The Life of a Future Homemaker...

I finally took a trip to the grocery store today, after a week of being back in school... I had to take last week to re-settle into my environment... and tonight was the first time I had time to run to Trader's before they closed. So I did a massive shopping trip today, but made sure to get ingredients for some new recipes. Except, the one lesson I learned was to never assume that certain ingredients still remain in your pantry, because I got home tonight planning to make muffins, but woops, no flour. Instead I made enough granola to sink a ship and some trail mix... yes I'm developing some motherly traits early, packing homemade lunches to provide more nutrients in every bite... except I'm just feeding myself instead of a gaggle of children (thankfully... I'm so not ready for kids yet).

Cook Yourself Thin's Homemade Granola

5 cups jumbo rolled oats
1 cup slivered almonds
1 cup sunflower seeds
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup runny honey (add more if too dry)
1/4 cup dried cherries (I didn't add them)
1/4 cup dried cranberries
(doubled this to make up for the cherries)
1 cup barley flakes/rye flakes (optional)
1/2 cup flaxseed (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper cut to size. Place the oats, almonds, sunflower seeds & salt onto the baking sheet and place in over for 10 mins. Dip your measuring cup into hot water & remove (empty) and measure out the honey (this is so the honey is able to pour). Run the warm honey over the hot granola and give a good stir to coat evenly. Return pan to the oven for the final 30 minutes. Toss the ingredients halfway through their cooking time in order to cook evenly. Remove from oven and add the dried berries, flaxseed, cinnamon, and barely or rye flakes (if using). Cool well before storing or it will lose it's crunch. (Makes about 15 breakfasts - so this will last me a while)


Then with the leftover ingredients I created my own trail mix...

Cait's Trail Mix

1 1/2 cups peanuts
1 cup raisins
1/2 cup sunflower seeds (raw/unsalted)
1/3 cup almonds (sliced)
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1 bag plain m&m's

I was able to split the trail mix up evenly into four separate zip lock baggies to make a perfect snack for school... and it's easy to grab when I'm running late in the morning since it's "pre-packaged."

***Remember to reuse your plastic baggies, especially if the don't get dirty because otherwise it'll generate more waste to pile up in our landfills!***

Breakfast Places for Champions

The funky little town of Encinitas, CA has so much character to offer the world; beaches, great surf, fish tacos, the hippie vibe, professional athletes, but most importantly - amazing breakfast cafes. During the summer, living it up in this quaint little town, I finally came to appreciate the art of breakfast. I discovered five amazing & unique breakfast spots within a 2 mile strip along Highway 101 in Encinitas. Any of the following are guaranteed to satisfy your breakfast desires!

Mozy's Cafe

A unique Caribbean cafe - providing a new healthy option. Extremely vegetarian and vegan friendly. Personally, this was my favorite place to eat in Encinitas. Every single item on the menu is tasty, so whatever you may be craving will surely satisfy your taste buds. My favorite item was the Tropical Burrito, which came highly recommended to me my numerous locals. The Tropical Burrito is a breakfast burrito with: eggs, avocado, cheese, beans, and plantains. Yuummm... I'm craving one at this very moment. Other items I can recommend from first hand experience include: the breakfast special (for those Plain Janes), Acia bowl (great for 2 to split), the Lite Burrito, Tuna Melt Wrap, and Acia smoothie. As I mentioned before, I frequented Mozy's numerous times, and never got sick of it!!! Five stars, hands down!


Pannikin












A quaint coffee shop - fast service, amazing coffee & teas, and fresh muffins and pastries daily. Don't let the long line intimidate you, their exquisite service will get you back on the road before you can finish appreciating the quote of the day. This brightly colored, restored railroad depot helps bring character to Encinitas' little community, Leucadia.


101 Diner












The 101 Diner has the rep of being the BEST breakfast location in Encinitas. Their menu includes the typical breakfast items, along with a variety of unique special items. Every breakfast lover will be able to a hearty breakfast at a reasonable price here at 101 Diner. Buyer Beware, their omelets are LOADED with cheese.


A Little Moore Coffee Shop












Tucked away along Hwy 101 in Leucadia, A Little Moore Coffee Shop provides the best post surfing breakfast around. This family owned coffee shop prepares the food right behind the counter, just like your traditional diner. They serve a mean French Toast, as well as delicious home fries, and amazing fluffy pancakes - you definitely get your moneys' worth with the awesome portion sizes and the tasty food!


Swami's Cafe












Swami's Cafe, which shares the name of the beach it faces, is a wonderful place to take the family for a weekend brunch. This unparalleled breakfast place provides a variety of options - including a wide array of omelets, traditional breakfast foods, brunch/lunch options, as well as an assortment of delicious smoothies. While the line requires a wait, once you're seated the food quickly follows. The large outdoor patio provides the perfect location to enjoy the Southern California weather before hitting the beaches.