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

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🫖

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🌟

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

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✈️

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✈️

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🎄

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

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

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🎄

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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