Now that RUBY'S LETTERS is out and my upcoming release LOVE EMERGENCY (book one in my small town romance series) is in the hands of my proofreader I've found myself with some spare time. That's kinda weird for me.

Most of my time is either taken up by my family, my husband's business or my writing. I'm making great progress with the second book in the small town series, ANGELS IN SEASHORE COVE, but every once in a while I like to take a break, relax, let me eyes refocus. So what do I do?

1. Cook: I'll wait while those who know me regain consciousness. All better? Okay, good. Ever since I started the LCHF (low carb, high fat) WOE (way of eating) I've tried to find new and creative ways to make meals interesting. Without the fillers of pasta, bread, potatoes and rice, there are only so many ways you can cook a chicken or steak without wanting to "accidentally" drop it on the floor and proclaim, "Oh, look, honey, dinner is ruined! I guess we have to go out!" It worked a few times. Hubby quickly caught on. I can no longer get away with blaming gravity for my inability to grasp dinner plates.

Happily, I've found some wonderful recipes that are not only healthy, but delicious! And no more wanting to drop plates...accidentally.

For those who want an awesome dessert, I highly recommend this low-carb cheesecake recipe. It's yummy with the almond pie crust or without. If you want a chocolate fix, just add 2 TBL of unsweetened cocoa to the cream cheese in the above linked recipe and Viola'! You've got yourself a sinfully good dessert that's not at all sinful.

2. Hidden Object Games: I've mentioned this in blogs and articles I've written before, but it really is a great way to just let my mind go off on its own while I search out all those pesky items in these computer games. If you've never played one you should a) be forewarned, they are addictive and b) start with Mystery Case Files: Madam Fate from Big Fish Games. Yes, they cost money (although, you can play them for an hour for free) but, for me, they're well worth it. You can also get a timed version on your tablet for free.

3. Clean the House: Now before you start judging, read this previous blog post. It's long, so grab a cup of tea first :)

Back? So now you see why cleaning the house--or being able to--is a huge deal for me. I still don't love housework, but I do it with flair now. Because I can. Because I want to.

4. Read: (like it needed to be said:) There were a few years where I didn't read as much as I wanted to. Now that I don't have to take afternoon naps anymore, I've found the time to turn off the "critique partner/writer" part of my brain and just enjoy being a reader.

So that's what I do in my spare time. I don't get a lot of it, with my muse, my kids and my husband constantly whispering in my ear, so when I have the precious few moments that are just for me, I use them wisely.

What do you like to do in your free time? Share in the comments below:)

Until next time, my friends, eat healthy and happy writing!

~Maggie