The Jeffersons: My Everyday Go-To

The Jeffersons have become my everyday uniform. They’re lightweight, cushioned, and incredibly easy to clean, which is basically all I need in a shoe right now. A quick wipe after a muddy walk or dusty playground stop, and they look brand new again. I wear them everywhere—school drop-offs, errands, coffee runs, even evening family walks. They don’t pinch, rub, or make me think twice. They’re just reliable, comfortable shoes that let me get on with my day.

The Miles: My Husband’s Favorite

My husband isn’t usually one to care about shoes, but he’s particular about comfort. The Miles slip-ons totally won him over. He wears them with chinos to work, then pairs them with shorts on the weekend. When we traveled last month, they were his main shoe because they’re easy to slip on and off at airport security and comfortable enough for long days exploring. Seeing him reach for them first every morning makes me smile—it’s rare he’s this excited about shoes!

The Slides: The Family Essential

Then there are the slides—our household MVPs. These live by the door and get used constantly. I slip them on to grab the mail, water the plants, or head to the gym. My husband wears them after a run, and even my kiddo loves sliding into them to head out to the backyard. They’re the definition of practical, but somehow they still look pulled together.

Why They Work for Us

What really seals the deal is how seamlessly these shoes fit into our everyday life. They’re not fussy, they’re versatile, and they make getting out the door faster. Plus, Native’s focus on sustainability is a huge win for me. Their materials are eco-friendly, and I love knowing that when we’re done with them, we can send them back to be recycled into playground flooring and other projects. It feels good knowing we’re choosing a brand that actually thinks about the planet, too.

Why We’ll Keep Reaching for Them

Between the Jeffersons, the Miles, and the slides, everyone has found their perfect fit. They’re comfortable, easy to wear, easy to clean, and sustainable. Honestly, I can’t think of another shoe brand that checks all those boxes so well. Whether we’re running errands, heading out for family walks, or traveling, these shoes have become a go-to for every part of our day.

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The post Why Our Whole Family is Living in Native Shoes appeared first on a Happy Healthy Home.

Spring is in the air and I can’t wait to get together with friends & family. I don’t know about you, but this time of year I forget how much fluids I should be drinking. I’m usually running around like a crazy woman, getting the yard ready for spring, decluttering the house, and planning summer road trips! Before you know it, it’s 5 pm and I’ve barely had any water.

What about you? Be honest. Are you drinking enough water?⁣

Did you know your body is about 70% water, and drinking enough water is a key component to your overall health?! So how do you drink half your body weight in ounces?⁣

A New Way to Love Your Water⁣

We’re big water drinkers, but sometimes you just want something more. We recently discovered Bigelow® Botanicals cold-water infusions.⁣ This botanical-infused water is not only hydrating and refreshing, it’s a great alternative to water. It’s easy, convenient, and the portability makes it great for on-the-go moments. All you need is a water bottle.

Click on the image below to purchase Bigelow® Botanicals​.​

You can order online or purchase in-store. I shopped at our local Albertsons for the Bigelow® Botanicals Watermelon Cucumber Mint and Strawberry Lemon Orange Blossom.

Bigelow®​ Tea is our #1 choice when it comes to tea. From the foil packaging for freshness to having quality tea & ingredients! Plus, it’s been family-owned for three generations as well. Pretty amazing. And manufactured right here in the US.

5 Tips to Drinking More Water Through the Day⁣

• Bigelow® BotanicalsBlackberry Raspberry Hibiscus
• Bigelow® Botanicals Blueberry Citrus Basil
• Bigelow® Botanicals Cranberry Lime Honeysuckle
• Bigelow® Botanicals Strawberry Lemon Orange Blossom
• Bigelow® Botanicals Watermelon Cucumber Mint

Hopefully, these simple tips will help boost your daily water intake and find a new way to love your water!

The post Staying Hydrated Through the Seasons appeared first on a Happy Healthy Home.

I’m often asked what’s in my giant gym bag. My answer is always, “ALL THE THINGS.” However, the most important item is the snacks. Gang, I don’t leave home without a snack ever. Typically, I grab a protein bar because they are super easy and convenient. I also keep a variety of protein bars on hand because variety is the spice of life. You should see my protein bar selection between the fridge and pantry. 

In my defense, every bar has a purpose. For instance, higher protein, lower fat, and moderate carbs. Then there are days I want higher fat and lower carbs. You get my drift. Recently I started keeping a few sugar-free snack bars such as Good Measure Bars and Quest Nutrition Bars that are made with DOLCIA PRIMA^® Allulose on hand.

WHAT IS ALLULOSE?

Allulose is a non-artificial sweetening ingredient that provides the taste & texture of sugar without the calories. It is a rare sugar that can be found in small amounts in raisins & figs.

Allulose naturally exists in very small quantities, but Tate & Lyle has worked hard to make allulose more widely available.

For consumers seeking products with reduced sugar & calories, Allulose provides both and has a similar taste and texture as sugar.

Visit here to find more sweet treats made with Dolcia Prima Allulose, or follow the Dolcia Prima Allulose Facebook page here.

CURIOUS HOW IT MAY IMPACT YOUR DIET:

For Keto and Paleo diets: ​Allulose is an acceptable sweetener that provides a sweet taste and does not raise blood glucose or insulin levels.

For diabetic-conscious diets​: Allulose is not included in sugars, but in the carbohydrates; it should not be counted toward carbohydrates that impact blood sugar levels.

Now you know that I don’t leave home without all the snacks. Because snack queen for life. Let’s talk about what’s in that giant bag!

WHAT’S IN MY GYM BAG?

1. Protein Bar(s) like Good Measure or Quest Nutrition Bars
2. Lifting shoes + an extra pair of Nano’s
3. Jump rope + an extra rope
4. All the tape
5. Chalk
6. Extra clothes
7. Knee sleeves, wrist guards, etc.
8. Mobility stuff
9. Hand sanitizer
10. Toiletry bag 

I’m sure that I’m overlooking a few things, but typically that is what’s in my bag at any given time. I’ve found it’s easier to keep everything in one place. I also love that my GYM bag is a backpack but opens like a duffle for easy access.

This season of life is a great time and opportunity to refocus on what we’re putting in our bodies. Whether you’re buying protein bars as a quick afternoon snack or for fuel after your workout, the sugar-free Good Measure Bars and Quest Nutrition Bars are a great option. They also make great stocking stuffers for that special person in your life trying to slay their goals!

What’s in your GYM bag? 

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While the season looks a little different than last year, there are few things that haven’t changed. I am still eating delicious veggie wraps, enjoying a cold Michelob ULTRA®, and working toward all my fitness goals (and you know I have a lot!). Gang, you’ve heard me say it before, but for the folks in the back who need to hear it again: life is all about balance. Michelob ULTRA is brewed for those who live life to the fullest, and those that live a healthy and happy life. Click here for possible savings in your area.

Creating a balance has always been the name of the game. Michelob ULTRA plays a part in living life to the fullest. The kind of life that’s filled with friends, fitness, and of course FUN! They’re one of the few brands with one foot in your active life and one foot in your social life. These low-carb beers make it possible to have fun while watching the game, without tackling your diet to the ground.

I got all my fresh ingredients to make these light, crunchy, and flavorful veggie wraps at my local Kroger. And be sure to keep an eye out for refreshing Michelob ULTRA Beers at your local supermarket and many other retailers. Click here for possible savings in your area.

SUMMER CHICKEN & VEGGIE WRAPS

Makes 4 Wraps

Ingredients 

• 8 oz grilled chicken tenders, sliced (vegetarian sub: tofu, tempeh or black beans)
• 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice 
• 8 tbsp cilantro lime dressing
• ½ yellow bell pepper, sliced, sauteed
• ½ red onion, sauteed
• 1 cup spring mix
• 4 Spinach Garden Wrap
• Optional: Avocado, hummus, or  tomatoes

Let’s assemble

Evenly divide sauteed bell pepper + onions, spring mix, quinoa/brown rice, and chicken between four large spinach tortillas.

Pro tip: Less is more. Remember you have you roll it into a wrap

Drizzle 2 tbsp of the cilantro-lime dressing into each wrap before rolling them up. Carefully tuck in the sides of each wrap as your roll until ingredients are secured inside. You can secure everything together with a toothpick before cutting in half. Serve with extra cilantro lime dressing! Makes 4-8 serving, 1/2 burrito per person.

The post The Best Chicken & Veggie Wraps appeared first on a Happy Healthy Home.

Like many of you, I’m going through my cabinet and trying to use up what I have on hand. It’s like the world is shelf cooking! Right now, it’s gluten-free flour. While we don’t follow a gluten-free diet, I like that GF flour gives the bread a cake-like texture.

I love adding nuts, chocolate, or fruit to baked goods. It adds a nice little something. The secret ingredient in this bread is cranberries! The occasional tart bite is extremely satisfying. Cranberries aren’t just for Thanksgiving! Yup, you can find Cape Cod Select in the freezer section all year long. You might want to try adding cranberries to smoothies, crisps, or salads.

FUN FACT: Cranberries are primarily made up of carbs and fiber. They also boast several vitamins and minerals, including manganese, copper, and vitamins C, E, and K1. Keep in mind that cranberry juice has almost no fiber.

healthline.com

If you have cranberries on hand, this zucchini bread a great way to use them up! You could always make muffins too! Otherwise, swap for chocolate chips or dried fruit.

Zucchini Cranberry Nut Bread (GF)

Ingredients
190g Gluten-free flour – All-Purpose works too!
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
120ml avocado oil
150g packed sugar
50g coconut sugar
15ml maple syrup or honey
1 large egg
2 tsp vanilla extract
8 oz shredded zucchini 
110g Walnuts, chopped
50g @capecodselect Cranberries (I use frozen)

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan and set aside.

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices. Set aside. Using a stand or hand mixer, combine oil, sugar, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla. Stir in zucchini.

Combined wet and dry mixtures. Fold in walnuts and cranberries.

Bake for 45-60 minutes. Baking times can vary so keep an eye on yours. Cool completely and enjoy a slice!

Store on your counter up to 4 days, in the refrigerator up to 1 week or freeze for a few months.

This post was sponsored by Cape Cod Select. All opinions are 100% my own #FrozenCranberries #YearOfTheCranberry #CapeCodSelect #SelectTheBest #FrozenFoodMonth 

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Honestly, it’s the perfect way to use those holiday leftovers while feeling like you’re getting back into a routine. Does anyone else feel like the Holidays derailed them this year? Good to know I’m not alone

With the new year and a new decade just days away, there are a ton of fitness challenges starting. But instead of joining a 6-week reboot, detox, etc. I challenge you to nourish your body with good food and learn how to meal plan.

What do I mean by meal planning? I’m talking about writing out a list and prepping meals and snacks ahead of time. Essentially, you’re setting yourself up for success. Make things readily available. I know it’s easier said than done. If you need help sign up for the Meal Plan Master Course and learn how to meal plan/prep like a boss from the pros.

For example, today’s Ham & Veggies Frittata recipe is a great breakfast option for meal prep. So what are you waiting for? Skip the detox and learn how to fuel your body through meal planning and prepping.

Ham & Veggie Frittata

Serves 4-6

Ingredients

• 2.5oz Clifty Farm Country Ham Biscuit Cut Slices, diced 
• 8 medium/larger eggs
• 149g Orange Bell Pepper, diced
• 50g Spinach
• 50g Yellow Onion, diced
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• Salt + Pepper to taste
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp coriander
• 28g cheese of choice
• green onions (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 9-inch round baking dish. I prefer to use an olive oil spray.

Heat a small saute pan at medium/low heat and spray with olive oil spray. Add minced garlic, onion and bell peppers and saute for 5 minutes. Add spinach and saute until slightly wilted. Add Clifty Farm Country Ham Biscuit Cut Slices, diced, combine and saute for an additional 3-5 minutes.

Place sauteed ham and veggies in the greased baking dish and set aside. Allow the mixture to cool for 3-5 minutes.

In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs and seasonings.

Gently pour egg mixture over the ham and veggies.

Place baking dish on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 35 minutes.

Remove from oven, sprinkle frittata with cheese and place back in the oven until melted 2-5 minutes.

Once melted, remove from oven and allow the frittata to cool slightly before topping with fresh green onions before serving.

Enjoy!

This post was sponsored by Clifty Farm. All opinions are 100% my own. #CliftyFarm, #countryham #southerncooking You can find a coupon HERE.

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Did you know there are 10 varieties of USA pears? Yeah, neither did I, even though I receive a box of pears for Christmas every year. Aside from poached pears, I’ve never baked with pears. Crazy, right? With that said, I decided to bake something quick, simple and delicious with items I had on hand.

As a result, a gluten-free Cranapple & Pear Crumble was created. It’s the perfect example of using what you have on hand and just going for it. I had cranberries in the freezer, an extra apple, lemon, and all the baking essentials.

We’re huge fans of crisps and crumbles. For instance, instead of cake for birthdays, unless it’s carrot or german chocolate cake, my hubby and I would much rather have a crumble of some sort.

Crumbles are best enjoyed morning, noon, or night. So don’t worry when it’s calling your name while pouring your morning cup of coffee. No judgment here.

For example, enjoy it at breakfast with greek yogurt or after dinner topped with ice cream. See what I did there? You’re likely thinking “what ingredients I have on hand,” and “what do I need.” Am I right?

In conclusion, if you have some pears on hand whip up a crumble this weekend.

Gluten-Free Cranapple Pear Crumble

Ingredients

Filling

• 16oz Bosc Pears (roughly 3 pears), peeled & cored
• 125g Apple (roughly 1 medium apple), peeled & cored
• 100-150g Cranberries (fresh or frozen)
• 15ml lemon juice (about half of a lemon)
• 1/2 tsp lemon zest
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 80g Florida Crystals® Organic Raw Cane Sugar
• 10g Bob’s Red Mill Corn Starch

Crumble

• 100g GF all-purpose flour (regular flour works too)
• 50g Florida Crystals® Organic Raw Cane Sugar
• 37g Florida Crystals® Organic Brown Raw Cane Sugar
• 60g The Soulfull Project Hearty Grains & Seeds Hot Cereal
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice
• 1/8 teaspoon table salt
• 113g unsalted butter (1 stick), grated

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray an 8×8 square or round baking dish.

Mix the pears, apples, cranberries, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla in the baking dish. In a separate bowl, whisk the sugar and cornstarch before adding to the fruit mixture. Toss until evenly coated and set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, sugars, oats, and spices. Once combined, add grated butter and combine using your hands or fork until large crumbs form.

Sprinkle crumble evenly over the fruit mixture. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the crumble, is a shade darker and you see juices bubbling through the crumbs.

Enjoy as-is with a side of yogurt for breakfast or vanilla ice cream after dinner.

Makes 6-8 servings

Macros for roughly 1/6 crumble 62C/17.5F/4P

Looking for other tasty holiday treats? How about a Classic Magic Bar recipe?!

This post was sponsored by USA Pears. All opinions are 100% my own. #usapears #cookingwithpears

The post Gluten-Free Cranberry, Apple & Pear Crumble appeared first on a Happy Healthy Home.

If you read my Fig Scone post, earlier this week, then you know baked goods are a household staple. I currently have another batch of oat bars in the oven. NO joke! While they will keep for up to seven days I promise they will be eaten before you hit day 3 or 4.

Pro tip: They freeze well! I suggest making a double batch for those crazy busy weeks.

Baking… it’s a science. I weigh everything. That’s right, I use a scale to weigh ingredients. This way I know my baked goods will be consistent. I also seek out quality ingredients. Why? Because food should not only taste good but be good for you! It’s more important now than ever before. You should know where your food is coming from.

With the holiday baking season upon us, there’s going to be a TON of treats! Luckily I’ve partnered with FLORIDA CRYSTALS® to bring you tasty recipes using quality organic raw sugar sourced in the good old USA! Do you know where your sugar is sourced?

Florida Crystals®, believes you deserve to know where your food comes from and precisely how it’s grown. That’s why they choose to raise the only organic raw cane sugar grown in the U.S., and to do so on their own family farms.

Florida Crystals®

Florida Crystals® offers an array of products to cover your baking needs at any time of year. You might have noticed I used their Organic Powdered Raw Cane Sugar to make a glaze for the Fig Scones! And I’ll likely use the Organic Raw Cane Sugar this weekend when I whip up a batch of cookies! Anyway, snag yourself a bag, or two, the next time you’re at the store

Now for the real reason, you’re here… Coconut Chocolate Oatmeal Bars! These bars are filled with goodness! I hope you love them too!

Coconut Chocolate Oatmeal Bars

Ingredients
106g Birch Benders Paleo Pancake/Waffle Mix
2 cups the SoulFull Project Hearty Grains & Seeds
20g BUBS Naturals Collagen Protein [c/o]
148g Florida Crystal® Organic Brown Raw Sugar Cane
1 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Baking Soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg
2 tsp Vanilla Extract
135g Ripe Banana
40g Enjoy Life Dark Chocolate Chips
10g Unsweetened Coconut Flakes

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Pour into a greased 8×8 baking dish. Bake at 350 until golden brown 20-25 minutes. Cut into 12 squares and enjoy!

Macros per 62g serving: 34C/7F/8P

What’s your favorite baked good?

PC: Second photo Courtney Aaron.

This post was sponsored by FLORIDA CRYSTALS®. All opinions are 100% my own.

The post Coconut Chocolate Oatmeal Bars appeared first on a Happy Healthy Home.

Did you know PROTEIN is an important component of every cell in the body?!

– Hair and nails are mostly made of protein.
– Your body uses protein to build and repair tissues.
– You also use protein to make enzymes, hormones, and other body chemicals.
– Protein is an important building block of bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood.

So the moral of the story is to make sure you’re consuming enough protein for your body and goals.

Cherry Banana Smoothie Bowl 

Ingredients
60 g frozen Riced Cauliflower
100g frozen banana
50g frozen dark sweet cherries
32g sunflower seed butter
32g cocoa powder
1 scoop collagen
6-7 oz Lifeway Kefir 1% low-fat plain unsweetened Kefir
10 drop Now Foods vanilla Monk Fruit liquid sweetener
1 scoop ice (optional)
toppings (i.e., hemp seeds, coconut flakes, granola, fruit, etc.)

Directions
In a high-speed blender combine cauliflower, banana, cherries, nut butter, cocoa powder, collagen, kefir, sweetener, and ice. Blend until smooth. Pour into two small bowls and top with favorite toppings.

Pro tip: Weight out the frozen and dry items the night before or during Sunday prep day. This way you’re saving time in the morning. Just dump in the ingredients, add kefir and blend! 

Strawberry Colada Smoothie 

Ingredients
8 oz strawberry 1% Lifeway Kefir
 3-4 oz unsweetened plain almond milk
60g frozen rice cauliflower
50g frozen sliced banana
0g frozen mango
50g frozen pineapple
10g shredded coconut flakes scoop ice (optional) chia seeds for topping (optional)

Directions
Blend all the ingredients in a high-speed blender until well combined. Pour into your favorite cup and top with chia seeds.

Pumpkin Chai Overnight Oats

Ingredients
40g favorite style of Oats
20h hulled Hemp Seeds
10g chia seeds
2 tbsp pumpkin puree
6 oz @lifewaykefir
 2-3 oz unsweetened almond milk
Dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, and salt
4 drops @nowfoodsofficial Chai Spice Better Stevia
1/4 tsp vanilla
Toppings: Sliced banana, granola, and @rxbarHoney Cinnamon Peanut Butter (optional)

Directions
Add ingredients to a mason jar and give them a good stir. Refrigerate overnight or for at least 2 hours.

In the morning, add additional liquid if you’d like. Once you achieve the desired consistency, top with fruit, nuts, nut butter, seeds, granola, coconut, etc. Top with sliced banana, granola and RX Honey Cinnamon Peanut Butter (optional).

Do you like kefir? What’s your favorite way to use it?

The post 3 Quick & Easy Protein Packed Breakfast Ideas appeared first on a Happy Healthy Home.

This post is sponsored by Arlo Pro 3 but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

 – Details matter: Zoom in on objects and see clearer details and colors in 2K HDR. 

– Rechargeable Batteries: Convenient and long-lasting takes the expense out of security

Did I mention how easy it was to set up? I’m talking less than an hour. Camera kits are available with 1-6 cameras in either white or black. We opted for the Arlo Pro 3 white 2-camera kit. The kit comes with everything you need to get started. When you’re ready to set everything up you download the Arlo app and you’re ready to roll in 3,2,1.

We choose to set up our cameras to capture activity around the front door and garage. However, after a few weeks, we’re rethinking our placement.  Yup, yours truly getting that angle!

Once set up we were getting alerts instantly. I quickly changed the notifications so we received alerts that were important to us. You know people, animals, and packages! 

The Arlo app stores videos for up to 30 days.

When it comes to protecting our home, we all want products that are simple, easy to use and reliable when keeping an eye on everything when we can’t. Whether it’s your kids, pets, grandparents, packages, or neighborhood, the new Arlo Pro 3 does just that. It provides you the tools to monitor your home when you can’t!


So what are you waiting for? Grab your own Arlo Pro 3 camera system in-store or online at Best Buy today! Did I mention it’s compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistance!

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