The Tiny Tower

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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.

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Something New is Coming!

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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”!

From Zero-Waste to Low-Waste

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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.

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A No-Spend Month

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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.

Happy 2019!

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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.

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Post-Surgery Update

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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.

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FabFitFun: First fall 2018 SPOILER + COUPON CODE!

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We have an exciting first SPOILER for the FabFitFun fall 2018 box:  A Vince Camuto vegan leather tote ($128.00 value)!  Sign up now to pick you color when the choices open (contains an affiliate link):

Click here AND enter code EPIC at checkout for $10 OFF your first box.

Don’t want to fuss with a code?  Click here.  No promo code necessary. 

More spoilers will be revealed as they are released.

Cash Back with ibotta

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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.

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A Rambling of Life (up to now)

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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 answers.  And if this ends up being something they haven’t figured out, maybe it will be named after me.  Haha.  You’ve got to look on the bright side of life, eh?

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