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.