Get the DDV PAWSOME Frame & a Note on Welcoming Pluto!

This is a few days late, but to celebrate Pluto’s arrival in The Valley, redeem PAWSOMEPLUTO26 for this adorable frame! You do not need Pluto to unlock the frame. Redeem the code by running the game: Settings > Help > Redemption Code. Type in PAWSOMEPLUTO26 (in ALL CAPS) and hit Claim. The frame is going to add a bit of fun to your DreamSnaps, especially to any that are pet-centric.

Image courtesy of Disney/Disney Dreamlight Valley
©Disney & Disney/Pixar
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My Hysterectomy Journey: Insights from Week 2

Week two of my healing journey. This is, by far, the most trying week because we had to make the difficult decision to say goodbye to our furbaby, Anzu. Grief and healing are a tiring pair, but I haven’t been too focused on myself because Anzu needs us. We don’t want to be without her, but it is not fair that she spends her final days suffering. We want to thank Dr. Charlie of La Fin Veterinary for giving Anzu the most beautiful farewell. *TW: This post discusses pet loss and at-home euthanasia*

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Cats, Coffee, and Change: Autumn 2025

Welcome to September! Pumpkin everything has been out since August, which lets you know fall is almost here. As summer comes to an end, leaves are beginning to slowly change color, the air is starting to cool (albeit slightly), and stores are packed with Halloween and autumnal offerings. September is my cue to put out decorations and ring in Spooky Season. HHN and similar events are in full swing. Unfortunately, we won’t be attending any of them this year. This fall is going to be a little bit different.

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Spring at The Ecology Center + A New Channel!

A collage of photos from our visit.

Hello, all! Where is the time going? It feels like the holidays were yesterday. Life has been a bit of a rollercoaster since my last post, which is why I’ve been absent for awhile. Just when I think life is calming, something pops up. May is my birthday month, and even though I didn’t do much on the day, it was nice. All that being said, I have finally established a schedule for posts as well as something new, which will be discussed further below. I also have some spring-inspired favorites that I found at The Ecology Center during our visit in March.

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The End of Blogmas and 2024

Hello! Did you have a nice holiday season? We hope so. It really seemed to fly by this year. As you can see, my idea for posting once a day during December didn’t quite happen. The month was more hectic than we thought it would be. We have a lot planned for 2025, and when we can, we can’t wait to share those plans with all of you. If you’re celebrating NYE, have fun and be safe! See you in 2025!

Happy Blogmas: Darphynia’s Holiday Gift Guide 2024

Welcome to another Blogmas! I’m a little bit behind, so I’ll do my best to catch up this weekend. Christmas is fast approaching. It’s that time of year when shelves are lined with themed decor, kitchenware, etc., and stores are filled with people shopping for everyone on their holiday list(s). It seems that with each passing year, there are more and more goods to choose from, which can be overwhelming. Personally, I love giving and receiving practical gifts because they are long-lasting and often budget-friendly. There is something for everyone, whether homemade or not. The reality is that it’s truly the thought that counts. Even a card, which many would think “isn’t enough,” is special and appreciated. Here are some of my top picks for gifting this holiday season. *This post contains affiliate and referral links.

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🎃 Spooky Season 2024 👻

The entrance to HHN Hollywood.

There are a few days until Halloween, and fall is in full swing! Not only is fall my favorite season, but it is also home to my favorite holiday. I find the rich fall colors, and being able to cozy up in a warm sweater with some hot apple cider, satisfyingly comforting. Decorations comprised of jack-o-lanterns, spiders, cobwebs, and black cats set the stage for another spooky season. Creature Features are plentiful and help put me in the Halloween spirit. This year, I went to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood for the first time. Just a side note: Everything here is my own opinion and not affiliated with the event or anyone connected to it.

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Plastic-Free July 2024 & Blueland x Darphynia

*This post contains affiliate links that provide a commission at no cost to you.

As Plastic-Free July reaches its end, we are taking time to reflect on how much packaging and waste is placed on the consumer. Instead of manufacturers and corporations being responsible for how they package and produce their own goods, the consumer is left with the choices they are presented with. It is nearly impossible, depending on your area and situation, to find household products that are free from any sort of plastic. For some, the ability to choose more sustainable options is present, but it can come at a cost…and it’s not just monetary. One brand that has been providing planet-friendly and relatively plastic-free products since the beginning is Blueland. And, if you want to give them a try, you can purchase refill packs that won’t break the bank (plus, their packs are recyclable/compostable).

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