FACING THE REALITY OF FACE MASKS
With the latest notices of increased lockdown, it looks like it is time to finally really settle in, facing the reality of face masks.
The time has come to FACE the “Covid-19 music” and accept our new normal in society that FACE MASKS ARE HERE TO STAY.
With conflicting politics and values in play, face masks have infiltrated many parts of the world, while leaving other uncovered faces fully in view.
The New York Times article, “A Detailed Map of Who is Wearing Masks in the U.S.,” while written back in July, 2020, gives great detail, and insight, regarding face mask use across the world.
FACING THE MUSIC
Music for today’s post brought to us by Leon Russell and his song “This Masquerade.”
THIS MASQUERADE
As a whole, WE are lost in this mask-erade…*
A “mask’erade” of conflicting guidelines laid out by our own CDC, and inconsistent messaging, shaped by a Trump administration that does not fully acknowledge the tremendous reach of Covid-19.
It is those of us who have been affected directly by the stories of the increased amounts of our personal contacts who are dying rapidly from this Corona Virus.
We wear masks to combat an invisible enemy, and in return, physically distance from our friends and family.
There is some comfort, whether false or not, in face masks, with an urgent instinct to protect ourselves, and others, from this raging pandemic.
So now, with the new addition to our law, our wardrobes, and our every day routine, it’s time to find organizing solutions to deal with our new normal.
* “This Masquerade” – Leon Russell (1972)
It’s 2020, and WE are lost in this Mask-erade.
FACING THE NEW NORMAL
Face masks have become a new clothing accessory, of equal importance on our bodies as socks and underwear, although they specifically can be a legal deal breaker now if not worn in a store.
“No shoes, no shirt, no service,” has been edited to “no mask, no service,” and to say this has not gone over well with the general public, is a severe understatement.
Yet, here we are, faced with the gripping reality that face masks are here to stay, as long as the pandemic is anyway.
FACE MASKS ORGANIZATION
With this new sudden addition to our routines and homes, a new problem has emerged…
- How do we PLAN AND ORGANIZE our face masks?
- How do we handle the sudden influx of masks that all need to be managed, cleaned, organized, and stored in a breathable location?
DIY FACE MASK STORAGE SYSTEM
To organize your face masks collection, create a DIY Face Masks Storage System.
Below is an image of my family’s face masks system that I created.
The over the door organizer is hanging on the door leading from our house to the garage. It is a visual signal to all of us to grab a mask before we head out the door.
There are three of us in our family, so my kiddo has the bottom row, I have the middle row, and my hubs has the next row up.
I’ve also thrown in a charcoal air purifier bag, along with some disposable masks, and disposable mask inserts that work for some of the cloth face masks we have.
I like this organizer system because the mesh pockets are breathable (they are not plastic) and each family member, and mask, has its own individual row or slot.
When a mask is dirty, we stuff it in the top right pocket, and then I’m reminded to throw a small batch in the laundry using a bra laundry bag to protect the straps of the mask.
I usually then keep them in the bag and dry on delicate low, or I hang them to air dry.
How to Make Your Own Face Mask Storage System
DIY FACE MASK STORAGE SYSTEM INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1
First, find a place in your house with a door that makes the most sense to hang an over the door organizer. At our house, I chose the door that leads to our garage.
Step 2
Second, go shopping! (See my AMAZON shopping list below; as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)
Pick out a variety of masks that will meet your needs. Consider accessorizing with hand sanitizer, charcoal air-purifying bags, and disposable mask filter inserts.
Step 3
Finally, chillax and take a serious breath, even if while wearing a face mask.
WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS.
Also, remember to wash your masks often!
DIY FACE MASK SYSTEM SHOPPING
Amazon Shopping List
Amazon Disclosure
Life Planned and Organized is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
Therefore, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Misslo Hanging Mesh Organizer with 15 Pockets
This organizer is great. It has plenty of storage size options, and the pockets are mesh and breathable.
I also have one of these that hooks onto my bathroom shower rod and I use it for organizing my shower/bath necessities.
Utotebag Activated Carbon Filters 50 Pcs
These filters are CLUTCH to use with cloth face masks that have a built in pocket.
They add the extra layer of protection to our decorative face masks.
Moso Natural Charcoal Purifying Bags 3 Pack
Keep one of these in your organizer, and put others in your linen closet, or storage bags.
Then, on sunny days, place them in the sun to “recharge” and then you are good to go.
I also keep one in my car, and when I’m parked, place it on the dash so that it gets plenty of sunlight.
This deodorizer keeps my car from smelling way more disgusting than it could with an active kid and dog.
Everyone Hand Sanitizer: Lavender and Aloe, 6 Count
I love these hand sanitizer sprays. I keep them in my purse, and in my jacket pockets.
They smell nice and I don’t feel like I’m putting straight alcohol on my hands.
Besides lavender/Aloe, they also come in Coconut/Lemon and Citrus/Peppermint.
Floral, Plaid, Polka Dot Cloth Face Masks for Women
These face masks from HOPE LOVE SHINE are some of the most high quality masks around I’ve seen/touched/worn.
They are simple, cute, and I can insert pre-carbon filters inside the pre-made pockets.
You can tell A LOT OF CARE went into creating these.
Boho Shabby Chic Face Masks for Women
Here are more adorable face masks from HOPE LOVE SHINE.
These will be my spring and summer essentials!
Water Resistant Face Masks for Women
HOPE LOVE SHINE provides a three pack with light grey, blue and pink/peach.
I can already imagine using these on days in the backyard with the sprinkler going!
Navy Blue Black and Grey Face Masks for Men
My husband likes these, but also wears the HOPE LOVE SHINE face masks for women. We should all be able to rock any color or design we want right?
His words…”these are really nice!”
As a teacher, these masks pair well with his business casual outfits.
Disposable Face Masks, 50, Blue
These have been great staples to have around the house especially when we need a quick mask or when a guest unexpectedly pops over without a mask.
Camo Face Masks, 3 Pack, Polyester
I have the Blue Camo mask and it is one of my top go-to masks.
It washes really well, and is light and breathable.
60 Black KN95 Masks with 5 Layers
This 60 pack will go a long way!
These masks are ideal when something a little more heavy duty is needed to handle a heavily populated environment.
They also come in white.
MY FAV FACE MASKS SAVED ON MY PINTEREST BOARD
Check out my Life Planned and Organized Pinterest board on Face Masks.
I’ve curated my favorite products that I used to create my at home face mask collection and storage system, along with face masks that make me smile when I’m wearing them.
Be sure to follow me on Pinterest at Life Planned and Organized to access other life planning and organizing boards.
IN CLOSING – FACING THE REALITY
EMBRACING THE MUSIC
Along with Leon Russell’s “This Masquerade” influencing this post, I would like to give a final shout out to Dolly Parton.
Yes, DOLLY PARTON.
What has me in stitches currently is her rendition of “Vaccine, Vaccine, Vaccine, Vacciiiiine, I’m begging of you please, don’t hesitate!” Remember her hit “Jolene”? Lol.
As if her music and her genuinely sweet personality was not enough of a contribution to society, it looks like we have one more thing to thank Dolly Parton for.
According to Ree Hines at NBC news, we can send waves of gratitude to the “Dolly Parton Covid-19 Research Fund” for contributing to the Moderna Vaccine that is in the works.
Dolly, in addition to you teasing me and calling me “Snap Crackle and Pop” when my knees cracked in the music studio years ago, I now have just another million reason of why I Will Always Love You.
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