The 5-Year Journal, Q&A a Day

With 2018 drawing to a close, I'd like to spotlight this neat little journal which I've been using to supplement my bullet journaling. It provides daily questions which, when used daily, is a nice reflection of those years once they've been filled up. I started this in January 2017 and managed to keep up with it, despite needing to go back a week to fill it in a few times.

Afraid of diving head first into journaling? This baby
has prompts for each day to get the ball rolling for you.

Published by Potter Style, Q&A a Day: 5-Year Journal has beautiful gilded pages that caught my eye in Barnes & Nobles last year. Behind its simplistic paper covering and stylishly lettered title are 365 questions for you to answer throughout the year. The layout makes it easy for a person to start any year on any month since you fill in the last two numbers following '20__' before writing down your answer.

Firstly, this is a great introduction to journaling without a large commitment. Four lines to answer forces the writer to answer concisely yet there's no requirement to fill the entire space.

Some of the questions can be incredibly poignant, while others are less so but fun to answer anyhow. The journal is incredibly forgiving if you forget to use this for a few days in a row, as most of them aren't particularly based on what you did that specific day. Looking back, these were some of my more memorable answers:

I think 'leaky faucet dripping sound' meant that I was disassociative or lethargic that day. It gave me a good chuckle
reading back on this answer since I'd given absolutely no other context with that very distinct description.

I was slightly surprised at how profound some of the questions were, like these ones below. Somehow, it seemed some questions are timed perfectly to what's been lingering in your mind. These can easily lead one to write more on what's on their mind in, say, their bullet journal!

Overall, I really enjoyed this journal throughout 2018 and am excited to see what I'll write in the coming years. It's a fun little activity to do either in the morning or towards the end of each day (depending on the question), and it's great to use alongside bullet journaling. Personally, it would be a sweet gift to give a loved one. This one is the general journal but there are other one specializing by person: there's one for parents, grandparents, children, teens, for couples, college students, and creatives, and they range to last between 3 to 5 years. They are all available on Amazon here.

Such A Pretty Girl by Laura Wiess

Published in 2007, Such A Pretty Girl by Laura Weiss is a suspenseful drama packed into a young adult novel. Triggering themes include child and sexual abuse, gaslighting, PTSD and lack of self-care, neglect, and erasure of abuse; other themes include (consensual) sexual, car accidents related to drunk driving, and religious beliefs of the Christian/Catholic faith. This story may be too dark or complex for preteen readers! I suggest that readers as young as 14-15 can try this out if they've had sex education and are mature enough to handle reading about such a heavy topic. There are no explicit descriptions of abuse or consensual sexual situations, but it is heavily implied.

My worn copy of Such A Pretty Girl was found with all my old high school belongings.

I shared this book with some of my closest
friends in high school, who were also riveted
by Meredith's story of hardship and survival.

I'm not exactly sure how I first came to own a copy of Laura Wiess's Such A Pretty Girl, only that I became quickly and deeply invested in the main character's physical and mental wellbeing.

15-year-old Meredith Shale is a survivor of sexual abuse at the hands of her own father, Charles, who at the start of the book has been released early from his incarceration for molesting her and several other children. Not only did the justice system do Meredith wrong, but her own mother fails her too: Sharon's blind love and idolization for Charles incites her to downplay her daughter's abuse and welcome the abuser back into their family in lieu of Meredith's safety. She tried silencing Meredith from ever speaking up, and after Charles' release tries to convince Meredith to act her part of a normal, loving family. So not only must Meredith evade her father's attempts back into her life but also grapple her willfully ignorant mother's refusal to acknowledge the past abuse and her enablement for future abuse.

"She keeps calling it a mistake, like it was nothing more than taking a wrong turn somewhere. She's acting like everything's fine and nothing ever happened, like all this time my father's been off on some business trip instead of locked up in prison" (26).

Wiess was inspired to write after watching the documentary
Just Melvin: Just Evil (2000) in which she "took note of the
use of the word "offenders," which [Wiess] felt minimized
the abuse perpetrated" (The Sentinel).

Sprinkled throughout the book are flashbacks to snippets of her early childhood. These seemingly mundane memories are forever marred by the knowledge of her father's predatory motives. It's painful for Meredith to remember; if the crimes he'd later commit against her didn't happen, these little moments would have otherwise held a sweet and innocent fondness. Other memories include sickening instances of her being groomed as a child and heartwrenching fights between her and her mother.

Luckily, she has friends and neighbors whom she can rely on to an extent: Nigel, the retired cop living in the same condo complex; her maternal grandmother Leah Louisa who is also mayor of the fictionalized Estertown. Andy is Meredith's boyfriend who, upon graduating college, became paralyzed from the waist down in an alcohol-related car accident. Andy is also one of the kids who was molested—when Meredith was three, Charles had left the family for the widowed Paula Mues and her seven-year-old son. Upon discovering her son's abuse and after his accident, Ms. Mues turns to the Holy Mother seeking recovery for Andy's paralysis and revenge for Andy's abuse. They also live in the condo complex, and their apartment serves as a safe haven for Meredith to shelter in on several occasions.

Years ago when I first read this book, I didn't find much fault. But after skimming through it recently, I found some things that irk me:

A wooden Virgin Mary
statue like this one carries
significance throughout
the novel (pilgrimgifts.co.uk)

1) I took issue with using Andy's confinement to a wheelchair as a parallel to Meredith's position of being trapped in her situation and euphemism of Andy's helplessness. His disability is something that hinders him or holds their relationship back—Meredith notes that she'd want to be with him sexually, even if he is paralyzed. She is frustrated of Andy's shame which prevents them from taking their intimacy further, lamenting that she has never seen him with his pants off while, disturbingly, her father has seen both of them without their pants.

2) Another matter in question is Such A Pretty Girl's religious undertones. This specifically ties to the devout Ms. Mues faith in a victim soul healing her son's legs and the Virgin Mary statue in her apartment that symbolizes many things throughout the novel. ** Spoiler ** Both of these things, the victim soul and the madonna statue, are ultimately Andy's and Meredith's salvation. I understand the story's use of religious iconography since I come from a Catholic background. However, I find it's problematic seeking religion as a way to heal one's disability (as opposed to accepting the disability, because no one with a disability is 'broken' or lacking anything in comparison to able-bodied folk).

3) The dynamic of Meredith and Andry is grating and at times hard to read. It doesn't come from their 4-year age gap but specifically from the two reasons above. Don't get me wrong, their relationship is described as loving but tumultuous—it's actually a very realistic take on real relationships. However, Andy's disability is a catalyst for Andy and Meredith. She's upset he's leaving town (in hopes of healing his legs) not just because her dad's back; she's concerned that he'd drop her as soon as he could walk again. Despite Andy obviously deeply caring for Meredith, he doesn't give the reassurance needed to quell her insecurities. With Meredith's and Andy's intertwined history of sexual abuse, we see signs of trauma from both characters that results in some tense moments and  a lack of miscommunication. In contrast, their relationship can also be seen as a method of taking back control of their bodies and lives. They ultimately feel safe and loved in their relationship, and want to be together despite their personal grievances.

My headcanon for Meredith is similar to this Feb. 2018 photo
of Selena Gomez trying to enjoy life but looking uncomfortable
from the paparazzi always invading her privacy; some minor
differences include some baggier, dirt-stained overalls, chipped
nail polish & shorter, greasy, unwashed hair (celebsfirst.com)

I liked how Such A Pretty Girl was written from Meredith's point of view. Her traumatic experiences have her coping in various ways such as hiding behind a facade of apathy, smoking cigarettes, skepticism in trusting others, and a peculiar obsession with numbers and taking her vitamins. Throughout the span of the book, she practices various methods of self-preservation. She can be seen withdrawing from communication, sneaking out of the house, and intentionally lacking hygiene in an attempt to dismay or disinterest her abuser.

One look at Meredith and she is very much the "little lost lamb" as Ms. Mues describes her sardonically to Charles, "'[trudging] along like she carries the weight of the world on her shoulders" (66). After being ostracized from association to her father by the community (despite being one of the children he abused), Meredith can often be seen walking around town barefoot, hanging out around dumpsters, throwing away perfectly good food and setting things on fire.  All of these things may seem out of hand to an outsider but, to Meredith, these are some things she must do in order to gain a semblance of control over her life.

In a literary review, New York Times bestselling author Luanne Rice compared Meredith to Scout Finch from To Kill A Mockingbird and Phoebe Caulfield from Catcher In The Rye. Meredith carries some notable characteristics with these two timeless heroines, from Phoebe's intelligence and sharp observation of the people around her to Scout's independent, stubborn streak and tomboyish appearance. She also exudes the deep vulnerability and awkwardness of any young girl, whose desire to feel understood is something that most readers may resonate with.

Click above for Kindle, New &
Used hard copies of Such A
Pretty Girl on Amazon

In essence, what made this novel so captivating was being with Meredith as she's experiencing the absolute, worst-case-scenario of her life. Wiess constructs such an intricately detailed world that makes up her environment and the people that surround her. Such A Pretty Girl pulls you in and doesn't let go until you've read every last page of Meredith's story.

I loved this novel by Laura Wiess the first time I read it, and while I noticed some tedious things during the second time reading, I still very thoroughly love this work and it will always have a place on my bookshelf. Readers who are survivors of abuse might find this story cathartic to read, though I must warn that while there aren't graphic depictions of abuse, the language used may still be triggering for some. If you don't mind reading through these things to follow a young abuse survivor's struggle for freedom, I highly suggest Such A Pretty Girl.

Review: The Lily Cup One

As far as I know, the Lily Cup One is one of the only collapsible menstrual cups available. Squish it down until it's practically flat, then tuck it away in the carrying case which comes with your purchase! It also features a ring stem, which helps one pull the cup down easier for removal.

The cup and carrying case is hot pink, as it's Intimina's signature color. Some reviewers described it as too feminine.
On the flip side, the carrying case can easily be mistaken for a package of blush or lip balm due to the hot pink color.

(via Amazon)

The Lily Cup One by Intimina ("LC One") is aimed towards teens and first-time users, but it's also marketable to any user seeking a portable cup. The circular case is as round as tarte's sample-size Amazonian Clay Blush, and as thick as a Dirty Little Secret blush case (see pictures below). You can tuck it away in a bag or jacket pocket without it taking up much room. If your period suddenly comes while you're on the go, this menstrual cup has your back!

What also makes this easier to use is the ring stem, which has a flattened base that's easier to grip. Regular cups have a pole-like stem, which may be harder to grasp when removing the cup. The silicone cup material is flexible enough to be comfortable while strong enough to withstand tugging on it for removal.

This cup checks almost all the right boxes... Almost. Unfortunately, the Lily Cup One only comes in one size: 20ml capacity. At 1.85" in length and a 1.54" diameter, it's noticeably smaller than the average 'regular flow' cup. For example, the popular Diva Cup in Size 1 lists 30ml capacity, and it is 2.25" long and 1.69" in diameter. To see the difference between multiple brands, check out Put A Cup In It's comparison charts (Both Imperial measurements and Metric measurements available).

A comparison between the Lily Cup One
carrying case & compact blush packaging

Maybe Intimina made the LC One so small so teens can use it easily, or its collapsibility factor demanded a smaller cup size... or both of these factors combined.

No matter the case, this cup is a little small for my needs. This is due to two things:

My current period situation: Pretty heavy, especially on 2nd-5th days and with moderately severe cramps. I was on The Pill for 6 years,  during which I had very mild periods—a relatively light flow, almost no cramping. Then, this past August, I stopped The Pill in favor of the non-hormonal copper IUD, ParaGard. The Copper IUD is notorious for making monthly flows heavier and longer than they normally are (without hormones). I think this is a fair trade considering how The Pill was affecting my body and mind. My flow currently lasts between 5-6 days and most of the days having a heavy flow. I have heavy cramps 3-4 days of my period. I'm hoping that after time passes with my IUD in, my periods will return closer to how they were pre-Pill/pre-IUD. 

My business: My cervix is usually on the low side during menstruation—I don't have to reach far in to feel it. Some people have described some low cervixes as 'dangly' and it sounds very similar to how mine gets on my period. I have not given birth.

MY EXPERIENCE

(via Intimina)

I bought this cup for its key features, the ring stem, and portability. I also took my low cervix into account and thought a slightly smaller cup would be better. My flaw was purchasing a cup before my IUD was inserted; I had no way of telling just how heavy my flow would be. I thought, since my periods were fairly light, the IUD would not cause my periods to be very heavy... but I was wrong!

While I find it easy to use, the Lily Cup One is simply not large enough to meet my current period needs. On my heaviest days, I find myself needing to empty the cup every 1-1/2 to 2 hours. Perhaps, my "dangly" cervix takes up a bit of room in the cup—thus, preventing it from reaching full capacity at 20ml. After further research, I've considered cups with a sphere or bell shape; these reportedly work well with low cervixes because they are wider towards the stem, which allows more fluid to be collected.

(via Intimina) It may defeat
the purpose of the ring stem
to cut it off; still, its flatness
may still be easier to handle
than a pole stem (which most
menstrual cups have).

Despite my heavy flow pushing the LC One to its' limits, I generally like using the cup. Unless I've started leaking, it feels like it's not even there. All of my cups sit "low" (I don't need to reach in far in to feel it) and since this cup is already small, and the ring stem is not as long as the traditional pole stem, it does not poke out and there's no need for me to trim the stem off. I also don't have issues of pressure on my pubic bone—the silicone is pretty flexible due to its collapsibility, although some reviewers have mentioned that it may be too flexible. This means the cup may have trouble popping open because the silicone is not rigid enough to push against one's vaginal walls to open.

I love the design of the Lily Cup One dearly, and lament that it only comes in one (very small) size. Fingers crossed that Intimina will release a larger version of this! But until that day comes, I'll need to rely on another cup which can accommodate my heavy flow.

4 out of 5 stars

Click to shop Intimina's
Lily Cup One on Amazon

Big points to Intimina for creating a travel-friendly menstrual cup. As my first cup, it was incredibly easy for me to use and super comfortable to boot. I'm docking a full point because they only make this in one size... Yet, despite it not being my "Holy Grail," I'm keeping this cup for the sake of portability. I'll never be caught without an emergency period product! So, the Lily Cup One will be tucked away in its carrying case in my purse, if ever my time of the month comes while I'm on the go.

My first time using a menstrual cup has passed, my Lily Cup One is sanitized and in my current purse for emergency purposes, and I've purchased another set of menstrual cups to try out on my next cycle. What brand could they be? Find out in my next cup review! ✻

Thrift: Free People Batwing Blouse & More

Earlier, I paired this top with black boots but they
were wet from the rain (Excuse my tsinelas!)

Free People's brand is all about living free-spiritedly, creatively, and fashionably. They're normally way out of my price range: starting at $40-$50+ for tops, this brand is popular for its vintage-inspired, bohemian fashion. I was thrilled to find this muted green top in a secondhand store.

I managed to snag this cozy batwing blouse for $15.00 at my local Plato's Closet. This chain of secondhand stores buys trendy and fashionable brands to appeal to the teen and young adult market. It has flowing sleeves, and the gauze gives it a light airiness that knit batwing sweaters tend to lack.

Unbranded dark blue crop top, $6.00 (left)
New Look black lace crop top, $5.00 (right)

Additionally, I found two crop tops that perfect match my newest fashion taste. I've stepped away from heavily layered, light-colored clothes in favor of deeper, richer colors. I still love a good cream-colored top—especially underneath a black lace overlay as seen on one of the crop tops to the left.

The store I purchased these from, Plato's Closet in Pacifica, was originally not my favorite place to shop in. But as of November 1st, they began operating under new ownership and are in the process of revitalizing the store. The store felt so much more comfortable to shop with the changes they made, adding different displays and training their employees with exceptional customer service skills. Read my full Yelp review here.

I love walking into a thrift store because I never know what treasures might be waiting inside. It's hard to choose what to take home because everything is priced so reasonably, but once I whittled down to the things that really spoke out to me, I walked away with three cute tops.

Eco-Friendly Periods: Menstrual Cups & More

It's time to talk about sustainable menstruation! Here's why a menstrual cup is the best option... and reasons why it may not work for you. I'll also go over environmental impacts of regular tampons, 100% organic cotton tampons, and a list of other eco-friendly period products at the very end. I won't go into detail about any cups that I've tried out because I'd like to dedicate smaller pieces for reviewing them specifically.

(via lacopamenstrual.es)

Menstrual cups are not only a more affordable alternative to plastic tampons, but they're also much friendlier to our planet. While it's nice saving money from not buying tampons regularly, my main reason for using a menstrual cup is so I may live more sustainably. I started using a cup in August 2018... and noticed plenty of other perks besides environmental ones, and I don't plan on using tampons again unless it's an emergency situation. Before we get into menstrual cups, let's talk about why the average tampon is so harmful.

(via putacupinit.com) A comparison of waste for just one period.

Tampons are disposable, and most readily available tampons are made of synthetic material with plastic wrapping and applicators. After one-time use, the tampon wrapper, applicator, and tampon are destined to end up in a landfill. For the ongoing project DesignLife-Cycle, UC Davis undergraduates collect information on embedded energy within products: the material they're made from and the process of making and breaking them down. You would think this information is easily accessible to the public, but oftentimes it isn't. In 2016, students researched specifically on the average tampon's life cycle:

[Synthetically made tampons] have amounts of plastic which means they’re not biodegradable. In other words, their speed of decomposition is extremely slow and can take up to 450 years to completely decompose. 

The rate at which a plastic applicator decomposes can be “centuries longer than the lifespan of the woman who used it" (The Guardian). 

A single woman can use [an average of 11,000 tampons] within her lifetime. 

Seeing roughly half of the human population experiences menstruation, you don't need to think hard about how many tampons are thrown away each year. Hint: the number is in the billions. Additionally, tampons and other products end up in our waters and beaches when they are flushed down the toilet because they can slip through filtration at wastewater treatment facilities (that is, if they don't clog your plumbing first). With a menstrual cup, you don't have to flush anything down the drain beside your menstrual fluid.

Bad, Better, Best? Conventional Cotton < 100% Organic Cotton ≲ Silicone

In terms of embedded energy, we should acknowledge that cotton is one thirsty crop—to put it in perspective, it takes up to 700 gallons of water to create just one t-shirt. But other than the high gross use of water, conventionally grown cotton requires "uses more insecticides than any other single crop and epitomizes the worst effects of chemically dependent agriculture. Each year cotton producers around the world use nearly $2.6 billion worth of pesticides — more than 10% of the world’s pesticides and nearly 25% of the world’s insecticides" (Pesticide Action Network). Not to mention that the conventional cotton industry reportedly perpetrates human rights abuses and forced child labor to maintain its low costs. So, the only way we can sustainably and ethically use cotton tampons is by choosing 100% organic cotton: say no to slave labor, say no to pesticides, say no to insecticides. Buying ethically grown and organically produced products will always factor into pricepoint, which is why '100% organic cotton' tampons are priced a little higher than traditional ones.

Silicone may be more sustainable than
100% cotton tampons (via Pinterest)

Menstrual cups are also arguably the best period product option, even over 100% organic cotton tampons, because it eliminates tampon and applicator waste completely (Organic tampons still end up in landfills since tampons are considered biohazardous waste, and are therefore unfit for compost... however, organic tampons break down in as little as 6 months, hundreds of years fasters than synthetic tampons).

While silicone cannot decompose, we can recycle menstrual cups when it's time for a replacement. And if your silicone cup does end up in the ocean, it poses less of a hazard to marine life since silicone doesn't break down into smaller pieces as plastic does. Consumer advocate Debra Lynn Dadd researched and found that silicone "is not toxic to aquatic or soil organisms, it is not hazardous waste and, while it is not biodegradable, it can be recycled after a lifetime of use."

But is silicone really less harmful than cotton?

It should be mentioned that silicone production isn't without faults. Silicone is not a naturally occurring material like cotton, but a manmade polymer whose main component is silicon that comes from silica (commonly found in sand). This polymer is so versatile, it can be found as a water-soluble ingredient in hair products, as food-safe reusable kitchenware, a featured ingredient in car polish, as biocompatible and sterile medical equipment,  sex toys, and so much more.

Silica has been mined for years without much ecological impact; however, in recent decades silica became very valued for its use in oil fracking and this increased demand for silica sand mining in the US and abroad. With several new mining sites (both legal and illegal practices) environmentalists and those living nearby question the environmental and health safety of silica sand mining. It is not only a threat to wildlife habitat but a pollution and health concern for workers and communities living near mining grounds.

Comparing cotton farming and sand mining, they can both be destructive and devastating to the environment when production levels are increased exorbitantly. As consumers, while we make use of household cotton and silicone products, we must also be aware of corporate malpractices that go against our ethical and moral values: environmental pollution and labor exploitation from the conventional cotton industry and excessive silica (frac) sand mining that is led by big oil.

There are eco-friendly but disposable 100% organic tampons, and there are menstrual cups that last for years and are recyclable at the end of its lifetime. They are not perfect products, and each come with their own personal or environmental perks and drawbacks. It's ultimately up to your individual needs!

(via Intimina)

Besides sustainability, there are many other perks to using a menstrual cup... however, it also comes with downsides. The menstrual cup may or may not work for your period situation. See below for pros and cons to menstrual cup use that can help you decide if it's right for you!

Pros to Menstrual Cups

• It feels less irritating than a tampon or thick pad (subjective to my own opinion). Pads are large, cumbersome and make me feel sweaty down there; tampons can feel drying, and their strings get in the way of using the restroom. Menstrual cup material is firm yet flexible enough to conform to the body. Once the cup is in place, I don't feel it: nothing hangs out from my hoo-hah, it doesn't add bulkiness in my underwear, and it leaves my natural moisture alone.

A few dollars per tampon package saved
each month adds up over time! (via Tenor)

• Save money with just one menstrual cup, which can replace between two to ten years worth of tampons (this is the speculated lifespan of a menstrual cup). While their cost is more expensive upfront, you don't have to buy menstrual cups continuously like disposable period products—for example, a menstrual cup that costs ~$25 USD pays for itself within just a few period cycles. After that, you're saving money that would have otherwise been spent on tampons or pads.

• Wear it for longer than tampons or pads. One can safely leave a menstrual cup in for up to 12 hours, but this is highly variable depending on each person's flow and cup capacity. These can be left in for so long because the safest cups are made with medical-grade silicone, which is non-porous so bacteria cannot be absorbed into the cup itself. Alternatively, if tampons aren't removed within 8 hours of insertion, it risks higher chances of Toxic Shock Syndrome or aggravating an already-present vaginal infection.

(via putacupinit.com) Take this Quiz and find out which
menstrual cups might work for you and your period!

• Many options to choose from. Your Goldilocks "Juuust Right," Holy Grail menstrual cup is out there, somewhere, in the period product market. Cups vary not just by size, but by material (for those with allergies or sensitivities), firmness, general shape, and the design of the stem/ring for removal. Besides the standard menstrual cup, there are also menstrual discs with larger capacities than a menstrual cup and (apparently) the allowance of mess-free period sex. How they remain in place, insertion, and removal is reportedly very different than the menstrual cup.

• Become familiarized & unashamed with your body, and feel more comfortable about menstruation. There is still so much stigma about this biological function! People who aren't educated about it are more likely to believe that periods are unclean or that a person on their period is impure or dirty. This stigma isn't just emotionally harmful, but has led to oppressive practices around the world from being unallowed to discuss menstruation to being physically ostracized from school, places of worship, and even the entire community in the duration of a person's period; this causes shame and a lack of knowledge within the menstruating population. Using a cup forces you to be more self-aware of your body through touch, so you have a higher chance of noticing changes in your vaginal health. It also normalizes your period because you are seeing and handling your period blood each time you empty your cup. You'll realize that your body's process of shedding the uterine lining every month is super fascinating and completely natural.

(via Medium)

Cons to Menstrual Cups

That's a lot of "Kensington Gore"! (via Don't Cook your Balls)

• There will be blood... and mucous, in all its liquidy, clumpy state. (since it's collected in the cup instead of being absorbed into a tampon's material). Blood gets on your fingers and under your fingernails. If you're not careful, it may accidentally drip onto the toilet or floor and make the bathroom look like a fresh murder scene! Personally, I think it's cool watching this mixture of bodily fluids splash into the toilet, but others may not want to deal with the mess.

• Less convenient than regular tampons. Anything reusable requires more maintenance over disposable items that you don't think twice about throwing away; menstrual cups must be sanitized by boiling it before each cycle, and you have to at least wipe the cup down between removal and insertion. Another reason why cups are less inconvenient is the public restroom: just wiping your cup off with TP is fine in this case, but walking out of the stall with blood on your hands is not the business. Additionally, if you're getting used to a menstrual cup and/or have a heavier flow, you might find yourself leaking because of incorrect insertion or the cup you're using isn't quite right for you.

(via Medium) The best cup for you
may not be the first cup you purchase.

• The learning curve(s) & the search for your Holy Grail menstrual cup. There's no one-size-fits-all cup! Size matters, and your cervix height dictates which cup fits comfortably. Then once you've bought it, you must learn  how to get the dang thing up there! There's many folds to try; it must be inserted deep enough; how to pop it open once inside; ensuring it's properly aligned to the cervix—otherwise, there's a high chance of leakage. Some may experience difficulty removing the cup when it's time to empty it (I do, because of my short fingers). If the cup you bought isn't working well, you'll have to purchase another or several others until you find one that's works. Each cup on the market is made with different materials and shaped differently, so they each have their own learning curves—they also cost more upfront than tampons, with quality cups ranging between $20-$50 USD. This may mean you'll be spending more money than you previously thought if you don't buy the right cup firsthand.

• Possible physical limitations may hinder those with joint, reproductive or other physically-related conditions from comfortably, safely, conveniently using a menstrual cup. A menstrual cup is not for everyone! That's okay. Please see below for other types of period products that are eco-friendly with small descriptions included.

(via menstrualcup.co)

If you think a menstrual cup is not for you but still want to use more sustainable period products, fear not: you have options!  Many brands have been launched offering environmentally-friendly period products for conscious consumers. Each type listed below has their own pros and cons, but overall are more sustainable than plastic applicator synthetic tampons.

• Organic tampons, no applicator: In best conditions, 100% cotton tampons can break down within 6 months—a much shorter timeframe than synthetic tampons! And without an applicator, you're cutting that source of waste out entirely. Like the menstrual cup, your fingers will be reaching in for insertion. (Brands: Cora, Honest, LOLA)

• Organic tampons with cardboard applicators: With all the perks of a one-use tampon, they generate the same amount of waste as regular tampons but cardboard applicators can technically be recycled, and they biodegrade much faster than plastic applicators. They are subjectively less comfortable to use than plastic applicators. (Brands: Rael, Maxim, Brandless, kali)

• Organic tampons with reusable applicators: Currently unavailable, but various companies will launch tampons with reusable applicators very soon. These applicators may last for years before needing replacement, although it's questionable whether they can be recycled after use. The applicators likely need to be boiled or washed with soap & water to disinfect.  Still producing waste via tampons each month. (Brands: THINX, Dame)

• Menstrual cup with special pull-stems: Currently unavailable; in an effort to create menstrual cups accessible, some companies will soon release newly designed cups meant for those who cannot use traditional-style cups. These stems are used to break the seal that keeps the cup in place when inserted. All the perks of a menstrual cup, however, it still may not be the best design for your specific needs. (Brands: Keela, flexcup)

• Washable cloth pads & pantyliners: No tampon OR applicator waste but may add bulkiness or sweatiness in your underwear; you should also purchase a generous package of them so you never run out between washing. Requires laundering—higher maintenance needs compared to other products. (Brands: Small businesses on Etsy, Lunapads, Charlie Banana)

• Period underwear: No tampon OR applicator waste, but this alone may not be enough to collect your menses and may need to be paired with a different period product anyhow. You should probably purchase more than one to switch out for if/when it absorbs full capacity. Also requires laundering. (Brands: Modibodi, Harebrained, THINX, Lunapads)

• Menstrual sponges: Made of natural sea sponge, these can be reused up to 6 months with proper care. I would not recommend a menstrual sponge to most people, due to a combination of risk factors and strict upkeep to maintain sterilization. They are a natural material, but it may concern you that they aren't actually plants—sea sponges are considered animals despite immobility and a lack of organs. Their filter-feeding means sand or other small particles may be present in the sponge which may make you apprehensive of inserting it into your body. And, because it works through absorption, the sponge must be thoroughly sanitized by soaking in a safe solution for 1-2 hours between periods OR risk it harboring bacteria or fungi which can lead to imbalanced pH, infections, or even TSS. Like tampons, a menstrual sponge should only be left inserted no more than 8 hours. It is still a viable option if one has the time to maintain proper sterilization of the sponge. However, if you want a period product which absorbs menstruation from within the body, my recommendation is 100% cotton tampons because, despite downsides of the tampon waste, cotton tampons are made from plant material which biodegrades, and its disposability poses much less health risk than a reusable menstrual sponge.

For menstruating folk, if we collectively begin using sustainable period products like the Menstrual Cup it would significantly cut back on tampon and plastic applicator waste going into landfills and our waters. I think the personal benefits of using menstrual cups outweigh its downsides—however, the cup doesn't suit every person's needs and you may still wish to reduce your period product waste. I recommend researching on your own as much as you can, to choose an eco-friendly period product that's best for you. I hope my extensive guide has helped you consider purchasing any eco-friendly product for your menstruation needs. Thanks for reading and stay tuned for menstrual cup reviews! ♥

2019 Calendar Printables

It's almost the end of the year and bujoers abound have begun prepping for 2019. A popular practice is starting a fresh journal in January, which lasts the whole year... this means creating a Future Log that includes all 12 months. Here are some free printables I created with all the months of 2019, for those who don't want to write it by hand. Scroll below for links!

Have you ever received washi with extra thin strips between them? They make excellent decorative borders!
Click here for the washi set that these super thin washi strips came in (found on Amazon)

(via tenor)

So... I don't actually start a new journal in January! My journal does last the 12 months, but it starts in July and ends June the following year. This is convenient because, as a student, summer is when I'm most free to begin a new journal. When setting up my current Future Log (which goes into 2019), I printed the months instead of writing by hand; I like the clean look, and it fits well in the 2nd premade spread in Rhodia's Goalbook (above). Since the New Year is coming up, I thought to share these Printables with the Bujo community.

There are two versions of this calendar: one with a 2 square-inch border when printed at 100% scale, and the other without borders. The borders are meant to be decorative or help you keep a straight line when cutting them out. The one with no borders is available for those who prefer them without.

Click on the links below to download Bullet Journal 2019 Calendars

Download 2019 Calendar with no Borders

Download 2019 Calendar with 2" Borders

These free printables are for personal use only. See the example on the left for the approximate size. Let me know if you're using these in the comments below, or if you have other ideas for Printables you would like to see!

The Plant allows me to share bullet journal related things more easily than posting on the Bullet Journal Junkies Facebook group. I lurk, comment, but rarely post—posts are quickly pushed down due to its large and international member base (however, I'll post any Bujo-related articles when they air on my blog!!) If you're a member, you may not see me but I'm there... ( ´ ▽ ` )ﾉ

Also, welcome to The Plant! Feel free to reach out to me directly on my blog if you have Bujo-related questions or if you're interested in bullet journaling. Thanks for visiting and have a lovely day ~ ☁

Review: Caudalie Divine Oil

Divine Oil's thick glass bottle has solid weight to it
and can withstand drops on a soft, carpeted surface.

By December 2017, I had been hunting for a body oil for some time. My skin was in dire need of something moisturizing and if it the oil was multipurpose, then a higher price point was justifiable—plus, Christmas had just passed and I had some spending money to treat myself with.

I hunted at Ulta and Sephora until I found something that piqued my interest: Divine Oil by Caudalie, a high-end French skincare brand that utilizes grapes from their vineyard to boost antiaging and other restorative properties in their products. (They are also part of 1% For The Planet, in which members contribute one-percent or more of their sales towards environmental causes!) I already knew of Caudalie through Sephora's free samples and was always pleased to test out their products. All their products smell heavenly and if I couldn't purchase them, I may as well indulge whenever I visit Sephora.

Seeing the beautiful golden bottle on the shelves with its cylindrical wooden cap, of course, I had to try it. One whiff and I was taken. You can't imagine how luxurious this smells! Divine is just the word that describes this scent. As a dry oil, it absorbs exceptionally fast. And this oil can be used in several ways: etched across the front, it declares, "Body, Face, Hair" below the product name.

The price point is normally quite high for me at $49.00 USD. But... since it was a luxury brand; I had a bit of holiday gift money to splurge on, and it was a multipurpose oil; I went for it.

Disappointingly, I found out that it was not compatible with my face. Perhaps one or more oils in the 4-oil blend, the fragrance, or a combination, my face broke out when I tested this. Just recently I saw on the Caudalie's product page that it's no longer advertised for face use:

This multi-use, luxurious dry oil moisturizes, nourishes and enhances thanks to its unique formula made with exceptional blend of oils (grape, hibiscus, sesame and argan) combined with our patented anti-oxidant Polyphenols. It envelops the skin with a subtle, floral and sun-kissed fragrance, with woody notes.

Use it on the body, hair, nails, in the bath or as a massage oil.

Presumably, their new bottles do not advertise
"Body, Face, Hair" beneath the product name

Despite being unable to use on my face, I was very pleased how this moisturized my hair without leaving a greasy feeling. I also think the spray applicator is super convenient, although it sprayed in a concentrated stream half of the time (as opposed to a fine mist). This also makes you feel so sexy if you get someone to use this during a massage! Hehe~!

Notably, this doesn't seem as moisturizing as a proper lotion. After showers I'd only use Caudalie's Divine Oil if I was rushed, otherwise, I'd reach for something creamier if I had the time to moisturize.

I rarely have empties for any product unless they are an absolute favorite. This Divine Oil didn't hit all the marks for me, so I didn't use this every single day... But since this product smelled so good and was adequately moisturizing, I would use this product before bed when my skin felt parched or if I wanted to be perfumed by its scent. There were weeks when I stopped using this product (when I try out new products, such as my Sephora PLAY! Beauty Box subscription). I managed to finish the 100ml bottle within 10 months of purchasing.

4 out of 5 stars

The brand Caudalie is a very chic brand, but with its very chic pricing I can't help but think that the spray should function properly each time for a product priced as the Divine Oil. Otherwise, the alluringly beautiful glass packaging houses a marvelously perfumed dry oil that's fast-absorbing yet still skin-quenching with its 4-oil and polyphenol blend. I can't say that I'll purchase this again because this was discontinued at Sephora and the market now has several dry body oil options which I'd like to try out (and there's also to option of creating my own body oil). Overall, Caudalie's Divine Oil was one of the nicer products I owned while I had it and I enjoyed it thoroughly each time I applied it to my skin and hair. 

Thank you for reading! ✥ Have you ever tried a 'dry oil' before? Let me know what you think and if you have suggestions of other products for me to try in the comments below.

You Are Not So Smart by David McRaney

This spotlight features the book based off of David McRaney's blog of the same name, You Are Not So Smart. Sparked by our own conversations of politics, mental health, human rationality and interaction, I was recommended this book by a friend from Sociology class.

You are Not So Smart is a book about the human psyche, and it is so intriguing. Each chapter begins with a different psychological or biological Misconception and the actual Truth that often disagrees and/or is much more complex than the Misconception. It is a snippet of summarization before you dive deeper into the topic.

David McRaney's analogies and dry humor make psychological theories easy for the average person to understand. It draws a direct relation to the reader as if you and McRaney are sitting down for coffee, with him explaining how our brain evaluates risks vs. rewards and why we aren't actually close with all of our Facebook friends.

Like a casual conversation, McRaney provides great information on dozens of subjects but it isn't the same as attending a lecture in college or reading academic articles on each individual matter. You Are Not So Smart won't earn you a degree. It does make you a little more knowledgeable of things you previously didn't know.

This book isn't meant to be read in one sitting. You most certainly can, but this may trigger the first stages of an existential crisis. I keep this in the bathroom for those longer potty breaks or whenever I slather on a time-consuming face mask. Most chapters are not very long and I can breeze through two-three chapters before I need to set it down, process what I just read, and think about how much these concepts factor into my life. Still, this book keeps drawing you in because you're ultimately learning more about yourself.

A dear friend gifted me her paperback copy after she was done reading it. Seeing the highlighted paragraphs and post-its gave me insight on the topics which stood out to her. I particularly loved this chapter about Groupthink she highlighted.

The quote below about self-fulfilling prophecy stood out to me:

When you fear you will confirm a negative stereotype, it can become a self-fulfilling prophecy not because the stereotype is true, but because you can't stop worrying that you could become an example proving it. 

This self-fulfilling prophecy, being only a matter of perception, can be easily sublimated. 

Another study by Steele measured the math abilities of men versus women. When the questions were easy, the women and men performed the same. When they were difficult, the women's scores plummeted lower than did those of their male peers. When they ran the tests again with new participants, but this time before handing out the problems told the subjects that men and women tended to perform equally on the exam, the scores leveled out. The women performed just as well as did the men. The power of the stereotype--women are bad at math--was nullified.

As McRaney says at the end of the chapter, "The things you think are true will become reality if given enough time to fester" (235). This reminded me of the activity called positive affirmations. Learning about the self-fulfilling prophecy helped me understand the importance of rejecting the stereotypes that others may label me with, because I may otherwise succumb to them if I'm unwise to it. By ingraining into myself positive sentences like "I am smart," "I am strong," and "I am resilient," not only do I combat negative stereotypes but also reinforce positive thoughts so I may subconsciously act more self-assured and confident. 

In all, You Are Not So Smart is a fun and informative read. David McRaney's explanations are peppered in with humbling jabs at the average person's decisions, as well as reassuring reminders to combat it before they are made. However much he tries to lighten the subject, as one of the millions of subjects he's talking about I can't help but clutch my heart when he hits too close to home. You may want to step away between some paragraphs and reflect inward before continuing reading. Even so, this book demystifies psychological and scientific theories into understandable concepts that anyone can comprehend.

I highly recommend this book if you're curious or bewildered about why you act how you do; just know that you are most definitely guilty of many of these acts as I am! Thankfully, after reading this I can actually address the things that I do and (hopefully) make the best decisions possible.

Available on Amazon in paperback, Kindle eBook, or Audible versions.

Thank you so much for reading! Do you like to read about psychology? This semester, I'm taking a Positive Psychology course, and it is so interesting and useful in my personal life. As always, if you have any book recommendations to share please leave them in the comments below!

(via Pinterest/readmill.com)