Life On the Brink

Anna Perkins

Welcome to Life on the Brink,a lovely little place filled with inspiration and creativity, and is dedicated to enjoying life one day at a time. Together we’re exploring the beautiful things in this world that fascinate us, and often discovering something new. We all have dreams and goals that we aspire to reach, but even on the brink of the next step, let’s learn to embrace and ENJOY today. read less

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Welcome to Life On the Brink!

Welcome to Life On the Brink!

Hello hello, and welcome to Life On the Brink!It is so easy to get caught up in this fast-paced world, always looking toward the next thing. We often measure our lives in milestones and big changes, but do we ever really stop to enjoy the moment we're in?Welcome to the podcast that is dedicated to enjoying life, one day at a time.Hi, I’m Anna, a musician with a lot of side hustles and even more hobbies living in Coastal Virginia, and this is Life On the Brink.Here we dive into the beautiful things in this world that fascinate us, filling our lives with little moments of joy, learning new things and meeting new people along the way. Whether we’re talking about cooking, gardening, seasonal living, books, films, music, or even self reflection, each episode is designed to help you enjoy your unique life, wherever you are.So even if you're on the brink of the "next big thing," each day is filled with inspiration, creativity, and gratitude.Sound like fun? Then go ahead and make yourself a nice cup of tea and join us over on the podcast, or on the blog at lifeonthebrink.live. See you there!

Episodes

*MINI:* A Podcast Update + happy halloween!

*MINI:* A Podcast Update + happy halloween!

Hello hello, welcome to Episode 119, a little mini episode with an update and links to episodes from the archive for this fine Halloween Thursday.As I'm continuing to adjust to motherhood, I'm making some space to soak up this time while still aiming for consistency in my pursuits. In this episode you'll hear my plan for all that, as well as some more cozy episodes from the Life On the Brink archives that you might enjoy during this season. Especially if you are in a time of transition or challenge like I am, these are for you!*For the full blog post, click here*For full transcript, click here!Site: lifeonthebrink.liveSocial: @anna_on_the_keys

My (positive) Birth Story + fourth trimester challenges

My (positive) Birth Story + fourth trimester challenges

Hello hello, and welcome to Episode 118 of Life On the Brink!This past June I had the craziest, most surreal experience: I gave birth to my daughter. It's wild to recount everything, and that's exactly what I'm doing in this episode.I was so fortunate to have a really positive birth experience, though not without challenges! Today I'm sharing all the ups and downs and unexpected things surrounding my labor, delivery, and early postpartum days. This whole experience has certainly been the most difficult thing I've gone through, but has been wholly worth it.Plus, this week's Little Joy is a delicious autumnal recipe, and I'm sharing a nostalgic album of very cozy jazz.For the complete show notes, click here!For full transcript, click here!Site: lifeonthebrink.liveSocial: @anna_on_the_keys

Autumn Bucket List: books, recipes, and fall firsts with my baby

Autumn Bucket List: books, recipes, and fall firsts with my baby

Hello hello, and welcome to Episode 117 of Life On the Brink!It’s that magical time of year! The autumn season is upon us and I for one couldn’t be happier about it. This is my first fall with a new baby, and I’ve got so many books, crafts, recipes and family ideas to intentionally soak up the coziness of the season.In this episode I’m simply sharing my Autumn Bucket List to help get you in the autumnal spirit and make the most of this fall!Plus, this week's Little Joy is a cooking device that made baking a cake so much easier, and I'm sharing a gorgeous album of autumnal atmospheric music.For the complete show notes, click here!For full transcript, click here!Site: lifeonthebrink.liveSocial: @anna_on_the_keys

I’m back! Life as a mom and preparing for a new season

I’m back! Life as a mom and preparing for a new season

Hello hello, and welcome to Episode 116 and Season Five of Life On the Brink!It’s been a while- I hope your summer was lovely, because mine was life-changing! I’m now a mother, and I’m looking forward to this new season of life, the podcast, and to the upcoming autumn season. There’s so much to be grateful for, and I’m excited to jump into all of it.Today I’m simply giving some updates on me, my new life as Mama, and a bit on how the podcast will change this season. I’m so glad to be back!Plus, this week's Little Joy is a leap of faith that led me to a beautiful weekend, and I'm sharing a fun and happy album of music I discovered over the summer.For the complete show notes, click here!For full transcript, click here!Site: lifeonthebrink.liveSocial: @anna_on_the_keys

Season Four Finale: Expectations in Parenthood w/ my husband!

Season Four Finale: Expectations in Parenthood w/ my husband!

Hello hello, and welcome to Episode 115 and the Season Four finale of Life On the Brink!We’ve finally arrived at the finale, which marks FOUR YEARS since I started this podcast during Covid. I’m wrapping up this season, and kicking off a bit of a maternity break, with a very special episode featuring a most distinguished guest: my husband Josh!I’m currently 37 weeks pregnant and we are so eagerly awaiting our little girl. This is a totally new chapter, and before we learn all the wonderful parts of this new challenge, today we’re taking a moment to share our perceptions, excitements, and expectations about becoming parents. Plus, his Little Joy is relaxing bit of repose, and he's sharing some very groovy music to end our fourth season.For the complete show notes, click here!For full transcript, click here!Site: lifeonthebrink.liveSocial: @anna_on_the_keys

Pregnancy Q&A- Part 2: third trimester, nesting, birth plan, etc.

Pregnancy Q&A- Part 2: third trimester, nesting, birth plan, etc.

Hello hello, and welcome to Episode 114 of Life On the Brink!I’m officially entering the ninth month of pregnancy, which is totally wild to say! Around the 20 week mark I shared the beginning of our pregnancy journey and had a little Q&A, and this week I’m back with Part 2! I’m at 35 weeks now, and though I still have a month or so to go, I’m definitely in a different headspace than I was back in January.This Q&A will focus more on the third trimester, nursery and nesting, and plans for birth and postpartum. It’s so crazy to think that I could really meet this little girl in just a few weeks!Plus, this week's Little Joy is a very Nancy Meyer's-inspired moment, and I'm sharing a happy, calming album that's kind of the inspiration for my labor playlist.For the complete show notes, click here!For full transcript, click here!Site: lifeonthebrink.liveSocial: @anna_on_the_keys

Navigating Facebook Marketplace: how I furnished my whole home on a budget

Navigating Facebook Marketplace: how I furnished my whole home on a budget

Hello hello, and welcome to Episode 113 of Life On the Brink!I’m currently in a real nesting stage of my pregnancy, and as I’m decorating and furnishing the nursery for Baby Girl, I find that I’ve returned to my favorite way to shop for the home: Facebook Marketplace. With the help of this one app, I have furnished all my living spaces over the past 5 years on such a budget, and have become quite adept at the system. If you enjoy shopping second hand and are at all interested in this super helpful resource, this episode is for you… In this episode I'm sharing:-my step-by-step process for success for buying-how to get the algorithm to work for you-helpful selling practices-the real story of *how I got scammed* on Marketplace-lots of helpful tips to stay safe and get a good dealPlus, this week's Little Joy is a current pregnancy love, and I have an album of music to share that is always so perfect for me this time of year.For the complete show notes, click here!For full transcript, click here!Site: lifeonthebrink.liveSocial: @anna_on_the_keys

Springtime in the Garden: this year's simple gardening plan

Springtime in the Garden: this year's simple gardening plan

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

Spring Inspiration! Books, activities, and everything I'm enjoying this spring

Spring Inspiration! Books, activities, and everything I'm enjoying this spring

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

Creating Your Dream Garden w/ Mattheiu Mehuys

Creating Your Dream Garden w/ Mattheiu Mehuys

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

First Home Renovation Update: it's been a year!

First Home Renovation Update: it's been a year!

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

Embracing Hygge to Enjoy (survive) the Winter

Embracing Hygge to Enjoy (survive) the Winter

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

Pregnancy Q&A + 20 week recap!

Pregnancy Q&A + 20 week recap!

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

Favorite Books of 2023!

Favorite Books of 2023!

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

Generations of Holiday Traditions w/ My Grandmother

Generations of Holiday Traditions w/ My Grandmother

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

Spreading generosity and kindness this Christmas

Spreading generosity and kindness this Christmas

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

Books recommendations for winter and Christmas

Books recommendations for winter and Christmas

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

Gifting a Unique Experience this Holiday Season

Gifting a Unique Experience this Holiday Season

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

Inviting Gratitude and Joy (and a BIG announcement!)

Inviting Gratitude and Joy (and a BIG announcement!)

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

Hundredth Episode Celebration!

Hundredth Episode Celebration!

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