Ordinarily Extraordinary Anna

Everyday thoughts, discoveries and projects from an ordinary life

Menu Skip to content

Home
Contact

Contact

Name(required)

Email(required)

Comment(required)

Instagram

I always like to support local small businesses, but now it's more important than ever. With bookings already cancelled and my work looking very uncertain, I'm torn between saving my money and supporting local business, but figure I'll use local services and products for as long as I can. Perhaps a quick trip within my suburb is non essential, but then again, businesses need our support to survive. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This morning I phoned my takeaway order through to @lamaisondupatissier (a fabulous French patisserie very close to home) and picked up a delicious ganache hot chocolate and almond croissant (plus a little something for later). They had all the right procedures in place and I certainly felt safer here than at the big supermarket I had to visit the day before for supplies. Sadly, there was only one other customer there and within hours of my purchase, they have had to shut their doors, as it is not economically viable for them to remain open. Support local business however you can before it's too late. . . . . #supportlocal #takeawayonly #doingwhatican #stage1lockdown #localbusiness #weareinthistogether #frenchpatisserie .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Sent via @planoly

This fluffball is loving the whole idea of social distancing for humans, as there's almost always a lap to occupy. Lucky for him dogs aren't included in the measures. . . . . #dogsofinstagram #chinesecrestedpowderpuff #lapdog #furbaby #covid19 #stage1lockdown

"I can't believe the news today Oh, I can't close my eyes And make it go away How long?" (U2, Sunday Bloody Sunday) Day 1 of Stage 1 Covid-19 Lockdown in Australia today and rumours are we'll be in Stage 2 before we know it. Gyms and restaurants are closed indefinitely, people are being asked to work from home if possible, thousands have already lost their jobs and incomes and we're not to leave home unless absolutely necessary. Strangely and controversially, all shops and schools remain open, at least for now. Lucky for me, my amazing gym @ufit_australia will continue to operate virtually, offering multiple online sessions daily via Zoom and Facebook, community pages and online chats. Not only that, but they've farmed out their equipment to members. How awesome is that?! This is certainly not what any of us signed up for and a month ago, no-one believed it would go this far. It doesn't get much more serious than this. We are in scary, unknown territory but we're in it together. Even the darkest hour is eventually followed by light, so let's stay strong, stay positive and make the most of the way things are, whatever that may end up looking like. . . . . #lockdown2020 #bravenewworld #surreal #isthistherealworld #amidreamingthis #homegym #virtuallife #silverlinings #lookforthepositive #nothingbutfreetime #worldshutdown

What better time to learn a new craft than right now? 🧶 I've eyed off the crochet baskets @wovenglory for quite some time and have been meaning to attempt one. I commissioned a few for myself and gifts, but really wanted to try making my own. Well, with social distancing measures kicking in here and worldwide, I decided it was now or never. Thanks to Cait at @basket_bases_australia 's generosity and easy to follow video and written step by step tutorials, I did it! I have never picked up a crochet hook until today, so am a total novice. I made this little basket twice whilst figuring out how to hold the hook, thread and basket and trying to get the tension even, unravelling it each time before restitching it. The stitches grew more even, the sides straighter with each attempt and by the third, I was reasonably happy with the result and didn't need to unravel it; an afternoon's effort resulting in a cute little t-shirt yarn crochet basket. (Swipe to see the finished product.) I'm sure the next one will be much quicker and probably look better too, now that I know what I'm doing. 😊 This one will hold Easter eggs but can later be used to house a little pot plant, pens, makeup brushes or whatever. . . . . #basket_bases_australia #wovenglory #onlinetutorial #completenovice #crochet #tshirtyarn #handmade #netflixandstitch #covid19crafts #nottoobadforafirstattempt #easter #getcreative #handcrafts #multipurpose #reusable #gift

Are Easter decorations a thing at your place? They never used to be at mine, until quite recently. Now I enjoy doing some minor Easter decorating. I like to put them up early, so I can enjoy them for longer, so mine went up last week. This year, with many of us spending more time indoors or at home, it seems extra important to add some seasonal colour to brighten our days. Do you decorate your home for Easter or other significant events or occasions at this time of year? . . . . #easter #decorate #homeforeaster #brightandcheerful #easterisnotcancelled

About 21 years ago, I made a felt Christmas stocking for my young daughter. Over the next few years, I added to the collection - one each for my husband, son and finally myself. After a long break, the time has now come to add to my collection of family Christmas stockings, with one for my daughter's partner. Although not in lockdown or quarantine, I am doing the whole social distancing thing, where possible. This is not a difficult task for introverts like myself and I'm actually looking forward to rediscovering my love of crafting. In addition to this stocking, I have several large unfinished quilting projects and a brand-new-for-me craft lined up to try, so stay tuned. If you're looking for me anytime soon, I'll be Netflix and stitching. 🖥🧵 At least that will distract me from another favourite in-home activity, baking and eating. 👩‍🍳🍴

Blog at WordPress.com.

Post to

Cancel