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.

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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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
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Want a Resolution? RSS

  Wednesday, December 29, 2010

What kind of resolutions will you make for New Year’s?

We all want to change something about ourselves and our circumstances no matter who we are.

For some, it may be quitting smoking, losing weight, or spending more time with friends and family. For others, it may be reading your Bible more, praying more, or going to church on a more consistent basis.

But, whatever the goal… none of our so-called resolutions, including the spiritual ones, will stick unless we do one important thing…put God at the center of them.

Why do you want to pray or read the Bible more? Is it to grow closer to God or is it just because you know it’s a good thing to do?

Is your wanting to quit smoking or to lose weight more closely tied to your personal gratification or are you honoring Him by looking your best or staying fit?

I think these are important questions to ask ourselves and key to the success we’ll have in fulfilling our hope for improvement.

Phillipians 4:13 tells us, “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”

In John 15:5 it says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in Him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

You see, God has to be at the center of our resolutions…or our success will hinge on our own strength and not the power He gives to help us. 

With God as our focus, He will give us the wisdom to know what to improve in our life and the heavenly courage to achieve that success.

As Psalm 37:5-6 says, “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.”

Make God the focus for this New Year…and see what He’ll do for you.

Happy New Years,

Margo

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What's your Thanksgiving IQ? RSS

  Thursday, November 11, 2010
Most of us think of Thanksgiving as a day of stuffing ourselves with turkey and dressing and sampling every rich dessert in sight (not to mention that afternoon nap and football game). But, how often do we really think about the history behind the holiday and why we give thanks to God in the first place.

I believe we at least should be aware of the basics. For example, did you know…

  • It took the pilgrims over two months to reach the New World in the Mayflower. The people couldn’t even keep themselves warm with a fire due to the risk of setting their wooden boat ablaze. Can you say damp, dark, and wet? 
  • Only half of the 102 pilgrims survived that first winter in the New World in1620 due to the brutal weather. They fared far better the second year in 1621 with the help of Squanto and the Wampanoag Indians. That fall, Govenor William Bradford organized the first Thanksgiving feast to celebrate their bountiful harvest season. 91 Indians were invited.
  • 100 years later, in 1777, the 13 original colonies joined together in thanks for victory over the British at Saratoga . Again, it was just a one time celebration, but it helped lay the foundation for our giving thanks as a nation.
  • Thanksgiving wasn’t an official holiday until 1863. President Lincoln declared it so as a gesture of unity during the Civil War. I believe we should celebrate it today thinking of our rich blessings and what unites us together as Americans. 

Some other fun facts…
  • Ever wonder what was on the menu for the first Thanksgiving? Wild ducks and geese, venison, fish, berries, dried fruit, potatoes, and even lobster, according to historians. Ironically, however, there’s no mention of turkey or even cranberry jelly with those ridges from the can. LOL.
  • The NFL’s first game on Thanksgiving was in 1934. The Lions did it to get people to go to see games. It seems to have worked. 
  • Each Thanksgiving, our President gives a turkey a presidential pardon. Yes, it’s true. They’re pardoned and then retired to a farm for life or Disney Land where they act as their Grand Marshall for their Thanksgiving Day Parade. For real? 

That’s all I have for now. If you have any facts you would like to include, just post it to our Pink House Facebook page.

Blessings to you and remember to give thanks to God for your Harvest this season.

Margo
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The Harvest RSS

  Friday, November 05, 2010
I was reading the Bible recently and saw this scripture that I think goes perfectly with the fall season. You’ve probably heard it before.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9.

Isn't that a great verse? I believe it’s a wonderful reminder to us, especially during this season of the harvest, to never stop doing good or listening to the voice of God.

So many of us are tempted to ease up in our faith at some point in our lives. We may even grow tired of our daily purpose and doubt the existence of good in the world. It’s only natural.

But, let me encourage you today…don’t grow weary of your life’s purpose. Stand firm in your beliefs and never forget about the goodness of God.

His harvest will come in due season and grace will abound richly in your heart.

Keep doing what’s right in the sight of Him and He will reward you with every kind of blessing for your life.

Margo
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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
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July is Ice Cream Month RSS

  Monday, July 19, 2010

Did you know that July was National Ice Cream Month? 

Ronald Reagan designated it as such in 1984. He also selected the third Sunday of the month as National Ice Cream Day (this month, it was July 18th), a day for recognizing ice cream as one of America’s most beloved desserts. 

Although there’s little doubt of its popularity, the question of when ice cream was first invented remains somewhat of a mystery. 

Some suggest Marco Polo brought it back to Europe from China in the 13th century. Others say it started in the 4th century BC with the Roman Emperor, Nero, who loved to eat a dessert made from mountain ice and fruit toppings.

Whatever the case, it eventually made its way to Europe (mostly in the form of milk ices and sherbets) in the 1500s and became popular with the royal court there, particularly England.

After it was brought to America in the 1700s, it became a popular treat with presidents such as George Washington, Jefferson, and Madison who loved to serve it to their guests at official parties and functions.

The popularity of ice cream grew even more in the 19th century with the arrival of mechanical technology and modern freezing tools. People could make it at home in wooden bucket churns or go to their local ice cream shop or soda fountain to get their fill of their favorite treat.

Today, ice cream can be bought in virtually any store and remains the most popular dessert in the US. On average, Americans consume around 23 quarts of ice cream, sherbets and other frozen dairy treats per year. That comes to 12 and a half brain freezes per capita. LOL

So, go ahead. Sit back and have some ice cream today. Enjoy your favorite flavor or try something new.

There’s nothing like honoring your heritage by eating a bowl of your favorite creamy dessert. No need to feel guilty.

You’re just doing your civic duty by helping celebrate a national holiday.

Just watch out for those brain freezes.

Margo

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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


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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


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The story behind the tradition of tea RSS

  Monday, March 15, 2010

Although we usually associate tea with the English…did you know…the custom of drinking tea actually dates back to 3000 BC in China?  Tea didn’t even begin to appear in England until the mid 17th century. And it didn’t grab a foothold in English society until a couple hundred years later in 1840.

That’s when Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, first introduced afternoon tea to the country. As the story goes…the Duchess was in the habit of fashionably waiting till 8 o’clock to eat her evening meals. She would naturally get a bit hungry and at four o’clock would ask to be served a tray of tea, bread, butter and cake in her room.

This afternoon tea break soon caught on in all the fashionable social circles in England. So much so, in fact, during the 1880’s, society women began wearing their favorite gowns, gloves and hats to afternoon tea as a real social affair. They were served gourmet loose leaf tea (from silver tea pots) as well as a variety of dainty sandwiches, scones, cakes and pastries.

The best part about it…was that it set a slower pace that allowed people to share more intimately and reconnect with others. Something, I believe, we urgently need today. 

At the Pink House, it’s our passion to continue the tradition of gathering with friends and loved ones for tea and good food.

We invite you to pause with us and enjoy the simpler pleasures of life with a cup of tea…and friends and family you love and care for.

Remember…the tradition of tea lives at the Pink House.

Look forward to seeing you soon!

Sincerely,

Margo


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