<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[ReginaMarcella.com]]></title><description><![CDATA[Creative Living with Art and More]]></description><link>https://www.reginamarcella.com/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2026 18:47:09 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.reginamarcella.com/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Renter's Insurance and Your Home Inventory]]></title><description><![CDATA[When I bought my first renter's insurance policy, the agent asked how much my things were worth. I had no idea. I guessed. Later I made a home inventory, and I was surprised. My things were worth much more than I thought. Here is why an inventory matters, and how to make one. Why Make a Home Inventory? A home inventory is a list of what you own. It helps in two big ways. It helps you pick the right amount of coverage. You can see what your things are really worth. It helps you file a claim....]]></description><link>https://www.reginamarcella.com/post/renter-s-insurance-and-your-home-inventory</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6ae33b9371a5938361b5293d</guid><category><![CDATA[Adulting]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 29 Oct 2026 12:26:59 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Regina Marcella</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Insurance Every Renter Should Consider]]></title><description><![CDATA[When I signed my first lease, I thought my landlord's insurance covered me. It does not. The landlord's policy covers the building. It does not cover my things. Here is the insurance I now think about as a renter. Renter's Insurance This is the big one for renters. It is often low in cost. Some landlords even require it. Most policies include three main parts. Personal property. This helps pay to repair or replace your things if they are stolen or damaged by a covered event, like fire....]]></description><link>https://www.reginamarcella.com/post/insurance-every-renter-should-consider</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6ae33b9371a5938361b52937</guid><category><![CDATA[Adulting]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 29 Oct 2026 12:26:59 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Regina Marcella</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[What to Bring to a Rental Walkthrough]]></title><description><![CDATA[When I went to my first walkthrough, I brought my phone and nothing else. The place was great. Then the agent asked for my pay stubs, and I did not have them. Someone else applied first. Now I bring a small kit every time. Here is what goes in it. Your Papers Good places can go fast. Having your papers with you means you can apply on the spot. A photo ID, like a driver's license or passport Proof of income, such as recent pay stubs, an offer letter or bank statements References, with names,...]]></description><link>https://www.reginamarcella.com/post/what-to-bring-to-a-rental-walkthrough</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6ae33b9371a5938361b5293b</guid><category><![CDATA[Adulting]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 29 Oct 2026 12:26:59 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Regina Marcella</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[When a Guest Feels Unwell or Gets Hurt at Your Rental]]></title><description><![CDATA[When I hosted my first dinner in my own place, I only thought about the food. I did not think about what I would do if someone got sick or fell. Now I do. Being a good host also means being ready. Here is my plan. This is general information, not legal advice; check your lease and your state's rules. In an Emergency, Call 911 If someone has trouble breathing, chest pain, a bad fall, heavy bleeding, or passes out, call 911 right away. Do not wait. Do not drive them yourself if it is serious....]]></description><link>https://www.reginamarcella.com/post/when-a-guest-feels-unwell-or-gets-hurt-at-your-rental</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6ae33b9371a5938361b5293c</guid><category><![CDATA[Adulting]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 29 Oct 2026 12:26:59 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Regina Marcella</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[What to Wear to a Rental Walkthrough]]></title><description><![CDATA[When I toured my first rental, I almost went in my oldest sweatshirt. I am glad I changed. A walkthrough is a little like a job interview. The landlord or agent is meeting you, too. Here is how I dress for one now. Neat and Casual Is the Goal You do not need a suit. You do want to look put together. Think clean, simple and calm. Clean jeans or slacks A plain top or a button-down shirt Clothes without holes, stains or loud slogans Hair neat and out of your face This tells the landlord you take...]]></description><link>https://www.reginamarcella.com/post/what-to-wear-to-a-rental-walkthrough</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6ae33b9371a5938361b5293a</guid><category><![CDATA[Adulting]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 29 Oct 2026 12:26:59 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Regina Marcella</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Help for First-Time Renters: Vouchers and Assistance Programs]]></title><description><![CDATA[When I rented my first place, I did not know there was help out there. Rent, deposits and fees add up fast. If money is tight, you are not alone, and you do not have to figure it out by yourself. Here are real places to start. Start With National Programs Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) This HUD program helps people with lower incomes pay rent in the private market. You apply through your local public housing agency, also called a PHA. Waiting lists can be long, so apply early. Learn how...]]></description><link>https://www.reginamarcella.com/post/help-for-first-time-renters-vouchers-and-assistance-programs</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6ae33b9371a5938361b52939</guid><category><![CDATA[Adulting]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 29 Oct 2026 12:26:59 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Regina Marcella</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Your First Rental: A Starter Guide]]></title><description><![CDATA[When I started looking for my first rental, I felt excited and a little lost. There were so many listings. Every place looked good in photos. Here is what I learned, step by step, so your search feels calmer than mine did. How Many Places Should You See? Try to tour about three to five places before you choose. One is not enough to compare. Ten can wear you out. Three to five gives you a real sense of what your money buys. Take notes and photos at each one. Rate each place right after you...]]></description><link>https://www.reginamarcella.com/post/your-first-rental-a-starter-guide</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6ae33b9371a5938361b52936</guid><category><![CDATA[Adulting]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 29 Oct 2026 12:26:59 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Regina Marcella</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Rental Walkthrough Checklist]]></title><description><![CDATA[When I toured my first rental, I looked at the paint and the light. I did not turn on a single faucet. Big mistake. Now I go room by room with a checklist. It takes a little longer, but it saves a lot of trouble later. In the Kitchen Turn on the faucet. Check the water pressure. Let it run. Does hot water come out, and how fast? Look under the sink for leaks or water stains. Test the stove, oven and fridge. Is the fridge cold? Run the dishwasher and microwave, if there are any. Check outlets...]]></description><link>https://www.reginamarcella.com/post/rental-walkthrough-checklist</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6ae33b9371a5938361b52938</guid><category><![CDATA[Adulting]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 29 Oct 2026 12:26:59 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Regina Marcella</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Winter Home Reset Checklist]]></title><description><![CDATA[The weeks after the holidays are a natural time to reset the house. The decorations come down, the days are short and it feels good to make home calm and cozy again. Here is the simple checklist I use, broken into small pieces so it never takes over a weekend. Put the Holidays Away Sort decorations as you pack them: keep, donate or toss. Label each bin by room or theme so next year's setup is quick. Wrap string lights around a piece of cardboard to prevent tangles. Store bins in a dry spot,...]]></description><link>https://www.reginamarcella.com/post/winter-home-reset-checklist</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6ae23c22bf64f1ecc5defd8a</guid><category><![CDATA[Tips]]></category><category><![CDATA[Seasonal Living]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2026 18:17:06 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Regina Marcella</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Holiday Cookie Swap Recipes: Sugar Cookies, Gingerbread and Shortbread]]></title><description><![CDATA[A cookie swap is one of my favorite December traditions. Everyone bakes one big batch, brings it in a tin, and goes home with a mix of everything. Here are three dependable recipes that travel well, plus a few tips for hosting your own swap. How a Cookie Swap Works Invite 6 to 10 friends and ask each person to bake one kind of cookie. Ask everyone to bring about half a dozen cookies per guest, plus a few extra to sample. Have each baker bring a small card with the cookie name and any common...]]></description><link>https://www.reginamarcella.com/post/holiday-cookie-swap-recipes</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6ae23c22bf64f1ecc5defd8b</guid><category><![CDATA[Seasonal Recipes]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2026 18:17:06 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Regina Marcella</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Winter Recipes: Simple Vegetable Soup and Cozy Hot Cocoa]]></title><description><![CDATA[Simple Vegetable Soup Ingredients: 1 onion, 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks, 2 potatoes, 1 can diced tomatoes, 6 cups broth, thyme, salt and pepper Steps: Chop the vegetables and sauté the onion, carrot and celery in a little oil for 5 minutes. Add the potatoes, tomatoes, broth and thyme. Simmer 25 minutes until tender. Season to taste. Cozy Hot Cocoa Ingredients: 2 cups milk, 2 tbsp cocoa powder, 2 tbsp sugar, a splash of vanilla, a pinch of salt Steps: Whisk the cocoa, sugar and salt into the...]]></description><link>https://www.reginamarcella.com/post/winter-recipes</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6ae22fdfa48e839ddf8406e5</guid><category><![CDATA[Seasonal Recipes]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2026 17:24:47 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Regina Marcella</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Buying Your First Car: Step-by-Step Guide and Checklist]]></title><description><![CDATA[Buying Your First Car, Step by Step Set your budget. Include insurance, registration and maintenance, not just the sticker price. Decide new or used. New cars offer the latest tech and warranties. A reliable used car often gives better value by avoiding early depreciation. Save a down payment. Aim for at least 20% to lower your monthly payment. Get preapproved. Compare loan offers before you shop so you know your rate. Keep the loan short. Terms under 60 months help you avoid paying excessive...]]></description><link>https://www.reginamarcella.com/post/car-buying-checklist</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6ae22fdfa48e839ddf8406e4</guid><category><![CDATA[Finance]]></category><category><![CDATA[Adulting]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2026 17:24:47 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Regina Marcella</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[A 10-Minute Dance Warm-Up and Tips for Practicing at Home]]></title><description><![CDATA[Dance is joy, discipline and self-expression all at once. Whether you're returning to the studio or dancing in your living room, a thoughtful warm-up sets the tone for everything that follows. Warm Up with Gentle Stretches Begin your dance warm-up with slow, gentle stretches that wake up the whole body. Start by rolling your shoulders and neck to release tension, then lengthen your spine with side bends and forward folds. Open your hips with lunges and gentle rotations, and stretch your...]]></description><link>https://www.reginamarcella.com/post/10-minute-dance-warm-up</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6ae22fdfa48e839ddf8406e9</guid><category><![CDATA[Dance]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2026 17:24:47 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Regina Marcella</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Easy Daily Home Habits, a Weekly Rhythm and a Seasonal Refresh]]></title><description><![CDATA[Little habits make a big difference. Here are the everyday ideas that help keep a home calm, cozy and running smoothly. Home Organization A peaceful home doesn't happen all at once. It grows from small, steady habits. Home organization systems give each day a simple rhythm: a few minutes of decluttering here, a short routine there, until the house starts to take care of itself. Fewer piles means less stress, quicker mornings and more time for what matters most: family, rest and the things we...]]></description><link>https://www.reginamarcella.com/post/easy-daily-home-habits</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6ae22fdfa48e839ddf8406e8</guid><category><![CDATA[Tips]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2026 17:24:47 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Regina Marcella</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Everyday Adulting Skills Nobody Quite Teaches Us]]></title><description><![CDATA[Growing-up skills nobody quite teaches us, explained simply. Start with one topic and build from there. Adulting: Buying Your First Car Navigating your first car purchase is a major financial milestone. Decide first between new and used: while new cars offer the latest tech and warranties, a reliable used vehicle often provides better value by avoiding rapid depreciation. Aim for a down payment of at least 20% to reduce your monthly burden and keep loan terms under 60 months to avoid paying...]]></description><link>https://www.reginamarcella.com/post/everyday-adulting-skills</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6ae22fdfa48e839ddf8406e6</guid><category><![CDATA[Adulting]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2026 17:24:47 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Regina Marcella</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Spring Recipes: Lemon Herb Pasta and Strawberry Spinach Salad]]></title><description><![CDATA[Lemon Herb Pasta Ingredients: 8 oz pasta, 2 tbsp olive oil or butter, zest and juice of 1 lemon, fresh parsley or basil, grated Parmesan, peas or asparagus (optional) Steps: Cook the pasta, adding the vegetables for the last 2–3 minutes. Drain, saving a splash of pasta water. Toss with oil, lemon, herbs, cheese and a little pasta water until glossy. Strawberry Spinach Salad Ingredients: baby spinach, sliced strawberries, a handful of nuts, crumbled feta, balsamic vinaigrette Steps: Layer the...]]></description><link>https://www.reginamarcella.com/post/spring-recipes</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6ae22fdfa48e839ddf8406e3</guid><category><![CDATA[Seasonal Recipes]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2026 17:24:47 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Regina Marcella</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Summer Recipes: Fresh Tomato Bruschetta and Watermelon Mint Cooler]]></title><description><![CDATA[Fresh Tomato Bruschetta A perfect shareable bite for summer happy hours. Ingredients: 4 ripe tomatoes (diced), 1 garlic clove (minced), fresh basil, olive oil, salt, a sliced baguette Steps: Mix the tomatoes, garlic, chopped basil, a drizzle of oil and salt. Let it sit 10 minutes. Toast the baguette slices. Spoon the tomato mix on top and serve right away. Watermelon Mint Cooler Ingredients: 4 cups cubed watermelon, juice of 1 lime, a few mint leaves, ice, sparkling water (optional) Steps:...]]></description><link>https://www.reginamarcella.com/post/summer-recipes</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6ae22fdfa48e839ddf8406ea</guid><category><![CDATA[Seasonal Recipes]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2026 17:24:47 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Regina Marcella</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Household Budgeting Basics and Simple Savings Habits]]></title><description><![CDATA[Money can feel overwhelming, but a few steady habits go a long way. Think of this page as a gentle starting point for running a household budget, making big purchases and building savings, one small step at a time. This page shares general information only. It isn't financial advice. For decisions about your own situation, talk with a qualified professional. Household Budgeting Basics Know your take-home pay. Start with what actually lands in your account each month. List your fixed bills....]]></description><link>https://www.reginamarcella.com/post/household-budgeting-basics</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6ae22fdfa48e839ddf8406e7</guid><category><![CDATA[Finance]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2026 17:24:47 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Regina Marcella</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Fall Recipes: Mulled Apple Cider and Roasted Butternut Squash]]></title><description><![CDATA[Cooking with the seasons is one of my favorite ways to make home feel warm. Each time of year brings its own colors, flavors and little rituals. Here are simple, cozy ideas to try, no fancy equipment needed. The Perfect Mulled Apple Cider A comforting cup for chilly evenings and happy hour gatherings. Ingredients: 1/2 gallon apple cider, 2–3 cinnamon sticks, 2 star anise, 4 whole cloves, zest of 1 orange (plus slices to garnish) Steps: Pour the cider into a pot and add the spices and orange...]]></description><link>https://www.reginamarcella.com/post/fall-recipes</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6ae22fdfa48e839ddf8406eb</guid><category><![CDATA[Seasonal Recipes]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2026 17:24:47 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Regina Marcella</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Staying Well with the Right Light This Autumn &#38; Winter]]></title><description><![CDATA[Illustration generated by Grok Disclaimer: This post is for general information only and is not to be taken as professional advice. If you're feeling persistently low, tired, or not like yourself in the darker months, please talk to your doctor. Check with your doctor before starting light therapy, especially if you have bipolar disorder or an eye condition. Affiliate disclosure: Some links are affiliate links; I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This includes the light therapy...]]></description><link>https://www.reginamarcella.com/post/staying-well-with-the-right-light-this-autumn-winter</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6ae0e17b18163c9dd5312516</guid><category><![CDATA[Seasonal Living]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2026 17:38:03 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3d4bc5_99e51045eb7f4cbbbb7436a2e20ef7ae~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_720,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Regina Marcella</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>