How One SoCal Family Makes Wellness A Daily Habit

I was always outside growing up. We played in the woods right behind our house, we had a treehouse, and we lived right on a sound, so we were in the water all the time. Going outside to play was what we did. And now that I have a family of my own with three kids, spending time outdoors every day has become part of our daily routine.

Living in Southern California, where the weather is nearly always incredible, it's impossible not to be outdoors. We can hike at nearby mountains with trails or head to the local beach and swim in the ocean. Our immediate proximity to nature's best landscapes keeps us active and constantly exploring. Hikes as a family on the weekends are awesome if we can fit them in, but as long as we get out on our bikes and scooters, even if it's just on the street in front of the house with the neighborhood kids, getting outside and being active together as a family is really what matters.

We're also fortunate to buy and eat food that's grown locally. In all the small neighborhoods of L.A., you can find farmers markets every day of the week. We eat lots of organic fruits, vegetables, and grains and also love fish and the occasional steak.

I'm so happy that my kids are growing up experiencing the same childhood I had. Honestly, it just takes one trip to Kohl's to pick up clothes, layers, cookware, and gear for all of our family's adventures. Especially living in a city, it's so easy to get disconnected from nature, so it's important to me that my kids grow up loving the outdoors and learning how to get dirty, be barefoot, bump their knees—all the stuff that makes you a whole, balanced person.