Monthly Archives: June 2020

The First Week of Summer…Artful Living…& Strawberry Pie

Posted on June 26, 2020 by Marcia Ren

Summertime is always the best of what might be. Hello, sweet friends… Happy Summer! My calendar is littered with cancelled events & vacation plans…and has been filled with… nothing. But wait. There is still fun to be had… the adventure of discovering ways to enjoy this summer… coming up with ideas for how to entertain… social distancing gatherings with family and friends… while still staying safe. Now more than ever I am so grateful to live in an area surrounded by rivers…forests…and of course the ocean. This past week Joe & I visited Golden and Silver Falls State Park a beautiful hidden gem in the dense coastal forests of southwest Oregon. Located a little over an hour away…and where the last 3-miles actually narrow to a one lane gravel road making it an out of the ordinary trip… and… perfect adventure. I’m curious what kind of summer adventures you will … Continue reading →

Posted in 2020, A Quarantined Life, Coastal Living, What’s Cooking? | 6 Comments

My Father…A Jewelry Box…& Biscuits

Posted on June 19, 2020 by Marcia Ren

Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart– Winnie the Pooh Hello, sweet friends… With Father’s Day around the corner I wanted to share a story about my father…aka…’Captain Ed’ Before my father was married and while serving duty in the Navy he promised his mother my grandmother who was always praying for him that one day he would take her back to visit her hometown in Mexico. Many years later and during the summer of my 4th grade he fulfilled this promise to his mother taking her back to her hometown. along with his wife & 5 children That summer we traveled in a burgundy station wagon throughout the countryside…along the backroads…and among larger cities. The trip meant the world to my grandmother particularly her visit to the sacred shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe located in the heart of Mexico City. Along the way … Continue reading →

Posted in 2020, Cooking, What’s Cooking? | 6 Comments

What I’ve Been Thinking…& Lemon Scones

Posted on June 12, 2020 by Marcia Ren

The more he gives to others, the more he possesses of his own. -Lao-Tzu Hello, sweet friend… As a child I never understood what my parents meant when they said “it’s better to give than to receive.” I now know that when I give to others I do this out of abundance. I have already received and therefore I’m able to give. I can’t give away something I don’t already have…and so I’ve learned to give when the spirit moves me knowing that it will be replenished. That being said…I’ve come to also accept that I can’t change the world… however I can nourish those near to me…knowing that when I do, it will bring out my best… growing in awareness, sensitivity, and love… I can help create a more humane world. 👩‍🍳 What’s Cooking? LEMON SCONES I know that I just posted a recipe for lemon sugar cookies last … Continue reading →

Posted in 2020, A Quarantined Life, Coastal Living, Cooking, My Style | 6 Comments

What I Wear…A Mini Getaway

Posted on June 9, 2020 by Marcia Ren

Hello, sweet friends! I thought I would share what I took on a recent mini getaway. I have a wonderful travel bag that I had purchased years ago from a Spiegel Catalog. It is perfect for carrying small items when traveling short distances.

Posted in My Style | 2 Comments

Summering At Home: What I Wear…& Lemon Sugar Cookies

Posted on June 5, 2020 by Marcia Ren

Keep choosing happiness daily and happiness will keep choosing you back. -Fawn Weaver Hello, sweet friends… I thought I’d share a few ‘go-to’ summer casual outfits I recently put together as I edited items from closets this past week. For now these simple casual pieces will work well for me as I look ahead and plan summer activities. 👩‍🍳 What’s Cooking? Lemon Sugar Cookies These lemon sugar cookies are so soft with a scrumptious perfect taste of lemon in each bite. I think once you taste these cookies, you are going to be baking them throughout the summer…I know I will! INGREDIENTS 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt Zest of 2 large lemons 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 large egg 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1/2 cup granulated sugar for rolling cookies INSTRUCTIONS Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line … Continue reading →

Posted in A Quarantined Life, Coastal Living, Cooking, My Style | 1 Comment