A Winter Garden Awakening: Signs of Change on the Horizon

Posted on February 17, 2025 by Marcia Ren

As February settles in, the garden is beginning to whisper hints of the season ahead. While the air is still crisp, and the rain lingers, there are unmistakable signs of life stirring beneath the soil. The quiet transition between winter and spring is one of my favorite times…it’s a reminder that even in the stillness, nature is always preparing for what’s next. This week, I took a walk through the garden, noticing the first hopeful signs of the changing season. The bluebells are beginning to peek through, their delicate shoots promising a beautiful display in the weeks to come. Heather … Read the full blog post →

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Finding Calm in the Chaos: Reflecting on Life’s Beautiful Chapters/ My February Coffee Bar

Posted on February 10, 2025 by Marcia Ren

Life is made up of chapters, each one is unique, bringing its own joys, challenges, and opportunities for growth. As I reflect on my journey, I’m reminded of the transitions that have shaped who I am today. From living at home to my first space of independence, from building a fulfilling career to stepping into retirement, each chapter has carried its own significance. My career working with children was one of the greatest blessings of my life. It gave me a sense of purpose, and joy that I will always cherish. However, not having children of my own, brought a … Read the full blog post →

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Resetting the Bedroom: A Peaceful Sanctuary

Posted on February 3, 2025 by Marcia Ren

As the final part of my January decluttering series, I wanted to end with one of the most personal and comforting spaces in our home…our bedroom. For me, this room has always been a retreat, a place to recharge and reflect. Over the past few week, I’ve focused on decluttering and simplifying different areas, and refreshing the bedroom felt like the perfect way to wrap up this journey. When I began this reset, my goal was to create a calm peaceful sanctuary where everything had its place, and the room could feel like an inviting escape from the day-to-day. Here … Read the full blog post →

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Rediscovering Retreats: A Getaway for Self-Care and Reflection

Posted on January 27, 2025 by Marcia Ren

Sometimes, we need to step away to rediscover ourselves. In the quiet moments of self-care, we find clarity, renewal, and the strength to embrace what truly matters. -Marcia While I haven’t attended the retreat since 2019, this trip felt like a rediscovery of that tradition in a new form. It was a chance to step away from daily routines, explore a new area, and focus on myself. My husband, ever supportive, encouraged me to take this time and assured me that everything at home would be taken care of, including our little pets Camille and Anastasia. His thoughtfulness made it … Read the full blog post →

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Clearing Space in the Kitchen and Dining Alcove: A Fresh Start for Nourishment

Posted on January 20, 2025 by Marcia Ren

A refresh in the kitchen and dining alcove transforms not just the space, but the spirit of connection and nourishment shared within… ~Marcia The kitchen and dining alcove is where so much of our daily life happens. While, the kitchen serves as the prep area for meals, the dining alcove is where we gather to enjoy them. This January, I turned my attention to refreshing both spaces, creating a balance of functionality, and warmth to start the year on the nourishing note. I began with the kitchen, a compact space that’s always bustling with activity. Clearing out the drawers and … Read the full blog post →

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Declutter and Refresh: A Living Room Reset for the New Year

Posted on January 13, 2025 by Marcia Ren

A fresh start begins with clearing the old to make space for the new…both in our homes and in our hearts… The living room is the heart of our home… a place where we gather, relax, and make memories. After the holiday season, it often feels like the space is begging for a refresh. This year, I embraced the process of decluttering and resetting my living room as a way to welcome the new year with a sense of calm and clarity. I started by clearing away the remnants of the holidays: the garland, throw pillows, and decorative accents that … Read the full blog post →

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What London Taught Me About Convenience, Choices, and Living Well🫖

Posted on January 6, 2025 by Marcia Ren

As we step into a fresh new year, I find myself reflecting on a trip to London that left a lasting impression on me. While I’ve always loved the peaceful charm of home, being in a bustling city surrounded by so many conveniences was a refreshing experience. Imagine stepping out of your door and having cozy cafes, unique restaurants, and charming shops just a short walk away. That’s exactly what I found in London…a lifestyle that felt effortless and full of possibilities. Whether it was grabbing a quick bite, wandering through a nearby market, or just soaking in the lively … Read the full blog post →

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Embracing the New Year: Clearing Christmas Decor and Creating a Fresh Start🌟

Posted on January 4, 2025 by Marcia Ren

As the clock struck midnight on January 1st, we welcomed not only a new year but also the opportunity for a fresh start. January is often a time for reflection, goal-setting, and, perhaps most importantly, a chance to declutter our lives—both physically and mentally. For many of us, this includes the ritual of taking down Christmas decorations and saying goodbye to the blissful chaos of the holiday season. This year, I was fortunate enough to have my husband tackle the outside lights. He skillfully untangled the twinkling strands and carefully removed them from the bushes and eaves, leaving our home … Read the full blog post →

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Reflections on 2024

Posted on December 29, 2024 by Marcia Ren

As the tides of time flow, 2024 leaves behind a shore of cherished memories, lessons, and gratitude, shaping the horizon of what’s to come. 💗Marcia As the year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the moments that shaped 2024…a year filled with growth, creativity, and gratitude. Living along the beautiful Oregon coast, I’ve embraced the rhythm of the seasons, the joy of community, and the little moments that make life extraordinary. This year, much of my time was devoted to music and performance, as I took on the role of a pianist for our local theater. From … Read the full blog post →

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🎄A Magical Holiday in London: The Nutcracker and Beyond✈️

Posted on December 23, 2024 by Marcia Ren

Crossing the pond during the holiday season felt like stepping into a snow globe…London’s charm, the twinkle of festive lights, and the magic of cherished memories made every moment unforgettable. 💗Marcia Our trip to London this holiday season was nothing short of magical. The journey began with a motivation that has been central to our Christmas traditions for 21 years: attending The Nutcracker ballet. This time, we were thrilled to experience it at the iconic London Coliseum. The flight was wonderful, made even more enjoyable by meeting a charming fellow traveler. Despite my excitement keeping me awake for most of … Read the full blog post →

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