Tuesday August 20th, 2019...Morning Thoughts

Trash on a beach that could harm wildlife and wash into the ocean.

Things I’m thinking this morning in no special order....

Yesterday when I brought my Klean Kanteen water bottle to Dutch Bros to get a drink refill we exchanged conversation like we do with the staff. This time though the guy working the drive through window told me about his bracelet 📿 he was wearing that he bought on 4Ocean. He told me that every bracelet purchased they remove a pound of trash from the ocean. They also give back to wildlife as well. Each bracelet has a different colored cord made from recycled plastic bottles and beads made from recycled glass bottles ♻️. He had bought one that benefited sharks. I think I might purchase a dolphin one to help 4Ocean fund their cause.

One of my biggest pet peeves are cigarettes 🚬. I do not smoke and have never seen the appeal to it. To me it is a nasty habit that needs snuffing out. I have tried to understand why others around me do, but I guess I will never understand. I am allergic to tobacco smoke. I had asthma as a child and my grandmother smoked inside her home, so when ever we visited I would be bombarded with second hand smoke. She would try to take it outside while we were there, but the smell was in the walls, the furniture, their clothing, etc. I loved visiting her because I loved her, but I remember wishing she would quit smoking 🚭 and that my grandpa would quit chewing tobacco. I wanted them to live longer. My grandma died when I was young. The cigarettes probably didn't help her. I also hate when smokers throw their cigarettes on the ground. Don't they understand that is littering!!?? The cigarette has a filter made of plastic that is not biodegradable. Not only that, but some of the chemicals that make up cigarettes are toxic to wildlife and can contaminate ground water and the environment.

My friend and I were talking about my desire to go plastic free and she said that she is using cloth menstrual products and love them. I had looked into cloth pads when I was doing cloth diapering with my kids, but I never took the plunge for some reason. I did previously try a menstrual cup but I fell out of habit of using it and since I have such heavy flows the menstrual cup was a bit impractical. I would like to once again pursue the cloth pad option instead. Regular mainstream feminine products cause so much waste and the companies that make them do not have to disclose what they actually make them out of. This information is not listed on the packaging and apparently doesn't have to be since they are considered a "medical device". I would feel better about using organic cloth ones that I could wash and reuse. They would be better for the environment and my health.

I hope your Tuesday is wonderful and relaxing.

Diva Cup: Toxic Free Alternative to Tampons and Pads Review and Giveaway

We received this product free from The DivaCup to facilitate this review and an opportunity to give one away for free as well.

I have been very curious lately and have been searching for a better product to use with my menstrual flow. I have learned that pads or tampons that you can buy at the store don't have the ingredients labeled on them. Because they are considered to be a "medical device", by law they are not required to give you full (or any) disclosure of the ingredients in their products. Most of them have potentially harmful ingredients in their products. I do not want these potentially harmful chemicals inside of me or close to my skin.

The DivaCup is a reusable menstrual cup that is simply made of soft, natural un-pigmented silicone. There is nothing bad that leaches out of the silicone when it is worn. When inserted correctly, The DivaCup should sit low at the base of the canal, away from the cervix with the point down. For more information please visit their Tips for Success. DivaCup's unique bell-shape catches the menstrual flow. The DivaCup is great for women of all shapes, sizes, and lifestyles. From the young woman just starting her period to the well seasoned woman, the DivaCup is the perfect alternative to mainstream pads and tampons.

A few things to keep in mind about The DivaCup:

• The DivaCup can be worn for up to 12 hours at a time since it conveniently holds one full ounce or 30 ml of menstrual flow (the average woman only flows approximately 1 to 1.4 ounces or 30-40 ml per cycle) and needs only to be cleaned 2-3 times a day with warm water and the DivaWash or a mild, unscented, oil-free soap.
• Since The DivaCup is a personal hygienic product, a general guideline is to replace it once a year, but ultimately, it is up to the consumer to decide when it is necessary to replace the cup.
• There are two sizes that you can choose from, Model 1 and Model 2. Model 1 [1/8″ (~0.3 cm) smaller than Model 2] is recommended for women under 30 years old who have never delivered vaginally or by caesarean section. Model 2 is recommended for women over 30 years old and/or for women who have delivered vaginally or by caesarean section. The cup size is stamped inside the rim. Please refer to the sizing guidelines to find the right DivaCup size!

April was the first menses I got to use my new DivaCup, since it arrived after my menstrual cycle in March. Even though I am petite I picked out Model 2 because the sizing chart on the DivaCup website clearly showed me that it was the correct choice. I had a bit of trouble at first learning the proper way of inserting it, but I think I finally got the hang of it now. Not trying to be graphic, but my period sometimes gushes and I have had problems with pads not fitting the contour of my panty and leaking over the sides, even with wings. I have never cared for tampons, because of toxic shock syndrome. I did find that the DivaCup leaked a little, but the majority of my flow went into the DivaCup like magic. I will probably need to get/make some organic: 100% cotton or hemp/cotton blend cloth pads/liners to catch the small amount of leakage left. I also found that while using the DivaCup my flow wasn't fowl smelling. It was actually very interesting to see that the DivaCup holds quite a lot. In dumping it out and cleaning it I learned how much flow my body was really producing during my menses. I love how it is reusable. No more pad or tampon waste for the Earth to take. Great for Earth Day and Mothers Day! I love that it is also saving me money.

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BUY IT
The DivaCup is a great gift for any woman wanting to have a toxic-free menstruation. The DivaCup pays for itself in just a few months since it is a reusable product. The Suggested Retail Price of one DivaCup is USD/CAD$39.99. This reflects a savings of $100-150 a year when compared to purchasing disposables. The DivaCup can be found in store and online in 23 countries around the world. Their Store Finder and trusted e tailer web page can help you purchase The DivaCup.

WIN IT
Prize: A DivaCup, winner's choice in size.

I am trying out Rafflecopter on my blog. Please click on this post link if you do not see the script for it below. Also, if there is anything that is wrong with it let me know by emailing me: finamoon AT gmail DOT com I will try my best at fixing it. Thanks for being awesome readers!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received this product free to facilitate this review and post. Many thanks to The Diva Cup for providing this prize for the giveaway for free as well. Winners are picked randomly on rafflecopter. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation or altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review and giveaway. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.