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.

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

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


Classic Tea Quotes RSS

  Tuesday, June 29, 2010
For you lovers of tea…here are some classic quotes I thought you might enjoy…

“Love and scandal are the best sweeteners of tea.” –Henry Fieldling, “Love in Several Masques”

“There is a great deal of poetry and fine sentiment in a chest of tea.” Ralph Waldo Emerson,  Letters and Social Aims 

“There is no trouble so great or grave that cannot be much diminished by a nice cup of tea.” –Bernard-Paul Heroux

“If a man has no tea in him, he is incapable of understanding truth and beauty.”—Japanese proverb

“Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the earth revolves—slowly, evenly, without rushing toward the future.”—Thich Nat Hahn

“You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.” C.S. Lewis

And my favorite,

“Remember the tea kettle—it is always up to its neck in hot water and yet it still sings.”—author unknown.

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