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.

Ideas for relaxing for the remaining part of summer... RSS

  Monday, July 25, 2011

I know what you’re thinking... Summer’s here... temps are climbing higher... and the kids are home from school, clamoring for things to do... how could I possibly relax this summer?

Well, fear not... I’ve come to the rescue.

Here are my three tips for rediscovering your carefree spirit this summer...  

  • Switch to vacation mode. It may take some doing, but it’s all in the attitude. Don’t feel you have to keep the same breakneck schedule or keep everyone happy with constant activity. Summer’s the time to slow down and relax a little. Time to look at everything a little differently and forget your to-do list.
  • Enjoy the small pleasures of life. You don’t have to plan a big, expensive trip to Disney World or the beach to enjoy the summer. Think of your own small pleasures and do them throughout the day. It may be running through the sprinklers with the kids or sitting on the patio to enjoy a beautiful sunset. It’s up to you... as long it helps you relax and get refreshed.
  • Breathe some fresh clean air. You wouldn’t believe what a 30 minute walk can do for your mood. Breathing in clean country air is nature’s way of reviving us and helping us deal with stress. Go outside today and enjoy God’s creation for a little R&R.

So, there you have it... 3 tips for relaxing this summer. Try these over the coming weeks and see if you don’t feel better. 

If all else fails, you can always visit us here at the Pink House Restaurant.  We’re the perfect place to relax and enjoy the pleasures of summer.

Visit us anytime for lunch or dinner... AND remember to leave your worries behind.

See you soon,

Margo

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


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

Top 5 Things to do in Snow RSS

  Tuesday, February 08, 2011
Ok, folks…here it is. The definitive list of top things to do while it’s snowing. Remember, you no longer have the excuse of a lack of the white stuff. We’ve gotten at least 20 inches up in Claremore and we're expecting more! :)

1. Go Sledding. Ok, I’m not wishing any broken bones on anybody, especially if you’re over 45, but sledding can be exhilarating, if you do it right. Wear plenty of warm clothes and make sure the hill you’re on doesn’t empty out into high speed traffic.

2. Snowball Fight. Calling all soldiers. Your mission, if you wish to accept it…is to vanquish your enemy by hitting him with a giant snowball. Remember, no whining or crying, and sneak attacks are allowed.

3. Make Snow Angels. This is your chance to act like an angel. Fall on the fluffy stuff and spread your wings. Short-lived I know, but it’s fun while you’re doing it.

4. Build a Snowman. Couldn’t skip this one. The trick is checking the snow to make sure it’s the right, sticky consistency.
Next, start the snowball in your bare hands and keep it rolling till you have a nice size and shape. Judge where you want it to end up or you’ll be building your snow guy in the bushes.
Make the middle section and head the same way but a little smaller, then stack them up.
Shape him up with your hands and make him perfectly round—then throw on some accessories. Twigs for arms, stones for eyes, carrots for a nose…you get the picture.

5. Make Snow Cream. My all time favorite. Alot of moms make this with snow, of course, milk, vanilla, and sugar. My suggestion is sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and a little milk. Talk about heaven…and you’ll already be a snow angel. Ha, Ha.

Well that’s all I have for now. Let me know if you have any suggestions or fond memories of things you used to do in the snow.

Go to our Facebook Page and tell us about it.

Enjoy the white stuff,

Margo

A Poem for Fall RSS

  Monday, September 20, 2010

A Poem for Fall…

I love fall poems. I especially like them when there’s a crispness in the air and I can settle in with a good cup of tea in the morning or evening. September’s cool, as we know, can be a hit or miss in Oklahoma, depending on the stubbornness of summer, but at least you know relief is coming soon. One of my favorite memories of our Oklahoma autumn is that of the Monarch butterflies.  Before my husband went to heaven we would often enjoy them as they migrated during this season. It was something that was very special to us and still is to me today. Another thing I love about this cooler weather is it seems it's the perfect time for reading poems with a cup of tea.

Here’s one I found called September. It’s by Helen Hunt Jackson. You may have heard of her. She was a great poet known for her rhythmical sonnets and powerful images. When you read it, think of the breathtaking sights and sounds of autumn and God’s wonderful miracle in us all—the gift of His life and hope.

I pray blessings on your life this wonderful time of year and hope you’ll remember to enjoy the colors this fall.

SEPTEMBER

The golden-rod is yellow;
  The corn is turning brown;
The trees in apple orchards
  With fruit are bending down.

The gentian's bluest fringes
  Are curling in the sun;
In dusty pods the milkweed
  Its hidden silk has spun.

The sedges flaunt their harvest,
  In every meadow nook;
And asters by the brook-side
  Make asters in the brook,

From dewy lanes at morning
  The grapes' sweet odors rise;
At noon the roads all flutter
  With yellow butterflies.

By all these lovely tokens
  September days are here,
With summer's best of weather,
  And autumn's best of cheer.

But none of all this beauty
 Which floods the earth and air
 Is unto me the secret
 Which makes September fair.

‘T is a thing which I remember;
  To name it thrills me yet:
 One day of one September
  I never can forget.

Margo


Wacky Waffle Bests RSS

  Monday, August 23, 2010

In honor of National Waffle Day, August 24th, I’ve decided to come up with a “best of the best” list for everything waffles. I hope you enjoy it and remember, no waffling around. LOL. 

Best Waffle Recipe:

Sweet Potato Pecan Waffles with Praline Peaches. Loaded with pureed, rich sweet potatoes and pecans, topped with butter and out of this world peach sauce. Find it at allrecipes.com.

Best Waffle Topping:

Hands down, strawberries, bananas or peaches. Nothing like fresh fruit on golden delicious waffles. Oh, and can’t forget a dusting of powdered sugar for added bonus. Talk about heaven. FYI Chocolate, honey or pure maple syrup come a close second.  

Best Waffle Song:

Don’t know any, but imagine it would be a syrupy love song. Get it, syrupy.

Largest Waffle Ever Made:

1986 in Chicago. It measured over 3000 square feet, larger than the average American home.  

Most Waffles Eaten in 10 minutes:

In 2006, Joey Chestnut consumed 23 Waffle House waffles in 10 minutes to claim the title of World Waffle Eating Champion and broke his record of 18.5 waffles set from the previous year.
Best Waffle Quote:

“A waffle is just a pancake with a syrup trap.”—Mitch Hedberg, comedian.

Also, I like “He gave her a look that you could have poured on a waffle.”—Ring Lardner, writer.

That’s all for now.

Enjoy,

Margo

Like Mint? RSS

  Sunday, August 15, 2010

One sprig of fresh mint in your ice tea and you’ll be hooked for life. That’s how it started for me.  I soon found myself putting it in fruit salad, spring rolls and even luscious chocolate desserts. Mint is the perfect flavor for adding a little zing to everything you can think of.

It’s even been used for centuries for medicinal purposes and its wonderful aromatic qualities.  The more popular varieties today I’ve seen are spearmint, apple, and chocolate (yes, it does taste a little like chocolate mint). Mint is refreshing and most people absolutely love it.

If you’ve never grown mint before, here are some tips you may want to follow:

  • Plant it in well drained, non-acidic soil, preferably in shade or in sun for some varieties.
  • Keep in containers to keep its spread in check.  Also, separate varieties or they may lose individual flavors.
  • Keep it moist. Mint is a thirsty herb, so be sure to keep it well watered.
  • Propagate each spring by taking fresh cuttings from the base of the root and putting it in water. Plant in pots when the roots of the plant begin to grow.

Mint is a great herb to grow. It’s a cinch to take care of and a refreshing flavor.

Try it this summer…I’m know you’ll be hooked, too.

Margo