Tag Archives: gracious living

Easter Light: A New Chapter, A Quiet Blessing

Posted on April 17, 2025 by Marcia Ren

This week marks a tender, sacred time… Not only because it is holy week, but also because it reflects the season of deep transition in our lives. Just a few short weeks ago, my husband and I moved into a new townhome in a new city. The journey here began in January, when we first started talking seriously about downsizing and letting go of the home we had loved along the coast. We listed our home on February 10. By Valentine’s Day, it was in escrow. Since then, life has been a swirl of packing, donating, saying goodbye, and now… … Read the full blog post →

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After Goodbye: A Story Still Unfolding (Finding grace in the in-between)

Posted on April 16, 2025 by Marcia Ren

“Sometimes the bravest thing we do is begin again…quietly” – Unknown It’s been a week and a day since we stepped through the door of our new townhome…a modest, light-filled place nestled in the rhythm of a different city. The kind of place where the mornings are quiet, the birds sound unfamiliar, and the light pours in from just the right angle to remind me we’re somewhere new. In many ways, the goodbye we just lived through feels like it happened years ago. And in other ways, it’s still sitting with me…tucked inside half-sealed boxes, in the scent of our … Read the full blog post →

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Cozy Winter Living: A Look at My Home Right Now

Posted on February 24, 2025 by Marcia Ren

As winter envelops us in its chilly embrace, there’s something inherently comforting about creating a warm and inviting space to retreat to. Today, I’d like to share some cozy corners of my home, where elegance meets comfort during this transitional season. The Living Room: A Simple Elegance In my living room, I’ve kept the decor minimal yet elegant. The focus is on comfort, with an elegant flair, which gracefully adds to the room’s aesthetic. Instead of overwhelming the space with seasonal decorations, I have chosen to showcase just a book or two on the coffee table. One such book, centered … Read the full blog post →

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Rediscovering Retreats: A Getaway for Self-Care and Reflection

Posted on January 27, 2025 by Marcia Ren

Sometimes, we need to step away to rediscover ourselves. In the quiet moments of self-care, we find clarity, renewal, and the strength to embrace what truly matters. -Marcia While I haven’t attended the retreat since 2019, this trip felt like a rediscovery of that tradition in a new form. It was a chance to step away from daily routines, explore a new area, and focus on myself. My husband, ever supportive, encouraged me to take this time and assured me that everything at home would be taken care of, including our little pets Camille and Anastasia. His thoughtfulness made it … Read the full blog post →

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

Posted on April 29, 2024 by Marcia Ren

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 →

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Unveiling the Magic: My Festive Christmas Decorating Journey of 2023

Posted on December 4, 2023 by Marcia Ren

In the warmth of home and the magic of Christmas, hearts aglow with love, creating a tapestry of joy that makes every season bright. -Marcia🌟 As November 1st dawned, I eagerly embarked on my Christmas decorating journey for 2023. With anticipation, I retrieved my Christmas bins from the attic, each box containing cherished memories and festive treasures. Sorting through decorations, I carefully selected elements to transform my living space into a holiday haven. Fueled by the spirit of the season, my goal was set to weave the magic of Christmas throughout the living room, dining alcove, and kitchen. The living … Read the full blog post →

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Downton Inspired/A Battenberg Cake

Posted on May 18, 2022 by Marcia Ren

“I do think a woman’s place is eventually in the home, but I see no harm in her having some fun before she gets there.” – Dowager Countess Hello, sweet friend… I hope you are doing well… Joe and I are heading out of town for the weekend. I am looking forward to this little getaway since it will include a movie date to watch the new Downton Abbey film ‘A New Era’. In anticipation of this excursion I ordered the Downton Abbey cookbook and selected a recipe to prepare. I love the cookbook and plan on baking more recipes … Read the full blog post →

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Just Another Week in Paradise

Posted on April 20, 2017 by Marcia Ren

“Take care to keep open house: Because in this way some have had angels as their guests, without being conscious of it” ~Hebrews 13:2 I’ve been meaning to share with you a chair that I saw a few weeks ago. It seems as if I’m often finding chairs that call out to me. This particular one came home with me that day. Oh and since we are becoming such good friends I also thought I’d  share a little quirky thing I do quite often  Periodically I go on the outside and pretend that I’m a visitor. I walk, look around and imagine that … Read the full blog post →

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Navigating Into The New Year

Posted on January 12, 2017 by Marcia Ren

  It’s mid~day, mid~week, and close to being mid~month as I sit down and write today’s post. Since our last visit together I’ve built a snowman and seen it melt,  Experienced raindrops come and go pouring down rain  hung the new 2017 calendar🎉 halfway through January already!  and the Christmas decorations have all been tucked away  The rainy weather has provided a perfect backdrop for staying inside and getting organized again. When the sunshine is out, I have to be outside. credited to my SoCal roots (most likely) riding a bike, walking the beach, gardening or running around discovering new wonders on this beautiful coast  … Read the full blog post →

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