Monday Musings: Totes and Travel Planning
Happy Monday, ladies. We had a fabulous weekend and spent lots of quality time with our grandsons. I’m trying to get as many hugs in as I can before we go on our trip, leaving out of Svalbard. I’ll say it again: this is so far out of my comfort zone, and I have no clue what to expect.
I’ve ordered waterproof pants, several pairs of long johns, and gloves, which are supposed to be super warm. The cruise line will supply a parka and boots because they probably want to ensure no one’s toes freeze off. I still have lots to put together, but I’ve made a dent in what I need to organize.
In regular fashion news…I’ve been on the hunt for a lightweight woven leather tote to carry this summer and am thrilled with this handwoven one from Madewell. I was tempted by all three colors it comes in, but this alabaster color stole my heart. It’s a lovely soft white that has no warmth in it, and is a very versatile color for me.
It’s super lightweight and soft but roomy enough to carry a ton of stuff. I find many tote bags heavy all on their own, which makes them brutal when you load them up. It has a small, zippered inside zipper pocket you could use for your keys and phone.
Three Ways to Wear
This week’s multiple-ways-to-wear item is these washable crepe pants. I own them in several colors, and they’ve been a staple in my wardrobe for over 18 years. In fact, I’m pretty sure I still wear a black pair that’s at least 15 years old. They are perfect for travel because they never wrinkle, and they pack like a dream.
They come out of my dryer ready to wear and are perfect for travel. They’ve been a core basic in Eileen Fisher’s brand for as long as I can remember. The leg is slim, so I prefer to wear mine with a slightly longer top to cover my backside…but that’s personal preference.
OUTFIT #1
This look features an aqua linen shirt worn as a third layer over a linen tank in the same aqua shade. Pretty blue earrings pick up the color of the top and bring draw attention to the face. It’s finished with cognac-colored sandals and a woven cross body with white straps that tie back to the pants.
OUTFIT #2
Outfit number two has an organic cotton tee in a bright fushia, topped with a natural-colored linen cardigan. I’d call this a vest not a cardigan…but I’m not the brand 😉. The outfit is accessorized with gold-toned hoops, comfy white tennies, and a woven straw crossbody with tan accents that tie back to the cardigan.
OUTFIT #3
Outfit number three features a linen tank top topped with a blue and white linen shirt and gold toned crescent earrings with a white stone. The woven mini bucket bag is a warm cinnamon that coordinates with the low wedge sandals.
These outfits could also be duplicated with your favorite white chinos, white jeans, or other slim white pants. Do any of these outfits speak to your style recipe?
TRAVEL PLANS
What do you use for sea sickness or motion sickness? I’m not asking for a friend. One of the things that concerns me about my upcoming cruise into the Arctic Ocean is that I tend to get seasick very easily. Have you tried the wristbands? Ginger? What works for you?
I’ve decided I will have fewer blog posts go out while I’m gone. I will have some already scheduled and a few popular posts that have been updated will go out as well because we have so many new readers. I expect to be off the grid for several days in a row but Amy is going to help out by publishing your comments and I will answer when I can. Thanks so much for your support and encouragement about my taking time off for this trip. I plan to take you up on it!
Thanks for reading, and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.
I love seeing your outfit suggestions. However, the prices are way out of my budget. I would love to see a similar option for each item at a much lower price point. I can’t afford $500-1000 for an outfit!
The looks can be duplicated at all price points and also out of what you currently own. These are suggestions for pairing.
I’ve been on over 24 cruises, and I always begin my motion sickness regime before I even get on the ship. I take both non-drowsy and regular 24-hour Dramamine. I take the 24-hour regular formula before I go, 2 or 3 days before we leave for the trip, before bed. It makes me drowsy, but that’s fine for the night. If I end up needing to take more during the day, I use the non-drowsy version. For a regular cruise (not too rocky) I stop taking this 2-3 days into the cruise and am typically fine. For your situation, I’d probably just keep it in my system the entire trip.
Have a wonderful trip!
Thanks Susan!
Hi Jennifer,
It sounds like a wonderful cruise! We’re going on one around Iceland in June. Last summer we crossed from Nova Scotia to Newfoundland on the worst crossing in years. 16 hours of unrelenting rolling. My husband took Gravol (dramamine) and lots of it, and spent a lot of time lying down. I can’t take many drugs, so I made do with wrist bands and I’m happy to say that I did better than he did. I bought the drugstore ones and am definitely planning to take them to Iceland.
That’s a great recommendation. Thanks so much
My pharmacist father in law gave me Bonine. It worked quickly, even when I was already feeling very nauseous and didn’t make me drowsy. Also, a ship’s waiter said he always eats a slice of green apple before he even lifts his head off the pillow in the morning when experiencing rough seas and to always have a little something in your stomach.
Good idea!
Hope you enjoy your trip. You have gotten sound advice but listen to your doctor on the nausea medication. OTC meds and wristbands could give you problems with any medication that you take. So be informed and take the RX from your doctor to be safe and healthy on your cruise. I will be watching for your cruise pictures when you get back. I read all of your blogs even if I don’t post. I love your sense of style and color.
Thank you so much Sydney!!
Have fun on your Arctic cruise! Please share with us your outfits and excursions! This is something my husband wants to do from his bucket list!!!
For me on a cruise I have learned to hydrate the whole time! Drink lots of water…water…water!! The wrist bands did not work for me but Bonine motion sickness pills did. I ended up taking them everyday just to prevent sea sickness.
Have fun and enjoy!
My daughter likes Bonine too.
Your trip sounds wonderful! I’m sure we will all miss your posts but we all agree you need to take some time off and enjoy the beautiful scenery! Looking forward to seeing some of your pictures afterwards. I hope you can avoid seasickness. Thanks again for all your style sense and time spent keeping us looking good!
Hi Jennifer,
I am so thrilled you are feeling it’s all coming together now regarding your trip. Have a wonderful time and enjoy all the sights and sounds and truly have an adventure together.
I like Patagonia and Fjallraven for warm gear myself. Sending happy thoughts!! Xo
Your upcoming cruise sounds amazing. As a fellow motion sickness sufferer (I actually started getting seasick in a wave pool once😆), I have had great success with non-drowsy formula Dramamine if there are specific excursions you’re worried about. On my last whale watching trip in the Dominican Republic. We spent hours in a small boat in rolling seas. Sometimes we were rolling side to side, sometimes forward to back. The tour operator distributed seasick bands and soda crackers but the motion sickness bags were still in demand. Miraculously, I was fine! Also, my husband got relief during chemo from ginger candies. More portable than drinking ginger ale and more potent. We ordered them from Amazon.
Wow, my stomack turned just reading about your experience. I will pick some up
I used to get REALLY car sick as a kid and then when my children were little in the back set, when I turned to help them. I used what was then called “Morning Guard/Motion Guard”. They use an acupressure point on your wrist that works really well. It’s also important to put they on before you feel sick, otherwise they will make you feel sicker than before you put them on.
Enjoy your trip!
Thanks Mary
Have wonderful time on your adventure cruise!
We had some rough seas on a sailing cruise in Tahiti,the ship served ginger carrot soup!
One of our friend wore “pressure point bands” which worked for her.
You will be so glad finally be on board then you can no longer worry!,
I agree. Once I board the ship, I will be able to relax.
Have a wonderful trip. I’ve only heard of Dramamine for sea sickness. love all the outfits.
Also if alittle queasy open and inhale the scent of alcohol wipes…I keep them w me at all times
Fascinating!! Thanks
Bonine will make you less sleepy than Dramamine. Ginger mints or ginger chews. Fresh air. If you’re really concerned, get your doc to prescribe Scopolamine patches (behind your ear, change every 3 day). Those may make you a bit sleepy, but better than feeling seasick.
I love it when the ship is really “sailing”!
I’d rather be sleep than sick too
Meclazine is a great medication for motion sickness.
I agree. I’s the generic for Antivert. I take it occasionally for vertigo. Usually works well and fast.
I have used the wristbands and they helped also going out on the deck for fresh air and space. All he outfits are great I have my Eileen Fischer black crepe pants and I love them.
I love mine too. Hopefully it will be warm enough to stand on the deck! Face buff here I come 🙂
Bon Voyage! It sounds like a real bucket list cruise. May I ask what cruise line you are using? I too use the rx patches they are magic for me.
All 3 of your outfits are ones I would try. I just bought some Spanx white pants. I paired them with a white crochet shell and aqua linen blazer both from Talbots, for a fund raiser at Montage Healdsburg. I felt very stylish. Love your style sense. Thank you.
We are going on Quark
Get scopolamine patches from your doctor. We had zero seasickness on our Antarctica trip.
I just emailed her to see if I can get them. Thanks
Would you be willing to share the name of the cruise line?
We are going on Quark
The hope the above comments are all very helpful, but just in case I recommend packing a few “sick bags” like they use in some hospitals. They are very compact and lightweight, so you can always have one tucked in your purse or tote. I purchased a pack on Amazon. So much better than using a zip lock bag as I had to on a trip up the Napali coast!
Now that is a very smart idea!! Thanks Susan
Hi – enjoy your cruise! How sheer are the white crepe EF pants?
With nude undies, they’re great. I stil like to cover my backside in them because they’re slim, and I’m modest
Take cough drops. They don’t take up much space, and if you need them, you will be so glad you brought them. Of course bring along diarrhea medicine, same reason. Have a great trip!
Greast idea! And I never travel without diarhhea medicine :). I’ve learned the hard way.
I love your blog! Wishing you a fabulous trip. I have worn wrist bands and they work well. Someone recommended taking Dramamine the night before the trip and again in the morning for a one-day sail. It worked best of anything else I have tried.
I cannot tolerate the patches, as they give me headaches and nausea. But I do get seasick. I use Ondansetron 8mg (prescription anti-nausea medication) and they work great. I also sip ginger ale and eat apple slices. Something starchy in your belly helps too – a few bites of rice or mashed potatoes. I’m going to Norway, the Faroe Islands and Iceland this summer too, on Viking Ocean. We have always sailed Holland America, and I’ve heard Viking is more casual, but I really don’t know what that means. I’m hoping some of your community can help. What cruise line are you taking?
I am allergic to one of the ingredients in that but will try the ginger ale and bland food route. Viking is nice casual in my experience. We’re going on Quark
Viking is more casual. You will just want to take off shoes of the day and wear something that does not look like hiking. Change your jacket from whatever the day called for to a cardigan or similar. And add a necklace and/or earrings. No bathing suits or shorts in the dining room. That’s it. No special dress-up nights. Viking is the best!
I, like you, am very susceptible to motion sickness. Try Relief Band (that’s the brand name), available on Amazon. It uses an electric impulse to target a nerve and it works! I’ve used mine on ships, buses, and airplanes. It’s not cheap ($130 when I checked) but mine has been worth every penny.
Wow, they sound great!
Jennifer, I think more bloggers should take the lead of Shay from Mix & Match Mama. Several times a year, she tells her followers that she’s taking off a week (or so) for a trip or just to enjoy her family & she will be back after that. All of us deserve a vacation – even bloggers! Please take off the time you need (& want!) & we’ll be here when you get back. If some people aren’t, well – they weren’t serious followers to begin with. Have a fantastic time on your trip! Oh, & ginger definitely calms the stomach, but I haven’t really used it as a preventative for motion sickness. I’ve always had decent luck with good old-fashioned Dramamine,
Thanks Shirley!
Have a great trip Jennifer! Sounds like a great adventure!
I recommend the ear patch scopolamine for sea sickness. And going up on deck and getting outside in the fresh air.
Nancy
The sea sick patches that go behind the ear worked for me on a cruise that had some rolling sea waves. I also brought Dramamine in case that didn’t work. Have fun on your trip.
I love the colors in the first outfit. And, it is so summery.
Best wishes for your Arctic cruise (I’m so jealous) and avoiding sea sickness. Don’t go lie down in your cabin, stay in open spaces. I’ve seen various ships’ bar stewards hand out glasses of ginger ale to calm the senses while sailing through turbulent waters. They have also offered apples slices at the same time. Looking forward to reading about your cruise/packing, etc, whenever you publish. Absolutely no rush. Enjoy every minute of your time on this fabulous cruise.
Ginger ale sounds like a great idea!
If the patch is not available, Dramamine works great. The only drawback is the need to take them every 4 to 6 hours or so. Hope all goes well for you on your trip!
Thanks Patti
I use scopolamine patches on our cruises with zero side effects. They are prescription. Some people don’t care for them but they work great for me. One of my last surgeries the anesthesiologist used it for nausea. Your cruise sounds amazing!!
I used those many, many years ago. I’ll check with my Dr to be sure they’re ok with my other medications.
the scopolamine patches are gold. A bit of dry mouth but SO much better than the alternative!!! Do check with your doc.
Thanks!
I use a patch behind my ear. It works for me. You wear it a couple days and then change. It’s a prescription from a doctor.
Looking into that! Thanks
Have a great trip – Iceland is wonderous and it is truly amazing how not cold you will be🤠. The guides, tour groups, ships are very well equipped for every comfort. Enjoy the amazing sites (swim in the blue hole) and eat the amazing seafood (caviar – heaps of it – everyday💖). I hope you are able to post photos!
I’ll be taking tons of pictures for sure.
I wear a patch rx from my doctor. Easy to get. Would recommend if you get seasick easily. Something you don’t want to let get away from you! Put the patch on ahead of time and you should not have to worry about timing. Every 3 days, I place another one. Hope that helps. Love those sandals from Walmart! Got them in black!
I love these too! So wearable and easy to wear. I agree. I have to stay on top of it.
Hi Jennifer I went on a cruise to Svalbard years ago and it was amazing. It wasn’t fancy but very comfortable. Warm clothes as you describe and layers. For dinner I wore nice sweaters and cord pants. Daytime sitting in the lounge I wore Talbots type leisure wear. Enjoy!
Thank you for this. I wasn’t quite sure if the indoor attire.
Hi Jen, your trip sounds very exciting! I’ve never tried the patches behind the ear, but I know people who have and swear by them. Also, try ginger beer rather than ginger ale. If you do get seasick, don’t go to your cabin and lie down. Make sure you are in a spot where you can see the horizon because that will help your eyes see that you are moving and transmit that info to the rest of your body. Have a wonderful time!
Great idea! I used to try that when I would go sailing with my husband. Outside was always best but if I can’t do that, I’ll stay up top somewhere.
I surprised myself on our Alaska cruise when I got seasick – ironically when the water was calmest. I asked our waiter what the best remedy was and he said to eat something (!… I couldn’t) or to use the wristbands. I opted for the wristbands and they did the trick. I’m bringing them on our US river cruise in June just in case. Have fun! And see those glaciers before they all disappear due to global warming.
I wondered about those wrist bands. What brand did you find?
Have a wonderful time on your cruise! I can’t wait to see pictures. We lived in Norway for many years. It is a beautiful country, and I miss it. The cruise company will take very good care of you. You will have a great time!
That must have been amazing!! I’m so anxious to see it.
Enjoy your vacation
I get motion sick just looking at boats but I’ve found wristbands work for me. I put them on before boarding and wear them for a few days on board then I seem to be fine. I also find small meals beneficial as the sickness gets worse if my blood sugar drops
Thanks Karen. Which bands do you like?
Jennifer – I use bands also. You can find fancy ones on eBay, but I use the drugstore ones. I don’t remember the brand, but I would buy whatever your drugstore sells. I also use Dramamine. There seems to be 3 formulations: the original one, a natural one, and a less drowsy one. I use the less drowsy one. You may have to check a few places to find it, but I find it less drowsy than the original formula and more effective than the natural formula.
Thanks Judy!
I am also very prone to motion sickness on a cruise. I use Bonine. I cannot buy it in Canada, but stock up when I’m in the US. I take one pill every morning and then forget about it. It lasts for 24 hours. It does not make me sleepy. You’ll have a wonderful time. It’s magnificent!
Thanks Gayle
I hope you have a wonderful trip. Can I suggest fine merino longjohns and long sleeved merino top under your tops. Also two pairs of wool socks or a pair of silk socks under cushioned wool socks. Also a double layered beanie. If you wear layers it traps air and keeps you warmer. Nothing worse than being cold to ruin a holiday!
That’s a great idea. I have ordered some wool longjohns but maybe I should also get a backup set. Silk socks sound like fabulous idea too.
Dramamine. Works for me. The sea bands didn’t seem to make any difference and I’ve not tried the ginger chews. Can’t wait to hear about the trip and congrats for stepping out of your comfort zone! We will be here when you return!