Peg Unhinged-Book Review

 

Peg Unhinged- A Book Review

I have reviewed several books by Teri M Brown and I have enjoyed every one of them.  Teri is a talented author that has written works in several different genre's.  In her latest novel she explores a woman going through menopause, divorce, career issues and all the emotions these issues can cause.  The book is a real page-turner that is written with humor and compassion. In this book you will meet Peg and her sometimes helpful and sometimes not cast of friends and relatives. 

Book Synopsis

Peg is a successful real estate agent who has been the top agent in her agency for several years.  Peg has just found that her husband wants a divorce and to top it all off one of the new agents in her firm is a young ambitious woman who also has eyes on Peg's husband.  When this woman goes after the coveted award that Peg has always had, Peg becomes unhinged.  This is the last straw to all the troubles in Peg's life.

As the book progresses Peg is forced to pull herself together and rely on her strengths.  In her struggle to find herself she has conversations with God where she sometimes complains and sometimes pleads for guidance.  The book is written with humor in the crazy situations that Peg get herself into and I often laughed out loud.   

The Book on Amazon

This book can be found on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle formats.  Here is a link to the book on Amazon.

Peg Unhinged

Review This Reviews of Other Teri M Brown books

Book Review-10 Little Rules for a Double-Butted Adventure

Book Review-Daughters of Green Mountain Gap

Book Review of An Enemy Like Me

Sunflowers Beneath the Snow - A Book Review

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

I Love My Crystal Cage Necklace!

I brought myself a stainless steel cage crystal holder necklace (try saying that fast!) a couple of years ago and I couldn't be happier with it.

You can get these in stainless steel or gold. I opted for stainless steel because I thought it complemented the crystals I already had better than the gold one did. 

I love being able to change out the crystals every day. For some people, this could be a fashion choice (and I'll admit I have changed them out a couple of times to complement my outfit). 

I usually choose what crystal speaks to me on the day or what I feel I need for the day - crystals have different properties, such as protection and clarity.

I purchased my cage necklace at a market and it came with a crystal of my choice. It wasn't until I got home and decided to change the crystal out that the fun began! 

It looks so simple to take a crystal out and add one in, but I found it was very fiddly to start with. This is the only downside to this necklace as you don't get any instructions with it! There is definitely a knack, but once you master it you have a very versatile piece of jewelry. I am glad I persevered with it as it's one of my favourite pieces of jewelry and I wear it most days.

I have noticed on Amazon that you can buy these necklaces as a set with crystals to get you started on your journey. If you're already a crystal lover like I am, then you will be happy with just the necklace on its own.

Do you like the idea of this versatile cage necklace? Another thing I love about this necklace is that you can use different crystal shapes as well. I have several polished oval and teardrop-shaped crystals that sit perfectly in the 'cage'. I also have a lot more irregularly shaped, unpolished crystals, and these fit nicely in the necklace cage.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

A Review of How to Make Homemade Olive Garden House Dressing and Salad

Olive Garden is one of my husband's favorite restaurants.  He especially loves the salad that comes with the meals.  He always raves about the salad dressing.  Italian is his favorite, but he claims that the Olive Garden salad dressing is especially good, so I made a copy cat recipe so he could enjoy delicious salads at home.  He says he cannot tell the difference......much!  Here's how I make it:

How to Make the Green Salad:

• 2 Romaine lettuce hearts, chopped how you prefer your salads
• 1/4 cup of red onion, sliced fairly thin, keep individual pieces 1 to 2 inches long
• 2 medium tomatoes chopped
• 4 pepperoncini, the pickled type
• 6 to 8 pitted black olives 

and just before serving add:

• large croutons
• shredded Parmesan cheese 

• How to Make Olive Garden Dressing and Salad

Don't cut the lettuce until close to the time you plan to serve it, it is more crispy.  I usually serve the dressing on the side, so people can put the amount they want.  

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup water
• 6 tablespoons of white vinegar
• 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons of light olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of grated Romano cheese (can substitute Parmesan)
• 1/2 teaspoon of sugar
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt

• 
  

I think this dressing tastes almost identical to what they serve at Olive Garden.  If you want to tweak the flavor, try adjusting the amount of sugar or the amount of lemon juice, I think these have the biggest impact on the taste.  Put your dressing in a pretty glass carafe and don't forget to shake well before serving.

How To Store Your Homemade Dressing

Because it is made from scratch, with no preservatives, this dressing will not keep nearly as long as what you buy in the store.  However, it will be fine in your refrigerator, in an air tight container, for a week or a bit more.  The flavors blend together and it is even more delicious after a day or two, so if you can, make it at least a day before you plan to use it.

Other Uses For Your Homemade Dressing

• Dressing macaroni salad
• Marinating chicken for broiling or baking
• Brushing on steaks or chops while grilling
• Vegetable dip - you may want to add a bit more mayo to thicken it
• Stir it into plain cooked pasta and vegetables to make it a tasty side dish

I hope you enjoy this salad dressing as much as I do, I use it a lot. The ingredients are usually always around and it is easy to make, though sometimes if I am out of Romano, I substitute Parmesan cheese in the dressing.  Below you will find my favorite shaker carafe that I use to store my dressing.  I love that it has a pour spout and a top.

Enjoy!

My favorite shaker carafe:

Kitchentoolz Salad Dressing Shaker Bottle

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Reviewing the Ease of Hot Pot Cookers for Quick and Nutritious Meals

As usual, I'm arriving late to the party; the Hot Pot party to be more specific. Many people know the fun and ease of using a hot pot. There is a very long tradition of families using a hot pot for meals, more recently, people hold hot pot parties. I've recently purchased a hot pot for one-person meals and have found it to be a great way to make easy, interesting, and healthier meals for myself.

Hot pot is traditional Asian communal dining tradition as well as a modern dining experience with friends and family. What I've learned is that a pot of simmering water or broth is placed in the middle of the table. A variety of fresh vegetables, meat, and seafood are placed around the table. The family members add their chosen items to add to the simmering pot with the small pieces of meat and seafood simmer for a longer time than small bits of vegetables.

Why I purchased a hot pot

• Portable - to cook ramen noodles and broth in settings other than my stove top
• Meal variety - I get in a meal rut with a lot of macaroni and spaghetti. I crave something different
• Health reasons - a desire to consume more bone broth and leafy greens 
• I am able to make my own bone broth. If I continue to do so, I'll have my own broth rather than store-bought
• Quick and easy meals
• Hot meals at work that aren't ordering out or leftovers
• Increasing fresh vegetable in my diet - vegetables that I hope to continue to grow; kale, bok choy, cabbage, and more

I chose the 1.7 quart Dezin hot pot for it's size, positive reviews, and stainless steel liner (as opposed to non-stick coating). It also has off, low, high, and warm settings. I wanted something portable and easy-to-clean for the days I take it to work.  I replace the water that is called for with two cups of broth that comes to a boil very quickly. The meal is as easy as adding ramen noodles, vegetables, hard boiled eggs and stirring occasionally. The seasoning packet is added after the three minutes and when the heat is turned off. Personally, I only add a fraction of the packet (approximately half) because it tastes too salty if I add the whole packet. Besides, with vegetables and broth, the packet isn't as necessary for flavoring.

My Dezin Hot Pot 

I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice. In my personal journey, I am looking for a way to make small and slow changes to healthier eating. I am learning that bone broth, dark leafy greens, and vegetables are a much better choice for my health than the large amount of carbs I tend to consume.

Related Links:

This is an extremely descriptive article and video that shows how delicious and fresh hot pot cooking can be. I encourage you to take a peek for a better description than I am able to give.  Hot Pot 101: A Chef's Guide to Hosting a Hot Pot Party at Home.

A variety of Hot Pot brands and sizes are available on Amazon. Start your search here. Some styles come with a steamer and some come with their own countertop, electric burner.

intro image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons - Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 - artist Raita Futo from Tokyo, Japan

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

The Child, The Boy, The Man — Through a Mother’s Eyes

I wrote these lyrics on April 17th, 2026, after realizing that while I had already created several wedding lyric videos, I had never really touched the mother-son dance. I have written about the father-daughter connections, and it pulled at something deep, but this… this felt different. 

I wanted it to feel like something a mother would quietly carry inside her. Not polished. Not perfect. Just honest. Almost like a page from a diary.

This One Wasn’t Easy For Me to Write

As a mother of four adult sons and a step-mom of two more, I thought the words would come quickly. But they didn’t. 

I sat there for a bit, unsure how to even begin, which doesn’t happen to me all that often. So I did what I always do when I can’t quite find my way in… I closed my eyes and pictured my boys.

Not just as they are now, but as they’ve been.

I let my mind go all the way back. To the moment they were first placed in my arms… to the baby years… the childhood years… the boyhood years… and then to the men they’ve become. 

And somewhere in all of that, the feeling finally came through clearly.

When I look at my sons, I don’t see one version of them.

I see all of them.

I see the scraped knees. The sleepy eyes. The laughter. The learning. The growing. I see everything layered together. And even now, after all these years, there are still moments when I catch a glimpse of the baby they once were. Not constantly, but just enough to remind me that those days don’t actually leave you. Not when you’re a mother.

And that’s really what this song became about.

Because life does what it’s supposed to do. Our children grow up. They become independent. They build lives that are their own. That’s how it’s meant to be. But none of that erases what came before. It doesn’t replace it… It adds to it.

So when I think about a mother standing on that dance floor with her son on his wedding day, I don’t see her dancing with just the man in front of her.

She’s the only one in that room who’s danced with all three.

The child.
The boy.
And the man.

That’s something no one else shares in quite the same way. A wife may know the man. Sometimes she might know the boy if they grew up together. But the mother… she’s the one who carries all of it. Every version. Every stage.

And that’s what I wanted these lyrics to hold.

That quiet, overwhelming knowing… that when she looks at him, it’s never just who he is now. It’s who he’s always been.

All at once.

*********

Facebook: Lyrics About Life on Facebook

YouTube:  Follow Me on YouTube - @dragedapoemslyrics

Spotify:    Stream Drageda Lyrics on Spotify

Amazon: Drageda Lyrics on Amazon Music

iTunes:   Drageda Lyrics on iTunes

**Subscribe For A Free Short Guide on How to Convert Your Poems Into Lyrics***

*********

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Handmade Clocks by Clever Crafters

For truly unique, you can't beat 'handmade'. Etsy has some very talented clock-makers. Below are a few from my favorite Shops.

You can also browse throughout Etsy to search for your own unique ideas. Click here to get to Etsy

Owl Wall Clock | Decoylab on Etsy

DECOYLAB is a designer/illustrator in Kansas City, Missouri who makes very unique timepieces using wood and paper.

Pictured here is an Owl Wall Clock, from her collection for the nursery/kids room that are simple, modern and fun! 

This clock is made with laser cut, ¼ thick 3 ply bamboo and clock parts .The clock measures Size: 6" w x 8” h x .75” d. Made with sturdy 3ply bamboo (¼” thickness)

Clock for your Craft Room

If your 'hobby' is in the field of fiber arts, like me, time spent in your craft room would be fun with a clock that represents your favorite craft, like this one about Knitting! 

Funny Knitting Time Clock

This very amusing clock design fits a crafters' thoughts exactly. When you are engaged in working with your favorite craft, time tends to either 'stand still' or be ignored because of the pleasure it gives you. Thus, this delightful hobby clock will fit in your craft room perfectly! 

Knitting clock is created using solid oak or maple in several sizes, and the wood is laser cut with a laser engraved design.

Sports Clock

Sports Clock on Etsy

There are a variety of sports-related handmade clocks on Etsy. Since MY favorite sport is BASEBALL, I chose to display a clock with my favorite MLB team - the New York Yankees. 

Handcrafted out of wood, these sports clocks with your favorite team are Laser-cut out of fine wood and hand painted. They measure an average of 14 x 14 inches.

Created by a Vero Beach, Florida designer for their TimeOutPaintedDesign Etsy Store, here’s what they say about **Why You'll Love It:**

These clocks are not just about telling time; it’s about celebrating our love for sports with style. Whether you're a fan of football, basketball, soccer, or any other sport, this handcrafted piece adds a personalized touch to your decor. It also makes a thoughtful gift for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions for the sports enthusiasts in your life. --- Add this charming sports clock to your collection today and enjoy a perfect blend of elegance and enthusiasm in your home!

Summary

So browse through the handmade clocks on Etsy and find just the clock design that suits your needs.  Perfect for various rooms throughout your home, hand-crafted clocks also make lovely gifts for friends and family. 

Take a lesson from the clock;

it passes the time by keeping its hands busy.

                                                ~Evan Esar

For more reviews of ‘clocks’ on ReviewThisReviews, click here

*This guide to “Handmade Clocks by Clever Crafters, was originally published on November 12, 2014. While the original site is no longer active, Wednesday Elf has brought the best of that content here for you.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Lies and Letters: Change of Heart Series - Book 3 by Ashtyn Newbold

I previously reviewed Mischief and Manors, the first book in the Change of Heart Series.  I expressed how delighted I was to find such an entertaining series "built around characters with charm and wit".  The second book, Seaside Scandal, was equally as enjoyable as the first.  However, this third book, Lies and Letters, has thus far been my favorite, but that reason had nothing to do with charm or wit.    

The main character in Lies and Letters, Charlotte Lyons, was one of the characters in both of the previous books.  She was definitely not a likable character.  She was a cunning, deceptive, self-centered, vain, backstabbing, fortune & title seeker who didn't care who she hurt in order to get what she wanted, including other women who thought she was a trusted friend.  There was absolutely nothing about Charlotte that made her admirable or desirable aside from her physical beauty.  That beauty may have attracted men, but once they looked past the surface, they lost interest completely.

We knew some of Charlotte's background from the previous two books, but we learn all about her in Lies and Letters.  Her mother has trained her to harden her heart against emotions and to secure a future of fortune.  A titled husband was most important for societal success.  Charlotte was even a malicious and cruel liar when it served her purposes. 

Surprisingly, as much as I disliked Charlotte in the first two books, I couldn't help feeling very sorry for her in this book.  I even wanted her to have a life filled with love, instead of the hatefulness she had been taught all of her life.

Sometimes people get what they deserve.  Other times, they are fortunate enough to start over and get a second chance.  Then there are times when they get both.  There is nothing like a fiction book to make everything so crystal clear.  Real life is a lot messier, but isn't that one of the main reasons we enjoy reading fiction?

 

Lies and Letters Synopsis

 Lies and Letters: A Regency Romance
(Change of Heart Book 3)Check PriceWhen the Lyons family discovers their father/husband has lost his fortune gambling and ruined their reputation socially, Charlotte's mother plots a way for her daughter, Charlotte, to restore their standing.  Mr. Lyons is excelled to France.  Mrs. Lyons goes to live with her wealthy cousin.  Charlotte and her sister, Clara, are sent away from London to the northern coast of England to pursue an Earl who is too far away to know what has happened to their family.  Her mother has made it clear that Charlotte must succeed!

Upon arrival at Craster, Charlotte is immediately disgusted by the dismal place.  She can't imagine having to live the rest of her life there, but she steels herself to the fact that she has no choice.  She must get the Earl to marry her and restore her family's standing.  In order to do that, she "uses" every means available to place her in the path of the Earl, including threatening his brother.  She has fortuitously come into possession of an old love letter he wrote.  Charlotte insures him she will send that letter to a young woman in town to force him to marry her or risk ruining the girl's reputation.  As a gentleman and truly kind person, James will not harm the girl and the family that has been his friends for many years.

Noting Charlotte's education and social training, James recommends her to his brother for the position of governess to his daughter.  Clearly, that will put Charlotte exactly where she needs to be ensnare the Earl.  

But, Charlotte, herself, is the one who ends up being ensnared and the costs are exorbitant and life changing.  

There are definitely some unexpected twists in this Regency Romance.    

    

---

Books by Ashtyn Newbold Previously Reviewed on ReviewThisReviews.com

• Mischief and Manors 
• The Last Eligible Bachelor 
• The Ace of Hearts 
• The Captain's Confidant  
• With Love, Louisa
• Lord Blackwell's Promise
  

   

Read More Book Reviews at
ReviewThisBooks.com

Lies and Letters (Change of Heart Series) Reviewed by:

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Overview of CherylsArtPhotos on Zazzle

This is the second of a seven part series of my various stores on Zazzle.

If anyone has a store on Zazzle that is getting to big, it can be helpful to make a separate store that features designs that aren't currently in the original store. Since my original store was all about my artwork, I decided to make the photos that I was wanting to use, be in a separate store. This method can also help customers more easily find what they are looking for; as there is less categories to look through.

I don't have near the amount of photos that I do of my artwork, so it is easier to navigate. As of the writing of this blog, there are only nine categories in CherylsArtPhotos on Zazzle. Although there are only nine categories, there are a wider variety of the different photo types. They can include animals, fireworks, flowers, floral peace signs, insects, scenes, trees, wood, and more.

The categories that I decided to have are:

Apparel and Accessories:

I love this beautiful photo of when my pink azaleas were in full bloom along the neighbors back wall. I thought this beauty would have been popular on a variety of products, but the main one that sells is on men's ties. Cool!

Pretty Pink Azaleas Floral Neck Ties
by CherylsArtPhotos

Sometimes photos are the way to go!

The sub-categories in this section are Ties, Tote Bags, and Tshirts.

Celebrations:

Although I used a bit of my artwork to top off the groundhog, it is more photo than artwork, so this critter got assigned to CherylsArtPhotos. Did you know that Groundhog Day is always on February 2nd?

I heard it's your birthday, groundhog cards
by CherylsArtPhotos

There are not many items in this category, so there are not sub-categories to see here.

Holidays:

I have always been a cat lover and have created a variety of designs inspired by a number of my cats. Sometimes, the photo is just cute enough to leave things as they are. Here, my cat Tori is exploring her present. This photo is printed on downloadable cards, if you happen to be ordering close to the holiday.

Cute Cat Christmas, enjoying present holiday cards
by CherylsArtPhotos

The various holiday items only take up one page, so there is also no sub-categories for this section.

Home and Sewing:

Home and Sewing includes a variety of sub-categories. They are: Clocks, Doormats, Fabric, Kitchen and Dining, Magnets, Nail Art, Notepads, Shower Curtains, Throw Pillows, Tiles, and Wall Art. The Kitchen and Dining sub-category actually has sub-sub-categories.

This pretty black eyed susan photo looks great on mugs. The mugs can be easily personalized on the provided template form.

Personalized Black Eyed Susan Flowers Photo Mugs
by CherylsArtPhotos

I currently have two mugs that I purchased from Zazzle. The artwork looks great, as does the finish on them. They wash up great in the dishwasher.

New Products:

The New Products category is actually assigned by Zazzle if you don't already choose a category when designing your product.

Office and School:

There are three sub-categories in Office and School. They are Business Cards, Mousepads, and Pens.

Sports, Toys, and Games:

The Sports, Toys, and Games section also has a variety of sub-categories. They are: Cornhole Games, Jumbo Fast Four, Pickleball Paddles, Playing Cards, and Puzzles. As you can see, the store designer and fine tune how they choose to make their categories, sub-categories, etc. If I had a lot of items in this section, the sub-categories would have been more general in nature.

Stationery:

There are six sub-categories in the Stationery section. They are: Address Labels, Cards, Post It Notes, Postcards, Stationery, and Stickers.

Floral and scenic postcards seem to be a popular choice.

Yellow Orange Marigold Flowers Postcards
by CherylsArtPhotos

Travel:

The Travel section has two sub-categories. They are Luggage and Luggage Tags.

I hope you enjoyed the overview of CherylsArtPhotos on Zazzle. Any of the product links above will take you to my CherylsArtPhotos store on Zazzle. To search this store, choose a link that says CherylsArtPhotos; once there, you can do a search for what you are looking for by looking for the search box below the header.

May you have a great day and may you find what you are looking for.

Cheryl Paton

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON: