Life On the Brink

Hello hello, and welcome to Episode 112 of Life On the Brink!One of my favorite things about April is that it’s the start of growing season where I live. It’s finally time to put seeds in the earth and watch them grow! I’ve spent the past several weeks preparing and planning this year’s garden, and it feels so good to finally execute some of that plan.In this episode I'm sharing my simple, easy-to-maintain garden plan for this year, from flowers to herbs and veggies to garden bed overhaul. With a baby coming in June, my goal is to make things as lovely as I can with little maintenance. Plus, this week's Little Joy is a wonderful tea-centered experience, and I'm sharing a sweet jazz album that's perfect for spring.For the complete show notes, click here!For full transcript, click here!Site: lifeonthebrink.liveSocial: @anna_on_the_keys

Hello hello, and welcome to Episode 111 of Life On the Brink!It’s finally SPRING! This is decidedly my favorite season, and I’m particularly excited for it this year. What with Baby Girl coming in June and lots of home and garden things happening, I feel like this season will be just glorious! Today I'm talking all about my favorite books, recipes, and activities that I'm enjoying this spring season. In this episode I'm sharing:-my spring TBR-favorite seasonal recipes/little treats I've been making-activities to soak up all this glorious weather-renovation/nesting updates and cozy spring touchesand plenty more.For the complete show notes, click here!For full transcript, click here!Site: lifeonthebrink.liveSocial: @anna_on_the_keys

Hello hello, and welcome to Episode 110 of Life On the Brink!Spring is just around the corner, and if you’re like me it’s during this time of year that I always get excited to get back into the garden. In that vein, today I’m welcoming someone who has made gardening and landscaping his passion and career. Matthieu Mehuys is a landscape architect from Belgium, and we enjoyed a lovely conversation all about regenerative gardening, working with and understanding nature and caring for the foundations of your garden! In this episode we talk about:-how to care for your soil-working with nature to create a flourishing garden-how to envision and design your garden space-beginner-friendly plants -and a LOT more!For the complete show notes, click here!For full transcript, click here!Site: lifeonthebrink.liveSocial: @anna_on_the_keys

Hello hello, and welcome to Episode 109 of Life On the Brink!It’s now been one year since I moved into my first house, and so much has changed! Josh and I have slowly but surely been renovating, furnishing and decorating this place and have watched it become our home. While there’s still so much we’re working on in 2024 (hopefully before Baby Girl arrives), today I’m sharing a 1-year update on our home renovations.In this episode, I'm also sharing some resources that have been very instructional or inspirational throughout this process as well, and this week's Little Joy involves a delicious local gem.For the complete show notes, click here!For full transcript, click here!Site: lifeonthebrink.liveSocial: @anna_on_the_keys

Hello hello, and welcome to Episode 108 of Life On the Brink!This is the time of year when a sunny day versus a cloudy day can make all the difference; it’s that part of winter where I start to really crave springtime. It’s just around the corner, soon! But until then, even on the brink of a season change, I’ve been searching for ways to enjoy, embrace (or survive) the end of winter.Today’s episode is greatly inspired by Meik Wiking’s very popular book, “The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living.” I'm sharing so many cozy ideas from this book, ways to embrace the spirit of hygge, as well as some extra things that I have personally been enjoying throughout this winter. For the complete show notes, click here!For full transcript, click here!Site: lifeonthebrink.liveSocial: @anna_on_the_keys

Hello hello, and welcome to Episode 107 of Life On the Brink!This week I am officially 20 weeks pregnant with my first baby, which is kind of half way! It’s crazy to realize that in just a few months I’m going to have a whole baby girl and be her mother. It's so exciting but also a lot to process.To mark this halfway point, this episode is all about my pregnancy journey thus far. I haven’t really talked much about it yet, so I’m sharing a bit of my first-time pregnancy experience as well as answering your questions.For the complete show notes, click here!For full transcript, click here!Site: lifeonthebrink.liveSocial: @anna_on_the_keys

Hello hello, and welcome to Episode 106 of Life On the Brink!Happy New Year! I hope you have enjoyed a restful holiday season and a lovely start to the new year. I do enjoy looking back on the last year, especially when it comes to special memories or to BOOKS! Today I’m sharing the best of the best, those books which received 5 stars from me, or (because sometimes I don’t rate non-fiction) which I thought were just excellent. I’ve got 10 books, plus a cookbook, to share, and I’m also sharing your favorite podcast episodes from last year as well!For the complete show notes, click here!For full transcript, click here!Site: lifeonthebrink.liveSocial: @anna_on_the_keys

Hello hello, and welcome to Episode 105 of Life On the Brink!I love to talk about Christmas traditions and enjoy hearing others' memories of Christmases past, and today I absolutely cannot wait to share this episode with you! I have on the podcast none other than my paternal grandmother, whom I call Ma Anna. She's my namesake, she has lived all over the world, and she has such an open and warm outlook on life that I hope to embrace. I've learned how special these inter-generation conversations can be, and this one is just as heartwarming as can be.In this episode, we talk about childhood Christmas memories and favorite traditions, and Ma Anna shares some classic recipes and beautiful thoughts on family.Plus, she has the absolute sweetest Little Joys, and I'm sharing all her favorite holiday music.For the complete show notes, click here!For full transcript, click here!Site: lifeonthebrink.liveSocial: @anna_on_the_keys

Hello hello, and welcome to Episode 104 of Life On the Brink!Christmastime is such a special time of year, not only because it’s filled with special music, food, and family traditions that we can only experience once a year, but because there’s an intangible spirit of goodwill and charity that appears. In the presence of such festive cheer, it’s actually seasonably appropriate to be kind and generous. In this episode, I’m sharing a few simple ways you can give to others, either with money or resources or time or energy. As we are reminded of the abundance we have in family, security, love, hope and joy, let us spread that to others!Plus, this week's Little Joy took place on a normal Monday, and I've got a beautiful album of Christmas music to bring some cheer to your home.For the complete show notes, click here!For full transcript, click here!Site: lifeonthebrink.liveSocial: @anna_on_the_keys

Hello hello, and welcome to Episode 103 of Life On the Brink!As we approach Christmas day, we're entering into that season where the cold (and sometimes rain) draw us indoors and the need for cozy hobbies becomes more and more apparent. What's more cozy than curling up on the couch with a mug of tea and the perfect wintry book? Sometimes the right book finds you at just the right time and creates a magical space where the hours can pass by as you're drawn into a beautiful story. Today I hope to help create just that!In this episode I'm sharing my cozy reading recommendations for winter and the Christmas season. I've included both fiction and nonfiction, and every book on this list is heartwarming and comforting and perfect for this December and beyond.Plus, this week's Little Joy is magical musical moment, and I'm sharing my all-time favorite holiday movie soundtrack.For the complete show notes, click here!For full transcript, click here!Site: lifeonthebrink.liveSocial: @anna_on_the_keys

Hello hello, and welcome to Episode 102 of Life On the Brink!It’s the holiday season! I absolutely love this time of year, and this year more than ever I’m so glad for the magic of Christmastime. Along with the cooking and singing that always accompanies my Decembers, there is also the anticipation of Christmas Day, and if your family is one that celebrates with gift-giving then today’s episode is for you!I’ve been thinking a lot lately about some of the most memorable gifts I’ve given or received over the years, and some of my absolute favorites have been in the form of experiences and memories.In this episode I'm sharing:-so many gift ideas that give an experience, rather than a physical item-ways to enjoy the gift of family and loved ones-creative, romantic nights out-ideas for gift baskets and care packages Plus, this week's little joy is a special BABY announcement, and I'm sharing the perfect soundtrack to romanticize your Christmasy week.For the complete show notes, click here!For full transcript, click here!Site: lifeonthebrink.liveSocial: @anna_on_the_keys

Hello hello, and welcome to Episode 101 of Life On the Brink!And to those in the States, Happy Thanksgiving! This is one of my favorite holidays, and I’m so excited to be celebrating with my family this year. It’s a beautiful time for traditions and food and beginning the Christmas season, but it’s also a wonderful time to reflect and actually participate in giving thanks. Whether or not you celebrate this holiday, we can all practice the act of thanksgiving, so today I hope to just share a bit of my recent ponderings regarding the relationship between gratitude and joy. Plus! I have a VERY big announcement to share, and it’s something I’m very grateful for. I share all about it in this episode, along with lots of Little Joys and my new favorite Christmas playlist.For the complete show notes, click here!For full transcript, click here!Site: lifeonthebrink.liveSocial: @anna_on_the_keys

Hello hello, and welcome to Episode 100 of Life On the Brink!Wow, I can’t believe I just said that! This is a huge goal met, so today’s episode is a celebration! I’m so touched by this community that is so consistent and lovely, you have made this Covid project more than I thought it could be. Today I’d like to share some of my personal reflections over the past 100 episodes, as well as answers to your questions and your own feedback about the show!Plus, this week's Little Joy is a seasonal drink recipe, and I've got a playlist of songs specifically designed to help you in your anxious moments.For the complete show notes, click here!For full transcript, click here!Site: lifeonthebrink.liveSocial: @anna_on_the_keys

Hello hello, and welcome to Episode 99 of Life On the Brink!Happy October! It’s a beautiful time of year, in my opinion one of the best months of the year. It’s around this month, though, that my schedule starts to look uncommonly busy, the list of projects just seems to grow, and it’s easier for me to get overwhelmed with tasks and commitments. Today I’m sharing a few organizational tips that really help me keep things on track and make things easier for my future self! In this episode I'm sharing:-simple ways to keep your home in order-scheduling techniques to minimize stress-my year-round gift gathering system (helps a TON in December)-how to prioritize and enjoy your down timePlus, this week's Little Joy is a fascinating culinary memoir, and I'm sharing a recent debut album from a group that is about to revolutionize vocal jazz.For the complete show notes, click here!For full transcript, click here!Site: lifeonthebrink.liveSocial: @anna_on_the_keys

Hello hello, and welcome to Episode 98 of Life On the Brink!I’ve been rediscovering my love for cooking yet again, this time as a way to ground and stabilize myself, but also to explore creativity and welcome new fall flavors. I’ve realized lately, though, that many may not have a passion for cooking in the same way, and that’s ok! Perhaps you just want to eat yummy things that make you feel good, making the often-more-affordable choice of cooking at home rather than buying out actually worth your time. Well today’s episode is for you!In this episode I'm sharing:-simple ways to make delicious, nourishing meals easier-how not to feel overwhelmed by grocery shopping-meal prepping ideas for every schedule-easy and highly customizable recipesand so much more.Plus, this week's Little Joy is how I made a work event into a romantic getaway, and I've got a very atmospheric autumnal playlist to share.For the complete show notes, click here!For full transcript, click here!Site: lifeonthebrink.liveSocial: @anna_on_the_keys

Hello hello, and welcome to Episode 97 of Life On the Brink!The weather is finally starting to (slowly) cool down and I couldn’t be more excited. Autumn comes with a state of mind and I am already there, so today is all about welcoming that sweet, spicy, autumn season.  Today is all about the things you can enjoy from the start of fall (or even now!) no matter what the weather is doing. In this episode I'm sharing:-my autumn reading list-all the seasonal teas-recipes to try this fall-cozy project and craft ideasPlus, this week's Little Joy is a wholesome interaction I had late at night, and I'm sharing the ultimate cozy playlist to get you in the autumnal spiritFor the complete show notes, click here!For full transcript, click here!Site: lifeonthebrink.liveSocial: @anna_on_the_keys

Hi everyone, I’m making a little mini episode/PSA to give a little update and to speak a bit about some very important things. There’s not a real structure to this, I just wanted to let you know what’s going on.I still recommend making a cup of tea, as I’ve realized in the last few weeks just how comforting one can be.*For the full blog post, click here*For full transcript, click here!Site: lifeonthebrink.liveSocial: @anna_on_the_keys

Hello hello, and welcome to Episode 95 of Life On the Brink!I’m so excited for today’s episode, as it’s inspired by a delightful book that focuses on the art of designing one’s home while speaking to my Francophile heart. The book is “Home Sweet Maison: The French Art of Making a Home” by Danielle Postel-Vinay, and what a delight it is!  Much about the French way of living aligns with what I try to emphasize here at Life On the Brink: the celebration of the everyday, finding comfort in curated rituals, and emphasis on conversation and culture, among others. To that end, I have carefully combed through this book, making note of the things that I either have already enjoyed in my home or am now inspired to incorporate as I continue to renovate and decorate.This episodes includes:-ways to highlight the living and cooking spaces-embracing the joy of mealtime rituals-living with both thrift and luxury-new organization techniques-ways to connect your home to those in itPlus, this week's Little Joy (actually two!) are the season premiers of some fantastic summer shows, and I'm sharing a classic French album to bring a whimsical atmosphere to your home.For the complete show notes, click here!For full transcript, click here!Site: lifeonthebrink.liveSocial: @anna_on_the_keys

Hello hello, and welcome to Episode 94 of Life On the Brink!Even as we cultivate our beautiful daily lives, every now and then life calls for a bit of elevation and celebration. Today we’re talking about one such celebration: Date Night.  Sometimes it’s easy to do the same (and sometimes expensive) things, and suddenly an experience that was designed to elevate you outside your normal routine becomes a routine in itself. How do we create a fun and satisfying night with your sweetheart, even after many years together?Expense is by no means the greatest determining factor, and today I’m sharing lots of Date Night ideas that, despite their modest budget, can make for an exciting and fun evening.In this episode I'm sharing:-what makes a "good" date night -scientific findings about closeness and relationship growth-recipes for a night in-lots of local date ideas to try in your area-ways to converse to learn more about your partnerPlus, this week's Little Joy was an unexpected moment at work, and I'm sharing an old  album by one of my favorite groups of all time.For the complete show notes, click here!For full transcript, click here!Site: lifeonthebrink.liveSocial: @anna_on_the_keys

Hello hello, and welcome to Episode 93 of Life On the Brink!Like no other season, summer just screams fun! There’s a universal expectation to enjoy, be it the weather, the produce, or the surplus of time, and I’m here for it. Let’s lean into that summer fun a little and talk favorites. Today I’m simply sharing some items from my closet, pantry, home and routines that have really shone this summer!In this episode I'm sharing:-my favorite homemade frozen drinks and desserts-the best 2 pieces in my summer wardrobe-simple summer crochet projects-how I enjoy my outdoor space in the summer...and lots more.Plus, this week's Little Joy was the special way I spend the 4th of July, and I'm sharing an album of music that is just pure FUN!For the complete show notes, click here!For full transcript, click here!Site: lifeonthebrink.liveSocial: @anna_on_the_keys