Marlena Renner
Marlena is mom to 6-year-old Joshua and has been married to her husband, Andy, for 10 years. They reside in Alton, Illinois where he is the head athletic trainer for Alton High School. Her parents both grew up in Kirkwood, and even though she spent most of her childhood in Montgomery City, MO, she had a feeling she would end up in St. Louis someday. She worked in minor league baseball after college, eventually landing for a season with the River City Rascals. She worked for the St. Louis Blues, Stifel Theatre, and Enterprise Center for 13 years before the pandemic stopped so many things. Today she is the email specialist for Caleres, which means shoes … all the shoes.
Exploring the Capitol of Lincolnland
Learn about Lincoln and have some family fun in Springfield, IL!
My husband Andy and I have a common theme on vacations: find Abraham Lincoln. From Independence Day fireworks at the Lincoln Memorial in D.C....
International Harry Potter Day: Our Wizarding World Weekend … At Home
May 2 is International Harry Potter Day!
Sometimes we have the best of plans, and then something happens. In this case, the plan was Harry Potter day at the library. The something that happened was...
Seven Ways to a Mother Earth Approved Bathroom
Have you ever noticed how much plastic is in your bathroom? From shampoo and conditioner bottles to soaps and face care products, plastic is everywhere! I have been changing what we buy and use,...
Take a Look, in a Book … Club
"How did you start your book club?”
When I started a book club 10 years ago, I never thought I would be asked that question. I also didn’t think we would still be gathering every...
My Corona Lessons
Almost two years ago, I was texting with my cousin (who is a doctor), asking her if this coronavirus thing was really worth canceling events. Looking back, I feel completely ridiculous even having asked...
Small Steps to a Sustainable Kitchen
How sustainable is YOUR kitchen?
For my resolution last year, I decided I would make a conscious effort to try and reduce some of our waste and plastics. My goal was to replace one thing...
My Shop Small Holiday Guide
This year, my mission was to do most of my holiday shopping through small businesses – and I have largely been able to stick to that mission.
Here are a few of my favorite local...
Don’t Be Afraid to Tackle Turkey Day
After a few years of spending more time in a vehicle than time with families at Thanksgiving, Andy and I decided to take the plunge and host.
It made sense. We were the halfway point...
A Riverbend Haunted Fall List
I am not originally from Alton, but it has become my home over the last 13 years. And thinking back on it, this is a great place for my family and me. We love...