Let’s be real: January is basically the Monday of months. It rolls in all confident, promising a “new year, new me” vibe, but what it really delivers is cold mornings, crowded gyms, and that subtle judgment from the scale that clearly doesn’t understand how stressful the holidays were.

I don’t know about you, but my January goal-setting looks a lot like this:

• Eat healthier: Sure, I’ll swap one cookie for a carrot stick… or maybe two carrots if I’m feeling ambitious.
• Exercise more: I signed up for a class… never showed up. But hey, just buying the leggings counts as progress, right?
• Organize my life: Decluttered my email inbox… ignored the pile of laundry that’s been silently judging me from the corner.

And yet, even with all the “do better” energy floating around, I refuse to let January’s pressure win. Instead of trying to turn into a kale-munching, 5 a.m. yoga goddess overnight, I’m embracing the small wins: homemade soup that isn’t burnt, running three miles instead of one, and actually remembering to water my plants (looking at you, Phil).

January also comes with the fun little bonus of everyone acting like they’re suddenly experts on productivity, wellness, and meal prep. Social media is full of people who somehow already mastered the art of meal-prepping, cold showers, and journaling every single thought in perfect cursive. Meanwhile, I’m over here Googling “quick healthy breakfast ideas” and wondering why my coffee doesn’t taste like Instagram.

But here’s the thing—I’m learning to love January for what it is: a chance to reset without beating myself up when things don’t go perfectly. If my version of “new year, new me” includes leftover turkey sandwiches, cozy sweatpants, and a few extra cups of coffee, then guess what? That’s totally fine.

So, cheers to January: the month of cold toes, ambitious planners, and unapologetic sass. Let’s do this… slowly, dramatically, and maybe with a little chocolate sneaking in somewhere. If you need me, I’ll be surviving this month one tiny, messy win at a time—and honestly, that’s enough.

Hot tip: Remember, January doesn’t need perfection—it needs patience, humor, and coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.

The post New Year, Same Me (But With Fewer Cookies…Maybe) appeared first on a Happy Healthy Home.

Here are a few simple morning routines that boost energy and keep you feeling your best.

1. Hydrate Before Caffeine

It’s tempting to reach for coffee first thing, but your body has gone 7–8 hours without water. A big glass of water with lemon can wake up your digestive system, rehydrate your cells, and give you a natural energy boost before caffeine even hits your bloodstream.

2. Get Moving (Even Just 10 Minutes)

You don’t need a full workout to feel energized. A short walk, yoga flow, or quick set of bodyweight exercises can increase circulation and release endorphins. If you love structured workouts, this is the perfect time to test new gear or at-home equipment.

3. Eat a Protein-Packed Breakfast

Skipping breakfast often leads to mid-morning crashes. Instead, focus on high-protein, nutrient-dense options like Greek yogurt, overnight oats, or a protein smoothie. Adding a quality protein powder can make this even easier.

4. Practice Stillness

Whether it’s meditation, journaling, or just 5 minutes of quiet with your coffee, giving yourself space to breathe before the chaos begins helps regulate stress and improves mental clarity. Even sitting in silence in the car before school drop-off counts as self-care.

5. Plan Your Day

A simple to-do list or time block plan keeps you from feeling overwhelmed. Writing down the top three things you mustaccomplish makes it easier to focus—and crossing them off feels surprisingly energizing.

You don’t have to overhaul your lifestyle to feel better during the day. Start with one or two of these simple morning routines that boost energy and see how much of a difference it makes. Small shifts add up to big results.

The post Simple Morning Routines That Boost Energy All Day appeared first on a Happy Healthy Home.

1. Streamline Your Morning Routine

Mornings can feel chaotic, especially as the weather cools and layering becomes necessary. My solution? Pre-plan outfits and pack lunches the night before. I also swear by a simple, warm breakfast that keeps everyone fueled think overnight oats, smoothie packs, or my favorite pumpkin-spiced breakfast muffins. A smooth morning routine sets the tone for the day and saves stress for everyone.

2. Cozy, Functional Wardrobe Upgrades

Fall is the perfect season to refresh your wardrobe with pieces that are both cozy and functional. Layered leggings, long-sleeve tops, and versatile jackets make school runs, workouts, and errands effortless. Right now, I’m loving the LSKD Momentum Sports Bra and AeroFLX+ Seamless Tank for morning runs in the crisp air they keep me comfortable without sacrificing style. Investing in a few quality pieces now will save you frustration all season long.

3. Keep Your Family Fueled

With fall sports, after-school activities, and busy weekends, snacks and meals become crucial. I’m loving healthy, grab-and-go options like my Gluten-Free Chocolate Donuts or naturally sweet date-based milkshakes. They’re kid-approved, portable, and give everyone the energy they need without the sugar crash. Stocking your pantry with quick, nourishing options is a simple way to prevent chaos and cranky kids.

4. Create Cozy Corners at Home

There’s something magical about making your home feel like a retreat during the fall. Add warm blankets, candles, and layered textures to living spaces or create a small reading nook. Thrifting or shopping for unique, affordable pieces can elevate your space without breaking the bank. A cozy home doesn’t just look nice it’s a stress-reliever and a mood booster.

5. Prioritize Joy and Self-Care

Happiness often comes from the smallest acts of self-care. A morning walk, journaling before bed, or even five minutes of quiet can help you reset. Think about what fuels you and build it into your weekly rhythm—you’ll feel more energized and balanced.

Fall doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With a few strategic upgrades, cozy routines, and nourishing recipes, you can embrace the season fully—organized, fueled, and inspired.

Your Turn

Ready to make your fall easier and more enjoyable? Start with my favorite seasonal recipes, shop cozy and home essentials, and carve out small self-care moments this week. Your family and your sanity will thank you.

The post How to Stay Cozy, Organized, and Happy appeared first on a Happy Healthy Home.

Life does not slow down for anyone.

Between training runs, everyone’s schedules, work, and errands, it is easy to feel like you are running on empty. I have been there. Late nights after soccer games, grocery runs, and the endless back-and-forth of daily life can leave you drained. I ignored my own needs for a long time, thinking there was no time for me. What I learned is that when I neglect myself, everything suffers. My energy, focus, relationships, and patience all take a hit.

Self-care is deeply personal. For me, it can be laughing until my cheeks hurt with friends I have known forever. It can be a solo weekend getaway with no plan other than to do nothing. Or stepping into a red light therapy session after a long week of running and feeling my body reset. It can be a massage that untangles more than just knots in my muscles. And sometimes it is ten minutes sitting in the car in silence before the next chaos starts. That is self-care, preservation and fuel.

I have also found that self-care can be practical and joyful. Thrifting trips, for example, are more than shopping. They are an adventure, a way to find treasure while giving something new a second life. They give me calm, creativity, and accomplishment that no chaotic to-do list can match. Even small wins, like meal prepping a smoothie or a healthy snack, count.

The key is intention. Self-care does not have to be long or complicated. It just has to exist. Showing up for yourself allows you to show up for others with more presence, energy, and patience. I do not wait for the perfect moment. I take what I can: five minutes of stretching, a quiet coffee, a mindful shower, or a long walk with my dog.

Prioritizing self-care is not selfish; it is necessary. When life feels heavy, these small, intentional acts anchor us, nourish us, and remind us that we matter. Creating a life that is sustainable, joyful, and balanced is possible when you give yourself the care you deserve.

Take the First Step

Today, pick one small act of self-care. Call a friend, book that massage, sit in silence, or take your shoes off and stretch your feet after a long day. Even ten minutes matters. You will find that when you give to yourself first, everything else flows more smoothly.

For more tips on managing life without losing yourself, check out my blog on Finding Balance as a Runner Mom.

The post Why You Need to Make Self-Care a Priority appeared first on a Happy Healthy Home.

Here are six simple ways to live a more sustainable life without feeling overwhelmed.

1. Rethink Your Commute

If you can walk, bike, carpool, or take public transportation a few times a week, the environmental impact adds up quickly. Even small changes—like swapping one solo drive for a bus ride—can reduce your carbon footprint while saving money on gas and parking. Bonus: it’s built-in movement for the day.

2. Shop Secondhand First

I call this the “Thrift First Rule.” Before heading straight to big-box stores, I check local thrift shops, online marketplaces, or clothing swaps. It’s not just about saving money—it keeps items out of landfills and gives them a second life. Plus, I’ve scored some amazing finds, from kids’ sports gear to kitchen gadgets. I even sell my old clothes on eBay and Pinterest! Talk about full circle.

3. Swap Out Single-Use Plastics

Water bottles, coffee cups, grocery bags… we use more single-use plastics than we realize. Investing in a reusable water bottle, travel mug, and a few sturdy tote bags is such an easy win. Keep them in your car or by the front door so they’re always handy. I love Stasher bags!

4. Get Smarter in the Kitchen

Food waste is a huge contributor to climate change, but it’s one area we can all control. Plan out your meals, store leftovers properly, and freeze what you can’t eat right away. Composting is another simple option if your city offers a program—or try a countertop bin for kitchen scraps.

5. Choose Quality Over Quantity

Fast fashion and disposable products are tempting, but often cost more in the long run. Choosing higher-quality items—even if it’s just one versatile piece of clothing or a durable pair of shoes—means they’ll last longer and reduce waste. This mindset shift has saved me time, money, and clutter.

6. Use Less Energy at Home

Turning off lights, unplugging electronics, and swapping to LED bulbs might sound small, but they make a real difference. On hot or cold days, adjust your thermostat by just a degree or two—you’ll barely notice, but your energy bill will.

Living sustainably doesn’t mean living perfectly. It’s about progress, not perfection. The little habits you build—choosing secondhand, bringing a reusable bag, biking instead of driving—are what create lasting impact. And when you stack them together, those “small” actions turn into big change.

So, the next time you’re about to toss something in the trash or buy something new, pause and ask: Is there a more sustainable choice I can make here?

The post 6 Simple Ways to Live a More Sustainable Life appeared first on a Happy Healthy Home.

Day 1(135) / 6 Months(116) / 1 Year (120)

MY WHY
If I thought I looked good and was confident in my skin why did I start counting Macros? Simple, I wanted to perform better in the gym and if it meant dropping a few pounds then I figured why not give it a try. I had a number of friends doing it too so I thought it would be easier to go through the process with others. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would drop the weight I did.

EMBRACING THE PROCESS
In life, there are a lot of things that suck and you don’t want to do them, but you have too. That’s how I looked at the cutting phase. It straight up sucked, but I reminded myself I have to trust the process just like I approach my training. Sometimes it’s hard to trust the person you’re paying knows what they are doing, but I trusted him. We had an open line of communication and I felt like he never misled me. The cutting phase was 90% mental for me. I had to relearn how to eat all the foods I loved. I also cut out drinking (unless it’s a special occasion) because it wasn’t beneficial to my end goal.

THE 3 PHASES I EXPERIENCED COUNTING MACROS

CUTTING PHASE
When “cutting,” you are eating at a calorie deficit. Meaning you’re taking in less energy (aka food/fuel) than you’re expending. The cutting phase is also known as a deficit. It’s when you’re lowering (aka, cutting) the grams of macros you’re consuming. This usually happens on a weekly basis and can be anywhere from 2-5 grams of carbohydrates and/or fats a week.

Something that’s misunderstood about losing weight is that you have to lower your caloric intake by A LOT to see results. When in fact the  SLOW AND STEADY approach will lead to the greatest long-term success.  The goal of eating at a deficit should always be to eat as much as possible while still losing weight (i.e., all the veggies)!

We cut for nearly 15 weeks before I mentally couldn’t cut anymore. I was also happy with my results. At that point, we started to rebuild.

REBUILDING PHASE
The opposite of cutting. You’re slowing adding in more food. You’re trying to reach the “maintenance phase.” You feel amazing because you’re able to add some fun food back in, but the key is to not go crazy with those fun foods.

MAINTENANCE PHASE
The light at the end of the end of the tunnel! Eating at maintenance means you’re in ENERGY BALANCE. You’re matching calories in and calories out so that your weight remains the same!

Aside from eating more the best part about maintenance is just because you’re staying the same weight doesn’t mean your body composition isn’t changing. If you’re lifting those weights (building muscle) and being consistent with your nutrition (fueling muscle growth), you can see an incredible transformation in maintenance.

While the process might be slower when in maintenance it is happening — no doubt! The other plus to being in maintenance? Fueling for performance! To perform your best, you want to fuel your body with optimal energy. Being in a calorie deficit, while a necessary evil, might leave you feeling a tad more exhausted than usual after workouts or training. That’s why when in a cut, they say nutrition choice is important to help your body recovery better! Because food is fuel.

OVERALL THOUGHT ON COUNTING MACROS
While it was tedious, overwhelming and downright frustrating at times I freaking LOVE it. It’s the longest I’ve stuck with anything because it’s sustainable! Yes, it’s something you can work with for the rest of your life. Eventually, I’ll segway into intuitive eating, but macros gave me the foundation to do so. How? It showed me what food is actually made of and what I need to fuel my body without depriving myself of things I love. It taught me what moderation really is and that’s not a 1,200 calorie diet, meal replacements, juice cleanses, etc.

Honestly, I would recommend everyone count macros for at least a month. You would be so surprised at what you’re eating too much or little of.  Knowledge is power and food is fuel.

Working with a StrongerU coach was key to being able to eventually count on my own, increase my numbers without fear, and find food freedom.

Counting macros will only work when you are ready. You have to be honest with yourself, your numbers and your coach. Until then you’re just spinning the diet wheel. Yes, we all have off days, but consistency is key.

Do you count macros?

The post Counting Macros — One year Later appeared first on a Happy Healthy Home.

Happy Friday! Where did the week go? So obviously I didn’t wrap up any of the current 23 blog drafts and am going with a random This + That post, again. You’re welcome.

Mini shopping carts – love or hate them? Yesterday while at Trader Joe’s I let Emerson push around a mini cart for the first time. She LOVED it. I even let her pick out items to put in said mini cart. Overall, she killed it shopping and the cart only fell over once…. ooops. Here’s my take. Yes your shopping trip will take that much longer, but it entertains your kid while getting involved in everyday tasks.  It’s a win in my book. Pro Tip: Go shopping during less busy times

Beauty refresh – I recently started going through my beauty products, yes all 5 of them, and have started replacing them for better options or because they are straight up old. Yes, I’m looking at you mascara. Lucky me my sister not only introduced me to Beauty Counter, but she’s running a killer special. In the spirit of treating ourselves, she’s hosting a virtual social with a kicker. She’ll give 25% off a new lipstick with any item purchased and throw in a FREE lipstick of your choice for purchases over $100. Stock up before September 13th and get a little extra! My favorite items include the charcoal bar and mask!

Podcasts – Do you listen to podcasts? I’ve been devouring The Paleo Woman Podcast. They  talk about all things healthy and wellness not just Paleo as the title might imply. Check them out! What podcasts are you loving?

Monthly Mama Dinners – A few months ago I started attending “Mamas Dinners.” Basically it’s a group of moms who get together once a month for dinner. I knew some of the ladies prior, and made some new friends in the process. There’s roughly 10 of us and we rotate houses every month. While it’s hard to get motivated to go I always have a blast.

Quick Macro update – I’ve lost 10 pounds and haven’t lost any strength! I can not stress enough that it’s not a diet it’s a lifestyle. Nothing is off limits I just have a budget of carbs, fats and protein. This means I’m mindful of how I spend it. For example, today I’ll enjoy a piece of JOJO’s Chocolate Bark. Counting Macros has not only taught me about portion control, but that the right ratio of c/f/p helps your body process food better. Since I started counting macros my skin looks amazing, I’m not bloated, I sleep like a champ even more, have less inflammation and so much more!

Be kind to your body and it will be kind to you.

The post This + That appeared first on a Happy Healthy Home.

Happy Friday lovelies! I’ve been flying solo since Tuesday and I’m missing my people. I really don’t know what to do with myself. Luckily they’re back Sunday! I can’t wait. How am I filling my time? Basically working, working out, enjoying a clean house and thinking about all the things I should be doing. HA.

I’m ready to get back to blogging on the regular — are the there any topics you would like me to touch on?

We don’t have cable and haven’t for over 3 years! Crazy right?! But we’ve saved at least $1,000 a year because we cut cable. Think about that for a hot second. Instead we have Hulu and I’ve been addicted to Chopped the last few weeks! Bring on all the cooking shows.

Speaking of saving money I have been working on a few financial themed posts. I’m not an expert, but my husband and I are debt free (aside from our mortgage) and have been since before we met. Fun fact, neither of us had college debt or credit card debt (ever)!

I currently have 23 blog posts drafted just waiting for me to finish and hit publish. hmmm

If you’re a chocolate lover like me you need to order yourself a few bags of JOJO’s Chocolate Bark, stat! If you follow me on instagram then you know how I feel about Peanut Butter Delight — it’s A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. I should mention one bar has 10g carbs, 12g fats and 6g protein. Yup, they totally will fit into your macros.

Let’s talk about workout apparel because we all know I love wearing it as much as I love talking about it. Say hello you the newest Four Athletics Ambassador! Whoop,whoop! What does that mean? Well yours truly gets to work with an amazing apparel company and you get 15% off all your purchases when you use code TiaraWasner15. Think lulu, but affordable. More details to follow.

Lastly, macros. I get a lot of questions asking how it’s going. Well, it’s pretty amazing. I’m down almost 10 pounds! Don’t worry I eat you can ask my husband. I’m just eating the right ratio of carbs, fat and protein. Want to know what I eat check out my IG stories I share meals and snacks regularly. Two items keeping me on track include a EatSmart Precision Getfit Digital Body Fat Scale and food scale (which is currently 80% off). If you want to start counting macros you need to weigh your food, but more on that later.

OK, I think I’ve rambled enough today. Do you like these type of posts? Anyway have a great weekend and I promise I’ll wrap up those 23 drafts some time this year.

The post This + That appeared first on a Happy Healthy Home.

Hello, hello!

I’m starting to feel like a broken record, but life is straight up crazy busy. Today I have a 3 hour board meeting, followed by a client briefing, before hightailing it to Emerson’s preschool for Mother’s Day lunch and then popping over to the gym to get my workout in before open gym ends at 3 p.m. I’m exhausted just thinking about it. Throw in dropping off and picking up Emerson from school! Yup, I drop off and pick up….flexible schedule.

Anyway, I just wanted to pop in, say hey, and share a few things. See ya Monday, maybe !

+ I recently purchased these white jeans, this tee, these shoes and slip-ons! While they’re a bit pricey I REALLY want a pair of Free People ‘Mont Blanc’ Asymmetrical Sandals.

+ #Betterbeauty….I’m slowly trying various Beauty Counter products and with summer right around the corner I’m digging their sunscreen. In other news, I LOVE this Arbonne mascara. It’s natural and doesn’t flake or rub!

+ I totally binge watched Girl Boss on Netflix the last few weeks and LOVED it. Now I need to read the book.

+ The Victoria Beckham for Target line is now on sale! There are still a ton of options online!

+ I started tracking my macros again because my eating has been out of control. Curious about what I eat in a day follow along via IG stories (@tiara_wasner).

+ Becoming a mom  for the first time comes with a mixed bag of emotions. My friend recently opened up about her experience with postpartum depression. It’s raw, honest and beautifully written – Defense against the darkness.

TGIF!

The post Friday Link Love appeared first on a Happy Healthy Home.

I can’t believe I’ve been blogging for 10 years! Blogging as changed a lot since 2007. Thanks for sticking with me

Dream of retiring early? Then you’ll want to read How This 28 Year Old Retired With $2.25 Million! Pretty amazing right?! If I can retire before 50 I would be a happy camper.

After reading JP’s story I started devouring The Money Habit.

I’ve been spending hours on Zillow and Redfin looking for an investment property to flip, rent, Airbnb, etc. Which has me thinking about a new blog series.

Hulu original series… we don’t have cable and haven’t for 3 years! But that’s for another day. Anyway we subscribe to Netflix and Hulu. I’m obsessed with Hulu’s original series — The Path, Harlots and A Handmaids Tale! Binge worthy.

We currently have a first generation Apple TV and it’s on its way out. So you could say we’re in the market for a new device. While we love our Apple TV we’re considering a Roku 4 4400R 4K UHD Streaming Media Player (on sale $89!). Any thoughts?

I just scheduled another StitchFix… so now I wait and hope I’ll like it.

Can we talk about FB live? Do you love it? Hate it? I shared what I recently bought for Emerson via FB live. While it was awkward (hello first timer) it was super easy to hop on and share a few items. Let me know if you want more

I’m currently digging/loving this Minted print, these Old Navy rockstar jeans and this Nike sports bra.

TGIF!

The post This + That appeared first on a Happy Healthy Home.