A Frosty Day at the Beach ♥

On Saturday I went to the beach. I wanted to go for a drive to see the ocean. This beach is about 20 minutes from my house. We come here just about every weekend in the summer. It's a very different experience in the winter. But I love it. Maybe even more.

It was absolutely freezing on Saturday. The temperatures were in the teens, but with the wind chill it felt more like zero below! I can only imagine how icy cold the water was. Even so, it was beautiful! The waves were crashing on the shore and there must have been a thousand seagulls that could have cared less. They were riding the waves and loving it : )

I bundled up with my hat and scarf and ventured out for a walk. Being near the ocean makes me happy. I love the sound of the waves and the smell of the salty air. It's calming and peaceful. I'm not a fan of going to beach on a hot, hot day with a million people. I much more prefer it like this. There weren't many folks there and I felt like I had the whole ocean to myself.

I was walking and thinking about my resolutions for the new year and wondering to myself how the heck am I going to be able to balance everything??!! Life is busy, but I'll take it one step at a time.

We all have similar struggles and that's why I love my blog/twitter/instagram friends. We are kindred spirits trying to figure it all out together. ♥

Little treasures wash up on shore even in the winter. I was temped but didn't bring any home. Regretting that decision a little bit ♥

Off in the distance I saw this guy surfing! What a cool hobby! I have to admire someone that is that dedicated to his hobby! : ) He was loving it and I was smiling at him the whole time! #inspiration

After a while I began to feel numb and decided it was time to go home and have some hot tea! I was so glad I went. I felt like I hit a re-set button.

Right now we still have a lot of snow from last week's storm. My green grass and rose bushes are buried under there someplace. See you in the Spring!

Today was my son's first day back to school after a two week winter break! He did not want to go (and I don't blame him : ) I promised hot chocolate with marshmallows waiting for him after school!

I remember that feeling of not wanting to go back to school after vacation. No more staying up late and tonight he'll have homework! Ugh. This morning he asked me how many days till February vacation!

So that's January - It's time to get back into a routine. I promised myself better sleeping habits, healthy eating for my family, and at least two walks per week. That's my plan and I'm sticking to it! (fingers crossed!) 2014 is all about feeling better and having more energy! ♥

Tonight I'm going to make a roast chicken with carrots and potatoes so the house will be warm & cozy when my hubby comes home from work. With the bones I'll make soup. And I just turned on my bread machine so a fresh loaf will be done at dinner time. It's that kind of week. Meal planning is also one of my resolutions : ) There will be plenty of leftovers for tomorrow too. Planning ahead is a stress reliever for me~