🎄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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An Enchanting December: 🎄Our London Christmas Adventure✈️

Posted on December 8, 2024 by Marcia Ren

December unfolds like a storybook, and this year, the magic takes us to London…a Christmas adventure we’ve been dreaming of and now get to share. 💕Marcia This December holds a special place in our hearts as we prepare for a journey that has been a dream for years. My husband and I are setting off to London to experience Christmas in a way we never have before. Having been married for 21 years, with ‘The Nutcracker’ as a steadfast tradition, this trip is a beautiful extension of our shared love for the ballet and the holiday season. London at Christmas … Read the full blog post →

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My Christmas Home Tour 2024🎄

Posted on December 2, 2024 by Marcia Ren

A home filled with warmth, wonder, and the magic of Christmas… 💕Marcia Welcome to my Christmas home tour! This year, I’ve embraced a magical Nutcracker theme throughout my home, blending elegance, coziness, and woodsy charm. With eight trees scattered across different rooms, each space carries its own unique holiday vibe while still feeling cohesive. Let’s take a little tour! The Living Room: Elegance and Magic Our living room sets the tone for the season. As you enter, you’re greeted by an air of sophistication and warmth. Since our home doesn’t have a formal foyer, I’ve turned the vestibule into a … Read the full blog post →

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A Grateful Heart: Reflecting on This Year’s Blessings

Posted on November 25, 2024 by Marcia Ren

As Thanksgiving approaches, I find myself reflecting on all the things that have brought joy, comfort, and gratitude into my life this year. There’s something about this time of year that invites us to pause and truly appreciate the blessings that surround us, both big and small. -Marcia💗 Music and Growth One of the things I’m most grateful for this year is my journey with music. Being able to perform on the piano has been a humbling and rewarding experience. I’ve spent countless hours practicing and preparing, and while it’s sometimes been a challenge, it’s also been a gift. The … Read the full blog post →

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🩰A Nutcracker Christmas Comes To Life🎄Decorating Living Room & Dining Alcove

Posted on November 18, 2024 by Marcia Ren

As the Nutcracker’s magic weaves its spell, I’m delighting in a world of twinkling lights, timeless music, and enchanting dreams. Come join me in sprinkling a little holiday wonder! Marcia🎄 As the holiday season deepens, I’ve been relishing each stage of decorating, taking time to savor the details as I transform our home into a Nutcracker-inspired winter haven. This year, I’m leaning fully into a Nutcracker theme…a beloved tradition for us that has grown over the years into a special part of our holiday celebrations. In the living room, I’m layering my white flocked tree with a collection of Nutcracker … Read the full blog post →

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Bringing Out the Christmas Tree, Part Two: A Nutcracker-Inspired Holiday Begins🎄

Posted on November 11, 2024 by Marcia Ren

With each ornament and gentle touch, traditions come alive…a Nutcracker-inspired holiday, filled with timeless wonder and joy. 🎄Marcia🎄 As we ease further into the holiday season, I find myself captivated once again by the timeless beauty that surrounds Christmas. The sparkle, the warmth, the sense of tradition…it all comes alive in such a meaningful way this year. This Christmas feels different, like it will be one that stays in our hearts for a long time. For as long as I can remember, the Nutcracker has held a special place in our celebrations. My husband and I have shared a love … Read the full blog post →

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Rekindling a Thanksgiving Tradition: My Return to Turkey After 14 Years

Posted on November 4, 2024 by Marcia Ren

Thanksgiving is more than a meal; it’s a tradition of gratitude and togetherness. Whether making a turkey or simply gathering with loved ones, it’s a reminder of what truly matters. -Marcia In 2009, I made a significant change in my lifestyle…I stopped eating meat and became more of a pescatarian. The decision wasn’t made lightly, but it felt right for me at the time. Since then, I’ve mostly stuck to fish like salmon while avoiding other types of meat entirely. Yet, as with many things in life, time brings about shifts in perspective, and last year I found myself rethinking … Read the full blog post →

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Bringing Out The Christmas Tree : A Little Early Cheer!🎄

Posted on October 28, 2024 by Marcia Ren

Bringing out the holiday sparkle early fills each corner with warmth, wonder, and a touch of joy that lasts all season long. –Marcia 💗 It’s official…Christmas has arrived a bit early at Marcia’s Cottage by the Sea! I know, I know…it’s only October, but I simply couldn’t resist. There’s a certain magic in the air as the holiday season nears, drawing me into its warm embrace earlier each year. With a little help from my husband, the Christmas tree made its journey up from the basement, and there’s already a hint of that festive sparkle throughout our home. Of course, … Read the full blog post →

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One Week of Spooks, Treats, and Tricks: Embracing halloween Fun🎃

Posted on October 24, 2024 by Marcia Ren

For one week, I’m diving into halloween with spooky decorations and festive flair. A little scare, some treats, and then back to normal! Marcia💗 October is such a charming time of year for all things cozy and autumnal…but for one week, I let my witchy side out to play! After spending the earlier part of fall indulging in harvest teas, pumpkin picking, and embracing the beauty of autumn, Halloween marks a delightful switch to the scarier (but still fun!) side of the season. This year, my husband and I are stepping up our Halloween game by volunteering at the local … Read the full blog post →

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A Perfect Fall Day at the Ranch in Allegheny, Oregon

Posted on October 21, 2024 by Marcia Ren

Embracing the fall aesthetic, strolling through the pumpkin patch, sipping pumpkin lattes and savoring warm cinnamon treats…autumn’s charm in every moment. 💗Marcia Fall is such a magical time of year, and every October, my husband and I make it a point to check off one of our favorite seasonal bucket list activities…a visit to the pumpkin patch at a beautiful ranch in Allegheny, Oregon. this year was no exception, and though I didn’t go all out with pumpkins like I have in years past, the day was still one to remember. We started the day with a cozy lunch, warming … Read the full blog post →

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