One Hundred

Today marks my 100th post. That doesn't actually seem like a lot when you realize I started this blog on January 14, 2015. I would call that a seriously slow burn and truth be told there aren't any more readers today than there were in 2015. But, every time I log into Blogger I truly love it. I love giving this white space a voice and tone that feels comforting and approachable. I love reading back on all of our adventures or seeing what fun things I mentioned. I love coming to this space and finding intention. Intention for me is opening up my laptop and really letting the words find their place. Its been fun and cathartic to have this little space of mine. So, for my 5 on Friday I'd like to take a look back at 5 posts that stand out in my mind and have a special place in my heart.

one | Home

two | Monday's are for MRS

three | Baby Makes 3

four | New Year, New Baby!

five | Saying Goodbye

[bonus] six & seven | Truth and An Essay: Mom Guilt

So, for those few readers... thank you for reading. Can't wait to see what the next 100 posts have in store!

Five on Friday!

Happy Friday friends! I hope everyone has had a wonderful week and gearing up for an awesome weekend. I'm hitting you with the fast five for Friday, but before we dive in I just have to put out this PSA: kiss and hug all your loved ones today! You don't have a blog if you don't feel all the emotions in one week or day do you? Lots has been on my heart in the last couple of days about how quickly life can change and we have to celebrate the ones we love every chance we get. I heard on a podcast the other day to greet your spouse like a puppy and the same rings true for all the people we love in our life. So, go out have a great Friday and let's try to greet all the people we love like a puppy!

one | Mommas listen up! My sister turned me onto this product to use at the beach to avoid chafing and irritation for George while wearing wet bathing suits and diapers and it works!! You don't need Gold Bond or any other anicent potions. This will do the trick!

two | Roasted Red Pepper & Feta Salad = Best and easiest summer salad you'll make all season! I whipped this up while we were at the beach and served it along side crab cakes and roasted potatoes and it made for the perfect meal. This is so easy and flavorful!

three | Basic and I'm ok with it! Yes, I've turned into an Erin Condren planner gal and I'm cool with it. Just got in my new planner and I love being able to see our memories all year along.

four | I think I'm late to the party on this one but I just started following the Busy Toddler Instagram account. She has thousands of great [and simple] ideas and activities to keep your kiddos busy. Go check her out!

five | Are you an Elin Hilderbrand book lover? If you're reading this you've probably read all her books and wish one day you could be transported to Nantucket just for a summer. Well, I saw this on Instagram and had to share. I can't wait to see what they come up with!

I hope everyone has a great weekend - Cheers!

Friday's Fuel

First off, thank you so much for the outpouring of love from my last post. I honestly feel lighter from finally shedding that and standing in the light. It takes a lot of courage and vulnerability to be honest which has been on my heart recently since watching Brene Brown's Netflix special - The Call to Courage. If you don't know what I'm talking about you must go watch or use your sister's Netflix login. My sister called to tell me I HAD to watch because "you know we're the same, so you're going to love it." And well, darn it, she was right. I laughed and cried. It is amazing. Maybe even transformative. The message is clear - it takes vulnerability to be courageous. To stand in the light. To put yourself in the ring. To show up. To put yourself in uncomfortable situations that allow your true self to grow and shine. It's tough when different seasons of your life are upon you to feel like you aren't just letting life pass you by. I know that's how I'm currently feeling. The day to day can start to be a drag - wake up, rush out, drive an hour, work, work work, drive an hour, rush, eat, sleep. The last few months have left me feeling like maybe I am just taking a back seat. Maybe I do need to be vulnerable and adjust and reassess.  We can't be brave enough to stop letting life pass us by without vulnerability. So, enough about that. Just go watch it!

Let's get to today's Friday Fuel...

one | Speaking of vulnerability and courage I have to shout out 2 girlfriends that are standing in their own light, putting themselves out there and doing the darn thing! First, Jessica who just started a blog - The Honest Truth. She's wearing her heart on her sleeve and doing so beautifully. Go give her blog a read and join her community! And the second shout out is to my girlfriend Lauren who has been building her side hustle of Rodan + Fields into something amazing. Both of these women decided to go outside of their comfort zones and do something for themselves and I see them reaping the rewards from being courageous enough to do so! Go ladies go!

two | Mom truth... Have you ever gotten a call from the preschool to say your child has completely disrobed, diaper and all, and peed on the playground? Well, me either until yesterday. Fun times, fun times. Potty training just escalated to emergency levels.

three | Hi, I'm Anna and I have an addiction to something called an Iced Kong Fusion. It's sweetened black tea, espresso and steamed milk. Seriously don't knock it until you try it. It is amazing and life changing. I know Brene Brown would say so, haha.

four | Has anyone shopped at Target lately? Ever since we moved and are much further away from one I rarely ever go anymore, but I did manage to find my way there last weekend. Wow, ya'll! Some really cute things! I found this suppper cute jumpsuit/romper and some really cute swimsuits for George. They have really upped their game!

five | I love to see what people are buying on Amazon, and recently there have been a lot of really great things that I've added to my Amazon shopping list. Drop a comment below - what have you been buying lately?

one | two | three | four | five | six

Alright lovelies, I've so enjoyed being back in this space with you! I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and a very Happy Mother's Day!

xoxo - A

Friday's Confessions

Happy Friday everyone! Did your week fly by like mine? Thank goodness, right?! I'm here today with my Friday confessions and as always I'm linking up with the ladies below!

one | Let's just say I listened to Christmas music pretty much all day yesterday. I'm already there, aren't you? There's finally a little chill in the air which has really gotten me in the holiday spirit! What are your favorite Christmas pandora stations? I love the Eddie Higgins Trio Holiday Radio station!

two | Speaking of Christmas I pulled the plug on our holiday cards this morning. Ahead of the game, go me!

three | I don't want to be that Mom that thinks her child is the smartest in the class, butttt George is sooo close to walking I can just feel it! He has taken a step, but I just know it's going to happen any day now. Let me just live in my happy place, ok?

four | Mr. B got me the new Pioneer Woman cookbook and a ticket to go see her and have the book signed at our local bookstore. I seriously can't wait to meet her! There are so many great sections of this cookbook like sheet pan dinners and dinners under 40 and 20 minutes.

five | Am I the only one who doesn't understand Aldi??? I finally went after hearing my sister rave about it and I just wasn't that impressed. I couldn't find everything I needed and the pricing wasn't as great as I had heard? I may give it one more try, but to be honest all of the locations are really out of the way so it's not a sustainable way to grocery shop. And speaking of Aldi... I was talking to my sister on the phone this morning about it and looked on Instagram after we got off and wouldn't you know there was a sponsored ad for Aldi. I mean really? Is it anymore obvious that our apps are listening to us?

Fast Five

Here's your fast five for Friday before we're all off skipping through fields and smelling roses for the weekend... And as always I'm linking up with the ladies below!

one

I'm a self proclaimed robe-aholic and I have no problem admitting it. I love my robe, but I really need a new one and need your suggestions! Do you have a favorite? I've been in search of the same robe that's at our local spa which you can get in their gift shop for a pretty penny.

two
Where has the time gone?? Below is 3 months vs 10 months. We went from having a little baby to a boy. It's crazy! And he's so handsome and sweet with those gorgeous blue eyes. I just can't get enough!

three
Patiently waiting for my Erin Condren 2018 planner to come in! Took the plunge and I'm going back to your basic paper planner next year and I hope it sticks. I used to loveeee a planner! I went with the Deluxe Monthly Planner because I really just need a streamlined version.

four
Ya'll I've been loving this Maybelline Brightening Concealer. It's the perfect blend of creaminess and coverage and the price doesn't hurt!

five
Do you moms out there follow Cat & Nat on Facebook or Instagram?? Their Mom Truth videos are hilarious! I think their childhood friends that reconnected after having children and then all the goodness was born between them. Go check them out and get your laugh on!

Fri-YAY!

Happy Friday everyone! Today I'm doing a Follow Friday of my favorite bloggers that I still keep up with both online and on social media. You know the ones that you head to first on your Bloglovin feed? Those that we still consider the pioneers of blogging. Let me know who your favorites are in the comment section! I need some new ones to follow. 

Head on over to the blogs/Instagrams below for some awesome content and inspiration!

What I Wore 

Loveee her Instastories because she keeps it real! Good mommy stuff

The Small Things Blog

I think I'm liking her Instastories better than her blog these days, but still great beauty content

What's Gaby Cooking

Foooood - all the food!

B. Jones Style

This is a fashion blog for those that love that. Her style isn't mine necessarily, but I love her spunk and she has a good workout/health section

Mix and Match Mama

Good family/mommy content!

The Fresh Exchange

Family, Motherhood, Style, Inspiration, Entertaining

Pinch of Yum

Great food blog!

And as always I'm linking up with Carolina Charm and Smidge of This (who I still call ALiz Adventures!) who obviously have made my list of favorites!

Happy Friday Y'All!

Let's get into all things good this week!

one | design

The blog got a refresh this week! See how pretty....

two | reading

If you've been reading my blog for any time now, you know that I love me some Elin Hilderbrand! She has just come out with her newest book - Winter Solstice - and I can't wait to get my hands on it. It's the 4th book in her winter series which I wrote about here  and here. Great, easy read by the fire with your favorite candle flickering in the background!

three | latte love

We're still trucking along through our Whole 30 and doing well! I just came across this Whole 30 compliant latte and let.me.tell.you! Wow!! Like straight from a real coffeehouse. Amazingly thick, lattey goodness. Literally tastes just like a latte. Do you catch my drift? Am I being clear enough? No longer do we basic B's have to go spend $23.50 on an average latte. Make it at home! Novel idea I know.

four | ios 11

Has anyone else upgraded to the new iOS on their iPhone? I'm not convinced the iOS 11 is actually here to make our lives better. I think it's a conspiracy to make everyone have to buy a new phone. Battery life isn't great and my phone does more thinking than Einstein just to open and close apps... I no understand??? 

five | makeup

Has anyone else been sucked into watching live videos on Instagram of bloggers and influencers doing their makeup? Is it just me? Why would any normal person on a regular Tuesday need or want to do a 15 setup makeup process? Why are you showing me this contour stick and shadow palette again? Do I really need to contour to run to Target? And when did we all get obsessed with contouring and makeup palettes and lashes anyway? Did I miss something?

Happy Friday everyone! As always, I'm linking up with Five on Friday for this week's Friday Round Up!

Friday Fall Round Up

Happy Friday everyone! If you live in the City of Oaks or went to NC State then I know you're sitting at your desk with bags under eyes because last night's football game was on point and lasted well past our bedtime. The cardiac pack brought the heat for sure! As always, I'm linking up with Five on Friday for this week's Friday Fall Round Up!

one | leaves

Newest candle edition from Bath & Body Works to our household. Smells so good and I love a good description: This classic blend of spiced berries, Red Delicious apples, and golden nectar brings all the beautiful colors of autumn to mind. Yes, so basic and I'm ok with that!

two | music

I have two all time favorite Fall songs that come to mind when the leaves start changing color - Up 18 North and Carolina in the Fall both by the Kruger Brothers who are a bluegrassy trio based in Western NC. Take 5 minutes to listen! Also, I'm just your typical fall loving girl and searched "fall" on my Pandora and came across the Bonfire Folk station. Legit and will probably be perfectly curated before long.

three | loft

Recently checked out the Loft Outlet nearby which can usually be disappointing and found my new uniform for the fall. Super soft, fleecey interior cowl neck tunic. Looks similar to this Lou & Grey tunic currently available with an extra 40% off!

four | lil boy clothes

I recently bought these two pieces from a Facebook resale group. Waiting for the perfect occassion to bring these out!

five | FOMO

Leaving you with this sappy, weepy fall tribute. Every year at this time I get the worst FOMO for true apple picking, brisk evenings, and glowy sun atop crunchy leaves which we just don't get in the south. So, if you're currently in the middle of it enjoy it for all of us and send us your apple pie recipe when you've finally emerged from the pumpkiny fall induced haze we've all been put under!

New Year, New Baby!

Let's see... It seems I always start posts with "Well..." or "It's been awhile..." or on Friday's. Friday's always seem like the day I feel introspective enough to write and collect my thoughts. And for today - January 20th - Inauguration Day - it seems fitting to start a new. A new year, new thoughts, new feelings. And for Mr. B and I, a new baby. A lot obviously has happened since I last wrote (to you? the Internet? the air?). It's been an emotional few months ending my pregnancy and the life that once was just Mr. B and I, and welcoming a brand new life into this world. See, we prayed about our future baby boy for 9 long months. Every night Mr. B led us in prayer about the health of our baby. We never asked too much just to make sure he arrived beautiful and healthy. And on December 19th at 2:47pm he did. Healthy. Beautiful. Strong. Just what we prayed for. At that exact moment, we were finally able to set aside all of the anxious feelings we had lined up for 9 months. And as I'm sitting here typing this watching my new buddy and listening to him explore what will be his voice, it brings a tear to my eye. 

As with every new mother, there are so many things I want for our sweet boy. I want him to always know the feeling of being loved. Learn to give and receive it. Always see the good in people. Learn to love life's quiet moments. Love the beach. Love the mountains. Find what makes his heart tick. Never miss a sunset. Catch a few sunrises. See beauty in the simple. Explore. Learn. Develop. Never give up on his innocence. And as the quote says: "Respond to every call that excites your spirit".

It was late in the evening on Dec 19th and our family had finally left for the day after meeting their new grandson and nephew. Mr. B and I looked at each other - new parents and in a way already new people - and both said in unison "I can't believe our prayers were answered". 

G.T.B

Five on Friday!

Welcome to this week's edition of Five on Friday. 

As always, I'm linking up with Five on Friday and Oh Hey Friday!

one | BABY!

Obviously, I have to revisit my  post from earlier this week about our amazing news that Mr. B and I are expecting a sweet little boy in December! We are over the moon!!

two | UnREAL

Has anyone out there seen  UnREAL on Lifetime? It is based on the Bachelor/Bachelorette franchise. The scoop is that an old producer from the Bachelor is behind the show, and most past contestants are saying the antics behind the scenes are real. Check out this  New Yorker article for more details. It is the craziest show and seriously carrying me through the slump that is summer TV. If you need something to hold you over between now and the fall lineup, check it out! Also, speaking of fall shows did you know SJP is coming out with a new HBO show called  Divorce? I can't wait for that!

three | Nursery Vibes

four | Newest Addiction

I have recently become obsessed with  Origins Shower Off Exfoliating Body Wash. It is amazing. I have never had softer skin! A must try!

five | Currently Missing

Now that I'm halfway until meeting our little boy there are already things I'm missing about BP... before pregnancy. Let's see... sushi! wine! italian subs! iced green tea from starbucks! local cheeses! fresh tuna sandwiches! oysters! I have my sights set on a delicious glass of red wine sitting by my Christmas tree with my baby boy come December, and nothing is standing in my way!

I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!!

xoxo

Hello! I'm Between the Oaks!

Happy Friday everyone! I'm back with a new edition of Five on Friday. I thought it would be nice to revisit a quick introduction this week since I see we may have a couple new visitors! 

Join in on the fun and link up each Friday! 

If you're new to the blog, I'm Anna and I live in the City of Oaks (aka - Raleigh, NC) with my husband, Mr. B, and sweet 7 year old golden retriever, Callie. I started this blog at a time when I was trying to define and find intention and purpose through a creative outlet. It's been a lot of fun watching it grow! During this time Mr. B and I said "I DO!" last October on one of the most beautiful fall days.

Photo credit: Amanda & Grady Photography

The Stats...

I like my coffee just shy of dark brown and always iced. Always.

Most days you can find me working from home. My office doesn't look like anything from architecture digest, but it beats the cube I used to sit in!

I don't have a green thumb, but I'd say I'm pretty good at not killing herbs. Currently, my basil looks award winning.

I'll always be a part of the Pack... as in Wolfpack! Go NC State!

Everyone spends most of their life looking for their doppelganger, but I don't have to look too far. 30 minutes gave me full rights to be the older sister, right?

Twinsies!

Lightening Round...

Favorite Food... huge, honking burger. Any day of the week!

Current Favorite Song... Can't Stop This Feeling - Justin Timberlake

Fries or Onion Rings... onion rings. all. day. long.

Red or White Wine... seasonal! crisp, ice cold white in the summer. cozy red when it's cold.

Mac or Windows... as progressive as I think I am, I'm a die hard Windows user to the end.

Beach or Mountains... beach, please!

Current Favorite Trend... does yoga pants count? how about athleisure?

I think that pretty much covers it! If you're stopping by for the first time, stay awhile and introduce yourself in the comments!

Happy Friday, ya'll!

FriYAY! YAY! YAY!

Who's excited for the long holiday weekend? The unofficial start to summer. I certainly am and we have a weekend full of no plans! May not sound like fun to some, but it's a ton of fun for us! We are having a staycation and planning to visit all of our favorite spots around town, and hopefully enjoy a day or two of great weather before it turns rainy. I'm linking up today for FriYAY with Oh Hey Friday and Five on Friday!

one | Thirst Quenching

Now that it's really getting hot out I've been obsessed with a morning or lunchtime smoothie! My go to combo is banana, raspberries and blueberries with a heaping tablespoon of peanut butter. I usually do my smoothies in my Magic Bullet and add a little water, but recently I started adding V8 Splash Diet Tropical Blend, and it took my smoothie to the next level! Do you have any go-to smoothie recipes?

two | Memorial Day Side Dish

With the holiday weekend already here, I wanted to share with you an awesome side that we enjoyed on our beach vacation. It's so easy and delicious and would be a great addition to any backyard BBQ! This recipe came from my aunt, so I'm not sure exactly the origin, but enjoy!

Mediterranean Quinoa* Salad

*this can be made with orzo

3 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

1 clove garlic, chopped

S & P

1/4 cup EVOO

1 cup quinoa (or orzo)

2 cups red and yellow grape tomatoes, halved or quartered

1 cup pitted kalamata olives

2 green onions, thinly sliced

2 pickled cherry peppers, diced

1 small red onion, thinly sliced

1/2 English cucumber, diced

Feta

Whisk together the lemon juice, vinegar, oregano, garlic and S&P in a small bowl. Slowly whisk in the oil until emulsified. Let sit at room temperature. Rinse the quinoa. Combine the quinoa, 2 cups water, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in saucepan, bring to boil and cook until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a bowl, fluff with fork and let sit for 5 minutes to cool. Add the tomatoes, olives, green onions, cherry peppers, red onions, cucumbers and dressing. Toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 8 hours before serving. Sprinkle with feta before serving.

three | Can't Stop the Feeling

Just a little happiness for your Friday! Came across this daddy/daughter duo dancing to Justin Timberlake's  new song "Can't Stop the Feeling" and it's adorable. Check out the video  here!

I'm keeping it short and sweet this Friday! What are your plans for the weekend? Having a staycation or jetting off? Either way, enjoy the extra time with family and friends!

Friday Confessions

How was everyone's week? I'm happy to be finishing up mine with ya'll here on #BTO! I'm closing out the week with my edition of Friday Confessions and linking up with Oh Hey Friday and Five on Friday!

one | I'm still dreaming about  Sally's Apizza. I literally can't stop. There's really nothing more to say about this pizza from New Haven other than it's literally the best pizza you will probably ever have in your entire life. Period. The smell, the taste, the crust... it's all perfection! Including their little ribbon for take out orders!

two | Reading shmeading... I hate to admit it, but I was sent a book from a girlfriend to read monthsss ago to then pass it along through our group and I've been a total hold up. The book  is really good, but it has taken me forever to read it. So, LMC if you're reading this I promise to hurry up (I'm half way!) and get it out the door soon! Like before year's end... jussst kidding. At least before the summer's over :) 

three | This is a real deal confession. I decided 7 years ago when I got my golden retriever that nothing will humble someone quicker (probably other than a baby) than a dog. You think you're all cute and sassy until you have to stop and pick up your dog's poop... at the groomers... inside! The topper? Another patron actually had to point it out to me because I was too busy filling out paperwork! Gahhh.... I left with my tail between my legs.

four | As mentioned we just got back from visiting my father for Passover, and I have to admit something. I have a terrible memory from when I was younger of trying Matzo Ball Soup for the first time and literally having full body chills. It was horrible if my memory serves me correctly. However, now that I'm older and clearly more mature the Matzo Ball Soup this time around was actually pretty good - like comfort food.

five | Does anyone else walk around a college campus and actually believe (even at 30) that you can still do anything you want in this world? We spent some time in CT walking around Yale and it was beautiful! I love a college campus. There's so much hope and fearlessness. It really reinvigorates me to know that there's still life ahead, and you can still do everything you set out to do as a freshman. Even if your time has passed.

What's on everyone's weekend agenda? We're finally getting around to planting our garden! Hopefully we'll see a little bit of sun here in NC even though it's supposed to rain all weekend. It may be a good weekend to go see Mother's Day though! Everyone have a safe and happy weekend!

Until next time...