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

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


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

Refiner's Fire RSS

  Tuesday, October 12, 2010

I think we all know what it’s like to go through trials in our lives. They’re never pleasant but often we come out better for having endured the hardship and seeing God refine us through our troubles and times of pain.

Here’s a story I found online that reminds me how God is always at work in our lives, especially during the challenging times. It’s called the Silversmith. Read it and really let it soak into your heart today. I think you’ll find it a blessing and a great moment of reflection for your life.

There was a group of women in a Bible study of the book of Malachi. As they were studying chapter three, they came across verse three, which says: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.” This verse puzzled the women and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.

One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.

That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver.

As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.

The woman thought about God allowing us to be in fires of life; then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver." She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined.

The man answered that yes. He not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?"

He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it."

If today you are feeling the heat of the fire --whatever your troubles may be, remember that God has his eye on you and is refining you until He sees His image in you.

--Author unknown

Blessings,

Margo

Summer's End... RSS

  Monday, August 30, 2010
I’m writing this blog thinking about the end of summer. It’s not a sad thing really, but I get a little reflective toward the end of a season, summer especially. The sun is dimming down and the coolness of autumn will shortly be here. 

We’ll soon know the comfort of sweaters and the crunching sound of fallen leaves. Or those evenings of watching football and quiet times beside the chimnea. I love fall... but it does make me slow down and think.     

I guess it’s the idea of going through change and what seasons come to symbolize in our lives.  Like I said, I get reflective. But, I know God has a wonderful plan for each season for us. His mercies are new each morning, and His joy and peace will refresh us day by day.

I pray God’s wonderful peace on your life and a fresh wind of change to renew you in all that you do.  

Remember His goodness no matter the season and allow His presence to strengthen your heart daily.

Blessings,

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


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

He Restores My Soul RSS

  Wednesday, June 09, 2010
Have you ever been in a large, noisy group for an extended period of time? 

I have, especially in cities and large gatherings. All around, you hear the blare of constant activity and the sound of folks going about their daily lives. Most of you have heard it too.  

After awhile, however, you get used to it and then something really strange happens…you soon stop hearing the individual sounds of life. It all becomes just indistinct noise that numbs you to the detail of the moment.

Now imagine what it sounds like to leave that setting and go into a quiet place all alone. You can hear everything, can’t you? From a twitter of a bird in a tree to a squirrel running across the fence in your backyard. There’s something about being in a quiet place that helps us focus on the here and now and the peace and joy God wants us to know.

They’re the times in my life that I cherish the most—it’s where I experience the tranquility that comes from being away from the stress of life. Spending quiet time each day praying and reflecting puts my life in focus, and brings me to a place of restoration in my mind and body.

I encourage you to spend some quiet time each day reflecting and preparing your spirit for the buzz of everyday life. All of us need these moments to keep us from getting overwhelmed and we need them often.

As Psalm 23 says, “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.”   

Let God restore your soul today and enjoy the peace and calm that only He can give.

Margo

Savor the Moment RSS

  Monday, May 17, 2010

Have you ever wondered where all the precious moments in your life go?

I often do, and I wonder if I’ve taken life for granted or I’ve savored every good thing God has given me. Sometimes we’re in such a hurry, running around from activity to activity, that I think we fail to stop and enjoy the here and now.

Psalms says “You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath.”

And, nothing could be truer…we are all just a breath that will soon vanish. God has given us a life to fill with what we choose and just a short time to make the most of it.

Question is…how will we spend it? In busyness and stress or in deep appreciation to God for His gift of life and for giving us the love of others?

As I go through my days, I want to appreciate every moment in life and the ones who make it worth living. I encourage you to do the same.

Today, thank God for your blessings and for the gift of life. May you make the most of your days and honor Him by savoring each moment that you live.

Blessings,

Margo