A Hot Commodity

photocredit: housebeautiful.com

BY: RACHEL WUMKES

I still find it hard to believe THIS is the big-ticket item these days.  I never pictured a time in my life where we would wear masks as part of our everyday life in order to protect each other, and ourselves, from a virus.  I mean, that is the kind of stuff you read about in Sci-Fi horror books, right?  Not real life!

On the plus side, I have to admit I’m wildly impressed with the wide array of mask options made available recently.  Not only the different types and styles of masks, but the option to really show one’s individuality have made it kind of fun!

For example, my favorite go-to mask is one covered in flamingo’s.

Just for fun, I went on a mission via Google to find what people around the country have been wearing.  I found that there is literally a mask designed for everyone.  You can represent your favorite sports team, be your favorite animal, or have a funny design.  Masks have become the hot commodity around the World.

For those who fancy a little flair and pizzazz in your life, there is the bedazzled mask.  Covered in sparkles and jewels, it will tickle the fancy of any girly-girl.

This next one, while made for the deaf or hard of hearing, is a great mask for teachers.  Kids can see your smile and get a sense of reassurance that it will all be okay.  For me, personally, this sort of mask would not work as I’m often in a state of bewilderment and disbelief of how most people act in public.  Having a mask cover half of my face is a good thing!

Then there’s this guy.  Probably my absolute favorite of all time, except the shirt totally gives it away.  I love going to the store with my mask/hat/glasses combo, because I’m in complete stealth mode.  I get in.  I get what I need.  And I get out.  I’m like the super-ninja of shopping.

But not Steve.  He wants everyone to know it’s him.

For those of you stocking up on masks to wear, we have a slew of Chamber Members who can help.

Larson’s Mercantile has hundreds of masks lining their shelves right now.  You definitely need to stop in and check them out!

K&B Emporium is also stocked full of all kinds of masks.  Gaiters, Children’s, and assorted patterns are all available for purchase!

The Funky Zebra has adult and children’s sizes available in their store as well.

Clear Lake Yacht Club’s Sailing School has CLYC neck gaiters for $25 while they last. To purchase, email CLYCSS Board Member Andi Tisor at andi_tisor@msn.com.

Lastly, Cookies Etc has their clear face shields available for $5 each.

Whether you’re like my tween who could care less and just has a handful of navy-blue masks, or my Kindergartner who is fully stocked with masks of rainbows and unicorns for the upcoming school year, there’s literally something for everyone.

Find a unique, fun mask and roll with it!

Because if we ‘mask up’ in North Iowa, hopefully our shops and restaurants will get to stay open this fall and winter!