I'm Not Done! Don't Count My Candles Count My Sparks

Those of you who know me know that I write lyrics about life. That has always been my lane. 

I’ve shared many different life moments through my words and then brought them into videos and streaming platforms. I write about motherhood, fatherhood, grandparents, humor, and life reflections. 

I write for special occasions like weddings, as well as for motivation and inspiration. I also write about quieter emotional states, like numbness, indifference, and the in-between feelings that are harder to define. Life is not one-note, so I never wanted my writing to be either.

But no matter what I am writing about, I try to end on a hopeful note. That matters to me. There is already so much negativity in the world, so much division and harshness in the way people speak to each other. I do not want to be part of that. 

I am not perfect, and I make mistakes, but I'm committed to contributing something better. When I write, I want to add a sense of understanding, a sense of connection, and something that lifts rather than divides.

These Lyrics are Very Personal to Me. It's The Anthem For Anyone Who is Not Done

This lyric video is different for me.

This lyric video, titled "I’m Not Done," has become my daily reset. It is the voice I turn to when I need to remind myself who I am and where I am still going.

When I wrote the lyrics, I made a point of speaking across the years. I mention the ages of 20, 30, 50, and over 60. That last one is me. I am living that line.

At the heart of it all is one message. I’m not done.

That's why I called it that. I needed to say it clearly and without apology.

There is a line in the chorus that says, “Don’t count my candles, count my sparks.” That line carries everything. It is the heartbeat of what I am trying to say. Life is not measured only in years. It is measured in energy, in passion, and in what still burns inside you.

“It ain’t over till it’s over.” That idea has lasted because it is true, but only if we decide it is.

And that is really what this lyric video is about.

I did have older women and men in mind when I wrote it. I thought about the quiet moments when people start to wonder if their time has passed or if they should begin to step back. But this message is not only for them. It is for anyone, at any age, who needs the reminder that they still get to choose.

Because that is what I believe. We choose.

We choose whether we are done or not.

And when we make that choice with intention and with passion, we begin to move differently. We show up differently. We go after things we may have talked ourselves out of before.

That is where this came from.

It is not just something I wrote.

It is something I feel and live, and I dedicate it to all of us still pushing forward, doing what we find joy in.

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National Pretzel Day Review

National Pretzel Day is celebrated each year on April 26.

Pretzels and Their History

Founded in 2003 by Governor Ed Rendell, this food holiday honors Pennsylvania’s long-standing pretzel heritage, a cultural staple that remains a vibrant part of the state today.  Pennsylvania, and especially Philadelphia, is home to 80% of the country’s production of pretzels. 

In the late 18th century, immigrants from southern Germany and Switzerland introduced the pretzel to North America. These immigrants became known as the Pennsylvania Dutch, and became known for their handmade pretzel bakeries throughout Pennsylvania. Southeastern Pennsylvania is considered the birthplace of the American pretzel industry, and many pretzel bakers are still located in the area.

Created by monks as 'little rewards' (pretiola) for children learning prayers, the pretzel’s signature shape mimics arms folded in prayer. Its three holes represent the Holy Trinity.

Two Kinds of Pretzels

• Crunchy and Salty - Crunchy, salty pretzels are baked snacks, often knot-shaped, but also popular in a variety of shapes. These shapes include the traditional knot, along with mini twists, bites and nuggets, rings and pretzel sticks, plus several ‘fillable’ shapes of pretzels. These pretzels have a satisfying crunch with a savory burst of salt and a slightly nutty wheat flavor.

• Soft - Soft pretzels are fresh-baked pastries with a warm, chewy interior and a distinctively shiny, golden-brown crust. This type of pretzel is perishable and best eaten soon after baking.  Soft pretzels became very popular in areas such as Philadelphia, Chicago, and New York. You can frequently find them available from street vendors in these cities.  Philadelphians on average consume five times more soft pretzels than anyone else in the country.

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Summary

Your choice of pretzel comes down to two things: the setting and your snacking style.

Soft pretzels are wonderful on cold days when you crave something warm and tasty.  Hard pretzels are a convenient, crunchy snack. 

For the perfect pretzel taste, why not choose both on April 26 to celebrate this tasty food holiday known as National Pretzel Day! 

For more holiday reviews, check out 

ReviewThisReviews: Holidays

*This National Pretzel Day Review was written by Wednesday Elf

Pretzels Galore:

The Ultimate Pretzel Recipe Book: Delicious Pretzel Recipes for You to Make at Home!Check PriceAmazon Grocery, Mini Twist Pretzels, 40 OzCheck PriceUltimate Guide: Homemade Soft Pretzel Recipe: Delicious and Easy Pretzel Meals to Make at HomeCheck Price

 

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Back Seat Extender for Dogs - Large Hard Bottom Dog Car Seat Reviewed

Prior to adopting our puppy, Watson, it had been many years since we needed a back seat "container" for a dog.  Our senior dogs were perfectly content to lay down on their car beds and ride comfortably.  Watson, on the other hand, is a very active puppy.  Laying down in the car, or sitting in someone's lap, is absolutely out of the question for our baby dog.  Therefore, we went in search of a solution.  

We wanted something that would keep him in the back seat, but allow him to move around.  Because we have captain seats in one of our SUV's, we need something that would hold his weight in between the seats even when he is full grown.  

The back seat extender we selected crosses both seats, covering the gap between them.  That allows Watson to lay down, walk from window to window, or stand in the center.  The front flap of the extender, covers the back of both front seats and has a restrainer section in the center that he can see through, but not walk through.  That keeps him safely contained in the back seats of the car.

This back seat extender is perfect for us and our puppy dog, Watson!

 

 

Back Seat Car Seat for Dogs Specifications

 Upgraded Back Seat Extender for Dogs - Large Hard Bottom Dog Car Seat CoverCheck PriceWhen fully expended, this back seat car seat covers both captain seats (and space between seats) or a bench seat.  It also covers the space between the front and back seats to keep your pet from falling between the seats.  It will fold in half if you want only one seat covered allowing a person to sit in the other seat.  

It is held in place by using the straps on the seat cover placed around the head rests on all seats.  There are also side straps to place on the coat hooks just inside each door.  

The side panels will keep your dog from falling out when the car door is opened.  Each side panel has zippers that are used to lower the panel so you can easily lift your puppy out of the car. 

We purchased the medium size seat extender and it fit perfectly.  

• Holds up to 550 lbs
• Large enough for 2 dogs
• Rigid bottom for safety & stability 
• Padded bottom for comfort 
• Center mesh panel between front seats for air flow and so dog can see you
•  Pocket on either side of the mesh panel for dog toys or supplies
• Waterproof material 
• Available in two sizes

 

More Reviews for Puppies and Dogs by Contributors Who Love Their Dogs!

National Puppy Day

Best Gifts for Puppies

Kong Wubba Toys for Puppies 

Everlasting Treat BentoBall for Puppy 

Milk-Bone Holiday Biscuit Treats

Easter Milk-Bones for Dogs 

Backseat Barker Dog Bed for SUV or Jeep 

Ortho Sleeper Comfort Couch for Dogs 

Dog Agility  

Recommended Summer Reading for Dog Lovers 

How to Speak Dog Book Review 

 

 

Read More Product Reviews On
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Pet Related Reviews

 

 

Back Seat Extender for Dogs - Large Hard Bottom Dog Car Seat written by:

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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 gets 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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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