A cup of tea with Margo

This blog is all about the things in life so many of us need to slow down and enjoy, such as, family, the seasons, food, music, and whatever else causes inspiration. I hope to write as often as I can and it is my desire for you to be able to take a break and enjoy my entries with a cup of tea.

A July 4th BBQ... Classically American RSS

  Wednesday, June 29, 2011

What could more American than July 4th and everything that comes with it...fireworks, a bbq in the backyard, old glory flying high above? I’m talking, classic.

But, just because you’ll be sweating as it is (this is Oklahoma you know) that doesn’t mean you need to sweat the details of your July 4th menu also. Go with the traditional barbecue favorites, but add a little spice of your own for a simple yet savory summertime feast.

  • Hamburgers. Could there be anything more quintessentially American? A tried and true classic if there ever was one, but ripe for a little flavor finagling. I like minced onion on my patties and a little salt personally. But, I’ve heard adding a little barbeque habanera sauce will add a kick that will send you into the next county. Something to try.
  • Potato Salad. How about putting in onions, cheese, sour cream. And, you guessed it, a little bacon? It’s like a loaded baked potato. You’ve got to try it...I promise, you’ll love it.
  • Buttered corn on the cob. No need to tamper with perfection. Right?
  • A little green for the kiddos. Green bean casserole is a terrific side dish and easy to make. Or, something cool and leafy will help offset a hot and filling meal.
  • Oh, and you got to have something fruity for dessert...peaches, blackberries, it’s all good. Or, you could just cut up a watermelon in two seconds flat. To me, it’s the perfect summer dessert.

Finally, add all the extras and you’re good to go... chips, drinks, and of course, your red, white, and blue décorations.

Now, nothing left to do but sit back and enjoy. Oh, and be sure to give thanks for your freedom.

Ahh, the joys of summer.

Margo
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How to Pick Your Summer Fruit RSS

  Friday, May 27, 2011

I love summer fruit and picking out the juiciest ones I can to put in salad, desserts, or just for popping them plain. We have a large selection of fruit here in Oklahoma , but trouble is... a lot of people don’t really know how to choose the fruit when they’re at their peak.

Here are some ideas I use personally and at the Pink House:

Blueberries. Look for deep purple berries that are smooth and wrinkle free. If they’re soft and watery,  it means they’re too ripe. Avoid containers that are stained which may indicate bruised fruit or ones that could possibly be moldy.

Peaches. I absolutely love peaches and can’t wait for their season. Look for smooth skin and a heavy feel to the peach. Ripe fruit will give off that sweet peach aroma and will have a soft texture but not mushy. For best flavor, it’s better not to store in the fridge.

Cataloupe. You’re looking for a nice shape that’s round with a nice golden color. A ripe fruit will give off a nice mild aroma. If you buy it green, then just store it at room temp for a couple days and it will ripen on its own.

Strawberries. Plump, bright red berries are the choicest fruit. Look for fresh, green leaves and be sure to discard any bruised or damaged berries. Now I ask you... is anything better than sweet red strawberries in the summer?

 Watermelons. With watermelons, you want to look for firmness. The trick is in the thump you give it...if it gives a hollow sound you know it’s ripe. The outer rind also needs to have a dull look to it, not dark green.

Hope this helps. Summer will soon be here, and it’s a great time to enjoy the fruit of the season.

Blessings,

Margo

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Win a Makeover + $50 to the Pink House Restaurant of Claremore! RSS

  Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Calling all pampering-loving women everywhere!

Want a chance to win free hair and style advice, free clothes, and an incredible meal at the Pink House Restaurant?

Here’s the deal. During the next two weeks, All the Rage Fashions of Claremore is hosting a Facebook Makeover Contest where a lucky fan will be selected to win--

  • 2 stylish All the Rage outfits.
  • Hair Styling & Make Up Consultation.
  • $50 gift certificate to The Pink House Restaurant of Claremore.

All you have to do to enter is...go to All the Rage Fashions’ Facebook page and 'Like' their page. At the end of May, ATR will randomly select a winner.  

As they say in Oklahoma, Easy Breezy (well, I say it at least).

Hurry and enter today... can’t wait to see you at the Pink House.

Margo

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Pink House Ringing the Dinner Bell RSS

  Wednesday, April 06, 2011
Have you heard the good news yet about the Pink House Restaurant?

Well, after years of being known in Claremore as the top eating spot for lunch, we’ve turned a corner of sorts and are now also serving dinner. Yeaaaaaaa!!!

Our new dinner hours are from 5pm to 9pm, Thursday through Saturday. I can’t tell you how excited I am!

To tell you the truth... it was your requests that convinced me the time was right. You know the saying, persistence breaks down resistance? LOL. Well, everyone was clamoring so much for dinner, we knew we needed to do something to make it happen.

Just don’t come expecting anything ordinary though. We’ll have all your favorite dishes you crave, plus, some new dinner entrees destined to become classics. Items like brisket, prime rib, pork loin, black and bleu Caesar salad and delicious desserts like Key Lime Cake. Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it?

So, get yourself out of the kitchen this week and visit us for dinner. We’ll provide the gourmet food and warm smiles.

You just bring your appetite.

See you soon,

Margo
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Spend a Day in Claremore RSS

  Thursday, March 24, 2011
Travel old Route 66 north of Tulsa…past Catoosa’s Blue Whale and an oak tree or two …and you’ll soon come to Claremore, a town known for its deep sense of history and gracious hospitality.   
If you’ve never been here before, I want to personally invite you to come see our town and stop in to the Pink House Restaurant for a visit. We’re located at 4th St. and Weenonah in Downtown Claremore. Have lunch with us…and then make some time to see our historic community. 
Here are some suggestions of what to do:
Will Rogers Museum—Memorial museum at 1720 W. Will Rogers Blvd. spotlighting American Icon, Will Rogers. Features 12 galleries filled with art and artifacts. Great place to spend a carefree day and see some interesting history. Free admission but donation is suggested. 
J.M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum—If you like guns, this is the place for you. Houses 50,000 items including firearms, swords and knives. Located at 333 N. Lynn Riggs Blvd. Donation only.
Totem Pole Park—Folk Art featuring totem poles made from modern building materials. Currently owned and operated by the Rogers Historical Society. Ten miles northeast of Claremore. 
Shepherd’s Cross—80 acres housing an historic 1920s farmhouse and barn. Features Bible Garden, petting zoo, hayride and gift shop. Be sure to visit on sheep shearing days with the kids. Located at 16792 E. 450 Rd or go to their website at www.shepherdscross.com for directions.
Historic Downtown—Terrific antique shops and art galleries, plus, great turn of the century buildings and architecture. Also, check out the Horse of Course Tack Shop, the largest specialty tack shop in the region. They have a great gift shop and are right in the heart of historic downtown.
I think you’ll find Claremore to be a great place to visit. Come see us anytime and enjoy a little adventure in our charming town.  
See you soon,
Margo
Travel old Route 66 north of Tulsa…past Catoosa’s Blue Whale and an oak tree or two …and you’ll soon come to Claremore, a town known for its deep sense of history and gracious hospitality.

If you’ve never been here before, I want to personally invite you to come see our town and stop in to the Pink House Restaurant for a visit. We’re located at 4th St. and Weenonah in Downtown Claremore. Have lunch with us…and then make some time to see our historic community.

Here are some suggestions of what to do:
Will Rogers Museum—Memorial museum at 1720 W. Will Rogers Blvd. spotlighting American Icon, Will Rogers. Features 12 galleries filled with art and artifacts. Great place to spend a carefree day and see some interesting history. Free admission but donation is suggested.
J.M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum—If you like guns, this is the place for you. Houses 50,000 items including firearms, swords and knives. Located at 333 N. Lynn Riggs Blvd. Donation only.
Totem Pole Park—Folk Art featuring totem poles made from modern building materials. Currently owned and operated by the Rogers Historical Society. Ten miles northeast of Claremore.
Shepherd’s Cross—80 acres housing an historic 1920s farmhouse and barn. Features Bible Garden, petting zoo, hayride and gift shop. Be sure to visit on sheep shearing days with the kids. Located at 16792 E. 450 Rd or go to their website at www.shepherdscross.com for directions.
Historic Downtown—Terrific antique shops and art galleries, plus, great turn of the century buildings and architecture. Also, check out the Horse of Course Tack Shop, the largest specialty tack shop in the region. They have a great gift shop and are right in the heart of historic downtown.

I think you’ll find Claremore to be a great place to visit. Come see us anytime and enjoy a little adventure in our charming town.

See you soon,

Margo


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Some History and Irish Stew RSS

  Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Ahh... St. Patrick’s Day... a day of celebrating the color green, shamrocks, and everything Irish. Each year it comes and goes with barely a hint of our notice except for the obligatory green garment we’re compelled to wear.

But, if you knew the true story behind St. Patrick, I think you’d find it pretty fascinating.

First of all, Patrick wasn’t even Irish. He was born in Britain in 390 AD to an aristocratic family and wasn’t a Christian growing up. At 16, however, all that changed.

Patrick was kidnapped and sent to Ireland to work as a slave. It was there, through hard work and trials, Patrick gave his heart to Christ and decided to live a life of deep devotion to God. Patrick eventually escaped on a pirate ship back to his family and was home again safe.

But, he heard the voice of God telling him to go back to Ireland. He again returned, became a priest and spent the rest of his life spreading the gospel message to the people. History has it he even preached to the Druids and turned them away from their pagan rites and rituals. 

Did he really drive all the snakes out of Ireland?

Not to burst your bubble...but it’s just a myth. While it’s true there are no snakes in Ireland today, fact is... there never were. Surrounded by icy ocean waters, the country is too cold for them to migrate there.

More than likely, the snakes were mostly symbolic. Driving out snakes probably meant driving out the pagan, evil influences of the age in Ireland. Patrick was vital to the spread of Christianity and to a legacy of faith for the Irish people.

Other legends such as Patrick using three leafed shamrocks to explain the holy trinity are very interesting stories but have little factual basis. They’re myths also.

Nevertheless, the true story of St. Patrick, I believe, is a portrait of courage and steadfast devotion. St. Patrick was a brave man whose life of winning souls is a true testimony of what one man can accomplish with God’s help.

This holiday, be sure to think of the real man behind the myth and what he meant to the soul of Ireland. It’s not just about leprechauns and shamrocks.

Remember the true meaning of St. Patrick’s and don’t forget to have some good,

 Irish Stew to celebrate. 

Mmmm. Sooo Good.

Margo


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Peanut Butter Lover's Dream RSS

  Tuesday, March 01, 2011

Did you know Peanut Butter Lovers Holiday is coming up? Yep, it’s March first. 

Okay, it may not be up there with Valentine’s Day or St. Patrick’s...but, hey, who doesn’t like peanut butter? Not only is it delicious, but  it’s also pretty good for you it turns out.

Here are four reasons I’ve found for loving peanut butter.  Okay, reason number four trumps all of them, but don’t skip ahead...

Reason #1—Fighting bad cholesterol. Turns out peanut butter has a lot of fiber and fiber is what helps you fight off bad cholesterol, which is good for your heart. Good heart means you’re able to do plenty of chores around the house...sorry, I didn’t say it was all good news.

Reason #2—Good for your muscles. Why? Because of the protein. We need it to build muscle and keep the body strong. Anything with protein can also give you an energy boost and jumpstarts brain activity (boy, I need that).

Reason #3—Keeps your colon healthy and happy—PB has resveratrol, which helps your body deal with bacteria and bad micro-organisms in your colon. That’s a good thing, especially as you get older. 

Reason #4—A match made in heaven, CHOCOLATE AND PEANUT BUTTER. Need I say more? I didn’t think so.

Tell me what you think about these and if you think we need a peanut butter dessert at the Pink House. Purely, for the health benefits, mind you... LOL

Margo
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Enjoying Early Spring... RSS

  Thursday, February 24, 2011
Are you as anxious as I am to see the red buds in bloom, the crocuses, a daffodil or two? Now, with the least, wee bit of spring-like weather coming in a few days, (so say the weathermen) I’m getting a little antsy for some spring scenery. How ‘bout you? 
No…don't think about the snow we recently had. Think of flowers, the warm breezes, the song birds. Now can you see it?
We’re getting closer to spring every day and away from the cold reaches of winter. 
Who can blame me for hoping? 
Now, do me a favor…post and let me know what you’re looking forward to this spring. 
I want to enjoy the anticipation with you. 
Thanks and talk to you soon. 
Now, back to my imaginary spring picnic. Ahhh. 
Margo
Are you as anxious as I am to see the red buds in bloom, the crocuses, a daffodil or two? Now, with the least, wee bit of spring-like weather coming in a few days, (so say the weathermen) I’m getting a little antsy for some spring scenery. How ‘bout you?

No…don't think about the snow we recently had. Think of flowers, the warm breezes, the song birds. Now can you see it?

We’re getting closer to spring every day and away from the cold reaches of winter.
 
Who can blame me for hoping?

Now, do me a favor…post and let me know what you’re looking forward to this spring.

I want to enjoy the anticipation with you.

Thanks and talk to you soon.

Now, back to my imaginary spring picnic. Ahhh.

Margo

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