Introducing EBBVENTURE #2
We understand all too well how comforting and easy it is to stay hibernating at home while the winter keeps dealing us these short cold days, which is why our second EBBVENTURE is timed perfectly!
We’re all for downtime and restoration at home, often it’s just what we need to recoup after a long year, but too much time inside can be unhealthy. So, if you’re looking to boost your immune system, reduce stress, or improve your mood and sleep, then read on!
This EBBVENTURE is beaming with incredible benefits for the mind, body, and soul, it can be done any day of the week and is completely FREE! Not only that, with Valentine’s Day on the horizon, this would also make an amazing romantic gesture – you’re welcome in advance.
Unveiling the Magic
We’ve spoken to you before about the benefits of sunlight and the sunrise, but when was the last time you stopped to witness one?
It’s a magical experience and one of our favourite pastimes. We’d happily watch the sunrise at any time of year, but the benefits are especially helpful in the autumn/winter months, when daylight is lacking, and time spent outside is generally minimal due to the temperature drop. It might be chilly, but at least winter sunrises don’t come with quite so much of an early get up, unlike the 3am alarm calls in the summer!
Location Matters: Chasing the Sunrise
We’ve got Cleethorpes on our doorstep – literally – which means, if you know your geography, we rest on the East coast of Lincolnshire, a little bit on a tilt. For us that means we’re winning as we get to soak up the charm of sunrise, each, and every day (cloud permitting).
The sun rises in the East, so if you’re an East coast dweller, consider yourself super lucky and get yourselves out for an early morning, sun-soaked, escape.
For those in other parts of the country and coast, a sunrise experience is still totally possible to see – you’ll just have to scout out a suitable location. Ideally, somewhere with an unobscured and unbroken view of the horizon, like a hilltop or roof terrace. Just bear in mind, if you have a blocked view of the horizon timings will differ and you’ll likely witness the rise slightly later, but we are talking minutes here!
Planning Your Sunrise EBBVENTURE
As with all epic EBBVENTURES, a little bit of planning is involved, but fear not – we’ve broken that down into 3 easy steps for you.
Step 1: Timing is Everything
Check the sunrise time – the sun rises daily, but at slightly different times each morning. We use https://www.timeanddate.com/astronomy/uk. If you’re not a Cleethorpes local don’t worry, type in your location into the search box and it will give you the information you need.
Step 2: Weather Check
Check the weather – if it’s slinging it down, foggy or cloudy then save yourself the disappointment and wait until the next clear morning. The goal is to see the sunrise and soak up the benefits. So, check your weekly weather forecast and pick the best day.
Step 3: Choosing the Perfect Location
Pick your location – We walk about 5 minutes down the road to our beloved beach to watch the sunrise and keep walking until the sun starts to rise. We know from experience the best time to be out is 30mins before the sunrise time. That way you get to see all the amazing colour changes in the sky.
Essential Items for Your Sunrise EBBVENTURE
Now you have your window of opportunity, time for the prep. Trust us it’s super helpful to prep and kit up for your EBBVENTURES, to make the most of the experience and minimise any stress. For your ease we’ve created a list of our top 8 items, PLUS extra tips, and ideas for a Valentine’s spectacular or any special occasion.
Stay Warm and Cozy
LAYERS – a hoodie and beanie as a minimum! We have some awesome sustainable alternatives if you’re in need of something new. Otherwise, you can make like Joey, F.R.I.E.N.D.S style, and wear everything you own.
Sip and Snack
A FLASK – a nice hot brew on a brisk morning, yes please! Our go to is a freshly ground black coffee from our friends at Extract Coffee. Alternatively, Pukkas – Turmeric Active is a sunny, awakening option, if you prefer herbal tea as it’s packed with rejuvenating herbs, to keep you feeling sprightly throughout the day.
A MORNING NIBBLE – We love a bickie or cookie with our coffee in the morning. Quite frankly anything will do, but a sweet buttery shortbread is always a winner. If you want to make the experience a bit more bougee, making your own cookies is SO worth the effort, and the chewy oatmeal chocolate chip cookies by Broma Bakery are ridiculously easy to make and to absolutely die for! Get these done the day before.
Extra Comfort and Entertainment
HOT WATER BOTTLE – Great especially during the chillier months. Quite a nostalgic piece of kit but a life saver if your companions tend to dither or issued hushed grumbles along the way.
BLANKETS – To sit on and maybe some to snuggle in – a great idea if you want to sit still and observe. Blankets encourage cosiness and snugs which creates a warm, cosy vibe. If you don’t have blankets, use towels. They’ll do the same job and everything washes!
AUDIO BOOK – If you’re heading out for some quality alone time, an audio book is great companion. If you’re anything like us, you’ll have a library of audio books to sift through but never seem to quite find the time. Well, this is perfect opportunity. Alternatively, if you’d prefer a device free morning, there’s nothing quite like the sounds of the dawn chorus.
CONVERSATION – Not necessarily something you need to prep for but having a check-in or a conversation is an immensely powerful and purposeful way to start your day. You may have something on your mind, a topic to talk about or just want a general check in with a friend or loved one. It’s a great way to build relationships, reveal hidden problems, improve understanding and sense making and share knowledge and ideas, plus we feel like it brings us closer together.
Capture the Moment
CAMERA – Now the goal is to unplug and recharge, meaning have that much needed break from your devices BUT we know you love to capture those extra special moments as much as we do and it’s also a great way to inspire wellness in others. However, there’s nothing like seeing it with your own eyes in the moment so you’ll just have to plan two trips, minimum.
EXTRA TIPS ✨
If you’re planning your EBBVENTURE for Valentine’s Day or a special occasion, why not make a breakfast picnic OR prepare a breakfast for when you get back home?
We’re going to set the scene for you… Sunrise – Picnic – Proposal?!… Just saying!
Post EBBVENTURE, we love to seal the morning with a wholesome nourishing breakfast. That way we are fully rejuvenated and charged, ready to take on the day.
We love a graze box, which are great because they can be enjoyed picnic style or at home AND if you’re not a massive breakfast person, well you only eat what you want. A graze box is essentially a selection of your favourite foods and nibbles for you to pick at. They are super easy to put together and often require little to no cooking.
Depending on your preference you can opt for sweet or savoury, so just pick what you and your loved one likes, simples! We always use Pinterest for ingredient inspiration and found two amazing ideas for sweet and savoury options:
Sweet – https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/70437485291908/
Savoury – https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/351912461736629/
Don’t worry if you don’t have the creativity to make your graze box Pinterest worthy! It’s the thought that counts. Little tubs in a picnic box or even a backpack or spread on a chopping board at home will be just fine!
However, you decide to experience your sunrise, the main thing is you have the best possible time and enjoy it. Don’t forget to tag us @ebbandfloliving and share your incredible sunrise moments.