Darphynia's Diary

*This post contains affiliate links* Image courtesy of FabFitFun It's that time of year again.  The spring FabFitFun box is now available.  With customization options from S'well, Ouai, Korres, and more, this is going to be one fun box.  Get $10 OFF of your first box by clicking  here .  You may also click here  and enter code RAINBOW for the same $10 OFF of your first box.  I will have an unboxing when our box arrives.

Since having a spinal fusion I have needed to use a laptop stand to keep from constantly looking down.  For years I took one with me, the folding table type, everywhere I went.  I still use it, but now it stays put in the house.  When I would travel, the biggest issue was with its size.  I always had to be mindful of where I sat.  During conferences I would have to make sure using it would not get in anyone's way.  Because the legs angle out, it takes up far more room than it should.  That being said, I loved that the computer would be at the perfect height and that it was relatively portable.  Yes, it was bulky, but it did the job.  Ultimately, I needed one that was more travel-friendly and space-saving.

There are several changes coming to the blog, including a new name!  After a very long, arduous journey, we have decided to go in a semi-new direction.  We will be expanding our content to include a YouTube channel that will feature low-impact alternatives, taste-testing, recipes, travel tips, and more.  Additionally, Darphynia, one of our favorite gnomes in World of Warcraft (and my main character), will open up her diary so we may get a glimpse into her life.  You can read more about her here .  Welcome to "Darphynia's Diary"!

This is going to be a bit of a ramble, so read on if you're interested.  Zero-waste has become more and more popular, which is wonderful in many ways.  That being said, there is a lot of controversy over the term.  There is no way to truly be zero-waste, so we've decided to adopt a low-waste lifestyle.  Yes, there are some things we still buy in packaging, mostly because we like to try a variety of products,, but we are far more conscious of what we buy, how products are packaged, how the packaging can be disposed, etc.  We can only do the best with what we have.  Another misconception is that you have to change everything at once.  All is takes is one small step to make a big impact on the whole.  If you choose to change your lifestyle, whether it's to start bringing your own straws, using reusable produce bags, cycling instead of diriving to destinations, etc. it will make a positive impact, even if you don't see it.  Also, don't be discour...

January was the month we decided to only spend what we needed, and nothing more.  While, I must admit, it felt a bit odd, it wasn't all that hard.  With sites like Amazon that allow you to buy something at the click of a button, and get the product within a couple of days, it can be easy to buy a ton of items that you don't really need.  The only thing I bought, aside from a glass takeaway container and metal straw, was a bike seat cover.  Those seats on the gym bikes are quite hard, so I opted to get a gel seat cover.  It makes the ride so much more comfortable!  All-in-all, everything was about $15.00.  Since I use ibotta, there was also a bit of cashback.

It's hard to believe we are already in a new year.  Most people make resolutions, which is great as long as you keep them-- or at least attempt to accomplish them.  For example, I'd love to be a minimalist.  That being said, I will never live up to the "ideal minimalist", as much as I'd love to have that be a resolution.  Yes, it is a subjective concept.  I often think about how nice it must be to be able to carry everything you own.  Need to leave in a hurry?  Everything is right there.  On the flip side, should your things get stolen, you have to start from scratch.  Guess there are pros and cons to most things.  So, this year, instead of creating a list of resolutions, I am making one for lifestyle changes.     Before we get into the list, here are some notable happenings from 2018: -  Had an unexpected surgery. -  Have a mysterious illness that hasn't been diagnosed, but I am getting treatment. -...

So I figured I’d give a little update since things have been a bit quiet on the blog.  Monday afternoon I had surgery, and since there were more problems than they thought initially, my recovery period is going to be a bit more lengthy.  Due to the positioning of the stitches, and the incisions, it’s difficult to sit up on my own.  I can also feel that my insides are starting to heal, slowly.  The most comfortable position is laying down, but truth be told, I don’t much care for it.   I’ll be housebound for the better part of a week before any sort of traveling (even to the market).  No lifting, bending, gym activities, yoga, etc. for at least two weeks.  The joys of having a body, eh?  Even with all of the issues I wouldn’t trade it in for the world.  I’ll go into more depth about the surgery later.  Until then, I’m compiling several posts and working on our first video.  It’s hard to believe it’s nearly fall.  Pumpkin Spice i...

So, customizations are now open, and there are so many amazing things to choose from!  You can also add on an extra option for $10 each, though items are going fast.  Sign up now to be able to customize your box today (disclaimer: contains an affiliate link).  Customizations 4 and 5 are for Select Members only.

This is the actual screenshot of my ibotta earnings to date. I don't normally hype up cash back programs because they simply haven't worked for me.  I used eBates and never received the cash back.  Then, I signed up for ibotta, and it actually worked.  There are a few things to note:  (1)  It takes a little bit of work, but it's worth it (especially if you need some extra cash), (2)  You have to have at least $20.00 to withdraw funds.  Withdrawals can be in the form of vemno, PayPal, or a gift card!  You can always save up your earnings to make a bigger withdrawal.  FAQ .  Shopping online?  Be sure to launch ibotta  FIRST.  Then, find the shop you are purchasing from, and click the shop icon.  The app or site will launch from ibotta, and you will get cashback on your qualifying purchase.  You can also link your loyalty cards (i.e. KMart), which allows you to skip the receipt upload and scanning of barcodes....

Where do we begin?  For those of you who have followed the last year or so of my health roller coaster, thank you!  It's hard enough dealing with life's daily b.s.  Added issues just make it that much worse, but having your love and support really lifts up my spirits when things start to go downhill.  I have had nearly every test and scan available, and all without any answers.  Well, there is one more thing added to the ever-growing list of health issues:  Mild Spinal Stenosis.  I won't be seeing my neurosurgeon for a few weeks, so I have no clue how (if at all) it relates to the other problems.  A question that I continually get is:  How do I manage?  Answer:  I just do.  Take one day at a time, and try not to think of the current state of things.  Does the thought of another E.R. visit scare me?  Yes.  But, I try not to think of that.  I see another specialist this week, so hopefully we will have some ans...

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...

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. ...

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.  ...

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 he...

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...

We are four days into the #MinsGame, and that means we have gotten rid of 10 items!  The box is beginning to fill up.  This whole process is far easier than I imagined it would be.  I think the difficult part will be the initial upkeep.  Hopefully it won't be a constant battle between needs  and wants .  But isn't a lot of this a mindset?  If I think about everything I have, I don't really need  any more, well, anything.  Since I have been replacing single-use or limited-use items with products that will supposedly last years (provided I don't break or ruin them), I won't have a need to buy replacements for some time.  You can read our other articles about those purchases here .  Combining paring down with our no-spend July should make for an interesting time.  You know, never did I ever think about how my purchases would affect anything.  It is just stuff.  But in having more things to sift through and take care of, ...

In July, we will be trying out the no-spend trend.  Aside from perishable food items, we are going to do our best not to spend anything during the month of July.  A couple of the best ways (we have found) to realize how much you spend is to (1) keep a log and (2) try not spending anything.  Whether it is a new mug, water bottle, jar, bag, candle, you name it; it all adds up.  By not spending, you can see how much you are able to save and the dent your purchases have made in the past.  July 1st will kick off our no-spend month, and we are interested to see what comes out of doing this.  We do have some gift cards floating about, but since they were gifts, we aren't counting those. What are your thoughts on the "no-spend" trend?  Let us know!

I don't remember how I first read about The Minimalists .  I think it was when I was researching small space organization and de-cluttering.  One of the ads for their documentary video popped up, and I was intrigued.  Around the time I saw them, I was also looking into the whole "Zero Waste Movement".  The two ideals seemed to coincide a bit.  Minimalism isn't just about living with less, but living with more meaningful items that you will use (the same with zero-waste), as opposed to having lots of items sitting around collecting dust.  What I love about that is (1) having less means not having to search endlessly for something you've misplaced and (2) you have more money to spend on experiences or items that will last versus fast-fashion and impulse buying.  Not that you need to follow any specific model, and there are no directions or specific rules-- minimalism is not as constricting as it sounds.  Aside from things like holiday wrapping paper...