Author Archives: Marcia Ren

Refreshing our Home’s Vestibule for a Summery Welcome🏡

A warm, aesthetically pleasing welcome into your home sets the tone for comfort and hospitality… – Marcia The entrance of your home sets the mood for your entire living space, especially during the joyful summer months. Refreshing a small vestibule can be simple yet dramatically effective. Here are some steps to revitalize this area with summer vibes, ensuring it’s both welcoming and stylish. Step 1: Clean and Declutter The first step in any refresh is to clean. Sweep the floors, dust off surfaces, and remove any items that don’t belong. A clean space not only looks good but also gives … Read the full blog post

Posted in Coastal Living, Our Cottage | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Welcoming Summer: The Blossoming Chronicles of My Garden

This is a wonderful day, I’ve never seen this one before. -Maya Angelou As the briskness of late spring gives way to the early whispers of summer, my garden has begun a beautiful transformation, marking the end of some cycles and the beginning of others. It’s a time of vibrant change and renewal, filled with the endless joys and tasks that each new bloom brings. The End of Spring’s First Acts The garden’s early risers, the bluebells, have completed their annual show. Their vibrant blue hues have graced the garden paths, and now it’s time to cut them back, making … Read the full blog post

Posted in Garden/Tea Time | Tagged , | 1 Comment

A Day in the Life: 🎶Music, 🐾Puppies, and Blossoms🌸

Every day is a new opportunity to begin again. Every day is your birthday. – Dalai Lama Welcome to a special “Day in the Life” vlog where I take you along on a journey through my bustling early May activities! This week has been a whirlwind of musical notes, puppy celebrations, and garden blossoms as spring makes its presence known here in Oregon. Morning Melodies My mornings lately begin with the melodious sounds of piano music. I’ve been intensely focusing on mastering the piano as a backup musician for a summer musical at our local community theater. The complexity and … Read the full blog post

Posted in Coastal Living | 4 Comments

🌸Creating a Charming Mother’s Day Tablescape: A Spontaneous Collaboration Story

Set the stage for love and appreciation this Mother’s Day with a charming tablescape that speaks volumes before the first bite… – Marcia💕 Recently, an unexpected opportunity knocked on my door in the form of a collaboration with a YouTube Creator. The challenge? Crafting a captivating tablescape for a week-long feature. With Mother’s Day just around the corner, I decided to embrace the occasion and curate a special setting celebrating the essence of motherhood. The twist? I resolved to construct this tablescape using items already nestled within my home—a testament to creativity sparked by spontaneity. A few weeks back, during … Read the full blog post

Posted in Coastal Living, My Style | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Spring Refresh: 🌸Transforming the Garden Shed into a Charming Oasis

Within the humble walls of a garden shed, lies the enchanting allure of nature’s sanctuary, where dreams blossom and tranquility reigns… -Marcia As the warmth of spring begins to thaw the winter blues, It’s the perfect time to breathe new life into every corner of our homes, including the often overlooked garden shed. This humble space, holds immense potential as a charming retreat and creative sanctuary. My journey of refreshing the garden shed begins with a simple act of decluttering and cleaning. With the first rays of sunshine, I embark on the task of clearing out the space, sweeping away … Read the full blog post

Posted in Garden/Tea Time | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Finding Joy in the Simple Moments

It’s e extraordinary how extraordinary the ordinary day is… This past week might seem uneventful at first glance, but upon reflection, it was filled with moments of pure joy and contentment. As I practiced the piano diligently for an upcoming summer production at our local community theater, I found solace in the melodies and the anticipation of sharing my music with others, it’s amazing how immersing oneself in creative pursuits can bring such fulfillment. With my husband out of town for a few days, I took the opportunity to treat myself to meals out and leisurely shopping trips. There’s something … Read the full blog post

Posted in Coastal Living | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Embracing the Vibrancy of Spring: A Journey from Garden to Living Room

Know that you are the perfect age. Each year is special and precious. For you shall only live it once. – Louise Hay As I reflect on the past week, I’m filled with awe at the remarkable growth and transformation that has unfolded in my garden. The delicate bluebells, once mere buds, now stand in full bloom, painting a serene picture amidst the greenery. Witnessing this natural progression, where every flower and leaf seems to burst with life, fills me with an indescribable sense of joy. Amongst this symphony of growth, the hydrangeas have emerged fuller and greener, their lush … Read the full blog post

Posted in Garden/Tea Time, Our Cottage | Tagged | 5 Comments

Springtime Fun: Easy and Delicious Recipes for Bake Sale Success👩‍🍳

We can smile and relax. Everything we want is right here in the present moment. -Thich Nhat Hanh Being part of the Auxiliary for our local hospital, I recently embarked on a baking adventure to whip up some treats for a bake sale. Not only were these recipes easy to make, but they were also incredibly fun. Despite the temptation of munching on M&Ms and pretzels along the way, I managed to create two delightful treats that were perfect for the occasion. Spring Flower Cupcakes Instructions: Pretzel Flower Treats Instructions: Baking these springtime treats in my kitchen was not only … Read the full blog post

Posted in What’s Cooking? | Tagged | 5 Comments

Embracing Spring: A Walk Through My Garden🪴

Spring: where the earth dances to the rhythm of rebirth, painting the world in hues of hope and filling the air with the sweet symphony of new beginnings. 💗 As I stepped into my garden this past week, I was greeted by a tapestry of new growth and budding life, each moment unfolding like a page in a cherished book. The air was crisp with the promise of spring, and with each step, I felt a renewed sense of wonder and anticipation. One of the first signs of the changing season that caught my eye were the hydrangeas, their once … Read the full blog post

Posted in Garden/Tea Time | 8 Comments

Spring’s Delight: A Bunny-Themed Tablescape and Home Decor Adventure🌸🐰

In the garden of life, springtime brings not only new blossoms and recipes but also the joy of new beginnings, friendships, and awakenings, as each petal unfurls to reveal the beauty of the season’s embrace. Marcia💗 Continuing the journey through the whimsical world of spring-inspired decor, I’m excited to unveil the enchanting tablescape that complements the rabbit-themed coffee bar. But first, let’s take a stroll through my home, where the spirit of spring has woven its magic into every corner. In the living room, a simple yet elegant faux bouquet of spring flowers adorns a vase. It’s a subtle nod … Read the full blog post

Posted in Coastal Living, Our Cottage | Tagged | 2 Comments