I bought the small FLEX Cup a couple of weeks ago when it was on sale. The one thing about silicone is that it collects lint like crazy, hence why there is some on the cup. I always wash cups before using them, and you should too. Anyway, here are my thoughts on the FLEX Cup. Disclaimer: All opinions are my own. Always consult your physician before trying out products like these and others. This is not a sponsored post.
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Minimal (Zero) Waste Swaps & Repurposing
I am currently writing an opinion piece on the Zero Waste Movement and minimalism. Until then, I thought I would post up some of the things I have purchased that help control the chaos in my tiny space. While I have some issues with zero (I prefer minimal) waste, there are some things to be said for it. Here are some products you may be interested in:
1. Facekins
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| Image courtesy of Connie @ Facekins. |
I really love these, and have purchased a few packs (7/pack). Yes, they come packaged in plastic, but that’s okay. Each pad is cut, hand-sewn, and packaged by hand in the USA by founder Connie and her team–no factory involved at all. These reusable, washable face pads are ultra-soft and virtually stain-resistant. They are perfect for travel, and will last ages. Facekins will save you from having to buy cotton balls, and can be used twice before washing. Use one side in the morning, the other at night, wash it, and let it dry. You can also toss them in with your washing.
2. Reusable Bags
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| image courtesy of badpickletees.com |
We have been lucky to have received several reusable bags/totes from various events. I have used them for shopping, as a purse, and while we travel. I love how compact they are, and most are relatively durable. When they get dirty, just pop them in the wash with your next load of clothes!
3. Jars
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| I just love this jar from Mini Monster at the Anaheim Packing District! It holds about the same amount of liquid as a Trenta at Starbucks. |
Before hipsters popularized jars, we would keep and reuse the glass kind, especially if they had a metal cap. We still do, but over time I have had to buy some to replace those that have broken. I use them for drinks, picnics, and travel (except on airlines since some won’t allow them). It’s a spill-proof way to take what you need. They also take up less space, and they can be washed & reused after.
4. Feminine Hygiene Products
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| Hopefully this helps to show the capacity differences. |
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| Large (green) and Small (clear). |
Yes, I periodically purchase liners (I don’t like the feeling of reusable pads/liners. They remind me of those huge bricks that we had before ultra thin pads came out), and I have tampons in case someone needs them since I no longer use them at all. That being said, I prefer to use a period cup. Years ago I had tried them (read more about that, here) and it was the worst experience ever. I also dislike tampons in general– a plug that absorbs blood seems more gross to me than a cup that will hold it, plus, I was more prone to leaks with tampons. For years I only used pads. I figured I would just let it flow out, since that’s what nature intended anyway, but it’s not always easy to get to a restroom every 30 minutes or so. The first 2-3 days are extremely heavy for me, so I am always in need of a restroom. My favorite cup is Anytime (yes, they are manufactured in China, and have the testing reports if you want them). I have four (4) total: 2 small and 2 large– it’s better to have a couple of extras in case of travel or they get lost. The large cup holds more than the Lena, which I also have, and is the most comfortable for my body. Menstrual cups will stain over time (it happens), but that doesn’t mean they need to be thrown out.
5. BeautyBlender & Blotterazzi
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| Image courtesy of BeautyBlender & Sephora.com |
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| Image courtesy of BeautyBlender & Sephora.com |
Since BeautyBlender was introduced, I have been using them. I love that they are reusable, washable, and perfect for personal. you can use them in a professional setting, but for sanitary purposes, I recommend only using disposable. If you have the extra disposable income, you can give the used one to your clients, which I have done in the past. Depending on the set, it may be easier to use disposable sponges, but I’ve found that these little beauties last for ages, and provide a flawless finish. They also work well in place of oil blotting papers. They’ve recently launched Blotterazzi, which I like, but could have just used a sponge since they are essentially the same thing.
6. Miscellaneous/Re-purposing
I also purchase drinks that come in packaging where I can get the CRV back. The packaging is recycled, and we get some money back in return. I use LUSH knot-wraps as handbags, lunch sacks, and hair accessories. Empty medication bottles are perfect for storing toothpaste tablets, Q-tips, and more when you travel. They are also great for storing screws, nails, bolts, and other hardware in your toolbox. Just don’t forget to label them. It’s not a swap, but a repurposed item, which saves money. I have also repurposed my letter trays for makeup and skincare, which stacks easily on the bathroom counter.
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What are your favorite zero-waste swaps? Do you re-purpose? Let me know in the comments.
Stay beautiful!
Period Talk: Pads, Tampons, and the Great Menstrual Cup Debate
Why we don’t talk about something that is a normal process for most bodies is beyond me. Once a month (give or take depending on your body) the female body goes through menstruation until it ends. The first time I ever had a period was at my grandparents house. It is something I will never forget because I was wearing white shorts and it was around Christmas. Of course, right? Anyway, I used to have the worst cramps. I couldn’t take Pamprin or Midol because, to be quite frank, it would make the clotting ten times worse, so I just lived with it. As I got older the cramps stopped and were replaced with lower back pain throughout the duration of my period and sore breasts the week before. The sore breasts were a sign that it was approaching, which I guess was a good warning. Within the last year that has changed, too. I still have the lower back pain and breast sensitivity, but now the cramps have decided to make a return. They aren’t that bad, but once in awhile it almost feels like a stabbing pain.
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| Image courtesy of target.com |
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| These are a great option, especially if you have a heavy period. Image courtesy of target.com |
I have always been a pad user. I prefer the ultra thin kind, with wings of course. I used to buy Always, but I’ve found that I prefer the Target brand because they have a better adhesive. Since my period, as of now, is heavy for the first 2-3 days then very light the rest of the week, I use the overnight extra-long with wings, then switch to the regular pads. Some of my friends use reusable cloth pads for environmental purposes, but that’s something I’m not quite comfortable with. Would I try it? Possibly.
When I was younger there were times when I would use tampons as a protective measure. They used to make curved tampons. The applicator was curved for easier use, but they went off the market. These days you can find them in all sizes, but no longer curved, which helped me a lot. Due to the risk of TSS, I stopped using tampons altogether. I also didn’t like the concept of keeping a plug up there. My best friend recommended that I try a menstrual cup instead.
My first attempt at using a menstrual cup. About 10 years ago I tried a brand called Instead, now called Softcup. The experience was anything but pleasant. It is great in theory, but it was far more uncomfortable than I thought it would be. It was difficult to insert and even more difficult to tell whether or not it was in correctly. On top of everything, I could feel it, so I said my goodbyes to menstrual cups.
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| The cup comes with a travel bag for keeping. Image courtesy of lenacup.com |
There are so many different cup styles out there that it was difficult to choose one. After a lot of thought I decided to get the Lena, which looks a lot like the Sckoon Cup. I purchased the small size, and had high hopes. There are a few different folding methods, so I tried a couple of different ways, and the easiest for me was the 7-fold. There were some things I noticed that were repetitive while reading about period cups. One consistent thing with the cups is that it will feel like it “pops” that indicated it has suctioned to you. I never felt that. I made sure that it was completely open by running the tip of my finger around the base.
The first time I used the Lena, I noticed I could feel it– like when you don’t quite have a tampon in all the way. After some time I realized it was because of the stem. I ended up having to cut most of it otherwise it would poke out, which one of the most uncomfortable feelings ever. It took two cycles for my body to really adjust to the cup. There are days when I don’t feel like using it, but it’s a lifesaver when I travel or have to go out somewhere, especially on heavy days. No longer do I have to wake up several times a night to change, nor do I have to worry about leaking all over the sheets. Now, there have been times in the first couple of days where I have had leaks, but that’s simply because the cup fills up, and there’s nowhere else for the blood to go. That’s a bit graphic but it does happen, which is why I use a liner or regular pad as added security, more so when I am not at home.
I never thought I would be a period cup user. Some of my friends think it’s really gross, and I was one of those people until I found a cup that worked for me. The idea that blood literally collects in a cup until it’s dumped out is just as odd as having an absorption plug. While I still think the blood should just be allowed to flow and expel itself from the body, we aren’t always in situations where we can change pads whenever we please. The cups are a safer alternative to tampons; they are more environmentally friendly, I don’t have to buy pads as often (which saves money), and they hold more than tampons do. A big question is: How do I empty the cup when I’m not at home? Do it the same way you would at home, except have some wipes on hand. If I am in a public bathroom that isn’t individual I empty the cup, clean it with a wipe, re-insert, and then clean up my hands with another wipe before leaving the stall. As always, practice good hygiene by washing your hands after using the bathroom. Sometimes I
don’t want to go through the hassle of re-inserting it because it can be quite messy. I always carry extra pads in case that happens.
There is a great app that I use to track my period called My Days. It is available on the App Store and on Google Play. You could also just use the calendar, but I really prefer the app. Mark the day when you start and stop, and it will predict your ovulation, fertility, and your next period.
What do you think?
Stay beautiful!
Darphynia's Diary 