Category Archives: Our Cottage

How To Host an Autumn Tea🍁☕️

Posted on October 5, 2021 by Marcia Ren

“There is no joy in life unless you share it”-anonymous Hello, sweet friend… Fall is here… And I’m excited! Today I thought I’d share with you how to prepare for a small harvest tea. I will be using only those items which I currently have to create a simple yet elegant tea… You can do this too! I hope this post will inspire you to host one of your very own during this wonderful autumn season. *Other traditional English finger sandwiches include roast beef, sliced ham, chicken salad tea sandwiches, tuna salad finger sandwiches with capers, tuna salad finger sandwiches with celery, and cheese and pickle tea sandwiches…remember to keep it simple!👩‍🍳

Posted in Coastal Living, Garden/Tea Time, Our Cottage | 2 Comments

Where Love Resides…

Posted on August 19, 2021 by Marcia Ren

”The measure of achievement is not winning awards. It’s doing something that you appreciate, something you believe is worthwhile.” -Julia Childs Hello, sweet friends… .and I I’ve heard it said that the best homes have something to do with the people who live in them…. that being said…no doubt the best rooms in those homes are ones which bring a sense of comfort to those who share it… This awareness somehow brings a smile since my biggest joy has come from creating a welcoming home… Old fashion as it may sound…preparing a meal is best when I share it with others… So as summer’s last sunset swiftly approaches… Let me share a couple of favorites… 👩‍🍳 What’s Cooking? Summer Pasta INGREDIENTS   1 pound bowtie or rotini pasta 1 pint cherry tomatoes quartered or halved 8 or 12 oz fresh or marinated mozzarella balls chopped) 1 can 2.25 oz sliced black olives, drained ½ cup fresh basil thinly sliced Optional: 1/2 cup thinly … Continue reading →

Posted in Coastal Living, Our Cottage, What’s Cooking? | 4 Comments

In The Midst Of My August…

Posted on August 12, 2021 by Marcia Ren

“But if you have nothing else to create, then perhaps you create yourself.” -Carl Jung Hello, sweet friend… I hope you are enjoying your summer… When I reflect over my own… I have really enjoyed nesting in our home… whether it’s been sitting on the back deck… hanging pictures… trying out a new recipe… or taking a walk along the river in late afternoon… allowing each moment be what it is… not holding too tightly on to what I’ve thought it should be… Reflecting helps me with this process… looking ahead with a deeper understanding of what makes life valuable… 👩‍🍳 WHAT’S COOKING? I’m on a no bake kick for this week…(our oven is taking a vacation) 🥰 I decided to share a chocolate mousse recipe that needs no baking, and is as easy to whip up as it is delicious! CHOCOLATE MOUSSE (easy) Ingredients 1 cup  heavy whipping cream ¼ cup Cocoa powder … Continue reading →

Posted in My Style, Our Cottage, What’s Cooking? | 1 Comment

Anastasia…One Year Later…

Posted on August 5, 2021 by Marcia Ren

”When Rome burned, the emperor’s cats still expected to be fed on time.” – Seanan McQuire Hello, sweet friends… Anastasia came to live with us last August… a tiny… timid… bundle of nerves… Who has since grown… into a funny gal with real personality… pointing her tail in the air… gliding from room to room… She has mastered the art of her meow… for everything… One year later she is officially QUEEN home. 👩‍🍳 What’s Cooking? Shrimp Alfredo Ingredients Fettuccine pasta  Shrimp (I used frozen 31-40 count per pound size shrimp. You could use smaller or larger. If using smaller ones, take care not to overcook them) Butter (unsalted) Cream cheese (for added texture and tangy taste) Heavy cream  Chicken broth (for added flavor) Garlic  Parmesan cheese Shrimp preparation: If the shrimp are frozen, place them in a colander and thaw them under cool running water. Peel them (if they’re … Continue reading →

Posted in Coastal Living, Our Cottage | 6 Comments

Six Years Later & A Garden Tour…💕

Posted on July 15, 2021 by Marcia Ren

Life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory. – Leonard Nimoy Hello, sweet friends… This past weekend Joe and I shared our home in a local garden tour… and six years ago (on the same weekend) we had made the biggest move of my life… moving from California to the Oregon Coast…. Reflecting on these past years… I’ve learned that changing the direction of your life is a bit like growing things from seed… Those early ideas dreams can be compared to early seedlings… some just don’t develop at all… others grow wild… and a few seem to flourish and grow at their own pace… I thought it was quite amazing that our garden tour coincided with the anniversary date of moving out of California… Both dates will be forever embedded as precious memories. Beginning something new requires a lot of patience… … Continue reading →

Posted in Garden/Tea Time, Our Cottage | 8 Comments