Customize Your Glasses Frame’s Color! (Bonus Video: How to get glasses lenses back into their frames when they won’t fit!)

So I have a weirdly small face, and it's not easy for me to buy glasses at optician offices. I enjoy buying cheap glasses online from places like Zenni (click the link for $5 off) and Eyebuydirect (Click the link and enter: IFPGTPHSFC for $10 off!). You can find glasses for as little as $6.95 a pair including lenses!

(Many people complain that buying glasses online is too risky. All you need is a ruler that measures in centimeters to measure the width of your face, pupillary distance, and lense size. You also need your current prescription. Both of these websites let you virtually try on glasses before you buy.)

So...I have this thing...where I feel like I have to have everything in every color. So far, I have several pairs of glasses in several neutrals, red, blue, yellow, and purple. Then, I saw these orange ones on Eyebuydirect. On the site, they looked to be a very bold orange, but in reality they were more like a rusty brown:

You can see, they really read as brown when I wear them!

Well, that was disheartening, especially since I’d ordered two pairs!! (I work for VIPKid, and wanted orange glasses for teaching, and then one pair for wearing normally.) Well, since I’d ordered two pairs, I decided to search Pinterest for some ideas on how to change glasses frames’ colors. One blogger mentioned painting with nail polish. What a terrible idea!! The color was what I wanted, but look at all the terrible brush strokes!

Here you can see the brush strokes more clearly. Gross!

See how bad the nail polish looks on me? It just looks dirty. So annoying.

Okay, so the next part of the blog is some trial and error. If you are strapped for time, skip to the end. If you wanna see the entire thing, stick with me. (It won’t take long. Don’t worry.)

So, another blog suggested popping the lenses out and spray painting them. Okay, that is a dumb idea for several reasons: (1) I’ve spray painted things before, and it’s really hard to do in winter, because it’s cold and windy, and you can’t do it in your house because of the fumes and the potential mess. (2) Spray painting is fine for shoes and some clothing, because they are far enough away from people’s sight lines that an uneven coating isn’t too noticeable. Because glasses are on your face, the coating needs to be PERFECT or else it looks like trash and you will never wear them out of the house. Trust me. (3) There is no way to ensure that the inner ridge for your lenses stays clear of paint buildup. You need to be able to pop your lenses back in, right? You can try to tape off that inner ridge, but then your spray coating needs to be super super accurate. If you have ever spray painted anything before, you will know that this is a fool’s errand. There is a reason people use spray paint for big projects and not little ones like glasses. (4) Blog posts of glasses that have been spray painted look like crap. I know that sounds mean, but. . .I’m being honest.

Glasses are on your face, People. They need to be PERFECT. This is not time for arts and crafts!

So, what to do....

Then, I started searching synthetic dyes. I have dyed some of my clothing before with fabric dye. But I had no idea that there was such a thing as synthetic dye. I watched a few YouTube videos of guys who had dyed their frisbee golf frisbees with synthetic dye, so I thought. . .maybe that would work!

I found a dye called iDye Poly (from Amazon) in a bold orange color. The directions said to add the dye and the reactor (in the same package) to boiling water. I got an old pot (NOT USED FOR FOOD, OBVIOUSLY!!!), a packet of dye, a meat thermometer, and a small tub of cold water.

Make sure you’ve removed your lenses, before you start dying them!!

So, then I brought water and the dye to a boil.

The package said to keep the dye at 165 degrees, but a helpful YouTuber said to keep the water around 140 for thin plastic (so it won’t warp), dip it for a few seconds, rinse it in cold water, and then repeat until the color is what you want. 

I didn’t want to ruin my meat thermometer, so I measured the heat from underneath the pot.

So that’s what I did....dipping, and....

...rinsing....

I did that over and over for about 30 minutes, but the color still wasn’t where I wanted it, although, it became definitely bolder. This is probably due to the fact that I was dying on top of a translucent rust color. I should have started with a lighter orange, yellow, or even clear frames....oh well. 

Just to show you, I put the original photo underneath this one, so you could compare.

After:

Before:

And if you need to see them on my face, the first one is the before, the second is after. Even though, the color looks very different in the pictures above, you can see below that they still look brown on me (and when I wear brown, it really makes my nose stand out!!!).

Before:

After:

So....that was a frustrating waste of time. I was back at square one. I was going to give up, but then I started searching Zenni again and found these: orange and pink (because I’d been wanting some pink ones for a while too.)

This is what they looked like on me. I mean....they are okay, but...the color is so light that they kinda wash me out and age me.

So....third time’s the charm, right? I ordered some RIT DyeMore Synthetic dye (also from Amazon) in pink and orange.

I repeated the whole “dip and rinse” method that I had done above. The pink ones took about fifteen dips. The orange ones I dipped twice!

FINALLY! Colors I like!! And so professional looking! Also, notice that my face looks so much more proportional and in focus! Colors are important!

Before: (so you can compare)

And because sometimes, the dying process can shrink your frames a tiny bit, and your lenses may no longer fit.....

Bonus: Video on how to get lenses back into frames when they won’t fit!

The End!

Travel Downsizing: Deodorant

Have you ever noticed how your travel-sized deodorant always runs out halfway through your trip? Have you also noticed how travel-sized deodorant costs nearly as much as a regularly-sized one? Do you hate paying for checked bags and would like a really easy tip on down-sizing so that you can be one step closer to your goal of traveling with only a carry on and personal item? 

(FYI here is a post on how to pack for cold weather in only a carry on.) 

Here is a very quick "hack" to help those of you cheapskates, like me!

You need: An empty travel-sized deodorant container and a full regularly-sized one.

So, first open both containers.

Then, start twisting the bigger container so that the product starts to rise.

With some of the product coming out of the bigger container, hold the product up against the opening of the travel-sized container. This is to make sure that the product will fit. (You may want to take your empty travel container to the drugstore and check before you buy.) As long as they keep making regularly-sized deodorant that is small enough to fit inside a travel-sized container, you only ever need to buy the travel-sized container once. You can then keep reusing it like this every time your product runs out.

Remove the product from the bigger container by continuing to twist it up until it pops out.

Then, place the product into the smaller container and start twisting it down.

(You may need to press the top of the product with your thumb to get the threads to catch and pull the product down.)

Sometimes, the product is still sticking out the top, but that's okay. As long as it is securely screwed into the container, it's usable.

Don't worry if the lid doesn't go down all the way. It will after a couple of uses.

Anyways, that should save you a little space!

The End!

How to Go to the Doctor's Office 101: 2013 Edition

I hope this makes you laugh, but I also hopes it helps you in case you didn't know one of them. (I've "been there" on at least half of them!):



1. You are going to have to wait. This isn't an oil change; it's your body. If your problem isn't worth waiting two little hours of your life to figure out, don't make the appointment.

2. I know you are the doctor's best friend, and you go boating every third Saturday. You are still going to have to wait.

3. I know you met the doctor at the grocery store, and he said his office would get you in tomorrow. He doesn't know his schedule; the schedulers do. Sorry to say it, but he probably said that to get you off his back. Doctors get hounded, you realize. You can have his next available. It might be tomorrow; it might be in two months.

4. The appointment you've been given is the first available. I know it might be a month out, but no one is withholding some precious earlier appointment from you. If you get mad and cancel that appointment, expect a later one when you call back, and remember that you did this to yourself. No one punishes "Medicaid" patients; likewise, no one caters to "BSBS State with two supplements" patients.

5. Don't be offended if the front desk or phone staff ask your date of birth and last four of your SSN before your name. This is to save you time. With the growing number of patients, there is more than likely two of you out there. Trust me, this comes from a "Jessica Stephens" who is now a "Jessica Jones." (Also, "01/01/78" is easier to "spell" than "Amy," "Amie," "Aimie," "Aemy,". . . you get it.)

6. Come 10-15 minutes early. You will probably have paperwork to fill out and the front desk needs to scan your insurance card(s) and driver's license. Even if you have filled out the paperwork online and bring it with you, the front desk still needs time to scan it in and record it properly.

7. You will have paperwork to fill out. Doctors especially need paperwork if you are a new patient, have a new problem, or haven't been to see him/her in over a year. Even if you have been seen there for years, if any of the aforementioned criteria fits you, you will have to fill out paperwork. Some offices make you fill out paperwork for every visit. Don't be annoyed at this. Too many people move addresses or change their phone numbers without telling anyone, sabotaging the only ways by which they can be reached for an appointment.

8. If you hate waiting, get your butt out of bed for the 8:30 appointment or ask for the first appointment after lunch (usually 1:30 or 2:00). These are the two times of the day that the doctor is most likely caught up.

9. A doctor's appointment is not a hair appointment. You can't just schedule it at your convenience. You will probably have to ask time off work or get out of class. A lot of doctors are not in their offices every day because they work at other practices or hospitals during the week. They aren't just out playing golf; neither are they willing to stay after hours to see random patients.

10. For college students only: You will have to get out of class. Maybe don't play hooky so much so you can use your skips for something important. This is real life.

11. For parents of school-age children only: You will have to get your student out of class to go to the doctor. Maybe don't let them play hooky so much. Teach them about real life.

12. Look at your calendar before you call for an appointment.

13. Make sure you have a pen and paper handy before you call for an appointment.

14. Don't assume that the last person you talked to on the phone at "this number" is the same one you are talking to now. If someone left you a message, write down or remember his/her name. Even then, you will need to give a little information so you can be directed to the right place.

15. The front desk, phone staff, nor anyone on the administrative side of the building has formal medical training nor can he/she give medical advice. However, treating him/her like an idiot isn't going to get you very far.

16. If you are not sure if a practice is covered by your insurance or if you need a referral, call the number on the back of your insurance card rather than the doctor's office. The doctor's office may know, but the insurance company will know. . .better.

17. Specialists are not Emergency Rooms and do not accept walk-ins. If you have an emergency,  you need to go to the ER. I know it's annoying, but the ER will see you in several hours while the specialists may not be able to see you for several weeks--unless you have a referral from the ER with a severe enough problem that the specialists can work you in. Even family doctors cannot guarantee an appointment the same day--although, their offices are more likely to work you in if you call first thing in the morning.

18. Even if your insurance doesn't need a referral to a specialist, if you have had any XRAYS, MRIs, Catscans, injections, or have seen another doctor about this problem you are having, you can't make an appointment with a specialist until those records have been sent to the specialist. This is actually a two-fold reason in your favor: (1) it saves you time and money from the specialist doing the same procedure that didn't originally work, and (2) your health insurance is more likely to cover the specialist since everyone involved is "in the know." (Read: Your health insurance likes to avoid paying. Don't give them further incentive to withhold by your being sneaky and trying to skirt the referral.)

19. Getting a referral is actually the patient's responsibility. I know it seems like all doctors are friends and talk about you all day to each other, but Doctor A doesn't know you want to see Doctor B until you physically tell them both. In some cases, Doctor A's staff will do your referral themselves, but only if it's Doctor A's wish and only if they are exceptionally nice and not busy. If Doctor B hasn't called you in the next couple of days, however, you need to follow up with both offices, because chances are, the fax didn't go through. Furthermore, there is no way Doctor B even knows who you are until this fax goes through. Futher-furthermore, Doctor B may not even know that Doctor A exists!

20. I know faxes are olden-timey and frustrating like an abacus or slide-rule, but a lot of offices still use them. Sorry. At least a lot of offices are paperless now. One step at a time.

21. If you call Thursday afternoon as an ER work-in, you are probably not going to be seen until the next week. I know the ER doctor said you need to be seen in 1-2 days, but realize a few things: A lot of doctor's offices--especially private practices--close by 1:00 p.m. on Friday. Most of the work-in slots for Friday will be full because of all the ER work-ins earlier that week. No doctor's office that I know is open on the weekend, so there goes Saturday and Sunday. Monday is going to be full of severe ER work-ins from Friday and the weekend. If your arm is broken, it's serious, but if someone else's leg has been severed. . .that's a little more serious. If you get a Tuesday appointment, you'll be fine.

22. I know the pain is "excruciating," but realize two things: (1) An earlier doctor visit isn't going to "magic" away the pain. (2) Take the pain meds the family doctor gave you. I'm surprised how many people complain of pain, but haven't taken their meds.

23. Don't be scared of Lortab or Oxycodone. I know they are bad words because of pain med abusers lately, but if your doctor prescribes them, take them--especially if you have had a surgery. Under normal circumstances, you should NEVER take those drugs, but after surgery or a fractured limb, your body is actually going to use those drugs to help you sleep so you can heal. The real key to healing is sleep. Don't try driving or shopping or housework. Just go to bed. This doesn't mean you will get hooked on these drugs. You don't have to take all of them. Wean yourself off them as soon as you can. If you don't know how, ask your nurse. Also, a work release isn't a free vacation. Sleep!!!

24. Just because your pain meds made you vomit, doesn't mean you should call your doctor. I know he said to call him if vomiting occurs, and I could strangle him for saying that. . .Let me interpret: The doctor means if you are vomiting for days and days. Several hours or even a day of vomiting is normal. Again, go to bed. I wish doctors would just tell you to go to bed instead of "take this pill every 6 hours." It's very misleading and makes you think you can do whatever you want as long as you take your pills.

25. If you call at 4:59 p.m. before a weekend or holiday to get a refill on your meds,. . .Don't do that. It's stupid and annoying and you're an adult now. Your medicine has a date on it. Call at least a few days before that date. I realize sometimes life gets in the way of remembering things, but this is your health (how ironic)! Another thing you can try is to call your pharmacy and see if they will cut you a few days' pills till you can reach your doctor.

26. If you are addicted to Lortab, stop it. You're ruining everyone's life.

27. If you have had a skin graft, don't be alarmed at the gross deathly looking white shreds of skin hanging under the dressing. Doctors NEVER tell you this--and it is very traumatizing when it happens--but it's normal.

28. A lot of people vomit after anesthesia. Again, I don't know why doctors don't tell you this, but if you've been put under, expect to vomit--even if you take ani-vomit meds. Believe me, it's better out than in!

29. Sometimes you have to ask when your appointment is over. I guess doctors think they don't have to repeat themselves 25 times a day by saying, "We're done here. Please go out this door, turn left, and check out at the first window." Instead, they often say something confusing like, "Hang in there!" or "Well, we're ok!" and leave the room and you have no idea if you are supposed to hang around or not. Just ask someone. A little hint: If he's given you a paper, you're probably done.

30. Yelling never gets you anywhere. Okay, so honestly. . .maybe it gets you in faster sometimes, but is it worth your self-respect?


Okay, that's all I can think of for now.