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.

Happy Fall!

The temps are official lower than I like in Tahoe, but that’s ok. I’m talking mid 40’s for the majority of the day, eek. We’re enjoying all things Fall like apple picking and leaf peeping! But with cooler weather comes more layers, cozy jackets and warm fires among other things. While I might not be a fashion blogger I know a thing or two about dressing for Lake Tahoe temps.

Here are my 5 Lake Tahoe Fall Essentials 

A Vest For Layering
I love a good vest for layering over a sweater. Truth be told I have 5 vests, but really only where 3. What can I say I’m a creature of habit. You’ll want a basic quilted vest, puffy and a furry number like the one I’m wearing. Vests are perfect on days that are a bit brisk in the morning, but warmer in the afternoon. It will give you the extra warmth you’re looking for.  I’m currently eying this NAU Ellipsis Down Vest.

Puffy Jack
If you walk around Tahoe for more than 5 minutes you’ll notice the majority of folks are wearing a puffy. Why? Well, my friend because they are super warm and easy to pack. I’ll tell you right now they are also worth the investment. There are only two I recommend the Patagonia Down Sweater Full-Zip Hooded Jacket (it also comes without a hood) and The North Face ThermoBall Full Zip Jacket

A cute pair of Jeans
Trust me ladies leggings aren’t going to cut it. Right now I’m digging Levi’s 721‘s. That’s it

Boots 
While I love my cozy uggs they don’t really cut it when it comes to rain and snow. While Hunter boots seem to be stylish they are not going to keep your feet warm. I suggest investing in a pair of Sorel boots. I’m currently leaning towards these or these!

Mid-weight Sweater
A good sweater is perfect for layering in the morning, but still light enough for warmer afternoons. I recently purchased this Lou & Grey Sweater (FYI, I bought a small so it was a tad oversized) and this Lou & Grey Sweater is sitting in my cart. Call me crazy, but A&F has decent layering sweaters too. This A&F asymmetrical pullover was my favorite purchase last fall! I’m kind of digging this A&F Quilted Sherpa Jacket.

Oh and always pack a scarf! You never know when it might come in handy.

There you have it, folks, my key essentials for fall in Lake Tahoe!

The post All Things Cozy for Fall in Lake Tahoe appeared first on a Happy Healthy Home.

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #DIYHolidayWithSCJ #CollectiveBias

1. Choose a Color Scheme – Since I have a farm table I decided to stick to traditional Fall colors.
2. Choose a Theme – I focused more on Fall vs. Thanksgiving.
3. Create Layers – Whether it’s a tablecloth, runner or dishware adding these various elements will add depth.
4. Add Texture – If you look closely I used real pumpkins, burlap pumpkins (to play off the runner) and glass pumpkins. While all are different they worked well together.
5. Create a Focal Point – This can be candles, one big centerpiece, etc. I chose to anchor the table with two large glass pumpkins.

The post How to Create a Simple Tablescape appeared first on a Happy Healthy Home.

Good Morning Ladies!

Yup, it’s been decided I’m never going to be a fashion blogger. I’m just a mama trying to find pieces that are simple, stylish and most of all functional. Are you with me? So here I am confessing my lack of style, but talking about style. Ironic, right? Anyway, since recently losing 15 pounds I’ve found that my clothes don’t fit very well. Nice problem to have. With that said, I’m slowing swapping out the old for new. I’m looking to create a minimal, stylish (somewhat) and functional wardrobe. While I would love a capsule wardrobe it doesn’t really work when you have four seasons. So there’s that.

It seems as though there’s ALWAYS a sale. Seriously… I wake up every morning to my inbox full of sale alerts. Why would anyone ever pay full price? Speaking of sales the LOFT’s Friends & Family sale is currently underway. With code FRIENDS you’ll get 50% your entire order, sale items included! Not bad right. Yup, I may have purchased a number of items.

So I don’t end up with a closet of clothes only from the LOFT what’s your go-to shop for quality timeless clothes.

Shop my recent Loft purchases and picks:

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This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, INC., The Coca-Cola Company, and Conagra Brands all opinions are mine alone. #PowerfullySmart #CollectiveBias

The hills are alive with the sound of music….but seriously it’s gorgeous in Lake Tahoe right now. Perfect temps make it easy to get outside and enjoy everything the Sierra Mountains have to offer. We’ve been doing just that the last few weekends. When you know snow is just around the corner you soak up as much sunshine as you can.

If you’re like us then you’re probably on the hunt for family (aka toddler) friendly activities. I rounded up our favorite Lake Tahoe activities you can do any weekend whether or not you have the kiddos.

Four ways to get outside this Fall


Leaf Peeping
You know it’s fall when the leaves start to turn and honestly it’s something I never really experienced growing up in southern California. Hence why I love to drive out to Hope Valley and soak in all the beautiful fall colors. It’s a peaceful excursion and the photos don’t do it justice.

(Def.) Leaf peeping is an informal term in the United States for the activity in which people travel to view and photograph the fall foliage in areas where leaves change colors in autumn.

Apple Hill is located about an hour west of Lake Tahoe making an easy before or after stop for those driving from the Sacramento/SF area. We make a trip every fall to pick apples and pumpkins. This year was especially fun for Emerson. As she was excited to pull the wagon around and collect all the pumpkins. This has turned into a family tradition. See more HERE.

Hiking
Fall hikes are perfect for a few reasons the trails aren’t as busy and the weather is usually perfect. Don’t forget sunscreen or water! Lately I’ve found it easier to grab a big bottle of smartwater for hikes rather than packing two water bottles for easy sharing.

With it’s distinctive pure taste wrapped in iconic packaging, it delivers the authentic style + substance that never-settlers crave. While other premium waters might add gimmicky claims, smartwater looks forward… a smarter water, purposefully designed: vapor-distilled for purity, inspired by the clouds, with just the right amount of electrolytes for a uniquely clean taste. 

Watch the Kokanee Run
This is a must. Each autumn, from late September through mid-October, mature kokanee salmon, transform from silver-blue color to a fiery vermilion, and run up Taylor Creek, near South Lake Tahoe.

From Memorial Day weekend through October, the Stream Profile Chamber at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center is an opportunity to see the trout and Kokanee salmon of Lake Tahoe up close. It is located on Highway 89 about a 1 mile west of Camp Richardson in South Lake Tahoe, CA.

While I love to cook typically after a busy day it’s the last thing I want to do. I pretty much just want something tasty and fast. Enter my secret weapon Healthy Choice® Power Bowls! Yup, I like to keep a few on hand just in case I need something quick.

They’re hearty and won’t blow my macros either #winning. Every Power Bowl is made with an intentional balance of vegetables, proteins and whole grains to fuel your lifestyle. For example my favorite bowl, Adobo Chicken Bowl, only has 8 f/ 38 c/ 26 p! Knowing every Power Bowl is made with an combination of bold flavors and simple ingredients makes me happy.

As a mom on-the-go my goal is to keep our fridge and freeze stocked. How do I do that? Simple I keep a running list of items I need on the fridge so when I go to the store I won’t forget anything thing. Like I mentioned above, it’s imperative to have meals and water you can just grab and go. Hence why I keep Healthy Choice® Power Bowls and smartwater items on hand. They make my life easier one bowl at a time

DEAL ALERT: Earn .75 cash back when you purchase Healthy Choice® Power Bowls at Walmart (any variety – any size) via Ibotta.

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Through my ambassadorship with FitApproach, I was given the opportunity to review a few pieces from prAna’s new spring line. This post was sponsored by prAna and Fit Approach. As always opinions 100% my own. 

leggings / sweater / shoes

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While the temps might have felt more like summer than fall over the weekend, it didn’t stop us from spending a day in Apple Hill, California. [Warning cuteness overload to follow] Apple Hill, located in the Sierra Nevada foothills an hour West of South Lake Tahoe and East of Sacramento, makes for a fun day trip.

This year’s annual trip, to Apple Hill [2012], was a little different. Different because it was a family affair including Natasha, Jess and their families — six adults, three babies, one toddler and one dog to be exact. Fingers crossed it will turn into a fun fall tradition.

We might have only stopped at three locations, but it was just the right amount of time.

One | O’Halloran’s Apple Trail
Although, they offer a variety of activities it’s a must stop for pumpkins.  The ranch is complete with the cutest pumpkin patch where you can pick a pumpkin right off the vine. It also makes for a perfect photo opp.

Girlfriend is giving us serious attitude here. Oh,vey.

via: Schue Love

Two | Jack Russell Brewery
Clearly, a must stop for dad. Don’t get me wrong this mama wasn’t complaining either. We timed the brewery stop for lunch — which was perfect. Aside from a variety of beer, wine, and hard ciders there were a number of vendors offering tasty treats from kettle corn, apple sausages, to hand squeezed lemonade. We grabbed a picnic table in the shade and laid a blanket on the grass for the babies to play. #winning

Three | Rainbow Orchards
Home of the infamous Hot Apple Cider Donut — enough said.  This place was packed! I waited nearly 20 minutes in line for apple donuts, 6 lbs of apples, and a half-gallon of apple cider. However, it was worth the wait. The grounds are ok, but there’s plenty of shady/grassy areas to hangout, enjoy a  donut or caramel apple, and let the babies/kids play.

We didn’t visit any u-pick orchids this time around, but there’s always next time. FYI: I only scratched the surface of things to do in Apple Hill — I guess I’ll just have to go back.

Now, what to make with all the apples! Stay tuned for a delicious apple recipe.

The post Travel // Apple Hill, California appeared first on a Happy Healthy Home.

Ah, tablescapes. Growing up my mom decorated for every holiday, even the table. I love the look of a finished table, but the inner minimalist battles with the extra stuff. Enter my minimalist tablescape. It’s just the right amount of decor and items I’ll actually use!

It’s simple, less is more. To create my fall inspired tablescape I focused on layering various textures while incorporating old and new items. Think a burlap runner, woven placemats & pumpkins, and sugar pine pinecones.

Your table isn’t complete without a candle or two. I think this candle plays off the actual pinecones! It smells delicious too. I prefer to go with non-holiday dishes. After halloween I can remove the pumpkins and still have a styled table.

My dishes are meant for everyday use, making the table ready for breakfast, lunch or dinner! Do you create seasonal tablescapes?

This year I added a fun pitcher into the mixed. The chalk embellishment is very convenient and my husband [or guests] no longer need to ask, “whats in the pitcher.”

We’re big tea drinkers in our house and always have a pitcher of Lipton Iced Tea in the fridge. There’s just something about enjoying a sandwich and glass of iced tea [on the porch]. 


Growing up we always made sun tea with Lipton Iced Tea. Not much has changed. Iced tea not only makes every meal taste better, but is a healthy choice for the whole family. Last week, while at Safeway, we made sure to stock up with a 100ct box of  Lipton Iced Tea.  We don’t want to be caught with a empty box. Shop during the Albertsons/Safeway Stock Up Sale (9/30-10/13).

Are you a tea drinker? What’s you go-to tea? Hot or cold?

The post The Minimalist Tablescape + #StockUpOnLipton appeared first on a Happy Healthy Home.

It’s officially fall in Lake Tahoe.  I’m enjoying the crisp air, changing of the leaves, cozy fires, flannel, and all things pumpkin. Each fall I typically make something yummy. While I’m not sure what I’ll whip up this year, I can’t help but look back on a few oldie but goodies.


ONE | Peanut Butter Pumpkin Bread with Chocolate Chips
OMG! Only the most amazing pumpkin bread you’ll every make. You’ll seriously want this on repeat.

TWO | Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie
I love chocolate chip cookies and these bad boys scream fall. My husband loves these cookies for breakfast with with coffee. I can’t disagree.

THREE | Pumpkin Bread Bread
I love making banana bread. There’s nothing better then looking at your fruit bowl and seeing a few ripe ones. Last year I took my banana bread to a new level and added pumpkin. I would say it was a success!

What pumpkin inspired dishes are you whipping up this fall?

The post My Top 3 Pumpkin Recipes appeared first on a Happy Healthy Home.

1. Old Fashion Apple Slab — Just look at that caramel apple goodness.

{VIA}

2. Homemade Apple Cider Cocktail — Do I even need a reason?

3. Caramel Apple Dutch Baby — It’s a fall staple!

{VIA}

4. Apple Streusel Muffins — Because it’s not just about dessert.

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 5. Apple Toffee Blondies — Because I love dessert!

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And there you have it. The hardest part is deciding what to make first. Do you have a apple recipe that I must try?

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