The new Instax Mini 11 has launched in South Africa and is the upgrade to the best-selling Mini 9. I got my hands on one to play with and while it has since been collected, I do have one to giveaway to one of my readers.
If you follow my blog, you’ll know I’m a fan of Instax and have owned (purchased) a few of their cameras. I currently have the SQ20. But first, a quick review of the new model.
LOOK AND FEEL
The Instax Mini 11 has the same retro look and feel we’ve come to love from the Instax range. Not a lot has changed physically from 9 to the 11, but there are some design tweaks to tell them apart. The 11 is a bit soft and round with minor changes in shape and location of parts.
It is smaller and lighter but still compact at 293g versus the 307g (Mini 9). The new range comes in blush pink, ice white, sky blue, lilac purple and charcoal grey; a differentiator to the colours of the 9.
Inside the box you get two shutter button accessories and a wrist strap. The former is jewel-shaped and matches the camera colour, which I didn’t use; and the strap is great because the clip-on location is on either side, which factors right and left-handed individuals. It also comes with two AA batteries to operate the camera.
OPTICS
The shooting range is now from 30cm onwards (selfie mode), and has a programmed electronic shutter of 1/2 to 1/250 seconds for low light. It has automatic exposure (more below) and reaches ISO 800. It has a 60mm f12.7 lens; same as Mini 9.
NEW FEATURES
The Mini 11’s new features are the automatic exposure and selfie mode. It now lets you shoot straight from any condition without changing the scene, thus automatic. Previously, the Mini 9 used to have five different exposure settings.
Secondly, in selfie mode, you pull the lens out further to shoot from 30 to 50cm away. There is a tiny mirror next to the lens to see the framing before shooting, similar to the Mini 9.
USABILITY AND PRINTS
The new camera is easy to use because you’re shooting instantly, and you simply pull the lens out further to go into selfie mode. You can take pics in any light setting as the exposure will be automatic. You can shoot at night without worrying too much about underexposed shots. I do miss the option to override the automatic setting in certain instances.
The result is still a cute credit card sized print out that is 62x46mm in size. The camera comes with one pack of film (additional cost) but as always with instant cameras, they can get costly. Unlike the hybrid range, you cannot shoot, edit and then print.
The Instax Mini 11 is proper old school in that it prints instantly. According to Instax, it takes up to 90 seconds to print but if you leave it a bit longer, the darker the colours get darker so rather wait a few minutes more.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Instant cameras are best for special occasions or just a reminder that all photos don’t have to be taken on our smartphones where they end up living forever. It’s great to see Instax constantly improving their products and the Mini 11 is the best yet in the range.
I think it is perfect for someone who has never owned an instant camera before or owns an older model before the 8, however I don’t think it’s worth upgrading from the 9. Be mindful of the cost of the film as they could become expensive mistakes.
PRICE AND AVAILABILITY
The Instax Mini 11 has gone on sale mid-July in South Africa and costs R1199 on its own or with a pack of film (10 prints) for R1349. Film is available separately from R159 for plain and slightly more for various patterned ones. It also comes in a twin pack for R299 (20 prints).
WIN AN INSTAX MINI 11
I have a camera to give away to one lucky Wired to the Web reader. We’ve all been stuck indoors since the lockdown started, and created special memories in our own way. Simply leave a comment below sharing one special memory since lockdown began in March. It could be between you and your partner, child or pet… or ones you created via video calling friends and family who are not with you.
You could be creating more permanent memories with the Instax Mini 11…
RULES
1. This competition is open to anyone who follows me via social media.
2. Only one entry per person via the comments section below. No social media entries.
3. The competition will run until Sunday, 26 July at midnight.
4. This competition is open to South African residents only.
5. Winner will be selected on Monday, 27 July by me and announced on this post.
Winners details to be passed on to FujiFilm SA who will arrange delivery of the prize.
UPDATE: Winner – Zeenat: https://www.nafisa.co.za/review-instax-mini-11/#comment-11380
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Welcome to Wired to the Web. My name is Nafisa Akabor and I’m a technology journalist covering business and consumer tech for the last 13 years. I’m passionate about start-ups, smartphones, mobile payments, travel tech and electric cars. ✉️ inbox@nafisa.co.za
Thank you all for sharing your special memories… the winner has been selected: https://www.nafisa.co.za/review-instax-mini-11/#comment-11380
My favorite memory with this lockdown is playing board games on a Saturday night with my family such as monopoly, ludo, snakes and ladders and scrabble while snacking on some popcorn it’s so much fun
I look forward to Saturday nights!
My nephew / godchild learned how to crawl during lockdown
Lock down has been tough on everyone. We lost our jobs, some lost their lives, some became depressed because the uncertainty was to much to bare with ones sanity in check. It has been HARD! however, it has had its best moments ever.
What I loved about this whole sad pandemic is that it brought me closer to my family. It has opened my eyes to things I failed to acknowledge and bare witness too. Things like : How important the lessons my parents thought me are. Lessons that books fail to teach, and the world fail to fathom.
Lessons that are valuable and wondrous. How important family is to me. Lock down has truly opened my eyes to see how much I truly need my family. While sitting around the table, playing games whether it be card games, word or dominoes, we were having the best of time. We were laughing endlessly, endulging in old stories of our childhood and how we gave mom them Grey hair lol. We spoke about what we truly wanted out of life and where we wish to go. I learned about how my family sees life and the Prerequisites of life and the beauty behind simplicity.
While playing tennis outside in the yard or dancing to the music game on the Xbox, I was a professional though lol, I recognized how much these people mean to me. How fanominal they are. How much greatness they possess like: their
gift of perpetual knowledge.
Their gift of being competent and audacious in all that they do.
The gift of knowing that even when their path seems unclear, their purpose unknown,
That continue to have hope.
They have thought me in this short period during lock down what it means to allow ones failures and mishaps to awaken the
Strength, power and wisdom residing within a human.
Sitting around the fire, while making the best smoors, dipped in chocolate sauce and conversing about old tales, throughout those moments they made known to me that I have a purpose,
And that purpose is to grow into a butterfly and not linger as a caterpillar.
Lock down has brought my family and I closer and I am forever grateful for this pandemic. Those bonding times around the fire, or playing variety of games, or dancing together, while we totally making a fool out of ourselves lol, were the best part of it all. It kept us sane.
Lock down has been tough on everyone. It has caused people to lose jobs, lives, and so much fear and paranoia that people became depressed. However, it has also allowed room for growth, more interaction among family members and so much new memories. The best part was learning and getting to know my family in a more depth kind of way. We bonded while playing games. We learned to talk more with each other and invest more time in our relationship. We were connected as one. And that was what was most special. Growing a tighter bond with my family.
My favourite and currently most memorable lockdown moment has to be being able to read and be part of Eid Salah with all my family via Zoom. It was actually the first time ever in 35 years of being able to experience Eid Salah. Growing up and until 2019, we spent Eid in a small conservative town in KNZ – about an hour away from Durban – where women are not welcome at the Eidgah and there is no family Eidgah. I have always heard about this experience from my brothers and husband – the community aspect, the warmth & celebratory atmosphere, the greeting of people – even the ones you don’t know! And so I always wanted to experience this.While it was a virtual eid salah over zoom – I still felt so connected to my family – and I felt all of the warmth, love & celebration in that moment. We propped up the laptop in the garden, and I stood next to my husband as we prayed. I am so grateful to have had this moment – and be able to share it with him too.Despite being physically separated from family due to Covid (or as I was calling it – CovEid) – the zoom family eidgah really brought us all together in such a meaningful way, and gave me the experience I always wanted in such a unique way.
My best moment during the lockdown was with myself
This lockdown thought me to appreciate life more
Appreciate time with your kids
Appreciate time with your spouse
Appreciate time with creator
Appreciate time with your loved ones that is far away
Appreciate time
Appreciate the little things in life
Appreciate the way we live
Appreciate the food that we eat
And most of all appreciate our health
Life is so short
And this made me appreciate‘ ME’!
My best lockdown memory so far is my sister’s birthday, in early July. We’re 5 sisters and hers was the third lockdown birthday in our house so we had already done all the fun birthday things you’d normally do. We spent the day combing through photo albums with our parents, something we haven’t done in years and something I don’t know if we have ever done as all 7 of us, reminiscing, laughing, and reflecting on what truly unique experiences we have had as a family — from travels to birthday parties to extended family memories to the many houses we have lived in and all of our births in different places.
Precious time with my children without the stress of other commitments means we have had an opportunity to slow down the pace of life and take it all in.
This has been the longest time at home with my kids and family. Lockdown has given us time to reconnect with Lego everyday, trying out new recipes, baking things and just catching up in between everything else. The most precious has been how each of my girls have blossomed into their own creative personalities and identities. May they forever be inspired by the strong women around me
My own and one of my favorite friend’s birthday was in lockdown stage 5. I prepared lockdown kit for her. I got charcoal face mask, some chocolate, recipe card box to Write down her new recipes, box of different pastas and magazines etc. I left it in-front of house and phoned her to surprise her. She was not expecting it and I believe it was one of the best memories we have for lockdown period.
We see the world, not as it is, but as we are──or, as we are conditioned to see it.
Nobody has ever taken a photograph or video of something or someone they want to forget. We can build a wall of happy Fujifilm moments around ourselves, a wall of our birthdays, baby showers and weddings, but we can never forget that the lens is see-through, that behind it, all the misery of real life waits for our wall to collapse someday.
I am a frontline worker and got called in to assist at a private hospital in Pretoria. Little did I know that on that day I would make a new friend and lose one. We were asked to assist in the ICU; but it wasn’t your normal ICU … here I found Covid positive patients on ventilators. As I was about to leave that day an old elderly lady called me and asked if I could video call her family. I did without any hesitation. It is a call I will never forget; her family were in tears and extremely grateful for me initiating the call. When I cut the call the old lady slowly and softly said: ‘bless you my child’. She passed away the next day.
Moral of the story … lockdown has taught me to appreciate what I have; good health and a family that I can come home to. Don’t take a single day for granted.
Wow. The most beautiful and saddest moment for me was video calling my mummy on eids day. The joy to se her face. But I couldn’t hold her touch here kiss her. It’s hurt on so many levels. But there she was smiling. She told me before eid that it’s going to be okay and that when this is over we will all be togerther again and eat together. And writing this I just feel so defeated. Another eid is coming. Another video call. My heart can’t handle it.
Inspired by a time-lapse I saw of a Dutch artist who took a picture of his daughter every day from birth until she was 20, I decided to do something similar: I live with my elderly mom and lockdown has been especially tough for her and my siblings who haven’t seen each other since mid-March. I created a WhatsApp group for them (and her grandkids) called: The Lockdown Diary of Fatima Akoojee – to which I post 1 pic + funny caption + quote/“words of wisdom”, each day. While it can’t replace her physical presence it has helped us connect in a meaningful way through birthdays, Eid and a death in the family. The pictures have ranged from my mom doing mundane things like rolling roti (caption: I’ve been doing this since I was 12!) to watching Netflix on my iPad when we had loadshedding.
Congratulations, Zeenat! Thank you for sharing such a special memory with us. Your entry has been selected as the winner for the Instax Mini 11, courtesy of FujiFilm SA. Please send me an email with your day time delivery address and contact number on inbox@nafisa.co.za – Thanks!
I often have to travel for work which means leaving my very small child and wife for extended periods of time. I accept that it’s part of my job and i’m grateful to do what I love. so I don’t begrudge it, even though it’s never easy to leave them. One thing I treasure about this lockdown period is being able to spend more time with both them. My kid is 18 months old, discovering the world (or at least the confines of my house and garden for now) and is grasping simple sentences, learning to kick a ball properly, build objects out of blocks and just hit milestones that I can experience with him. The time I have spend with him is so meaningful and i’ve been able to shift my workday to start after i’ve brushed his teeth and given him breakfast.
Eid-ul-Fitr 2020
Eid-ul-Fitr is always a stressful time for us. We spend the day driving around the province and paying our respects to different sides of the family. At the end of the day, we are exhausted. This year, it was so peaceful. I had my nearest and dearest with me – my husband, my kids and my mom. (I lost my father a few years ago). We made our own Eid biryani for the first time, we wore our most comfortable clothes and relaxed, we enjoyed our time together and created our own special memories, which we’ll always treasure!
My best lockdown memory is around eid ul fitr – I have an 11 month old so it was our first eid as parents. All our family lives in ct so it’s just us here. It’s usually lonely so we tend to go to ct , eid was obviously impossible to do so. It was bittersweet. We kept up the traditions and had zoom call with relatives. So grateful for technology – we’re still able to see everyone. The older generations are jumping on the bandwagon with technology. The upside is that I get to spend time with my boy, watching him grow has been a joy. Not getting any unsolicited advice – another joy lol but one downside is that those memories and “firsts” only involve us. Grandparents are having severe fomo. It would be great to capture moments to send to them – instead of it just being all digital nowadays. Something physical they can stick up on their fridge. A keepsake we can share with our son of a scary time we all survived
We love travelling and since lockdown began, we haven’t been able to travel. However, we have taken up hiking since Johannesburg’s parks and nature reserves have started opening again. And our special memories have been formed, as a family, by discovering the beauty that is hidden in Johannesburg together.
My Lockdown memory was when mom ,made an indoor picnic setup with a cake that was written congratulations and also surprised me with a new phone on the day that was supposed to be my Graduation day.She really made my day is will never forget it.
The best lockdown memory was my sons first birthday. We had a small party with just the four of us in our home. The smiles on my boys faces were priceless.
My most precious memory during lockdown was with my kitten, dahlia which was also my first pet. She was running up and down while I was busy painting, she then suddenly jumped onto my lap. I was so afraid that she would climb onto the table or mess the paint but she sat there quietly in awe as I was brushing strokes. Now and then she would gently put her paw on my hand🥺❤️
One of my best lockdown memories was from our housemates’ Mexican-themed dinner party where we stared a fake band and made some hit tunes after sharing a Mexican meal with my husband over Skype. Matthew, my husband, had left for the States mid Jan, I was supposed to follow in early April, but by mid March it became clear I wouldn’t be able to join him for the foreseeable future. Thank goodness I had the most amazing housemates. We have a roof area in our flat complex and we made a special Mexican dinner and shared it with Matthew (for him it was lunch). Then, taking the festive mood forward, and since we were all dressed up (a very rare occurrence during lockdown) we decided to experiment with a few tunes. We’d had the idea, as one of us is a musician, to make some lockdown music together, and the moment was ripe. On indian flute, guitar, kalimba and bongo drum, we improvised some music and jammed upstairs for hours. Out of this came “The Lockdown Song” our lead track on our fake album. We were “Jay and the Bonny Bats” and we took a band cover photo to prove it. The evening was magical. Communing with these special people who I’d really only gotten to know properly during lockdown and making fun memories during trying circumstances was the most uplifting feeling.. My husband managed to get home by May on a repatriation flight.
I am so grateful I can spend more time with my daughters. We talk for hours and we go for long walks. Definitely my most treasured lockdown memory. Absolutely priceless💖
One of my favourite lockdown memories is getting dressed up for date-night-in. It was right at the start of lockdown and the evenings we’re still warm, so we had dinner on our balcony and watched the sunset. We never really did that outside of lockdown so it was a really fun thing to do at home.
Last year I was 16 and somewhat hours away from home for work😩 I spent an entire 12 months minus about 3 weeks (annual leave taken) away from all of my loved ones. I lost touch with my base and honestly felt so distanced from all my loved ones after being apart for so long. I can definitely say SA lock down as a whole from March up until now has been special for me. While it has negatively affected many livelihoods and has disturbed the “norms” of the economy and society, it has drawn me back home emotionally. I’ve touched base with my family at home since we we’ve spent so much time together now. I’ve also touched based with my extended family and loved ones via regular video calls (Since we’ve had so much time on our hands to spare). THIS LOCK DOWN HAS LOW KEY BEEN A BLESSING FOR ME AND MY RELATIONSHIP WITH MY FAMILY😊 This is why #Lockdown2020 will be a special memory once it has passed ❤️
Trying out new recipes and forgetting what day of the week it is😂❣️
I know the timing was not perfect, but I asked my girlfriend to marry me. She agreed and it has made me the happiest person. We still have a lot of time before the wedding and I’m hoping the current situation will stabilise eventually 💙
Being a university student and living on res didn’t allow me to see my family as regularly as I would like. With the lockdown, it forced us, I’m so glad it did, to reconnect as a unit because we are always all so busy. We celebrated everyone’s birthdays and instead of just going out to buy things because majority of shops including online were close ;we had to be creative way to make our family members feel special on the day. My favourite memory has to be cooking with my father and brother for mother’s day which happened to be my mom’s birthday. It was so much fun and relaxing. Should be done more often. Like they say every cloud has a silver lining, spending time with my loved ones this lockdown was the best silver lining I could’ve asked for ❤️
My favourite memory this lockdown has been spending time with my nephew (born a day after lockdown began). He’s a bubbly little bubba and already lighting up my world! And everyone thinks he’s mine- that’s how close we are.
My favourite lockdown memory was when my mom and I arranged a high tea for our household one Sunday afternoon. I had always wanted to attend a fancy high tea and my mother helped me to make that dream come true in a more special way than I could have ever hoped for.
My MOST cherished Lock Down memory is of myself and my 11 year old daughter, we have had so much fun together in the kitchen 🙂 i have taught her how to cook, from friend eggs to mac and cheese, you name it, we have cooked it, she is absolutely loving it and i must admit, I am rather enjoying the help I am getting 😀 we have had tons of laughs and good memories, that’s for sure. Mom’s don’t usually have the time to teach their children as we work full day but this Lock Down has been somewhat of a Blessing in disguise for us 🙂
firstly this is so insightful😻😻thank you.
my memory of lockdown that has been great is that i’m a first year student and just bagged all 5 distinctions for the first semester🥺it’s been such a difficult journey but it’s was worth it and university isn’t going that bad after all.
My lockdown memory is the amount of extra time I got to spend with my cat who sadly passed away about 3 weeks ago. He just loved to have me home all the time and cuddle with the cold weather.
My sister in law had baby this lockdown 😍 taking pics of our teeny tiny cutie has me pretty excited 💕
Due to lockdown I was unable to visit my bro and sis-in-law in Cape Town and welcome my new niece into the world😍 Dani was born on 17th April 2020, but thanks to technology we shared beautiful moments through video calls. Can’t wait to meet her.. but for now pics and calls will have to do 💡
My special moments are spending more time with my kids boy age 6 and girl age 2. Learning new things of them and capturing all the moments is a blast. With only being with my girls for 2 months on maternity leave was heart breaking and im just grateful to have some extra time with them now.
My most beautiful memory was when I video called my one year old nephew. He just started walking and it was so beautiful to watch him take those baby steps.
My best moment was when my 3 year old plucked up the courage to put on her mask and come with me for a quick grocery run. She is not a fan of her mask. And told me “she’s going to be the bravest she’s ever been”. And off we went. Bless
My best memory of lockdown is the time I spend with my 2 daughters, teaching them how to bake and cook. Now they are pretty good at preparing meals and baking cookies
my best memories since lockdown is being able to spend time with my family and friends and support each other in all ways we can. I also miss doing my job as a volunteer medic and helping the people who are in need of help. I can’t wait for lockdown to end and I can return to my usually habits. If I win this instax mini 11 I’ll be able to capture all of my best moments with the people whom I adore
We celebrated our second wedding anniversary during lockdown with a special home cooked meal ❤
It would be celebrating my dads 70th Birthday in April under lockdown. What was suppose to be a huge celebration for reaching this amazing milestone was video calling with the family while we sang to dad and watched him blow out his candles. If i had an instax i would have been able to capture the moment perfectly. Thank goodness my parents live me and i was with my dad on this memorable day but video calling the rest of the family was a must to allow them to witness my dad blow out his candles. Needless to say its a birthday we will never forget. My baby girl turns 8 on the 8/8 which is her crown birthday and an instax would sure come in handy❤
My One special memory since lockdown is doing home workouts with my little one she always make it fun and entertaining. I enjoy every moment.
My memory of lockdown is having my parents here in March spending time with m 4 kids. Seeing my dad get to enjoy them and mom get to cook all our favorites as kids for my children and spoil them was something I will treasure forever. My parents live in jhb and us in East london, so we don’t get to see them so often..
My memory since Lockdown started was having my mom who works away from home back. We got to pond 😋
*I’m using my mom’s facebook
A lockdown memory that will stay with me is getting to go through old family videos and getting to hear all the great stories from my parents about their adventures around SA. Not to mention getting to bake and cook new exciting recipes.
My special memory during lockdown is spending time with my parents. I am in lockdown with them and its been really great. Building puzzles together, having braais outside together and also sitting outside in the sun bird watching and trying to take nice pictures of different birds. Its really been awesome and we have enjoyed the time together. Its a gift to spend time with family and create long lasting memories.
The most amazing memory that I have of lockdown was the first day of lockdown… This happened to be on my 23rd birthday. Although sad as I couldn’t see my friends or even have a small gathering for my birthday, my parents and brother went out of their way to make it a very special occasion. They had arranged a cake, flowers and snacks as well as a zoom call with all of my family from other provinces.
Although it is not the birthday that I had planned, it was definitely one to remember as although I was not with my friends and family physically, I definitely felt the love and kindness from friends and family throughout the day ☺️🌸💕
My memory is if my daughter turning 21 and we didn’t have a party but we we become more financially independent we would definitely make unforgettable memories hoping to win this for her
A special memory that I will cherish forever is that Hubby started working from home when lock down kicked in. We got married almost a year ago (31 August 2019) and I truly believe that bonding in the early stages of marriage is MOST IMPORTANT. And what better way to bond as to work side by side daily, and building and growing our own business together… In between everything else that is going on. I wouldn’t exchange the lock down period for ANYTHING. I also launched my lifestyle blog The Wife Life a few months before lock down. But I spent some quality time with my blog to get it up and running.
Chiao!
I gave birth to my sonshine during lockdown on the 2nd of May, that has been my highlight of lockdown that he is happy and healthy 2 months & 2 weeks down the line he was a huge baby from birth weighing a whooping 4,2kg and has been an even bigger blessing since before he was even born.His name is Troy meaning foot soldier and his is exactly that a big boy with a strong traits & has lots of strength.The instax would come in handy to capture beautiful memories as he grows up and we will be able to look back & cherish them together.geez anyway I could go on all day about him,but then again that’s how every mama feels about their babies right?
#newmama #instaxSA
My special memory has to be my lock down birthday I celebrated in April couldn’t make it to spend it with my family and friends. .. so we all celebrated via video call it was just a special ❤ I didn’t leave the house when lock down started I learnt how to cool many different types of food I even baked my own cake for my brithday
This might seem a little silly but pulling out a special birthday celebration for my daughter under lockdown. She is 2years old, It was just 4 people but man did we have some fun taking photos, playing indoor games and the cake wow it wasn’t anything big or character cake, it was something from the shop but I made sure when I was choosing the cake that it didn’t look just like an ordinary cake. Wish I could share some pics here.
My Special moment is having to spend so much time with my flatmate cooking meals and trying out new recipes together. We are both introverts and are always locked in our separate rooms, but this lockdown has forced us out of our rooms and prooved to is that there is life outside of our bedrooms. This camera would help me capture all the wonderful times we have spent cooking, eating and spending time together. My flatmate has turned into a big sister i can count on
For me lockdown is looking forward to that one meal everyday that is supper where everybody gets together for the last meal of the day unwind relax and eat a lovely pot of food cooked by mwah … Lockdown had turned us all into masterchefs in someway (well I speak for myself here lol) I’ve finally found a passion for experimenting in the kitchen who would have thought …so grateful to have my family close to me in these uncertain times and to be able to talk about the day listen to stories… play board games… Watch movies together these were the best time for me…usually everyone is soo busy in there own lives we finally got a moment to reset and spend time in each other’s company… I make dua that everyone who is suffering during these trying times whether they are sick or have a family member that is sick that Allah swt grant them shifa and afiya.. Ameen
The morning of 2 July 2020 unfurled into a perfect sunshine day. The sky was diamond blue and cloudless. My sister Zelda and I, along with her two children, piled into the car and set off to the family beach house in Franskraal, a tiny seaside hamlet about a two hour drive from our home in Stellenbosch. It was our first real sojourn since lockdown began. The cake was on the backseat between my niece and I. We made a brief stop to buy more treats and an orchid, its white blooms as delicate as bone china. Then we resumed our journey. From his position in the front passenger seat, my teenaged nephew played DJ. The music pulsed as the car moved along the winding roads and over mountain passes. After weeks cooped up at home, we felt so free! The landscape was lush and green after days of drenching rains. At Franskraal, we stopped in front of the beach house. Our sister Petro had been spending the entire lockdown there, on her own. She was not expecting us. We knocked on the door and when she opened it, we all yelled: “Surprise!” We did not want her to spend her birthday by herself. Seeing her delighted smile made the four-hour, same day round trip entirely worth it. With flourish, we presented her with the orchid and the cake. Later, as we dined on fish and chips, we drank in the panoramic, ever changing vistas of sky and sea. Whipped up by the wind, foam laced breakers crashed onto the jagged rocks below. We laughed and sang happy birthday. Petro blew out the candles on her cake, her eyes sparkling with happiness. When the sun dipped its toe into the ocean, it was time for us to say goodbye and head back home.
Special memory during lock down was my kids nagging me to have purple hair so they can do a mini cool mum make over. The kids all helped and I have oddly purple hair thats not dyed proper but they al had fun.
Few weeks later the house was turned into a hair salon and dad was giving hair cuts. Let’s say I have boys who weren’t very happy.
These memories will last a life time
My best memory during lockdown was spending time with family, playing board games watching movies and also zooming my friends and family and chilling all day
My greatest lockdown memory would be spending tons of time with my hubby and my two beautiful girls. We’ve spent time watching movies in my daughter’s “fortress” – a tent made up with cushions from my lounge suite :))
We’ve tried new recipes and had loads of fun playing boardgames. It made us realise that this is what family time is all about. The best moments, after all, are the ones that become our best memories.
Eid al Fitr is always such a joyous time. This year, I was worried that the day wouldn’t have the same feeling. We’re currently living in a place where there’s basically one decent halal food outlet. The prawns at this place are a bit unpredictable, but we ordered them anyway and they were amazing. I baked and it didn’t flop, cooked a rice dish and it almost tasted like my mum’s. One thing I made sure to do was get some grocery store flowers and set our table for two with all the nice things I never use. And we topped off the day with video calls. Lotsa simple little details made for an eid that wasn’t perfect, but was pretty close. An instax would have come in handy for posterity 🙂
This lockdown has got me sending more precious time with my baby girl. Time that I can never have again. All her giggles, adventures, excitement really lights up my day! We sing read bake cook and create awesome memories daily. Although some days can be super hectic with working from home the instant remind of her being around me is a blessing 😃
After a few weeks of a monotonous & healthy routine, my 3 you get sisters & I decided it was time to change things up. We each had a week to do something ‘creative’ that did not include any technology or costs. The first activity was an out door picnic. We set up mats in the garden Made picnic food and spent the afternoon picnicing. Second we had games day from dodge ball to uno, touches hide & seek and our version of cricket. Third up was arts & craft. This was an afternoon of colouring painting drawing cutting & sticking. And to end of the challenge we had a high tea tea party. An elegant table was set, everyone had to dress up and we enjoyed fresh homemade baking & pastries. We bonded and fought and loved and laughed in ways we never did before and sweet memories were created.
At 34, booked my first ever solo Euro 2020 trip but we were put on lockdown the very week that we were meant to depart South Africa.
I was all excited, packed, ready to go..did I mention excited? Just knowing I was going to Paris, Monaco, Santorini, Amsterdam and Switzerland put me in a state of euphoria.
But when we were hit with Lockdown, I was hit with the reality that no matter how much we plan, Allah swt is the best and only planner for us. My special memory, my wakeup call, my reminder – call it anything.
This camera would definitely be an asset to me when I finally do embark on that Euro trip and I would love to win it.
Getting to spend more time with my family with playing games, baking and the laughter that goes with this fun.
Lockdown has happened and I’ve been working from home for the past 4 months already and looks like it will happen for the foreseeable future. As challenging as it is (because I love people interacting with people) I am really enjoying spending more time with my two year old daughter Zayna.
During this time, I really have overused my phone camera collecting moments and making memories. I realised the other day that Zayna likes old school developed photos when I showed her an embarrassing pic of me 20 years ago and i really would like the Instax Mini so that I can take more pics of her during her antics and let her see it “in the flash”
Thank you as always for the wonderful content!
My special memory that I will cherish for life is spending the last few moments with my 97 year old, great grandfather before he passed away. As emotional as it was it was absolutely beautiful and i am eternally grateful that he was surrounded by family during the last few hours and his funeral despite the limitations due to lockdown.
Now I hold onto the pics that I have with him and the beautiful memories
My special memory for lockdown would be my birthday.My cousin called to wish me and said be down in 5 min and she had baked me a birthday cake it was literally drop and go.This was followed by a video call from my uncle and aunt in Pretoria who called and they even had a cup cake for me with a candle to blow out and we did the whole singing.I felt very loved with all the calls and messages.Lockdown has got us paying more attention to the lil things that actually matter more.
I was house-sitting at my parents at and by myself for the first three-and-a-half months of lockdown. Our two cats, Jasper and Opal really kept me (more or less) sane during this time, with cuddles on the couch. Lots of pics and videos of those kitties! 🐱🐱
The first time my son smiled at me… A for real smile, not a reflex smile. From this moment, I learnt to always have a camera at hand!
My son was so happy the day my work place finally closed for the Lockdown. Everyday he would ask me when are we’re closing, because he’s fearing I might get sick and fall ill. The day arrived and we sat up binge watching his favourite movies. He told me that there’s no excuses now, I can sleep late tomorrow, because there’s no work.
The best thing I could say would be that I’ve learnt the value of time & how to count my blessings. As mums prior to lockdown, we’ve always complained of no time to do anything other than take care of our family & home. I’ve had time to invest in helping others, less fortunate than I am…. I’ve had the time to witness the dire poverty that people are faced with and I’ve had the time to lend a helping hand. Being blessed with this opportunity has also opened my eyes to the countless blessings I take for granted on a daily basis. The things I take for granted are things that less fortunate people pray for everyday. Oh how I will miss the extra time I have to help the less fortunate and being constantly reminded of my blessings. My best memory will be the sense of fulfillment after having extended a helping hand.
This is certainly a time far from ‘ordinary’ for every citizen of our blue planet. I am using this isolation period (aka the pause button in a usually fast-paced race) to appreciate my home, my furball and feathermate, and the two lights of my life whom I share it with. They are my calm in this chaos and my inspiration. My son and I took away some time from Mum-duty, Netflix, reading and his online schooling to master something we have always spoken about but never attempted. We are finally able to solve a rubik’s cube; a skill I hope motivates him to keep trying, and proof we can accomplish anything we set our minds to.
Not yet a memory but something new in my daily routine – love being able to join online lectures/meetings while having breakfast in bed. Definitely a memory I’ll miss post-corona
My best memory has so far been having my entire little family in my kitchen in the first two weeks of Lockdown when hubby was home and the domestic was not. We learnt many new tricks, brushed up on forgotten skills and the kids learnt valuable lessons which they will definitely take with them for the rest of their lives. Yes, it was tiring and frustrating at times but it made me realize that what truly makes me happy in life is much more simpler than I ever thought – been home with my family
Lockdown has given me memories everyday . The most joyous time of the day is mid afternoon where I spend in my garden with my toddler . Just having fun and making memories . It’s a time we will always cherish . From hardly seeing my husband due to work to seeing him everyday now is another blessing .
Amidst the madness of it all and what could’ve been just another day, it turned out rather fun! We had the radio on in the kitchen and the dj was playing some awesome tunes so I decided to have a dance party right there in my pj. My mum couldn’t help but join in as I was feeling the beat and just enjoying the moment. Lockdown dance parties are totally a thing and by far the best!!
Since lockdown I am able to spend more time with my Boxer dog,Duke. I’d never thought I see the day where this dog sits on command. But because I was able to spend more time with him he now sits every single time on command.
Unfortunately due to lockdown I was unable to visit my sister in to the states and welcome my new nephew into the world 🥰💕. So the special memory I have is meeting the most adorable little baby boy as if I was in the room. Technology has really been a blessing and helped create beautiful memories. To be able to read him stories via video and see his pictures of him growing. 😍 it definitely is bridging the gap until I can meet him. ❤️
I had to go back in my phone’s camera roll to try and remember what lockdown has been like. Days merge with weekends and for the longest time we were confined to the four walls of our houses.
What sparked joy was a picture that I took the first day that South Africa entered level four and we were allowed out to ‘exercise’ between 6 and 9am. My wife, kids and I were craving the freedom we had been afforded. And despite the protests, we hauled the kids out of bed to taste this freedom. Wla walk around the block in the neighbourhood was the first step. It was chilly and we were unfamiliar with masks; wearing masks sewn up at home because they were not freely available. The few people we passed were uncertain social distancing and whether a friendly greeting was allowed. The picture will remind us of 2020 and we have endeavoured to try and take a picture a week to remember this time. Those walks turned into a daily ritual which has ironically disappeared as our freedom has increased. But pictures will be the memories hlwe have of this crazy time.
One special memory that I have of lockdown is biweekly Zoom meetings with my high school friends. We have been friends for 25 years (since Std 5) and our friendship has managed to stand the test of time. Actually we have found that Zoom meetings are even better than hookups in person, since one of us lives in Singapore, so now she never misses out, and it’s kind of nice to hookup without all the busyness and distractions of husbands, kids and activities. We get to have great heart to hearts. I hope that this precious tradition lasts well into our old age too.
My most cherished lockdown memory would have to be celebrating my daughter’s 10th birthday in lockdown. We had a party planned, decor was bought, invites sent out and cake ordered and then lockdown happened. Had to make the birthday extra special to make up for it, and it turned out to be a really special day which she thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated.
Definitely my two-year old trying to “beatbox” one night at the dinner table. I tried and he said I wasn’t doing it right. Had a good laugh.
The dinner was also memorable- a beef wellington that my husband took 5 hours to make (!).
Between Zoom meetings, crazy deadlines and constant conference calls, my husband and I have really enjoyed taking time each afternoon to leave our phones and laptops (and even smart watches because they show notifications) inside while we take about 10 minutes to stand outside in the garden and just have a (COVID-19, financial and negative free) conversation about random things, good news, inspiring stories, new recipes, plans and so on. It’s been our time to lift each other up during this uncertain time for both of us. That’s my most cherished memory for which I’m endlessly grateful.
My most precious memory during lockdown is being able to spend quality time with my family and enjoy special treats which I love capturing for my page on Instagram as ultimately food brings people together. In the words of Julia child the best people are those who love to eat!
Everyday is a day to capture some special moment… That’s what my family and I have learnt and have tried to instill in our lives during this lockdown. We have learnt not to take for granted the littlest things, and try to take pics almost daily to send to our loved ones who are so far away and who we miss dearly. My 7 year old started a scrap book taking pics with my phone to try to remember this time,taking pics of the simplest things we take for granted daily which mean so much more to her… The camera would be an amazing win for her, to use for this purpose as she ventures into this new photography hobby of hers. When I look through my phone at pics she takes, it’s amazing to see the world from a child’s eyes…. Would love to look back in a couple of years at actual photos, through her scrapbook and reminisce 🤞
Do bad memories count? During the stress of being in lockdown, having no power, trying to run a baking business and home schooling 3 children, my 11 year old got electricuted while we tried to connect the generator. It was the most terrifying moment of my life and it made me realise just how fragile life is. It also made me realize that the thing I miss the most right now is people – family who are too far away to see and hug and kiss.
Lockdown & my WFH situation hasn’t been very different for me. Given that I’m a journalist adapting to this wasn’t very difficult. But I did find it a little tough getting into that routine. I’ve been working for this company for 1 and a half years now and for the first time during lockdown, my editor had no changes to the story I produced. It’s small but it’s also really big.
My favourite memories will be all the lockdown birthday parties with 4 of my siblings so far. Whatsapp video call allows 8 of us to connect and we all sing together and blow the candles and watch our loved ones open their gifts. It’s just too precious. Together in lockdown no matter what🥰
Best memory. Late evening conversations with my significant other. Amazing after so many years, how much we still learn about each other.
This lockdown surely had us all piling on the kilos lol. My daughter and nieces would be sharing and trying out new recipes everyday which everyone would then enjoy on our evening group video calls. Even though we missed our loved ones greatly, it was amazing to be able to see each other and chat while some are miles away. Our calls continue but we had to put on the breaks on all the delicious treats!
A good memory just after we moved down the first level. My Greek neighbours knew I was alone and that Ramadan would begin. In a generous spirit Faye ensured I had a sweet something for my table every night. A cinnabon, a cookie or a muffin.
During lockdown my family and I have made a number of discoveries and had a few interesting experiences. From our first home-made loaf of bread(which came out like a stone and we have no idea why), to trying to replicate our favourite restaurant takeaways such as Chinese dumplings and falafels (both of which fell apart in the pot no matter how delicate we were). We even made a DIY bird-feeder which has so far brought the most interesting characters to our garden. Multiple Grey Loeries showed up, which was a spectacular sight (accept they decimated our succulents). We had a pair of Hoopoes (we called them wood peckers) who had a peculiar way of feeding each other. We even tried saving a baby pigeon that fell out of its nest. Unbeknownst to us, Mother Nature was handing out mercy killings because two adult pigeons decided that there was no way this baby pigeon will live. Now all of this sounds really bad but the realisation in this lockdown experience is that as a family, life was on cruise control. Had it not been for lockdown, we would not have spent as much time in the kitchen together creating memories out of failed recipes, or even noticed half the birds coming to our garden. So we haven’t had one single great memory, but many small memories to make this time together the best.
Lockdown reflection: it has brought to my awareness what is really important in life… Life will never be the same for me. Here’s to a newer more real and authentic me.
My kids and I got to spend lockdown with my parents in the hometown I share so many childhood memories with. First time in 20years I was back home for such a long time-amazing bonding time with the folks, cook in the same kitchen as my mum😬 and a chance to hook up with old school friends
20.05.2020, the birth of my son, has so far stood out as my best memory during lockdown!, an event worthy to be captured on the instax or any camera but unfortunately due to covid and hospital rules we were unable to take any pictures inside the thearter. Hoping to make up for that by taking lots of pictures of him now😁
Watching my kids bond, they made and distributed Choc chip cookies on Mother’s Day, made a batch of raw cake batter and ate it🤦🏻♀️😂 perfected a cheese sauce, made masala chips and fried chicken, so many happy memories ❤️
The memories of this lockdown that will stay with me are definitely the moments I’m getting to experience with my 5yr old son. Who is an aspiring blogger/vlogger himself and LOVES filming what he’s doing throughout the day. Being a full time working mom, I’m enjoying this time at home with him so much. We especially love doing photo scavenger hunts and arts and crafts. I think he and I would both equally enjoy the Instax Mini 11 😉
We’re 5 kids, 4 are married with their own kids. You can imagine how difficult it is to coordinate schedules and diaries, especially when one parent is always on the road travelling. Lockdown meant everyone was literally stuck at home and I am especially grateful for that because it meant we were available-at the same time–to chat and video call. One day my dad took out his old projector from the garage and we had a video call slide show of old photos. These slides never get old. We usually go through them after some life changing event like initiation to a new sibling in law but they never get old. I love capturing memories.
It was just before lock down began I was on a flight alone from Johannesburg back to Durban. Gosh everyone was so tense on the flight the lady next to me was masked and suited from head to toe lol. It was my first flight in ages that I didn’t record the takeoff for my insta story that’s how intense it felt 😂.
Just as we took off and broke through the clouds it was one of the most beautiful and peaceful feelings ever and I joked with the lady next to me that we should just stay up there until COVID 19 leaves.
Everytime I’ve felt low it’s that moment that I revert to.
The other special memory that I’ll always carry is all the house party calls during Ramadan with family, especially my mother dozing off during one the calls and everyone rushing to get a video of her snoring, I also who would have thought that my bcom exams would’ve have completely online this semester.
These past few months have truly been educational and memorable.
My special memory during lock down was on Mothers day, hubby and kids created all my favorite things to eat: steak with peppers and cheese from The empire steak, Lemon butter sauce prawns from Jimmys killer prawns and carrot cake from Chateu Gateux was recreated by them, because they could not take me out to eat, they decided to make it all by themselves which made it even more special. Priceless memories.
Going for longboard rides on the beach front with my friends (socially distant of course) would be one of my favorite memories since lockdown began.
My best and fondest memories is having the opportunity to nature and encourage my kids talents.. My 7year old is really taking to food blogging and this will be a nice treat for her
One of my best memories is when my one year niece decided to play virtual hide and seek. Watching her hide behind objects and seeing her surprised facial expression every time is price less. I’ve learnt to appreciate the small gestures a lot more and be grateful for everything.
My best memory was really just being with my kids on Eid. Our time gets so diluted with so much of family around. It was so refreshing .
Perhaps my most prized memory in recent months was that first glimpse of my mum’s face when I saw her in person for the first time since we entered lockdown…Lockdown 3 and I grasped my chance to sneak a visit, albeit from afar. The yearning, the love, the misery, as we air hugged each other from a few meters apart. Mum, in her winter gown, sporting a lockdown haircut (butcher) from my dad, standing on her lonesome inside the house. Me, masked, alone. Outside. Those few meters may well have been miles. If I could have a snapshot of that memory… But nevertheless, it’s etched in our minds forever…
Being able to hug my niece (who has juvenile dermatomyositis) through a plastic hugging screen (that I had made) on Eid day,will definitely be a lockdown memory that will forever remain 💕
Best memory….lying in pjs with my kids in a teepee we pitched in our lounge, on a random Wednesday morning. The sun filtering through the window caught the shimmying steam escaping from my cup of coffee. Looking back, I can actually smell the coziness of that moment.
At the beginning of lockdown when I was sup6 to go home as I’m a student, I began feeling sick then proceeded to test positive for the virus 🙁 .what eas the saddest thing is I couldn’t be with my daughter back at home so video call6 became the order of the day. Up till today I haven’t gone home because I’m scared of infecting someone so during lockdown I started doing some serious cooking and I’ve tried out things I never ever thought I could ever cook.i would like to take better pictures for my cooking page .I have a good feeling about my cooking journey.
My best lockdown memory is spending it in the kitchen trying all new and exciting things like making Kari kichri or mutton karahi for the first time. The absolute bliss of eating fresh pasta made by hand. The tantalizing taste of going through south East Asia with ramen and dumplings. I guess u could say food has given me the extra comfort that we would usually get from friends and family