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.

Shopping and Chocolate Indulgence...Need I Say More RSS

  Thursday, June 30, 2011

Ever feel like shopping and eating chocolate should be declared an Olympic sport? If so, then here’s something you’ll absolutely love...

On July 14th, the Pink House is partnering with All the Rage Fashions for a night of fashion and decadent chocolate feasting...and guess what? You’re invited.

No, this isn’t the Olympic trials but it will be an evening like no other.

The event will be 5pm to 8pm at All the Rage Fashions where you’ll be able to shop your head off...and sample all different kinds of chocolates, cake, and baked fudge courtesy of the Pink House Restaurant.

Just click on the attached flyer (to the right) and print if off. It will be your ticket to get into the special sale and will earn you 25% discount off your entire clothing purchase!

Remember, July 14th at 5-8pm at All the Rage Fashions, 502 South Lynn Riggs Blvd in Claremore, OK.

Join us for a night that will make even Willy Wonka envious. Oh, and bring a friend... and you’ll even receive a FREE gift!  

Can’t wait to see you there.

Margo

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


Birthday Wishes RSS

  Thursday, August 05, 2010

Today I’m celebrating my birthday. And, yes, it’s a special one. It’s a day where I can look back clearly on my life and see the moments that have made me into the person I am today.

I don’t look at it as getting older. I just see it as getting more reflective and hopefully a tad bit wiser.  The values and beliefs I hold so dear are more important to me than ever and the people who share my life, even more precious.

Life has been very good to me, and that’s why I want to encourage you today with a few truths I’ve come to learn over the years. I hope they are a blessing to you as well and help you reflect positively on your own life.  

It’s all about relationships.

No one has ever gotten to the end of their life and wished they had spent less time around the people they care most about.  At the end of it all, people are the true reward. Nurture your relationships like you would a beautiful garden full of flowers. Spend time with your loved ones and take care of them. They will give back to you in countless ways and make you richer in your heart.

Speak life-giving words.

Words have power, and how you speak can have a huge impact on others.  Criticism is one thing if it’s given constructively and in love. But, criticism that’s given just to tear down is contrary to God’s creative gift in us all. He wants us to encourage and build people up. Learn to speak words of healing and wholeness. Laugh a little and bring more joy to others.

Spend alone time with God.

Like you, I have a “to do” list a mile long, but that doesn’t keep me from spending quiet time with God, reflecting on His goodness and letting Him guide me in my daily activities. I don’t do it because I’m a saint…I do it because I need Him so desperately to keep me from going crazy and getting overwhelmed. His presence restores my soul and gives me peace. Spend some quiet time with God and see how it changes you.

As I celebrate my birthday, I encourage you to celebrate your life as well. Remember these important truths and treasure all of life’s moments in your heart.  

May God fill your days with love, fun living, and happiness.

Blessings to you always,

Margo

Summer Snack Ideas for Kids RSS

  Tuesday, July 13, 2010

With the summer heat, you know the kiddos will be clamoring for some cool and refreshing summertime snacks. Try these ideas to give them something you know they’ll love.   

Ice Cold Drinks

Try lemonade with a cup of cranberry juice and some fresh fruit like cherries or lime. Orange smoothies are also good with orange juice concentrate, milk, water, sugar, and ice. Just blend and serve.

Cherry Fizzes are also a favorite. All you need is sweet cherry juice and ginger ale. Mix it in a pitcher and enjoy.

Simple Treats

Popsicles are the perfect treat idea for summer. Plus, they’re easy to make. Pour fruit juice in popcicle molds or ice trays. Prop sticks up with plastic wrap for ice trays. Let freeze and you’re done.

Frozen fruits also make great treats. Wash some grapes and pull them off the stem, put in baggy and put in freezer till frozen. Kids love them—plus, they’re healthy.

And, what’s better than watermelon? Use some cookie cutters to make cool looking shapes and watch your kids enjoy. 

Snacks Even Kids Can Make

Make your own trail mix. Mix together cereal like Cheerios or Rice Krispies with gold fish, crackers, raisins or pretzel sticks. Then put in baggies for the kids to take on the go.

Another idea—Smores. Put some graham crackers on tin foil and put chocolate chips and marshmallows on them. Wrap them up and put in warm toaster oven for a few minutes or just out in the sun. The’re done when toppings are melted.  Pretty yummy.

Just a few snack ideas your kids will love. Try them this summer and enjoy.

Margo

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

Change is Good RSS

  Monday, May 10, 2010

It’s funny how so many us are stuck in the same daily, boring routine. We eat the same food, do the same activities…and rarely do we ever experiment with something new. No wonder so many of us get so restless and tired of our daily life.

We’re afraid to do anything different because that means we must venture into the unknown. Know anyone like that?

I believe it’s important we get out and try new things…for the sake of change if nothing else. At the worst you can say you don’t like it, but at least you tried it, and then you can move on to something new.

To tell you the truth, that’s one of the reasons I bought the Pink House restaurant and feel so passionate about our purpose. It’s so unique and different…I think it matches my spirit of adventure and trying new things. It’s also a way I can bring the spice of life to others and help them enjoy some of its simple pleasures.

As I live my life, I pray that I don’t get so bogged down in a daily routine that I just trudge through…going through the motions. I want to enjoy the good things God has given me and be able to share them with others. I want to try new food. Go to new places.

I want to keep a certain sense of adventure in my life.

I hope you will also…and remember to stay forever young in your attitude and heart.

Blessings,

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

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


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