Feeling SAD? 3 Ways To Lighten Up Your Life...

 

Last weekend, the clocks went back!  This timely reminder that our hours of light are growing shorter can make it a bit tougher to get out there and face the day!  In fact, lots of us can genuinely relate to the symptoms of Seasonally Affective Disorder.   While the medical condition often requires special treatments, those of us who feel just a touch of winter blues can always improve our mood with a few little pick-me-ups in our everyday rituals...

The Winter Walk...

Batten down the hatches!  It's a natural response to the blustery, gloomy weather but a healthy dose of daylight is vital to keep our body clock in balance.  So, wrap up warm in your winter woolies and head out for a bracing walk in the elements!  Check out these cute snoods to keep you cosy as you march through the golden leaves - they're in the Funky Scottish boutique...



Bring Warmth to Home & Hearth... 

Even if you don't have a big roaring fire or wood burning stove, you can still create that warm, homely feeling with gorgeous candles - as shown in this luxurious display discovered via Pinterest. We love the Pintail range and our fragrant 'Fireside' candle. You can also create a comforting glow with a few pretty tea lights in cute holders.  Check out our collection in the shop for more inspiration.

Sunshine In A Song...

The mood boosting affects of uplifting music are well documented, so treat yourself to a playlist packed with your favourite songs!  In fact, combine music with a great movie and see the fabulous Sunshine On Leith.  Even if you don't like musicals, I can promise you this heart-warming musical-rom-com set in the Scottish capital will melt away those cold winter blues!  The film shows Edinburgh in its most beautiful light and even better, our very own Pittenweem gets a wee cameo in the film!

See - 3 great ways to create that warm, winter glow... If you have a few suggestions of your own, leave me a wee note below or on Facebook!

Meanwhile, I'm taking my own advice and heading off to the Aberfeldy Music Festival this weekend!

Enjoy the rest of your week too!

Karen x

So handy! The new " i-gloves " ...

Continuing our series of features on the lovely, seasonal items we have in the Funky Scottish boutique, I just have to share these super cool creations! Who has the time to take their gloves off every time they want to use the phone?  Also, isn't it becoming too cold for bare hands?  So, the perfect solution is a pair of Tech Touch Gloves.  They can be used with touch screen phones and ipads.  Also, they are very, very pretty! These gloves are the ultimate gift for the 21st century girl-about-town.  You can treat yourself or someone you adore - these are in store now at Funky Scottish.

Also, a wee side note!  Would you like to treat a loved one to a special commission for Christmas? You can find inspiration by viewing my Karen Edward @ Funky Scottish range of bespoke, hand-painted ceramic plates on the Funky Scottish website.

Karen x

Flourish & Florals....

There's no denying the classic style and simplicity of a little black dress or dark separates. So, as Autumn-Winter descends, our wardrobes often naturally reflect the new season with a move to an understated, less vibrant palette. On the other hand, if you miss the bright sun dresses and pretty summer accessories, you can still add a splash of colour and interest with a few well chosen embellishments - like the cheerful floral shoulder bag or vintage style necklace and cuff, modelled by our lovely Marina. You'll find these accessories and lots more inside the Funky Scottish boutique on the high street in Pittenweem!

Love & Marriage, Go Together Like....

 "A marriage is about love, not gender." 

- Alex Neil, Scottish Health Secretary

In celebration of this year's Marriage and Civil Partnership Bill, which proposes a change in the law to allow same-sex marriage, I'm very pleased to share these commissions I was asked to create for two happy couples! 

The new bill proposes an important revision to existing law which currently only allows same-sex civil partnerships, a legal relationship exclusively for same-sex couples.  Same-sex marriage would be different in that it would finally allow all couples who love each other to formalise their commitment in marriage.  You can find out more at the BBC's Q&A: Gay marriage 

"Love & marriage, go together like....a horse and carriage."  

It's that simple.  

Accessorise in Autumn - 15 Ways With A Scarf...

 As we say goodbye to September - and with leaves beginning to fall softly to the ground - it's time to accessorise with chic, colourful and cosy scarfs!  We have lots of gorgeous new patterns and styles in the Funky Scottish boutique on the high street in Pittenweem - as beautifully modelled here by our very own Marina!  Also, if you're looking for more stylish ways to wear a scarf, visit the article '15 chic and creative ways to wear a tie a scarf' which is packed with inspiration and instructions on creating many gorgeous looks, with one pretty scarf!  So, treat yourself to an instant wardrobe update that will take you from long walks to long lunches in style...

A Sneak Peek In The Boutique...

If you haven't had a chance to visit the Funky Scottish boutique recently - or ever - take a look at our latest snapshots of new art, crafts, clothing collections, jewellery and gorgeous, quirky pieces for your home too! You'll find my own collections, Karen Edward @ Funky Scottish, alongside boutique designers and hand-picked Scottish artists. The space is also my working studio, where I produce bespoke hand-painted ceramics. So, if you do get a chance to drop by my wee place on the high street in Pittenweem, please come and say hello...

You can find Funky Scottish on the high street in Pittenweem. You can also see work by Karen Edward @ Funky Scottish or request a commission via my website, www.funkyscottish.com.

Just Art! October Exhibition in Fochabers...

This October, I'm exhibiting at the gorgeous gallery, Just Art in Fochabers. Right now, this involves me spending lots of time in the studio, creating new collections for the showcase. Just Art is an independent gallery, presenting contemporary work by artists living and working in Scotland. The upcoming 'new artists' show will start on 20th October and my work will be exhibited alongside jewellery by George Petrie and framed work by Ailsa Black, Fiona Knox, Alison Midson and Letitia Smith Burnett. So, if you're in the area, please do drop in to have a look around!  Find out more about Fochabers at Fochabers Heritage.  You can take a look at the Just Art website at www.justart.co.uk. Coming soon - a peek at my new work for the exhibition...