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.

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

Red Velvet Dreams RSS

  Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Ever had the Red Carpet rolled out for you?

Well, through the month of February, at the Pink House we’ll be rolling it out in style and treating you like a star with our soon to be famous Red Carpet Red Velvet Cake. We’ve made it just in time for the Oscars and want you to come by for a slice.

You’ll love our rendition…plenty of moist layers of rich chocolate cake and creamy, white frosting. Of course, like all desserts at the Pink House, our cake is made from scratch and features fresh ingredients such as real cocoa, sugar and fresh buttermilk. YUMMMM

The half baked legend of Red Velvet Cake…

You’ll get a kick out of this one…legend has it that in the 1940s, the glitzy Waldorf Astoria Hotel began making the cake for its guests. A diner loved it so much, she asked for the recipe, which the Hotel gladly gave her.
 
A short time later, however, the hotel sent her a bill in the amount of $100 for the recipe. The woman became so angry, she began spreading the recipe around along with her story. I guess you could call it “sweet” revenge. LOL.

Anybody else know another story about Red Velvet Cake?

Let me know…

Margo

Watermelon Wisdom RSS

  Wednesday, July 07, 2010

It’s funny how certain tastes will bring back memories from the past or certain seasons of our lives. I call these memory foods because they stir up so much of the emotions that we associate with them and lead us back in our minds to a different time and place.

Take the taste of watermelon, for instance.  For most of us, it’s synonymous with summertime fun and the carefree days of childhood. There’s no other food I can think of, that so captures the heart of summer and its refreshing and relaxing vibe.

I can remember as a kid having to go outside to eat it because it was so messy to consume. You probably do too. Remember mom booting you out to the backyard? She had a good sense about the physics involved and the probability of the sticky juice getting everywhere.   

But, that’s the great part about eating watermelon. You don’t hold back. There’s no etiquette. No rules to follow. No care for appearance. No criticisms, except from mom. Nothing...just pleasure. 

You just devour it with gusto and enjoyment, and try not to hit anyone spitting out the seeds.

Icy cold…sweet…refreshing…carefree.

So often, I think our approach to life should be the same way. No holding back. We should just live life with gusto and enjoy the simple pleasures God has given us.

I think we forget how short life really is and that tomorrow quickly comes and goes. There’s no better time than now to enjoy the moment with the people we love and care for.

Remember, life is a gift from God to cherish and enjoy, but it doesn’t last forever.  

Savor the here and now like a sweet, refreshing fruit you remember from childhood.

Enjoy it with gusto…and always remember to spit out the seeds. 

Blessings,

Margo

Springtime at the Pink House and reminders for you to get the most out of your Springtime! RSS

  Monday, April 19, 2010

Here they all come…those delightful sights and sounds of spring. If you’re like me, you can’t help but absolutely love this time of year.

Everything’s in bloom, and the incredible fragrance of flowers wafting through the air is heavenly. To me, spring is more than just a season after winter and an opening act for summer. It’s an important symbol of God’s renewing hope and grace for us all.

Believe me, if you’ve ever felt dead and lifeless, especially during the lost days of winter, now’s the time to start enjoying the renewing spirit of the season.

Here are a few of my tips for making the most of this time of year:

  • Get out of the house. You’ve got to get out of your air conditioning and go smell some sweet air outside. Believe me, you don’t won’t to become a couch potato who only watches Oprah all day.
  • Now, that you’re outside, go for a walk around the neighborhood. Run through your neighbor’s sprinklers. Say hello to a couple of squirrels, I don’t care. This is spring…you’re allowed to act a little crazy.
  • Work in your garden. Helping things grow and look beautiful can do great things for your overall mindset. You’ll also avoid being called lazy by your neighbors.
  • Do a little spring cleaning. They say it really helps us to relax to avoid the stress that comes with clutter.
  • Sit on your patio, drink some ice herbal tea and take in God’s marvelous and wonderful  creation. You’ll be amazed how just resting and taking in nature will rejuvenate your mind and body.


I can’t tell you how these things have helped me. But, above all, take some time and thank God for those in your life that make it worth living. They are the true source of what brings us joy each day of our lives.

Blessings,

Margo

Great food and friends...the story behind the Pink House. RSS

  Monday, April 05, 2010

Ever notice how eating great food brings you closer to the ones you love?

It just naturally seems to bring people closer…and build intimacy...no matter the situation.

I remember as a child watching my mother as she cooked our evening family meals. She would be busy in the kitchen for hours, cooking up a storm, because she had a genuine instinct for what her food could do—draw us closer and reconnect us with one another. She knew it meant more than sitting and eating at the dinner table…it was about being together and building intimacy with those we care most about.


Through the years, I’ve held that same view…and believe in the power of great food and great conversation. That’s why I bought the Pink House in 2007…to create a place for friends and family to gather over terrific cuisine and a wonderful gourmet pot of tea. I want all my guests to feel free to unwind and relax as they sample the best lunch, plus some of the simple pleasures like chatting and sitting for a spell.

So, come by anytime…you’re always welcome. We’ll set your place at the dinner table just like mom used to do.

Remember, you’re with family now…just sit back, relax and connect with them in ways you haven't in years.

Blessings,

Margo