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

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

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

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

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

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


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


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