to forget how much you have until it is all put in front of you.  We are starting to run out of things to put in the pile, which is good in a way.  We just have to remember not to accumulate more.  I think we (the collective "we") often gather more things after we have gone through a "spring cleaning" bout, for various reasons.   In just a few days we will have a photo up of everything we will have to donate/sell/toss.  Have you thought about downsizing?  We'd love to know about your experience(s)! Stay beautiful!

Happy summer!  We are doing a summer zero-waste giveaway with our friends at Ethique Beauty .  They are based in New Zealand and make wonderful, effective, natural, beauty products that are packaged plastic-free.  The boxes are compostable, which means they are truly zero-waste products!  In case you are wondering, yes, they have vegan products but not all are vegan.  Now, about the giveaway. Last time we did a giveaway it was for our Instagram followers.  This one is for all of you who follow us via Facebook .  This giveaway is focused on spreading awareness through zero-waste, eco-friendly, reusable products.  It also happens to be #plasticfreeJuly!  In light of that, we will be running this giveaway until July 31st @ 11:59pm PST.  The winner will be announced on August 5th. Items in this giveaway: 1.  Mason Jar 2.  Reusable Glass Straw (color will vary) 3.  Straw Cleaner Brush 4.  Ethique Solid Sunless Tanner 5.  Bamboo Toothbrush (bristle color will vary) To Enter:

Our friends at Ethique sent us some amazing zero-waste, sustainable, eco-friendly hair and body care.  Everything they offer comes in compostable/biodegradable packaging, making their products truly zero-waste!  And, a portion of profits go towards charities, such as The Orangutan Project and International Animal Rescue .  If only all companies were as transparent.  Now, on to the review. 1.   Glow Solid Deodorant in Lavender and Vanilla For those of you who are looking for a natural alternative to deodorant, or something new to try out, this block is worth a shot.  This deodorant kept me odor-free all day, and the scent sticks-- well, it did for me.  The soothing lavender and warm vanilla adds to its positives.  The bar also travels well.  I have an old square tin that I pop the bar into when I head to the gym or wherever I travel.  Some natural deodorants don't last.  I've used sticks, pastes, and unpackaged solids.  There are very few brands that have lived up t

Whether you are going on a road trip, or flying the "friendly skies", the last thing you want is for your liquids to explode.  Okay, maybe that's a bit dramatic, but you know what I mean.  You have everything packed, and let's say you're taking a flight, which can be stressful enough.  You get to the screening area, and unless you have TSA Pre-Check, you will need to remove your liquids bag.  Unbeknownst to you, the shampoo cap came unscrewed, leaking product all over everything.  Just when things couldn't get worse, there is a small hole in the bag, and the shampoo has leeched out into the bin.  You're out of shampoo, have to wash out the bag and wash off its contents, and now you have a bin to clean.  There is a line of people behind you, and the feeling of holding people up just adds to the current stress level. Perhaps you've decided to go on a spontaneous road trip with some friends or family, and have placed your liquids in your bag.  As ot

Starbucks announced last week that they will be removing plastic straws from their stores, completely, by 2020.  It is a small step to help reduce waste and (hopefully) help save the oceans.  If you have had any of their Nitro or Cold Foam beverages, you will have already experienced the new lid.  That lid, which has been labeled as a "sippy cup for adults" by the online community, is set to take the place of all plastic straw-using iced drinks with the exception of the Frappuccino.  Frapp purchasers will be given a straw made of sustainable material.  What sustainable material?  That remains to be seen.  And, for those of you wondering, you may request a sustainable straw no matter which iced drink you get.  They have also invested in working to create a "fully recyclable and compostable hot cup".  Hopefully the material they find is durable and won't take ages to full break down once it is tossed.  While we were incredibly happy to hear that Starbucks is impl

As many of you know I have had an array of symptoms and have taken multiple trips to the hospital.  I won't go into great detail-- read more about it all here .  The symptoms that began in months ago are still there, and new issues have come up.  One is this burning feeling that comes and goes in my face.  There are certain areas were it feels as though a match has been lit, though that feeling doesn't last.  I also have dull pain in areas, and sometimes a numbing feeling in one area of my face when I press on another.  They still have no idea what the issue is, and I do have appointments with other specialists.  Hopefully there are answers soon.  The short answer to, "Are you feeling that now?" is:  Yes, I feel some sort of pain, pins & needles, tingling, etc. all the time, even when I'm out and about and generally having a good time.  Sometimes my heart will act up, sometimes it won't, but the aforementioned sensations are constant.  Some days are worse