The New Normal

The new normal is definitely an accurate title for my first post back since 2015! A lot has changed... including my blog look! If you're seeing this on Bloglovin' jump on over to check it out real time. Nothing special, but it feels like a hair trim - if you catch my drift! My little corner of the internet has been on my mind. Not that I haven't been inspired, but the creative energy hasn't quite been there. I guess all I needed was a fresh day and coffee sit to bring me back home to my blog.

Let's talk about change. It's weird how the universe knows when to group all those going through change together in one bucket - friends going through change, family going through change, etc. There's been change swirling around my "group" (family, friends, whatever you want to call it) for several months now, and I think we're all finally coming out on the other side. My specific change - job. I felt more than the normal gravitational pull to quit my job where I was cube ridden for 3 years. I finally pulled the trigger at the beginning of February, and can honestly say I haven't looked back one.single.time. The cube, the corporate lifestyle, the goal writing, the review cycles, on and on and on - it wasn't me. And it never will be. And now that I've realized that I can finally move on with my life. Trying to fit myself into that peg was actually more mentally exhausting than the work itself! 

So... what am I doing now? Well, I've joined my family's business - selling promotional products. I'm the boss of my day. I'm leading my own charge. And that feels good. It feels good to finally be in control of my destiny - ya know, for the time being. Now don't get me wrong - this decision was made with a lot of discussions between Mr. B and I and frankly a lot of fear (insert all the adult things here - income, insurance, blah, blah, blah). But, my mantra for 2016 is "who cares, at least I tried!" So far, it feels a little circa 2010 to me. For those that need to be caught up - that's when I moved back to the City of Oaks and it took me officially 6 months to find a job. But with a lot of dedication and repetition hard work does, in fact, pay off (plus a lot - read obscene - amounts of wine, tears and heart to hearts). I'm still getting used to by new normal, but I know my new normal can (and will be) successful! 

That's pretty much the long and the short of it! It feels good to be "back" and talking with cyberspace. Until next time...

Top 5 - 2015 Edition

As we close in on 2015 and start gearing up to celebrate New Year's it's hard not to miss every "round up." Top shows, top worst celebrity break ups, top Google searches, etc, etc, etc. Well, here's my small [but meaningful] round up right here on Between the Oaks [#BTO]. Enjoy this installment of my favorite Top 5 posts from 2015 [also known as the only year this blog has been up and running].

one | Living with Intention in 2015

This years most meaningful post - the first. It took a lot to start this blog after talking about it for a long time. And, truth be told the only reason this blog came to fruition is because the blog name came to me in a dream.

two | Home

Mr. B and I had already decided and began planning our wedding back in my hometown. Looking back now, it was the best decision to bring my family back to a place that means so much. 

three | Friends & Family 

This post is really about celebrating the bond between family. Nothing is more important than family especially when they're your best friends. What I've learned since this post is that distance won't ever change that. 

four | Monday's are for MRS

The highlight of my entire year was marrying my best friend. I never want to forget the emotion I had and the small details that made this day so perfect. 

five | My 20 year old self

2015 - also known as the year I became a Mrs and turned 30! But before I could do that I took a look back at all the things I would tell my younger self. 

Do you have a running list of 2015 highlights? I can only imagine what 2016 has in store for all of us!!

Friday Fun!

Happy Friday, ya'll! I hope everyone has finally come out of their turkey coma. I'm here again with some Friday Fun! 

I'm linking up with oh hey Friday and Five on Friday today!

one | Christmas Cookies
Every year my mother, sister and I do a huge cookie bake. We usually stick to the family favorites, but once in awhile we need something new and fun. This year will be different since we're geographically spread all over the place, but I came across these delicious sounding cookies and had to share!

Mocha Coconut Crinkles

Peppermint Pattie Cookies

two | Instagram Love

As I mentioned, on our way back from Buffalo I spent most of my time listening to Fantasy Football XM Radio which really means I spent all day on Instagram. If you're looking for new inspiration on your Instagram feed, I came across two great accounts to follow: Hugs and Punches and Intentionally Designed . Run on over and take a look! Be sure to check out Hugs and Punches adoption story, it's truly amazing!

three | Minted

Christmas cards have been ordered! As much as I hate not going old school with a real deal card and handwritten note, I couldn't pass up the chance to use our wedding photos for our first Christmas card. Yes, I know it's completely cliche, but I can't resist Minted and all it's shimmery, glittery fun!

four | So What If...

• We haven't decorated for Christmas yet... 4 days in which means I'll be keeping our tree and lights out 4 days into 2016
• The green bean casserole, which is the holy grail of Thanksgiving, was pretty much ice cold. I mean legit cold.
• Am I the only one that walks around without the little rubber piece on the bottom of their heels?! You can hear me coming from a mile away. I'll find a shoe cobbler one day. And if you find that rubber piece, give it back :)

five | Follow Me!

Have you enjoyed reading Between the Oaks? Are you following me? Keep up with new posts by following me on Bloglovin' or get new posts straight to your inbox. Don't miss out!

Have a great weekend!