Chapter 1: London in December – A New Story Begins

Posted on March 17, 2025 by Marcia Ren

For a while now, I’ve been wanting to share a story… One that blends a little fiction with personal reflections. I’m calling it a novella, and while some parts are drawn from real experiences, others are left for the reader to decide what’s real and what’s imagined. This is the first chapter: London in December. London in December The music swelled, filling the grand space of the London Colosseum, it’s soaring notes wrapping around Eleanor, like a warm embrace. On stage, Clara, twirled, the Nutcracker Prince guiding her into a world of magic and possibility. Eleanor sat transfixed, the beauty … Read the full blog post →

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A New Chapter: A Little Novella Begins

Posted on March 10, 2025 by Marcia Ren

March brings a season of change, and for me, it also brings a new creative project…one that blends fiction and reality, memory and imagination. As my husband and I continue preparing for our move, I find myself reflecting on the journey that brought us here…the places we’ve called home, the experiences that shaped us, and the anticipation of what’s to come. This has inspired me to begin something special: a little novella, part fiction and part truth. Some details may come from my own life, while others are born from creative storytelling. I’ll leave it up to you, dear reader, … Read the full blog post →

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A New chapter: Embracing Change and New Beginnings

Posted on March 3, 2025 by Marcia Ren

As winter gives way to spring in 2025, a wave of anticipation washes over me. My husband and I find ourselves standing at the edge of a significant life transition…a move from our peaceful coastal haven to a bustling city environment. After nearly a decade of living just 20 miles from the ocean, I am filled with a cocktail of emotions. Excitement mingles with bittersweet nostalgia as we prepare to leave behind a home that has been the cornerstone of our lives. Our current home is more than just a cottage…it’s a haven filled with memories, laughter, and countless small … Read the full blog post →

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Cozy Winter Living: A Look at My Home Right Now

Posted on February 24, 2025 by Marcia Ren

As winter envelops us in its chilly embrace, there’s something inherently comforting about creating a warm and inviting space to retreat to. Today, I’d like to share some cozy corners of my home, where elegance meets comfort during this transitional season. The Living Room: A Simple Elegance In my living room, I’ve kept the decor minimal yet elegant. The focus is on comfort, with an elegant flair, which gracefully adds to the room’s aesthetic. Instead of overwhelming the space with seasonal decorations, I have chosen to showcase just a book or two on the coffee table. One such book, centered … Read the full blog post →

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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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