About Marlynn

Hi! I’m Marlynn – I’m an author, online publisher, and experienced strategic entrepreneur, with more than 20 years of award-winning experience in corporate communications, public relations, social media management, freelance writing, content creation, blogging, and photography.

I also hold a WSET 2 with Distinction in wine, and am a member of Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the International Food, Wine, and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA).

Marlynn Jayme Schotland chef headshot

I love what I do, especially when it helps other small businesses.

What I do:

Blogger
Photographer
Certified wine expert
TRAVeL expert
SOCIAL MEDIA & BRANDING PRO
Keynote speaker
SMALL BUSINESS consultant

Urban Bliss Life

If you love food, wine, and travel, then Urban Bliss Life is for you! I invite you to become part of a vibrant community of readers from all over the world. On the site, you’ll find thousands of expert-tested recipes, wine pairings and wine guides, as well as travel tips and travel guides.

Food

adobo shrimp

In my family, I grew up with the idea that food is love. My own love of cooking began before I could even see over the kitchen counter, while helping my mom and Lola Epyon, my great-grandmother, cook both traditional Filipino recipes and American recipes.

I’ve honed my cooking and baking skills, as well as my recipe development skills, over the years, and now share family-friendly recipes on the site that are delicious and easy to make at home.

Wine

marlynn with wine bottles

Living in Oregon’s Willamette Valley wine country, I’ve long had a passion for wine and food.

In March 2020, I received my WSET 2 with Distinction wine award certification. I’ve also served as a wine judge in wine competitions. And, I’m constantly taking classes and attending wine education events to learn more.

On the site you’ll find wine pairings and wine tips, and wine travel guides.

Travel

marlynn schotland in ireland

To travel is to live! Writing about travel naturally goes hand in hand with writing about food and wine. On Urban Bliss Life, I write about culinary travel, food travel, hotels, the best things to do in cities around the world, and share travel tips.

Some of my favorite places in the world include Japan, Ireland, Greece, Amsterdam, Hawaii, Switzerland, and of course, my beautiful home state of Oregon. Follow my travels for tips and itineraries!

Work with me

Interested in working together? I’d love to chat!