Tag: COVID-19

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Top Model Moment

While they are not mandatory at this stage, masks are being recommended in Sydney – and I’m very much of the better safe than sorry mindset! I just think that if I can do something that helps to protect me and those around me, there are really very few downsides to wearing one. It’s a little bit of discomfort that could make a big difference. I’ve been wearing masks when I know it will be difficult to keep my distance – usually when I go to the shops, doctors etc. However, I’m also very much of the single use sucks mindset, which has created a bit of an issue for me. Luckily, I’ve managed to find some really nice reusable masks from some wonderful corners of the internet.

It’s pretty hard not to look intimidating or generally unhappy with a mask on, so I’ve been practising my “smize” religiously (thanks Tyra). I couldn’t help but indulge in a bit of a top model moment to showcase my new treasures.

Clothing The Gap

This one is hands down my favourite – by every criteria. It’s 4-ply (yes, 4!), fits super comfortably, has wire along the top seam for a snug fit across the nose, AND it’s reversible – for double the fun!

Clothing The Gap

This is the reverse of the one above.

I absolutely LOVE Clothing The Gap. They are a social enterprise managed by health professionals, who create fashion that helps to support health programs in Aboriginal communities. The quality of these masks is pretty outstanding, and I love knowing that my money is going to a good cause, rather than some rich CEO’s back pocket.

Facebook

I bought this one from a lovely neighbour in a local Facebook group. She has been making these at home, and apparently she’s been run off her feet! It’s so great to see people coming together to support their local community at a time when so many people are struggling.

Facebook

Another design from our lovely neighbour!

These masks are 2-ply with a pocket for a filter, they fit comfortably and don’t pull too tightly around the ears. There is no wire, so the fit is not quite as snug as some other designs – but for a handmade mask they’re bloody fabulous! Super cute fabric choices, too.

Ricepaper The Label

Did I get a little carried away with the Top Model theme? Maybe.
Did I move out of the focus range while my camera was on self-timer? Obviously.
Was it worth it? You decide.

These last two are from another company that I adore. Ricepaper The Label are so transparent about their practices with respect to sustainability and ethical practices. They aim to reduce waste as much as possible, and made a limited supply of masks from their fabric off-cuts.

Ricepaper The Label

These masks are 3-ply, with adorable little ruffles covering the elastic straps. They’re simple and effective, but after about 10 minutes they do start to pull a bit behind the ears. Maybe just a little small for my big, beautiful face!

I’d love to know which reusable masks you love. Leave me a comment with your suggestions: brands you love, things to avoid, washing tips and tricks – I’ll take it all! I will also welcome constructive criticism on my smize…not sure I’ve nailed it yet!

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The Many Beverages Getting Us Through Isolation

Work is the curse of the drinking class.

Oscar Wilde

We’re getting the hang of life in isolation. One of the biggest perks is the lack of awareness of time. It’s a bit like the week between Christmas and New Year – no one is entirely sure what day it is, and everyone is in holiday mode because they’ve got nowhere to be tomorrow. The stress of the whole situation seems to have passed, and we are now in a constant state of deep relaxation – win!

We’ve been indulging in cocktail hour most afternoons, sitting out in the yard and watching the sun set (sunset, sunset, sunset) over the beach (beaches, beaches, beaches). If you know, you know.

It’s become commonplace to open the fridge and exclaim “we are going through [substitute literally any alcoholic beverage here] at an alarming rate!”, as though it’s some sort of surprising turn of events since the day before. At the risk of sounding like we’ve developed a problem, I like to think we’re just making the best of a bad situation; enjoying each other’s company and having some good old fashioned fun. We’ve leaned into the iso-life and we’re learning to go with the flow. As two BIG planners, we don’t often just see where the wind blows us. To be fair, we’ve accepted the fact that it’s not going to blow us very far in the foreseeable future – but it’s just the vibe. Again, if you know, you know.

It’s not all alcohol though, coffee is important too! And water. Lots and lots of water. We’ve also been doing daily workouts so we’re not totally neglecting our health.

Photographic inspiration has obviously hit a low point, so please enjoy these pictures of the many beverages getting us through isolation! I promise I’ll think of something better next time!

Special mention to SH.
He is many things, but in particular he is
an excellent lighting assistant,
prop manager,
website-fixer,
troubleshooter,
idea-bouncer-off-er and
all-round supporter.
Thank you!

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Light & Shadow

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.”

Martin Luther King Jr.

WARNING: Uncharacteristically emotional content!
I’m usually fairly passive in my writing, but I’m isolated and we are in the midst of some kind of mass extinction bullshit and I HAVE A LOT OF FEELINGS. You’ve been warned. Read on at your own risk.

It can be pretty easy to feel overwhelmed by stress and anxiety when it seems as though the world is ending. First it was the fires, then it was the floods, and now it’s the virus. We are all more isolated than we have probably ever been, spending a lot of time alone with our thoughts…and for me that’s not the ideal situation! I tend to assume the worst case scenario and over-exaggerate the possibilities ahead when left alone with my brain. Combine that with the constant stream of news and general hysteria (and, for me, a particularly high vulnerability to this disease) and you have a recipe for near-insanity.

However, amidst the chaos, I have found calm in taking time to express gratitude for all the little joys that we are lucky enough to experience every day. The birds singing in the morning, a loving paw on the knee, the smell off coffee wafting through the house, flowers blooming in the garden. Every day there is beauty to be seen.

One of the things I am most grateful for is the beautiful location we have been able to isolate in. We have plenty of space and we are close to nature, which has a welcome grounding and calming effect. I have been noticing the way the light changes throughout the day. It is a reminder that although it feels like the world as we know it has screeched to a halt, the Earth continues to turn. In fact, it is thriving in the absence of human activity! The sun rises every day and sets every night. The tides continue to rise and fall. The seasons continue to pass, as the leaves begin to turn.

In these manic and uncertain times, I have found sunlight to be such a reassuring reminder to put one foot in front of the other and try not to get caught up in the panic.

In light of this (pun very much intended), I am channelling my anxious energy into creativity, making observations on light and shadow. I hope these images can help to bring some zen your way!