POSTCARDS FROM THE COAST

Pinteresting - Surf Style...

2012-02-17T07:14:00.000-08:00

Images via Pinterest

Oops. I seem to have discovered Pinterest

It's certainly one way to dream away a Friday afternoon.

Happy Weekend.... :)

Love The Ocean...

2012-02-14T03:36:00.001-08:00

“it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart.
It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul.”

– Judy Garland

Happy Valentines Day x

Image via Sarah Blank Studios

Every Kingdom - Part 2

2012-02-08T02:33:00.000-08:00

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I just found this lovely wee trailer for my album of the year - from
Ben Howard. Is it too early for a little wild swimming?

Haunted By Waters...

2012-01-31T06:39:00.000-08:00

Do you feel a haunting connection to water? Walking along the coastal path at the weekend, as the afternoon light faded over the sea, I was reminded of a beautiful excerpt from a book by writer, Norman MacLean. The eldest son of a Scottish Presbyterian minister, born and raised in America, MacLean's great love was The Big Blackfoot River of Montana. You can read the original excerpt here. Meanwhile, I was inspired to adapt his poetic words to reflect my love of the ocean and walks along the banks of the River Forth estuary, where it flows out to meet the North Sea....

"Now some of those I loved and did not understand in my youth are gone. But I still reach out to them. And now I sometimes walk the coast path alone, even though some friends think I shouldn’t. But when I am alone in the half-light of the estuary, all existence seems to fade to a being of my soul and memories, and the sound of the water and a tidal rhythm, and the hope that a whale will rise. Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it. The river was cut by the world’s greatest flood, and runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some of the rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs."

“I am haunted by waters.”

- Adapted from Norman MacLean's excerpt from
'A River Runs Through It'

Photography by Acoustic Wave's all-round creative, James Lowe. See more at The Gallery.

Rise Above Plastics - The Surfriders Pledge...

2012-01-26T02:39:00.000-08:00

Living right by the sea, the mis-use of plastic is rarely far from my mind. Whenever I go for a walk, I see where the ocean spits plastic out on the coastal path and the beaches. I see it floating in the harbour and gathering on rocky shores. There's no getting away from it - plastic makes the ocean sick!! Below, find out more and learn how you can help to heal the ocean...

Why Take The 'Rise Above Plastics' Pledge?

Each year, one million sea birds and
one hundred thousand marine mammals die
from ingestion of, or entanglement in plastics.
- Surfrider Foundation

Of course, plastic itself isn't the problem. The real issue is that as a society and as individuals, we choose to use single-use and disposable products, packaged in plastic. Consider this. It takes one person just a few minutes to consume a snack yoghurt, or a bottle of water, or a tub of ice-cream. Then, we throw away the plastic packaging. Recycling isn't the answer. Unlike glass and aliminium, the life-cycle of recycled plastic packaging is still short. So, what happens to all that plastic?

With the exception of the small amount that is incinerated,
virtually every piece of plastic that has ever
been made still exists in some shape or form.
- Surfrider Foundation

If this troubles you, you can rise to the challenge. Take the 'Rise Above Plastic' Pledge. Here are a few of the ways we can all honour the pledge, reduce our 'plastic footprint' and help keep plastics out of the marine environment. These tips come directly from Surfrider Foundation and I've added a few bonus tips & a shopping hit-list too...

Rise Above Plastics - Top Ten...

Choose to reuse when it comes to shopping bags and bottled water. You can get cloth bags and metal or glass reusable bottles are available locally at great prices.
Refuse single-serving packaging, excess packaging, straws and other 'disposable' plastics. Carry reusable utensils in your purse, backpack or car to use at bbq's, potlucks or take-out restaurants.
Reduce everyday plastics such as sandwich bags and juice cartons by replacing them with a reusable lunch bag/box that includes a thermos.
Bring your to-go mug with you to the coffee shop, smoothie shop or restaurants that let you use them. A great way to reduce lids, plastic cups and/or plastic-lined cups. Bonus Tip: I've done this at Pret A Manger and they're often glad to oblige - it's won me extra points on my loyalty card!
Go digital! No need for plastic cds, dvds and cases when you can buy your music and videos online. Bonus Tip: If you really want a hard copy - buy second hand on Amazon
Seek out alternatives to the plastic items that you rely on.
Recycle. If you must use plastic, try to choose #1 (PETE) or #2 (HDPE), which are the most commonly recycled plastics. Avoid plastic bags and polystyrene foam as both typically have very low recycling rates.
Volunteer at a beach cleanup.
Support plastic bag bans, polystyrene foam bans and bottle recycling bills.
Spread the word. Talk to your family and friends about why it is important to Rise Above Plastics!

Rise Above Plastics - Shopping Hit-List....

Yoghurts, ice creams and milk (often long-life or organic) can be found in paper-based carton packaging.
Switch to reusable razors.
Switch to good-quality soaps, which last much longer than hand and body wash.
Buy meat from a butcher to avoid the supermarket's big plastic packages.
Skip snack dips and spreads packaged in plastic - make your own!
Choose butter and cheese in paper wrapping.
Buy fizzy drinks in cans
Choose tap water in restaurants and at home, filter if necessary, take a re-usable metal bottle
Buy loose fruit and vegetables.
Rather than using washing liquid, choose washing powder, which is packaged in cardboard boxes.
If you can't find glass or cardboard packaging, choose brands that offer 'refill' packs, to reduce the amount of plastic packaging in your regular household items.
Boycott brands that don't offer reduced plastic or plastic free options. They'll soon get the message.
Beware of bio-plastics. In an attempt to be more eco-friendly, some brands have switched to bio-plastics. However, it generally only biodegrades in special composting heaps which are not commercially available. It's often made using GM plants. Also, the plants used to make bio-plastics are sometimes planted in far-away countries, using up valuable food production land.
Shop Consciously - and you'll really start to notice where plastic is being used and wasted unnecessary....
If you're buying gifts for others - choose non-plastic!

Rise Above Plastics - Take The Pledge...

As I've said before, here at Postcards From The Coast, we usually aim to celebrate the ocean, via articles featuring inspirational images, products and places. Yet, in the same way that it's impossible to walk along a beautiful coastline without seeing the damage plastic is doing to our planet, it's also become impossible to close our eyes to it in everyday life - and that includes here on this blog. So please, join me in taking the pledge to Rise Above Plastics ....

Find out more and pledge to Rise Above Plastics at www.riseaboveplastics.org

Go here to 'like' Rise Above Plastics' @ Facebook

Leave a comment below and tell us how you pledge to Rise Above Plastics.

Remember, a drop in the ocean has a ripple effect!!

Every Kingdom...

2012-01-14T07:11:00.000-08:00

Ben Howard - Every Kingdom, created by the Devon-born singer-songwriter-surfer is the perfect go-to album for laid-back, lazy weekends by the sea. It's available to check out on Spotify or ITunes. The album's available to buy at Amazon too - and you can get it on vinyl. There aren't many modern albums that feels right on vinyl, but this one has it.

Eco Music Tip: Many albums are still packaged in plastic - which ultimately breaks down and finds its ways into our food-chain (and oceans). One way to discourage this is to buy via download or if you really love having a hard copy, consider choosing a high quality second hand version instead.

B-E-A-UTIFUL....

2012-01-12T08:36:00.000-08:00

Hey Universe,
Thanks for that!
Love Vicky xx

The Mermaid Rock of Luna Beach...

2012-01-08T10:14:00.000-08:00

"See a mountain, see an ocean,

see the years that bring
Rock and tide together....
Settle down I said to myself,
things that come with time
Will always be better"
- Rock & Tide

Joshua Radin

The Mermaid Rock of Luna Beach
A Short, Fictional Tale, by Vicky Watt

It is said that the mermaid on the rock was caught between two worlds. Every day the mermaid loved to visit Luna Beach on Scotland's rugged east coast. She climbed high up onto the cliffs, far above the sea, even above the birds that surfed through the air waves. The mermaid watched the humans as they moved busily through their days, living in a simple, harmonious settlement, nestled in the dunes behind the beach. The Mer-Folk - the mermaid's own people of the sea - encouraged her to venture beyond the shores she loved. They wanted her to cast away her fins forever, as many of her kind were doing. They hoped that she would find a safe place in the human world.

The mer-folk believed that they were increasingly under threat from sea-farers who would come from distant lands. It was said that these men feared the mer-folk and their powers over the sea. These men would soon come and teach the local humans to forget the old ways and their respect for the ocean. There were prophecies amongst the mer-folk of great webs that the humans would cast out across the water, trapping the sea creatures in their thousands, of lifeless carcases that would multiply and float in the sea for an eternity, thunder rising from the seabed so loud it could drown out whale song, and a black death that would creep across the surface of the water, eventually bringing an end to all life in the oceans.

Yet, every time this mermaid considered venturing beyond her beloved shores, she couldn't bring herself to do it. Her heart told her that her place was right here living in the sea and bathing on Luna Beach. She couldn't believe that the humans she watched everyday would ever turn on her kind.

Then, one day, as she was bathing on a beach rock, she saw a great ship on the horizon - far bigger than any of the boats she'd seen used by local people. Despite the blue skies and sunshine, a chill coursed through her bones. She began to wonder if the prophecy of her people was coming true. Perhaps she shouldn't have listened to herself. Maybe she should have trusted others and fled Luna Beach for a new life in the land beyond the cliff path. There was still time. Yet, she did not move. She continued to question her future and all that she knew, until she was too exhausted to think of it anymore. She became hypnotised by the flickering light of the sun as it played upon the shallows. Her eyes grew heavier and she rested her head on the rock, unaware that as she fell into a deep sleep, a cloud was stretching towards the shore and casting a shadow on the sparkling sea.

When The Mermaid awakened, she felt numb. A great ice storm had gripped the ocean. The falling ice rain had turned her legs into a fish tail once more, but the tide was still far out. She was frozen to the rock. The storm was raging all around the coastline. Waves like the tails of great sea monsters whipped against the rocky shore, edging closer to the beach, threatening to consume the little bothies and fisher-families inside.

The Mermaid knew that if the great, powerful waves swept to the shore she would be caught up in the tide and taken back to the safety of the ocean depths - but the people of Luna Beach would certainly perish.

Looking down towards her cherished home of sand and sea, from her rocky vantage, with the crystal vision of a sea-eagle, she realised her own destiny.

The Mermaid took a long, deep breath of sharp, glass air. Then, she began to call out, a single high-pitched note, an almost musical sound that might have been beautiful, had it not been so piercing. The bewildering, eerie cry filled the air, alerting families living by the beach to the great danger just beyond the dunes. Men, women and children rushed from their homes, up onto the sandy mounds and watched in awe and terror as the huge tsunami thundered towards them. The mermaid, high on the rock, continued to call out towards the north sea. The people on the beach were hypnotised by this vision of a raging ocean, threatening to rip through their lives. They held their hands to their ears, trying to drown out the painful sound of sea and screams.

And then, just as this elemental power seemed poised to crash down upon them, it stopped.

The fisher-people stood frozen in disbelief at the miracle before them. A wall of water higher than the cliffs began moving backwards, away from the crescent moon beach. Within moments, the ocean had reclaimed the angry beast that had risen from its depths and now only a few rough waves hinted at the threat below the surface.

Suddenly aware of the icy rain battering their bodies, the bewildered people rushed back towards their cosy home fires. As most families crossed the threshold, into warmth and safety, someone called out and pointed towards the high rock on the beach. There, on top of the rock, was the frozen, lifeless form of a mermaid.

The people realised immediately it was her calls that had saved them all. A few people had claimed they'd seen the fish-tailed woman swimming in the sea and now they all knew for sure that they hadn't imagined her.

Eventually, the unexpected, early winter turned the mermaid from ice to an alchemy of silver and black stone, bright even in darkness and forever enshrined on the far edge of Luna Beach.

Much later, when the world would be unrecognisable to those who'd stood on Luna Beach that day, clever men would claim that The Mermaid Rock was created from nothing more than a million years of coastal storms, volcanic rock chiseled and welded by sharp winds and ice rains, a geological wonder, it's likeness to a mythical sea creature nothing more than a coincidence.

Meanwhile, those who'd witnessed her power over the sea shared their story with any local or drifter willing to listen, there were people who came to worship her as the guardian of Luna Beach, climbing up to touch her tail for luck. Indeed, it seemed that some who came to see the Mermaid Rock understood far more about the mermaid's story than others. They seemed to be gifted with a special knowledge, sharing the mer-folk prophecies about men from distant lands who would come and threaten the old way of life. They seemed eager to keep this fate from the people of St Luna, teaching kin-ship and respect for the balance between humanity and the creatures of the ocean. Others began to wonder if descendents of the mer-folk truly were walking amongst them and not all were comfortable with this notion.

A few days after the storm, in a small inlet several miles up the coast near Aberdeen, a ship-wreck had been discovered. All on board had perished. The locals there were bemused by this giant boat and the shiny treasures on board. They wondered where this exotic, unfortunate people had come from and why they might be sailing in these waters during the worst storm in memory.

In time, another ship was seen on the horizon and this time, it arrived on-shore, bringing with it people who talked of unimaginable riches, a better, easier life and a new way of fishing the seas. They also brought with them dark superstitious and rituals to protect coastal people and fishermen from the fish-tailed sea-witches and demons they claimed threatened the bright future of man.

And so, a new age began on the coast of Scotland. A time when people wanted dominion over the oceans. Reverence for the sea and its magical creatures, including the mer-folk, turned to fear. Every day, the people learned to take more from the ocean, to guarantee their survival, just in-case the sea defeated them in battle. As they did so, the prophecies were self-fulfilled. The more man took from the sea, the less there was to find. They were forced to move further from shore. They plunged to much greater depths. Each trip became more perilous, bigger ships were built and they battled through greater waves. Every day more men and sea-creatures were lost forever. Some of the coastal people, believing what they'd been told by their new allies, blamed their misfortune on bad omens, perhaps the sighting of a selkie or the distant call of a mermaid.

Still, others remembered a different story.

Despite the changes and challenges that swept along those rugged shores in the ensuing years, the mermaid's act of courage - witnessed by only a few - kept the glistening light of truth alive in the hearts and words of at least a few people.

Old fisherman and fish wives, sitting in quiet corners of St Luna Inn, their tongues loosened with a few warming whiskies, will share whispers about the legend of The Mermaid Rock. She, who sacrificed herself for the people living in the dunes behind Luna Beach. They say that the piercing call of a mermaid can still be heard echoing against the rocky cliffs in the moments before a storm. Always there, watching over her seas, protecting Luna Beach and the people of St Luna. They say the mermaid is a guardian of the coast who, to this day, helps lost souls hear their inner voice and discover their true destiny.

They remember, what many have forgotten. Surf and soil, man and mermaids, time and tide will always be divinely entwined, seeking perfect balance, just as surely as the sea meets the sands...

Be A Surf Goddess (or God) In 2012...

2012-01-04T10:53:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!

So, over at our sister blog Surfing The Wave there's been some chatter about exchanging New Year's Resolutions for a single Word Of The Year. In essence, rather than listing all the things that are wrong with your life, you choose one guiding word that will inspire you throughout the year. For example, you may choose "Healthy" which could gently inspire you towards healthier relationships, healthier finances, healthier mind, healthier body and so on. Isn't that much more inspiring than 1. lose weight 2. get fit 3. change job etc...? This year, I've chosen the word Surf. Amongst the many possibilities, for me it conjours up images of surfing the waves of daily life...moving with its natural ebb & flow.....enjoying infinite waves of opportunities, learning from the challenges, finding balance and enjoying the ride! While looking around for inspirational ideas and images to accompany this Word Of 2012, I just found an amazing surf & yoga school for women, called Surf Goddess Retreats. What an amazing place to surf through a few days of life in 2012! Also, check out their Surf Goddess Philosophy. If you're a surf god, just exchange she for he - I'm sure a similar ethos applies...

A Surf Goddess...
Smiles with her eyes
Laughs from her belly
Speaks from her heart
Lives with abundance and kindness
Loves life's little luxuries and pampering
Is young at heart and wise beyond her years
Is energetic, strong and supple
Is peace-full, accepting and loving
Is inspired and inspiring
...and loves the ocean!

May you surf on the crest of many wonderful waves in 2012 :) xx

Sail Into The New Year...

2011-12-15T09:06:00.000-08:00

So, it's almost holiday time and this may well be the last post here in 2011! If it is, I wish you a wonderful festive season and an even better 2012!!! Thanks for reading xx

A Winter Tale...

2011-12-07T15:40:00.000-08:00

If you're feeling a touch of the winter blues, curl up and watch a truly heart-warming film about a courageous dolphin - called winter! Dolphin Tale is based on the true story of a dolphin who becomes caught in a crab trap at sea and due to its injuries, loses its tail. The dolphin seems like a hopeless case and is expected to die from its injuries, until an idealistic team of people join together to create a solution - one that soon has a positive and powerful ripple effect!

The film stars Harry Connick Jnr, Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd and Winter as herself. It's a film for all the family! You can see the trailer here - Dolphin Tale.

Sea More Than Meets The Sky....

2011-12-05T01:15:00.000-08:00

This is an i-phone snap shot of sea-meets-sky on a late Sunday afternoon stroll. It's not the highest quality shot but it's still captured more than you might first think. Click on the image for a larger view and you'll just be able to see the lone fisherman on the rocky outcrop and in the far right corner of the ocean, the outline of a passing ship...

Dream of Living By The Sea? Take The Plunge...

2011-11-17T08:06:00.000-08:00

Image via The Independent

Do you sit at your desk and dream of moving to the seaside? You could do it - real people up and down the coast are proof that it's possible! One day, after doing years of my own daydreaming, I realised only I could make it happen. So, today when Coast dropped through the front door, it made me smile to see the magazine encouraging coast-loving people to make the dream a reality - via three lovely case studies about people who've taken the plunge. One man - who moved his whole family to the seaside - said this...

" Do it now! Don't wait till you retire because you really
can't put a price on the quality of your life"
- 'Live The Dream', Coast Magazine

Coast Magazine

Often, it seems the only way to make "living the dream" possible, is to have the financial resources to sell up elsewhere and invest in a new property (and maybe even a coastal business). This isn't the only option. Below are a few alternative ways to move to the seaside...maybe even in 2012?

Rent. Increasingly, people are looking for alternatives to the risks associated with mortgages and home ownership. Also, if you're open to renting, a whole new range of properties become available. Even in 'holiday areas', you can find homes to rent overlooking the water and by city standards they're often at breath-takingly reasonable rates. It's also a no-strings way of discovering if you really do love the lifestyle.

Declutter Your Life. When making a big move, money is often a huge issue. So, what could you live without? If living by the sea is truly your dream, you may find that many of the props associated with your former way of life just fall away. Will you still need a full Sky TV package? The alternative to the latest on-screen drama may be reading a good book while listening to the waves lapping on the shore? With a bus network connecting local towns and villages, do you still need a car? Will you be in the pub a couple of nights a week drinking expensive cocktails? Could you swap spending free time in the cinema for taking photos on the coastal path? Are 'weekend breaks' going to be your essential way to de-stress if you have a beach on your doorstep? Will eating out several times a month be the norm...when the local farm shop is filled with tempting treats? You probably wouldn't believe how much money you could effortlessly save, by spending your time in a place you love.

Portfolio Work. Picturesque coastal areas are often far from the madding crowd - which means job opportunities may be more scarce. This is where any diverse skills could come into play. Could you work a few shifts in a local cafe + sell your own crafts in an art studio + do admin or labour for a local building firm? On the other hand, even some quiet coastal areas are still commutable to local towns, so take a look around and visualise what could work for you. Your perfect job might just come with a view of the ocean....

Change Your Mind. One of the big obstacles to achieving your greatest dreams is often your own mindset. If you've become conditioned to believe that you have to live life a certain way - even if you don't feel very happy - taking the risk of changing it all could seem like an insurmountable challenge. I used to believe that I could only live by the sea if somehow there was enough money in the bank to make a move risk free. That day would probably have never come. I arrived in my new coastal home with a 'portfolio business' in its very early stages, just enough cash to pay the first couple of months bills and absolutely no guarantees - but waking up to sea views for the first time gave me the incentive to hold the course. This type of move can teach you a lot about the ebb and flow of life. It seemed to me that for a while, uncertainty and a much smaller income would be part of the parcel - but so were mid-week lunch breaks on the beach and a desk with coastal panoramas. That was 3 years ago....and the views alone still make it all worthwhile.

It's an old but true cliche - life is the journey...and an adventure! Bon Voyage! If you do take the plunge, or if you're thinking about it, or if you've already done it...please send me a postcard!

Winter Woolies...

2011-11-15T10:27:00.000-08:00

So what if it's a slate grey sky out there! Brighten up a winter walk with these gorgeous felted, striped scarfs from Papa Stour.

Seafood, Eat It...

2011-11-15T10:12:00.000-08:00

If you've ever experienced a good Farmers Market, you'll know that fast food can take on an exciting new meaning at these events - a freshly prepared wild boar or venison burgers is a lunchtime favourite of mine. However, at the recent St Andrews Farmers Market , people were queuing for an amazing east coast delicacy - Arbroath Smokies. The traditional snack - haddock smoked over wooden barrels - was prepared as people waited patiently, then wrapped simply in paper, ready to eat with a wooden fork. Delicious, warming, fast food for a wintery day by the seaside! Yuuuuum.....

Dreamtime Seal...

2011-11-06T02:52:00.001-08:00

Seal Etching by Louise Scott
(image taken with my iphone - hence the shadows)

Art isn't often at the top of my shopping wish list. Our home is already full of pictures - mostly of seascapes gifted by loved ones or shots we've taken ourselves. One day in mid-October, this all changed. On the night of the October full moon, I dreamed a little seal swam towards me, allowing me to pick it up and hold it in my arms for a while, before I put it back into the water and watched it powerfully swim out to sea . Three days later, I walked into Funky Scottish in Pittenweem - a gorgeous local art boutique, and was struck by an etching of a seal swimming below the light of a full moon. I was immediately enchanted by its dream-like quality and felt an untypical urge to invest in this beautiful piece, created by Scottish artist Louise Scott. Within a couple of days I'd returned to seal the deal and walked away carrying my very own little seal too! What a pleasant synchronicity...could there be a deeper meaning? Ancient civilizations - including the Celts, Native Americans and Aboriginals - revere many of the animals they encounter in both waking state and dreamtime. According to symbolism, the seal represents listening to your inner self and balancing your life to it. When seal swims into your life, expect your dreams to become more vivid and significant. Coastal animals including heron, geese, seal, whale and dolphin are all associated with intriguing symbolism.

What sea creature might have been swimming around in your life recently?

Surf & Spray...

2011-10-26T07:35:00.000-07:00

What an epic surf on the St Monans - Pittenweem coastal path today! After a couple of days so stormy that nobody would venture outside, it was a real gift to see the waves this close up, beneath blue skies and miraculously, without getting soaked or swept away. Home again now - with a cup of tea and revisiting a high tide so dramatic, it could all be captured on the retro camera in my old iphone...

Cosy, Calm, Coastal...

2011-10-26T04:08:00.000-07:00

Image via Beach Studios

We've almost blown right through October already! It's definitley time for stacking up the logs and lighting the stove! If you don't have one - and if you live in the Scottish Highlands - I know the very best folks for the job. Our friends at Highland, Home & Hearth can fit stoves in virtually any property - even if you don't have a chimney. Unsurprisingly, coastal locations are popular places for wood burning stoves. Long bracing walk along the shore, head indoors, light the fire and curl up on a big old chair with your favourite warming drink! Bliss!

Mini Break - East Coast

2011-10-23T02:56:00.000-07:00

A couple of months ago, we had to wave goodbye to Sunny, our big red 1988 VW campervan. Summer was still in the air, free-wheelin' campervan adventures beckoned and this made parting all the more difficult. So, it's with surprise and delight that just a few weeks on, I'm over it - thanks to discovering the boundless joys of...The Mini Break....

Introducing Ziggy! This tiny, purple 1972 Mini - named after David Bowie's No 1 album from the same year - is the perfect companion for mini adventures on narrow back roads up and down the coast! Here's the storyboard of this first excursion along Scotland's east coast - focusing on two of the prettiest spots north of the East Neuk.

First Stop - St Cyrus Beach. Just beyond Montrose, this beach is a hidden treasure within an SNH Nature Reserve...

The Old Fishing Station - recently refurbished & reopened under new ownership - is a lovely B&B overlooking the reserve, dunes and sea beyond...

The guest rooms are named after local lighthouses - we stayed in 'Tod Head'. Features include private access, contemporary furnishings, Ipod docking station, fair-trade drinks and complimentary toiletries. The breakfast is made using good quality ingredients and includes thoughtful touches like mini pots of jam - rather than wasteful disposable plastic sachets. Major eco-points awarded from the team here at Postcards From The Coast!

Aside from these pleasing additions and the option to stay right on the reserve, the biggest attraction is still St Cyrus Beach itself. This place, it seems is a little known secret - although some of us have been coming here for years ;) It's a magical hideaway and travellers passing through St Cyrus village could come and go for a lifetime without realising what lies beneath the edge of those rocky cliffs...

The epic scale of golden sands stretching towards the wild north sea is breathtaking and elemental. I've seen dolphins play off the coast here, risen early to watch the sunrise over the sea and witnessed sunsets that turn the skies into shades of reds, purples and pinks, in just a heartbeat.

Autumn is the season to enjoy the solitude of the beach as north winds whip your hair into a knot and turn your cheeks rosy. Afterwards, you can climb the steep cliff path to the village for a well-earned drink in the local pub or return to your room to cosy-up and read a book in a chair by the window.

If you can tear yourself away from St Cyrus Beach, there's more to see as you travel onwards. A pleasing half-hour drive north along the A92 Coastal Route leads to Stonehaven....

This town is also deceptively ordinary-looking on the surface, but snake your way down towards the harbour and you'll find another east-coast gem...

One of the best places to eat in the north east is situated right on the harbour. The Tolbooth Seafood Restaurant celebrates it's geography with relaxed beach-chic style and serves delicious local produce...

There are also cafes, and pubs throughout town. Two of the best places for a drink are right on the harbour. The Ship Inn and Marine Hotel also have outstanding views, which reach towards the coastal path leading to mystical Dunottar Castle...

There are also a few options for places to stay. We were at the friendly and comfortable Bayview B&B, close to the town centre and old harbour. Our ground-floor room included a balcony overlooking the seafront boardwalk ...

However, if you want to be at the heart of the pretty harbour, the Marine Hotel has beautiful contemporary rooms, a great gastro-style bar menu, cosy pub and whisky galore...

...and of course, at this time of year there's plenty of parking space for a little 'un...

Finally, after a revitalising two-night stay away, it's time to return home, via the same stunning coastal route - and we can't resist another stop at St Cyrus. This time we follow the single track road in the heart of the village, beyond the old kirk to the cliff-top viewing point...

Looking down at the long silver thread that guided this first East Coast Mini Break, I say a fond farewell, till next time....

Spa by the Sea...

2011-10-12T15:13:00.000-07:00

In Victorian times, a visit to the seaside was considered to have countless health benefits and today many still believe in the theraputic properties of fresh coastal air. Surely then, a trip to the seaside, combined with relaxing massage is the perfect solution for those in need of a little respite and rejuvanation? So, I was doing cartwheels along the waterfront (in my head at least) when I discovered that the recently opened La Belle Beauty Boutique in St Monans - here in the gorgeous East Neuk of Fife - is now offering facials and swedish massage, alongside countless more delightful beauty treatments! Best of all, their little place is literally a stones throw from the harbour and sea!

If you're in the area, you'll find La Belle Beauty Boutique on 13 Forth Street, St Monans. For more information call 01333 730 820.

Massage image via google
St Monans image via our gallery @ Acoustic Wave

Sunday Brunch in St Andrews...

2011-10-10T08:12:00.000-07:00

Following my recent post - Sunday Stroll in St Andrews - I've just discovered a funky new place to enjoy a laid back Sunday brunch - a bustling contemporary-meets-rustic-meets-retro diner - where you can warm up & fill up after a big beach walk! The recently opened Mitchells Deli & Cafe is on historic Market Street and subtly pays homage to the butchers shop that was previously on the site. It serves food & drink from 8am till midnight - so it's also great for lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. I recommend the veggie breakfast...

Practical Magic...

2011-10-10T07:24:00.000-07:00

My i-phone captured this sunny spell over the harbour one day last week. I found myself enchanted by the calm seas and late afternoon glow. The rocking chair by the window is my favourite spot for 'time out'. Of course, the restorative qualities of the seaside are well documented but even just a few minutes of down-time - wherever you are - is said to help us find calm, clarity and improve productivity. So, where's your special place for finding some head-space? Is there a cosy chair you curl up in to take a breather and gather your thoughts? Or a cute coffee shop near the office? A park or square you visit with a flask of tea? Or do you simply seek out a quiet corner, close your eyes and dream of some far off place? A little break away from the desk or daily chores, especially on super-busy days can be a magical cure for many of life's little stressors and may even help you work a few miracles of your own...

Scorpio Rising...

2011-10-10T07:08:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again! Here in the East Neuk, when the cranes come to lift many little boats out of the harbour, it's a sign we're on the cusp of winter. The cute little red boat being hoisted up is called 'Scorpio'. According to astrology, it's a water sign. Uncanny!

Sunday Stroll in St Andrews...

2011-09-25T10:25:00.000-07:00

St Andrews is a lovely place to spend a lazy Sunday - cafes, bars, boutiques, ancient history...and best of all, two gorgeous beaches, connected to the main town by the coastal path and cobbled streets.

Pure Shores...

2011-09-25T02:40:00.000-07:00

Taken with an iphone - just off the St Monans to Elie coastal path - on a sunny Saturday in late September. I love the way these images capture the passing warmth of summer as we fall into autumn, the calm and quiet of the beach, the gentle ripple of the surf. This is a stretch of coast that attracts many visitors, yet there always seems to be space for solitude. If you need any more excuses to visit the coast this autumn, click here for East Neuk inspiration - Autumn Escape- 5 Simple Pleasures.

Every Storm Must Pass...

2011-09-14T09:05:00.000-07:00

We've had a couple of stormy days here in the East Neuk - the tail of the hurricane swept across the atlantic and took a swipe at our coastlines. Today, although still blustery, the wild ocean waves and torrential rain have passed into memory once more....

Images are by our intrepid photographer & all-round creative, James Lowe. See more of his coastal shots at The Gallery.

Acoustic Wave Cafe - No 5...

2011-09-11T11:02:00.000-07:00

Acoustic Wave Cafe - No 5 - has just surfed through town once again! This time, despite a couple of last minute cancellations, we had a full house, thanks to last minute bookings and a few walk-ins from curious ramblers who stumbled off the East Neuk Coastal Trail and into our cosy pop-up event. It was a stormy afternoon here on the waterfront - as rain battered on the windows, we battened down the hatches, lit the hurricane lanterns, filled the wine glasses and entertained guests with delicious food, beautiful music and awesome art....right by the sea...

Host - Vicky
ready for another seaside soiree

Chef - James - in the kitchen
with something he prepared earlier

The Arts & Crafts Showcase -
with ceramics from Funky Scottish

Art by Karen @ Funky Scottish

On The Menu

Roast butternut squash veloute, soda bread

Followed by
Herb crusted fillet of cod, warm puy lentil salad, horseradish cream
or
Roasted leek and clava brie tartet, warm puy lentil, horseradish cream

Interlude
Baked white chocolate cheesecake, salt caramel sauce

To Finish
Tea/Coffee & Chocolate Seashells

& Live Music
from guest
singer-songwriter
Myke Black...

"imagine what this feels like
that unfamiliar face in front of you..."

Myke Black introduces himself to an intimate crowd

He performs tracks from his debut album
'Nice Little Earner'...

...and showcased exciting new material too

an attentive, up-close audience

The audience - a full-house -
was mesmerised by Myke Black's
beautiful, laid-back acoustic performance...

"...I love it when they try to
clap their hands in time to every song...
telling all their friends to come and clap along.."

- Street Music
Myke Black

Our Guests - Thank You...

Both locals and visitors to the area - your support is always truly appreciated!

Our Contributors - Thank You...

Singer-Songwriter Myke Black who visited us from Aberdeen; Karen from Funky Scottish in Pittenweem who showcased her gorgeous artwork and James Lowe from The Elemental Kitchen who created the mouth-watering lunch menu... and our Acoustic Wave Cafe sign, made entirely from flotsam and jetsam found on the beach. What talented folks!

More Storyboards..

Check out earlier events here...

Acoustic Wave Cafe - April 2011
Acoustic Wave Cafe - October 2010
Acoustic Wave Cafe - May 2010

Answers On A Postcard...

We leave postcards on our tables so that guests can leave their feedback. Here are a few words from guests at this latest event...

"Just a wee thank you again for inviting me to the Cafe and for such a great lunch, good company and fantastic music. Its always a pleasure...All the very best for whatever you do next I am sure it will be as creative and wonderful as Saturday!!" - Karen, East Neuk

"Awesome event - again! Can't wait for the next one" - Alana, Aberdeen

Join Us Next Time...

To find out more about our not-for-profit, pop-up Acoustic Wave Cafe events - in support of Marine Conservation Society - go to www.acousticwavecafe.co.uk

Don't Kill The Whale...

2011-08-31T15:06:00.000-07:00

Don't Kill The Whale. It's an old slogan - popularised in music way back in the 1970s by the prog-rock group Yes. In the 80s, Greenpeace helped to secure a ban in many countries on commercial whaling. Yet, we still haven't learned enough about protecting these incredible creatures. This must-see BBC Documentary - Natural World - The Woman Who Swims With Killer Whales - about one woman's journey to protect the magical Orca Whale is a wake up call for all of us. On the west coast of America, Orca Whales have absorbed such high levels of chemicals due to pollution that they are catagorised as "hazardous waste" when they die. Orca living off the coast of Norway have absorbed the highest level of contaminants of any animal in the high arctic. These mammals are high risk because they're at the top of the food chain - absorbing contaminants picked up by all the foods they eat lower down in the chain. Industrial chemicals like flame retardants and PCBs are amongst the culprits - used in transformers, industrial oils and sealants. One way or the other - we all play our part. Chemicals used in household products and even toxins from cars wash into the oceans. Alarmingly, chemicals like DDT - banned decades ago - are still being found in Orcas today. For me, this story is heart-breaking. It highlights the fragile future of the Orca Whale. It also brings home the fragile future of humanity - after all, just like the Orca, we're right at the top of the food chain. If you'd like to find out more about protecting our oceans and protecting the Orca Whale go to....

Orca - Whale & Dolphin Conservation
Whale & Dolphin Conservation Society
World Wildlife Fund - Adopt An Orca
Marine Conservation Society

Clean & Deep Blue Ocean Energy...

2011-08-30T12:24:00.000-07:00

Image via Inspired Type - seems kinda apt

Well, I'm very excited indeed to finally share this video with you! I voiced the ad for National Geographic Channel and The Scottish Govnernment to promote the launch of The Saltire Prize - our clean, green ocean energy challenge to the world. Oceans? Check. Eco-idealistic? Check. Yep, this was one of my all time favourite projects! You can find out more about the campaign at The Voice Of... My main voice over artist page is at www.vickywatt.co.uk.

Funky Scottish @ Acoustic Wave Cafe

2011-08-16T04:33:00.000-07:00

We're very happy to confirm that our friends from Funky Scottish - a gorgeous little arts & craft boutique in Pittenweem - will be showcasing their work at the next Acoustic Wave Cafe. You can see more of their wares at their page over at Funky Scottish - Facebook. Also, our resident chef is currently on assignment, but for those of you attending our fully booked lunch at the event, he'll be announcing the menu as soon as he returns!

Cliff-hanger....?

2011-08-01T02:23:00.000-07:00

Could this be Scotland's best ever camping spot? On the other hand, imagine waking up in the middle of the night and forgetting you're not in your own bedroom...? These things happen! That said, when I turned the corner on yesterday's walk along the St Monans to Elie coastal path, I was definitely feeling the waves of envy.....

Island Getaway...

2011-07-28T06:18:00.000-07:00

We've just returned from an assignment with The Elemental Kitchen on the beautiful Isle of Mull - but you know what they say about all work & no play? So, we kicked off our stay with an overnight in Tobermory....

at the gorgeous Strongarbh House B&B....

Our boutique, luxury accommodation
was just a few minutes walk from
our favourite island bistro....

You can reach the Isle of Mull via two ferry routes from the mainland, with Caledonian MacBrayne. Our favourite is the longer, 45 minute crossing, Oban to Craignure....

They say the Isle of Mull is like Scotland in miniature - great mountains, sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, cute little pubs, warming whisky and a magic that will stay with you. They say it, because it's true. :)

Find more on Mull @...

Going Back To The Island...
Cool Camping...
Isle of Mull, We Love Mull...

Swim in the sea...

2011-07-26T07:24:00.001-07:00

Love this colourful, artistic burst of summer by the sea! Image by Reuben Miller, discovered via Mix Tape.

Spokesman for the Sea...

2011-07-25T13:54:00.001-07:00

“The Sea, once it casts its spell,
holds one in its net of wonder forever.”

- Jacques Cousteau

I posted this quote this morning over at our sister blog, The Voice Of... These are the words of Jacques Cousteau, - the French naval officer, explorer, ecologist, filmmaker, innovator, scientist, photographer, author and researcher who studied the sea and all forms of life in water. It's definitley worth repeating here, so beautiful - and true!

Postcards From The Corsican Coast....

2011-07-15T07:34:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for a relaxed, low key holiday destination with beautiful beaches, plenty of sunshine and delicious food, this might be the place. Corsica. We are a little bit (alot) in love with Corsica. We've just returned home following a 2 week "business trip" to the island. We were there with The Elemental Kitchen providing bespoke hospitality at a client's villa on the island's south coast. Yes, it's true, sometimes I take a break from my day job and nip off to some far flung location to assist my partner - a private chef - on a kind of "working holiday"! Of course, it wasn't all slaving over a hot stove. Here are our favourite places to visit &/or things to do in Corsica's south...

The Best Beach - Cala Rossa

Miles of clean white sand, cool beach cafe bars, deckchairs under grassy parasols for hire and mojitos brought to your spot on the beach - what's not to adore? Find out more about Cala Rossa beach here.

White sand, clear sparkly ocean - bliss

Obviously James loved it!

...and this random dog was in his element too!

Funky cafe with deck chairs for hire

Rent A Jeep, Explore The Lakes & Mountains

If you can tear yourself away from the beaches, the rest of the island is pretty gorgeous too. Truth be told, the below jeep wasn't ours, we had a big modern looking thing. But we had to take a snap because, well, it just looked soooo cool....

Me feeling pretty pleased with my new jeep

The stunning sea-lakes appear around every corner

Go Snorkelling

So, we were lucky - our clients have a private beach and it's rocky shores made for interesting snorkelling - lots of little fish hiding within the submerged rocks. There are plenty more beaches where this one came from though, so just go and find your own...

A little piece of paradise

Top tip - little swimming shoes make rocky coastlines a breeze

Oh, to be a mermaid...

Dine Out at Cabanon Bleu

This place is very, very cool. So cool that it doesn't have any signposts to help visitors find it. There's just a dirt track, a forest and various forks in the road. Good luck! Oh ok, here's a link to their website - Le Cabanon Bleu - maybe that'll help. It's literally, right on the beach, so take your beach towel, sunbathe and swim all day then wander in for dinner at night...

The ultimate beach shack cafe...

So, unbelievably laid back - more bliss.

Explore The Towns

We absolutely loved Portovecchio's old town, but you can also visit the mountain villages and coastal strongholds, crammed with French-Italian history.

Bonifacio - just across the water from Sardinia

The Mountains - beautiful cliff top villages

Portovecchio - stroll through the old town

PS. The food is amazing too! Surf over to our sister blog, The Secret Ingredient to find out more about our culinary adventures in Corsica. Au Revoir!

Myke Black confirms next Acoustic Wave Cafe...

2011-07-02T06:56:00.001-07:00

SATURDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER 2011...

We're so excited to confirm Aberdeen singer-songwriter & rising Scottish star - Myke Black - for the next Acoustic Wave Cafe! We've been following his music since discovering him via the fan-power of social media and snapped up his debut album 'Nice Little Earner' faster than you can hum the chorus to 'Street Music'. He also attracted the attention of Scotland's Godfather of New Music - Jim Gellatly - earlier this year, earning him a nice little feature in The Sun newspaper. Myke will perform his super-intimate and exclusive afternoon session for us on Saturday 10th September at our unique seaside retreat in the East Neuk ...

SOUL FOOD...
As usual, our in-house chef (James of The Elemental Kitchen) will rustle up another delicious 3 course pre-gig lunch (using lots of local produce) and we'll feature more local art & design too. So, without further ado, go and snap up your place at our next event, over at www.acousticwavecafe.co.uk!

BOOK NOW...

Availability is very, very limited - we have just 12 spaces! Due to anticipated high demand, tickets are ONLY available via PAYPAL, first-come-first-served at our website - www.acousticwavecafe.co.uk

ARE YOU EXPERIENCED?
Finally, if you're new to the Acoustic Wave Cafe concept, take a look inside our unique not-for-profit pop-up venue and check out the storyboards for previous events here...

April 2011
October 2010
May 2010

Beautiful music, delicious food & awesome art - by the sea...

Surf's Up at Acoustic Wave Cafe

PS. As usual, we're raising funds for our buddies at Marine Conservation Society to help keep our oceans clean...and our dolphins, fish, seals, sea birds, surfers and mermaids happy :)

Take Me To My Beach...

2011-06-23T04:50:00.001-07:00

This summer, we're heading back to two amazing islands for upcoming assignments with our boutique hospitality service, The Elemental Kitchen. First stop - Corsica - crystal clear waters, lush mountain forests, the old winding streets of Portovecchio, sea fishing, fresh market produce, light mediterranean dishes, gorgeous villas and the beach at Cala Rossa...

Next stop - the magical Isle of Mull; ferry adventures, a grand country lodge by the mouth of a sea loch, crystal clear waters, ethically caught hand-dived scallops, misty mountain hops and the beach at Calgary Bay...

To book The Elemental Kitchen for your holiday or special occasion, please go to www.elementalkitchen.co.uk.

Surf Music...

2011-06-22T13:08:00.000-07:00

A stunning song for summer, from Cornwall surfer dude, Ben Howard- featuring beautiful ocean visuals! New album, 'Every Kingdom' available soon!

A perfect beach read ...

2011-06-20T15:11:00.000-07:00

A 32 year old woman, described by her family as "the black sheep" - a drifter & dreamer - gives up her boring urban lifestyle to run a cafe by the sea. Perfect beach read for anyone who wishes the summer would last forever...

Dolphin Therapy...

2011-06-16T06:53:00.000-07:00

Twice this week, we have received requests to join campaigns to protect and save dolphins. First, we were asked to sign a petition organised by Avaaz to free dolphins from captivity in luxury holiday resorts. Now Oceana has launched a campaign to protect dolphins in Belize from the effects of seismic testing for oil exploration. It seems humanity's affinity with these beautiful creatures - closely related to porpoises and whales - symbolises our connection with the mystery, beauty and intelligent life within our oceans. Do you believe dolphins are worth protecting? Can you do something to help today?

Pebble For Your Thoughts...

2011-06-11T03:03:00.001-07:00

If you're looking for a beautiful place to collect your sketches & scribbles, consider a beautiful notebook by Tushita - with a range of stunning hardback covers and filled with blank, environmentally friendly paper. I love this one featuring waterstones rippling out into the ocean - the perfect home for handwritten gratitudes, inspiration and dreams...

Weather for Ducks...

2011-06-09T02:53:00.000-07:00

Blustery St Monans harbour is home to a lovely new family - every day we look out and see a parade of fluffy little ducklings paddling between the boats, guided by their mammy. Too cute!

The local heron also pays a regular visit but he doesn't like to be photographed. I never really saw myself as a "bird watcher" yet more and more I find myself grabbing the binoculars for a closer look at the bay. We don't have our own, so the harbour's kind of like our back garden - what wildlife are you seeing round your way this summer?

Ring of Bright Water....

2011-06-02T03:10:00.001-07:00

Do you have a favourite stretch of coast? Celebrate your connection to the sea with a beautiful, unique Coast Ring by Hannah Lamb - individually created to feature your own favourite stretch of the coast. Someday soon, I'm really looking forward to having my very own piece of silver surf, from Aberdeen to Edinburgh, encompassing my birthplace, favourite Scottish cities, St Cyrus - the most beautiful beach in the world (humble opinion) and home today, the glorious East Neuk....

Windows To The Sea...

2011-06-02T03:01:00.001-07:00

One little dog, ipod full of songs, miles of sand,

big waves, stormy skies, Washington Cafe,
bacon roll, cappucino, a companion and good conversation
Sunday Stroll, Aberdeen Beach

"I turned around and the water
was closing all around"
- Crystal, Stevie Nicks

Coasting...

2011-06-02T02:50:00.000-07:00

"on a day like today, you can wish yourself away,

there's nothing to do but feel blessed".
- I Can Feel It, The Silencers

Springtime Snapshots,
Pittenweem - Elie Coastal Path

A nip in the air...

2011-05-23T10:14:00.000-07:00

a storm battered St Monans

Spring-time storms, waves battering the harbour, spin drifts charging across the ocean, sail boats struggling to stay afloat, wind shaking the waterfront houses....on this untypical late May evening, there's really nothing else for it - batten down the hatches, light the storm lanterns & pour....

Postcards from the Pacific Coast...

2011-05-16T03:19:00.000-07:00

We've just returned from a beautiful, inspiring holiday on
the pacific coast of Canada. Here's a celebration & reflection
on our favourite places..

...we started out in downtown Vancouver...

a city built amidst ocean, beaches and vast mountains ranges...

...featuring funky street art, retro diners,
cool boutiques, towering skyscrapers...

....and urban poetry...

then left the clouds behind & travelled by ferry for the sunshine coast....

via Gibsons Bay, home to Molly's Reach
and the 70s TV show The Beachcombers....

...to stay at our luxury "tent" house perched in the waterfront forest...

...accessible only via a treetop boardwalk...

..canvas walls, cosy fire, big blankets and a waterfront terrace...
at a secret cove in Halfmoon Bay...

home to eagles, seals, humming birds, squirrels and ravens...

...this is a place to rediscover nature
and the ancient wilderness of Canada...

"I drew a map of Canada
Oh Canada
With your face sketched on it twice
Oh, you're in my blood like holy wine
You taste so bitter and so sweet
Oh I could drink a case of you, darling
And I would still be on my feet
Oh I would still be on my feet"

- Joni Mitchell, born 1943, Canada

The Other Side of Paradise....

"don't it always seem to go we don't know
what we've got till it's gone..."

Eco-tourism is a hot term nowadays. It's suggested that we can support indigenous communities and cultures via sustainable/eco/ethical travel. On Canada's pacific coast we were immersed in the natural beauty of lands once roamed freely by it's First Nations and everywhere we turned there were opportunities to support the work of native artists and communities.

Yet, I find myself conflicted between my love of travel, nature, the ideals of eco tourism and my use of the resources that took me half way across the world in a matter of hours. Air travel will get us to paradise fast, yet contributes to the destruction of the beautiful places we visit. This conflict is brought into sharper focus when we see the impact of the Canadian tar sands on its native people, the Beaver Lake Cree Nation of Alberta.

The Canadian tar sands is the most destructive form of oil extraction, covers an area the size of England and its toxic ponds are so big they can be seen from space. You can find out more via this video. In desperation to feed our demand for oil, major oil companies, high street banks and other corporations are involved in violently tearing up pristine habitats and homelands...

It seems hypocritical to even write about this topic in the same post that celebrates the pleasure of my foreign holiday. Still, I believe it's important to begin to accept the direct link between our personal choices and the environmental, animal & human rights abuses that some of us find so abhorrent. This allows us to consider the alternatives and gives us the knowledge and the opportunity to affect change.

Air travel isn't the only way we use up our resources. When we look around, there are often positive alternatives to every day plastic disposables, how we commute, where we bank, the clothes we wear, the petro-chemicals in toiletries, the gifts we buy and so on - all of which help to redress the balance. Meanwhile, if you're interested in supporting the Beaver Lake Cree Nation's legal campaign against the expanding tar sands development, you can make a donation to help with legal fees at Raven Trust.

You can also view a second video produced by their supporters,
The Cooperative Bank .

The Royal Wedding - Coast Style...

2011-04-27T06:12:00.000-07:00

So, Royal Wedding Fever is sweeping the nation. Wills & Kate have gone for the super slick, big city affair. That's nice n' all, it's just they met while at Uni in St Andrews - here on Scotland's beautiful east coast. So we were inspired to create an alternative look at the big day - laid back, sand between your toes, beach boho style - and still, we think, fit for royalty...

the happy couple

invitations

dress

bridal carriage

reception space

details

honeymoon retreat

Love Weddings? Check out this Wild Wedding in the Scottish mountains, styled and coordinated by Acoustic Wave.

Days Like This...

2011-04-27T05:45:00.000-07:00

When it's not always raining

there'll be days like this
When there's noone complaining
there'll be days like this

Everything falls into place
like the flick of a switch
Well my mamma told me
there'll be days like this
- Van Morrsion

In my wildest jeans...

2011-04-22T09:44:00.000-07:00

I love these campaigns for the classic surf girl brand, Billabong - especially the one promoting their use of recycled plastic to make bikinis.

One for the gals...

2011-04-20T02:48:00.000-07:00

Saw this & thought of you! This postcard print dress is from Laura Ashley. It will probably be the most expensive postcard you've ever bought...but also the most glamourous! ;)

Acoustic Wave Cafe on FB...

2011-04-19T05:10:00.000-07:00

Acoustic Wave Cafe is now on Facebook. Navigate on over and hoist up your sails for us!!

Son of the Silver City...

2011-04-19T04:26:00.000-07:00

Video Starts at approx 25 secs in...

So, we're always looking ahead to the next Acoustic Wave Cafe. One of the singer-songwriter's we'd LOVE to see surf on down to perform our intimate venue in the future is Myke Black - from Aberdeen, one of our favourite seaside cities. His gorgeous melodies would be a perfect compliment to the laid-back vibe! Myke, consider this an invitation :)

Answers On A Postcard...

2011-04-17T13:13:00.000-07:00

Lovely Pigeon provided us with these super cute postcards for our tables at Acoustic Wave Cafe - we invite guests to leave their thoughts about the event. We love meeting new people and hearing what they think of our word-of-mouth-&-web seaside soiree. Here's the comment left by first-time visitors to the cafe...

" What a fabulous idea! I feel inspired by the combination of
great local food, good music and intimate art -
seems like such a great way to build friendly community.
Thank you for a beautiful afternoon".
- Ela (& Simon), Aberdeen

Thank you guys - come back soon...

Acoustic Wave Cafe - Sat 16th April 2011

2011-04-17T06:47:00.000-07:00

Another Acoustic Wave Cafe has sailed on by. We had an amazing time! Our aim is to wrap up our core ethos - celebrate simple pleasures & positive ideals - int0 one gorgeous afternoon. We love beautiful music & art, delicious food, inspiring words, good company and natural beauty. We also aim to think globally, act locally, show gratitude, live honesty and be the change. We showcase all of this at Acoustic Wave Cafe by sourcing local food, art & music, by giving back to sources of inspiration (including MCS) by creating a down-to-earth occasion and by inviting others to take their own inspiration from the day. Thank you to all of our artists & guests. Till next time...

James made this sign for our event by using
flotsam & jetsam from the beach

A unique 'pop up cafe' in our kitchen-diner & studio space

...right on the harbour

The stage is set & awaits our special guest musician

Local artist, Lovely Pigeon returned with more stunning lifestyle art
- vintage cushions, prints, postcards, hair clips,
earrings, note cards & framed pictures

We were also privileged to provide a debut showcase of
seascapes (above) by the effortlessly talented...

...Glasgow-based artist Maria McCourt

The pebble place settings for our fully-booked lunch

intimate, fire-side bistro tables overlook the harbour

The Chef's Table for groups of 4-6

We served home-made soda bread with our
starter of haddock, potato & leek chowder

Event host, Vicky, announces our live music performance...

...Simon Kempston.

Guests are served a flute of of dark chocolate mousse & brandy snap

Our host enjoys a swift glass of pinot grigio
& our chef - James - is also taking the photos, so...

here's one we made earlier

Simon banters with his crowd...

"delicately beautiful melodies, strikingly politicised lyrics"

- The Sunday Herald

unique, up-close & exclusive performance

Surf Art by Glasgow Artist, Maria McCourt
... & the sun sets on another Acoustic Wave Cafe

Acoustic Wave Cafe is a not-for-profit pop up event, created by
Acoustic Wave - boutique media & entertainment studio

Sunny Side Up - Our VIP Sunday Brunch...

2011-04-17T06:40:00.000-07:00

When artists come to stay with us for an Acoustic Wave Cafe event, we like to make sure they enjoy a good start to the morning after - especially if they're thinking of taking a walk along the coast. Get our simple & delicious brunch favourite at Acoustic Wave Cafe - Recipes.

Sea Songs for Acoustic Wave Cafe...

2011-04-13T09:57:00.000-07:00

Acoustic Wave Cafe is this weekend! All our lunch places are booked up...and a few seats have been snapped up for the post-lunch live music from Simon Kempston & art showcase from Lovely Pigeon & Maria McCourt...but I'm sure we can squeeze in a couple more. Go to www.acousticwavecafe.co.uk & RSVP if you want a trip to the seaside this weekend! Meanwhile, check out this funky seaside inspired tune - Marathon by Tennis - that we're adding to the pre-gig playlist. I picked it up via the lovely Mix Tape.

I hope you dance...

2011-04-11T14:38:00.001-07:00

I'm loving affirmations & words of wisdom right now...have a great week! :)

Follow the signs...

2011-04-11T11:21:00.001-07:00

While browsing the coastal gift shops at the weekend, I discovered gorgeous affirmations by East of India. You can find lots more inspiration online.

To the sea...

2011-04-11T10:54:00.001-07:00

Ahoy! Hope you had a lovely weekend? My mum visited us in the neuk on Friday and the stunning weather finally gave me a chance to show off the gorgeous coastal path. We walked from St Monans...all the way to Crail & back - 14 miles! We were very pleased with ourselves...but it's probably worth mentioning that these pit-stops helped to ensure the experience was super enjoyable and a bit of a breeze...

The Cocoa Tree Cafe, Pittenweem

Anstruther Fish Bar, Anstruther

Crail Harbour Gallery & Tea Room, Crail

Reborn In A Barn...

2011-04-01T04:55:00.001-07:00

Someday soon, I'm gonna quit this crazy scene and go and live somewhere like here - and you can come to visit! Till then, Happy Weekend. :) Images via Beach Studios.

You are part of the ocean...

2011-03-29T13:57:00.001-07:00

There was once a wave in the ocean, rolling along, enjoying the warmth of the sun and the swiftness of the breeze. It smiled at everything around it as it made its way toward the shore. But then, it suddenly noticed that the waves in front of it, one by one, were striking against the cliff face, being savagely broken to pieces. ‘Oh God!’ it cried. ‘My end will be just like theirs. Soon I, too, will crash and disappear!’ Just then another wave passing by saw the first wave’s panic and asked: ‘Why are you so anxious? Look how beautiful the weather is, see the sun, feel the breeze…’ The first wave replied: ‘Don’t you see? See how violently those waves before us strike against the cliff, look at the terrible way they disappear. We’ll soon become nothing just like them.’ ‘Oh, but you don’t understand,’ the second wave said. ‘You’re not a wave. You’re a part of the ocean." - in “The missing rose” by Serdar Ozkan via Paulo Coelho

Surf Yoga for Body & Soul...

2011-03-28T07:18:00.000-07:00

I know I'm not alone when I say getting regular exercise can be harder that it seems - even when we live close to all the best facilities. For me, sweaty gym class has never appealed. Give me all night dancing or an invigorating beach walk and I'll burn up those calories with a smile! Still, house parties are not an every day thing (at my place anyway!) and sometimes our nearest coastal path gets a bit weather beaten. At times like these, sneaking a peek at the clock, turning over and just having another half hour in bed is all too appealing. Yep, sometimes, the recommended daily minimum of 20 minute exercise (or whatever it is these days) looks like an awful big chore! Until....I discovered Shiva Rea's vinyasa flow yoga dvd collection. I started out with Daily Energy and all her talk of moving your body like a wave...or like seaweed in the ocean...and paddling like a surfer...or flying like a bird over the ocean has done wonders! So much so, I've now added a second dvd to my collection - Surf Yoga Soul. Inspirational mind-body-spirit practices, short bursts of 20 minutes or less AND learning to surf the wave of your daily life - sound appealing? Maybe it's time to create a virtual beach-front yoga sanctuary in your own living room....

Beach House Beautiful...

2011-03-28T07:08:00.000-07:00

Coast-Kitchen-Cool

Wow. Whenever I desire some indulgent beach house inspiration, I'm going to post pictures from this stunning website - Beach Studios - discovered via the lovely Gypsy Rose Writes. So, so, so, so, sooooo pretty...

The best beer garden in the world, probably...

2011-03-28T04:49:00.001-07:00

Following a brisk springtime walk along the coastal path, it's tough to top a refreshing drink in this beach-side beer garden at The Ship Inn, Elie Get there and enjoy it before the summer crowds arrive...

cricket on the beach @ the ship inn, elie

2 x lunch space @ Acoustic Wave Cafe...

2011-03-28T03:23:00.000-07:00

Take a peek inside...

Singer-Songwriter - Simon Kempston

our 2 x lunch spaces at the comfy sofa seats

Acoustic Wave Cafe is hosted at our water-front kitchen studio in St Monans

We're down to just 2 available spaces for lunch (the comfy cafe-bar style sofa seats) at our upcoming not-for-profit-pop-up Acoustic Wave Cafe on Saturday 16th April, from 1 pm. Again, we're really sorry for those of you who missed out on tables for bigger groups. If you're not already registered, you can now join our Acoustic Wave Cafe mail list. Receive regular updates and be first to hear about our occasional events - click here to subscribe.

Also, don't forget you can RSVP to come along after lunch, to hear live music and check out our art showcase - we'll even throw in a complimentary glass of wine (while stocks last!).

Beautiful music, delicious food & awesome art - by the sea...

Go to www.acousticwavecafe.co.uk for menus and more news on our truly intimate and exclusive performance from prolific and highly acclaimed Edinburgh singer-songwriter, Simon Kempston. We're also showcasing local artist Lovely Pigeon AND stunning seascapes by visiting Glasgow artist, Maria McCourt. We'll also have the usual assortment of greetings cards, cds and the like...

Surfs Up @ Acoustic Wave Cafe

Soundtrack to life in a coastal village...

2011-03-27T02:20:00.001-07:00

Diamond Mine is the beautiful new release from East Neuk's King Creosote & his collaborator Jon Hopkins. The music is perfect listening for a lazy, hazy Sunday morning. Kenny Anderson (King Creosote) described the album as a "soundtrack to a romantacised version of a life lived in a Scottish coastal village". Right now, you can find out more and listen to a free stream of the album at The Guardian.

Find out more about King Creosote and his East Neuk based record label at Fence Records.

Where are you heading?

2011-03-25T09:23:00.000-07:00

It's the weekend...and we're officially marking the beginning of British springtime! Where are you heading? Personally, I've been spring cleaning in a big way this week, so hope to take a break and head along a sun-lit coastal path. Trips to the seaside always bring a fresh perspective - really, is there a better place to give your whole mind a spring clean...? Whatever you do, hope you'll get a chance to relax, reflect and revitalise. :)

Signpost Photo by Jennifer Trayner - a friend & regular visitor to the East Neuk :)
Boats photo by me, during a visit to Findhorn

Rainy Days & Mondays...

2011-03-14T04:20:00.000-07:00

...always get me down. So said The Carpenters. Maybe we were a little quick to announce the arrival of spring - it's been raining (and snowing) since the weekend all around Scotland. Still, we like to find a way to look on the bright side and so, we're sharing a free download from James Lowe's debut album Radio Friendly. His beautifully melancholy, Falling In is a reflection on starting another rubbish day and finding a way to turn it around in your mind. Just click on this link to James Lowe - Facebook Page, go to Band Profile and download your free song. Listening to this song never fails to remind me of trudging through the damp city streets on the way to work. If it evokes a special feeling for you - please share! x

"clouds crying out loud won't bring me down...."
- James Lowe

Find out more about James at his official website www.jameslowe.info.

Photo via google images

Save Our Seas with Steam Cream....

2011-03-10T06:12:00.001-08:00

We love some ocean lovin' luxe here at Postcards From The Coast - anything to return our beaches to pristine beauty, free from the plastic that washes up on the shores of Scotland's otherwise stunning coastline. I've come to realise we all play our part, so I try to buy less and less of it - especially for non-essentials and luxuries. Here's my favourite new discovery...

Steam Cream
A multipurpose cream uniquely formulated using pure, unrefined steam for maximum absorption, locally produced using fresh, natural and traceable ingredients. Steam Cream forms a gentle and loose emulsion. Now, truth be told, I was shocked to find that the £10 cream arrived in a small 75g tub....but soon discovered that a little goes a long way. The packaging is funky, limited edition aluminum, designed in Japan.

The box is so pretty you'll probably want to keep it for jewellery when you're done but if not - aluminum is fully and, unlike plastic, infinitely recyclable. Steam Cream is available to buy via the eco-minded beauty website Naturally Fabulous. It makes a great gift too. :)

Other household items with non-plastic alternatives...

In cardboard boxes or paper you can find washing powder (eg ecover), non-liquid soap, yoghurt (Sainsburys organic, Tesco Finest), ice cream (eg Ben & Jerrys), tinned or glass bottles of juices/sparking water (or tap water), milk in tetrapak (typically longlife), sauces in glass bottles, spices in cardboard boxes. Local meat and veg is usually available loose and thinly wrapped. Some take-away sandwiches and local chinese, indian, fish&chip takeaways use washable and recyclable alumimum or cardboard. Why bother? This report talks about the pacific but the reality is there's nowhere left in the world that's unaffected. Regardless of what we choose to do, a drop in the ocean has a ripple effect....

The Flow of Life...

2011-03-05T05:26:00.000-08:00

Recently, I've been reading a lot about the concept of showing gratitude by giving back to the source of your inspiration - without expectation for anything specific in return. The source of your inspiration may be a mentor, artist, an amazing local producer, a person/organisation who's work really resonates with you, a place. The aim is to enrich the world around you by getting into the flow of giving and receiving. As you sow, so shall you reap.

It's clear from this blog that one of my biggest inspirations is the ocean and more specifically, water. It's a much loved metaphor for the continuous flow of life. Water is life. Still, I've struggled with this 'giving' concept. We hear a lot these days - especially when giving to a charity - about money not reaching those who need it or affecting any real change. It's enough to make anyone cynical.

Yesterday, on the bus, a leaflet fell out of my magazine. The blue cover simply stated 'Believe'. Inside, I realised the leaflet was an appeal from Water Aid, the charity that funds projects to install groundwater pumps in communities who can't currently depend on accessible, clean water. I have to admit, I saw this as just another neat little marketing campaign and began a chain of negative thoughts about how this whole 'giving' thing even works.

Then, the U2 song 'Beautiful Day' began playing on my Ipod. The first line 'the heart is a bloom, shoots up through the stony ground' struck a chord. Like water being pumped up through the soil to give life to communities, the spirit of the heart must also continue to push beyond our hardened minds, in order to truly blossom and brighten our lives.

Still, I wondered if I was being a bit of a hippy, grasping at straws and looking for reasons to 'believe'? I looked up just as a little bird flew overhead with a leaf in her mouth. Moments later, came the lyrics "see the bird with a leaf in her mouth, after the flood all the colours came out."

Unlike Bono, I don't know an awful lot about the story of Noah and the Ark, but I do know that water plays a pretty big role :). After the great flood, the bird with the leaf in her mouth was a symbol of gratitude, hope and life.

When we're unsure of which path to follow, sometimes life gives us signposts and thanks to the synchronicity of this whole episode, my negativity floated away. I Believe.

Find out more about Water Aid.

U2 lyrics image via here

Lovely Pigeon's Pretty Pisces...

2011-03-02T09:16:00.000-08:00

We're pleased to say that Lovely Pigeon will be joining us again at the next Acoustic Wave Cafe on Saturday 16th April at our coastal base in St Monans! We love her piscean art (above) and many more creations. Check out The Lovely Pigeon website for more details. There are 2 spaces left for our pre-gig lunch OR you can pop in to join our intimate showcase from 2pm for our live music and arts showcase. Go to www.acousticwavecafe.co.uk to find out more about how to RSVP.

Spring tides...

2011-03-02T09:06:00.002-08:00

Mid Afternoon, 2nd March
St Monans to Pittenweem, East Neuk Coastal Path

Coastal Cake...

2011-03-02T03:11:00.001-08:00

We adore Afternoon Tea - who doesn't love to come home after a day's coastal rambling or sight-seeing to a delicious pick-me-up? This is a light & sweet cake - with British orchard apples - ideally served with endless earl grey, lady grey or traditional afternoon tea. Get the recipe at Acoustic Wave Cafe - Recipes

Beach Reading...

2011-02-28T16:01:00.000-08:00

If you often find yourself gazing out across the water, mezmerized by the hypnotic ebb and flow of waves, you may be interested to learn a whole lot more about the wave energy which flows through the ocean and virtually every aspect of our everyday lives. You can find out more about this cute little book here.

We've been featured...

2011-02-28T02:36:00.000-08:00

A few months back we were invited to contribute to the Marine Conservation Society's regular magazine, following our decision to highlight the great work of MCS at our not-for-profit Acoustic Wave Cafe events. What an honour! The next event is on Saturday 16th of April and we have just 2 places left - at the big comfy "Central Perk' style sofa...which are reserved for you during the afternoon's live music performance too! To reserve your place go to www.acousticwavecafe.co.uk

A flourish of springtime...

2011-02-25T05:54:00.000-08:00

An oober-awesome friend sent these over today and reminded me that spring is just around the corner - Thank you! So what are you doing over the next couple of days? Right now, here in the East Neuk, it looks like the perfect weather for an early spring trip to the coast! How about a Saturday walk along the coastal path? Or a Sunday High Tea of fish & chips - and a big mug of tea - at the award-winning Anstruther Fish Bar, if you're nearby. Well, whatever you choose, hope you'll get to relax by the seaside or wherever you lay your hat. Happy Weekend! :)

"Let a thousand flowers bloom and we'll see what flourishes"

- Clara Hemphill

Flotsam Diaries...

2011-02-17T08:02:00.000-08:00

Today, I stumbled upon an insightful post from a blogger across the pond in Maine. Here's an excerpt from the post which reflects on the preciousness of our ocean - and the importance of protecting it. You can read the complete post at The Flotsam Diaries:-

* I can hold 640 million years in a handful of Maine sand.
* Half of all the oxygen I breathe was created in the ocean.
* The deepest place in the world is 36,000 feet below the waves.
* That place holds life.
* Treasures on the shore come in all shapes and sizes.
* The ocean now teems with things never seen in its 3.8 billion yrs.
* The garbage patch isn't as big as Texas. It's as big as the ocean.
* Despite "recycling," industry adds 50M tons of new plastic each yr.
* This number is growing.
* My world runs on stuff used 10 minutes & persistent 10 lifetimes.
* The shore is no longer an escape from the workaday world.
* The workaday world poisons the globe's most remote paradise.
* It poisons my own beach.

And, ultimately, I know that this knowledge has changed me...What do you want your child to see when you visit the beach one sunny morning on the edge of Spring?

Read the complete post at The Flotsam Diaries.

Cosy Coastal Day...

2011-02-17T06:01:00.000-08:00

On a day like today, when the sky is grey, we like to dream the day away, sitting at a window, watching storms across the bay.....

Pretty socks, notebooks, tea cosy and hot water bottle cover via Papa Stour - gorgeous online gifts, art, lifestyle & homeware boutique (based in the East Neuk).

Menu & Artists - Acoustic Wave Cafe...

2011-02-17T05:08:00.001-08:00

Acoustic Wave Cafe is held at our water-front kitchen studio in St Monans

Ok, it's only February but we're really looking forward to our springtime not-for-profit-pop-up Acoustic Wave Cafe on Saturday 16th April, from 1 pm.

Delicious Food...

You can see the menu posted here - featuring delicious, locally sourced ingredients from around the East Neuk. We have just 6 places left for lunch. Reserve your place at www.acousticwavecafe.co.uk.

Beautiful Music...

A truly intimate, live performance from prolific and highly acclaimed Edinburgh singer-songwriter, Simon Kempston.

Awesome Art

Lovely local artist Lovely Pigeon will be returning to showcase her latest creations AND we'll see the brand new work of visiting Glasgow artist, Maria McCourt + greetings cards, cds and the like...

- By The Sea...

It's all happening at the next Acoustic Wave Cafe in St Monans.

Note: Acoustic Wave Cafe is an occasional event and we don't actually have a neon sign - that was just a little creative licence. Image via google. The rest are for real!

If you have...

2011-02-11T08:28:00.001-08:00

I love this poster, doing the rounds on the blogsphere at the moment. Artist unknown. Happy Weekend!

Elemental Love.....

2011-01-27T08:13:00.000-08:00

This Valentines Weekend, The Elemental Kitchen is cuddling up with the very lovely folks at The Cocoa Tree Cafe & Chocolate Shop to bring you a romantic dinner (with live music) at their gorgeous cafe on the high street, Pittenweem, on Saturday 12th February! Of course, sizzling secrets are at the heart of Valentines Day so we're adding the The Elemental of Surprise to our menu, created by The Elemental Kitchen chef, James Lowe. Ok, we'll reveal just a little more.... the menu is inspired by our mutual passion for...chocolate! To reserve your place at this evening of romantic decadence, contact The Cocoa Tree on 01333 311495.

Love Chocolate image via here

two thousand acres of skye......

2011-01-27T07:22:00.000-08:00

image via here

Just confirmed! Our resident singer-songwriter James Lowe will perform a spring-time West Coast acoustic gig on the magical Isle of Skye. He'll be at the King Haakon Bar, right on the water in Kyleakin on Saturday 12th March. If you're looking for an excuse to take a relaxing break on the west-coast, this is it! There's accommodation in and around Kyleakin and one of our favourite places to stay on Skye is this stunning, contemporary, waterfront B&B. a few miles along the coast. Of course, this isn't James's first trip to the West Coast. Here are a few of our favourite pictures from his last tour....

applecross, gig at 'the flower tunnel'

view from applecross campsite

the 'tour bus'
on the beach, gairloch
rehearsals for gig at 'glen elg inn'
ullapool sunset, gig at 'the ceilidh place'

mountain backdrop at 'ben nevis inn'

time to scale the heights, ben nevis summit

Acoustic Wave Cafe - April 2011...

2011-01-26T09:42:00.000-08:00

Ahoy There! We're back! Our next live Acoustic Wave Cafe event is happening on Saturday 16th April from 1pm and we're delighted to announce a live performance from prolific and highly acclaimed Edinburgh singer-songwriter, Simon Kempston...

Simon Kempston

Here's what the media say....

"delicately beautiful melodies, strikingly politicised lyrics"
- The Sunday Herald
‘Thought provoking lyrics coupled with beautifully crafted songs.’
- Rick Fulton, The Daily Record
‘Beautiful songs’
- BBC Radio
‘A celtic explosion of guitar and voice...incisive, uniquely melodic.’
- The Scotsman

Go to Acoustic Wave Cafe for more details or click here to RSVP. Check out the storyboard for our October 2010 event @ Postcards From The Coast. Take a peek inside our May 2010 event here.

Head in the sand...?

2011-01-23T15:18:00.001-08:00

Here at Postcards From The Coast, I'm mostly all about celebrating the natural beauty of the ocean and coastline, the laid-back lifestyle, the simple pleasures. My hope is that you'll leave feeling more relaxed and inspired. So, I often take pictures of the gorgeous beaches and waters around the Scottish coastline and sidestep those patches that are less that appealing. Still, I don't believe in burying my head in the sand. How can we pursue positive ideals like preserving our beautiful, special places if we don't open our eyes to the challenges? A regular check in with Sara Bales @ The Daily Ocean across the pond in Santa Monica is a welcome reminder that there are people working passionately on this very challenge. Sara is running a 365 day beach clean to highlight the amount of plastic and garbage washing up on our shores all over the world. There's much more swirling around the ocean and via Sara, I've learned about The 5 Gyres - an organisation dedicated to learning more about the effect this is having on our oceans, our food-chain and our health. If you're interested in finding out more, please go to The Daily Ocean and then maybe see if there's some action you can take to reduce plastic waste. Our efforts may seem futile in the great scheme of things but a drop in the ocean can have a ripple effect....

Beach image via The Daily Ocean

Laid-back seaside Sunday...

2011-01-23T04:19:00.000-08:00

Long-lie, lots of tea, notebook scribbles, sea-gazing, cosy cable-knits, soulful vinyl - a perfect laid-back Sunday morning by the coast, especially on a chilly day in January. Do you have a favourite way to spend the sabbath by the sea? Planning a coastal getaway? Go to Hidden Treasure at Acoustic Wave Cafe for some of our favourite places to visit here in the East Neuk. Also, coming soon, we're revealing a date for the next Acoustic Wave Cafe - a great excuse to book a coastal breather.

The surf gave birth, i'm told, to california soul....

2011-01-22T05:29:00.000-08:00

image via here

I've just been sittin' on the dock at the bay, wasting time. So, I created this classic soul playlist - You've Got Soul @ Spotify... the soundtrack to a carefree weekend. Music from Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye, Marlene Shaw, Tina Turner, Sam Cooke, Solomon Burke - all the greats.... Enjoy! :)

The Cocoa Coast...

2011-01-20T05:56:00.001-08:00

sun-set over the sea

pittenweem at dusk, from the coastal path

the cocoa tree - chocolate shop & cafe

st monans silhouette

It was one of those days that ran away with itself. I'd intended going for a walk from St Monans to Pittenweem at lunchtime, but soon 1pm was 3.30pm. The destination was The Cocoa Tree - an artisan chocolate boutique & cafe - on the high street. The aim was to pick up some lovely little chocolates - like sea salt & caramel - for gifts but it was all too tempting to linger a while and enjoy a cappucino by the fire. So, the homeward walk was by moonlight. A little reckless but worth it on this occasion. If you're in the area, The Cocoa Tree is a lovely stop for a hot drink and snack - one of their specialities is luxurious, decadent hot chocolates!

A Good News Day...

2011-01-12T15:32:00.000-08:00

The Herald - Widow's Hopes Boosted In Legal Fight With Trump
You can find out more here about the dedicated, ongoing efforts
to safeguard homes situated within a planned golf
resort by Balmedie Beach.

We're hooked...

2011-01-11T12:06:00.000-08:00

Simple pleasures. It's the little things (which often turn out to be the big things) that make life such a pleasure. For me, this includes the monthly arrival of my Coast Magazine, curling up in a window seat and listening to the ocean waves as I flick through the features. Just 3 years ago my partner and I were still living in Edinburgh, working 9-5 and dreaming of a life by the sea. The magazine was my chance to escape, albeit for a few happy hours. Now, Coast's arrrival reminds me of how lucky we are to be waking up to seascapes every morning - and the latest issue excelled itself. Our boutique media & entertainment studio, Acoustic Wave, was born out of our lifestyle change and ultimately a desire to celebrate "simple pleasures & positive ideals". It was great to see this philosophy in bucket & spade loads throughout the latest issue of Coast, with articles about reducing stress by the sea, the benefits of yoga by the sea (an intention of mine for 2011!) and the slow travel movement.
The greatest highlight was reading the inspiring feature on The Ethical Shellfish Company, based on the Isle of Mull. It really resonated with our core ethos. Acoustic Wave's bespoke hospitality service, The Elemental Kitchen, spent 3 months on the island in 2008 and we've returned many times since. We're looking forward to another assignment this summer at the beautiful Knock House. In short, we're hooked! The Ethical Shellfish Company was created by Guy Grieve - another ex-Edinburgh office dweller & now well-known adventurer - and his wife Juliet who is a native islander. The feature about the couple and their business celebrates the simple pleasures of life on the island and also focuses on the positive ideals promoted by the company. Essentially, The Ethical Shellfish Company aims to respect the wild, fragile, beautiful ocean which gives such a special, unique quality of life and livelihood to the islanders, while providing so many more of us with the delicious seafood we enjoy at dining tables across the country. So, Postcards From The Coast's top tips for 2011 include taking a look at Coast Magazine, visiting the magical Isle of Mull and the next time you're in a restaurant, please do ask about the provenance of the shellfish. Hopefully you'll find that you're about to enjoy scallops, freshly caught and brought to you by an Ethical Shellfish Company...

Meanwhile, whet your appetite with our recent features on The Isle of Mull:-

Going Back To The Island...
Cool Camping...
Isle of Mull, We Love Mull...

Home...

2011-01-06T07:26:00.000-08:00

We're home. Our little Acoustic Wave team are back from our lovely highland assignment. I loved the adventure in the snowy mountains but the lack of seaside sounds, sights and smells does slightly affect my equilibrium! A brief jaunt along the harbour to our local post office today restored balance and reminded me why living by the sea is such a gift! :)

Coastal Collaboration - EK & Ardross Farm Shop...

2011-01-06T05:24:00.000-08:00

You know how much we love our local farmshop here in the East Neuk? We often talk about our meanderings along the coastal path to find ingredients here at Postcards From The Coast! Well, we're now delighted to confirm that in 2011, our St Monans-based bespoke hospitality service, The Elemental Kitchen is collaborating with Ardross Farm Shop on an exciting new project! Together, we'll be bringing you delicious recipes and menus, using wonderful local (East Neuk) produce. We are already huge fans of Ardross Farm Shop and we use as much of their award-winning local ingredients and British produce as possible when cooking for clients. Most journeys to assignments at castles, lodges and private homes around Scotland begin with stocking up on delicious vegetables, fruits, meats, cheese, chutneys, jams and deli produce at Ardross. We'll be posting our recipes at Elemental News soon. In the meantime, you can skip over to the Ardross Farm Shop website to view our modern twist on haggis for Burns Night and a complete, menu for Valentines Night. All recipes are straight-forward and aim to ensure that your dining occasions are relaxed, hassle-free and delicious!

The East Neuk Elemental Experience...

2010-12-21T10:24:00.000-08:00

The festive season is here and 2011 is just around the corner! So, Acoustic Wave's bespoke hospitality service, The Elemental Kitchen, is celebrating the new year by introducing some fabulous new Elemental Experiences, including a special winter package, exclusively available around our stunning coastal base, the East Neuk of Fife. Go to our Elemental Fees page for full details on this and more new packages. For more on our bespoke hospitality , recent projects and recipes, go to Elemental News.

Thirsty work...

2010-12-21T10:13:00.000-08:00

So, I've been land-locked in the highlands of Scotland this month working with my creative collaborator at The Elemental Kitchen for a bespoke hospitality assignment. Admittedly, I've been loving the stunning mountain location, but it's still been tough to be away from the beautiful east coast! So, it was great to visit Glasgow last week, for a separate Acoustic Wave project, a voice over assignment at the BBC studios in the city's media quarter, where I was able to take a snap of this gorgeous water-scape. In the absence of salty air, great waves and vast blue horizons, a wander along the River Clyde was a pretty good substitute. :)

Sea of Snow...

2010-11-29T03:09:00.001-08:00

This winter, our bespoke hospitality service, The Elemental Kitchen is decamping to the Scottish Highlands, where we'll miss our beautiful coast...but to make up for it we'll be enjoying a sea of snow! Find out more at Elemental News. We'll be back in touch when the snow melts...

Join the voice of Menie...

2010-11-18T02:53:00.002-08:00

You can support the community in the North East of Scotland who desire to safeguard their homes and the natural beauty of their location. If you'd like to help resist intimidation by property developer Donald Trump and his backers, find out more here.

Only when the last tree has died, the last river has been poisoned, the last fish has been caught, will we realize that we can't eat money. - A Native American proverb

What a difference a day makes...

2010-11-10T08:25:00.000-08:00

...24 little hours. There's been some incredible, changeable weather here in the East Neuk within the last day or so. Yesterday brought more powerful storms. Today was ideal for a crisp, autumn walk between St Monans and Pittenweem. Here's a glimpse (albeit via a little Iphone camera) of the ever changing seascapes.

Storm Watching...

Coast Walking...

Until tomorrow....

City Break - Edinburgh's Coastal Quarter...

2010-11-09T03:55:00.000-08:00

Scotland's capital is renowned as one of the world's most beautiful cities and it's made all the better, thanks to its seaside quarter - Leith. The Shore area is the perfect base for water lovers. We've just returned from a weekend city break. Here are our top tips....

Stay. Malmasion Edinburgh is Scottish glam luxury in a beautiful converted sailors barracks, situated right on the Water of Leith. The hotel offers an excellent Sunday Supplement (usually best to book 2-3 weeks in advance) which includes accommodation, dinner & drinks for around £50 per person, based on 2 sharing. The bar is also great for an early evening aperitif.

Eat. Step out of the hotel and you'll find coothie pubs, busy bars, cafes and fine dining restaurants within a minute's walk of the hotel, all along the waterfront....

Brunch @ The King's Wark
- a cosy Leith pub very popular for weekend breakfasts!

The Kitchin on Commercial Quay, just off The Shore
is a michelin starred restaurant with a beautiful menu.
Lunches are around £25 for 3 courses.
Martin Wishart and The Plumed Horse are also
michelin starred & water-side.

Kick back and enjoy a burger & milkshake at Diner 7

Shop, Cinema, Spa, See. Ocean Terminal is home to a relaxed mall on the harbour, packed with high street stores and entertainment - including Vue cinema and Pure Spa. Stop for a coffee & cake, sit by one of their huge glass windows and take in the views across the River Forth. This is also next door to one of Edinburgh's big attractions, Royal Yacht Britannia...

Uptown. Of course, no visit to Edinburgh is complete without enjoying the heart of the city. Shop on George Street & Princes Street. Walk along the ancient Royal Mile. Hike to the top of Arthur's Seat or Calton Hill and enjoy the views across the city towards the castle.

Relax. Princes Street Gardens are nestled at the foot of the castle - it's a picnic & sunbathing retreat in summertime and in winter the gardens become home to the Christmas Market, ice rink and big wheel! Alternatively, take a break in the alfresco cafe beneath the monument in St Andrews Square. Also, don't miss our absolute favourite city stops...

The Villager - the funkiest bar in town

& home of the fabulous Pear & Raspberry Mojito
George IV Bridge

Scotsman Spa - A City Centre Sanctuary
North Bridge

Joey D - boutique/workshop mixing vintage & recycled
with awesome effect. Find the ultimate souvenir -
a funked up harris tweed jacket, bag or rockin' kilt!
Broughton Steet, just off top of Leith Walk

If you find any more fabulous places to enjoy in Edinburgh, drop us a note and tell us about them - we're already planning our next trip! :)

Radio Waves - Free Sea Music...

2010-11-05T03:48:00.000-07:00

"you went to the wall, measuring life

against the turning tide..."
- James Lowe - The Sense

It's a misty, moody, coastal weekend. Time to batten down the hatches, to get introspective and seek out those simple pleasures. So, this weekend our resident singer-songwriter James Lowe is giving you another free track from his debut album Radio Friendly. He's sharing 'The Sense' - vocals, acoustic guitar & cello. Simple. Beautiful. Click on the link to James Lowe - Facebook Page, go to Band Profile and download! You can buy the complete album & find out more about James Lowe at his official website www.jameslowe.info.

"beautiful & indeed very radio friendly" - BBC Radio Scotland
Image via labelleviegirl

Sandpiper spirit...

2010-10-26T09:00:00.000-07:00

Image Link

"Did you ever watch a flock of sandpipers on the beach, how they ebb and flow with the tides.... at once they all will be flying in a certain direction, and then in an instant the entire flock will turn simultaneously and take a new direction...I suspect that it is but one bird that creates the thought that turns the flock, and the one thought becomes immediately manifested in all the others. The same Spirit that moves within the birds also moves within you. One person, one idea, one thought can turn the flock of society... It is not a question as to whether we make a difference, for we all make a difference, each of us in our own way. It is the difference we make that is important."
- Excerpt from speech attributed to Stalking Wolf, Apache