What The Hygge? Introducing Couthie - A Funky Scottish Translation...

Just recently - while curled up on the sofa, reading by candle light - I discovered the craze for a Danish lifestyle concept called "hygge". Apparently, this relaxed and comforting way of life is taking Britain by storm this winter! The thing is though, many of my extended Scottish clan already do everything mentioned on the helpful 'how to' list I stumbled upon in Country Living.

It's said there's no literal translation but here in Scotland, I think we'd call it...couthie.  

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In fact, a blog I posted early last year for Funky Scottish demonstrates uncanny similarities between the Danish way and our own cosy culture, especially the couthie little rituals we adopt during our coastal winters!  Here are a few of our ingredients for a Funky Scottish life...

Cafe Culture 

There's a unique delight in stepping out of the biting cold, into the warmth of a welcoming cafe and inhaling the aroma of coffee, soups and freshly baked cakes. Funky Scottish is open throughout the winter, so make a date for morning coffee, lunch or afternoon tea! If you're unsure of our hours during this quieter season, just give Funky Scottish a call on 01333 312 567 to double check.

Cooking Up A Storm

Alas, none of us can spend all day, every day in cute coastal cafes! So, get into the kitchen at home too.  Now is the time to really nourish yourself and your loved ones with soups for the soul, beautiful bakes and warming one-pots. Make big batches and put in the freezer...'real food' ready meals for a rainy day! 

Creative Retreats

Ahead of a bustling 'high' season and The Pittenweem Arts Festival, our resident artist - Karen Edward - uses this precious, quieter time to work on commissions and brand new projects. Whether or not you consider yourself to be 'artistic'', there's no better opportunity to uncover your own unique creativity. Turn old photos into a beautiful framed collage for your wall. Learn a new, exotic language. Write a short story or just send a heart-felt letter to a long-distance loved one. xo PS. We have a lovely collection of note cards in our cafe-gallery-boutique. 

Cosy Knits & Calming Candles

Bundle up in your cutest, comfiest knits and you'll be more inclined - even eager - to embrace the great outdoors. Or, curl up on the sofa, light the candles and enjoy the simple pleasures of your own little sanctuary. Take a peek inside our boutique, on the high street in Pittenweem, for inspiration.

Coastal Walks

Since Victorian times, the health benefits of tangy, coastal air have been well documented and nowadays science tells us there is indeed a healing magic in the seaside ozone! So, wherever you live, head for the beaches and paths around Pittenweem and the East Neuk...we guarantee you'll return home with an un-seasonal high!

Chips (On A Bench, At The Harbour)

If you're out and about, never miss an opportunity to 'warm the cockles' with a bag of chips, perfectly seasoned with salt and vinegar, perhaps accompanied by freshly battered fish...and enjoyed overlooking local boats tied up in their moorings. Remember, there's no better time to visit the award-winning Anstruther Fish Bar....without the massive queues! 

Community Spirit

Whether you're a visitor or year-round resident, it's easy to become caught up in the busy-ness of our own lives.  So, the slower pace of the low season offers a special opportunity to get to know local people a little better.  Take the time to shop locally, visit your nearest pub or cafe, say hello on the high street or offer your neighbour a helping hand.  Who knows, you may forge unexpected friendships to be enjoyed for many seasons to come...

So,  call it couthie - or hygge - or something completely different. Either way, its lovely to see we're not the only ones who delight in celebrating simple pleasures in everyday life. 

A little background...

Working with my client Funky Scottish,  Acoustic Wave provides:-

social media marketing
blog writing
website updates
copywriting
news releases, media kits, press coverage

Find out more about Acoustic Wave - boutique media, marketing and entertainment studio - at acousticwave.co.uk