Here’s how I make it work—and how you can too.

1. Sneak Workouts Into Daily Life

Instead of carving out an hour at the gym, I look for mini opportunities to move. Ten minutes of squats while dinner cooks, a brisk walk around the block after school drop-off, or a quick set of push-ups while the kids play in the backyard adds up.

Adjustable dumbbells make small home workouts flexible and easy.

2. Make Family Active Time a Habit

Weekends don’t have to be lazy days. Bike rides, hikes, or even a neighborhood scavenger hunt get everyone moving. My 10-year-old loves the challenge, and it’s quality family time. Bonus: you get your miles in without leaving your kids behind.

Check out a recent blog post The Real Runner Mom Life: Training, Parenting, and Finding Balance for more tips.

3. Use Quick, Effective Workouts

When time is tight, I turn to 20–30 minute HIIT or strength circuits. They spike my heart rate, build strength, and leave me energized instead of drained. Apps or YouTube videos make it easy to follow along at home.

4. Sneak Movement Into Errands

Not every workout has to happen in the gym. Instead of sitting in the car line, take a walk around the block while you wait. Park farther away at the store to add extra steps. Even carrying laundry upstairs or doing a “power clean” of the house can double as movement. These small choices add up and make daily life more active without needing extra time.

5. Prioritize Recovery and Movement Together

Staying active isn’t just about moving—it’s about recovering smart. Stretching, foam rolling, or a short yoga flow keeps muscles healthy and prevents burnout. I’ve written before about recovery hacks that actually work in Why Recovery Is Just as Important as Training

Make Activity Manageable

The key is simplicity and consistency. Even small amounts of movement matter. Make it fun, involve your family, and integrate activity into your daily life rather than treating it as another obligation.

• Looking for tools that help make short workouts easier? I love adjustable dumbbells, resistance bands, and yoga mats for home workouts.
• Need meal ideas to fuel your mini workouts? Check out Gluten-Free Chocolate Donuts or Peanut Butter & Jelly Cups for quick, family-friendly snacks.

You can stay active, keep your sanity, and still enjoy time with your kids. And honestly? It’s the only way to keep up with both family life and personal fitness.

The post 5 Simple Ways Busy Parents Can Stay Active appeared first on a Happy Healthy Home.

Our Most Read Books of 2020

1. Groundhog Day – A fun take on Groundhog day, friends, and seasonal changes. We’ve been reading this book weekly for at least a year.
2. Remember to Smile [c/o]- 2020 has been a year to remember and Remember to Smile takes a lighthearted approach to wearing masks. It’s colorful and reads like a song! This is likely why Emerson has picked out this book every night for the last month!
3. What to do with an Idea? – This is the story of one brilliant idea and the child who helps to bring it into the world. As the child’s confidence grows, so does the idea itself. And then, one day, something amazing happens. This is a story for anyone, at any age, who’s ever had an idea that seemed a little too big, too odd, too difficult.
4. We are the Gardeners – From their failed endeavors, obstacles to overcome, and all of the knowledge they gain along the way, this book shows kids how they can learn to grow and be successful at whatever they put their minds to.
5. Santa in a Snow Globe [c/o]- Not sure where to start when it comes to 2020 & kids? Santa in a Snow Globe shares how even though some things will be different this year, Christmas magic remains the same.
6. Strictly No Elephants – The perfect book about inclusion. Imaginative and lyrical, this sweet story captures the magic of friendship and the joy of having a pet. Emerson loves to read, “All are welcomed” at the end. Also a very fitting book for 2020.
7. Are we there Yeti? – A simple read and better for younger children, but also great for kids just learning how to read. The best part is talking about what we see on each page.
8. Doll-E 1.0 – It’s the kind of book you can’t help but pull off the shelf to take a look. The story really lives up to the visual! The brilliant synthesis of good old-fashioned play with high-tech play is told so well. It teaches kids not to forget their imagination but also that technology can be constructive and useful if not overdone.
9. Ada Twist, Scientist – Great read for kids with a curious mind. In fact, we love the books from this series. They are setting the foundation that girls can do anything they put their minds to.
10. Every Cowgirl Needs a Horse – A cute story about a girl who really wants a horse, but gets a bike instead. She’s as happy as can be.

Thanks for joining us on this journey through our favorite kids’ books of 2020! Whether you’re looking for bedtime classics, new adventures, or simply stories that bring joy, we hope this list inspires more magical reading moments with your family. Happy reading, and here’s to many more unforgettable stories in the years to come!

The post The Best Kid Books of 2020 appeared first on a Happy Healthy Home.

Jumper / Boots

Personal Growth
I’ve always been into health and wellness, but 2017 was the year that things finally clicked. I started working with a Crossfit coach and have seen gains I didn’t know were possible. Then I focused on food. Instead of attempting yet another “diet” I decided to count Macros aka flexible dieting. Well, 6 months and nearly 20 pounds (18 to be exact) later I’m still counting. The best part? I don’t feel like I’m on a diet! In 2017, I realized I have more discipline, dedication and mental toughness than I  thought.

Business Growth
To say my business has grown two-fold would be an understatement. I never thought I would be running a small successful business from home. I feel fortunate and grateful to be able to do so.

Emerson
She’s growing up way too fast! 2017 was a big year for this two-year-old. We’ve been potty trained since summer, we recently graduated to a full-size bed and in September she was moved up to the 3/4-year-old classroom at preschool. She also took her first international trip… even if it was just to Mexico.

The Hubby
He’s my rock and I couldn’t do any of it without him by my side. Plain and simple. Love you to the moon and back.

This Blog
Because my business started to take off the blog was put on the back burner, but I missed it. I missed the creative outlet. Sometimes I felt I was posting just to post or for XYZ. Well, things are a changing. Like the name! Yes, say hello to Happy Healthy Home. I plan on launching the URL (www.aHappyHealthyHome.com) in 2018 so stay tuned

Top 5 Popular/Most Read Posts:
1. HAPPY AND HEALTHY ALL WINTER WITH NATURE MADE
2. This + That
3. Friday Favorites… Probably because cookies
4. MY RELATIONSHIP WITH FOOD AND THOUGHTS ON COUNTING MACROS
5. FINDING BALANCE WITH FOOD, IT’S A PROCESS

2018 Life Goals at a Glance
1. Travel more. Since buying our house and having Emerson our travel outside of visiting family is non-existent. Road Tripping with Emerson. She’s a trooper and I would love to take more weekend trips with her.
2. Make time for friends. I have a girls night once a month, but outside of that I really don’t get together with friends. I plan to make more of an effort in 2018.
3. Kill it during the CrossFit Open. It will show how much I’ve improved over the year.
4. Spend with intention. Between Nick and I, I’m the spender but compared to most Americans I’m a saver. If I want to reach certain financial goals I need to start being more mindful. #BeachHouse
5. Be Present

2018 Blog Goal
Blow it up! Basically, that’s it in a nutshell. My goal is to treat my blog like a client. The plan is to post 3-5 times a week. So far partnerships I have lined up include JOJO’s Chocolate (Code: Tiara10), Four Athletics (Code: TiaraWasner15), Eat the Bear (Code: TiaraFIT) and Whole Foods Market – Reno, NV!

So what does that mean? More healthy living, CrossFit, macros, recipes, Tahoe adventures, minimalist living and home improvements (because well I’m not done) and more!

Remember I’m just a normal gal trying to create a healthy life while having fun, and enjoying a few treats along the way. Cheers to 2018!

…and because life is better with dark chocolate in it!

The post Goodbye 2017, Hello 2018 appeared first on a Happy Healthy Home.

The best part? You don’t need a sewing machine or complicated craft skills—just a few supplies you can easily grab online.

What You’ll Need

To bring your flamingo look to life, start with the basics:

• Pink Tulle Skirt or Tutu – The star of the show! A layered tutu creates the perfect feathery flamingo effect. You can find affordable options here on Amazon or make your own with rolls of pink tulle.
• Pink Feather Boa – Wrap it around your shoulders, arms, or sew/glue pieces onto the skirt for extra volume. This feather boa is perfect for that fluffy, fun vibe.
• Basic Pink Top – A simple tank top, tee, or leotard ties everything together. Look for one you can re-wear after Halloween, like this shirt.
• Flamingo Mask or Headband – You can DIY a paper mask, but I love these ready-to-wear flamingo headbands that save time and add instant character.
• Pink Leggings or Tights – Practical and warm if you’re trick-or-treating outdoors. These affordable tights work great.
• Shoes – Stick with something comfortable! Ballet flats, sneakers, or even heels if you want to glam it up.

Optional add-ons: face paint, pink gloves, headband or even a mini inflatable flamingo floatie to carry for extra laughs.

Prep

1. Lay out all materials.
2. If making a tutu: cut tulle into 6–10″ strips (length = desired skirt length × 2).

Step-by-step

Add accessories: Face paint (a soft pink blush and black eyeliner for a stylized eye), pink gloves, or a small inflatable flamingo prop.

Make the tutu (no-sew): Fold an elastic band to fit waist. Tie tulle strips around the elastic using a simple knot (loop through and pull). Continue until the elastic is filled and skirt looks full. Trim for even length.

Prep the top: Try on your pink top. Decide where you want feather accents (shoulders, neckline, or pinned to sides).

Attach feather boa to shoulders (quick): Drape boa over shoulders, shape, and secure with safety pins through the boa into the top (or stitch a few hidden running stitches). For more permanence, hot-glue short boa sections onto the top’s shoulder seams—avoid glue near skin.

Add feathers to tutu (optional): Trim small feather clusters and hot-glue or safety-pin them around the waistband or scattered through the tulle layers for texture.

Create flamingo headpiece: Cut a flamingo head and beak shape (x2) from sturdy pink and black felt, craft foam, or cardboard. Draw a simple eye with a black Sharpie directly on the felt. Once finished, glue or sew the head pieces together and then the end of the feather boa/shirt. When you drape the boa over your arm, it looks like you’re holding a flamingo with its fluffy neck trailing down.

Assemble base outfit: Put on leggings/tights and the top; then step into the tutu and adjust fit. Secure the elastic so it sits comfortably.

Final shaping: Fluff tulle layers and arrange boa/feathers. Pin any loose pieces so nothing falls off while moving.

In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind flamingo costume that looks like it came straight from a boutique!

Why DIY This Costume?

Aside from being budget-friendly, making your own costume gives you control over fit, comfort, and creativity. Store-bought costumes often cost more, use cheap materials, and feel uncomfortable. With this DIY version, you can customize the color, length of the tutu, and accessories while keeping things fun and functional.

Plus, many of the pieces—leggings, tops, and accessories—can be reused after Halloween. That’s a win-win for your wardrobe and your wallet.

Quick safety & styling tips

• For kids: avoid small loose decorations; use stitched or firmly pinned pieces instead of hot glue near the skin.
• Use safety pins under the tutu waistband to prevent slipping.
• If using hot glue, let pieces fully cool before dressing.
• Want more glam? Add sequins or a light layer of glitter spray to the tutu.

Shop the Flamingo Costume Essentials

If you want to save time, I’ve rounded up my top picks for supplies below:

• Pink Tulle Skirt
• Feather Boa
• Flamingo Headband
• Pink Leggings
• Basic Pink Shirt

With these items in your cart, you’ll be ready to create a costume that’s as fun to wear as it is to make.

Whether you’re dressing up solo, planning a family theme, or helping your kids shine at their school parade, this DIY flamingo costume is sure to turn heads.

Pro Tip: 

If you’re shopping late in the season, order supplies ASAP to make sure everything arrives on time. Many of these costume staples sell out quickly around Halloween!

The post DIY Flamingo Costume: Easy, Affordable and Adorable appeared first on a Happy Healthy Home.