Family Life Magazine

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Summer 2011

www.familylifemagazine.co.uk

The only lifestyle magazine for parents in Scotland

LOVELY LORRAINE Lorraine Kelly talks family, work, celebs and charity treks!

GET SET FOR SUMMER! With family fitness advice and info on exam results

WIN!

HOLIDAYS ARE COMING Summer holiday checklist plus things to see and do across Scotland

A family stay at The Old Course Hotel in St Andrews!

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Hello and welcome to the latest issue of Family Life. Even though the weather isn’t showing quite as much enthusiasm as us, we’re busy gearing up for summer in the Family Life offices. And our excitement has rubbed off on this edition!

We’ve everything you need for a jam-packed season of family fun. Kicking off with a guide to great things to see and do across Scotland, there’s also a checklist of must-pack holiday essentials, a run-down of family-friendly music festivals and our fantastic what’s on guide.

future options. And to keep those overworked brains fighting fit and ticking over smoothly, there’s advice on healthy eating and family fitness.

Don’t miss a great interview with our cover star Lorraine Kelly, or this issue’s competition, allowing a family of four to enjoy dinner, bed and breakfast at the luxurious Old Course Hotel in St Andrews. Plus there’s much, much more... So keep reading to find everything your family needs this summer.

family

Till next time,

life

Publisher Denise Connelly 0141 204 0100 denise@dcpublishing.co.uk Editor Melissa Holmes melissa@dcpublishing.co.uk Staff Writer Lindsay Cochrane lindsay.cochrane@ dcpublishing.co.uk

Summer is a dreaded time of year for some people – we’re talking exam results season. If your teen is awaiting their results, we have a useful parents’ guide to Clearing, re-sits and

Melissa Melissa Holmes, Editor

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

5 VISIT SCOTLAND Check out what our country has to offer.

27 SPARKLING BRIGHT! Low-cost cleaning solutions.

11 COMPETITION TIME! Win a family stay at a stunning St Andrews hotel.

29 MAKE A DIFFERENCE Doing your bit for charity.

Editorial Contributors Andrew McWhirter

12 EAT SMART Q & A with nutritionist Amanda Hamilton.

32 BDD AND ME One woman’s story of living with Body Dysmorphic Disorder.

Design/Production Lisa Harland lisa@dcpublishing.co.uk

14 FAMILY LIFE RECIPES Try Gwyneth Paltrow’s perfect pancakes!

35 WORKING LIFE Employment advice.

Sales Marian Mathieson marian@dcpublishing.co.uk

16 LOVELY LORRAINE We sit on Lorraine Kelly’s couch to talk family, work and celebs.

38 THE SINGLE PARENT’S GUIDE TO DATING Getting back on the dating scene when you have kids.

Family Life magazine www.familylifemagazine.co.uk

18 SUMMER HOLIDAY CHECKLIST Wherever you’re going, don’t forget those essentials!

DC Publishing Ltd 135-143 Bath Street Glasgow G2 2SX Tel: 0141 204 0100 Fax: 0141 223 0015

20 PARENTS’ GUIDE TO EXAM RESULTS From Clearing to re-sits, we’ve got it covered.

24 JUMP TO IT Advice on keeping your family fit and healthy.

41 SUMMER FESTIVALS Our guide to fabulous family fests.

44 WHAT’S ON Unmissable events across Scotland this summer.

50 GRAB A GIVEAWAY! Don’t miss your chance to win!

Cover image courtesy of ITV ©DC Publishing Ltd 2011 ISSN 1758-5449. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any way without prior written permission from the publisher. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of DC Publishing Ltd. The publisher takes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers within the publication. Every effort has been made to ensure that information is accurate; while dates and prices are correct at time of going to print, DC Publishing Ltd takes no responsibility for omissions and errors.

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can get active in the town. Take the kids for some horseriding and fun around the adventure course at Kelburn Castle and Country Centre (www.kelburnestate.com), give the dance machines a go in the multiple arcades by the waterfront and stop off for some mini-golf for a bit of healthy competition!

Discovery Point in Dundee is another favourite (www.rrsdiscovery.com).

Head to the harbour front to see the tall ship, climb aboard and see what life was like aboard as sailors ventured to Antarctica with hands-on activities and fascinating exhibits.

Take advantage of a sunny day and hop on a ferry over to the tiny island of Cumbrae just off the west coast.

There’s plenty to do in the island’s town of Millport, which feels almost like a foreign holiday resort with its tropical trees and lively seafront.

Cycling around the island is always a hit, with bike hire available for less than a fiver. The-nine mile flat route is easy and not too tiring for little ones!

regularly on the show, so it won’t be wasted on your kids.

You can have ice cream on the beach, dip your toes in the sea and maybe even take some lessons in yachting. It’s a great day out for all the family!

Why not visit adventure project The Quest (www.holidaymull.co.uk/quest) or Duart Castle (www.duartcastle. com)? The castle has featured in The Tweenies and hosts child-friendly events such as storytelling, juggling and treasure hunts every Sunday.

TOP FOR TOTS

TRICKY TEENS

Keeping little people occupied over the break is always a challenge. To combat boredom, take your tiddlers in search of PC Plum, Miss Hoolie, Archie and the gang in Mull’s brightlycoloured capital, Tobermory, better known to under-fives as Balamory.

For a day out that will impress big kids too, head to Fort William for a ride on the Jacobite steam train (www.westcoastrailways.co.uk). Not only is a trip on the old-fashioned locomotive lots of fun, the steam engine takes you through the stunning scenery which features in the Harry Potter films when the young wizards take the Hogwarts Express at the start of each new school year. Even the coolest teenager will struggle to hide their excitement at

There’s more to do than admire the colourful houses. You can also take a ride on the Balamory Express, otherwise known as the Mull Rail. The steam engine makes appearances

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WWW.FAMILYLIFEMAGAZINE.CO.UK in association with visitscotland

Scotland boasts many rainy day-friendly activities seeing the backdrop for the book they grew up with.

To earn brownie points with your teens, why not check out XScape in Glasgow? With indoor ski slopes, bowling, climbing walls and the Skypark aerial adventure course, your kids definitely won’t be bored!

Look online at www.xscape.co.uk.

Adrenaline junkies will also love the 7stanes centres in Dumfries and Galloway for mountain biking adventures. Check out www.7stanesmountainbiking.com for more info.

Another hit with older children is surfing. Scotland isn’t the first place you’d think of for riding some waves, but Scotland’s surfing community is rapidly expanding. There are plenty of surf schools up and down the country’s coastline, offering lessons for beginners at reasonable prices. The Outer Hebrides are a huge hit with surfing fans.

Go Ape (www.goape.co.uk) is another option for getting your teenagers out of the house. The popular tree-top adventure park has three locations in Scotland – Crathes Castle in Aberdeenshire, Beecraigs in West Lothian and Aberfoyle in Stirlingshire.

Discover your inner Tarzan in the series

of high-wire walkways, tunnels, tricky crossings and zip-wires – look down if you dare!

RAINY DAYS Let’s be honest, Scotland isn’t known for its brilliant weather and wall-to-wall sunshine. Luckily, our fair country has lots to offer that’s rainy day-friendly.

In Glasgow, you can head to the city’s Science Centre (www. glasgowsciencecentre.org) for a day of educational fun and games. The Science Centre regularly changes exhibitions, but also has long-standing favourites such as the indoor tornado, Plasma Globe and planetarium. Don’t forget the IMAX cinema, which offers box office favourites, 3D specials and impressive made-for-IMAX movies on an awe-inspiringly huge screen.

Aberdeen’s Satrosphere (www. satrosphere.net) is another great educational day out, offering fun, hands-on learning opportunities. Just because it’s the holidays, it doesn’t mean you don’t have to use your brain!

The National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh (www.nms.ac.uk) is a museum with a difference, offering fun exhibits showing Scotland through the ages.

You can see Sir Jackie Stewart’s 1971 World Championship-winning F1 car, design a robot and see Viking artefacts. What’s more – it’s free!

ON A SHOESTRING We don’t realise how lucky we are with the beautiful scenery in our country – and it’s all there to take in for free!

From Big Tree Country in Perthshire to the many stunning parks scattered across Scotland’s landscape, there are thousands of beautiful corners for you and your family to explore. Check out www.visitwoods.org.uk for the best woodland areas the country has to offer.

Or, for a cheap day out when the weather’s not walking-friendly, don’t forget that entry is free at many of Scotland’s museums. The National Museum of Scotland, Kelvingrove in Glasgow, East Kilbride’s National Museum of Rural Life and the National

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With so much on offer, there’s no reason for you and your brood to complain about being bored this summer – and this is just a selection of what Scotland has to see and do.

Museum of Flight in East Lothian which houses Concorde are all worth a look.

GO WILD Scotland has much to offer animal-lovers.

Head to Inverness to embark on a dolphin cruise around the Moray Firth (www. inverness-dolphin-cruises.co.uk). Here you can see the world’s most northerly group of bottlenose dolphins, with a chance of spotting some seals and porpoises too.

The Highland Wildlife Park in Kincraig, Inverness-shire, is another family favourite.

With wild cats, red deer, wolves, red pandas and Walker the polar bear, the park is home to a great variety of wildlife from Scotland and further afield. Kids under two go for free, with family tickets starting at £44.

One date that lovers of all things fluffy should have marked in their diaries this summer is the arrival of Edinburgh’s pandas.

The city’s famous zoo (www.edinburghzoo. org.uk) is expecting the arrival of two giant pandas from China this July, making them the only two in the whole of the UK. You can also see lemurs, chimpanzees, lions,

Scotland has plenty to offer animal lovers zebra, tigers and much, much more!

Prices start at £11 for kids and £15.50 for adults.

Oban’s Sea Life Sanctuary (www. sealsanctuary.co.uk) is another great day out. Nothing warms the heart quite like seeing seal pups being looked after.

With an aquarium, otters, rays, turtles and of course seals, the centre has plenty to see, plus your kids can learn more about conservation as the sanctuary also cares for abandoned and injured animals.

And then there’s Scotland’s best-known creature of all – the famous Loch Ness monster. Pack the kids into the car and head to Inverness to go Nessie-spotting.

You never know, your day at the beautiful shores of the loch could be the one when the mythical creature decides to raise her head…

VisitScotland has Information Centres throughout the country which provide lots of information on local attractions, days out and hidden gems just waiting to be discovered right outside your door. Their friendly Scotland experts can also sort out your accommodation and all your travel needs, as well as tickets for events across Scotland. So to make the most of your trip make sure you pop in and collect a ‘What to See and Do’ guide, as well as one of their seasonal offers booklets which are jampacked with great money saving offers. Check out www.visitscotland.com/ wheretofindus to find your nearest Centre to get more ideas on what you could be doing this summer break. They’re not just for tourists!

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Competition time!

Five-star luxury isn’t just for grown-ups... So how do you fancy treating yourselves and the kids to a taste of the good life with a one-night stay at the Old Course Hotel in St Andrews?

With a university that’s good enough for royalty, a picturesque seaside location and a world class golf course, St Andrews is a truly spectacular location for any Scottish staycationer to visit this summer.

What better way to check it all out than with an overnight stay at the beautiful Old Course Hotel?

The lavish hotel has played host to big-name celebs like Hugh Grant, Michael Douglas and Kevin Costner. With a top spa, fine dining and views of the town’s beautiful West Sands beach and Scottish coastline, as well as balconies overlooking the 17th fairway of the Old Course at St Andrews, this hotel is a little slice of five-star luxury on the East Coast – definitely a nice change from the school run!

We know what you’re thinking – it all sounds perfect, but we could never afford it. Believe it or not, you could be getting in on the action. Family Life has teamed up with family-friendly holiday company Away with the Kids to give you and your family the opportunity to spend a blissful night at the town’s Old Course Hotel.

We’ve got a one-night stay for a family of two adults and two children at this top hotel to give away. Away with the Kids has organised a night’s stay including dinner, bed and breakfast at this top-of-the-range hotel, worth around £1,000. What’s more, there are also complimentary golf lessons for the kids. The Old Course has seen many golfing legends take to the fairways, so what better place to start your little ones’ golfing careers than St Andrews?

It’s time to get entering for your chance to treat your family to something a little bit different this summer! This prize will be one night away they’ll definitely never forget...

HOW TO ENTER Simply answer the following question: The Old Course Hotel overlooks which fairway of the Old Course at St Andrews? a) 4th b) 17th c) 29th Send your answer with your name, address and daytime contact number – not forgetting to tell us where you got your copy of Family Life – to: Old Course competition, Family Life magazine, DC Publishing, 135-143 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 2SX. Alternatively, email your answer and details to competitions@dcpublishing.co.uk. Entries must be received by 1 August 2011.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS Prize is subject to availability and not available during school holidays and bank holidays. Away with the Kids would like to use your contact details for their marketing purposes. Please write ‘no marketing’ on your entry if you do not want us to pass on your details.

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Eat smart TV presenter, mother, company director, yoga enthusiast, nutritionist... Is there anything Amanda Hamilton won’t try? We sat down with the Edinburgh-based mum of four to find out more about getting you and your family eating healthily this summer.

As a mum, how important is it to you that your kids eat healthily?

It’s really important. But it’s also important they don’t feel like they’re being made to eat different things from everyone else. We try and expose them to a lot of good food but not obsess about it – if you obsess about it, it becomes counterproductive.

You’re a busy woman. How do you balance work and family life?

When I’m with my family, that’s what I do. I stop working when the kids come home. In many ways, I’ve got it pretty good. I guess when you’re looking at it from the outside you’d think I just work all the time! But the balance is there.

How can you make healthy eating more exciting for kids?

If we’re all eating together as a family with the teenagers, they love to make their own pizzas. Stuff like that where they’re actually getting involved in the cooking I find works best. If you give them a bit of ownership over what

they eat, it gets them more motivated about food in general.

What healthy snacks can parents use to replace sweets and crisps?

Quite naturally, children like sweet stuff.

In summer, you can make a smoothie, put it into an ice lolly mould, that kind of thing. The things to avoid are jelly sweeties and things full of E-numbers and sugar.

What can people do to get five pieces of fruit and veg into their diet daily?

It’s just about incorporating fruit and vegetables somehow into every meal in different, creative ways. How many can you cram into a soup? You can put them in a salad, blend into dips in summer or serve up as part of a pudding.

You’re working with Canned Food UK at the moment. Just how good for you is canned food?

Better than you would think because

it’s cooked in the can, so a lot of the nutrients are preserved in it. Obviously fresh is best, but cost can be an issue with fresh food. Canned food is still valid as part of your five a day and it’s something I use myself. Canned raspberries and ice cream is a good one for a pudding – at least half of it is nutritious!

Scotland has a reputation for being unhealthy. What advice would you give to parents to help change that?

Scotland should be getting back to basics, getting back to real food. If you can’t pronounce what it says on the label, you probably shouldn’t be eating it. If your children resist, try make it fun and they will get engaged in that but only if the parents are doing it too. You have to lead by example.

For some top recipes approved by Amanda, visit www.cannedfood.co.uk

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FAMILY LIFE RECIPE

In the kitchen with Gwyneth

Oscar-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow shares one of her favourite recipes with Family Life...

She’s an Academy Award-winning actress, occasional singer, style icon and mum – is there anything Gwyneth Paltrow won’t turn her hand to?

Apparently not, as her latest venture will testify.

Avid foodie Gwyneth has put her passion for food into action with Notes From My Kitchen Table, a collection of 150 fresh, original and practical recipes. For her, family comes before everything else and tasty, practical food is at the heart of a happy home. Notes From My Kitchen Table offers a mix of healthy and indulgent recipes, providing something to suit all tastes.

She may be Hollywood royalty, but Gwyneth is a normal, busy working mum too. With children Apple, seven, and Moses, five, Gwyneth knows how challenging feeding your brood can be. The book is illustrated with gorgeous photographs of Gwyneth in the kitchen with her kids – cooking can be a lot of fun for little ones, so get them involved.

Here, she shares one of her favourite recipes with Family Life – some delicious pancakes inspired by her much-loved late father Bruce. Us Scots tend to only eat pancakes once a year but, with this delicious recipe, they’re worth trying out more often. How about pancakes for breakfast with tasty fresh berries?

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For Gwyneth, tasty, practical food is at the heart of a happy home If there’s one image of my father that is the most ‘him’ – that is to say encapsulates all of his elements and delivers them in one picture – it would be him over his cast-iron griddles making his world-famous pancakes.

These things have been legendary in our house for decades. He first got the recipe from the Joy of Cooking and adapted it over the years to utter perfection. The recipe below is so truthful to his pancakes that it’s almost hard for me to eat them – I keep expecting him to walk into the kitchen.

Bruce Paltrow’s world famous pancakes INGREDIENTS 350g unbleached plain flour 75g granulated sugar 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder 2 teaspoons fine salt 750ml buttermilk 75g unsalted butter, melted and cooled, plus more butter for cooking 6 large organic eggs Up to 250ml milk, as needed to thin batter Real Vermont maple syrup, warmed, for serving Makes: 3 dozen 12.5cm pancakes Preparation time: 20 minutes plus overnight resting METHOD Whisk the dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Whisk the buttermilk, butter and eggs together in another bowl.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, whisking just enough to combine (small lumps are ok).

Let the batter sit, covered, overnight. The next morning, heat up your griddle or favourite non-stick pan and slick it with a little butter. Add enough milk to the batter to thin it to the right consistency – the thicker the batter, the thicker and heavier your pancakes; the thinner the batter, the more delicate your pancakes – neither is wrong.

Cook the pancakes on the griddle, flipping them after bubbles appear on the surface of the uncooked side.

Cook for two or three minutes more, then remove and eat with lots of warm maple syrup.

WIN! Notes From My Kitchen Table by Gywneth Paltrow, published by Boxtree, is out now priced at £20 (hardback). To be in with a chance of winning a copy and spicing up your family’s weekly menu, turn to page 50.

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Lovely Lorraine

Lorraine Kelly is a British institution.

A well-known TV presenter, charity supporter and mother, Glasgow-born Lorraine has been brightening up the nation’s mornings since the 1980s. We nabbed ten minutes on the couch with Lorraine to find out more about what makes her tick...

You divide your time between Dundee and London in order to fulfil your work commitments. You’re a very busy woman, so how are you able to strike a work-life balance?

It’s tough to get the work-life balance right, but I have such a brilliant husband and my daughter is a young woman of almost 17 and very independent. I have good friends and a fantastic mum and dad – they all help me.

Have you ever considered moving down south?

We lived in Berkshire for 12 years and Rosie was born in the NHS hospital in High Wycombe but we wanted to go home so she could go to secondary school in Scotland. I feel very lucky to have the best of both worlds living in both London and Dundee.

You recently trekked 100km across the African desert in aid of Comic Relief. What was the biggest challenge you faced, physically or mentally?

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which was a lot worse than we thought we would have to deal with.

I had very bad blisters and mouth ulcers as well as an ear infection, so physically I was a bit of a wreck. I am, however, a very determined person and there was no way I wasn’t going to complete the challenge. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done but I made some friends for life and I can only remember the good bits – I guess it was a bit like having a baby in that respect!

You’ve run the London Marathon in order to raise funds for the children’s cancer charity CLIC Sargent. What is it about the charity’s work that inspired you to put yourself through such a grueling physical experience to support them?

I think that the work CLIC Sargent does is simply invaluable. The charity is there from the point of diagnosis and helps the whole family cope with the impact of cancer, its treatment and beyond. I was very proud to run the marathon for CLIC Sargent – the cheery supporters all along the route really kept me and my husband Steve going!

You’re able to use your celebrity to raise awareness about different causes. What advice would you give the ordinary man or woman on the street about how best to help fundraise or get involved in charitable work?

I think that every little helps and it doesn’t matter if you raise ten pounds or ten thousand, the very fact that you have given your time and made the

“I love the simple things of motherhood, like doing homework, singing in the car, going shopping, making cakes and watching movies” effort to help is fantastic. Charities like CLIC Sargent can give you support and help if you want to raise money for them, whether it’s a jumble sale, sponsored walk or big charity ball.

You have to get up incredibly early in the morning to do your job.

Tell us about your morning routine or pre-work ritual.

I don’t have to get up quite so early as when I first presented breakfast TV back in 1989 on TV-am. I did the show from six o’clock and had to get up at three in the morning. Now I can have a lie in until five! I get up, have a shower, check Twitter and zap between CNN and Sky News.

I leave home around half five and when I get to the studio we have a meeting about what stories to cover in our newspaper review and also go through any changes to the show. I go to hair and make-up and decide what to wear, then pop down to my studio to do a quick trail in Daybreak about what’s coming up in my show.

We rehearse any tricky items and then we’re on air.

If that was us getting up so early, we’d be really grumpy – how do you remain so cheerful and lovely morning after morning?

There is no excuse to be grumpy if you’re lucky enough to be doing a job you really love. I am incredibly blessed to still be on TV after all these years. I’m still loving every second.

You meet some really interesting people; do you still find yourself getting star struck?

Yes I do. When George Michael came

on the show I got very giddy indeed and when bands like Spandau Ballet, the Human League or ABC come on I am very excited. If David Bowie were ever to come and sit on my sofa I think I would spontaneously combust.

Your daughter Rosie is 16 – an age some parents would call “difficult”!

What’s the secret of the success of your relationship with Rosie?

I think you just need to keep the lines of communication open and keep talking to your teenagers. You need to give them their independence but they need to earn that too.

What do you enjoy most about being a mother?

I love being a mum and I consider it to be my “real” job. I love the simple things like doing homework, singing in the car, going shopping, making cakes, watching movies and just hanging out together.

Lorraine has been supporting CLIC Sargent – the UK’s leading cancer charity for children and young people – for many years. For more information about joining the CLIC Sargent Running Team visit www. clicsargent.org.uk/running or call 0845 602 4770.

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The accommodation’s sorted, the boarding passes are printed, the taxi to the airport is booked... Whether at home or abroad, when you’re traveling with kids, planning ahead is vital to ensure you don’t forget anything. Now, where did those passports get to?

Summer holiday checklist BUDGET

GET PACKING

Whether it’s a long weekend at Loch Lomond or a couple of weeks in the Costas, try to pack only what you need. It can be hard, but think realistically about how many outfits you’ll get through in a day and add a few extra layers plus trousers and a waterproof just in case. And don’t go crazy on the shoes! If need be, you can always do some quick hand washing while you’re away. Finally, don’t forget to pack plug adaptors to ensure the kids’ gadgets stay fully charged.

A lot of people under-budget when it comes to taking cash on holiday, but you don’t want to be caught short. If you’re not going all-inclusive, think about how often you’ll be eating out and how much that’ll cost each day. Add on money for fuel, excursions, attraction entrance prices and a few souvenirs. Save cash by looking out for set menus offering cheaper meals and pre-bookable entrance tickets.

FIRST AID!

It’s better to be safe than sorry, so pack plasters, antiseptic cream, paracetamol, something for upset tummies and any prescription drugs you need. Sun cream is a must wherever you’re heading (including the UK), plus travel sickness tablets might be wise! If you’re travelling in Europe, an EHIC card (www.ehic.org.uk) entitles you to free or reduced cost medical treatment abroad.

ENSURE YOU’RE INSURED

Especially if you’re heading to foreign climes, insurance is a must. Insurance will help cover many eventualities, for instance if you lose your bags, your travel money is stolen or if you’re suddenly taken ill. Before booking, be meticulous about the level of cover being provided and make sure it meets your needs.

FUN ON THE GO

Being stuck in a car or on a plane for several hours is no fun, especially with kids kicking the back of your seat and whining “Are we nearly there yet?” Banish those bored traveling blues with plenty to keep the children occupied.

When you’ve exhausted “I spy”, it’s time to bring out the big guns. Games on MP3 players will keep teens quiet for a while, or handheld consoles, DVD movies or a CD of their favourite pop tunes will be perfect for younger children. And don’t forget that favourite teddy!

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HERE’S TO THE MEMORIES...

The last thing you want when you’re going away is for your camera battery to run out just as you’re snapping the kids having fun. Don’t forget to take your camera charger or spare batteries, as well as an additional memory card on which to store those unforgettable moments!

ALL SAFE BACK HOME?

Obviously you lock your house when you go out, but be sure to make extra provisions when going away. You might like to consider using timers to turn lights on and off, ensuring valuable items are out of sight and asking a trusted neighbour to park in your drive, collect your post and check on your house.

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PARENTS’ GUIDE TO...

Exam results Exam results time isn’t just worrying for young people. Parents across the country will be going through plenty of emotions and perhaps have lots of questions about what happens on results day and its aftermath. Family Life aims to answer some of those questions...

In the moments before 9am on 4 August, young people across Scotland will be waiting with trepidation for a very important envelope, email or text message.

Why? For any students who’ve recently sat exams for Standard Grades, Highers, Int 2 and the like, 4 August is results day – a key moment in deciding their futures.

As a parent, it’s a stressful time too.

You need to be there to support your child, provide accurate advice, answer any questions they have and guide them in the right direction – wherever that may lead! Here’s our revision of the must-know info when it comes to exams.

RESULTS Students who’ve registered at www. mysqa.org.uk can choose how they want to receive their results. They can opt to get the certificate through by post or have results sent via text

or email, as well as view past exam results, keep track of progress towards future qualifications and download useful apps.

So, when the results eventually come through, what can you expect? Once your son or daughter receives it, their letter, email or text message will list their exam results, displaying the subject and grade. You should also see a helpline number to call if you have any questions.

What’s next? That depends on what qualification your child has been examined on, but here are the most common options...

GETTING IN, GETTING ON Your child will be aware of what grades or how many UCAS points they need in order to get on to their desired college or uni course. If it’s high grades all round then they’ll be accepting their course offer (this

should be done automatically for university applicants as results are sent directly to the institution), but if their result falls short then it’s time to chat through the options. Time is of the essence as – especially with the university Clearing system – remaining course places are snapped up quickly.

CLEARING Your son or daughter’s first step is to contact their favoured university or college to see if their grades are enough for a place on the course.

The UCAS website at www.ucas. com is the place to go for advice if your teen hasn’t got the grades they expected but is still keen on going to uni. Clearing can seem very rushed since everyone is dashing for remaining course places, but it’s important that your son or daughter takes the time to consider their options – they might be signing up for three or four years in a different city and

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taking on a course they weren’t originally keen on, so they must think things through. It’s also vital your child does the legwork themselves – seeking out the available Clearing places, calling the universities and speaking to admissions staff and school careers advisers for help.

RESITS? If it’s likely that re-taking an essential exam will lead to a better grade, speak to the school or college about organising a re-sit. Bear in mind that many universities only accept grades from a first sitting.

Re-sits are organised through your child’s school or college, so if an exam taken in S5 didn’t have the desired results, they could re-sit that subject in S6 while taking other new subjects on. The school can talk you through the options and find a route and timetable that suits what your teen wants to do.

APPEAL If your son’s or daughter’s grades aren’t what you expected based on predicted grades made by the school, your child can ask their school or college to appeal their exam result if they’ve completed all parts of the assessment and the school or college has evidence to support their estimated grade.

Higher and Advanced Higher appeals are considered in September, while Int 1, Int 2 and Standard Grade appeals are considered in October. If the appeal fails, the school or college will inform you of why, or if the appeal is successful they’ll receive a replacement certificate at the end of November.

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ALTERNATIVES If your child’s hopes of college or university have ben dashed by unexpected grades, don’t forget that there’s a world of other opportunities out there for them – exam results aren’t the be-all and end-all. They could always take on a job to earn some money or gain experience before they plan their next move, follow a dream to begin their own business, take a gap year and go travelling or do some volunteering, enhance their skills through an apprenticeship, or opt for further study to improve their grades so they can reapply to their preferred course. Point your teen towards a site like www. sourcemagazine.org.uk, which features loads of advice and helpful info on future options.

TOP TIPS It’s likely that you offered your teen sweeteners and rewards for doing well long before they started revising, but don’t feel pressured into giving cash or gifts as a well-done gesture. Remind your child that their grade is the reward for all their hard work – and they can make more of a difference to their own future than any new computer game or new pair of trainers ever could.

Before results day, there’ll likely be nerves, excitement or maybe even a blasé attitude from your teen. However they’re acting, try to reassure them that, if they’ve done their best then that’s all they can

do – nothing will change those grades now! And even if things don’t turn out as well as you’d all hoped, remind your child that there are other routes to success.

When it comes to results day, ignore the news. It’s the same report year in, year out – the exam results are better than ever which must mean the exams are easier than ever. That belittles all your child’s hard work and is quite simply untrue.

Make sure your child has the final say in decisions about their future.

Sure, you can offer your opinions, advice and guidance, but allow them to take responsibility for their own choices and remind them that it’s their future, after all.

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WWW.FAMILYLIFEMAGAZINE.CO.UK IN ASSOCIATION WITH GLASGOW SPORT

Summer of fun While your kids love the freedom of the summer holidays, they can present childcare issues for mums and dads across the country. So why not check out Glasgow Sport’s Summer Camp programme? They fill us in on what’s going on this season...

It’s the summer holidays and, let’s face it, at this time of year it’s all about the kids. But there are big questions on every parent’s mind – what are they going to do, where are they going to be and how much is it going to cost?

Thankfully the answer is on your doorstep. At Glasgow Sport, we’re running a number of fun camps for children over the summer that will keep them entertained.

Back by popular demand, we have reintroduced kids camps for children to keep them active and occupied over the school holidays. They’re a great way for your children to enjoy a summer of fun and to experience a whole host of activities and sports.

If they are aged between eight and twelve, then they can join in at five of our biggest sports centres and meet a whole group of new friends.

TOP ACTIVITIES This multi-activity day camp covers a wide range of activities to suit everyone. The fun packed programme includes:

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• Commonwealth Sports Day • Multi Sport Activities • Mini Games • Arts and Crafts Activities • Pool and Inflatable Games • Swimming • Taster Sports Sessions • Triathlon Activity Challenge • Junior Bootcamp • Traditional Games Our fully-trained, enthusiastic staff are raring to go and will ensure your kids are being supervised in a safe, secure environment while they have a great time!

The programme runs Monday to Friday for six weeks from 27 June to 5 August.

You can leave your child for the whole day from 9am until 5pm for £24 per day or for the full week from Monday to Friday for £99 per week. The early drop off from 8am and late pick till 6pm is an additional £3 per hour.

Kids Camp takes place in five Glasgow Club venues across the city – Glasgow Club Scotstoun, Gorbals, Kelvin Hall, Bellahouston and Tollcross.

LOTS OF OPTIONS And to make it all a bit easier for you we have added in a range of options to suit your hectic lifestyle.

You can choose to leave the kids for just one day during the week or you can opt to have them take part all week. And if you need to drop them off early or pick them up later, our qualified and experienced leaders can provide supervision for your children from 8am until 6pm.

FIND OUT MORE For more details on any of these camps just check online at www.glasgowlife.org.uk or drop into one of the centres and our staff will be happy to help. We hope to see you this summer!

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Summer 2011 FAMILY LIFE

Jump to it!

Keeping fit and eating healthily are all very well, but how do you go about fitting in five a day for your family alongside enough exercise when there’s so much other stuff to do? We show you how...

School runs, coffee mornings, sports day, parents’ evening, Saturday morning football, making packed lunches, cooking tea, sticking plasters on grazed knees, paying bills, getting the supermarket shop, keeping up with the housework... A parent’s work is never done!

With health visitors, GPs and central government all keen for us to have five pieces of fruit and veg a day as well as encouraging us to squeeze an hour of pulse-racing activity into every 24 hours, it’s a wonder any of us can get anything done. We all know the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, but sometimes it just seems like too much effort to try and work healthy living into our already-packed schedules.

EASY DOES IT

A healthy lifestyle should be part of everyday life

But that’s the point – it’s not about making a special effort to cook a healthy meal or to join and use the gym. Instead, a healthy lifestyle should be something you incorporate into everyday life, something that just happens without you having to think about it too much. It’s all about changing your attitude and making healthy living the norm, rather than the exception.

Take, for example, meal times. It doesn’t take much thought to substitute chocolatecoated breakfast cereal for a bowl of fruity muesli, or to microwave a jacket potato and serve it with cheese and salad rather

than hopping to the shops for pizza and chips.

The same goes for exercise. We all know about getting of the bus a couple of stops early or taking the stairs rather than using a lift. But what about heading for an evening walk round the park to watch the sun set over the city rather than vegging out in front of the TV or using your legs instead of the car for short trips?

PLAN AHEAD One of the simplest ways to ensure you’re all getting a healthy, balanced diet – and to prevent food wastage and save money – is to plan your week’s meals effectively.

Draw a simple chart showing the days of the week down one side and breakfast, lunch and dinner across the top. Now, write down your family’s favourite meals. If you aim for 15 different main dishes then you’ll have plenty to choose from to cover lunches and teas during the week. How about an easy tomato risotto, a vegetable and chicken stir fry, grilled fish and new potatoes, fajitas with salad...? Your options are endless! Don’t forget puddings too – fresh fruit, a banana split, a baked apple, carrot cake... Plenty there to make your mouths water.

Next, slot the meals into your planner to suit – your kids may have after-school activities on a Thursday so perhaps a warming, carbpacked risotto that night would be best?

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By planning meals in advance you’ll save money and eat more healthily And you’ve got that PTA meeting on Monday night so a quick round of jacket potatoes will be perfect before you head out... And, for those nights when you all can, take advantage of the longer summer evenings to have an evening stroll round the park, play in the garden to tire the kids out before bedtime or, if the weather’s not so great, have fun together with musical statues or an exercise-based computer console game in the lounge. Phew!

IDEAS APLENTY It’s easy when you know how, so complete the planner to suit your family’s tastes and needs, and get plenty of inspiring meal ideas from previous issues of Family Life at www. familylifemagazine.co.uk, from free recipe cards in supermarkets and off budget recipe websites!

Once it’s all done, with healthy meals planned out for the week including brain-boosting breakfasts and delectable lunches, you can draw up a shopping list, detailing exactly what you need to create each meal plus a few extras like fruit for snacking.

By planning meals in advance you’ll be able to share cooking duties with your partner or with older kids, plus you’ll spend less at the supermarket since you’ll only buy what you need.

Why not try doing your food shopping online? It’ll save you heaps of time and will probably save you money too – with a fixed list, you’ll avoid tempting offers and impulse buys, helping earn back that delivery charge several times over!

SAVING MONEY AND TIME...

One big complaint about living healthily is that it takes time and costs money. Celeb chef Jamie Oliver has shown us what can be achieved in 30 minutes... The trick is to make cooking fun. Using delicious ingredients helps, as does knowing that you’ll be getting something tasty and wholesome at the end of it.

But, to make your time in the kitchen even more enjoyable, share the load with your children – even the youngest child can help out with simple tasks, while a bit of music on the radio (with a kitchen boogie or singsong thrown in for good measure!) will help pass the time

spent waiting for the oven to beep.

With healthy living, you won’t only notice an effect on your waistline – there’ll be a difference to your wallet too. You’ll save cash by upping your fruit and veg, eating less meat and cutting back on snacks and takeaways. Being more active means you’ll use less petrol, plus – rather than paying out for a gym membership that’ll rarely get used – as a family you’ll discover enjoyable, free ways to get your heart racing and have lots of fun together to boot. In fact, once you get started, you’ll find this healthy living lark is addictive!

NEED INSPIRATION? If you’re stuck for ideas, you’ll find healthy living advice at www. takelifeon.co.uk. You can also search online for mouthwatering recipes, ideas of fun and free family activities, and local events that will help keep you active this summer – from sporty holiday camps to nature walks round your nearest park or church fetes where there’s sure to be a bouncy castle to bounce off some calories!

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Sparkling bright!

With toys strewn all over, laundry hanging in every available space and pots piling up in the sink, busy parents often find it hard to stay on top of the housework. Check out our top cleaning tips to make those chores a little easier...

Cleaning the house is one of those tasks we’d all rather not do. What’s more, with supermarket till receipts on an ever-increasing ascent, forking out for stuff that’s going to make your loo shine or ensure your carpet smells fresh seems a bit low down your list of purchasing priorities. But cleaning needn’t be a chore when you check out our ideas for quick, money-saving, house-brightening ideas!

Toothpaste doesn’t only clean your teeth – it’s also great for whitening bathroom grouting and making taps sparkle!

Saucepans looking a bit worse for wear with burnt-on food marks? Pour in some cola, boil for a few minutes and your pots should come up sparkling! The same fizzy stuff can make your toilet pan look good as new – empty some around the bowl, leave overnight and then flush the following morning.

For smear-free windows, try granny’s favourite – use newspaper with a drop of white vinegar and water.

Cleaning doesn’t just make your house look great, it can help make you look and feel great too. Being in an ordered environment helps lift your mood plus half an hour of general housework can burn 150 calories, with scrubbing floors and vacuuming providing the best work-outs around!

Manky mugs? Get rid of nasty tea stains with a drop of white vinegar.

Stainless steel kitchen appliances may look lovely but they can be hard to keep free of fingerprints and greasy marks. A drop of baby oil on a clean cloth will soon have your hob sparkling bright.

If your carpet’s getting a bit whiffy, sprinkle baking soda around, leave for 15 minutes then vacuum – you’ll be amazed at the difference.

Getting cooked-on food out of microwaves is a difficult job.

Microwave some cut lemons in there for three minutes and you’ll find the dirt will magically loosen.

Stubborn food stains on your laundry? Freshen up greying baby grows or remove strawberry stains from shirts by leaving your laundry in the sun for the day. The rays bleach out the muck!

Give your fridge a good wipe down with soapy water and stick a halved lemon in there to make it smell fresh. The same rule applies for your dishwasher too (unless your dishwasher is your other half!).

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Do you look after or help a relative, friend or neighbour who cannot manage without support? If so, you are a carer. The VSA Carers’ Services offer advice, information and support on all aspects of caring.

Our Carers’ Services are all responsive to the needs of the people using them and the communities that they are in.

Our Carers’ Services are for anyone of any age who helps a relative, friend or neighbour who cannot manage without their support and has taken on an unpaid caring role in addition to their existing commitments.

For more information call 01224 212021

or visit our website www.vsa.org.uk

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Do you look after or help a relative, friend or neighbour who cannot manage without support? If so, you are a carer. The VSA Carers’ Services offer advice, information and support on all aspects of caring.

Our Carers’ Services are all responsive to the needs of the people using them and the communities that they are in.

Our Carers’ Services are for anyone of any age who helps a relative, friend or neighbour who cannot manage without their support and has taken on an unpaid caring role in addition to their existing commitments.

For more information call 01224 212021

or visit our website www.vsa.org.uk

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Hector Conesa / Shutterstock.com

WWW.FAMILYLIFEMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Make a difference In these purse stringstretching times, giving your hard-earned cash to charity comes way down on the list after food, bills, school uniforms... But even the smallest amount of cash can go a long way, as we discover.

Comic Relief, Children in Need, Sport Relief... All the big fundraising telethons rake in millions each year for good causes.

As this issue’s cover star Lorraine Kelly – who trekked the African desert for Comic Relief – will testify, doing something to help charity can give you a real boost. That’s not to mention the lift you’ll provide to the people, animals and projects that need your help. But what about when the laughs are over and the TV promotions stop?

Because, while it’s wonderful to give to large appeals, it can be easy to forget that there are thousands of small charities working in the UK to help people and causes in need across the country and the globe.

SPARE CHANGE? The recession and ever-increasing cost of living are having a real impact on charitable giving and charities. Good causes in the UK are really under strain, with some 1,600 charities forced to close their doors in 2010. People are also giving less.

A recent survey found that 11% of people

Image courtesy Christian Aid / Jodi Bieber

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who give regularly to charity are reducing their giving owing to current financial pressures.

But there’s a lot you can do. You don’t have to give a fortune to make a difference – in fact your small change can make a really big change, and in many cases your time and energy can make more of an impact than any financial donation.

SHAKE IT TO MAKE IT As you walk through town bypassing the charity recruiters who try to encourage you to sign up for a Direct Debit, spare a thought for the lowly can shakers who are hoping you’ll pop a few pennies in their pot. Often, they’re collecting for small, local charities that really need your help. So if you have a bit of spare cash, why not hand it over and help a charity close to home?

Alternatively, for just £2, you could pick up an inspiring read and help make a difference in the life of a homeless person 29

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SUMMER 2011 FAMILY LIFE

1,600 UK charities closed their doors in 2010 local to you. The Big Issue enables people with accommodation issues to take control of their lives.

GIVE SOMETHING SPECIAL The cash we fork out on birthday presents for relatives and work colleagues plus leaving gifts for teachers can really add up. Instead of the same pressie year after year, how about giving them a gift that’ll make both you and the recipient feel good, as well as improving life for a total stranger? If you’ve no idea what we’re talking about, then you’ve never heard of schemes like Oxfam Unwrapped and Christian Aid’s Present Aid scheme.

How do they work? You “buy” a gift of a new well for a Bangladeshi village, solar panels to generate electricity for a remote African school or a mosquito net to help protect the lives of children living in countries affected by deadly malaria. Your purchase

Image courtesy Christian Aid / Mohammadur Rahman

is simply a donation to your chosen charity, and the funds are diverted towards supporting causes and people that need help. At the same time, the person you’re buying the gift for receives a card or other token gift to let them know you’ve made a vital donation on their behalf.

IT ‘PAYES’ TO GIVE If you work for a large employer, why not ask about Payroll Giving? Payroll giving enables workers to donate some of their pre-tax pay to a cause they believe in, and about one in 25 staff across the UK takes part. Payroll giving is really flexible and donations are administered via PAYE so there’s very little you’ll need to do. You’re able to donate as little as £1 a week so you won’t notice a vast change to your wage slip – but you’ll definitely be making a difference to someone’s life, since giving £10 to charity via the scheme will cost standard-rate taxpayers £8.

CASHLESS DONATIONS You don’t always need money to make a difference. Your expertise and spare hours can be donated to a cause you believe in via volunteering. Why not join Scotland’s army of 1.27 million volunteers? Not only will you be helping other people, you’ll also be giving your CV a real boost (www.volunteerscotland.org.uk).

Alternatively, you can donate stuff you no longer need. Whether it’s bagging up old clothes for your local charity shop, raising funds by sending your old mobile or used ink cartridges to charity for recycling, or passing your old specs to your optician to support Vision Aid, every little helps.

So, what are you waiting for?

Dig deep and give a little of yourself to help make a real difference.

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summer 2011 FAMILY LIFE

BDD and me Mental health is still a taboo, as Caroline knows all too well. After years of struggling with crippling self-doubt, depression and self-harm, she was finally given a diagnosis of body dysmorphic disorder three years ago. Here, she shares her story with Family Life...

Let’s be honest. The person in the mirror isn’t always who we want to see. A bad hair day, a massive spot emerging, things starting to sag – we’re rarely happy.

Three years ago, Caroline was told by doctors that she has a condition called body dysmorphic disorder.

For some people, however, this very human trait can be a result of low self-esteem or lack of confidence.

Unhappiness with their looks turns into an obsession. They’ll see themselves as ugly or defective. They won’t go outside for fear of what other people think. It’s a frightening and lonely place to be.

“BDD is something that’s impacted on my life greatly,” Caroline explains.

“There are times where I can’t be out in crowded places. I get paranoid that everyone’s staring at me and judging me. It can bring on panic attacks. I have bouts of picking at my skin too.”

This is what life is like for 27-year-old Caroline. For more than half her life, she’s struggled with feelings of selfloathing and unhappiness, culminating in a suicide attempt when she was 14.

PARANOIA

BDD is a condition which affects as much as 5% of the UK population. It’s a recognised mental health problem relating to body image, in which the person has a preoccupation with one or more aspects of their appearance.

Fixations like this are diagnosed as BDD when they lead to distress or impact upon day-to-day life. The condition is related to obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), where habits or compulsions start to take over a person’s life.

DARK DAYS Caroline grew up in England, but today she lives in Fife with her fiancé and two dogs. She started to show symptoms of the disorder when she was the victim of merciless bullying at school.

“I was really badly bullied at school.

I hated going in. I used to bunk off, make up that I was sick or get the bus to school then not go in, just to

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“I felt so ashamed of the way I felt. I couldn’t go out, and if I did I’d look down at the pavement and avoid eye contact with people in case they were judging me”. avoid the bullies,” she says. “I did try to speak to people about the bullying and how it made me feel. I spoke to my family, I spoke to teachers, and they said it was my own fault that I was being bullied. My family think it’s all in my head, that it’s not real. But it’s very real to me.”

The lack of support had a devastating effect on Caroline.

Feelings of worthlessness took over her life, and she started to obsess over her appearance, convinced she wasn’t as pretty or popular as her classmates. She’d look in the mirror every five minutes, punching her own body out of frustration and picking at her skin to try and fix what she saw in the reflection.

OUT OF CONTROL “I didn’t bother trying to get help elsewhere. I’d been told it was my fault, so I just accepted that,” she says.

“I was so ashamed of the way I felt. I couldn’t go out and, if I did, I’d look down at the pavement and avoid eye contact with people in case they were judging me.

“It got to the point where, when I did go to school, I’d come home and would just collapse on the floor crying.

I took an overdose when I was 14, just

to try and stop the way I was feeling. I had no control over myself.”

Despite this attempt at taking her own life, it wasn’t until 2006 that Caroline, then 22, was told by a doctor she had depression. She was promptly put on anti-depressants, with varied success. When the dosage of the medication was too low, she was still self-harming and having suicidal thoughts, but when it was too high she would feel drowsy and out of touch with reality. In 2007, Caroline’s marriage of five years fell apart, causing her to have a breakdown.

“That really knocked my confidence,” she says. “It still hurts when I think about it. But I am moving on.”

MOVING FORWARD As part of the treatment for her depression, Caroline started to see a psychologist. It was this psychologist who made the diagnosis of BDD three years ago. “It was a relief in a way, because suddenly there was a reason why I felt the way I did,” she admits. “There was hope for me. But it was scary too, because I didn’t really understand what it was.”

Caroline is still undergoing treatment.

She attends group therapy sessions focusing on relaxation techniques to

help with her panic attacks, as well as having individual therapy sessions and continuing with anti-depressants.

In August, she’s starting a college course with the hope of going into child psychology. Her own experiences as a teenager have made her determined to help others who are struggling with their feelings. “I’m feeling positive about the future, trying to get things under control and moving forward,” she says.

“I’m hoping to get off my medication at some point, and I’m planning on getting my partner down the aisle too!”

GETTING HELP With ongoing treatment things are getting better for Caroline, but she still has bad days when the “ugly monster in the mirror” rears its head.

While it’s common to be unhappy with your appearance, it’s not ok when these feelings start to take over your life. Don’t be afraid to admit you need help.

Your GP should be your first point of call if a fixation with your appearance starts to take over. Caroline’s advice?

“Speak to a doctor. Get the help you need. It isn’t always easy, but getting help changed my life.”

Caroline (name has been changed) shared her story to raise awareness of BDD through OCD Action, a charity providing help, support and information to people with obsessive compulsive disorders. To find out more, visit www.ocdaction.org.uk 33

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Because babies are special

Welcome your new baby into the family with a uniquely designed Naming Ceremony, including a complementary framed certificate All ceremonies are personally conducted

by Dr Joni Wilson, Independent Life Celebrant

ith t) w n nt me u o e joni@mypostoffice.co.uk sc is di ert v 0% d (1 is a th

Telephone 0131 441 4409

075 057 54307 Or email

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WWW.FAMILYLIFEMAGAZINE.CO.UK in association with pace

Working Life Help and support with employment, training and education.

UPPING THE PACE With the country limping out of recession, more and more people are facing unemployment or the threat of redundancy. Thankfully there is help out there to get you back into the world of work. The team at Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) fills us in...

organisations, is free and available to employees for as long as they feel it’s needed. Last year, some 272 companies benefitted from PACE as many employees went on to further employment, training or education following the advice and support they received from the partnership.

If you’ve recently been made redundant or you’re facing unemployment, PACE could be the ones to help you out.

BY THE BOOK

PACE is the Scottish Government’s partnership initiative that provides support and guidance to help those facing redundancy get back to work as quickly as possible.

PACE is delivered by Skills Development Scotland, with other key partners including Jobcentre Plus. All support, provided by public sector

Catriona Anderson was one of the many individuals who got this help.

Catriona, from the Scottish Borders, loved working as a children’s specialist in a book shop following a long career in speech and language therapy, so it came as a shock when she and her colleagues discovered the company was going into administration and they would be out of work. The group felt they needed expert support to deal with the events, so a colleague looked into

the assistance available and contacted PACE advisers.

Advisers from both Skills Development Scotland and Jobcentre Plus visited the shop to speak to Catriona and her colleagues. Group sessions were held in the store to give career and skills advice and help make the experience less daunting for people.

Catriona explains: “The best thing about the support from PACE was that it took away the fear. My colleagues and I were in shock.

Several of us hadn’t looked for a job in many years and didn’t know where to start. I felt my skills were too specialised and there wouldn’t be anything out there for me. We were all feeling bewildered, lost and on our own until we got the confidence boost we really needed.”

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SUMMER 2011 FAMILY LIFE

HIRING A NANNY DOESN’T HAVE TO BE TAXING For working mums and dads, childcare is always an issue.

Nursery, childminders, babysitters, after school clubs...

There’s a world of options out there. Hiring a nanny is one choice which many find daunting, since taking on the role of an employer comes with a lot of responsibility.

Thankfully, there is help at hand.

SOMEONE TO LISTEN Following the group sessions, Catriona and her colleagues were supplied with information packs and contact details to arrange further consultations. Catriona made an appointment and visited a Skills Development Scotland Careers Centre: “I met with the same representative who had come to the store,” she says. “We chatted about me for quite a while – it was great to get everything out and for someone to really listen.” Catriona was given help with her CV, plus plenty of suggestions for job searches.

The advice and support from PACE paid off. Catriona has recently started work in another book store. While the hours aren’t full-time, she is pleased to be back in the world of work and doing what she loves.

“I would advise anyone who is dealing with redundancy to seek support,” she says. “I feel I got this job through the advice from PACE. Redundancy is not something you should handle alone – sometimes even just chatting and getting a confidence boost is all you need to get yourself out there.”

FIND OUT MORE Anyone facing or affected by redundancy should call the PACE redundancy support helpline free on 0808 100 1855 or visit www.redundancyscotland.com

Working out the nanny’s tax and National Insurance contributions, sorting out payslips... They’re all big tasks and something that many parents struggle with. But it’s got to be done because, as the nanny’s employer, you’re responsible for paying her deductions on her behalf to the taxman, who could potentially come calling if you don’t. In one comprehensive, all-inclusive service, Nannytax takes care of all your payroll requirements and you can rest easy knowing your tax obligations as an employer are being properly looked after.

TAX MADE EASY Need a duplicate payslip or to know how much to pay HMRC? Perhaps your nanny has left and you’re replacing her. This is what the Nannytax Members Area is for. Every Nannytax client has a unique online account where payslips are available to download (avoiding postal disruptions), plus there are facilities to make changes to the nanny’s employment situation. Your account also provides unlimited access to a legal helpline where a range of useful documents, including employment contracts, are at your disposal.

For 18 years Nannytax has been providing a reliable, stress-free and convenient way of managing nannies’ Tax and National Insurance for thousands of families across the country. Many parents take on a nanny to make their lives easier – and Nannytax is here to keep it that way.

Visit www.nannytax.co.uk or call 0845 226 2203 to find out more.

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Are you looking to return to work after a break?

If you want to feel confident about relaunching your career, develop your computer skills and update your CV and interview technique, then The PCT Partnership’s ‘Women Returning to Work’ course is for you. The course will also reintroduce you to today’s working environment and give you guidance and support in finding work.

The 10 week course is funded by Skills Development Scotland and is free if you live in Edinburgh and the Lothians and have been away from work for 13 weeks or more. We’ll have courses starting in September 2011 and February 2012.

For information call The PCT Partnership on 0131 622 6240 or email training@thepctpartnership.co.uk

Security. Stability. Belonging. These are other words that Rory is unaware of. But you could change Rory’s life, and others like him who have been through a difficult time, by becoming a Foster Carer. At Care Visions Fostering we provide you with all the training and supervision you need, along with full 24 hour support. It’s probably one of the most challenging and rewarding jobs you could do: it’s also financially rewarding. Carers receive up to £24,000 per child.

For more information visit or phone for an information pack. And maybe one day you’ll be able to introduce Rory, or someone like him, to a new four-letter word: hope.

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Summer 2011 FAMILY LIFE

The single parent’s guide to dating Dating is a minefield at the best of times. Throw in the added obstacles of kids, a busy life and a few extra wrinkles and things get a little more daunting. But being older and wiser doesn’t mean your dating life is over. Family Life gives you a helping hand to find love...

It all looks so easy in the movies.

Eyes meet across a crowded bar, an overpriced cocktail is bought, numbers exchanged and – just like that – soul mates have found their life partner.

But we all know it’s not that straightforward, especially if you’re a single parent. A quarter of UK families are headed by lone parents and, for many, the idea of moving on and finding a new partner is overwhelming.

Plus there’s the small matter of the kids to think of!

GET CONFIDENT According to Chrissie Lewandowski, dating expert and co-founder of singlewithkids.co.uk, confidence is a major issue for many newly-single parents: “When somebody becomes a single parent, whether it’s through divorce, separation or bereavement, self-esteem tends to be rock-bottom.”

The secret to combating confidence issues is to broaden your social horizons. One of the downsides of parenthood is that, often, your social life goes out the window. Look for clubs or groups in your area or join the school PTA to get to know other parents. Making new friends will let you see that there is life beyond packed lunches, the school run and ballet classes.

When is the right time to start dating?

Chrissie says: “Somewhere along the line, people will feel ready to start again. The timing of that differs. It’s very much down to the individual but it usually takes about 18 months for people to close one chapter and start a new one.”

THE SEARCH IS ON Deciding you’re ready to date again and actually doing it are two very different things. The biggest problem

is where to find love. Chrissie is an advocate for internet dating sites.

“Online dating is perfect for single parents,” she says. “If a resident parent wants to go out, they need someone to be at home with the children.

Online dating is superb in that respect,” since you can get to know your potential suitor through web chats.

Finding love on the web isn’t the taboo it once was. There are many websites out there especially for single parents. singlewithkids.co.uk offers holidays and events for single parents, as well as providing a dedicated dating site. justsingleparents.com is another to check out.

Sites like eHarmony.co.uk and match. com also let you say how many kids you have so any potential dates will know straight away what your situation is. If you meet anyone from a dating site, make sure someone knows where

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FIRST DATE DOS AND DON’TS

WWW.FAMILYLIFEMAGAZINE.CO.UK

you are and meet in a public place just in case your date isn’t who they say they are.

Speed dating is another great way to meet a partner. Men and women are allocated three to eight minutes together for a mini date during which they can find out more about one another. At the end of the night, participants grade each of their dates and those who match are put in touch. Why not look online for a speed dating event in your area?

introduce your new partner to your kids?

“It has to be done slowly,” Chrissie explains. “You have to ensure that the children have quality time with the parent alone as well. That’s even more important if you’re a non-resident parent. If you’re a father who only sees his children every weekend, if you’ve got a new girlfriend involved with that weekend each and every time, resentment builds up. The children feel like they’re competing for that parent’s attention.”

CHILDREN FIRST Of course, the biggest concern in all of this is the little people in your life.

Dating with children can be difficult. New partners might not understand that your children come first, and your kids might resent your new partner.

Kids often don’t like the idea of someone replacing their mum or dad. Make it clear that this isn’t the case and introduce your new partner slowly. Try the initial meeting at an event or a day out, where the focus isn’t on mum or dad’s new friend, but on having fun instead.

Your children are your priority and will always come before love. They’ve already been through a break-up – a new parent figure in their life can be just as disruptive. When is the right time to

Dating with kids isn’t impossible. It can even be fun! So bite the bullet and give it a go. Everyone deserves a little happiness – why not go in search of yours?

WIN! Dating site eHarmony.co.uk has published a brand new book – Dating the Second Time Around: Finding Love That Lasts by Dr. Gian Gonzaga. Family Life has ten copies to give away!

To be in with a chance of winning one, send your name, address, daytime contact number and where you picked up your copy of Family Life to: eHarmony competition, Family Life magazine, DC Publishing, 135-143 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 2SX. Alternatively, email your answer and details to competitions@dcpublishing.co.uk with “eHarmony” in the subject line. Entries must be received by 1 August 11

DO Have fun! Cast your nerves aside and focus on what dating should be about – having fun!

Keep an open mind. So your date isn’t the Hollywood star you dreamt of settling down with, but give them a chance.

Have a friend on standby.

Ask a pal to give you a ring at an agreed time. If the date’s a disaster, you have an excuse to leave.

DON’T Get ahead of yourself. The person across the table may seem like your perfect partner, but don’t start planning your wedding straightaway. Take it slowly and see how it goes.

Open the ex-files. Bringing up exes on the first date is a no-no. Don’t do it!

Drink and date. A glass of wine to calm your nerves is fine, but you want to be in control.

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SUMMER 2011 FAMILY LIFE IN ASSOCIATION WITH FINANCIAL OMBUDSMAN

Hassle-free holidays Whether you’re planning a UK staycation or a trip abroad to get away from it all, keeping holiday costs down is often a priority. Family Life asked the Financial Ombudsman Service – the free service that was set up to solve problems between consumers and financial businesses – for moneyrelated tips to help ensure a hassle-free holiday.

IS TRAVEL INSURANCE WORTH THE MONEY? Planning a trip to Europe? Tempting as it is to make savings where you can, a good travel insurance policy can help you out if things go wrong.

The European Health Insurance Card provides access to healthcare in many European countries so it’s a good idea to get one – but remember, it won’t cover you for everything and isn’t the same as an insurance policy.

Things to look out for • Travel insurance policies can vary considerably. Find a policy that works for you – remember, cheaper isn’t necessarily better.

• If you’re planning on taking part in any adventure sports, such as bungee jumping or diving, check your policy covers you for it.

• If you’ll be carrying valuable items check the limits that apply

under your policy. If you’re taking valuables, like jewellery, money or electronic items, make sure you keep them secure. If the hotel has a safe, use it!

• You might also want to have a policy in place in the lead up to the holiday in case something happens and you’re unable to go.

MONEY MATTERS Last minute bargains If you’re tempted by a last minute flight deal online but you’ve not used the company before, a quick internet search can tell you if other consumers have encountered any problems.

Keep it covered with credit If you’re paying for flights or accommodation it’s worth considering paying with a credit card, as there is some legal protection if you don’t receive the goods you paid for or what you purchased isn’t of the required standard. But be aware

that it only covers you in certain circumstances.

Don’t leave it all behind If you’re lucky enough to be planning an extended trip over the summer holidays, it’s worth checking your home insurance policy as there is likely to be a limit on the number of days you can leave your home unattended.

Have a back-up plan Let your bank know in advance if you’re planning on using your card abroad. It’s also a good idea to keep a copy of your insurance policy and a list of important numbers, such as the international helpline for your bank and travel insurer – just in case!

If you do have a problem this summer, the Financial Ombudsman Service may be able to help.

Wherever you chose to escape to, we hope you have a trouble-free trip!

You can contact the Financial Ombudsman Service on 0300 123 9 123 www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk 40

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The Family Life guide to...

Summer festivals Family Life rounds up the best music festivals for you and your family to enjoy this summer.

HEBRIDEAN CELTIC FESTIVAL 13-16 July, Stornoway www.hebceltfest.com Weekend ticket – Adult: £65, Concession: £52, Child (under 14): Free A weekend of good music, fun events and great memories in the beautiful setting of the Outer Hebrides... It’s no wonder the Hebridean Celtic Festival has a reputation as one of Scotland’s best-loved musical get togethers.

Taking place on the island of Lewis, Heb Celt Fest has something for everyone. As well as celebrating the best in Celtic music, the event has family-friendly gigs, lots of workshops, children’s entertainment, a street arts programme and even fire shows. The festival also includes Scottish sport, with a shinty match taking place over the weekend.

In terms of music, this year sees Scots songstress KT Tunstall take to the main stage, alongside The Boy Who Trapped the Sun, Stornoway, Kitty the Lion and lots more.

The best bit? Under-14s get into all venues for free. A ticket is still required, but it won’t cost you a penny to get your youngster in on the action.

THE WICKERMAN FESTIVAL 22-23 July, Dundrennan, Dumfries and Galloway www.thewickermanfestival.co.uk Weekend camping ticket – Adult: £90, Youth (13-15): £45, Child (under 12): Free

Now in its tenth year, Wickerman is fast becoming a regular feature of family holidays, offering a wide range of entertainment in Dumfries and Galloway this July. Headliners this year are rock favourites Feeder, with the Hoosiers, Echo and the Bunnymen and newcomer Rachel Sermani all making an appearance.

There’s more to Wickerman than music. You’ll find craft areas, children’s entertainment, a mountain bike trek, a cinema and a funfair.

Camping areas are fairly spacious and the festival has a laid-back atmosphere, so your kids won’t feel lost among the crowds.

BELLADRUM TARTAN HEART FESTIVAL 5-6 August, Beauly, Inverness-shire www.tartanheartfestival.co.uk Weekend camping ticket – Adult: £90, Child (under 12): Free Belladrum is one of Scotland’s top festivals for families, with big-name acts and lots more entertainment on offer. Every year, 2,000 under12s come to Bella, so family entertainment is one of the fest’s strong points. There’s even a special family camping area.

With street theatre, cinema, alternative therapies, food and drink stalls and even cabaret, Bella boasts plenty to keep you and your kids occupied. Chart-toppers Texas, Deacon Blue, Frank Turner and Newton Falconer are just a handful of the dozens of acts who will be performing.

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SUMMER 2011 FAMILY LIFE

Give it a go in Perthshire!

Finding new and interesting ways to keep your family entertained can be a bit of a challenge. So why not up the excitement levels by going somewhere different? Perthshire could be exactly what you’re looking for...

It might not be the first place you’d think of exploring with your brood, but Perthshire has loads on offer for families. From stunning scenery to adventurous days out, there’s enough here to keep even the most critical audiences entertained.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

SphereMania image courtesy of VisitScotland/ScottishViewpoint

Perthshire isn’t known as “Big Tree Country” for nothing. Home to Britain’s tallest trees and widest conifers, plus the world’s tallest hedge, the area’s great if you want to get closer to nature.

Live life on the wild side and check out Aberfeldy’s Highland Safaris (www.highlandsafaris.net). Highland Safaris offer a range of exciting adventures through the region’s beautiful forests and hidden trails in a 4x4 Land Rover. The tours boast spectacular views and the chance to get up close with Highland wildlife.

The Beatrix Potter Garden (www.birnaminstitute.com) in Birnam offers another option to get outdoors.

The English author fell in love with nature and wildlife during her summers spent in Dunkeld as a child. The beautiful garden features bronze statues of some of Beatrix’s best-loved characters. It’s a great

spot for a peaceful afternoon picnic and maybe a story while the sun shines.

MAKE SOME NOISE Perthshire has a livelier side too. At the end of July, Perth is playing host to the 80‘s-tastic Rewind Festival (www.rewindfestival.com). From 29 to 31 July, you can see the favourites of your youth, like Bananarama, Rick Astley and The Human League.

There’s all sorts going on for adrenaline junkies. SphereMania in Blairgowrie (www.spheremania.com) lets you have a go at zorbing. This involves being strapped inside a giant inflatable ball and thrown down a hill. Terrifying for some, but a great laugh for many others.

suit all tastes. Perth Farmers’ Market (www.perthfarmersmarket.co.uk) is one of the best-known in Scotland, giving you the chance to get a real taste of the region.

DOWN TIME

There’s also a wide range of restaurants to discover. From the two Michelin-star Andrew Fairlie restaurant at Gleneagles to the family-friendly Old Mill Inn in Pitlochry, you won’t be disappointed wherever you end up. And finally, one for grownups – why not head to the Glenturret distillery in Crief? It’s where the Famous Grouse brand is produced – you can take a tour to see how one of the nation’s favourite tipples is created.

If you prefer a quieter life, Perth is great for shopping. From high street names to small local markets, there’s loads on offer to

So what are you waiting for? It’s time to head to Perthshire for the perfect summer day out!

Aberfeldy, Dunkeld and Newtonmore all offer great rock climbing opportunities.

Thrill seekers should also check out Splash White Water Rafting in Aberfeldy (www.rafting.co.uk) for some whiteknuckle aquatic adventure.

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SUMMER 2011 FAMILY LIFE

Give it a go in Perthshire!

Finding new and interesting ways to keep your family entertained can be a bit of a challenge. So why not up the excitement levels by going somewhere different? Perthshire could be exactly what you’re looking for...

It might not be the first place you’d think of exploring with your brood, but Perthshire has loads on offer for families. From stunning scenery to adventurous days out, there’s enough here to keep even the most critical audiences entertained.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

SphereMania image courtesy of VisitScotland/ScottishViewpoint

Perthshire isn’t known as “Big Tree Country” for nothing. Home to Britain’s tallest trees and widest conifers, plus the world’s tallest hedge, the area’s great if you want to get closer to nature.

Live life on the wild side and check out Aberfeldy’s Highland Safaris (www.highlandsafaris.net). Highland Safaris offer a range of exciting adventures through the region’s beautiful forests and hidden trails in a 4x4 Land Rover. The tours boast spectacular views and the chance to get up close with Highland wildlife.

The Beatrix Potter Garden (www.birnaminstitute.com) in Birnam offers another option to get outdoors.

The English author fell in love with nature and wildlife during her summers spent in Dunkeld as a child. The beautiful garden features bronze statues of some of Beatrix’s best-loved characters. It’s a great

spot for a peaceful afternoon picnic and maybe a story while the sun shines.

MAKE SOME NOISE Perthshire has a livelier side too. At the end of July, Perth is playing host to the 80‘s-tastic Rewind Festival (www.rewindfestival.com). From 29 to 31 July, you can see the favourites of your youth, like Bananarama, Rick Astley and The Human League.

There’s all sorts going on for adrenaline junkies. SphereMania in Blairgowrie (www.spheremania.com) lets you have a go at zorbing. This involves being strapped inside a giant inflatable ball and thrown down a hill. Terrifying for some, but a great laugh for many others.

suit all tastes. Perth Farmers’ Market (www.perthfarmersmarket.co.uk) is one of the best-known in Scotland, giving you the chance to get a real taste of the region.

DOWN TIME

There’s also a wide range of restaurants to discover. From the two Michelin-star Andrew Fairlie restaurant at Gleneagles to the family-friendly Old Mill Inn in Pitlochry, you won’t be disappointed wherever you end up. And finally, one for grownups – why not head to the Glenturret distillery in Crief? It’s where the Famous Grouse brand is produced – you can take a tour to see how one of the nation’s favourite tipples is created.

If you prefer a quieter life, Perth is great for shopping. From high street names to small local markets, there’s loads on offer to

So what are you waiting for? It’s time to head to Perthshire for the perfect summer day out!

Aberfeldy, Dunkeld and Newtonmore all offer great rock climbing opportunities.

Thrill seekers should also check out Splash White Water Rafting in Aberfeldy (www.rafting.co.uk) for some whiteknuckle aquatic adventure.

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Open 7 days 10am – 6pm Family Entertainment Centre • Air-conditioned restaurant serving fresh food all day.

• Fun for children, relaxing for adults.

• Baby change facilities.

• Free coach and car parking.

• Party packages available.

• Loyalty benefits.

Secure entry and exit with CCTV.

Noah’s Old Gallow’s Road Western Edge, Perth, PH11 1QE (It is not recommended to use sat

Slides Air blowers Ball pools Trampolines Tunnels Rope bridges Zip line Climbing wall Drop zone Karting

nav for this address.)

Tel: 01734 445568 www.noahsperth.co.uk

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summeR 2011 FAMILY LIFE

What’s on?

Summer 11 Summer isn’t just about warm weather and foreign holidays – there’s a huge number of red hot activities across the nation too! Whether you’re looking for lots to fill the months ahead or a couple of events to tide you over until that continental break, there’s entertainment here for everyone…

What? Aberdeen’s International Street Market Where? Union Terrace, Aberdeen When? 1-3 July Be part of the Granite City’s celebration of flowers and food with this popular street market. Join the continental atmosphere with more than 70 European food, craft and gardening stalls.

Info: www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/cityevents What? Spectacular Jousting Where? Linlithgow Palace, West Lothian When? 2-3, 9-10 July The Knights of Royal England have delighted crowds of more than 10,000 people for years now. Why not witness their breathtaking skill and daring for yourself as the most medieval of sports rides into town?

Info: www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

What? Transport Extravaganza Where? Glamis Castle, Angus When? 9-10 July Strathclyde Vintage Vehicle Club hosts the 37th Scottish Transport Extravaganza of vintage motoring.

More than 1,300 classic vehicles will be on display, from the very first cars through to cycles, tractors and military engines.

Info: www.svvc.co.uk

What? Cairnie Mega Maze 2011 Where? Cairnie Fruit Farm, Fife When? 11 July onwards The Cairnie Fruit Farm has artistically planted its maize in the shape of a giant honeybee. This will eventually produce an eight-foot tall maze over six acres of land. Dare you take it on? Talk about playing with your food!

Info: www.cairniefruitfarm.co.uk

What? Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II (3D) (Cert: TBA) Where and when? In cinemas 15 July Excitement tempers with nostalgia as the final installment of J K Rowling’s boy wizard saga reaches its big screen climax. Expect blood, sweat and tears as Harry returns to Hogwarts to find the remaining horcruxes and host a final battle with the evil Lord Voldemort.

What? Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr. Fox Where? Crathes Castle, Aberdeenshire When? 15 July Roald Dahl’s 1970s story about the wily fox saving his family from rampaging farmers gets the theatrical treatment. Watch this vibrant outdoor production in the lush surroundings at Crathes Castle.

Info: www.nts.org.uk

Maxim Blinkov / Shutterstock.com

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SASCS will be running 2 Summer Schemes again this year 8.30am -5.30pm Sciennes Primary School, 10 Sciennes Road, EH9 1LG Monday 4th to Friday 29th July 2011 Sports Camp – for children aged 8 – 12+yr Children can experience a range of different sporty activities at a variety of sporting venues throughout Edinburgh.

Full Day £25.00 • Half Day £15.00 • Trip £28.00

Art and craft, dance, drama, baking, sport and outdoor games open to all children aged 4.5 – 12yrs all delivered by enthusiastic and qualified staff. Also on offer an optional part day outings 4 days a week Full Day £18.50 • Half Day £11.00 • Trip £23.50

Both Schemes will attend one day trip per week (new venues this year - Cairnie Fruit Farm and Active Kid Toy and Adventure Centre)

For more information and booking forms phone

0131 662 4 810

and speak to Sonia/Lindsey or email sascs@btinternet.com SASCS is the trading name of Sciennes School After School Care Scheme Registered Scottish Charity Number: SCO23891

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What? Cars 2 (3D and IMAX) (Cert: TBA) Where and when? In cinemas 22 July Three events, two continents, but only one winner in the World Grand Prix as racing star Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) challenges the fastest cars on earth in this CGI sequel.

What? Horrid Henry – The Movie (3D) (Cert: TBA) Where and when? In cinemas 29 July When Francesca Simon created the first Horrid Henry book in 1994, she could hardly have imagined the popularity of the franchise with another 19 titles, an animated cartoon and now a feature-length live-action film with Angelica Huston and Richard E Grant. Prepare for horrors even Henry finds surprising!

What? National Museum of Scotland Opening Where? Chambers Street, Edinburgh When? 29 July The magnificent Victorian section of the museum underwent a £46m redevelopment in order to open up storage areas and increase public spaces by 50%. Be among the first to see old displays given a new lease of life, with many of the objects on show to the world for the very first time!

Info: www.nms.ac.uk

What? The Tall Ships Races Where? Lerwick, Shetland Islands When? 21-24 July Lerwick Harbour in Shetland is the chosen host for the Tall Ships Races 2011, providing the perfect backdrop for 70 of the world’s largest and most beautiful sailing vessels.

Info: www.tallshipsraces lerwick.com What? Gorge Walking Where? Strathblane, Stirling When? 2 & 3 August The perfect event for couch potatoes! These sessions, run

by Glasgow Club Gorbals, allow kids to swim, walk and jump their way down the amazing Devil’s Pulpit Gorge. It costs £25 and wetsuits, helmets and buoyancy aids are all provided.

Info: www.glasgowlife.org.uk What? Fringe Festival Where? Various venues, Edinburgh When? 5-29 August Fringe-mania is upon us once more so prepare to be part of the world’s largest festival... There’ll be 32,000 performances and 2,000 shows packed into more than 250 venues around the capital.

Info: www.edfringe.com

domhnall dods / Shutterstock.com

What? Military Tattoo Where? Edinburgh Castle When? 5-27 August Ushering in a new era after last year’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, there’s no better time to grab one of the 200,000 sought-after tickets for this spectacular show of music, dance, colour and history. There’s a reason why it’s witnessed by an international TV audience of more than 100 million!

Info: www.edintattoo.co.uk 46

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SUMMER 2011 FAMILY LIFE

What? Piping Live!

Where? Glasgow Green When? 8-14 August This week-long annual event ensures that Glasgow remains centre stage of world piping excellence. Challenge your perceptions of piping and witness some contemporary music with an edge.

Info: www.pipingfestival.co.uk What? The Smurfs (3D) (Cert: TBA) Where and when? In cinemas 10 August This mix of live-action and animation sees the Smurfs chased from their village by the evil wizard Gargamel (Hank Azaria), ending up dazed and confusing the local population in the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple. Can the Smurfs’ cuteness save them from overworked New Yorkers?

What? Foodies Festival Where? Holyrood Park, Edinburgh When? 12-14 August Celebrate fine food, drink and culinary talent at this flavoursome summer festival.

Info: www.foodiesfestival.com/edinburgh What? Edinburgh Book Festival Where? Charlotte Square Gardens When? 13-29 August It’s little surprise that Scotland’s capital is UNESCO’s city of literature. This is the largest public celebration of writing and reading in the world, with more than 700 programmed events, vibrant debates and children’s events in the aweinspiring surroundings of Charlotte Square Gardens.

Info: www.edbookfest.co.uk

What? Cycle Glasgow 2011 Where? Kelvingrove Park When? 14 August When else does the comment ‘get on your bike’ sound so appealing? The ninth sponsored cycle event organised by the University of Glasgow raises funds for leukaemia research. All abilities are welcome to choose between the 13 and 26-mile routes.

Info: www.glasgow.ac.uk/cycleglasgow What? Spy Kids 4: All the Time in the World (Cert: TBA) Where and when? In cinemas 19 August This action-adventure family film sees earth threatened by an evil villain known only as The Timekeeper. This prompts retired spy and stepmom Marissa Cortez Wilson back into action to save the day.

What? Legally Blonde: The Musical Where and when? Theatre Royal, Glasgow: 23 Aug3 Sept; Edinburgh Playhouse: 6-17 Sept Tony Award-winner Jerry Mitchell (Hairspray) creates some magic in this critically-acclaimed production. Based on the hit movie starring Reese Witherspoon, it tells the story of college sweetheart Elle Woods and her journey to Harvard Law School with her Chihuahua Bruiser.

Booking: www.ambassadortickets.com What? Orkney International Science Festival Where? Various venues, Orkney When? 1-7 September Calling all astronomy lovers! This year’s Orkney International Science Festival brings attention to one of the area’s greatest assets: truly dark skies. Expect experiments, talks, demonstrations and more.

Info: www.oisf.org

What? Edinburgh Mela Festival Where? Various venues, Leith When? 2-4 September Internationally-flavoured live music, children’s activities, food, dance and outdoor theatre mean that the Edinburgh Mela is back. Founded in 1995 as the first Mela in Scotland by members of the city’s ethnic minority communities, it has quickly grown to attract audiences of more than 20,000.

Info: www.edinburgh-mela.co.uk 48 All information correct at time of going to print. whats on summer 11.indd 48

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SUMMER 2011 FAMILY LIFE

Grab a giveaway!

We’ve got some fantastic giveaways to help brighten up your summer holidays! Don’t miss your chance to bag yourself an exciting prize...

WIN GYWNETH PALTROW’S NEW BOOK Feeling inspired by the fantastic pancake recipe on page 15? There’s plenty more where that came from with Gwyneth Paltrow’s new cook book, Notes From My Kitchen Table.

WIN TICKETS TO THE SCOTTISH WEDDING SHOW

The super-glam mum of two has brought her favourite dishes together in one gorgeous book. Gwyneth focuses on cooking for – and with – the ones you love, making it a must-have read for any kitchen shelf.

Scotland’s biggest event for brides-to-be, the Scottish Wedding Show is back at Glasgow’s SECC on 17 and 18 September.

More than 300 of Scotland’s leading wedding specialists will come together for two days this autumn to make your dream wedding day a reality. Wedding planners, invitations, venues, honeymoon companies, cakes, cars, photographers – the SECC has everything you need for each aspect of your big day. There’ll be fashion shows, free makeovers, prize draws, expert advice and the Real People Catwalk.

Fancy checking it out? Family Life has 12 pairs of tickets to give away. To be in with a chance of winning, send your name, address, contact number and where you got your copy of Family Life to the address below, marking your entry “Scottish Wedding Fair giveaway.” Entries must be received by 1 August 2011.

Family Life has a copy of the book to give away to one lucky reader. For your chance to win, answer this question: What are the names of Gwyneth Paltrow’s children? a) Apple and Moses b) Brooklyn and Romeo c) Tom and Katie Send your answer, along with your name, address, contact number and where you got your copy of Family Life to the address below, marking your entry “Gwyneth Paltrow giveaway.” Entries must be received by 1 August 2011.

Subscribe to Family Life!

Family Life is a free publication.

The contact details you have provided may be used to keep you informed about news, products and services by our carefully chosen third parties. If you do not want to receive such information please tick this box.

To subscribe to Family Life, simply fill in your details below and send the form to: Family Life magazine, DC Publishing Ltd, 135-143 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 2SX

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Name: Age:

Postcode:

LOVELY LORRAINE Lorraine Kelly talks family, work, celebs and charity treks!

Date:

GET SET FOR SUMMER! With family fitness advice and info on exam results

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WIN!

Where did you pick up your copy of Family Life?

www.familylifemagazine.co.uk

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FREE

Summer 2011

www.familylifemagazine.co.uk

The only lifestyle magazine for parents in Scotland

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HOLIDAYS ARE COMING Summer holiday checklist plus things to see and do across Scotland

Dinner, bed and breakfast for four at The Old Course Hotel in St Andrews!

Family Life summer 11

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