Reviewing Arbonne's 7-Day Fresh Start

Arbonne's 7-Day Fresh Start was developed as a way to support people who wanted to try intermittent fasting. 

I was very intrigued about trying two of the three products in the set - the Morning Matcha and the Golden Renewal Protein, but I really didn't think intermittent fasting would work for me & my lifestyle.

I decided to give it a go whilst I was on a break from both of my jobs. This meant starting my journey on December 31st 2025. 

Read on for my personal experience and my takeaways or go straight to the product and read up about it on the site - 7-Day Fresh Start.

Below is what a sample day on the 7-day fresh start should look like in Australia (in other markets there is a different probiotic supplement, but you take it at the same time as the bioticsticks).

Sample Day (Australia) on 7-Day Fresh Start

I decided that 10am -6pm as my eating window (which was the recommended one) wouldn't work the best for us so I used 11am - 7pm instead. 

I had all of my goodies ready to go, the 7-Day Fresh Start contains 3 products - Morning Matcha sachets, Golden Renewal Protein sachets and a probiotic supplement. The probiotic supplement available is different depending on the market, here in Australia we get the Biotic Sticks which I absolutely love. In the US they have OmniGut Daily Probiotic which isn't available for Australia and New Zealand.

Day One started with my Morning Matcha which I decided to made with boiling water because I have only tried a hot matcha  before. When I made this it smelt very strong and grassy. I was extremely nervous about tasting it as I've only had matcha as a matcha latte with either coconut, almond or oat milk previously. My nerves were totally unjustified as the matcha tasted great! 

I was starting to feel a little 'hangry' about half an hour before I was due to break my fast so I was over the moon when my alarm went off and I could enjoy the Golden Renewal Protein shake. I merely mixed the sachet with water and served it over some ice cubes - not a fan!

The shake gave me Chai vibes with the flavours, I enjoy a warm Chai for a cozy feeling so I'm wondering if it was simply because it was cold that I didn't like it. I do know that my taste buds thought it seemed a little harsh - lucky I was hungry!

The shake also didn't fill me up very much so I was very happy to get stuck into my lunch an hour and a half later. Lunch was a delicious leftover Christmas ham with a couple of different salads.

Another healthy meal for dinner which was supposed to be followed by my probiotic, but I forgot so took it just before bed instead.

Luckily, you can enjoy tea (no milk) while in your fasting window so I was able to enjoy my chamomile tea before bed.

Day 2 - I decided to enjoy an iced Matcha instead of a warm one - I didn't really enjoy it cold, I'm not sure if it's the taste or I have just been programmed over the years to have a hot drink in the mornings.

Mid-morning I had a Clean Tox tea which I enjoyed. I should note that you can have 1-2 Matcha's in the morning, I just enjoy my Clean Tox and it was allowed during fasting so that was my personal choice.

When it was time to enjoy my golden protein renewal shake I decided to add a few things to it as recommended by a friend.

I added the powder to water, 1/2 frozen banana, 1 tsp almond butter and some ice cubes. I blitzed it all up and I enjoyed it which was good. It was also more filling, which was a bonus.

On Day 3, my husband brought me in a cup of Arbonne's Clean Tox tea in the morning as he forgot I was having matcha in the morning. I enjoyed it and then had my matcha about 10am, by 10.30 I had a pit so I was very happy when 11 o'clock came around.

This time I made my shake with:

• almond milk
• Golden Renewal Protein powder
• 1/2 frozen banana
• 1 tsp almond butter
• 3 ice cubes

I blitzed this all up and decided that this was the best way to have the shake. It's the way I proceeded to have it for the remaining days.

On Day 4 I woke up and although I was up early and hadn't had as long in bed as the previous couple of nights I was feeling really energized. After checking my smart watch I saw that I had a really good deep sleep and REM sleep. I'm not sure if it was related to the 7-Day Fresh Start or not, but I was scoring in the 90s for my sleep quality from night 3 through until the end of the 7 days (I'm usually in the 80s as I don't always clock enough REM sleep).

We were out for the day so I had a matcha in the morning and made a travel mug of Clean Tox tea to take - usually we will go through a drive-thru for coffee on this trip was and as that was a no-no on the plan, I was hoping that this would keep me from missing my coffee. We also blended up the Golden Renewal protein shake and popped it in a cooler box in the car.

The clean tox tea really did the trick and I didn't even miss my coffee stop! I drank my protein shake in the car with the most amazing views as we were up in a mountain range looking out for miles.

When I woke up on Day 5 I noticed that I was feeling really slim - I hadn't realized that I'd been bloated before starting this program, but I was certainly noticing how un-bloated I was from Day 5 onwards.

My Results from the 7-Day Fresh Start

I lost 700g which wasn't a lot compared to what some people have lost, but I had eaten out a couple of times and didn't really worry about eating as well as I could have so I was impressed. I was sleeping better and, as I said previously, it removed some of my bloating. I also had more energy.

My Takeaways from the 7-Day Fresh Start

I don't think that intermittent fasting is for me (I work a couple of jobs and one of them starts quite early so I think I need to eat breakfast beforehand), but I can see why people rave about it.

What I have been doing and will continue to do is stop eating by 7pm every night

Want to try it for yourself? grab your 7-day fresh start set right here!

A note: the Morning Matcha box contains 30 serves of the matcha (which also contains MCT oil), so even if you had two a day instead of the 1 I had you would have servings left. 

I am enjoying them even though I've finished this program. I also think are even nicer with some almond milk as a latte and it's because of this product's popularity that you can now purchase it on it's own. Check out my shopfront and just search matcha.

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Palmiers Puff Pastry Review

The Palmier pastry trend was difficult to miss this year if you have baking in your internet feed! Whether on Tik Tok, Youtube or Instagram it was a plethora of content creators making the two ingredient (maybe 3) Palmier pastry.

Admittedly, my neighborhood was incredibly fortunate to have an authentic French bakery so we have been spoiled! However, as a fan of puff pastry I had to give the Two ingredient version a try.

Two Ingredient

I decided to try the simplest recipe with frozen puff pastry and sugar. Parchment paper was also necessary. 

Defrost puff pastry.

Place a piece of parchment paper on counter.

Generously sprinkle sugar on a sheet of parchment paper.

Lay puff pastry dough on sugar. Press into sugar.

Sprinkle top of puff pastry with sugar.

Fold each side of puff pastry (short side) toward the middle. 

A log will form.

Cut log into pieces of pastry about 1 inch thick. 

Lay on parchment lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart.

A natural heart shape will appear or if needed, assist the pieces by shaping in a heart with a quick maneuver.

Bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes, begin checking pastry at 10 minutes.

Cool.

So Many Recipes

There are quite a few variations of the Internet Palmier recipe. Each contains puff pastry and sugar, but the variations include making a sweet version, a savory version, cinnamon version, brush with butter version, flip midway through baking version and different baking times and temps. 

All are easy! Search two ingredient Palmier recipe and the various versions will appear. The roll puff pastry that is refrigerated will be slightly different than the frozen version regarding the ease of assembling and baking temp/time. Many Youtube videos are available to demonstrate rolling the pastry into heart shapes.

Palmiers date back to 19th century France as a way to use puff pastry leftovers. 

Recommendation

I believe this recipe has potential for a quick sweet or savory treat, if you are a puff pastry fan! Add cinnamon for a quick cinnamon flaky treat.  If you have ever had the pleasure of tasting authentic French palmiers then the Internet version is almost adequate! Both versions look flaky, enticing and very similar. However, besides the visual, the comparison of each pastry is in different lanes and difficult to make a direct comparison.

 

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My Mommy - The Love I Couldn't See - The Story Behind the Lyrics

 

A Quiet Saturday Morning Inspiration

It was a quiet Saturday morning, January 10th, 2026. I was taking time to have coffee, lounging, and reviewing some of the notes I’d collected for lyrics I planned to write someday. I don’t write lyrics unless my heart is fully in the topic, or unless I give myself a specific assignment. My self-discipline alone can get me through a project, but inspiration always needs to be ready.

On this particular morning, I came across a song I’d started months ago. I had left it unfinished because I couldn’t find the right way to express it. The story I wanted to tell — the profound love between an unborn baby and a mother — felt just out of reach. But today, for reasons I still don’t fully understand, the words finally came to me. What I had been struggling to say flowed naturally, and the story revealed itself fully.

A Song From the Unborn Baby’s Perspective

The unique thing about this piece is its perspective. The ultimate point of the lyric is that it’s the baby singing to the mother. But when you first start reading or listening, if you weren’t aware of it, it might feel as if the mother is singing to her unborn child. The words are written carefully to work both ways — they express love, connection, and awe in a way that feels universal.

By the end, it becomes clear that it’s the baby speaking in song. That twist — the revelation of the perspective — is what makes the piece so special to me. It captures that quiet, intimate moment between mother and child, a love that exists before words, before the first cry, before the baby even takes its first breath.

Why I Wrote It

Even though I’m a grandmother now, I’ve watched the love my children feel for their own babies, and it’s the same overwhelming, indescribable feeling my husband and I have talked about for decades. Nothing compares. This song gave me a chance to explore that love in a way I hadn’t before — through the eyes of the baby, imagining what it might feel to be so connected to the mother, even before birth.

A Song That Works Both Ways

What I love most about this song is how it can be interpreted in two ways. You can read it or listen to it and feel the mother’s love, and only realize at the very end that it’s the unborn baby singing. That duality mirrors life itself — the way we love and are loved, sometimes without fully knowing it. It’s a small reflection of that unspoken, extraordinary bond between mother and child.

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50 Years of My Poems and Lyrics are on Amazon, Where Available.

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Fisher-Price Brilliant Basics Hug 'n Giggle Baby

With the Brilliant Basics Hug 'n Giggle Baby, Fisher-Price created an ideally sized doll for your baby or toddler’s enjoyment. This soft plush doll is a bit different than most dolls because she is electronic and will giggle and coo when you squeeze her tummy but she can still be machine washed. I think that makes her a particularly great choice for your little girl.  

She is perfect for toddlers because she is huggable, because of her giggling and cooing and because of her interesting facial details. Her sounds are quiet, which definitely is appropriate for a younger child at play and at nap time.  She is, as one parent said, not too big nor too small and she holds her shape. Initially, your daughter will enjoy the sounds, then she will learn to hug and kiss the doll and then she will learn the parts of the body. By then Hug 'n Giggle Baby will be a treasured toy.

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Age Recommendation: Children 6 months to 3 years old

Length: 10 inches 

Batteries: Requires two AAA batteries. 

Model Number: V6939

UPC: 027084994070

Release Date: 2010

Current Status: Retired

Instruction Manual: Available on Mattel's website here.

WHERE TO BUY BABY HUG 'N GIGGLE 

Since Hug 'n Giggle Baby is not made anymore, you will have to turn to secondary resellers to find her. As I check today, I see both new and used dolls available. Find your Hug 'n Giggle Baby Doll by clicking here, to eBay.  Since the doll is no longer being made, you will have to pay a bit more if you want and can find a new one but there are some perfectly good used ones available, too. Just make sure that the seller says the doll has been tested and is working!

See you

at the toy store!

MORE FISHER-PRICE TOYS:

Fisher-Price Laugh and Learn with Friends Musical Table Review.

Fisher-Price Discovery Cottage Reviewed.

Retired Fisher-Price Toys in my eBay Store.

Fisher-Price Christmas Sing-a-Ma-Jigs Reviewed

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Chocolate Covered Apples Recipe and Review

Chocolate Covered Apples are Fun to Make and Delicious to Eat! 

I enjoy making fruit trays for parties and holidays.  Several years ago, I decided to add chocolate covered fruit to the tray as another option for guests.  Because the apples are easy to hold, they are the perfect finger food at a party.

Chocolate Covered Apples are more aptly described as Chocolate Dipped Apples since the entire apple slice is not covered with chocolate. Regardless of which name you prefer, they are still quite delicious and easy to make. They are so easy to make that in just a few minutes, you can be enjoying your own Chocolate Covered Apple Slice. The only remaining decision is whether you are willing to share your treat. 

If you love apples and you love chocolate, you are certain to enjoy Chocolate Covered Apples. 

Below, I share step by step instructions with photos for Chocolate Covered or Dipped Apples.

 

Supplies & Ingredients 

• Apples 
• Chocolate for Melting ~ I prefer Saco Dolci Frutta featured below 
• Wax Paper

Easy Directions 

Step 1: Cover a cookie sheet with wax paper ~ The cookie sheet will make it easier to move your Chocolate Covered Apples. 

Step 2: Wash and Dry Your Apples 

Step 3: Melt Your Chocolate ~ If you use Saco Dolci Frutta, you can melt the chocolate in the microwave in their package container. Melt the chocolate in the microwave for 2 minutes on medium and stir the chocolate until it is completely melted. Other chocolates will need to be melted in a double boiler or a microwavable dish. 

Step 4: Cut Your Apple into Slices 

 

Slicing and Coring an Apple Made Easy

Step 5: Dip the Apple Slices into the chocolate 

Step 6: Set on wax paper to cool 

Step 7: When you have dipped all of your Apple slices in chocolate, serve or eat. Best if not refrigerated 

 

Step by Step Photos

 

 

 Dalla Piazza Apple Slicer/CorerCheck Price Dolci Frutta Variety Pack with Hard Chocolate Shell & White Chocolate ShellCheck Price

 

Check Out More Recipe Reviews at
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Chocolate Covered Apples Recipe and Review Written by:

ALL PHOTOS ARE THE EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OF SYLVESTERMOUSE 

This recipe article was originally published by me in 2010 on a different website that no longer exists. 

© 2010 Cynthia Sylvestermouse 

 

 

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Review of Short Story by Lisa Wingate

 

There are times when life is particularly hectic or perhaps when I've just read a long book and I'm in the mood for something lighter that a short story is just what is needed.  That happened to me at the end of 2025, and I found this short story by Lisa Wingate that just hit the spot.  I had read books by this author before and knew I liked her writing style, so I downloaded this book to my kindle and enjoyed a nice break from my holiday preparations.

Story Synopsis

In this moving short story, Olympic silver medalist Kalista Brooks returns to her hometown to be with her father when his heart condition worsens.  He was a beloved coach to many and always holds a special place in Kalista's heart.

As the visit, her father has one request.  He really would love to return to their old farmhouse in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  He would love to relive that area in all four seasons.  Since time is to short to be there a year, Kalista works on a way to relive all four seasons in a months' time.

As the narrative continues, they relive their shared experiences such as spring blossoms, homemade jam in the summer, a special autumn festival and a very special winter evening.

Along the way Kalista learns some valuable lessons and takes another look at what is really important in her life.

This short story looks at the enduring love between a father and daughter and the valuable bonds that family relations hold.

I found this a very touching and delightful read.

Book on Amazon

Here is a link to the short story on Amazon,  The Last Father-Daughter Dance

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Fantastic, Fabulous, Booties ~ A Product Review

 Hopefully your Christmas was wonderful and Santa brought you all kinds of wonderful gifts!  We all know you have been good!

Now if that gift happens to be a most wanted puppy, even more wonderful.  What a lovely way to share some love with a new family member!

With sharing the love, you will also want to share some really important healthy ways to look after your new best friend.

If you live in the north, as many of us do, winter is part of Christmas and with that there is snow as well.  But if you live in the South, there is hot pavement and  mud puddles!

So this product is for all of you, northerners and southerners as well.  All dogs and puppies deserve fabulous booties!

Most dogs love playing in the snow and it's wonderful to see them running through all that white stuff, digging their noses in and  yes, even turning some of that white stuff a little yellow.  

So far everything is great in the north, but, then comes the salt that is poured all over the sidewalks and streets!  Yes, most humans love salted sidewalks and roadways, but our pooch friends are not so overjoyed.  Why?  Well, let's just say that the salt gets on their paws and between their toes.  The salt water dries out their paws and if not removed from their little feet, it will become a source of pain for them.

So what can you do?  

Get that little new friend used to putting on his booties just like you do before heading out into the snow!

Snow boots or doggie boots/paw protectors, are great for many reasons!  In the winter it keeps their paws dry and salt free!  In the spring and summer, it keeps their feet dry in rainy weather.  Summertime heatwaves won't cook their feet on the hot pavement either.  Muddy puddles and muddy feet are a thing of the past.  

Doggie Boots/Paw Protectors, come in several sizes for all types of dogs.  Most good brands have non-slip soles so that your dog will be able to find his traction on any surface.  Velcro closures will ensure a good fit and help to keep those booties on their feet until they are home again.  

I have linked a page for you here and you can see that most of the booties are quite easy to put on and take off.  There are even more advanced "Suspender booties" for those dogs who manage to get out of almost everything.  

Once you dog is trained to wear these booties, they will want to wear them.  Their paws will not suffer any ill effects of being in the salted areas and the comfort will be worth the time it takes to train your dog.  

Now if you have gotten your dog as a puppy, it will  just become part of his training as you get to know each other.  Older dogs might take a little longer.  But you will be happy that part of your daily walk does not include washing your dog's feet afterwards.  With the booties, they just come off, like your shoes do.

Fido will need a special place on the boot mat for his new winter shoes. Paw protectors/booties are great gifts for the new family member and for you as well.

May you enjoy the new year with your newest family member and have lots of fun in the snow!

  

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.”

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Reviewing The Benefits of Exercise Bands

 

We recently bought these Resistance Exercise Bands with five levels of resistance. We do have a few exercise  items such as a Pilates reformer, Body blade and Rebounder and we love them all. However we wanted something quick, affordable, very light and portable to take away with us so we can still do some beneficial exercise.

Exercise bands look so simple, like oversized elastic bands.  They are in fact thick stretchy bands of different colours which correlate to the different strengths. They work using your own bodyweight to stretch the bands in a controlled way to provide muscle resistance. 

These bands are available in different levels of resistance depending on which brand you buy, ours come in five levels , others may have three. They usually start at a light level and move up through medium bands to strong or heavy. 

 If you are new to any exercise or starting again after a period of rest or illness or you just want something quick to do these are very simple to use and versatile. The main driver for me is that I have suffered an ankle injury and so many of the exercises I am used to doing are a bit problematic for me right now. So in order to keep my body active while I heal, we decided on these exercise bands.

 I would suggest that you consult your doctor or physiotherapist if you have any conditions, allergies to materials (such as latex), illness or injury before you start and use the easiest, most gentle band first. 

 

Requirements For Using Resistance Bands.

The only room you need to store these resistance bands is to keep a few lightweight bands in a small bag. 

The only room you need to use them is the size of your own body plus room to stretch out a little. Stretchy exercise bands make exercise when there is little room easy.

You can use in any room in the house or even in the garden or on holiday! They’re perfect for exercise at home and they are amongst some of the most inexpensive exercise equipment available. 

You don't need any special clothing, just something you can move in. You can use them sitting, standing or lying down depending on the exercise and your ability.

They are very quiet to use so suitable if you don't like noise, have a baby in the house or someone who needs peace and quiet. You can even use them while watching Tv or listening to music.

No travel required! You do not need to travel to a gym and can use them just when you have a few minutes or to incorporate into a whole exercise routine. 

For fitness we can use them on their own or alongside other exercise like pilates, yoga, weights, and cardio exercise.

Resistance Levels

The resistance on these bands increases as you stretch the band so the muscle works though the entire stretch and importantly at your pace. 

They are usually graded from light to heavy or strong and we should start with light and move up as we feel it is suitable. 

We can use these bands to strengthen arms, legs, back and shoulders and the core also gets a workout which is good for the whole body. 

Use the resistance that suits you, whatever stage of fitness or recovery you are at currently. Start on the lightest band if you are unsure or new to exercise or injured. 

Resistance Bands Are Gentle On Joints

The resistance bands resistance is due to the stretch on the band itself, there is no reliance on gravity like weights. So we can make the movements smoother and gentle and to our tolerance which is kinder to our joints. 

Although there are exercises you can do lying down in the floor, if that is difficult then we can just do the seated or standing exercises. It is still good effective exercise and very valuable. 

This makes them helpful for anyone recovering from injury with Dr or physio permission, people unused to exercise,  older adults and anyone who may have stiffness.

Exercise Bands May Help Improve Balance And Stability

This becomes increasingly important as we age. Many band exercises involve slow, controlled movements. This helps strengthen the smaller stabilising muscles that keep us balanced and steady. 

With consistent use this can help to improve our balance which is the key to avoiding falls and posture which is crucial for stability and overall body health. 

They help with coordination and general confidence and the feel good factor.

As my ankle has been hurting I first started with the arm exercises simply holding the band between my hands and above my head and moving them gently apart and together. I tend to do 3 sets of 10 -15 reps. I thought this was easy and that I wouldn't feel the benefit, but I did! 

A later one I tried was slipping the band under both feet sitting down and with one hand gently stretching the band towards me up to knee level or higher. It was a surprisingly really good strengthening exercise for my arms. 

So while I am currently concentrating on my upper body while my ankle heals and doing the specialised physio exercises for that, my husband is concentrating on exercises to improve balance. An example is the one where you put the band around your ankles and gently move one foot to the other side while keeping the other foot stationary. 

Resistance Bands Suit Every Fitness Level

If you are a complete beginner to exercise the bands are easy to use and you can begin with very gentle stretches on the lowest band strength.

 If you are used to exercise these bands can be used for strength training with the heavier band stretches. You can also use them to improve control and flexibility. 

Resistance Bands Make Exercise Feel Accessible And Achievable

Many of us have great ideas and good intentions for exercising but sometimes it seems intimidating, especially if we are unfit  or injured, time poor or new to exercise. 

If we need to travel or make arrangements for child or carer care it can start to feel like a chore.

These bands have allowed me to continue doing some exercise without stressing my ankle or travelling out in the freezing cold weather, which is a huge emotional and physical benefit to me.

There are exercises you can do sitting or standing or lying down and  different levels of resistance, so whatever our tolerance for activity there are exercises most of us can do with these bands. 

Complicated set ups or having to travel to exercise can be a barrier to many of us.  However these bands are easy with no complex instructions and we can pick them up for a few minutes at a time so great for people who are time poor. Even five to ten minutes with these bands makes you feel like you have done something good for your body and that is encouraging and motivating. 

I often pick them up to do a few exercises just when i have a few minutes or even while watching TV or listening to music. I don't need to change clothes if I don't want to in order to do many of the exercises. I don't need 30 or 60 minutes to exercise, just 5 mins here and there if that is all I have available.  

These exercise bands are so small and easy to carry they are perfect for taking away on holiday, business trips or visiting family and friends so we can keep up with some exercise even if away from home. 

Financially these resistance exercise bands are amongst the most affordable pieces of exercise equipment. 

I find I need that now, to do a little exercise every day. You could even just take one single band with you  and that would be enough to give you a good exercise routine for a while.

 Here are a selection to choose from.

 Exercise bands Fit SimplifyCheck Price Professional resistance bandsCheck Price Tribe resistance bandsCheck Price

Exercise and caring for our body ought to be easy and accessible. These Exercise bands show that improving our fitness doesn’t have to mean complicated routines or machinery or huge financial commitment.

I love our other exercise machines and would not be without them for all manner of reasons, but they were more expensive and some needed more set up time and room to store and use.

If you are looking to improve your balance and strength in a easy way with something that takes up little room and is quiet and effective, these resistance bands may be what you need.

More Reviews

Read More Reviews By Raintree Annie

Read More Product Reviews on ReviewThisProducts.com

The Benefits Of Rebounder For Health And Fitness Reviewed

The Benefits Of Bodyblade For Health And Fitness Reviewed

Reviewing The Benefits of Exercise Bands By Raintree Annie

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Slow It Down: The Lyrics That Began with a Simple Question

 

A New Year’s Moment That Sparked a Song

The spark for Slow It Down came at the very first moment of 2026. On New Year’s Eve, just after the midnight bell had rung, I was celebrating with my husband and my youngest adult son. It was one of those quiet, joyful moments — hugs, laughter, and the soft feeling of a new year opening its arms.

In that moment, my son asked me a simple question: “So, what’s your New Year’s resolution?”

I paused. I smiled. And I answered honestly. I told him I didn’t have a resolution in the traditional sense. What I shared instead was what I now call my anti-resolution — my plan to live in every second, every minute, every hour, and every day… and to slow it down.

Saying those words out loud felt different. They landed in a way I didn’t expect.

When Words Turn into a Spark

Almost immediately after I said it, I thought to myself, “Hmm… slow it down. I think I could write lyrics about that.”
The phrase stayed with me. It lingered long after the night ended, quietly echoing in my thoughts.

Sometimes inspiration doesn’t arrive with a loud announcement. Sometimes it just waits patiently for you to notice it.

New Year’s Morning: Where the Lyrics Took Shape

The next morning — January 1st, 2026, the very first day of the year — I found myself curled up in bed, relaxed and unhurried. The world felt still. There was no rush to be anywhere, no pressure to begin immediately. Just space.

That’s when the inspiration fully arrived.

Lying there, I felt deeply compelled to put those words down before they slipped away. I let myself stay in that quiet moment, allowing the thoughts to unfold naturally. Within about an hour and a half, the lyrics to Slow It Down were written — a song born not from urgency, but from presence.

What “Slow It Down” Really Means

This song isn’t about stopping your life, abandoning your goals, or letting your dreams fade. It’s not about doing less — it’s about being more present while you do what matters to you.

Slow It Down is about how we move through our days as we create, build, work, love, and dream. It’s about enjoying the process instead of racing toward the outcome. It’s about noticing the moments that often pass too quickly — the quiet ones, the meaningful ones, the ones that shape us without us even realizing it.

Life is short. And the beauty of it doesn’t live in the finish lines — it lives in the seconds, the pauses, the reflections, and the breaths we take along the way.

An Invitation to Live Differently This Year

Slow It Down is my invitation — not just for a new year, but for any moment when life feels rushed or overwhelming. It’s a reminder that renewal doesn’t always come from doing more. Sometimes it comes from simply being where you are, fully and intentionally.

Wherever you are in your journey — whether you’re creating something new, nurturing relationships, or quietly rebuilding — I hope this song encourages you to savor the moments that make up your days.

Slow it down.
Soak it in.
Let life meet you where you are.

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50 Years of My Poems and Lyrics are on Amazon, Where Available.

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The Story Lyrics About Four Generations and Sticker Shock!

I wrote the lyrics to "When Crazy Was King" in the 1990s, when I was challenging myself to write story-driven songs that didn't depend on personal confessions or emotional backstories.

A Song Born from Sticker Shock and Storytelling

Even back then, in the 1990s, the cost of living felt steep, and prices were beginning to climb in ways that made everyone shake their head. That sense of disbelief across generations became the spark for the song—but my goal wasn't to write a memoir; it was to write a narrative propelled by voices, memory, and perspective.

Of course, even when we try not to write about ourselves, parts of who we are find their way in. Inflation and how each generation reacts to it became the backdrop. It's something we all feel—whether we're buying our first home, filling our gas tank, or scratching our head at the price of shoes. 

The frustration is universal and sometimes humorous, and I wanted to capture it through the voices of four generations in my own family line.

So "When Crazy Was King" began as a project—but became a reflection. A wink to the past, a raised eyebrow to the present, and a nod to how little truly changes in how we feel about money and the world around us.

Four Generations, Four Perspectives, One Constant: "It Never Used to Be Like This"

Even though the song isn't about my life in a literal way, the voices I used are unmistakably familiar. 

My grandfather, my mother, I, and one of my sons form the arc of the story—not to describe our lives in detail, but to highlight how each era has viewed money and progress with a mix of "wtf", disbelief, and resignation.

My grandfather's voice represents that earlier generation who really watched prices shift in a way that felt explosive. His version of shock is rooted in memory—what things cost when he was young, how far a dollar stretched, how much effort it took to "get ahead."

My mother's perspective picks up the same refrain—life could feel expensive even then, long before today's costs crept in and swallowed whole paychecks. She didn't hesitate to warn me that the world was "half gone crazy," passing along equal parts caution, encouragement, and expectation.

And then there's me, passing along that same guidance to my own son. Except by the time he enters the picture, even my jaw drops—and he's there to remind me that the world has moved again, that what seems shocking to me is merely standard to him.

Smiles, Sighs, and What We Pass Along

In the end, When Crazy Was King isn't just a song about prices or inflation—it's a story about perspective, memory, and the way each generation measures the world. 

It's a reminder that what feels overwhelming or absurd today has echoes in the past, and that the voices guiding us—whether from grandparents, parents, or children—carry wisdom, humor, and a touch of disbelief. 

Writing it reminded me that even as the world keeps changing, some truths remain the same: we navigate life as best we can, we pass along what we've learned, and we can still look back with both a smile and a sigh at the days when "crazy" ruled.

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50 Years of My Poems and Lyrics are on Amazon, Where Available.

SUBSCRIBE to DragedaPoemsLyrics on YouTube

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.”

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