Monday Musing: Sleep Mask, Travel Outfit, Outfit of the Week
Happy Monday, ladies. As I mentioned in my email yesterday, we flew home last week for some doctor appointments. My dry eyes have been giving me so much trouble I had to get them checked out. My regular doctor was all booked up, so I saw one of her associates. He assured me I’m following the right protocol to treat dry eyes, but I’m still struggling, so we may add another step to my process this fall. Yippee! It feels like my morning and evening routines already have a ridiculous number of steps, but what’s a gal to do? He did suggest a new eye drop which I’m loving!
Eye Drops
People with dry eye syndrome are often irritated by the preservatives in eye drops. I’ve used plenty of types of drops in these individual vials, which are so easy to stash in every pocket and bag I own. This new doctor suggested these Occusoft Retaine MGD drops, which I’m finding very soothing! I won’t pretend to know what’s in these or why they’re soothing, but they are, so I’m going to stick with them.
Sleep Mask
I’ve started wearing a sleeping mask just in case my eyes aren’t closing all the way when I sleep. I tried a pretty silk one a few months ago and could not fall asleep in it. Undeterred. I ordered this ugly one, which came highly recommended.
I assumed there would be a break-in period to get used to sleeping in this, but I slept right through the night the first time I tried it. It’s also a 100% light-blocking and zero eye pressure mask that’s very helpful for the summer when the sun comes up at a nauseatingly early hour. I’m sure I look goofy in this, but I don’t give a hoot if it helps my dry eyes.
Travel Outfit
Here’s what I wore to fly back to Vancouver over the weekend. I’m used to people dressing like they’re going to the gym rather than the airport, but it was particularly bad that day. Dressing up in uncomfortable clothes isn’t necessary when you fly, but I do think making a small extra effort goes a long way. I see it as a form of self-respect and respect for the people who work in the industry.
Outfit of the Week
I spotted a gal (probably my age or older) walking along the seawall yesterday wearing a fabulous outfit I wish I’d been wearing. It was warm, so I appreciated the look of her supportive yet stylish sandals. Here’s my rendition of her outfit.
I have many of the makings of this outfit and could have been wearing something very similar. I’m inspired to copy her look this week. I’ve been experimenting with my waist bag worn as a sling, and it’s very comfy, so I may look for one. Do you copy outfits you admire?
Thanks for reading, and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.
Hi: I also use ointment at night, drops during the day ( no preservatives )and and also a sleep mask at night. I also use an eye mask that you heat up in the microwave. It stimulates your tear making.I have found that helpful on bad days.
I have had dry eyes for years. My eye doctor suggested I use OTC Muro 128 ointment. You MUST ask your doc if you can use this but it works for me. I use it at night and rarely need OTC eye drops during the day. This has been so helpful to me. I hope this is helpful to you and your readers too. But again, it depends on your condition and whether YOUR eyes can benefit from this ointment. That is the only treatment I use for my dry eyes. I order it from Amazon bc my local pharmacy does not always have it and it is half the price from Amazon. There are other ointments out there that are OTC, also. Not sure how well they work. All the best, Clare
Thank you so much for sharing that, Clare. I will look into it. I order many things from Amazon for the exact same reason.
I love your posts. Thank you for the time you take to share your learnings and findings. This is a YT video I recently watched and it discusses dry eyes. You might find it helpful. Thank you again. <3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyiQINLdjDk
Thank you so much for sharing this. I never tire of learning of ways to help myself.
My dry eye regimen:
Restasis drops: am and pm
(Prescription)
Refresh ointment: pm (bedtime)
At least 10 minutes after Restasis
Refresh drops during the day when needed
Dr also recommended a hot wet cloth over the eyes as needed
Thatās a good solid regime. The ointment sounds like something I should add.
The outfit of the week is perfect! so causal but very polished. Trying to duplicate. Thank you for the idea!!
I loved how she looked too!
I suffer from dry eye as well and have for about ten years. The Retaine vials are indeed the best. I also have been on Xiidra for several years and it has helped more than other Rx’s have. A heated eye mask can also help with oil production. I use one when they are really dry. I hope you get some relief.
He’s got me using the heated mask every night and I think that may be very beneficial.
Thanks Elaine. I’m using the Xiidra too and hoping it will really kick in soon.
Only started to experience dry eye after having cataract Lasik (laser) surgery on both eyes last year and find particularly during our Canadian winter months they are worse due to environmental dry air and that having a small humidifier in the bedroom has helped immensely. Otherwise, I might only treat them once a day. As to travel and dressing; so agree with you Jennifer however I have paired down somewhat to avoid a hassle when going through security. i.e.: Less jewelry, slip on footwear. Last but least; re copying outfits I admire a yes to ideas that only suit me as an individual yet a no to those that I think may be fabulous but wouldn’t wear myself. -Brenda-
Footnote: Last time going through Canadian Security my husband happen to have suspenders on and was made to remove them which IMO ‘was ridiculous’ considering the circumstances as was transferring from a U.S.A. flight to a Canadian carrier being the last leg of his destination being homeward bound and has been a law-abiding Canadian Citizen all his life (if you get my drift) and lesson learned.
It amazes me how different the TSA agents can be. After I passed through security last weekend, I discovered a half full water bottle in my tote bag that no one stopped me for!
Yes, I try to copy you! I have completely changed my wardrobe since I found you on Pinterest. I too have dry eye and live in the hot dry southern Rocky Mountains in Colorado. I use Systane Ultra single dose pellets and they are working so far. I always pull off a mask in my sleep so that is a no go for me. We have night blinds that block the light pretty well. You looked very put together on your flights. Comfort and style can be done.
Hot dry climates make dry eye so much worse. At home, I use a humidifyer by the bed, you might try that.
Oh yes! I copy what I see others wearing and especially outfits you post! Youāre such an inspiration.
Dressing a little nicer to travel can have its benefits. I have a friend who always dresses very nicely, jewelry, scarf, nice and comfortable. She was flying alone in a coach middle seat. Just before takeoff the flight attendant asked her to pick up her things and follow her. My friend was a bit alarmed but did as requested. When the flight attendant stopped in first class, she explained that there was one seat available and she looked way too nice to be stuck in a middle seat in coach. That new scarf she was wearing was worth every penny!
WOW, how fabulous!! I love that story, thanks for sharing.
I imitate outfits also and like so many of us, I have the components in my closet. I am in the midst of selecting a plane travel outfit and outfits for several days of sightseeing in Vancouver and Victoria. For travel, nice yoga pants with a slight boot cut in black or navy, a nice top, and topped with either an open front sweater or a white gauze shirt. For sightseeing, I think linen or similar pants, nice top and a denim jacket, open front sweater, or the gauze shirt. Beyond excited and anxious to begin the journey.
How fabulous! I’m going to Victoria very soon too. It’s a beautiful spot.
I flew home from a trip last week and twice I walked up to someone in the airport to tell them them that I admired their shoes and traveling pants. Both of them were so kind and even shared what the brand was, and where they purchased them. I know how good it makes me feel when someone admires something Iām wearing, and if you approach a person gently and with respect, they are so helpful. By the way, I love the outfit you showed us today. I find that very helpful. Thanks Jennifer.
I did the same thing to a lady traveling with a small child who looked nicely put together. Compliments are contagious and so good to give.
Lovely Monday, Jennifer,
I’m a healthy 84, who thinks there’s been some kind of a time trick. I feel (and try) to look 70. You are my best role model and advisor! Please never stop helping. I loved the way you are dressed for the airport; totally agree – dressing with some effort and flair raises my self esteem and I do feel I’m improving the scenery and receiving excellent responses in my daily living.
You’re definately improving the scenery and everyones day, Diane! Have a beautiful day.
I also have dry eye syndrome. I have tried all the drops on the market, but I love Refresh Optive Mega-3 drops. They’re preservative free and the flaxseed oil is very lubricating. Sunglasses always. Even when it’s cloudy. My ophthalmologist is adamantly anti- makeup anywhere near the eyes.
I often wear sunglasses even when it’s cloudy! I’ll do all I can to protect my eyes.
I also have dry eyes. Refresh Optiva drops are working for me now. Do the drops you recommended come in bottles? I donāt like the single use type.
How do you keep linen from wrinkling? I donāt wear it because I feel messy and I hate ironing.
They don’t come in a bottle to my knowledge. Because they are preservative free, they need to be kept fresh and the vials do that. I ignore the wrinkle which I know is hard for some women to do.
The outfit of the woman walk g in the sea wall looks very Coastal Grandmother to me! I like the neutral chic eleganceā¦I think I am going to go shopping and see if I can find a similar look! Iāll add my big pearls for fun!
Welcome back!!!!
Your pearls are amazing!! I’m coming your way next week and would love to see you!
My son-who works in hospitality for the Disney Corporation, often travels. He always wears a suit when traveling, brings the flight attendants small souvenirs or candy , and always gets treated very well. I worked for the Federal Govt and commuted to DC from the West Coast, the nicer you are to the wonderful hard working airport staff-the better we are all treated. Just human nature. Always be respectful. Travel is challenging on a good day, patience, preparedness and a good book go far. I love to travel! Cheers!
I agree, Sandy!
My sister in law is a flight attendant. She has said I dress up for work and everybody else comes in in pajamas! I agree it is a lack of respect .
Yes I try to “copy” or use others ideas when I look through my closet. Guess that is the reason I follow you. LoL š
Nice comfortable look for flying and elsewhere.
Thanks Ruth. I imagine is is dissappointing for flight attendants.
I have dry eyes, as do my daughter and her husband. We all use the Bruder Moist Heat Eye Mask, which was recommended by my eye doctor as a non-drug treatment option. You can use it several times per day, it’s lightweight, inexpensive, and feels great. Definitely worth a try. Here’s a link:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N303YPU
That’s the very one I use and swear by! I’ve tried others and they didn’t retain the heat.
Traveling today and aging too present so many issues ( things to remember)I find. I’ve yet to arrive anywhere looking the way I intended. Lol. Wrinkly clothes , makeup on my skin that disappears during the journey, forgetting to pack an item etc. So to me at least, you look really good!
Yes I do sometimes try to replicate an outfit I’ve seen on someone else. It can be fun! I can’t say I’m always successful however!
Have a safe trip, Paulette!
I agree with how sloppy people can dress while flying. Some wear pajamas! I love looking at outfits on Pinterest and try to copy some of them. It’s fun! I have terrible dry eyes too and I have to use Restasis every day. Take care š¼
Iām always inspired by outfits on Pinterest. Itās fun to look.
Ah, you have given me an idea! I have not thought of looking on Pinterest.
It’s a fabulous resource, Linda
Hi, Jennifer. I own those black jeans from Talbots, and I enjoy wearing them in cooler weather. But the fabric and color seem too heavy for summer. Did you find them hot to wear?
As for your question, yes, I sometimes copy outfits that I see others wear! It helps me break out of my usual fashion choices, and it’s fun to experiment.
They were not hot in the Pacific Northwest but they would have been in California.
Good morning, the airport outfit is great. I like the other one too but since I am short I will admire it on the taller ladies. Have a great time with your daughter.
Jennifer – I start every morning reading your blog. I do copy outfits I’ve seen that look good and would work for me. I agree about wearing comfortable but stylish clothes when travelling. It makes me feel good and I have found you’re treated a little better. Thanks for all your information
I think weāre treated better when we put in some effort because people make instant judgements about us based on our appearance. Itās human nature.
Two comments on todays post. I too have dry eye and have found the same issue. Some drops have further irradiated not only my eyes but also surrounding delicate skin! Yikes.
I also find the way people dress for travel shocking. Some outfits I wouldnāt be seen in doing my housework!š
* The way people dress for theatre performances alarmingly disappointing as well.
I agree! Itās way more casual than I like.
You asked if anyone copies outfits they see and loveā¦I wouldnāt be able to get dressed if I didnāt copy from something I saw. Haha. I use Pinterest a lot to put outfits together. Your blog has also been a huge help!
I love Pinterest for that too.
Loved your picture of the suitcase art in the airport!
Nancy
I do love that ācoastalā outfit – just ordered the sling bag, but in navy blue.
I never thought Iād like a sling bag but theyāre so comfy!
I just love your Monday musings, one of the best features on the blog. Thank you, Jennifer.
Thank you Sharon!
Very good article. Yes, I agree that you should dress nice going to the airport.