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  • Sudden Weight Gain in Perimenopause: Balance Hormones For Weight Loss.

    That Stubborn Perimenopause Sudden Weight Gain!

    Perimenopause weight gain

    If you are experiencing sudden perimenopause weight gain, you are not alone. Perhaps you haven’t even realized that you are in perimenopause yet, but you suspect it. 

    Either way, if you are over the age of 35-ish and have experienced unexpected and rather sudden and maybe significant weight gain, this post will help you. 

    If you are also having problems getting that perimenopause sudden weight gain to come OFF, this post and future posts will help you with tips and best practices as well. 

    Tune in to learn more from my own personal experience and always remember, this is simply my personal advice. I always urge you to consult a DOCTOR as you’ll see below and in all my posts about hormones and such. What works for me might not necessarily work for you so take my advice as a starting point.

    The most important thing is to DO SOMETHING not just ignore your symptoms and give up which is what sadly, a lot of women do! Don’t do that!

    What is Perimenopause?

    sudden weight gain perimenopause

    Perimenopause, often referred to as the transitional phase leading up to menopause, typically begins in a woman’s 40s, although it can start earlier or later for some individuals. Please note, it’s actually quite common for women to experience perimenopause as early as early 30’s and as late as late 40’s early 50’s. There are NO rules!

    During this period, the ovaries gradually reduce their production of estrogen and progesterone, leading to irregular menstrual cycles and various physical and emotional symptoms. One common symptom experienced by many women during perimenopause is sudden weight gain, particularly around the abdomen. This is the best part about changing hormones! NOT!

    This weight gain can be attributed to hormonal fluctuations, specifically the decline in estrogen levels, which can affect your metabolism and where you store fat in your body. 

    Additionally, perimenopause often coincides with a decrease in muscle mass and an increase in visceral fat, further contributing to weight gain and changes in body composition. Understanding these hormonal changes and their impact on metabolism is crucial for effectively managing weight during perimenopause.

    Why is it important to focus on balancing hormones and managing insulin resistance during perimenopause?

    Ladies….let’s talk about the perimenopause rollercoaster, shall we? And it will feel like a rollercoaster and sadly, not a ride that is as short as a rollercoaster ride. We WISH!!

    Trust me, I’ve been there—feeling like your body’s suddenly decided to play tricks on you, the worst kind, especially with that ANNOYING AF weight gain. But here’s the scoop: balancing your hormones and getting a grip on insulin resistance can be game-changers. Seriously, once I got into the groove of tweaking my lifestyle and embracing some holistic hacks, things started to click. I mean, a major shift. In every area. Sleep, mood, energy, libido and yes, weight loss.

    It’s like my body finally got the memo and decided to cooperate! Balancing those hormones not only helped me kick those stubborn pounds to the curb but also made me feel like I could conquer anything.

    Let’s not forget about managing insulin resistance. I have learned most recently that this is probably the single most important part of hormonal balance to address particularly for weight loss—it’s like giving your body a high-five for keeping those blood sugar levels in check. More people have insulin resistance than we realize– the data suggests that nearly 1 out of 3 people have this situation and most are unaware!

    So, to all my fellow perimenopause warriors out there, hang in there! It’s a harrowing and frustrating journey, but with a bit of patience, support, and a whole lot of girl power, we’ve got this! Trust me.

    Understanding Hormonal Balance

    perimenopause sudden weight gain

    So let’s tackle this hormone business. Hormonal imbalance is an overwhelming problem to figure out.

    I get it, it can feel like a total puzzle at times, but trust me, once you crack the code, everything starts to fall into place. Balancing your hormones is like giving your body a much-needed tune-up.

    Think of it as getting all the gears working together smoothly. When your hormones are in sync, your metabolism kicks into high gear, making it easier to shed those stubborn pounds.

    I’m a strong advocate for Bio-Identical Hormonal Replacement Treatment, but also with the complementary use of natural and holistic approaches at home.

    I found that focusing on natural hormone balance, through things like nutritious foods, regular exercise, and stress-reducing activities like yoga or meditation, made a world of difference.

    So, don’t stress if it feels overwhelming at first—we’ve all been there—but with a little patience and some trial and error, you’ll find what works for you. And you really have to get comfortable with the trial and error part of this. A lot of hormone balance comes with tweaking and testing, so learn to be “patient with the process”. It’s so worth it. 

    Importance of Insulin Sensitivity

    sudden weight gain in perimenopause

    Next up, let’s talk about insulin sensitivity. Trust me, I used to roll my eyes at anything with the word ‘insulin’ in it too, but hear me out.

    This little hormone plays a HUGE role in whether you’re storing fat or burning it for fuel.

    When your body becomes resistant to insulin, it’s like slamming the brakes on your metabolism. But don’t worry, there are ways to turn things around.

    I found that focusing on foods that keep my blood sugar stable—like lean proteins, healthy fats and plenty of veggies—really made a difference. And let’s not forget about exercise! Even just a brisk walk can help improve insulin sensitivity. So, if you’re feeling frustrated about not seeing results, take a closer look at your insulin levels. You might be surprised at the difference it can make. Again, I do urge you to get your bloodwork done by a good functional medicine doc so you can see where your insulin resistance situation IS and then consider a low-carb/keto approach to eating — don’t be intimidated by it!! You can do it!!

    Importance of Hormone Balance During Perimenopause

    Let’s dive into why hormone balance is so crucial during perimenopause. Your hormones are like the conductors of a symphony, orchestrating everything from your mood to your libido to your metabolism. 

    During perimenopause, these little maestros can sometimes go a bit off-key, leading to all sorts of unwanted symptoms. Say hello to exhaustion, moodiness, no sex drive, skin problems and weight gain! Good times. 

    But fear not, because getting those hormones back in harmony can make all the difference. When your hormones are balanced, your body functions more efficiently, making it easier to manage your weight and feel like your vibrant self again.

    Natural Ways to Balance Hormones

    gaining weight suddenly perimenopause

    Okay, let’s talk about natural ways to get those hormones back in line. I’m a big believer in applying both natural approaches and what my functional medicine doctor prescribes.

    There are 2 mistakes I see women making in this area and both are dead ends. 

    The first mistake is ignoring the changes happening to them and thinking it might just go away or resolve itself in time. 

    The second sin is resorting to asking advice of their friends on Facebook- that’s right, asking medical advice about balancing hormones, from friends they barely know with no medical training, on Facebook. 

    I see it over and over and over again. DON’T DO THAT. Treat your body and your future with respect and listen to me when I say: your future decades can be far more enjoyable than you think!! 

    Balancing hormones TAKES TIME. Don’t wait. Start today. 

    Once you balance your hormones, your entire world can change and thus your future! It is worth investing time and what funds you can afford to to improve your health in this area!

    Trust me! 

    Learn More About Hormonal Balance, Insulin Resistance and Losing Weight.

    If you read this post and find yourself ready to get serious and learn more and dive deeper into these topics and move ahead, I’ve got you covered. 

    Check out these posts, podcasts and videos to start learning more- and feel free to leave any questions you have in the comments below. I’m happy to help in any way I can. 

    VIDEO: How I finally beat hormonal weight gain: CLICK HERE

    BLOG: Why Bio-Identical Hormonal Replacement Therapy is a Fantastic Solution for Women Age 40+ CLICK HERE.

    How to Balance Hormones to Lose WeightCLICK HERE.  

    VIDEO: 5 Mistakes You’re Making When Trying to Balance Your HormonesCLICK HERE.

     Should you work out if you have adrenal fatigue? CLICK HERE

    Grab my FREE Keto Kwik Start Guide CLICK HERE

    Snag my KETO COOKBOOK with over 50 low-carb keto friendly recipes that helped me lose over 36 inches and 34lbs! CLICK HERE! Just $9.95! 

    And my Online Keto Bootcamp is a video taught course that teaches you how to do KETO the right way- my way- which lets you eat more carbs (!!!) and you’ll lose weight enjoying delicious meals without stressing about DUMB rules! Get started today for just $35.95CLICK HERE

     

    AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER

    Note: this blog contains affiliate links that allow you to find the items mentioned in this post and support this channel at no cost to you. While this channel may earn minimal sums when a viewer uses the links provided, the view is in NO WAY obligated to use these links. Thank you for your support.

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  • Easy Keto Dinner Recipes: Delicious Low Carb Meals in Under 30 Minutes.

    Delicious & Easy Keto Dinner Recipes

    EASY KETO DINNER IDEAS

    Are you starting the keto diet and looking for easy keto dinner recipes that won’t take too long to make but also will satisfy your taste buds?

    One of the top questions I repeatedly hear from followers and clients is, “I know keto and low-carb will help me lose weight, but I don’t know what to eat! Can you share some recipes or meal ideas?

    I’ve got you covered. In this blog post I will be sharing some easy mix-and-match keto dinner recipes and a several tasty recipes that will tempt your tummy. I’ve been eating keto/low-carb for close to 2 1/2 years now and it really can be very satisfying once you understand the options and how to get creative. 

    That said, let’s keep it real in here. Life is a rollercoaster and we are ALL looking for extra time, so finding the margin to cook up some healthy keto goodness while juggling work, family, and everything else can be a serious challenge.

    But guess what? If you’re a fierce woman in your 30s or 40s, looking to drop some pounds and own that fit life, I’ve got your back!

    Welcome to the fabulous lineup of “Easy Keto Dinner Recipes Under 30 Minutes.” I get that you want to savor mouthwatering low-carb delights that not only keep you in line with your weight loss goals but also let you reclaim those precious minutes previously spent slaving away in the kitchen.

    In this blog post, I’m sharing keto recipes that’ll tickle your taste buds and have you crushing your fitness goals like the boss that you are.

    What Are the Benefits of the KETO Diet?

    benefits of the keto diet

    You might be hesitant to go keto. I get it, so was I, before I ended up losing 36 inches and 34LBS and doing it easier than I’d ever done before, when it came to losing weight. A LOT of women I speak with have had bad experiences previously with keto where they tell me “I was doing keto but not losing weight”– if that sounds l like you, I encourage you to read THIS POST where I talk about “this is why you aren’t losing weight on keto”. I think it will provide some great insight. 


    For NOW, let’s talk about keto, shall we? This is most definitely not your ordinary diet – it’s a game-changer for us over 30 females and once you hit those perimenopause and menopause years, it can be even more impactful. The keto diet flips the script by pushing your body into ketosis, where it torches fat for energy instead of carbs. And the perks? Aside from shedding stubborn pounds, you’ll be strutting around with an extra pep in your step, laser-sharp focus, and those blood sugar levels? They’ll be singing your praises.

    It’s something I’ll be talking a lot about more in future posts, the link between insulin resistance and weight loss and how the keto/low-carb approach works so well to help with fat loss for those of us suffering from insulin resistance

    Our swift and easy keto dinners are here to serve up these benefits on a silver platter, minus the fuss. Get ready to slay those fitness goals without breaking a sweat! 

     

    Your Keto Grocery List

    In the first part of this post, I’m going to share what I consider to be super-basic easy “mix and match” recipes– meaning these are salads, bowls and plates with interchangeable parts that all will work on my version of the keto diet. (If you are wondering what I mean by my version, I’m a bit more flexible on keto than a lot of others and yet I also don’t “allow” for some truly dumb keto STUFF like the rigid keto-ers out there do…..this is all what I teach in my online 5-Day Keto Bootcamp course-– because I found that most people really don’t GET how to DO keto and they get wrapped up in rules that don’t matter and give up too soon because they think they aren’t “allowed” to have this or that. My way of keto works- it did for me and for countless other women I’ve coached who have lost weight.) If you keep most of these staple products in your home and watch your portion sizes on the carbs (DUH) and ideally, practice intermittent fasting with this way of eating….you should be able to enjoy a healthy weight loss like I did and others. (Please note this is not a medical guarantee or claim)

    plant based

    Staple Grocery Store Items to Buy For Low-Carb Cooking:

    1. Ground Beef, Ground Turkey, Ground Lamb
    2. Pastured Eggs
    3. Bacon
    4. Salmon
    5. Chicken Thighs
    6. Chicken Wings
    7. Turkey Burgers
    8. Breakfast Sausage
    9. Sour cream
    10. Salsa
    11. Gluten Free Tortillas 
    12. Cucumber, Red Onion, Red/Green Peppers, Green Onion, Jalapeno, Your fav lettuce, grape tomatoes, avocado
    13. Feta Cheese, Mexican Cheese Mix (shredded)
    14. Black Olives (sliced, in can) 
    15. Jasmine Rice (yes rice!)
    16. Cauliflower Rice 
    17. Cilantro

    So, here is where the Mix & Match part comes in and this is the more informal part of this post. I’m sharing with you this Mix & Match Bowls and Plates concept so you can find it even EASIER and more stress-free to make DELICIOUS TASTING low-carb keto friendly meals– fast and delightfully easy. When I say “Bowl” I’m talking about creating a fantastic flavorful combination of layers in a – wait for it- bowl, where you typically layer the bottom with rice/cauliflower rice (depending on where your macros/carbs are for that day, hopefully you have left yourself a good amount so you can enjoy some rice etc.) then start adding things like cooked or raw veggies, cheese, protein and other toppings like cilantro or olives or sour cream etc. With a PLATE, I’m referring to something where you are combining maybe more simple versions of foods– say for example, some great cooked chicken thighs with cauliflower rice and a big side of grilled vegetables topped with parmesan cheese served with a side salad. (Hungry yet?) That’s a PLATE for me. When I make a BOWL I intend to chop it all up and mix all the ingredients up together whereas with a plate it’s eaten more like a regular dinner serving. NO rules though. 

    Some ideas and combos to consider:

    1. Greek Lamb Bowl: Cauliflower Rice in the bottom of a bowl, topped with seasoned cooked ground lamb and spinach, topped with feta cheese, olives, diced mint, oregano, diced grape tomatoes and tzatziki sauce.
    2. Greek Chicken Bowl: Same as above but make with cooked chicken thighs- see how that works? Bam.  
    3. Spicy Salmon Bowl: chunks of spicy salmon cooked in the air fryer served on top of jasmine rice or cauliflower rice (dealer’s choice!) with a vegetable “salsa” of: avocado/cucumber/jalapeno/feta/pickled onion topped with spicy sriracha mayo. We make this weekly. 
    4. Fish Tacos: Get your favorite fish- we use Tilapia a lot for this, cook in pan- option to use blackening seasoning– this takes like 3-4 minutes to cook up 4-5 filets. Easy. Cook your gluten free tortillas and prep: pico de gallo (we buy pre-made from grocery) cilantro chopped and chopped lettuce or cabbage then spicy mayo (sriracha plus mayo). Create your tacos with simply: tortilla + spicy mayo inside then add fish, cabbage, option to add cheese, then add cilantro (a must) and lime juice. Absolutely divine. You can make with salmon too, 😉
    5. Start thinking how you can take these recipes and mix them up: you can make a fish taco BOWL. You can make a bowl out of anything. Just line the bowl with rice, add a ton of veggies, grilled or sauteed, then your favorite seasoned well protein, add some fresh herbs and maybe top with a dressing — drizzle with a spicy mayo or guac or hummus. The combos are endless. Do you see all the possibilities??

    By the way, if you are reading this far and are like, “WAIT WHAT I am confused…how can I eat rice on keto? How can I eat tomatoes or cheese or sour cream? My friend said you “can’t eat that on keto”— well, here’s the deal.

    Everything I’m sharing here is what I ate on keto to lose weight and it’s “my version” of keto that my doctor put me on (so higher carbs per day than that 20g per day that’s wayyyyy too hard for most people to stick to and not necessary for weight loss).

    If you want to feel more comfortable understanding how to do keto, I have an online video taught course, my 5-day Keto Bootcamp (HINT: it won’t take you 5 days I promise!) – and it’s just $35.95. Snag it, watch the video tutorials and you’ll feel on top of the keto world. Happy to help. 

    More Easy Keto Dinner Recipes to Try

    SIMPLE KETO DINNER RECIPES

    Quick Keto Chicken Stir Fry Dinner

    Ingredients:

    2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
    2 tablespoons of olive oil
    1 cup of broccoli, chopping off hard stalks
    1 cup of bell pepper strips, pick your fav color
    1/2 cup of sliced mushrooms
    2 cloves of garlic, minced
    2 tablespoons of soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a keto-friendly alternative) You can also buy gluten free soy sauce which is what we use regularly.
    1 teaspoon of ginger paste
    Salt and pepper to taste
    Fresh cilantro for garnish + Fresh chopped Peanuts (optional)

    Cauliflower Rice or Jasmine Rice


    Instructions:

    Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
    Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
    When the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook until they are no longer pink in the center. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set to the side.
    In the same skillet, add minced garlic, ginger paste, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for a few minutes until the mushrooms are tender.
    Add the broccoli florets and bell pepper strips to the skillet and stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until they become slightly tender.
    Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, pour in the soy sauce (or coconut aminos), and stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring everything is well-coated and heated through.
    Serve your quick keto chicken stir-fry hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired. Option to serve on top of cauliflower rice or jasmine rice, just watch your portion/carb count. 

    Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce.

    It’s amazing to me how many people don’t realize that you can eat FISH on keto. We eat a ton of salmon and it’s sooo good for you!! Look at this easy as pie recipe…..I’d make a plate of this with cauliflower rice or jasmine rice and some steamed broccoli or asparagus topped with real butter. AMEN. Seconds please.

    Ingredients:

    2 salmon fillets
    1 TBS olive oil
    Salt and pepper to taste
    1 lemon, sliced
    2 TBS of fresh dill, chopped
    2 TBS of mayonnaise (keto-friendly)
    1 clove of garlic, minced
    Instructions:

    Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

    Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle olive oil over the fillets and season with salt and pepper.
    Top each salmon fillet with lemon slices and half of the chopped fresh dill.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
    While the salmon is baking, prepare the lemon-dill sauce by mixing mayonnaise, minced garlic, and the remaining dill in a small bowl.
    Serve the cooked salmon hot, drizzled with the lemon-dill sauce.

    Chicken Breasts Stuffed with Feta & Spinach

    Ingredients:

    2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts OR try making this with chicken thighs
    1 cup of fresh spinach leaves
    1 cup of crumbled feta cheese
    1 TBS of olive oil
    Salt and pepper to taste

    Oregano, Garlic Salt

    Toothpicks (for securing the chicken)
    Instructions:

    Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
    Lay the chicken breasts flat on a cutting board. Carefully slice a pocket into each chicken breast horizontally, being careful not to cut through.
    Season the inside of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, oregano, garlic salt (to taste).
    Stuff each chicken breast with fresh spinach leaves and crumbled feta cheese.
    Use toothpicks to secure the opening of the chicken breasts.
    Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
    Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
    Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
    Remove the toothpicks and serve your spinach and feta stuffed chicken breasts hot. Serve on a plate with a huge salad or with grilled veggies like zucchini or asparagus. Also can be served with a serving of rice- watch serving size. 

    Simple keto dinners

    Hopefully this post has convinced you of how easy it can be to whip up some delicious and diverse keto meals. I’m telling you- my husband and I cook at least 50-70% of the week and I’d estimate that no meals take longer than 30 minutes to prepare….maybe the longest was 40 minutes max!! And that might be the first time we made a new recipe. Once you get how great some of these flavors taste together, I’m certain you’ll find yourself like us, mixing and matching and coming up with new combos. I love the “bowl” concept. So easy and also great for making a portion for one person and for using up leftovers! Lastly- I’d be remiss here if I didn’t do a soft plug for my Keto Cookbook which includes well over 50 more low-carb keto-friendly recipes like this for breakfast lunch and dinner- it’s just $9.95 and you can snag it here. Like I said, there are recipes in this book my husband and I are still making every week- and then the new recipes we become obsessed with– well, when I decide they are worthy, we add new recipes on a quarterly basis– and you’ll get those all for FREE! 😉 GRAB YOURS TODAY my friend!

    BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!

    But Wait Theres More

    If you enjoyed this post, I’m guessing you’ll like checking out these blog posts, podcasts, videos and more: Blog: The Top 10 Keto Myths Debunked: CLICK HERE. VIDEO: What I Eat On Keto: CLICK HERE. Blog: My Keto Transformation Story: CLICK HERE. Podcast: How to Lose Weight After Age 40: CLICK HERE.  

    I hope you enjoyed this post– I’d love to hear what recipes and meal ideas you tried and of course, if you have any questions, leave them in the comments for me! I’m happy to help!

    AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER

    Note: this blog contains affiliate links that allow you to find the items mentioned in this post and support this channel at no cost to you. While this channel may earn minimal sums when a viewer uses the links provided, the view is in NO WAY obligated to use these links. Thank you for your support.

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  • 30 GREAT Books to Read in 2024: My Top 30 Favorite Books!

    Want Some New Books To Read in 2024? Check Out This List of Some of My All Time Favorites.

    My Top 50 Favorite Books For 2024

    If you love to read and are looking for some good books to read in 2024, I’ve got you covered. I always love finding new authors– and this blog post will feature 30 of my all time favorite great books for you to read in 2024. Then you’ve got some new authors you can become addicted to and do what I do, start reading ALL OF THEIR BOOKS. And I share some of my tips at the end of this post for how I use Amazon to find new books and authors and how I use my Wish List feature to keep a running list. Are you a bookaholic like me? You came to the right place! Dive in and check out this list of my top 30 favorite good books for 2024– please note– I INTENTIONALLY made sure to feature (mostly) the non best-seller, everyone knows about, everyone is reading, everyone is talking about books. I intentionally featured books that may not be something that was just published in the last year– but it doesn’t matter, the stories are timeless and some are even more historical, so it’s all good. At the end, I’ll also share some of my favorite “everyone loves them” authors that I didn’t feature, in case you are one of the few that maybe haven’t hopped on that train yet, you can start today. Note- each photo of the book you can click on and be taken directly to Amazon to buy or add to your wish list, but I also linked it below the photo as well. Please see my affiliate disclosure at the bottom of this post. 

    My Top 30 Favorite Books I Think You'll LOVE

    books to read in 2024

    A Woman of Intelligence by Karin Tanabe

    Bought this in an airport. Read the whole thing in one flight. That good. Get the book

    I could not be more obsessed with Beatriz Williams as an author. LITERALLY amazed with how she writes books that go BACK IN TIME and weave that story with present day or almost present day and then her OTHER BOOKS feature those characters too at different times in their lives!! it’s insane!! BUY ALL HER BOOKS!!!

    Angelina's Bachelors by Brian O'Reilly

    Bittersweet by Miranda Beverly Whittemore

    This is a mystery that will suck you in and keep you hooked. For reals. Get the book

    Empty Mansions by Bill Dedman

    This book will BLOW YOUR MIND!!!! You think it’s fiction but it’s true and it like a Dateline NBC episode but combined with Downton Abbey. You gotta read it!! Crazy!

    Life by the Cup by Zhena Muzyka

    This is one of the most heartwarming, feel-good, charming, sweet books you can pick up. It’s a true story of a very down and out single mom and how she picks herself up and starts a tea business but really struggles along the way– and she shares the life lessons she learns. I use this almost like a daily reading situation– I’ve gone back and read it again and again. Great gift. 

    Mary Queen of Scots by Margaret George

    If you are a history buff like me, this book will enthrall you. Margaret George has also written great books on Cleopatra and King Henry, well worth reading, among others. BIG books so grab a big cup of coffee and get snuggled in!

    My Not So Perfect Life by Sophie Kinsella

    I MOSTLY love Sophie Kinsella’s earlier books but this one is one of her more recent publications and she did fantastic again. She’s written soo many fantastic “chick lit” books you can stay happy reading for a long time. 

    Recipe For Disaster by Stacey Ballis

    These books by Stacey Ballis are themed around bakeries and cooking and I love that. So if you are a foodie like me you’ll love the theme. That’s also what you’ll see in Barbara O’Neal’s books and The Lost Art Of Mixing featured below. I’m a foodie who also worked in restaurants for years so there you go. 😉 

    Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton

    OMG. I cannot express how much I LOVE this book and every book written by this author!! Love the historical weaving in and out and back and forth from past to present…..she reminds me a bit of Beatriz Williams who I LOVE. Highly recommend all her books. 

    Silver Girl by Elin Hilderbrand

    The Address by Fiona Davis

    The Garden of Happy Endings by Barbara O'Neal

    The Lost Art of Mixing by Erica Bauermeister

    The Forgotten Room by Karen White Beatriz Williams

    WHENEVER these ladies do a collaboration IT IS AMAZING!! This book was a can’t-put-down page turner. Just love it. Treat yourself. 

    The Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll

    The New Yorkers by Cathleen Schine

    The Night She Disappeared by Lisa Jewell

    The Night The Lights Went Out by Karen White

    The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen

    The Perfect Neighbors by Sarah Pekkanen

    The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend

    Tigers in Red Weather by Liza Klaussmann

    I remember buying this book in Target one shopping trip and wondering if it would be good. It was!! Fantastic– totally unique and a trip back in time but really addicting characters as well. 

    Titans by Leila Meacham

    This is a book written by an author in Texas if I’m correct and it feels regional in nature but it was sooo addicting!!! it’s a huge read– but I loved it – seemed like something that should be made into a mini-series. Very very good. 

    Under The Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes

    If you think that seeing the movie of this book is all you need, YOU ARE WRONG. I could not stomach the movie. I stopped watching after abou 10 minutes it was so bad– the book is wonderful and is far more of “life lessons” to me than the typical Hollywood watered down movie they made of it. Get the book — it’s heartwarming and charming. Wonderful gift too.

    Reputation by Sarah Vaughn

    Reputation by Sarah Vaughn

    I’ve become obsessed with Ruth Ware and “The IT Girl” was no exception. Seriously, if you wnat page turner mysteries, she is the ONE. I read ALL HER BOOKS! When Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen team up, anytime…what they create is always good. I’ve read all their creations…..again, it’s a can’t put down, gotta finish NOW kind of thing!!! THE GOLDEN COUPLE won’t disappoint. Katherine Faulkner is a new author and I really liked this first book of hers that I read. In fact I’m adding others of hers to my wish list now. (TIP: that’s what I do when I find an author I like, because no way I can remember all these names, I follow the author on Amazon and then add several of their books to my wish list. Then when I’m ready to treat myself to a book, I go to my 25 page wish list and pick some out. This way I don’t forget the author I discovered at some airport bookstore. ) Greenwich Park is a chilling mystery I highly recommend! And Reputation by Sarah Vaughn is very unique — a mystery/thriller that will keep you guessing and her writing style is different, I like it. She’s newer — to me and I think in general and I can’t wait to read more from her. Highly recommend her first 2 books. 

    Where'd You Go Bernadette by Maria Semple

    I enjoyed this book FAR more than I thought I would, in fact once I started…I literally could not put it down! I watched the movie too, which I thought was good but not fantastic. What I loved about the book is how it’s not a predictable read- not a predictable story. 

    Yes I Love Bestsellers Too.

    my most recommended books for 2024

    I told you that for this post I’d be sharing more “off the beaten path” good books to read for 2024 recommendations. That’s because if I shared a list of all the books WE’VE ALL HEARD OF (probably) you’d get here and be like OH GREAT THANKS Kelly O for wasting my time. I don’t know about you but I love new discoveries- kind of like shopping at Home Goods am i right? oh lord. But I do want to share some of the LIKELY you-may-know-and-love these authors already as well. If you love historical fiction like me, I cannot get enough of Philippa Gregory . I’m reading The Constant Princess as we speak. The Devil Wears Prada? Of course. I love a lot of books by Lauren Weisberger. I also love pretty much any book by Lianne Moriarty like Big Little Lies etc. but I think the world is on to her. So these are some of the DUH authors and books I didn’t feature.  I’d love to hear what books you ended up snagging at Amazon and reading and loving…..and I’d REALLY LOVE it if you left a comment with YOUR favorite book recommendations! I’ll do a follow up post with everyone’s recommendations…that would be totally amazing as a round-up- talk about possible diversity. Bring it on! Don’t be shy! 

    BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!

    But Wait Theres More

    If you enjoyed this post, you might very well enjoy taking a peek at some of these other posts, podcast episodes and videos. VIDEO: How to Beat Hormonal Weight Gain. CLICK HERE. VIDEO: Why You’re Not Losing Weight On KetoCLICK HERE. BLOG: My Top 50 Can’t Live Without Purchases From 2023!CLICK HERE. Podcast: How to Stop OVERTHINKING Everything In Your Life: CLICK HERE. Grab my FREE Keto Kwik Start Guide here!! YUM– pick up my Keto Cookbook with over 50 Low Carb Recipes that I still make on the daily and that helped me lose 36 inches and 34LBS!! Just $9.95 CLICK HERE

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