fresh air {52 adventures}

Every year, between Christmas and New Year, there is this strange piece of time, where you are calming down after the excitement of one celebration and getting ready for the next. No work or preschool or clubs to dictate our time, the children have new toys to entertain them, we lose track of the days and just enjoy time together. And every year it always ends up being my favourite part of the whole festive season. A time with no commitments apart from fun and family; which lets be honest are the best kind of commitments around.

Anyone who knows me, will know I am drawn to the ocean. The seaside has a big place in my heart. In the heart of all the family actually. We aren't fair-weather beach lovers either... far from it! There is never a bad time for a trip to the beach really. And winter is one of my favourites. It's the perfect way to blow away those cobwebs from too many days stuck indoors and too many handfuls from the chocolate bowl.

Something about it is so soothing. The open space, the light glinting on the water, the lap of the waves on the shore, the enormous expanse of sky. It just feels like you can slow down at the beach, take stock, breathe deep.

And in winter I think it's even more beautiful in many ways. Crisp, clean air in your lungs and in your hair. Abandoned sand that you don't have to share. Rosy cheeks and watching your breath float away on a breeze. The quietness which allows you to feel closer to the simpleness of nature. Cosy coats, wooly hats and scarves, wellies and a warm hand to hold.

This year we are embarking on a challenge to have an adventure every single week. They may be big excited adventures or simple ones close to home, but we want to have a 2015 full of adventures and full of amazing memories.