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.

Gift of Yourself RSS

  Wednesday, June 16, 2010

One day recently I sat down and starting thinking about all the gifts we give in our lifetime that people soon forget.

Birthday gifts, Christmas gifts, gifts for weddings and new born babies. Sure, they’re exciting in the moment as we try to show the person how much we care…but how often do they quickly forget what we’ve given and go on to something else?

I then started to remember the gifts of myself that I’ve given over the years…and how they’ve meant so much more to people. Whether it was giving time to a friend or caring for a someone who needed help, the gift was special because it involved meeting a need and sharing God’s love in a real and personal way.

I believe when we give of ourselves and love others we’re doing God’s will for our lives. It’s the kind of gift that is eternal because it touches people in a personal way and extends His love greatly through our caring.

If you want to give a gift to others that will have an eternal impact…let me encourage you to save the coupons and store bought items.

Try listening to others and giving of yourself.

I believe you’ll find there’s no better way to be a blessing to others…and to show the love of Jesus to those who need it most.

Blessings,

Margo

The Perfect Pot of Tea RSS

  Friday, May 28, 2010
I’m often asked how to prepare the perfect pot of tea. It seems an odd question since tea making appears so simple, but believe it or not, there is a certain knack to it that some people have and others can learn.

My advice is make it simple and add your own touch and personality along the way.
  • Fill your kettle with fresh, cold filtered water and bring to a boil.
  • Pick out your favorite teapot (you must have a favorite) and fill it with hot tap water.  
  • Let it warm until your water boils in the kettle.  Then pour out the warm water.
  • Add the best gourmet, loose leaf tea you can find to the pot, about one teaspoon per serving.
  • Add your water and steep for 3-5 minutes. Make sure you time the steeping process.
  • Pour through a strainer into your favorite cup and enjoy with a friend or a good book.
Enjoy,

Margo

The Mother of Invention… RSS

  Monday, May 03, 2010
Most of us love ice tea, but I recently came across a bit of trivia I thought was interesting.

Did you know iced tea was invented by a tea salesman just on the spur of the moment? You’ve heard the saying necessity is the mother of invention, right?

Well, as the story goes, Richard Blechynden, a tea plantation owner, went to the St. Louis World’s Fair back in 1904 to peddle his tea, which was, of course, prepared hot. But, since it was in the middle of summer, no one wanted to try it. Naturally, they were too busy drinking cold drinks like lemonade and other beverages.

That gave him the idea of pouring his hot tea over some ice and calling it iced tea. Long story short, they loved it! In fact, the new concoction was the hit of the Fair and brought hundreds of people to his booth for a refreshing sip of the new drink.  

It’s been a pretty popular item since and has taken different forms over the years…from southern ice tea (with lots of lemon and sugar) to Rhubarb or even Thai Iced Tea. I just recently saw this online and thought it looked interesting…it’s called Peach Ginger Iced Tea. 

Okay, it’s not your mom’s iced tea, but try it anyway—I think you’ll like it.

You’ll need a quart sized pitcher, 4 cups boiling water, 4 tea bags (black tea is good), 1 ripe peach, 1 small piece of ginger, peeled and sliced.

First remove the pit from the peach and cut it into quarters. Add the peach to the pitcher. Sprinkle the ginger on the peaches, add the teabags, and pour the boiling water over it. Let it steep for around ten minutes and then remove them. Just leave the peach and the ginger in and serve chilled…relax and enjoy!

I hope you like it and find time to enjoy it this wonderful time of the season!

Margo


A simple thought on Mothers RSS

  Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Have you ever stopped to think about what true beauty is?

Personally, I think our society has it all wrong. We think beauty is about how we look physically, but there’s much more to it. As Proverbs tells us, “Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised” (31:30).

It’s so easy to get wrapped up in what society tells us is beautiful. But, true beauty, comes from God. We are made beautiful by the love we have for others and how we treat them.

That’s why I think all mothers are beautiful. Sure, we get those wrinkles around the eyes and bad hair days…but, remember beauty is not about perfection. It’s what’s on the inside, in our hearts, that makes us beautiful.

Remember your mom this Mother’s Day and tell her how beautiful she is!

Margo

PS  Don’t forget these Pink House Events on Mother’s Day weekend...

Sat. May 8th 10am

There will be a special Mother/Daughter Tea and Talent Show at Grace Church on May 8th. The Tea/Brunch will be catered by the Pink House and will begin at 10:00 a.m. in the Main Auditorium.  Admission price is $10.  


Sun. May 9th—Mother’s Day

Remember to bring your beautiful mom to our special Mother’s Day brunch on Sunday, May 9th from 10am - 2pm. We’ll have our full menu available along with our famous delicious desserts and a few chef specials for mom, so make sure you make plans to come by.  

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

Guess what my favorite color is? RSS

  Monday, March 29, 2010

I’ve often wondered how colors can impact our emotions.

Studies show that the color blue can actually lower our blood pressure and heart rate. While red tends to speed things up and excite us a bit. Green gives us a refreshing retreat from the busyness of life and revives us with thoughts of hope and growth. And, did you know… Yellow can trigger certain things for us like focus, feelings of joy and organization?

Colors can have a significant effect on our mood and frame of mind without us even realizing it.

I guess you already know what my favorite color is…yes, it’s pink. I’ve always liked the color even as a child and now in my adulthood it’s still my favorite. Pink is often considered the softer side of red. It’s the color we associate most with everything sweet in this life…cotton candy, bubble gum and all things delicate and feminine.

It’s also the most romantic color. Most women I know associate it with charm and romantic love. It represents the desire we all feel to love and be loved.  

For me, the color pink also makes me think of spring. I recently ran across these lines by Rupert Brooke from The Old Vicarage, Granchester. I love how the words just perfectly set the mood for the season and yes…it talks about my favorite color, pink.

 Just now the lilac is in bloom,
All before my little room;
And in my flower-beds, I think,
Smile the carnation and the pink; All before my little room; And in my flower-beds, I think, Smile the carnation and the pink;

Isn’t God’s incredible design just breathtaking? The world is truly His canvas.

Blessings to you and your wonderful spring with all the colors God has created.

Margo