Make goals, not resolutions

As 2018 comes to a close, a majority of us take the time to reflect on the past year. All the obstacles that laid before us. All the laughter and the tears. The heartache, the sorrows, the joy, and the love. Usually this follows a sentiment that is "I'm gonna do better in the new year." As nice as that thought is, I always feel it is unrealistic. 

2018 was a hard year for my husband and myself. We lost his father in February. We lost friends. I had to switch jobs. It was a struggle. Through it all, I never lost faith. God was going to get us through the dark times and He did. My husband and I grew closer. We tightened our inner circle. We were blessed to have each other and a select handful of people that had our backs. 

And I vowed to get healthier. In 2017, I was overweight, had high blood pressure, was borderline diabetic, had back and knee problems, and lacked energy. Since starting on keto, which I have talked about twice here, all that has changed. I have lost a total of 82 pounds. My blood pressure is back to normal. I haven't had any back spasms in a year. My mood and mental focus has gotten better. I'm no longer on the diabetic scale. I will expound more upon this in a later blog. 

My weight wasn't the only thing that changed. My anxiety improved. I started to take more control of things. No longer did I sit around waiting on things to improve. I did them. And I felt so much better for it. 

I'm gonna get off my soap box here but leave you with this: For 2019, don't set resolutions. Those get broken extremely quickly. Make goals for what you want to accomplish in this new year. Want to lose weight? Make a plan. Have a book idea bubbling up in the back of your head? Sit down and carve out time for you to begin. Stop making excuses. Take action. May you be blessed with love and happiness in 2019. 

Take care.

Book sale!

I hope everyone is having a fun summer. I turn 36 on August 8th but I decided instead of presents this year, I wanted to give a gift for sci-fi lovers out there. All my books, including the recently released Past Reflections, is on sale this week for $.99! Find your newest addiction, beginning with Mirror Image if you prefer YA series or with Winter's Kiss, if you want a more adult tale.

1st book in my YA sci-fi romance series. Madison Mackenzie Rhodes has a comfortable life with a daily routine. When her life is disrupted by an unexpected stranger, she learns there is nothing typical. Her entire world is turned upside down when she finds out that she is a clone, created to hide the secret that we are not alone in this galaxy. Her counterpart, going by the nickname Mack, works for the Intergalactic Security Commission, which works with a coalition of other planets that protect each other and create technology. As if that wasn’t enough, she can’t stop thinking about John Brooks, one of Mack’s teammates. When an enemy rises from within the ISC that targets both Maddie and Mack, they must work together to save their lives as well as the planet.

With everything changing, and now with her heart involved, saving the world might be the easiest part of it all. Amazon  or download for free at Barnes and Noble

2nd book in the Mirror series. It’s been two years since Maddie discovered the truth of her origins. No longer living the ‘comfortable life’ she has become a valued member of the Intergalactic Security Commission surpassing all expectations. Life isn’t easy as the ISC struggles under new leadership. Adding to the adjustment, the new leadership uncovers details that shake Mack and Maddie to their core.

Amid the chaos of what has become, Mack, Maddie and their team are sent off world on a mission that eventually fails, as they narrowly escape with their lives. En route to home their most trusted ally, the Isgurd, delivers more bad news. The team is left with the knowledge that the ISC never existed and the option to repair damage done by the time altering Synth.

Returning to 1965 is the easiest decision they face. Amazon or Barnes and Noble

Final book in the trilogy. The ISC’s most dangerous foe, the Synth, is threatening Earth.

Mack, Maddie, and their team scramble to come up with a plan to defeat them once and for all. As the planet’s safety is in jeopardy, the team will have to put it all on the line, or give their lives in the process.

When the dust settles the world will stand together in support of those who are lost. Amazon or Barnes and Noble


A Mirrors Beginning chronicles the characters start at the ISC. Book one, John Brooks, and book two Seth and Logan Brooks Coming soon: Jackson Gray

1st book in my exciting new SFR series. Amethyst is a secret team of genetically enhanced humans which is Earth’s greatest defensive weapon. Leading the team of super soldiers is Ember Wilson, a tough woman with a huge chip on her shoulder. The team gets their name from the after effect of the Genesis Project which turned their eyes and even their blood purple.

For decades, Earth has been ravaged by unpredictable weather which began to cause crops to fail. Most of the planet’s food sources have deteriorated. Dr. Clayton Rudo has proclaimed he has the means to save the soil. He has created a weather machine to regulate and help replenish. But Ember knew the truth. He didn’t want to save the planet. He wanted to control it. Amethyst destroyed the machine, but was placed in stasis. Two years later, Rudo recreated the device and has frozen Washington, DC and the west coast of the United States.

General Tom Blanchard brought Amethyst out of stasis to work with an elite Air Force team, led by Major Liam Ross. Tensions between Ember and Liam rise as they butt heads. Can they work together before Earth is completely under ice? Amazon or download for free at Barnes and Noble

 2nd in the Amethyst Chronicles. Ember lost it all when she lost Amethyst.

Now, as she recovers physically she must come to terms with her new reality. The struggle to find herself again will push those who care the most away even the men who love her.

In time, an opportunity to recreate her transformation presents itself. Will she risk herself to find what she had? Is it worth her team? Her heart?... Amazon or Barnes and Noble

The most recent addition to the series! An accident sent Ember Wilson one thousand years into the past!

Amethyst was on a mission to recover a time travel device when it accidentally turned on and sent Ember back to the year 2017. She comes face-to-face with the ISC legends who shaped the future: Dr. Maddie Brooks, Dr. Mack Rhodes, and their families. Ember was expecting to lay low and get to know the men and women she has idolized since she was a child. However, destiny has other plans. While trying to figure out how to get Ember home, the team learn she is the only one who can protect a heavily pregnant Maddie from a threat. Shawn Silvers, the leader of Caeruleus team from Ember’s time has also traveled with plans on changing the future.

For so long, she has kept her heart out of her missions, except this time it might not be possible. The more time Ember spends with the legendary group, the more she feels connected with them. Especially with Logan Brooks, the handsome, enigmatic warrior who is as fascinated with her as she is with him. Her new goal is clear: protect Maddie from Silvers and return to 3018. However, how much of her heart is she willing to leave behind when she goes home, if she returns at all? Amazon or Barnes and Noble

If you enjoy any of these, please leave a review!

Also, I will be re-releasing a contemporary romance, Color of Dreams, within a few weeks!

Weight loss sale!

Yes, I did title this blog entry correctly. I have documented my weight loss on the keto diet several times here. Well, I am currently nine pounds away from my goal weight and I have exactly 30 days to do it. To celebrate, I am trimming the prices on my Mirror series! The entire trilogy is on sale for $.99 on Amazon and Barnes and Noble one week only.

Madison Mackenzie Rhodes has a comfortable life with a daily routine. When her life is disrupted by an unexpected stranger, she learns there is nothing typical. Her entire world is turned upside down when she finds out that she is a clone, created to hide the secret that we are not alone in this galaxy. Her counterpart, going by the nickname Mack, works for the Intergalactic Security Commission, which works with a coalition of other planets that protect each other and create technology. As if that wasn’t enough, she can’t stop thinking about John Brooks, one of Mack’s teammates. When an enemy rises from within the ISC that targets both Maddie and Mack, they must work together to save their lives as well as the planet.

With everything changing, and now with her heart involved, saving the world might be the easiest part of it all.

Click the links to get it at Amazon & Barnes and Noble

  It’s been two years since Maddie discovered the truth of her origins. No longer living the ‘comfortable life’ she has become a valued member of the Intergalactic Security Commission surpassing all expectations. Life isn’t easy as the ISC struggles under new leadership. Adding to the adjustment, the new leadership uncovers details that shake Mack and Maddie to their core.

Amid the chaos of what has become, Mack, Maddie and their team are sent off world on a mission that eventually fails, as they narrowly escape with their lives. En route to home their most trusted ally, the Isgurd, delivers more bad news. The team is left with the knowledge that the ISC never existed and the option to repair damage done by the time altering Synth.

Returning to 1965 is the easiest decision they face.

Click the links to get it at Amazon & Barnes and Noble.

The ISC’s most dangerous foe, the Synth, is threatening Earth.

Mack, Maddie, and their team scramble to come up with a plan to defeat them once and for all. As the planet’s safety is in jeopardy, the team will have to put it all on the line, or give their lives in the process.

When the dust settles the world will stand together in support of those who are lost.







Click the link to get it at Amazon & Barnes and Noble.

Don't forget the Mirrors Beginning short stories about how the team joined the ISC is always $.99! I hope you enjoy and please leave a review.

Amethyst Chronicles: Past Reflections

Ember Wilson is now face to face with history. 

1000 years before Ember is born, Madison Brooks needed a protector. The day her daughter is born, that protector proves that time travel is no accident, at least in their case.

Ember Wilson has come a long way to live in a moment of her own history. Unexpectedly, she will face one of the hardest choices anyone can face. Can she leave her heart behind when she goes home to the future?

Logan Brooks is a broken-hearted man, until an unexpected arrival changes that. When he looks into her purple eyes there is no question he found a kindred soul, but will he be able to let her go when the time comes?

Time is of the essence as the Protector, the Warrior, and the Scientist race against an attack from the future. Can they protect what should be from those who want to change everything? Only time will tell.

Amethyst Chronicles: Past Reflections is now available! Get it this weekend for only $.99 at Barnes and Noble at Amazon or at Kobo

Also this weekend get the first book in this novella series, Amethyst Chronicles: Winter's Kiss for FREE at Barnes and Noble

Keto checking in

I wrote a post in February detailing a little about my new lifestyle change with doing a keto diet. I started on January 22nd at 240 pounds. Had some ups and downs with figuring things out, plus I paused the diet when I was in Pittsburgh in February.

This was me probably at my heaviest during the summer of 2017.

I was having a lot of health problems. My asthma was horrible. Seems like I would wheeze just sitting in my recliner. My back and right shoulder was hurting all the time. I was sluggish, had no energy, no desire to do even the usual basic tasks. My self esteem was pretty low. I wanted to lose weight but it felt like a mountain on top of my chest.








As mentioned in my last post, a friend started on keto and I saw the changes in her. Figured, what the hell. I could give it a shot. 240 pounds. My goal is to be 180 pounds by my 36th birthday in August. Could I really lose 60 pounds in eight months? Seems manageable, right?


This is me today. 41 pounds lighter! I feel so much better. I haven't had an asthma attack in months. My energy level is up. My flexibility has greatly improved. No back or shoulder pain. Went from wearing sizes 24 or 3xl to buying a size 18 dress and needing to wear a belt with any pants because the size 22 I have is too big. The feeling I get when I have to wear pants that tie because they fit better is outstanding.

And I don't crave the carbs! Now sweets have been a little difficult for me but there are substitutes. Probably my main complaint is that I can't just go and grab something easily when I'm at work for a snack like I used to. Usually it's almonds or a Slim Jim. Who really needs a candy bar anyway?

Today's scale is a beautiful sight. I had been stuck at 200 pounds for a few days. Still feeling good, even noticing a little difference in my body even without seeing it on the scale. This morning was different. This morning was victory. I had finally broken free from the 200. Tomorrow's scale my not be as victorious because it's National Donut Day but today, it's glorious. So was that donut, if I'm being honest. No regrets.

Some tips I have discovered along the way. There's no such thing as having too much cheese. When I get a sugar craving, I make some keto whipped cream: One cup heavy whipping cream, one teaspoon vanilla, and one tablespoon sweetener of choice. Poured over some blackberries and it's a great treat. A handful of almonds goes a long way when you're hungry. Make sure you drink plenty of water. Dollar Tree has a really good sugar free syrup I have used to make milkshakes.

I'll add a few of my favorite recipes at the bottom.

 Keto is not just a low carb diet. Keto is a high fat diet. You also have to be mindful of sugars that will impact your insulin levels. The list on the graphic should be a guide to help you as you look at food labels. I pretty much steer clear from any substitutes other than Erythritol, Stevia, Swerve, or monk fruit. KetoDiet Blog has a great post that really breaks it down. Hope this helps!



























As promised, here are a few of my favorite recipes: Keto fathead pizza pockets This is a great lunch.
Creamsicle Jello Another one of my favorite sweet treats
Laurie's low carb meatloaf I know I shared this on my last post but it's worth sharing again
Bacon cheeseburger casserole This recipe makes a lot. We easily got three meals out of it, but it's soo good!
Bacon cheddar chicken The cream cheese really adds something here
Spinach stuffed chicken Definitely a house fav

Check out my Pinterest for more recipes.

Hope you enjoyed my update. Please feel free to drop me a line if you have any questions or comments.

I'll have news regarding the release date for the third book in the Amethyst Chronicles series coming soon! Stay tuned.

Lifestyle changes *updated*

I recently am attempting a lifestyle change. It wasn't in a 'new year, new me!' vein, but I just wanted to get healthier. I was tired all the time and growing tired of feeling tired all the time. All I wanted to do was eat sweets and snacks. My husband told me if I kept it up, I was going to become diabetic. He's probably right. A friend turned me on to Keto diet. I've been on it for a few weeks and can already start to see body changes. My energy level has gone up. I can't say how much weight I've lost as I don't have any means of weighing myself but I'm not looking for a number. I'm judging by how I feel. I've been asked by a few friends about my lifestyle change (because it's not a diet, let's be honest) so I thought I would write up some tips and give a few recipes.

What is keto? Keto or ketogenic diet is a low carb diet targeted to turn your body into a fat-burning machine. Diet Doctor has been one of my favorite resources so far. Highly recommend the site. Also Keto Dash is great too. Keto has been proven for weight loss and even recommended for diabetics. It has been known to increase mental focus, energy, lower blood sugar, help with cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as weight loss. I have a friend who says her skin has never been clearer since she went on keto!

On average, it's best to keep your carb count to under 20-30 g a day to get optimal results. Obviously the lower the better. Also be careful with protein. Moderate protein is key. Avoid protein bars that can be high in sugars anyway. Ideally, you want 5% carbs (or lower!), 20% protein, and 75% fats.

Make sure you keep count! Keep track on your total carbs and net carbs. Net carbs are your total daily carb intake minus total fiber (and don't quote me, but I think sugar alcohols as well). Make sure you are measuring your servings too. Just because you can eat almonds doesn't mean you need to eat the whole can in one sitting. I use an app called MyFitnessPal

You want to keep your carbohydrates limited, coming mostly from vegetables, nuts, and dairy. Don’t eat any refined carbohydrates such as wheat (bread, pasta, cereals), starch (potatoes, beans, legumes) or fruit. The small exceptions to this are avocado, star fruit, and berries which can be consumed in moderation.

Do Not Eat

• Grains – wheat, corn, rice, cereal, etc.
• Sugar – honey, agave, maple syrup, etc.
• Fruit – apples, bananas, oranges, etc.
• Tubers – potato, yams, etc.

Do Eat

• Meats – fish, beef, lamb, poultry, eggs, etc.
• Leafy Greens – spinach, kale, etc.
• Above ground vegetables – broccoli, cauliflower, etc.
• High Fat Dairy – hard cheeses, high fat cream, butter, etc.
• Nuts and seeds – macadamias, walnuts, sunflower seeds, etc.
• Avocado and berries – raspberries, blackberries, and other low glycemic impact berries
• Sweeteners – stevia, erythritol, monk fruit, and other low-carb sweeteners >
• Other fats – coconut oil, high-fat salad dressing, saturated fats, etc.

It's actually been easy for me, mostly. I get to eat things like bacon, eggs, and cheese! Not eating so much processed foods either. Health Line is another fantastic resource that helps break down what to eat and what to avoid. There is a Facebook post that even breaks down what you can eat at several fast food places! Rule.me has been invaluable to me as well.

Giving up bread hasn't been too hard for me. Potatoes have been the hardest, but there are alternatives available. BUTTER IS YOUR FRIEND! I cook a lot with butter and coconut oil instead of vegetable oil.

Think you have to give up pizza? NOPE! There are TONS of inventive keto pizza recipes! My favorite has been fathead pizza.

Miss meatloaf? Try this. It's been my favorite meatloaf recipe I've tried. Period. And yes, that even beats my mac and cheese stuffed one.

There are tons of keto bread recipes too. I have tried a few and liked them, but my husband says it just makes him miss 'real' bread so I stopped. He does like a low carb flat bread we've found at Wal-mart that helps him feel like he's eating a 'real' sandwich and doesn't miss it as much. I'm also trying this low carb Tortilla recipe soon.

You don't have to give up caffeine! Regular coffee is actually highly recommended, just avoid adding lots of sugar and cream. Water is the best thing to drink on keto. If you find it difficult to drink water all day, try adding half of a fresh lemon or some keto-friendly fruits (raspberries are a go-to for me especially in the mornings). Be careful of diet sodas. Often the sweeteners used to make it are worse than regular sugars. Diet Doctor breaks it down very well.

I am going to try intermittent fasting. Read about that here. Click here to read about supplements that will help.

Visit my Pinterest page for tons of recipes which I update quite frequently.

Above all, HAVE FUN with it. Make bacon taco shells. Fry up broccoli in butter (it's SO good!) Make a pizza where meat is the crust. The less like a 'diet' you make it, the more likely you'll stick to it.

Please hit me up if you have any questions!