Category Archives: Uncategorized

A Victoria Sponge Cake Recipe

Posted on August 7, 2020 by Marcia Ren

”If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours.”-Dolly Parton Hello, sweet friends… I thought that this week would be a perfect time to share some extra sweetness… Yes, today I’m sharing the mother of all everyday cakes. I spoke about it in last week’s post: Midsummer Diaries…A Vlog This cake recipe is delicious and comforting. and we could all benefit from a bit of comfort right now. The house smells gorgeous when it’s in the oven, it’s a cinch to make and you can vary it by changing the jam in the middle, adding butter cream, fresh cream strawberries or raspberries. The possibilities are endless. VICTORIA SPONGE CAKE INGREDIENTS 1 1/4 cups self-rising flour, sifted 3/4 cup superfine sugar 3/4 cup soft margarine 3 large eggs 1 tsp vanilla extract 1tbsp strawberry jam Confectioners’ sugar for dusting 1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Grease and … Continue reading →

Posted in 2020, A Quarantined Life, Cooking, What’s Cooking? | 1 Comment

5 Years Later…and What’s Cooking?

Posted on July 24, 2020 by Marcia Ren

And suddenly, you know…it’s time to start something new and trust the magic of new beginnings… Hello, sweet friend… Sometimes the smallest decisions change our lives, reroute our destinies without even our own awareness… So quietly… without fanfare like a soft phrase willing us to follow the source. That was me on moving to the Oregon coast from California five years ago. With limited knowledge of the area… I was completely unprepared for such a move.… However five years later (I forget that I’m still somewhat of a recent transfer to this area)… I now feel more like the proverbial old shoe so comfortably worn… Of course there are the nuances of discoveries and anticipating still more. Fortunately I chronicle many of my days here and preserve those memories… never to lose the excitement of this whole adventure. I am also cognizant of how I can never fully understand the … Continue reading →

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

Rose Castle Cottage…2020…& A Garden Tour

Posted on July 10, 2020 by Marcia Ren

The kiss of the sun for pardon, the song of the birds for mirth, one is nearer God’s heart in a garden than anywhere else on earth-Dorothy Frances Gurney Hello, sweet friend… For several reasons I thought today would be a perfect day to share our garden. As you know shortly after moving into our home last September we were asked to participate in the 2020 garden tour. I felt honored & excited since the date of the tour coincidently marked 5 years since moving from California to the Oregon coast… With the concerns over the pandemic this year’s tour has been canceled…however our experiencing the joy & love of a garden hasn’t…and for many of us this has been a saving grace. So today I’m grateful you are here so that we can share and experience the love & joy of strolling through the garden paths…together-apart Enjoy… 👩‍🍳 What’s … Continue reading →

Posted in 2020, A Quarantined Life, Coastal Living, Garden/Tea Time, Together Apart, What’s Cooking? | 7 Comments

A Summer Haul & Cake Too!!!

Posted on July 3, 2020 by Marcia Ren

Bad vibes do not go with my outfit… Hello, sweet friend… Whether or not this month will include zoom calls…virtual workouts…or playing ping pong in our basement… I am looking forward to warmer weather…sunshine…opening up the windows…sitting on the deck and wearing comfortable summer-worthy outfits. Let me share with you a few items I recently purchased paired with those I’ve had to guarantee a comfortable quarantined summer. 👩‍🍳 What’s Cooking? Angel Food Cake with Berries I had so much fun making this dessert. I decided to make the angel food cake from scratch since there weren’t any cakes available in my local market. However, if you can pick one up at your local market this is an easy-peasy no bake 15 minute recipe for the 4th of July weekend…and a dessert that will not only satisfy a sweet tooth it’s also beautiful! Ingredients 1 store bought Angel Food Cake – … Continue reading →

Posted in 2020, A Quarantined Life, Coastal Living, Cooking, My Style | 4 Comments

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