Author Archives: Marcia Ren

🩰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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🍁A Garden For All Seasons🍂

Posted on October 14, 2024 by Marcia Ren

As the garden shifts with the turning of seasons, so too does life…each change a gentle reminder of time’s passage, marked by the memories we nurture and the moments we cherish. 💗Marcia After returning from California, I was met with a garden that had transformed in just a few short weeks. Before I left, the crocuses were making their final appearance, their delicate blooms a reminder of Summers height. Now, they’ve faded, and in their place, the dahlias have taken centerstage, with even more blossoms than before. Their vibrant colors seem to celebrate the early days of autumn, continuing to … Read the full blog post →

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A Journey Through Time: High School Reunion, Disneyland, and Friendships (Part 2)

Posted on October 9, 2024 by Marcia Ren

High school reunions celebrate the laughter and friendships that stand the test of time, turning a fun day into a beautiful reminder of our shared journey. Marcia💕 Attending my high school reunion was an unforgettable experience. I went into it with a mixture of excitement and nerves, unsure of what it would be like to see faces I hadn’t encountered in so many years. But as soon as I stepped into the room, those nerves melted away. The familiar faces, even if they had changed over the years, still carried the essence of the people I once knew so well. … Read the full blog post →

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Southern California Bound: The Journey Begins!✈️ Reunion Trip (Part 1)🎓

Posted on October 1, 2024 by Marcia Ren

As the year progressed, I occasionally caught updates about the reunion, but the thought of attending seemed exhausting. By the time summer was winding down, and the reunion in October drew closer, I was still hesitant to commit to the trip. My schedule had been so full that traveling felt overwhelming, and I was tempted to let the opportunity slip by. However, my husband, with his gentle reminders, kept nudging me toward the idea. Over the years, he had heard me speak fondly of my high school days and the special memories I have of growing up in the small … Read the full blog post →

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A Super Mini Fall Haul & Seasonal Refreshes🥰

Posted on September 24, 2024 by Marcia Ren

As the crisp air rolls in, a few simple touches can breathe new life into your home and wardrobe. Fall is the perfect time for a seasonal refresh…small updates that make a big impact. 🍂Marcia As fall starts to settle in, I’ve been very selective with my purchases this season, focusing on just a few key pieces that will help refresh my closet and home for the cooler months ahead. I don’t need much, but with an exciting mini trip coming up in early October, I wanted to grab a few things to make packing easier and feel a little … Read the full blog post →

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