If you have watched social media, YouTube or HGTV lately, you have likely seen more and more people choosing to downsize and live in a tiny home.

At first, they all looked similar.

Small spaces, clever designs, and a simpler way of living.

Tiny Homes are even being used as a manageable way to age in place for seniors with 40% of the population living in tiny homes above the age of 50.

But the more you look, the more you start to notice that these homes come in different shapes, sizes, and setups.

And that’s where the confusion starts because a tiny house and a tiny home are not the same thing.

It may seem like a small wording difference, but it can lead to big misunderstandings if you’re not careful.

The way they’re built, where they can go, and how you actually live in them can be very different.

Let me walk you through the difference between a tiny house and a tiny home.

Why Everyone Is Talking About Tiny Homes

A lot of people I talk to are at a point where the house feels bigger than their life.

The kids are gone. The rooms sit empty. But the bills, the cleaning, and the upkeep are still there. And frankly, you are probably just tired of it all. (I know I am!)

The thought of aging in place may seem overwhelming in a big house.

So the idea of going smaller starts to sound really appealing and you may be wondering if the investment in a smaller space is worth it.

That’s where the “tiny home” idea comes in, which is a key part in the tiny home movement.

With the evolution of the tiny home movement comes the development of tiny home communities as well. (A favorite topic of mine!)

It started as a way to live with less. Less space, less cost, less stress.

At first, most of the focus was on tiny houses on wheels which started popping up.

But over time, the idea expanded to include many sizes and types.

What Is a Tiny Home?

In my opinion, a Tiny Home is not properly defined with consistency anywhere over the internet.

So what do we do when this happens?

Define it myself and hope it takes off so we can eventually have a consistent definition and understanding.

Here is what a tiny home is, according to me.

“A tiny home is not one specific type of structure. It’s a general term for living in a smaller space that’s easier to take care of and live in day to day.”

You still probably have:

• A kitchen or eating space
• A bathroom
• A living area
• A bedroom or sleeping space

Just less extra space you don’t use and probably don’t actually need.

The prices of a tiny home could drastically differ too, depending on the type of structure you choose.

Some common types of tiny homes include:

• Backyard cottages (also known as an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU))
• A In-law suite in a multi-generational home
• Small single-family homes (400 square feet – 1000 square feet)
• Park model homes
• Tiny house on wheels
• Skoolies
• Yurts

What is a Park Model Home?

Let’s take a minute to define what a park model home is because I guarantee this is what you are seeing marketed the most online right now.

It’s:

• Usually under 400 square feet.
• Delivered to a site and set up – not meant to be easily mobile.
• Designed for long-term living.
• Often placed in communities or on private land.

It’s smaller, but it doesn’t feel temporary.

Park model homes have:

• Downstairs bedrooms
• Full bathrooms
• Full Kitchens
• Porches
• Laundry

They are one of the most common choices I see for people downsizing.

Why?

Because they feel familiar.

You walk in and it feels like a small home, and you get a move-in ready option.

You’re just living your life, in a smaller space.

Most park models fall somewhere between $60,000 and $120,000+ depending on finishes and location. That’s a big range, but even on the higher end, it can still be far less than maintaining a larger home.

And in many tiny home communities, you also get a built-in social life, which matters more than people expect.

The caveat is they are classified as an R.V., and you usually see them sold by the same dealer of manufactured homes.

What Is a Tiny House?

A “tiny house” actually has a real definition in the building code.

According to the IRC Appendix AQ, a tiny house is:

• A home that is 400 square feet or less
• Measured excluding lofts (so sleeping lofts don’t count toward that size)

They follow residential building standards, just with special rules that make small spaces more livable.

Some tiny houses are on a foundation and others are on wheels.

For example, the code allows things like:

• Lower ceiling heights in certain areas
• Loft spaces for sleeping or storage
• Compact stairways or ladders

Most are on wheels and designed to be moved. If they are on wheels, they can only be about 8 feet wide to be able to be moved on a road.

Tiny houses can cost anywhere from about $50,000 to $150,000 or more depending on how they’re built. Some choose to build them as DIY projects to save a lot of money.

So price-wise, they’re not always the “cheap” option people expect either. You still have all the expensive parts of a home but in a smaller package.

You can save a lot on insurance, utilities, taxes, and maintenance so the long-term savings should be considered also.

Tiny House vs. Tiny Home vs. Park Model Home

Sometimes a comparison is worth a thousand words.

Each of the structures has its own pros and cons as well as different uses.

Why This Gets So Confusing

A lot of the confusion comes from what you see online. You’ll see a beautiful photo and it’s labeled “tiny house.”

But it might actually be a tiny house on wheels, a park model, an ADU or a small home on land.

Everything gets grouped together because it looks similar.

But the details matter.

Things like:

• Where can you place it?
• How easy is it to live in?
• What does your day-to-day life actually feel like?
• Is it mobile?
• How is it classified?
• Can it be financed?
• How big is it?
• How is it insured?
• Is it certified?
• Can it be used as an ADU?

Final Thoughts

Tiny house and tiny home may sound the same, but they can lead to very different living experiences. Once you understand the difference, it becomes much easier to choose a setup that fits your daily life.

For many people, options like park models or small homes on land end up being more practical and comfortable.

If you want to explore these options in more detail, you can find more simple guides and examples on ReErin.com or on my YouTube channels Tiny Home Connection @TinyHomeConnection or the ADU Connection @ADUConnection.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you been researching tiny homes? What did you learn? Did you know there was a difference between tiny home and tiny house?

Read More

The next time you see a tree, let it remind you of the value of friendship and community.

When I turned 70, I found myself stunned and lost, wondering “Where did everyone go?” I had recently left full-time work, and around the same time, my grandson, whom I’d raised, launched into young adulthood. Life felt like a vacuum, and I did not know which way to turn.

I spent a lot of time walking in the forest. It turns out the trees had something to teach me. By understanding them, I realized I needed to tend my own forest of friendships more intentionally.

Scientists have discovered that trees communicate through underground networks, sharing nutrients with struggling neighbors and even recognizing their own offspring. A tree standing alone topples in the first serious storm. Trees standing together are more likely to stay strong through the storm.

At my wedding, I told our gathered family and friends that they were “our trees” that would help us stand strong through whatever came.

Here’s what the forest taught me about building and maintaining the connections that research tells us add not just years to our lives, but happiness during those years.

Spring: Planting Yourself in New Soil

When young trees need to establish themselves, they don’t wait for perfect conditions. They send roots down into whatever soil is available, testing, exploring, reaching out. We need to do the same.

I had never before thought about having to create connections and community. It had always just “happened.” I had friends through work, through raising children, and through the natural rhythms of a busy life. But those rhythms had changed, and I had to change with them. I had to start with where I was in life and grow from there.

The gift we have that trees don’t is agency. We can be rooted in more than one orchard. We can leave an orchard if it doesn’t serve us. We can join an orchard if it suits us. We can find the best context for us to be planted.

I used Meetup to find my Dragon Boat sisters; we paddle those long 20-person boats with dragon heads and drummers in competitions. I joined a hiking group. I looked at my acquaintances and asked myself honestly: Who do I truly enjoy? And then I nurtured those relationships intentionally.

This is your spring work: Ask yourself where you want to put down roots. Book clubs? Meditation circles? Volunteer organizations? Religious communities? The options are there if you look for them. Who else is active in areas that interest you? How can you connect with them?

Plant yourself somewhere new this season. Send down a root. See what grows.

Summer: Growing Deep Roots

Summer is when real growth happens. Roots push deeper, the canopy fills out, the tree becomes more substantial. This is the season of intimacy.

Sharing interests offers community, but not always the closeness of real intimacy. Both have value, but we all need one or more truly intimate relationships. This is where the tree metaphor becomes particularly instructive.

Trees share resources with their neighbors including nutrients, water, and warnings about threats. How do you share resources with friends? To me, this means being open to share what’s called to be shared at any point in time. We share information about good restaurants, hiking trails, and recipes. But at a deeper level, we share experiences, stories and perspectives that provide support and build connection.

My best friends and I listen to each other and we believe in each other. I pay attention to moments when I can amplify them and reinforce their gifts. One friend talked about feeling powerless given world conditions. I suggested that when she helps others meditate, that is a form of power. She nearly cried.

Trees also provide safety. Their interconnected root systems help each other stand through storms. I have friends I would not hesitate a moment to help if they called with a significant health, emotional, or safety challenge. If something happened to my health, home, or husband, I have friends who will be there for me. That is safety.

This summer work requires asking: What is the nature of your intimate relationships? How can you be more proactive in nurturing real intimacy, beyond just pleasant familiarity?

Deep roots take time, but summer is long.

Fall: Shedding What No Longer Serves

Fall is the season of letting go. Trees drop their leaves not as an act of loss, but as their cycle of life. They know what they can’t sustain through winter.

We need this wisdom too. Not every orchard serves us forever. Not every connection deserves the same energy. As we age, our time and energy become more precious. There is great value in focusing on the relationships that enliven you, and less so with others.

This doesn’t mean suddenly cutting people out of your life. It means recognizing when certain relationships have run their natural course, when groups no longer align with who you’re becoming, or when an orchard has become toxic rather than nourishing.

Trees send their resources to where they’re needed most. We can do the same. We can let some connections fade gracefully while we invest more deeply in others. We can leave communities that drain us and seek ones that energize us.

Ask yourself: Are there relationships or communities that feel obligatory rather than life-giving? What would happen if you released them? What energy would that free up for connections that truly matter?

Winter: Providing Shelter and Staying Rooted

Winter is when trees prove their worth. When storms come, snow weighs down branches, and everything seems dormant is when the strength of the root system matters most.

This is the season of showing up. Of being the tree that doesn’t topple, so others can lean against you. And others are there for you, should you need them. When my neighbor was diagnosed with lymphoma, I reached out to see how I could help with meals and family. I wore my “red socks” on the day of her biopsy to stand with her in spirit. We are closer now and that feels good.

In winter, trees stand together. Their underground network doesn’t stop working just because the surface looks dead. In fact, that’s when the sharing of resources matters most.

I often discover that I’m not alone in my experiences where I feel challenged, and that gives me peace. We all need to know we’re not the only tree experiencing winter. We all need the reminder that spring will come again.

Winter is also the season for reflection. What do you give and receive from your friendships? Do you have people in your life that you can lean on and they on you? Is it time to prepare for a new spring planting?

The Cycle Continues

The wonderful thing about seasons is that they repeat. You’ll have multiple springs, summers, falls, and winters in your friendship forest.

The research is clear and consistent that feeling connected and enjoying good relationships adds wellness, happiness, and years to life. Robert Waldinger’s work in “The Good Life” is just one example among many studies that support this finding.

Unlike trees, we have choice. We can tend our forests intentionally with awareness and purpose.

Let’s Reflect Together:

What season are you in right now with your connections? If you’re feeling lonely, what’s one first step you might take? With whom? Then, do it now. Don’t wait for perfect spring weather. Plant a seed today. Your forest is waiting for you. Like trees, we need each other.

Read More

Dating over 60 can feel like stepping into a whole new world.

And not the cute “new adventure” kind of way. More like: Wait, what is this? Why does everything feel harder? Why am I suddenly supposed to understand dating apps, video chat, and all this digital stuff?

I get it.

My recommended belief, however, is this:

This can be one of the best chapters of your life if you do it differently from the way you did in your younger years.

Here’s how to actually feel good about dating again:

#1. Take Time to Heal from Previous Relationships

You don’t need to rush into the dating scene just because you’re single. That’s one of the fastest ways to bring old pain into a new relationship.

Yes, people love to say “a year” is the standard after divorce or the death of your partner. Sure, that can be a good guideline. But in real life? It depends.

How long were you in your previous relationship? How intense or volatile was it? Are you still in contact because of kids/grandkids, shared responsibilities, or daily life logistics? Are you actually over it, or just tired of being alone?

Dating before you’ve processed the grief is like trying to build emotional intimacy on a cracked foundation. It might look okay at first, but it won’t hold.

The Coach’s Tip

If you still feel activated when you think about your ex (angry, hurt, longing, confused), you’re not fully detoxed.

Time is the answer, and the right personal growth work. This isn’t a delay, and you’re not wasting your senior years waiting. This is how you finally get it right.

#2. Do a Divorce Detox or Love Detox (If You Haven’t Yet)

You say you’re ready for a new relationship, but your space, your phone, your habits? Still full of your past. Spiritually speaking, your past is standing in the way of your future.

A Love Detox or Divorce Detox is about clearing out what no longer belongs in your next chapter.

• Physical space (photos, gifts, reminders).
• Communication (yes, even “friendly” check-ins).
• Emotional residue (replaying old stories).

Bringing your ex into your dating process, even in small ways, will affect how you show up with potential partners. It clouds your judgment. It dulls your ability to see red flags. It keeps you from recognizing the right person when they’re actually in front of you.

The Coach’s Tip:

Clean space equals clean energy. You want emotional safety and mutual respect? Create it in your own environment first.

#3. Do Your Preparation

This is the step most people skip. And then they wonder why dating feels like a long road to nowhere.

Prepare to be clear, not to be “perfect.”

Get Honest About Your History

Your past relationships, especially the ones that didn’t work, have important lessons. Your patterns, preferences, and blind spots all need to be clarified, first to yourself, then to your next partner.

If you don’t explore them, you will repeat them. Even with new people.

Write Out What You Actually Want

Not vaguely. Not “a nice guy.”

I mean:

What kind of emotional connection do you want?

What does daily life together look like?

What kind of emotional maturity matters to you?

This is how you start recognizing the right people instead of just reacting to chemistry.

Get Your Body and Mindset in Shape

Again, it’s not about looking younger or striving for perfection. Feeling good in your body gives you energy, stamina, and confidence. You need all three for healthy dating.

Dating over 60 doesn’t require you to compete with anyone, but you need to show up as someone who feels alive.

Move your body. Take care of your health conditions with your healthcare providers. Research shows that regular physical activity improves mood, energy, and confidence at any age.

Build a mindset that expects good things, not disappointment. Your energy is what people feel first, whether you’re using online dating or meeting someone in real life.

The Coach’s Tip:

You don’t find a perfect match by accident. You become someone who can recognize and receive a healthy, long-term partnership by working on yourself.

What I tell every client who wants to rush past this step: the women who find lasting love after 60 aren’t luckier than you. They just did this part. All of it.

#4. Create a Happy Space Before You Date

This might sound small, but the way you enter the dating world, especially online dating, matters.

If you’re logging onto dating apps feeling drained, skeptical, or thinking “Ugh, here we go,” that energy comes with you and affects everything: Who you swipe on. Who and how you respond, and ultimately the kind of potential partners you attract.

So before you get on the dating sites, shift your state.

Create a ritual:

Play music you love

Use aromatherapy

Pour a drink that feels like a treat

Dance, pray, or sing

Call your coach​ or someone who will encourage and cheer you on

Dating should not feel like pressure. It should feel like an opportunity and fun.

Think of it as getting into your main character energy before you even open the app.

The Coach’s Tip:

Less pressure equals better choices.

When you feel good, you think clearly. When you think clearly, you avoid red flags and move toward the right person.

The Bigger Picture

Dating over 60 isn’t just about finding someone. It’s about how you want to live your senior years.

Do you want more emotional depth?

Real emotional intimacy?

A partner who brings a sense of humor and emotional safety into your daily life?

This is your second chance. Your next chapter. Yes, there are incredible single men out there, and they are looking for you, too.

Contact me if you want to believe in this possibility and work with a dating coach who understands the unique challenges of dating after 60.

The Truth About Dating in Your Golden Years

There is no expiration date on love.

But there is a difference between dating unconsciously and dating like you mean it.

The best ways to approach dating over 60:

Go at your own pace.

Stay rooted in what you want.

Use online dating as a tool and only with a good mindset.

Prioritize quality time over constant messaging.

It’s up to you to create the conditions for a meaningful relationship.

Your Next Step

If you’re ready to stop guessing in the dating process, if you’re tired of almost-right matches and want a real, grounded, emotionally connected relationship, I’ll show you exactly how to do that.

Watch my free webinar: 3 Secrets to Finding and Maintaining Healthy Love Without Repeated Disappointments

Because you don’t need more dates. You need a way to choose differently, so this new chapter actually becomes the one where love sticks.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What difficulties do you have with dating? Have you ever rushed into a relationship? In what ways mood and mindset have affected your dating experience?

Read More

Photo: @lindshubbs

Style Stealers

!function(d,s,id){
var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? ‘http’ : ‘https’;
if(!d.getElementById(id)) {
e = d.createElement(s);
e.id = id;
e.src = p + ‘://widgets.rewardstyle.com/js/shopthepost.js’;
d.body.appendChild(e);
}
if(typeof window.__stp === ‘object’) if(d.readyState === ‘complete’) {
window.__stp.init();
}
}(document, ‘script’, ‘shopthepost-script’);

Turn on your JavaScript to view content

Top Posts

Jennifer Tilly’s $40,000 Crystal Bear Bag

Rachel Zoe Used These Beauty and Makeup Products on Season 15 of RHOBH

Amanda Batula’s Plaid Bikini

Kyle Richards’ Tan Leather Lace Dress

Kyle Richards’ Navy Tie Neck Shirt and Tan Woven Bag

Dorit Kemsley’s Brown Wrap Dress

Dorit Kemsley’s Turquoise Necklace and Gold Hoop Earrings

Dorit Kemsley’s Navy Satin Shirt and Belted Pants

Dorit Kemsley’s Season 15 Reunion Look

Rachel Zoe’s Season 15 Reunion Look

Rachel Zoe’s Rainbow Metallic Pleated Maxi Dress

Rachel Zoe’s Black Sequin Please Do Not Disturb Bag

Dorit Kemsley’s White Floral Embroidered Corset

Kyle Richards’ Season 15 Reunion Look

Rachel Zoe’s Black Paisley Print One Shoulder Dress

Amanda Batula’s Cartier Watch from Kyle

Originally posted at: Lindsay Hubbard’s Rhinestone Fringe Denim Jacket

Read More

Click Here to Shop April Amazon Best Sellers

!function(d,s,id){
var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? ‘http’ : ‘https’;
if(!d.getElementById(id)) {
e = d.createElement(s);
e.id = id;
e.src = p + ‘://widgets.rewardstyle.com/js/widget.js’;
d.body.appendChild(e);
}
if(typeof(window.__moneyspot) === ‘object’) {
if(document.readyState === ‘complete’) {
window.__moneyspot.init();
}
}
}(document, ‘script’, ‘moneyspot-script’);

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

1 Dorit Kemsley’s Turquoise Necklace + Earrings 2 Jennifer Tilly’s $40,000 Crystal Bear Bag 3 Dorit Kemsley’s White Floral Embroidered Corset 4 Dorit Kemsley’s Navy Blue and White Duster + Pants 5 The Valley Season 3 Episode 1 Fashion 6 Rachel Zoe’s Rainbow Metallic Pleated Maxi Dress 7 Kyle Richards’ Multi-Colored Pleated Maxi Dress in Italy 8 Rachel Zoe’s Season 15 Reunion Look 9 Dorit Kemsley’s Season 15 Reunion Look 10 Amanda Batula’s Cartier Watch From Kyle

Originally posted at: Best of April 2026

Read More

Style Stealers

!function(d,s,id){
var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? ‘http’ : ‘https’;
if(!d.getElementById(id)) {
e = d.createElement(s);
e.id = id;
e.src = p + ‘://widgets.rewardstyle.com/js/shopthepost.js’;
d.body.appendChild(e);
}
if(typeof window.__stp === ‘object’) if(d.readyState === ‘complete’) {
window.__stp.init();
}
}(document, ‘script’, ‘shopthepost-script’);

Turn on your JavaScript to view content

Top Posts

Jennifer Tilly’s $40,000 Crystal Bear Bag

Rachel Zoe Used These Beauty and Makeup Products on Season 15 of RHOBH

Amanda Batula’s Plaid Bikini

Kyle Richards’ Tan Leather Lace Dress

Kyle Richards’ Navy Tie Neck Shirt and Tan Woven Bag

Dorit Kemsley’s Brown Wrap Dress

Dorit Kemsley’s Turquoise Necklace and Gold Hoop Earrings

Dorit Kemsley’s Navy Satin Shirt and Belted Pants

Dorit Kemsley’s Season 15 Reunion Look

Rachel Zoe’s Season 15 Reunion Look

Rachel Zoe’s Rainbow Metallic Pleated Maxi Dress

Rachel Zoe’s Black Sequin Please Do Not Disturb Bag

Dorit Kemsley’s White Floral Embroidered Corset

Kyle Richards’ Season 15 Reunion Look

Rachel Zoe’s Black Paisley Print One Shoulder Dress

Amanda Batula’s Cartier Watch from Kyle

Originally posted at: Mia Calabrese’s Black Halter Top

Read More