Friday 10 April 2020

How Things Have changed (And What I've been Buying!) : Isolation and Working From Home With Kids

With the schools closed, working from home and parenting and teaching a 4 and 5 year old, things are a lot different now than they were at the start of the year! If you're coming to my blog just for an escape I apologise for how much this post discusses the impacts of the coronavirus! I am trying to keep it outfit focused and make this my regular break into fashion and frivolity, but the truth is the virus has impacted life so much.

I'm sharing two outfits I wore back when I was working from home while the schools were open, so I did the school run. It was a crazy week with a lot of unknowns in Australia about if and how school would continue, so I wanted to be comfortable and wear things to try cheer me up a little as I worked from home and counted down the hours until I could pick my boys up!

Also thought I'd share with you what I've been buying lately. Definitely no fashion spending - aside from the two things I mentioned in this post - but a lot of things to prepare for home isolation with kids. We are in a new world where I have to ensure my kids are learning at home every day as well as working from home myself 3 days a week. I'm blessed to still have my job, but the juggle is hard!

What I wore:



Tee: Life Church Online "Come change the world with me at Church Online" tee
Skirtthrifted Billabong 'Don't Think Of It' bikini red printed maxi skirt
Shoesslim navy and pink Havaianas
BagBalenciaga first bag in 2006 Blue India

Why I wore it:

For over 9 years now I've been volunteering at Life Church Online. We have a great group in Brisbane that meets up to stream the service together, and every Sunday night I hop online to help at another one of those services. With the news about churches needing to close, and understandably no more Brisbane catch ups, I wanted to wear my Church Online tee. Faith over fear I guess! And a reminder to myself that no matter what is happening in the world, some things like God's love and my regular Sunday online services, stay the same!

Wore my red maxi skirt with this as it was a bit of a cooler day and this felt more comfortable than jeans for working at home during the day. It, along with the turquoise Balenciaga first bag, were easy ways to add more colour to the black and white tee too.


Last worn: red maxi skirt, Balenciaga first bag, Havaianas. First time I've worn the church online tee on the blog.

Other ways to wearred maxi skirt and scarf, Balenciaga first bag and pencil skirt.



What I've Been Buying For Home Isolation:


I've been buying a lot lately. I'm an emotional shopper and while I'm not splurging on fashion items or stockpiling food, I'm thinking about what could be 6 months at home and how we will amuse and teach the kids in these times. We don't often do screen time, just a weekly family movie night and maybe a Daniel Tiger or Bluey episode once during the week, so I have been looking for things other than apps. As a bonus, most of the items I'm sharing are from local Aussie mum owned businesses, so your purchase helps their family as it entertains your own!

Little Birdie Books

Fun book boxes with activity and game ideas (and all the materials you need!) based on the books in the box. You can buy one off book boxes or subscribe to get a steady stream of books and activities. Started by two Aussie mums and speech pathologists, the books and activities are aimed at helping your kids develop essential skills. You can see what I got in a previous box in my YouTube review. I learnt about this company after friending one of the founders on Instagram.

Keeping Kids Busy

This company had been on my radar for a while - a local Aussie mum takes all the guesswork out of travel (or isolation!) by packing a bag filled with activities to keep any age kid entertained. Low mess but high fun bags. My boys got these as bumper "party bags" from my parents after we had to cancel my son's birthday party when the government social distancing restrictions came into place. The things in the bags are still being played with now, just today even. Found this company through a Facebook group, and you can get 15% off this weekend with code EASTER15!

Kids Craft Box

Another Aussie mum owned business, based in WA, who ships a box of crafting materials and activities across the nation, with different themed boxes available. She has special discounts on her Instagram page often, and has a sibling box option to reduce costs which is what I bought for the boys. I "met" this lovely lady through YouTube a couple of years ago.

Messy Play Kits

My kids have been going to these messy play sessions since they were tiny, and now you can order a box of messy play activities to entertain the kids at home! Janelle is a local Aussie mum who is diversifying her business and offering do it yourself packs instead of hosting the big parties she usually does. I'm so glad to have connected with her through playgroup, we have tried a few of her activities we've seen at the sessions at home too over the years!

Activity Books

From anywhere I can find them in stock! Think sticker books, Easter themes, puzzle books and educational workbooks or wipe-clean books. Kmart had a good range but I know stock is really low at the moment.

Printables

There are a few educational sites around with freebies at the moment due to the virus, where you just print the activity pages you think would be helpful for your kids. Some are even created by teachers, for teachers. You could also ask your child's teacher for some ideas if they haven't already provided some. Queensland Education department has a good list of sites too.



There are no affiliate links in these product suggestions and this post was not sponsored in any way. I'm just trying to be supportive and share a list that's useful for a parent if they find that like me, all my time is filled with working, playing with the kids, or worrying about what activities to do with the kids next. I've been visiting fashion blogs less as a result of trying to come up with a learn at home plan for the kids but I'm trying to continue my two posts a week goal here.



Also, if you're an Australian parent, Triple P Parenting (Positive Parenting Program) is now free and has a helpful module, guide and tips for parenting during COVID-19.




What I wore:


TeeLife Church Online "Go online reach the world" graphic tee
Skirt: Jeanswest Luxe jersey maxi skirt
Shoesslim navy and pink Havaianas
BagBalenciaga first bag in 2006 Blue India

Why I wore it:

A very similar outfit to the one above, another Church Online tee with a maxi skirt. I like the "go online, reach the world" message on this one as it's so true! And I'm so glad for the internet at a time like this, and technology to keep in touch with all my family despite the travel restrictions.

Stuck with the same bright Balenciaga first bag as I thought the grey tee and black maxi skirt needed a little extra colour, even with the yellow print on the tee. It was clear this would be my kids last day at school and kindy for a while, so that was bittersweet when I picked them up at the end of my work from home day.

Last worn: black drawstring maxi skirt, Havaianas (above), Balenciaga first bag (above).

Other ways to wearblack drawstring maxi skirt worn two ways, Balenciaga first bag and shorts.




How You can Wear It:

A graphic tee is a simple outfit choice with a maxi skirt - and so incredibly comfortable for working from home, while being presentable enough for any video calls!




It will be a very different Easter break but no matter what you are wearing: stay safe, wash your hands and stay home as much as you can as you watch your church Easter service online.


Linking up with Mutton Style, On Mondays We Link Up, Runway Monday.


Follow Away From the Blue on:
Bloglovin
Twitter : Instagram Youtube : Facebook : LikeToKnow.It 

80 comments:

  1. It's hard not to talk about what is happening, it's just so far reaching. Online church is a lifesaver for so many, I am so grateful that out church was already streaming one service a week for those who were homebound, it's been so nice,
    I am sure the juggle is tough, I am thinking of you!
    xo,
    Kellyann

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was an interesting juggle - it's nice the kids are back at school now!

      Delete
  2. It seems your online church was ahead of the curve! Most churches have moved to online services now, as I understand it. It also sounds like you will be well stocked to keep the young ones busy for the duration of this social distancing period. Best wishes to you and your family. Take care and stay safe! I found your blog through a comment on Jennifer's Effortlessly Sophisticated.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. haha yes with the church having been online for so long it was well placed for right now!

      Delete
  3. I love your tee. Grateful for online church services.

    ReplyDelete
  4. What a great organization to volunteer for, Mica:) The shirts and the maxi skirts go so well together:) And I love how you support your local businesses by ordering these stuff for the kiddos online. Win-win for everyone. The kits all sound like something the kids will truly enjoy.
    Stay safe and God bless. Happy Easter:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes the kids have loved these kits so much!

      Delete
  5. Thank you so much for sharing your tips for this time. Stay safe you and your family.

    New Post - https://www.exclusivebeautydiary.com/2020/04/nikel-eye-cream-with-chestnut_10.html

    ReplyDelete
  6. I think it's actually inspiring you're writing about this. Being a parent at this time is very challenging for sure. Education is a challenge for all of us right now. This is an emergency situation and there are a lot of uncertainties. I don't have any kids of my own, but as a teacher, I'm in close contact with parents. I teach English from 1st to 8th grade. With slightly older pupils (5th to 8th grade) I communicate directly via Office 365 and Teams and hold lessons in 'real' time, but with my youngest pupils (1st to 3th grade) I have to rely on parents and them on me. With the youngest ones, I only communicate with assistance of their parents. I talk with parents via Viber/Whatsapp and cellphone, I send them worksheets, photographs and explanations of the lessons. I also make audio lessons so that the pupils can follow the activity books and that we can get on with our lessons plans. There is so much work involved in for all of us, it isn't easy for the kids either. It makes one realize how blessed we are that schools exist in the first place. So, thanks for sharing. It is great you shared links to these sites where parents can get some help. There is nothing wrong with looking for help as nobody knows everything. Teaching is a job like any other and parents shouldn't feel bad if they and kiddos needs some time to get used to a new situation. We all need to help one another in this time.

    Your home outfits are lovely. I really like the red maxi you paired with the graphic tee and the second styling with dark maxi is just as lovely. Have a nice day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think for teachers it is even harder! I've tried to do zoom time with my 4 year old but it's very tricky! I'm glad the kids are back at school. I've tried to be a teacher before, I'm not very good at it, so I struggled, especially on the days I had to work too!

      Delete
  7. I also have been buy more kid actives for my daughter. I got her some number and letter puzzle. Which my dad brought her those. We just order her some stacking blocks.

    My outfit are still going on my blog. Since I'm still working 40 hours a week. 5 days a week at a grocery store. That I have been working at for the last 4 years. It very hard for me to go to work some day but I get myself together and go.

    I hope you have an awesome weekend.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It must be exhausting for you working so much, but thanks for doing it!

      Delete
  8. It's difficult but we will won all toghether =)

    ReplyDelete
  9. We are indeed living in trying times. I am on the fence about shopping, for many they are recently unemployed or temporarily laid off so can not afford it, and then there is the issue of how the products get to you and people risking their lives but I don't think that stops at fashion but at any shopping that is non essential. But on the other hand by not shopping at all it could have very bad effects on the economy and plunge the globe in to massive depression worse then the one in the 1930s so I guess it is a toss up.

    On a less pensive note you look really cute in this tee and glad you can get outside a bit!

    Allie of
    www.allienyc.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes it was interesting our prime minister called it out that his wife went shopping for jigsaws - which he considered essential to get his family through home isolation, haha! I've not been fashion shopping but getting things to educate and entertain the kids has been high on my list!

      Delete
  10. This is definitely a difficult time and I am so amazed at all of your hard work! To continue to work from home and also do home school? You deserve an award! That must be so incredibly challenging but you still manage to come on here and share your light with the world. Thank you for everything you do. I know it is appreciated by many!
    the creation of beauty is art.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! It's certainly been an interesting experience!

      Delete
  11. All I wear these days is leggings and tracksuits, I miss getting dressed in the morning to be honest. Hope you are well sweetie, we will get through this together.

    Yiota
    pinkdaisyloves.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. Even if one's blog is fashion oriented or if like me you've made a conscious decision to keep it as positive as possible for my readers, it is unavoidable that the situation and your thoughts on it creep into one's posts. I can only imagine how it must be to work from home and keep two children educated and entertained at the same time. It must be exhausting. While I am not religious myself, I understand how your faith can be even more important in times of crisis, and I am glad you can keep services and support going through Church Online. Keep safe, Mica! xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is a strange world and as you said I think the virus has impacted so much! It's definitely changed the ways I've been getting dressed!

      Delete
  13. My husband and I were just talking about how the lockdown would be with young children. I'm sure it's a challenge. It sounds like you've really been on top of it. I like the graphic t and maxi idea. We've been watching church on line. Our Good Friday one is tonight. It's really a lifesaver.

    ReplyDelete
  14. It really is a new world, Mica - I totally respect that you need to ensure that your kids are looked after! While clothing can seem frivolous to some, it's a mood booster, an escape, colour therapy (red!) and also self-care. I love that you supported your faith and let others know about that option through your clothes.

    We can get used to anything over time, so hoping you will eventually do some "at home" outfits for us. Hugs to you, and a very Happy Easter weekend to you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Sheila! I found it was too much to get dressed some days, but I did try a handful of times during the week!

      Delete
  15. That skirt form first pic is so nice! Hope all is good with you and fam, Happy Easter :)

    ReplyDelete
  16. I defintely bought a lot more educative toys to keep my son busy during this quarantine !! Love your t-shirt,
    let's hope it this isolation will be over soon,
    happy easter :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Thank you so much Mica!! I'm so glad that you liked my DIY about turning an old kitchen furniture into a dressing table :) Yes, I'm trying to disconnect from work a little bit these days, although we're at home, hehe. Happy Easter break to you too! ;) Kss

    ♥ ★ ♥ GINGER COLLAGE ♥ ★ ♥

    ReplyDelete
  18. I can't imagine how your life has changed Mica. Especially having the kids and trying to keep them happy. It's hard enough to keep ourselves happy.
    Have a wonderful Easter and kiss those boys for me.
    XOOX
    Jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. Great, thought-provoking, positive graphic tees. Wonder if our church has a graphic tee? We watched Sunday services online last Sunday and ate doughnuts. It was a little weird not being among the congregation in the church building but the message was still very good.
    Really like the idea of the messy play dates and play kits. Sounds like fun.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's so nice your church has the online option too! :) And yes, the kids love messy play, haha!

      Delete
  20. Now we see a lot of churches online! Especially for Easter! I hope you will enjoy your Easter weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Nice outfits!
    HAPPY WEEKEND AT HOME
    xoxo
    http://stylishpatterns.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  22. That bag is goooorgeous! I love the colour! I've always wanted a Balenciaga bag.
    Chloe X
    https://www.chloepryce.com/

    ReplyDelete
  23. I'm grateful for technology, that churches are able to hold services online! There's now a wider reach and many more will be able to hear the gospel, especially during this tough time. I love your tee, and your red maxi skirt is lovely! :) Thanks for sharing with us, Mica!

    Anna Jo | http://helloannajo.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  24. I love both of these tees! It's so hard not to be in my physical church right now but glad I can still attend online. Happy Easter Mica!

    https://www.kathrineeldridge.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. That is a lovely bright and cheery skirt, such a gorgeous shade. I agree with you, kids subscription boxes are such a great escape at this time, we love our monthly science ones: learning + fun = a good time! Stay safe, Mica :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh a monthly science one would be great!

      Delete
  26. LOVE the tees!!! I didnt realize you went to LifeChurch!!!! I'm always googling them :

    ReplyDelete
  27. These looks are perfect for where we are now! I hope that you and your family are staying safe and healthy!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Nice looks. Yeah it had been very tough for everyone.

    ReplyDelete
  29. I totally respect all of your hard work! It's definitely difficult to continue working from home, trying to keep the kids happy...BTW your home outfits are amazing.
    Stay safe and healthy.

    Infinitely Posh

    ReplyDelete
  30. It must be so tough trying to parent and teach the kids while still trying to work. I'm in a very fortunate position that my life hasn't had to change that much other than the whole not going out thing. Subscription boxes sound like a lifesaver x

    Sophie
    www.glowsteady.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  31. I'm all about comfort right now! The comfier the better, and living in lounge wear! It's been bliss haha xo

    Gemma | Makeup Muddle

    ReplyDelete
  32. Life is so crazy right now, isn't it? I love the church tee so much. Since we can't go to Mass tomorrow on Easter, we will be watching a live stream online. It's so strange, but glad we have that to look forward too. Hope you guys are having a nice weekend :)

    Shauna

    www.lipglossandlace.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's nice you have been able to watch online too! :)

      Delete
  33. It is hard to suddenly have to change to a lifestyle where we are indoors all the time and have to switch to being the teacher. Good on you for juggling it all!!! Keep it going - hopefully the pandemic will be over with soon. Love the different activities you do for the kids! Ooooh, these are really fun, and big plus when you can incorporate learning experiences. Love your outfits! :)

    Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me

    ReplyDelete
  34. That is great that you were already doing church online and so weren't impacted by coronavirus closures. We need those things that bring us comfort now more than ever! Not that yoga is the same as church, of course, but I used to go to yoga every Sunday, and I really miss having that quiet time to tap into spirituality and whatnot. I guess I need to find an online class and carve out some time to do it at home! Hope you and the fam have a wonderful, if weird, Easter!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope you've had luck finding an online class! My kids have really been enjoying the cosmic kids yoga after one of their teachers sent that activity through!

      Delete
  35. I can't imagine how stressful it is trying to work from home and keep your kids entertained at the same time. What a juggle! From the three years I spent tutoring, I can only fathom at how overwhelmed you must be. I hope you are hanging in there and finding some time to take care of yourself <3

    Jill
    https://jilliancecilia.com/

    ReplyDelete
  36. With two kids and workign from home it sounds like you have your hands full! Hope its all going well xx

    Violethollow.com

    ReplyDelete
  37. It sounds like you found some fantastic local resources to keep your kids entertained and educated while staying at home. It's so nice to have things available like that and with pinterest there are lots of great ideas too! I've been very grateful for the internet recently. It's been helping our days stay educational and fun!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes it's been so nice people have been sharing resources and ideas, it's been really helpful!

      Delete
  38. So beautiful bag! Stay safe sweety!

    https://modernastrega.com/

    ReplyDelete
  39. Wow, your online church is super timely! Love the shirts.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Home isolation has really had a major impact on everyone's lives for sure. I can imagine taking care and schooling your kids from home presents a whole other set of challenges for parents who are also working from home. My spending has also been limited to food, necessities or things that make life better. This is definitely not the time for frivolous spending. Happy Easter to your family Mica!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes my spending has completely changed! It's funny how little I need to spend when I cut out the non-essentials!

      Delete
  41. The T's are cute with the skirts. It's great you are buying things to keep the kids occupied. I am glad all is well with you. Have a happy Easter and stay safe and healthy Mica.

    ReplyDelete
  42. These looks are great and comfy for working at home. Stay safe and healthy!

    Mai
    ✰ maidoesthings.com

    ReplyDelete
  43. I understand, it's hard not to talk about it when the whole world is affected by it, like we can't ignore it at all and just talk about it when we feel it, but this too shall pass, very soon and when we least expect it. Having to work from home and having two kid at that age, I mean, respect to you mama! I would go crazy, kids at that age need some attention and you have to keep them busy because from what I've seen and learned some kids get bored easily while playing or doing X activity. In my case, I try to keep my mind out of this, not that I do not care but watching the news all the time affects us as well, so I try to keep my mind busy doing other things as well. The internet has been really a great source these days, even though some places closed and so did the church I go to, I get to still have my time with God via the live streamings which we have around 3-4 times a week, I've also joined a few free online courses that have helped a lot with my creativity and have had some good time spent with my family too. These are some tough times, but we have to see the good in the bad, there were families that couldn't spend time together because of work or something and now they do, and I really do appreciate having this time with my loved ones, and I know this will hopefully pass!

    Have a lovely day/week ahead!
    XO, Melissa

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's good you are finding things online! :) It has been tricky juggling my work and the kids but it's been nice having that time with them too! :)

      Delete
  44. It is really difficult to work from home especially with kids. My kids are home too. Their schools are closed. It is difficult for me to focus on Everything.



    Have a nice day
    Kinza Khushboo
    Blog
    Glamorous without the Guilt
    Bloglovin | Glamorous without the Guilt

    ReplyDelete
  45. The entire world has been affected and each and every day we are all going through these changes together. A family friend of ours go to Life Church too. We have been watching online with our services as well. It has been great motivation and encouragement. I Hope you and the family continues to do well. <3 Take care, Madison

    ReplyDelete
  46. I´ve always loved that teal colored Balenciaga City bag of your, it adds pizzaz to any outfit! Just got back to blogging again with all the spare time that we have right now. Visit me when you can!

    ReplyDelete
  47. Life certainly has changed and I don't think that there's a reason not to talk about that if you want to. I hope you and your family stay safe and healthy.

    As for the outfits, it's great that you wore things that cheered you up. I've been trying to do that as well lately.

    Kathrin | Polar Bear Style

    ReplyDelete
  48. Happy Easter to you and your family Mica. I hope you had a lovely weekend, even if its rather unconventional. Life has really, really changed. Just the other night I had a "moment" where I noticed how my mind was shifting into a "new normal". As in seeing the streets empty, stores closed and everyone staying home as "normal" if that makes sense hahaha! It's almost hard to envision what once was for me, even though we haven't technically been in full lockdown like other countries, it's amazing how our mind is adjusting to the new surroundings. It's also so inspiring hearing all the amazing stories of how our environment is blossoming right now. Pollution and air quality improvements, wild animals roaming the streets, it's incredible how we impact the planet so much, yet it still goes on without us too. I'm probably rambling too much so apologies for that. I did want to commend you on being such a superhero during this time. Juggling work while homeschooling two kids is no easy feat. You are amazing Mica!

    Sxx
    daringcoco.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Sonia! I think I have it pretty easy as I can work at home, I know it's a different world for those who are working outside the home right now!

      Delete
  49. Looking fantastic Mica, loving that first skirt hun!


    xoxo
    Lovely
    www.mynameislovely.com

    ReplyDelete
  50. Love the graphic tee with maxi look! I bought a few workbooks for the boys but probably won't use them till this summer. After a week break we are back to school by digital learning and they have 4 more weeks. School year ends the 22nd of may but they are not assigning anything past the 8th of may to help kids catch up on any work. And when you think about it kids don't do much at school the last couple of weeks so it makes sense.
    www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It took a while for digital learning to be setup here, I was so glad when it was as it took the pressure off, but finding things to educate and entertain the kids for the first 3 weeks was tough!

      Delete
  51. Love your outfits and all of these great tips! These are some crazy times we're dealing with. It's definitely a challenge to navigate. Hope you have a great week!
    https://justlivejoy.com

    ReplyDelete
  52. I have seen other blogs not address the situation and honestly I wish I could do it. I barely get dressed and can only wonder for how long this will last and what will come after.
    I am currently posting blog flashbacks to 10 or 3 years ago, whatever feels right.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think doing whatever feels right is the best way to get through all of this!

      Delete
  53. Our lives changed a lot. I'm listening to the sermons online as well. It helps a lot. Like you said - faith over fear.

    Anna
    www.glamadventure.com

    ReplyDelete
  54. These are both great looks--love the mix of maxi skirts with fun tees. I hope your kiddos are enjoying those activities, there are so many fun ones out there! We've been doing a lot of printables for Violet--she loves to cut and glue especially :) Hang in there!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We ended up having to put the scissors away after a dog fur cutting while I was on a call incident, ha!

      Delete
  55. I LOVE those T-shirts! We need to preach the Good News now more than ever.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Life has changed so much in such a short period of time, and I can't imagine how challenging it must be working from home and teaching your kids. Getting activities for your kids to do and enjoy was a smart idea. And the graphic tees look great with the maxi skirts! I like the mix of casual and dressy.

    x Kara | http://karascloset.net

    ReplyDelete
  57. Nice outfit and nice content as well. Happy to know this blog.

    Reina - http://www.reinasthoughts.com/

    ReplyDelete
  58. Thanks all for your lovely comments! :)

    ReplyDelete

Your feedback on my outfits and any constructive criticism is welcomed. I appreciate the time you take to leave a kind comment. Make sure to tick 'Notify me' if you've asked a question so you get an email response :)

Feel free to leave a link to your blog so I can check it out. "Follow me" or "follow for follow" comment spam will not be published.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...