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Moving from Orange County to Encinitas was a tough transition for me. I was so comfortable in Orange County. We had weekly activities like running the local college track as a family, hiking Top of the World in Laguna or running stairs at Strands on Sunday’s. It was the perfect mix of clean manicured beach towns to insanely beautiful hikes and trails with ocean views. Don’t get me wrong, Encinitas is an incredible beach town, just more raw which locals love! It’s taken some getting used to(for me). One thing that’s helped is getting out and exploring our own town! There are so many beautiful trails and paths along the lagoon with ocean views. The more we explore, the more I appreciate where we live. One thing I am really trying to do more in 2019 is find the hidden gems in North Country, San Diego.
Ozzy and I set out on a favorite trail for the kids. It’s the San Elijo Lagoon
. Nice and flat with a enough gravel, that even with some rain Ozzy can walk along with me. I made some of our favorite homemade protein granola (see recipe below) that we ate in the car before our walk and we wore cold weather gear from BACKCOUNTRY! You know how much we love Backcountry and thanks to our exclusive discount code: SALTY15 so many of you have scored PATAGONIA, NORTH FACE, ALO, NIKE, YETI + hundreds of brands for 15% off your first purchase!
Are you familiar with the Gearheads at Backcountry? Basically it’s their team of experts available to help you choose the right gear for your needs. We just used this service for a upcoming camping trip. Jeff and I wanted to find the right tent for 6 people and beach camping. They make it so simple by talking you through options, reviews, personal experience with the products. It’s SO helpful, I give it 5 stars! The best way to reach a Gearhead is by phone: 855-720-5115
FEBRUARY FAVORITES from BACKCOUNTRY
- How cute is Ozzy’s berry colored PATAGONIA?! She is wearing a size 2 here.
- You know we love CARHARTT BEANIES. One size fits all, including Ozzy.
- I ordered these MOTION LEGGINGS. My first time ordering the LNDR brand. They are thick with a high waist that supports your hips and lower back. I really like them! Wearing the XS/S.
- I ordered the LNDR CREWNECK to go with it. Also a thick sweatshirt!
- My Beyond Yoga BRA TANK. I wear this ALL THE TIME!
- I am so in love with this BACKCOUNTRY LOGO sweatshirt! It comes in several colors, I chose the tan. 30% off right now!
- I ordered these NEW BALANCE snow pants for Avery and Poppy. They both got xs. They do run small.
- I absolutely LOVE my new NIKE EPIC FLYKNIT’S! Order them!
HOMEMADE PROTEIN GRANOLA RECIPE
What I love to do is adapt recipes to make them healthier for our family. This recipe starts with the basics to any granola recipe you can find online. My twist is no sugar added, replacing vegetable oil with coconut oil, and adding protein and lots of fiber.
INGREDIENTS:
5 cups quick oats
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup vanilla protein powder (I use Vega or Tone It Up)
1/3 cup ground flax meal
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1 Tbsp sea salt
1/2 cup peanut butter chips
1/2 cup coconut oil
1 cup agave or imitation honey (found honey at Target)
DIRECTIONS:
Mix everything in a large bowl by hand. Spread out on a cookie sheet.
Bake in pre-heated 300 degree oven for 20 mins. If you prefer your granola crispy, cook longer. Just watch to make sure it doesn’t burn.
Let cool. Store in a gallon ziploc or airtight container.
*What’s great about granola is being able to add what you like and already have in your pantry. Here are some other options I’ve tried: raisins, cranberries, dried blueberries, pumpkin seeds, add some cinnamon, whatever sounds good to you.
MORE BACKCOUNTRY POSTS:
WHAT WE TAKE TO THE BEACH – TINFOIL DINNERS – ACTIVEWEAR – FALL ACTIVITIES – BACKCOUNTRY GIFT GUIDE – 15 TOTAL BODY WORKOUT
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Those leggings and Nike’s look so good!
And those ingredients for the granola are great- definitely something good to feed my family. Can’t wait to try it! Always appreciate an easy and healthy recipe. Thanks!
Do you have siblings in either city? Or your parents? I’m just interested to know if family dynamics play a part in where you live? Do you have help with Ozzy during the day, or with school pick up etc?
That has made a huge difference in where my kids have chosen to live. They could have picked ANYWHERE but both my kids picked by us, their parents…and we call that a huge WIN!
Hey Karen, if you search Why We Live In California on the site you’ll find a post on it.
Jeff sister recently moved to San Diego. Other than that, no family on either side here. Everyone is in AZ a quick 6 hire drive away.
I don’t have help with my kids. I’m fortunate my job allows me to be a full time mom and have a full time job.
I know that’s very important to a lot of people to live by family and I see the benefits for sure.
We love raising our kids by the beach and visiting family every couple months. ❤️
More recipes please! As a Mom of 6 I love all your recipes, they’re healthy and easy. I’ve made your granola recipe twice. The first time I used 5 cups of old fashioned oats and I couldn’t get it to stick together, but hey the kids ate it up. The second time I used 4 cups OFO and it came out perfect. Thanks!