MADE (Mums and Dads Edinburgh) Nov/Dec 2018 by MADE (Mums and Dads Edinburgh) magazine

made mums and dads edinburgh FAMILY FESTIVE THEATRE

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NOV/DEC 2018

EDINBURGH’S ESSENTIAL GIFT GUIDE FOR CHRISTMAS EVENTS

NEWS

STYLE

HOME

LUXURY FASHION BRANDS Harvey Nichols · Louis Vuitton · Burberry · Michael Kors · Mulberry · BOSS · Nespresso · Links of London · Tommy Hilfiger Castle Fine Art · Kurt Geiger · Pandora · North America Travel Service · Swarovski · Bravissimo · Holland Cooper · Coach JoJo Maman Bébé · The Pen Shop · Reiss · Caffè Nero · Boots · Tesla

MULTREESWALK COUK

29 NOVEMBER 2018 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5 JANUARY 2019

TICKETS 0131 248 4848 | lyceum.org.uk

WELCOME Contributors

The Christmas edition of MADE is my favourite to put together. I get sent hundreds of ideas for our gift guides, and I just love window shopping through them and picking my favourites for our pages. This year, I’ve split them all into rooms in a house, so that you can wander from room to room seeking inspiration of what to buy your friends and family. Loads of them are from small local Edinburgh businesses, so support these guys if you can. My absolute favourites are the Sleepy Doe pjs on page 39 from BunnyHop. com, Katy Cloud’s homemade marshmallows on page 25 and absolutely everything in Mum’s Dressing Room on page 33. Hopefully Mr MADE will read this and get the hint. Have a happy festive season and see you in 2019!

We asked our contributors what their favourite room in the house is…

Heidi Scrimgeour The garden, if that counts! I don’t spend enough time in it but when I do, it’s my happy place.

Claire Daly At the top of our stairs is our wee reading nook, just big enough for an armchair, a small row of books and a cup of tea. All the heat from our living room rises up here in winter, very cosy.

Caroline McClean The bathroom. It’s the only time I can lock the door and have time to myself soaking in the bath, total peace and quiet for half an hour bliss!

contact MADE, PO BOX 28825, Edinburgh, EH14 9BA T: 07738 068022 E: mademag@live.co.uk www.mademagazine.co.uk facebook.com/MADEmag twitter.com/MADE_magazine

Louise x

Editor & Publisher Louise Wilson Designer

MAMi Designs

Sales Executive

Caroline McClean

Feature Writer

Heidi Scrimgeour, Kristin Pedroja (EFUF)

Columnists

Claire Daly

Agony Aunt

Jojo Sutherland

Front Cover

Diana Baker Photography

Printer

Ivanhoe Caledonia

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is strictly prohibited. While every care has been taken in compiling MADE magazine to ensure that it is correct at the time of going to press. MADE (Mums And Dads Edinburgh) assume no responsibility for any effects from errors or omissions.

made NOV / DEC 2018

Sponsored by

Art for Everyone!

w.a rted

EAF2018

inb urg h.c om

e enu V e |1 ang ays h D c x s|3 rn E e o i r C le h urg Gal b 0 n i 6 Ed

Edinburgh Art Fair 23rd - 25th November

Complimentary Creche : ages 1 - 12 | Childrens Art Classes | Open Easel Sessions Edinburgh Corn Exchange|New Market Road|EH14 1RJ Visit us at

Open 11am Each Day|Admission £5/£3 : Under 16’s Free

www.artedinburgh.com

CONTENTS NOV / DEC 2018

6 News

60 Hearing Health

16 Your 2018 Highlights Reel By Heidi Scrimgeour

By Specsavers

62 Internet

For family life

23 Trust Jojo

If you need advice…

64 Happy Birthday to you!

26 Get Crafty this Christmas

66 Goals just got great! By Lynne Pearson

31 Home Alone By Claire Daly

ROOM-BY-ROOM GIFT GUIDE

34 What’s on guide

November and December

Living Room

40 Christmas Theatre

25 Kitchen

48 Life with Allergies

56 Making a Will

45 Garden

What will you see?

29 Nursery 39 Bedroom

By Kristin Pedroja

47 Playroom

By Gibson Kerr Solicitors

58 Style & Colour By Moira Cox

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Mum’s Dressing Room

53 Library 55 Subscription gifts

NEWS CHRISTMAS AT THE BOTANICS Christmas at the Botanics is set to return with over a million twinkling lights and 30 magical, botanical nights at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. The event promises to be bigger and brighter than before and will provide a completely new and unique experience for visitors. The event will run 23 Nov 29 Dec on selected evenings. www.rbge.org/christmas

MY BABY CAN DANCE

MAGICAL CHRISTMAS AT CONIFOX Join Santa, Mrs Claus and Patch & Jolly the elves, for a magical theatrical Christmas experience at Conifox, thanks to Beyond Broadway Productions. Housed in Conifox’s marquee, children can visit four different rooms - the Enchanted Forest, the Toy Factory, Mrs Claus’s Kitchen and Santa’s Sitting Room. Guests spend time in each room meeting Jolly, Patch, Mrs Claus and finally Santa, who will give all children a present. Christmas Experience tickets includes one-hour in the marquee, gift from Santa and day-entry to the Adventure Park. www.conifox.co.uk

My Baby Can Dance is a new fun preschool activity based on natural movement to music. Friendly classes run at St Bride’s Community Centre and St Michael’s Parish Church and offer multisensory learning to help develop little ones’ physical and emotional needs. For newborns there’s Newborn Can Dance - a class with music, singing, bonding, communication, vocabulary and natural movement using toys, props and techniques. For more info about classes email alexandrambcd@gmail.com or visit the My Baby Can Dance Edinburgh Facebook page.

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NEWS GIVE SOME BLISS THIS FESTIVE SEASON The KnotStressed Therapies Gift Shop has a range of fabulous massage gift vouchers with something for everyone. Choose from indulgent KnotStressed signature treatments (awarded 5-stars and described as “Float Away” by The Scotsman) massage workshops for friends/partners to learn great massage tips, heavenly Pregnancy and Postnatal Massages, super stretchy Thai Massage Signature Experiences, muscle maintenance Sports & Remedial Deep Tissue Massages, as well as a wide range of yoga classes, parent & baby classes, and stocking-filler gift vouchers for friends to choose their own treat. All treatments take place at the gorgeous KnotStressed Therapies city centre clinic. www.knotstressed.com/shop

CRAMOND PLAYGROUP HAS SPACES! If you are looking for childcare or an opportunity for your child to play with other young children, Cramond Playgroup is just what you need. It’s an established playgroup with a fully qualified team, offering a wide range of educational and fun activities, and the biggest perk is they don’t run a parent rota! Drop the kids off, knowing they are safe and having the best fun. There are currently spaces for children aged 2 - 5 years (children can join the waiting list from birth). Please contact cramond.waitlist@gmail.com to register your child made NOV / DEC 2018

A TREASURE TROVE OF ACCESSORIES AND ESSENTIALS

Coastal Kids in North Berwick has only been open a short time, but customers are already raving about this amazing kids’ shop. It’s packed full of everything your little one could need or want, and there is even a beach hut for them to play in whilst you shop! Local and international brands fill the shelves, rails and rafters, so next time you’re planning a trip to the beach, don’t forget to spare a few minutes to visit this great new addition to North Berwick’s high street. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram and online www.coastalkidsnb.com

NEWS THE GIFT OF RELAXATION When it comes to choosing the ultimate present, a voucher for a spa experience will be received with joy. Stobo Castle gift vouchers include monetary vouchers from £25, or specific experiences with a Half Day voucher from £65. If a more inclusive treat is in order, choose a Spa Day voucher from £115 including 2 treatments and lunch or a residential voucher from £149pppn including all meals and use of the spa facilities. www.stobocastle.co.uk

HOBO CINEMA HAS MOVED… Following last year’s sell-out screenings, Hobo Cinema’s Indoor Winter Woodland Cinema moves to Restoration Yard, Dalkeith Country Park. This immersive experience will see the Wellbeing Lab transformed into a woodland cinema with beautiful winter floral and foliage

canopies, wood chipped floors, and twinkling festoon; not to mention gourmet popcorn, rich hot chocolates and spiced mulled cider. The programme features Home Alone, The Snowman, Gremlins, Elf, It’s a Wonderful Life and Love Actually. www.roguevillage.com

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BE MOVED BY T H E H E I GH T O F CA L A LU XURY

The Melville showhome at Ravelrig Heights – upgrades shown at an additional cost

RAVELRIG HEIGHTS, BALERNO

A typical street scene at Ravelrig Heights

A beautiful selection of impressive family homes set within exclusive cul-de-sacs, with larger gardens & enhanced specificatio n.

3 S H O W H O M E S O P E N D A I LY

Showhomes open daily, 11am – 5.30pm.

RAVELRIG HEIGHTS, O F F R A V E L R I G R O A D, B A L E R N O, E H 1 4 7 F E 0 1 3 2 4 4 4 1 5 0 6 | C A L A . C O. U K

MM_22OCT The image shown is taken from The Melville Showhome at Ravelrig Heights and features fixtures, décor, flooring and soft furnishings which are not fitted as standard in a CALA home. These are used to suggest possible finishes you could adopt in your own home and would be an additional cost. Please consult a Sales Representative for further details. Telephone calls may divert to a mobile service in which case call charges may vary. 5 stars awarded for customers’ willingness to ‘Recommend to a Friend’ in findings of the survey undertaken by the Home Builders Federation 2017/18.

NEWS A POWDER GREY CHRISTMAS

CHRISTMAS FUN WITH MONKEY MUSIC The Monkey Music Christmas workshops are a great way to get you and your family in the Festive spirit. The workshops are a mix of performance, games, music, songs and a sing-a-long at the end to ensure maximum Christmas cheer. The age specific workshops are at LifeCare, 2 Cheyne Street, Edinburgh, EH4 1JB on Mon 17, Wed 19 and Fri 21 December. For times and tickets go to monkeymusic. co.uk/Workshops. Please note tickets will not be available on the day. If you have mixed aged children just get in touch so Monkey Music can advise which would be the best workshop for you. comelybank.costorphine@ monkeymusic.co.uk.

At POWDER GREY this year customers will see Christmas decorations featuring blush, greys and metallic tones adding greenery in the mix. Geometric vibes will be shining through with strong bold lines and shapes. In addition, this truly gorgeous luxury wreath, created on a moss base ring and packed with a variety of artificial foliage, berries and silk flowers, can either adorn your door, wall or table setting will be available. www.powdergrey.com For wreath orders and pricing email Sandie at powdergrey@btinternet.com

EDINBURGH STORYTELLERS WIN HISTORIC SCOTLAND CONTRACT ‘It’s in the bag’! have been performing their unique interactive storytelling shows at Theatres, Schools, Nurseries, Playgroups, Toddler groups, Private Events and of course Birthday Parties around Edinburgh and beyond for seven years. They are delighted to have recently won a contract with Historic Scotland to provide learning activities for schools, families and community audiences at Historic Scotland sites. www.itsinthebagparties.co.uk

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NEWS MERBABIES GROWS FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

Popular Merbabies classes are continuing to grow with new venues and pools opening up from January 2019. Their classes teach life saving skills and water confidence, and builds the foundations for early swimming, through a gentle yet dynamic learn to swim programme. Their ethos is to teach with love, learn through play and this is central to everything that they do. Gentle, child-led lessons, where children are encouraged to play, explore and enjoy the pool, through creative and imaginative lessons, using toys, songs, games and sensory play. Booking for 2019 opens on 31 October. www.merbabies.online

THE VERY INCLUSIVE PLAY CLUB For pre-school children (0-5 yrs) who have additional support needs, The Very Inclusive Play Club offers a fantastic programme of activities and is thrilled to have been recently recognised as a Community Interest Company. Sessions run during termtime on a Thursday from Inch House community centre. Each session is specifically designed by specialist, Leanne Reid, to promote the children’s development using a variety of engaging strategies. The club is a place for children - and parents/carers - to learn and to play; to have fun and to relax. www.theveryinclusiveplayclub.com

THE GIFT OF SPACE Struggling to think of what to buy the person who has everything? Want something a bit different? What could be better this Christmas than the gift of space and the opportunity to fall in love with your home once more? By buying some Life/Edit time, you could treat someone to a home organisation, interior design, or decluttering session with Zoë Berry. It could be lifechanging! Get in touch for personalised vouchers www.life-edit.me zoe@life-edit.me and quote ‘MADE MAGAZINE’ FOR A 10% DISCOUNT made NOV / DEC 2018

NEWS FUNDAY MONDAY! Mondays are officially the new fundays for Leith families with the launch of a brand new Step It Up Dance hub at Out of the Blue Drill Hall. This unique brand of fun, fresh and funky Hip Hop dance classes arrives in Leith on Monday 4th November with classes for children aged 18 months upwards. All classes will be hosted by SIUD teacher Rachel. The SIUD team have taken on board customer feedback and included a range of class timings to suit more families than ever. Your first class is completely FREE! Book online at www.stepitupdance.co.uk

BONNIE BAIRN IS BACK, BIGGER AND BETTER! Edinburgh’s premier pregnancy and family fair is excited to be at the Edinburgh Corn Exchange on Sunday 10th March 2019. The fair will host a fantastic line-up of exhibitors along with informative talks, taster sessions and children’s entertainment; showcasing the best local businesses in the industry. Your business could be a part of this wonderful day, so get in touch soon as only a limited number of stands are still available. www.bonnie-bairn.co.uk

EVERYONE WELCOME TO RED THREAD STUDIOS Red Thread Studio is a fun, relaxed sewing studio based in Newington, offering beginner classes in sewing and dressmaking for adults, children, and mums with babies. There are also plenty of advanced courses for those who want to further their skills, and familiar faces frequent the studio on a regular basis. Classes are never complete without tea, coffee, laughter and cake! Book your place in one of their festive workshops such as Christmas Stocking Making or Christmas Pom Pom Cushions. Or treat family and friends with a Gift Voucher this Christmas, they’re available to buy online. www.redthreadstudio.co.uk

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s n o titi

e p m o

The Edinburgh Art Fair brings galleries of national and international importance to showcase the work of over 500 artists from all over the world. This BTO Solicitors sponsored event is now in its 14th year and regularly draws an audience of around 13,500 art lovers, collectors and enthusiasts; having gained an international following, this year will see exhibitors from China and South Korea line up among the other exhibiting galleries. Other than the obvious paintings and printmaking there will be glassware, ceramics and some stunning sculpture in marble, metal, bronze, wood and stone to view and buy, with something to suit all budgets. We’re delighted to have 10 pairs of tickets to give away for the private viewing on Thurs 22 Nov! To be in with a chance of winning, just answer this question…

How many years has Edinburgh Art Fair been running?

B © ANDREATHOMSONPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

Networking club, Love Your Business, meets at Black Ivy on the last Thursday of every month, from 10-12noon. Since launching in January, it has acquired a great fan-base, and hosts a variety of guest speakers every month - perfect for anyone in business from idea to growth stage who wants to hear stories and learn tips from inspiring business people. Hosted by Michelle, a business training consultant from Michelle Brown PR who has over 20 media experience, the Club takes place in an innovative and quirky co-working space around two ping pong tables to encourage people to work productively all day, then remember to take time out and have fun in the evening. To celebrate the success of Love Your Business, they are giving away a special six month’s membership plus a mini business review! To be in with a chance of winning, just answer this question…

Which PR company hosts Love Your Business?

The Fair runs 23-25 Nov at the Edinburgh Corn Exchange. For more info go to facebook.com/EdinburghArtFair/

Tickets for the events are £20 (plus booking fee) via Eventbrite - http://bit.ly/2DeTWQJ

To win this prize, go to www.mademagazine.co.uk and answer the question before 19 Nov

To win this prize, go to www.mademagazine.co.uk and answer the question before 7 Dec

T&Cs. The winners will be picked at random by MADE magazine on 19 Nov and 7 Dec. Competition entries are restricted to Edinburgh, Lothians and surrounding areas only. Editor’s decision is final. No cash alternative is available and prizes are non-transferrable.

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NTEURW DAY

SA ASS G CL N I N d MOR ehea il Fairm n 2019 Ja starts

Stagecoach Edinburgh is enrolling in classes near you

Our fun and engaging weekly classes are for 4 - 18 year olds. Children are given both structure and freedom as they learn how to sing, dance and act. Days: Thursday to Sunday Venues: various locations across Edinburgh including Stockbridge, Leith, Grassmarket, Sighthill and Fairmilehead

stagecoach.co.uk/edinburgh 0131 610 0636 (Edinburgh) 07762 345017 (Edinburgh North)

Stagecoach Performing Arts Schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach is a registered trademark of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Ltd.

BOOK NOW

SINGING DANCING ACTING

WELCOME! Welcome to Stagecoach. We provide quality training in the performing arts. We nurture and develop young potential, stretching imaginations and building confidence.

Early Stages

(Ages 4-6)

Children aged from four to six begin their Stagecoach journey in our Early Stages classes. The 90-minute classes are split into three sections: 30 minutes for singing, 30 minutes for dancing, and 30 minutes for acting. Classes run during term time.

Main Stages (Ages 6-18) Children from six to 18 are split by age into small groups for our weekly Main Stages classes. Classes are held in term time and last for three hours: one hour for singing, one hour for dancing and one hour for acting.

Help your child to grow in confidence, be active and stretch their imagination

R U O Y N O S â&#x20AC;&#x2122; T WHA

s t h g i l h Hig ? l e e R

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Taking time to reflect on the past 12 months might sound a bit woo-woo to the average busy mum, but Heidi Scrimgeour reckons you’ll be glad you did.

s another year draws to a close, it’s all too easy to get caught up in festive preparations without stopping to think about what the past 12 months have brought. But pausing to reflect on the outgoing year could be a more meaningful – and magical – practice than you might expect. I totally get it if the very thought of mentally rifling back through the year to ponder its gifts and challenges makes you feel ill. Me too. I couldn’t be less mindful if I tried, and my default is to hurtle from one deadline to the next without stopping long enough to catch my breath, never mind meditate on the wonder of the moment. I’m the mum that forgets to pick her child up from school (sorry about that again, darling…), not the mum who starts her day with a spot of yoga and some deep reflection. And I’m not the bullet journal type – who has time to doodle in a diary? The only bullet I know my way around is the one that pulverises your five-a-day into a smoothie because I don’t even have time to peel a banana. So hear me when I say this is not just another fluffy feature designed to make you feel bad because you plan on seeing out the year with a vat of sparkling wine rather than indulging in a sacred, spiritual ritual. I’m simply saying that slowing down for long enough to think about the year that’s coming to an end is a good thing to do before rushing headlong into a whole new calendar of things to juggle. My friend calls this taking a moment to watch the highlights reel. I was telling her about a particularly challenging family trip abroad, which my son later described as the best holiday of his life. I was so shocked that what felt like a disaster to me was nothing but delight to him, that it prompted me to wonder what else I’d been missing. Because I wasn’t looking at life like he does.

She told me about an article she’d read whereby the writer had a similar life lightbulb moment. In the middle of a thunderstorm, the author was dragging her screaming kids from the beach to their holiday house. She passed an elderly man, watching this debacle unfold, who said aloud to himself: ‘Those were the days’. She wrote, according to my friend, about realising that the small, unremarkable moments we take for granted are the very moments we’ll one day relish. That elderly gentleman, watching the chaos of a disastrous family holiday scene unravel, knew it was the stuff of which future fond memories are made. It was a highlights reel moment. ‘Here are your best bits’ they say on reality TV shows when a contestant has been voted out. And all of a sudden every sucky minute, every embarrassing encounter and every shameful statement becomes a moment to treasure. It’s the same with family life. Sleepless nights spent pacing the floor with a teething, inconsolable baby eventually fade from misery to cherished memory. Fraught mealtimes with picky eaters become the stuff of funny family legends, and disappointing holidays ultimately blur into charming experiences we’d give anything to relive. As the famous saying goes: the days are long but the years are short. What we rush through today might one day have a starring role in the highlights reel of our lives. So why not slow down, even just a little, to make sure we capture them in full high-definition? For me, this means taking quiet moments to myself to soak up the messy moments that I might otherwise miss. It’s a resetting of my perspective that means I linger to read just one more more book at bedtime, instead of rushing off to do something much more mundane, like

THIS IS NOT JUST ANOTHER FLUFFY FEATURE DESIGNED TO MAKE YOU FEEL BAD BECAUSE YOU PLAN ON SEEING OUT THE YEAR WITH A VAT OF SPARKLING WINE

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load the dishwasher or catch up on the latest thing on iPlayer – things that will never make the highlights reel, yet which somehow get prioritised. These are the days, and the ending of a year is the perfect time to take stock. What joys did this year bring that are worth reliving? What moments worth capturing have you not yet got round to printing out – and can you frame them for a wall as a festive present to yourself? What dark days did you survive this year, and how have they made you stronger or tightened your family bond? Taking time out – in the busiest season of the year – to think about what’s made it onto your life highlights reel this year might feel counterintuitive. Actually, there’s no might about it. You’re bound to be wondering how on earth you’re going to find the time to slow down and

savour life’s precious little moments. But let me just say this: I promise you won’t regret it if you simply make the time. The things that occupy so much of our time and attention at this time of year are so rarely the things that actually matter. We know our kids won’t remember what they got for Christmas the year they turned seven years old. They’ll remember how childhood Christmases made them FEEL. So why not forget about the financial pressure to buy more than we can afford? Instead, focus on the small things that will eventually become the moments our kids will replay on their own highlights reel in years to come? Pausing long enough to reflect on the triumphs and challenges of 2018, before hurtling at speed into whatever 2019 has in store, might just be the best gift you could give yourself this Christmas. n

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Stylish, distinctive, contemporary, happy and fun Scandinavian designs for the whole family

VISIT OUR CHRISTMAS SHOP 15 Colinton Road, Holy Corner, Bruntsfield.Â EH10 5DP

0131 447 2396 hello@spektakular.co.uk www.spektakular.co.uk

30 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh EH12 5JZ 0131 347 8657 @pippingifts

Cloudberry is the place to shop if you love Christmas. Our decorations, gifts and tableware are stylish and magical with something for every taste. Whether you buy your entire list in October or you're a last-minute Christmas Eve shopper, make sure Cloudberry is top of your list.

193 Whitehouse Rd, Barnton, EH4 6BU 0131 538 0168 5 Seaforth Terrace, Blackhall, EH4 2BS 0131 467 2878

THE LIVING ROOM home is not a place…it’s a feeling ISLE OF SKYE CANDLE, £17 Cloudberry, Barnton & Blackhall LINDFORM VASE, £54 Spektakulär, Holy Corner

SPIRA FACE CUSHIONS, £22 (or £34 with feather inner) Spektakulär, Holy Corner

WOODEN AND ACRYLIC BAUBLES £14.95, Pippin, Haymarket pippingifts.com

AVEVA FLOWER POT, £22 Spektakulär, Holy Corner

HONEYCOMB PAPER TREES, £6.50 They feature a little magnet so they can be stored flat for next year thenordicedit.com

CHRISTMAS CARDS, £2.50-£3.50 www.facebook.com/rosalovesrainbows

HANDMADE GARLAND, £15.95 Pippin, Haymarket pippingifts.com

HANDMADE CERAMIC ANGELS, £7.95 each Pippin, Haymarket, pippingifts.com

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Bring on

the smiles

Swim with the most highly qualified, enthusiastic and passionate teachers. Our progressive and baby-led programme, will give your little one the best start to their swimming journey. contact 07964 840 049

edinburgh@turtletots.com

www.turtletots.com/edinburghandeastlothian

trust JoJo You can always trust comedian JoJo

Sutherland for her interesting childcare advice! For more laughs follow her @jojosutherland and go to www.jojosutherland.co.uk to keep up-to-date with her Edinburgh gigs.

I’ve been trying to stay off social media in the mornings. I’ve tried to start my day with listening to the radio and getting work done rather than scroll through other people’s lives, and it’s been great. I definitely feel like I get more done and have been feeling slightly smug. I was sharing this knowledge with my husband, explaining the virtues of not going straight to your phone as soon as you wake up; I chatted to him about the day’s events, he kindly cooked breakfast for both of us and we chatted for a couple of hours without once checking our phones. Obviously I can’t go a whole

day, but I’m pleased to say that having spent a lovely morning with my hubby, mainly discussing my plans for the day, that it was midday before I even looked at a computer screen, and it was then, and only then that Facebook chose to tell me that it was my husband’s birthday! I think my divorce papers will be arriving shortly. As we near another year gone by, let me be the first to wish you a Merry Christmas and an amazing 2019. Keep warm, drink responsibly and remember to check Facebook birthdays first thing!

Dear Jojo I really get on well with one of the mums at the school but her child is a little horror and bullies other kids, she thinks butter wouldn’t melt – should I tell her? Phyllis, Barnton

Dear Phyllis Noooooooooooooooooooooo! Run for the hills, avoid , avoid, avoid – no parent ever wants told they’re child is a horror (even if they absolutely know it to be true.) If you really can’t keep it to yourself and tell her, then just be prepared to have one less mum friend.

Jojo x

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Make your little one’s Official Sponsors of an birthday unforgettable one.

Award winning classes for 0-5yrs Cherish Childhood Build and childhood intellectual with language We aresocial cherishing at skills Gymboree Edinburgh Party sodevelopment, comeLet’s along and celebrate at ourand freemore. events! art, group play Gymboree Play & Music Edinburgh Edinburgh hosts Gymboree award Sensory winning Baby parties for 1-5 yrs olds Play 3 Gorgie Park Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1NL

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Music Book your Gymboree Play & Music party today! edinburgh@gymboree-uk.com Art & Parties gymboree-uk.com #cherishchildhooduk

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55 Bernard Street Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6SL Tel: 0131 554 4075 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

80 High Street Dunbar, East Lothian EH42 1JH Tel: 01368 864 567

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Sunday Funday

is open to everyone so you and your family can experience the magic of The Yard. 10am - 4pm every Sunday in Canonmills

A6 Flux Flyer.indd 2

07/10/2016 11:05

£6 per child for two hours The Yard is the only adventure play centre in the east of Scotland, with indoor and outdoor space offering something for everyone, where you can all get messy and have fun! theyardscotland.org.uk Scotland Yard Adventure Centre (known as The Yard) is a registered Scottish Charity SC002538 and Private Limited Company registered in Scotland 101671.

THE KITCHEN gifts for the heart of the home EDITOR’S CHOICE

HANDMADE MARSHMALLOWS, £7.50 katycloud.co.uk. Luxurious handmade Christmas cracker filled with Katy Cloud’s finest signature marshmallows. MOTHER’S RUIN OVEN GLOVES £21.95, Pippin, Haymarket

PLAYIN CHOC Innovative, ethical, zero waste product with toy - and it’s delicious! Buy from Bon Tot, Stockbridge

COCO SEA SALT DARK CHOCOLATE cocochocolatier.com Shop in Bruntsfield and Stockbridge

FEIN SALAD SERVERS £38, thenordicedit.com

HAND-POURED BEESWAX CANDLES scottishbeecompany.co.uk

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AULD REEKIE FUDGE facebook.com/pg/auldreekiefudge

RIPPLE CHAMPAGNE SAUCERS, £29 for 2 thenordicedit.com

LAVENDER AND ECHINACEA GIN £35.95, theoldcuriosity.co.uk

Great Crafty THIS CHRISTMAS

POTTERY DECORATION WORKSHOP (f or kids)

RESTORATION YARD’S BOUDOIR, DALKEITH restorationyard.com Sunday 9 & 16 December, 9am-11am, £15 Personalise your tree with your kids’ artistic endeavours. In this fun, hands-on workshop, kids of all ages can paint and glitter pre-made clay decorations and walk away with two unique pieces of keep-forever festive art.

WREATH MAKING WORKSHOP (f or adults)

RESTORATION YARD’S BOUDOIR, DALKEITH restorationyard.com Saturday 8 & 15 December, 9am-11am, £40 Set your most creative festive spirit free this December. Come make a beautiful Christmas wreath with the Restoration Yard experts – your door will be the envy of your neighbourhood! Festive nibbles and drinks will be on hand to get those artistic juices flowing.

CREATIVE FES TIVE FUN (f or mums) DOODLES, MARCHMONT doodlesscotland.co.uk Every Tuesday in Nov & Dec, 6-9pm Enjoy a complimentary glass of mulled wine and a mince pie, every Tuesday evening at Doodles for some creative festive fun. Perfect for a mums’ night out and a lovely stressfree way to make some Christmas gifts with a truly personal touch. Call 0131 229 1399 to book your place or visit the website for more information.

www.mademagazine.co.uk

POM POM WORKSHOP (f or kids) RESTORATION YARD’S BOUDOIR, DALKEITH restorationyard.com Sunday 2 December, 9am-11am, £15 Keep your sanity - let the kids get crafty at Restoration Yard – not at home! Book this fun workshop to make a colourful mantelpiece worthy pom-pom tree that you’ll love every year after.

C HRIS TMAS CUSHION WORKSHOP (f or adults and kids 9+)

RED THREAD STUDIOS, NEWINGTON redthreadstudio.co.uk Saturday 8 December, 10am-1pm or 2pm-5pm, £30 These really lovely cushions look great in your home at winter. Come and learn the skill of how to make an envelope cushion with optional pompoms in the fabric of your choice, whilst learning to sew at the same time. Class includes tuition and refreshments and is suitable for complete beginners.

C HRIS TMAS S TOC KING WORKSHOP (f or adults and kids 9+)

RED THREAD STUDIOS, NEWINGTON redthreadstudio.co.uk Saturday 3 November, 10am - 1pm, £30 This fun and creative stocking making course will teach you the skill of how to make a beautiful hand crafted Christmas stocking, in the fabric of your choice, whilst learning to sew at the same time. Develop confidence in pinning and cutting fabric, threading a machine and stitching seams and corners. Class includes tuition and refreshments and is suitable for complete beginners.

RESTORATION YARD’S BOUDOIR, DALKEITH restorationyard.com Saturday 1 December, 9am-12noon, £30 Enjoy this crafting class for grown-ups where you will make a beautifully unique Christmas stocking for you or one of your favourite people to hang on the mantelpiece on Christmas Eve. Festive nibbles and drinks will be on hand to get those creative juices flowing. made NOV / DEC 2018

FELT S TOC KING WORKSHOP (f or adults)

A watery world of confidence, skill and fun! The highest trained baby swimming instructors

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classes held... Corstorphine, Newington, Oxgangs, Crewe Toll, Dalmahoy & Dalkeith.

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Singing with Babies and Toddlers in Skylark Cafe We can help >> www.edinburghbabyco.com 28-30 Marchmont Crescent, EH9 4HG

Booking Essential text or email for info 07973 493 933 songcircle.gill@gmail.com Skylark Cafe, 40 Hamilton Place EdinburghSkylark

THE NURSERY for littles bundles of love WHITE DUCK BABY SLEEPSUIT, £18 Jojo Maman Bebe

YUMMIKEYS STAINLESS STEEL TEETHING RINGS, £21.99 yummikeys.com

EDITOR’S CHOICE ELEPHANT ROCKER, £99.95 Edinburgh Baby Co.

STROLLEY (STROLLER AND TROLLEY) Bon Tot, Stockbridge

Hvid Teddy Tokki Merino Comforter £32.00 each, bunny-hop.com Merino wool is antibacterial and hypoallergenic, so is perfect for sensitive skin or little ones suffering with eczema

RUFUS RABBIT SLIPPERS, £17 Cloudberry, Barnton & Blackhall

RUFUS RABBIT RATTLE £12.95, Cloudberry, Barnton & Blackhall

made NOV / DEC 2018

FLENSTED PENGUIN MOBILE, £24 Spektakulär, Holy Corner

CHRISTMAS ALL-IN-ONE, £8 M&S, The Centre, Livingston

Saturday 15 December 11:00 – 15:30 Join us at the Palace of Holyroodhouse for a day of festive fun inspired by Royal Christmases through the ages. Pick up our new Christmas Trail to explore the Palace and receive a special treat at the end of your visit. Enjoy dancing, music and Christmas tales in the stunning Great Gallery. Get creative with our Christmas crafts and make your own COME BACK FOR decoration and card to take home. EE!

And don’t forget, the Christmas Trail is available throughout the festive season, from 7th December to the 6th January 2019!

Christmas Festival Weeken

Once you have bought a ticket from us, you can use it to come back for FREE for a year! A great way to ﬁll the school holidays at no extra cost!

For full details of events and dates visit

www.royalcollection.org.uk/whatson

Get the festive season off to a glittering start

It’s in the bag! Christmas Storytelling for ages

2-5

The best stop for children’s haircuts Dance like snowflakes, Chase the little elves! Help pull the Christmas crackers and get a cuddle from Rudolph too... Not to mention the bell ringing and Christmas songs! 11th December, 3pm Gibson Craig Hall, Currie It’s in the bag! storytelling parties + events for little people

www.itsinthebagparties.co.uk www.facebook.com/itsinthebagparties

• Customised seats • Films to watch • Sweets for after… your kids will have a great time!

We have been established for over 16 years and cater for everyone.

0131 446 0123

36 Morningside Road, EH10 4DA

www.kidsstophair.co.uk

Home

Alone

Written by Claire Daly

acaulay Culkin had a terrific time living it up by himself, setting booby traps for burglars. But in real life, being home alone at Christmas is no fun at all, even with a kid. I have been home alone with my three-year-old for three weeks. One week is fine, two weeks is too much, and three weeks is disastrous. I was tempted to set a booby trap of dirty dishes for my partner, but it wasn’t his fault he had to go for so long. It is at times like this I wonder how single parents cope. Even getting us both ready in the mornings is a military operation with as much done the night before as possible, down to a teabag in a cup. When Rose was only two weeks old, my partner was called away to the States because his mother had septicaemia. It was a traumatic time for everyone and I had my first taste of what it was like to be home alone with a tiny baby, one that was losing weight instead of gaining it. I was struggling with breast-feeding, pumping and topping up. It was an exhausting rigmarole for a new mum and I needed help. With no family support around me and no close mummyfriends nearby, it was a horrible time. Thankfully my sister-in-law flew to us for a week, and my clueless babyless friends rallied round and helped as much as they could by providing moral support. Ever since, the thought of being home alone has filled me with dread. Single-handed parenting can be nervewracking. When Rose was small, I was terrified to leave her alone in a room in case our cats

made NOV / DEC 2018

lay on her and suffocated her, a scenario my partner’s aunt talked to me at length about every time we saw her. So I carried her everywhere, even learning to go to the loo with one hand, and carrying her in the other. Accidents can happen when you leave a toddler in a room by themselves just for a minute. On one of my home-alone occasions last Christmas, Rose dropped my laptop on her little toe. It was Boxing Day and the living room was still strewn with wrapping paper and toys. She had wanted to watch The Snowman. She fractured a bone in her toe. It was a terrifying experience for us both, with several trips to A & E. “It takes a village to raise a child.” I think it really does and the stress modern parents go through these days is unparalleled in history. With financial pressures, the lack of wider family in the same place, and work expectations, no wonder we are all so frantically busy. Single parents have it much worse though, and the ones I know seem to cope incredibly well. All parents deserve a break, but if you don’t have family close by, life must be very difficult. I always breathe a sigh of relief when Justin returns, because shared responsibility is much more relaxing. Every time he goes to the States and leaves us here, I imagine what it would be like if I were a single parent and I know I would not cope. I feel incredibly thankful to my partner and everything he does. If you are home alone with a little one this Christmas, I salute you. n

Christmas Gifts Mums

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Childrenʼs Lifestyle Shop

Hand-picked brands that reflect the seaside style For ages birth - 8 years clothing • toys • gifts coastalkidsnb

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Christening wear. Flowergirl dresses. Communion dresses. Traditional babywear. Baby gifts and accessories. Ranges include Mayoral, Sarah Louise, LeChic, Kate Mack, and many more

MUM’S DRESSING ROOM give mum the gift of style

LEOPARD PRINT HANDBAG, £38 River Island, The Centre, Livingston

TASSEL EARRINGS, £20.95 Pippin, Haymarket

MUNTHE VISITOR COAT, £385 Ooh! Ruby Shoes, Bruntsfield ROSE VINTAGE ALLURE STUDS (two looks in one), £80 Pandora, Multrees Walk

THE COVET NEW TOWN BAG (available in 7 colours), £275 Covet, Thistle Street ASH VALKO TRAINERS, £159 Ooh! Ruby Shoes, Bruntsfield

TASSEL HOOP EARRINGS, £19.50 Pippin, Haymarket

SENCE COPENHAGEN WHITE STAR NECKLACE, £50 Spektakulär, Holy Corner

HOGL ATHENA BOOTS, £225 Ooh! Ruby Shoes, Bruntsfield HANDPRINT, FOOTPRINT AND FINGERPRINT JEWELLERY FROM £45, littleprintsandprincesses.co.uk

OVALS COLLECTION, FROM £250 Links of London, Multrees Walk

made NOV / DEC 2018

FAIR ISLE LEG WARMERS £20.50, Flux, Leith & Dunbar

TEA & TEQUILA CLUTCH, £155 Ooh! Ruby Shoes, Bruntsfield

Dates for your diary Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday Thursday

CHRISTMAS SHOP LAUNCH @ CLOUDBERRY BARNTON

6 6-9pm Creative festive fun for mums @ Doodles. Complimentary glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. Every Tues in Nov and Dec. www.doodlesscotland.co.uk

BOOK WEEK SCOTLAND 19 NOV - 25 NOV

CREATIVE FESTIVE @DOODLES, EVERY TUES IN NOV & DEC

Book Week Scotland runs 19 Nov - 25 Nov with the theme of Rebel. Hundreds of free events are taking place across many different local authorities.

Edinburgh Gang Show @ King’s Theatre. Over 250 young people from Scouting and Girlguiding present music, comedy, drama and dance Runs 20 - 24 Nov.

CHRISTMAS SHOP LAUNCH @ CLOUDBERRY BLACKHALL

COUNTRY LIVING FAIR 15-18 NOV

EDINBURGH GANG SHOW @KING’S THEATRE 20-24 NOV

1 6pm - 8pm Cloudberry (Barnton) launches its Christmas Shop. Enjoy complimentary fizz, canapés, and exclusive discounts for one night only! 8 6pm - 8pm Cloudberry (Blackhall) launches its Christmas Shop. Enjoy complimentary fizz, canapés, and exclusive discounts for one night only! 15 Country Living Fair in Glasgow. Meet hundreds of artisan designers and makers along with regional food producers, and find unique gifts for the whole family. 22

EDINBURGH ART FAIR @CORN EXCHANGE 23-25 NOV

26 27 28 29 The Giant Lanterns of China return to Edinburgh Zoo. For 50 legendary nights, visit unicorns, giants, kelpies and even the Loch Ness Monster. Runs 16 Nov - 17 Feb.

Nativity! The Musical @ Festival Theatre. Feel-good, funny and full of yuletide joy. Runs 28 Nov - 2 Dec.

Wendy & Peter Pan starts at The Lyceum. Runs 29 Nov - 5 Jan

NATIVITY! THE MUSICAL @FESTIVAL THEATRE 28 NOV - 2 DEC

www.mademagazine.co.uk

november 2018 Spotlight on... Friday Saturday Sunday 2 3 10.30am & 11.30am Magic Carpet @ National Museum of Scotland. Take a trip and explore the fantastic things in the museum’s collection/ For ages 2-4. Free but advance booking required.

4pm - 8pm Fireworks & Bonfire Night @ Hopetoun House food, drink and entertainment.

Edinburgh Art Fair FIREWORKS @HOPETOUN HOUSE 3 NOV

9 10

The annual Edinburgh Art Fair returns to the Edinburgh Corn Exchange bringing 60+ Galleries of national and international importance to showcase the work of over 500 artists.

7pm - 11pm. Ladies night @ TurtleDove Play Cafe. Tickets £15. See www.turtledoveplay cafe.co.uk for more info. JEFF KINNEY @THE ASSEMBLY ROOMS 17 NOV

LIGHT NIGHT @GEORGE STREET 18 NOV

16 17

The Christmas Market returns to East Princes St Gardens for a host of bespoke and traditional Christmas items.

3pm Light Night @ George St. A free event for all hosted by Forth One’s Arlene Stuart. Choirs from across Scotland will perform and the Christmas tree on the Mound will be lit.

10am Jeff Kinney @ the Assembly Rooms, George St. An exclusive fun event with bestselling author of the Wimpy Kid books. New title, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Meltdown available to purchase.

23 24

Edinburgh Art Fair @ Edinburgh Corn Exchange. Runs 23-25 Nov. See Spotlight for more details

Christmas at the Botanics runs 23 Nov - 29 Dec on selected evenings. For further ticket information please visit www.rbge.org.uk/christmas

10.30am - 3.30pm Christmas arts & crafts, raffle and refreshments @ ENABLE Scotland, 95 Causewayside. A Scottish charity working to make life better for people with learning difficulties

made NOV / DEC 2018

BLACK BEAUTY @TRAVERSE THEATRE 29-30 NOV

30 7pm Black Beauty @ Traverse Theatre. Blending storytelling, music and puppetry, this is a vibrant re-telling of the classic tale. For ages 6+. Runs 29 - 30 Nov

artedinburgh.com Corn Exchange 23 - 25 November

CHRISTMAS AT THE BOTANICS 23 NOV - 29 DEC

Aside from the array of wonderful artwork for sale, there are artist demonstrations and talks and kids’ art classes; and for those eager to try their hand at creating their own masterpiece there will be an open easel station, so that you can pick up a brush, canvas and some paints and, under the guidance of staff from the Edinburgh Art Shop, give it a go. For younger visitors there is a professional and complimentary crèche service catering for children 1-12 years old, and for refreshments there is an on-site bar and restaurant where you can relax and contemplate your art purchases over a light lunch and glass of wine.

Dates for your diary Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday Thursday

Happy Hogmanay! CREATIVE FESTIVE @DOODLES, EVERY TUES IN NOV & DEC

6-9pm Creative festive fun for mums @ Doodles. Enjoy a complimentary glass of mulled wine and a mince pie - a stress free evening to make personal Get the festive season off to a glittering start Christmas gifts. Every Tues in Nov and Dec. It’s in the bag! www.doodlesscotland.co.uk

Christmas Storytelling 10

11 3pm for ages

‘IT’S IN THE BAG!’ @GIBSON CRAIG HALL

Christmas storytelling from 2-5‘It’s in the bag!’ @ Gibson Craig Hall, Currie. Dance like snowflakes and chase the little elves. Suitable for ages 2-5.

11 DEC Dance like snowflakes, Chase the little elves! Help pull the Christmas crackers and get a 17 18 cuddle from Rudolph too... Not to mention the King’s Panto: Beauty bell ringing and Christmas songs!

11th December, 3pm Gibson Craig Hall, Currie

MONTROSE TERRACE & ABBEYHILL FESTIVE OPEN NIGHT

12 10.30am & 1.30pm Poggle @ The Studio, Festival Theatre. A warm-hearted sensory theatre piece with live music, clapping rhythms and comedy. For ages 6 months 5 years. Runs 12 - 24 Dec. 19

6 4-9pm Montrose Terrace & Abbeyhill Festive Open Night. A fun-filled shopping evening with freebies, massage tasters, artisan gifts, delicious nibbles and mulled wine. www.tinyurl. com/festive-open-night 13

POOGLE @THE STUDIO FESTIVAL THEATRE 12-24 DEC

and the Beast. Runs 1 Dec - 20 Jan

It’s in the bag! storytelling parties + events for little people

www.itsinthebagparties.co.uk HOBO CINEMA @DALKEITH www.facebook.com/itsinthebagparties COUNTRY PARK 24 DEC

24 Christmas Eve! Visit the Hobo Cinema @ Dalkeith Country Park for The Snowman + Father Christmas (U) at 10.45am and Elf (PG) at 2pm.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST @THE KING’S THEATRE 1 DEC - 20 JAN

Boxing Day

27 Don’t forget, the Christmas Trail at the Palace of Holyroodhouse is available throughout the festive season, 7 Dec - 6 Jan 2019.

www.mademagazine.co.uk

december 2018 Spotlight on... Friday Saturday Sunday

CHRISTMAS FAIRY TRAIL @ARCHERFIELD ESTATE 7-24 DEC

10.30am - 3.30pm Christmas arts & crafts, games and musical entertainment @ Craigmillar Park Church in aid of Bethany, the homeless charity.

A Christmas Fairy Trail Archerfield Walled Garden 7-24 December

RECITALS FOR WRIGGLERS @HOLYROODHOUSE 9 DEC

7 8

Christmas Fairy Trail @ Archerfield Estate. Take the 1.5km trail and discover fairies, woodland creatures and lighting installations along the way. Runs 7 - 24 Dec.

11 - 11.40am Recitals for Wrigglers @ Holyroodhouse. Classical music, festive songs and nursery rhymes. Suitable for under-fours accompanied by parents or carers.

14 15

11am - 3.30pm Festive Fun @ the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Enjoy dancing, music, Christmas tales and Christmas crafts. FESTIVE FUN @PALACE OF HOLYROODHOUSE

Scottish Ballet Cinderella starts at the Festival Theatre. Runs 8 - 30 Dec

21 22

FUNBOX: Once Upon a Christmas @ The Brunton, Musselburgh. Come as your favourite storybook character and bring a Santa hat! Runs 21 - 24 Dec.

Visit the Hobo Cinema @ Dalkeith Country Park for Home Alone (PG) at 10.45am; The Nightmare Before Christmas (PG) at 2pm, Love Actually (15) at 4.30pm and White Christmas (U) at 8pm 30

Visit the Hobo Cinema @ Dalketh Country Park for Home Alone (PG) at 2pm; It’s a Wonderful Life (U) at 4.30pm and Love Actually (15) at 8pm

28 29

HOBO CINEMA @DALKEITH COUNTRY PARK 22 DEC

made NOV / DEC 2018

A Christmas Fairy Trail returns with a revamped show and a shift towards an immersive family, theatre experience. Set in the Archerfield Estate woodland, visitors will be transported to an ethereal and beautiful otherworld, where they will come face to face with fairies and woodland creatures; lighting installations and projection; dancers, aerial and fire performers. As well as A Christmas Fairy Trail, Archerfield Walled Garden will create a cosy, festive hangout serving mulled wine, hot chocolate and hearty food from the comfort of their bar and restaurant. Complete with open fire, a festive soundtrack and twinkling lights it’s the perfect setting to warmup pre or post show.

HOBO CINEMA @DALKEITH COUNTRY PARK 23 DEC

Treat a busy parent to blissful time out with an indulgent massage gift voucher Fab Festive Offers:

www.knotstressed.com/shop

THE BEDROOM gifts that dreams are made of KIDS’ MOUSE SLIPPERS, £14, M&S

KIDS’ GINGERBREAD PJS, £18 available in sizes 6 months- 6 years in various colours Tatty Rose, tattyrose.co.uk

VIKTOR & ROLF BONBON, £105 Argos, The Centre, Livingston

MATCHING DAD & KID PJS mens top £14; trousers £17.50; kids set £15 M&Co

PERSONALISED MEN’S PYJAMAS, £34.99 getting personal.co.uk

SIABANN HAND AND NAIL CREAM, £9.95 Cloudberry, Barnton & Blackhall

PORTAL EAU DE PARFUM £90 (50ml) kingdomscotland.com

SLEEPY DOE CLASSIC BRETON PJ SET £49 & £32, bunny-hop.com

made NOV / DEC 2018

EMU AUSTRALIA WRENLETTE SLIPPERS £55, Ooh! Ruby Shoes, Bruntsfield

TAKE TO THE

STAGE THIS CHRISTMAS

If you are looking for top class theatre, festive sing-alongs and playful pantos, Edinburgh is the place to be at Christmas. Oh yes it is! Traditional stories, classical music, or novelty silliness just for a laugh, there is something to suit everyone in the family

NATIVIT Y! THE MUSIC AL FESTIVAL THEATRE Wed 28 Nov - Sun 02 Dec

NATIVITY! THE MUSICAL

Every child in every school has one Christmas wish, to star in a Nativity, and at St Bernadette’s School they’re attempting to mount a musical version! Only trouble is teacher Mr Maddens has promised that a Hollywood producer is coming to see the show to turn it into a film. Join him, his teaching assistant the crazy Mr Poppy, hilarious children and a whole lot of sparkle and shine as they struggle to make everyone’s Christmas wish come true. Feel-good, funny and featuring all of your favourite sing-a-long hits from the movies, Nativity! The Musical is the must see show this festive season.

www.mademagazine.co.uk

KING’S PANTO: BEAUT Y AND THE BEAS T KING’S THEATRE Sat 01 Dec - Sun 20 Jan Allan and Grant return for a beast of a panto! Pantomime is loud for a small pair of ears, spectacular sights can sometimes cause tears! If bringing a little one, please be aware, one or two scenes are intended to scare. The odd naughty joke for grown-up laughter, ensures that we all finish Happily Ever After. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST SCOTTISH BALLET CINDEREL

POGGLE THE STUDIO Wed 12 Dec - Mon 24 Dec For ages 6 months to 5 years

SCOTTISH BALLET CINDERELL A FESTIVAL THEATRE Sat 08 Dec - Sun 30 Dec The ultimate spectacle. Primary colours that burst out of the darkness. Billowing ball gowns whisking you into a magical world. And Prokofiev’s irresistibly melodic score showing well-loved characters in a whole new light – performed live by the Scottish Ballet Orchestra. Christopher Hampson’s Cinderella is everything you adore about the classic fairy tale – made fresh, funny and touching. We meet Cinderella at the saddest of times, then see her taken for granted by her wicked stepmother and two nasty stepsisters. But there’s no time for despair: Cinderella’s fairy godmother is casting spells of dressmaker spiders, magical roses and a very special glass slipper. Will love conquer loneliness, and light chase away the dark? made NOV / DEC 2018

Barrowland Ballet present Poggle,the story of Vince, who wants to explore the forest but is too scared, until one day he meets Poggle, a friendly creature. Together they go on an adventure through the forest where they discover the magical music tree. A warm-hearted sensory dance theatre piece with live music, clapping rhythms and comedy throughout in an imaginatively changing world which the children have the chance to explore.

POGGLE

CHRISTMAS CAROL

WENDY AND PETER PAN THE LYCEUM Wed 29 Nov - Sat 5 Jan Recommended for ages 5+

BL AC K BEAUT Y TRAVERSE THEATRE Thurs 29 & Fri 30 Nov Fresh from an acclaimed run in New York, multiaward-winning, favourite Black Beauty returns home for two performances only, performed by Paul Curley and John Currivan. From the cosy horsebox they call home, the McCuddy Brothers take the bit firmly between their teeth and tell the classic tale of Black Beauty as you’ve never seen it before. Saddle up, jump on and gallop headlong into a story where loneliness gives way to hope, friends become heroes, and courage saves the day. Blending storytelling, music and puppetry, this vibrant re-telling of Black Beauty offers fun and adventure for fans of the book, classic TV show and those brand new to the tale.

C HILDREN’S CL ASSIC CONCERTS AND THE RSNO PRESENT…

A C HRIS TMAS C AROL USHER HALL Sun 9 Dec, 3pm ‘Tis the season to be jolly, so on that note, we need your help in saving Scrooge from his surly ways (what the dickens is that all about?) Can we convince him of the joy and wonder of the festive season? Find out as the Royal Scottish National Orchestra perform plenty of beloved Christmas classics! Featuring some sweet singalongs (no bah humbugs allowed!) and actors from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, this will be a celebration of CCC’s Christmas past, present and future. Fun for all the family.

BLACK BEAUTY

IMAGE BY MIHAELA BODLOVIC

Experience one of the world’s best loved stories about the boy who never grows up from Scottish writer J.M. Barrie. Follow the fearless Wendy as she flies with Peter to Neverland - a world of dastardly pirates, feisty fairies and raucous lost boys. This adaptation has all the magic and wonder of the original, as Wendy and Peter fly together above the rooftops and follow ‘the second star on the right and straight on till morning’ to Neverland. There they find all is not well in the kingdom of the Lost Boys, as the villainous Captain Hook wreaks havoc, can Wendy and Peter band together with fearsome fairy Tiger-Lilly and the irrepressible Tinkerbell to win the day?

www.mademagazine.co.uk

JAC K AND THE BEANS TALK HOWDEN PARK THEATRE Mon 10 Dec - Fri 28 Dec

RSNO C HRIS TMAS CONCERT (FEATURING THE SNOWMAN) USHER HALL Fri 21 Dec, 7.30pm It isn’t Christmas until The Snowman has taken you on his magical journey through the winter sky. Enjoy this special showing of the festive classic on the large screen, accompanied live by the RSNO and narrated by guest presenter Jamie MacDougall. Enjoy this Christmas party filled with seasonal favourites, carols old and new – and, of course, a chance for everyone to sing along!

FUNBOX: ONCE UPON A C HRIS TMAS THE BRUNTON Fri 21 Dec - Mon 24 Dec FUNBOX present their brand new seasonal spectacular, Once Upon a Christmas, with singalong silliness with Anya, Kevin, Gary and Bonzo the Dog. All your favourite fairytales are going wrong and it’s up to the Funbox gang to make sure everyone lives happily ever after! Packed with singalong favourites like ‘Old King Cole’ and ‘Ye Canny Shove Yer Granny Aff A Bus’, festive classics like ‘Jingle Bells’ and brand new songs, this is the perfect seasonal treat for all the family. Come dressed for some fairytale festive fun – come as your favourite storybook character and bring a Santa hat! made NOV / DEC 2018

Poor wee Jack. She just can’t win. Once upon a time her Daddy chopped down that Beanstalk, killed the giant and saved the day. But now, he’s gone and the bills are mounting up. There’s not a day goes by that Marge Aline, Jack’s widow wumman, mammy gets upset. It’s really, really sad... And if that wasn’t bad enough, Jack and her dunderhead sister have to sell the family cow, Daisy the Moo Mark Two. It’s just like history is repeating itself or something, isn’t it? Well at least there aren’t any giants around this time...

LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD CHURCH HILL THEATRE Fri 14 Dec - Sat 22 Dec Haggy, the wicked witch, deciding enough is enough, sets out to change the “happily ever after” ending to all fairy tales - starting with Little Red Riding Hood! Transporting everyone to Fairy Tale Land, she sets about her task with the aid of Wilberforce. Come along and join in the mirth and mayhem in this traditional family pantomime with just a little twist in its tail! LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD

Control the cameras and zoom in on the super-cute seals. Seal season from October. Only 30 mins from Edinburgh. www.seabird.org Image © Maggie Sheddan / Scottish Charity no SC025837

DISCOVERY CENTRE · BOAT TRIPS · CAFÉ · GIFT SHOP

EVENTS

ADVENTURE PARK

Christmas Experience w/Beyond Broadway Productions 1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th, 22nd, 23rd, 24th Dec STABLES BISTRO Breakfast with Santa 22nd, 23rd, 24th Dec Book your Christmas Ofﬁce and Family Party GARDEN CENTRE

Christmas tree sales from the 30th Nov

For latest updates visit @conifoxadventurepark @conifoxadvpark

Adventure Park 07968 746355 adventurepark @conifox.co.uk

Stables Bistro 0131 333 1444 restaurant@ conifox.co.uk

Garden Centre Foxhall, Kirkliston, 0131 333 3334 Edinburgh EH29 9ER sales@ www.conifox.co.uk conifox.co.uk

THE GARDEN gifts that are a breath of fresh air HOY BONALY BIKE (16 INCH) £260, Evans Cycles

BOX KITE, £14.95 Rex London

FOXRIDER TRIKE Bon Tot, Stockbridge

ENGINE GREENHOUSE (for ages 8+), £79.99 Stockists include Amazon

BICYCLE REPAIR KIT, £10.95 Cloudberry, Barnton & Blackhall

TRYBIKE 4-IN-1, £159.99 Edinburgh Baby Co. A unique 4-in-1 concept, the bike grow along side your child. For as early as 12 months - 6 years. PLAY DIRT BUGS (for ages 3+), £7.99, Smyths Toys

RAZOR TURBO JETTS (for ages 9+), £129.99 Smyths Toys, Argos, Menkind

made NOV / DEC 2018

MUDDY MAKER MUD KITCHEN £99.95, cuckooland.com

t a e , p Sho & play Shop, eat and play together this festive season at The Centre, Livingston. With over 150 stores to choose from, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find great gifts. www.thecentrelivingston.com

THE PLAYROOM For children, play is serious learning VILAC CHARACTER CUBES £30, Spektakulär, Holy Corner

SWIRL UNICORN £21.50, Build-A-Bear, The Centre, Livingston

TECH WILL SAVE US SYNTH KIT Bon Tot, Stockbridge ANKI COZMO LIMITED EDITION, £179.99 Only available from Argos and Anki.com ‘I SAW IT FIRST’ GAME, £19.99 www.laurenceking.com

‘STAR GAZER’ £23.50 Flux, Leith & Dunbar

WINNIE THE POOH SKITTLES, £19.95 Cloudberry, Barnton & Blackhall

MOON BALL, £5.95 Flux, Leith & Dunbar

HARRY POTTER CLUEDO, £24.99 Ryman, The Centre, Livingston

made NOV / DEC 2018

Life with an Allergy written by Kristin Pedroja

Susie and Chris Caira are parents of James, 4, and Emily, who is nearly 2. James is one of the 8% of children in the UK who suffers from a potentially life-threatening food allergy. We sat down with Susie to discuss their life and what we can do to support parents and children in this situation.

TELL US A BIT ABOUT HOW YOU DISCOVERED JAMES’S ALLERGIES.

We suspected that James might be allergic to milk when he began weaning. I offered him a yoghurt and he projectile vomited it back over me. Looking back, he had eczema from when he was only a few months old; this may have been a red flag we missed. I was breastfeeding and he may have been ingesting cows’ milk through my excessive consumption of cheese, chocolate and coffee. Following the vomiting incident we eliminated milk from his diet, a suggestion from my dad, a retired GP. We have a family history of milk allergy but we thought Dad was being a little over-cautious. Dad’s suspicions were somewhat confirmed when James ate a strawberry which had come into contact with cheese (they were on the same plate); James’s face erupted with a rash and he became quite agitated.

When James was just over a year old my dad fed him a cheese and onion crisp and James went into anaphylactic shock. An ambulance was called and he was taken into hospital. I was working in Glasgow at the time and when I arrived in hospital James was quite unsettled but within a few hours he had bounced back to his usual self. We were all surprised that a cheese and onion crisp contained enough milk to create such a reaction. As a side—James’s grandad (and granny) continue to feed him a ridiculous amount of treats which my sister and I were never given growing up! HOW DOES THIS AFFECT YOUR DAILY LIFE?

Luckily, milk is the only allergy that James has so it’s great that he can still eat eggs and nuts. We’ve become used to cooking dairy free food for James. There are lots of delicious alternatives

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such as soya yoghurt, ice cream, and chocolate. Unfortunately, we’ve not had much success finding tasty cheese. Most smell like feet. Though I’ve been seeing lots of posts online about vegan cheese festivals so maybe I’ve just found the right one yet. We cook with coconut milk and use dairy free spread for cooking and baking. I’m not much of a baker so using dairy free spread provides me with an excuse for any disasters. It’s reassuring that much of the time allergies are taken seriously by the cafes and restaurants we visit, however I often feel that I’ve been dismissed as being fussy. There are numerous occasions where sandwiches have arrived with butter on them, or a plate has hastily been withdrawn when I’ve queried the ingredients. There was an incident when he was around 18 months old when we were out for brunch. I asked for my eggs to be cooked without milk, however they looked very creamy so I doublechecked with the waitress who reassured me there was no milk. James is not the biggest fan of eggs, but he must have eaten some as a rash developed around his face and he became drowsy. The waitress appeared mortified when I pointed this out. I find myself hamming up the severity of a potential reaction to ensure issues are flagged to chefs. Raising awareness of allergies to everyone employed by a restaurant is so important as it only takes one person to lack awareness and the consequences can be life-threatening. He’s not experienced a further anaphylactic reaction, however we carry an EpiPen just in case.

it encouraging that nursery treats allergies so seriously. We were in the play park recently and ran into James’ friend who offered James a Cheddar. I had to explain to his friend that an ingredient in the Cheddars would make James poorly. His friend looked baffled, his Mum looked embarrassed, and I felt bad for making everyone uncomfortable. I spent time after feeling a bit cringey about it and worried I’d I came across as an overprotective mum. If James is going to one of his friend’s birthday parties I tend to bring some dairy-free treats (particularly cake) so James doesn’t get jealous, or worse yet, hangry. Luckily I have lots of wonderful friends who make a massive effort to include James when they’re dishing out snacks or cooking us food so he generally doesn’t get jealous.

RAISING AWARENESS OF ALLERGIES TO EVERYONE EMPLOYED BY A RESTAURANT IS SO IMPORTANT

HOW DOES THIS AFFECT HIS DAILY LIFE?

His nursery is extremely supportive of James’ milk allergy. Their cooks provide an interesting and varied menu of options and if they bake or cook they use dairy free butter so he’s not left out of any activities. The nursery recently launched a trial of allergy bracelets as an additional way to highlight allergies to staff and our family find made NOV / DEC 2018

HOW CAN WE SUPPORT FAMILIES WHO HAVE CHILDREN WITH ALLERGIES?

While I’ve had only wonderful experiences with the NHS, it’s clear that there is a lack of funding around the area of allergy support. It took around six months to be referred to a specialist, who was extremely helpful, but that’s a long time in the life of a baby. In terms of weaning, I found support online but again, nobody I spoke with was equipped to answer the numerous questions I had about calcium intake and the pros and cons of soya milk vs plant based milk alternatives. It’s encouraging how much support there is for the vegan and allergy communities and this appears to be growing rapidly. Larger chains like Pizza Express now have exclusively vegan menus and local coffee shops, like Mimi’s in Edinburgh, have dairy free cakes which easily rival their butter based counterparts. We can’t go past the West End without James requesting an ice cream from Affogato and I’ve been eyeing up the bespoke cakes in Sugar Daddy’s in Edinburgh—I think we’ll splash out next time a family member has a birthday. I’ve found various Instagram accounts helpful in

IT’S ENCOURAGING HOW MUCH SUPPORT THERE IS FOR THE VEGAN AND ALLERGY COMMUNITIES AND THIS APPEARS TO BE GROWING RAPIDLY giving me dairy free meal inspiration. ‘Accidentally Vegan UK’, ‘Fat Gay Vegan’ and ‘London Afro Vegan’ are all favourites. ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO SHARE?

We’re hoping that as James gets older he’ll grow out of his milk allergy. We’ve started to gradually reintroduce milk into James’s diet and he has been able to eat digestives which contain milk so we’re encouraged that he’ll continue to tolerate quantities of it moving forwards. I often feel bad that James doesn’t get to enjoy as many treats as other kids especially as I’m an ultimate chocolate and cheese girl—we had a cheese wedding cake! I think I overcompensate by seeking out vegan options and think nothing of spending £4 on a vegan brownie, visiting three Prets to find their newly launched vegan

chocolate cookie, or popping into Tesco on numerous occasions to check if they have the newly launched Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. Parents can help by educating themselves and their children about an allergy if a friend or classmate has this condition. Explaining that some foods can make their friend sick is usually enough. Often it takes a few reminders to other parents, so don’t worry if you forget! Any support you can give parents of kids with food allergies will mean the world to that child, and his family. n

This article is courtesy of Edinburgh for Under Fives, the essential guide to everything from meals to activities, special occasions to speciality shops, written for families with under fives. Find them on Facebook, Instagram or www.efuf.co.uk

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THE LIBRARY give a book this Christmas EDITOR’S CHOICE

LEGO® IDEAS, £17.99 THE ART OF COORIE, £14.99

DIARY OF A BRILLIANT KID, £10.99

MAGGIE’S MONSTERS, £6.99 Sequel to the much-loved book, Maggie’s Mittens.

SCOTTISH DESIGN £24.95 Buy from Cloudberry, Barnton & Blackhall

GIN GALORE, £12.99 PUBLISHED 15 NOV

MR MEN IN SCOTLAND, £3.99 Buy from Cloudberry, Barnton & Blackhall

SNOWGLOBE (FOR AGES 9+) £6.99

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News Events Interviews Competitions Reviews Family Finance Features Prize Giveaways Fashion Recipes Advice And lots more coming soon...

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GREAT DAYS OUT From events to adventures, a membership from Historic Scotland is a gift that won’t be forgotten by Boxing Day. This Christmas get an extra 2 months free on memberships purchased as a gift. historicenvironment.scot/member

COFFEE Bean to Door know that great coffee matters, so they provide a fast and hassle-free service of fresh, hand roasted coffee delivered straight through your letterbox. Choose your coffee, choose the frequency and choose who you want to buy it for. beantodoor.co.uk

DON’T HIDE AWAY FROM

making a will

We all know it’s important to make a will for our family, but many of us don’t have one in place. Here, we ask Lindsay MacLean of Gibson Kerr solicitors, Edinburgh, all about the will making process.

DO I REALLY NEED TO MAKE A WILL?

If you have any assets, particularly if you own a house, it’s important you have a will to ensure they go where you want them to on your death. Plus, dealing with your estate after you die is quicker and usually cheaper if you have a will, so it’s easier for your loved ones that you have one in place. Even if you think your affairs are quite straight forward, things may be more complicated than you realise without a will and our advice is almost always that you should have one in place. DO I NEED A SOLICITOR TO MAKE A WILL?

Not necessarily. You can write a will yourself, or obtain a style will to complete yourself. However,

there can be problems with wills which have not been written or signed properly. A solicitor can help ensure that your will is valid and that it properly reflects your wishes. WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO MY ESTATE IF I DON’T HAVE A WILL?

It depends on your situation, such as whether you are married, have children and who your nearest relatives are. If you are married, your spouse or civil partner will receive a certain amount of assets from your estate. If your estate is worth more than that amount, your children will receive a share as well. If you do not have children and your estate is above the amount that passes to your spouse,

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your parents, siblings or other remoter relatives might inherit the rest of your estate. If you have an unmarried partner, they don’t automatically inherit from you and, if you have been living together at the date of your death, they could make a claim against your estate but that would mean a court action. IS IT EXPENSIVE TO MAKE A WILL?

The costs of a will varies from firm to firm. At Gibson Kerr we charge £300 for a will (inclusive of VAT), which is about average for solicitors in Edinburgh. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

It usually takes a few weeks from when we first meet you to you having your will signed. But we can prepare a will very quickly and can even have a will prepared and signed the same day if needed. DO I NEED TO KNOW DETAILS OF EVERYTHING I OWN?

It is useful if you come to your solicitors meeting with a list of your assets and estimated values to help them know if there are any specific issues to deal with. It will also help them advise you on whether inheritance tax will be payable on your death. Additionally, you should think about whether you want to leave any specific items that you own to anyone. CAN MY WILL CONTAIN MY WISHES ABOUT THINGS OTHER THAN MY ESTATE?

You might include funeral plans, if you have any. Any other points you wish to cover in your will that don’t relate to your estate or your funeral can be included in a separate document, usually referred to as a “letter of wishes” which would be stored by your will. DO I NEED TO TELL MY FAMILY WHAT I HAVE PUT IN MY WILL?

No – the contents of your will are confidential to you, unless you decide to tell anyone what your will says. You may, however, wish to let the people you have appointed as executors know that, and let them know where your will is stored, as they will need it after you die. made NOV / DEC 2018

IF YOU HAVE AN UNMARRIED PARTNER, THEY DON’T AUTOMATICALLY INHERIT FROM YOU WHAT IF I WANT TO MAKE CHANGES TO IT?

You can change your will at any time. This can be done either in a codicil, making amendments to your will. Or a new will can be prepared. WHAT IF I HAVE ANOTHER CHILD AND IT ISN’T NAMED IN THE WILL?

We normally try to cover the possibility of you having more children at the time your will is prepared. For instance, you can leave your estate to your existing children and any other children you may have in the future. This means that your will does not need to be updated if you have any children. It is, however, advisable to review your will regularly anyway to see if any updates are needed. DO I NEED TO MAKE A WILL TOGETHER WITH MY PARTNER, OR SEPARATELY

You each need to make your own individual will. However, if you both wish to do this at the same time and are happy letting each other know what is in your will, you can have a meeting at the same time and go through the process together. n

FIND OUT MORE You can talk to Lindsay MacLean, Personal Law Partner at Gibson Kerr on 0131 226 9162, or visit www.gibsonkerr.co.uk for more information.

Embrace the COLOUR House of Colour provides the best colour and style analysis for men and women of all ages. Their highly-trained Image Consultants work with you to find the colours that harmonise with your natural skin tone, hair and eye colour. The new you will look authentic, feel great, and be able to confidently build a capsule wardrobe to suit your lifestyle and aspirations…. Moira Cox is the Star Consultant with House of Colour Edinburgh & South West Scotland, and loves her job! She works from her studio in Edinburgh and from her purpose-built studio in the beautiful Annan Water hills just outside Moffat. Moira explains, ‘Wearing the right colours impacts our wellbeing, making us feel positive and full of vitality whilst the wrong ones drain us and can alter our moods negatively’. Moira loves meeting her clients and helping them discover the perfect colours and styles for them. Sometimes they come in small groups, and some prefer an individual session. ‘The lovely Fran, in the picture here, came to see me for colour analysis, recommended by her friend.. Her daughter, Vicki, then came for her colour, style and make up and then they both

Vicki, Lauren and Fran

came back to watch Lauren, aged 8 for her very own colour analysis. I couldn’t be more proud of them!’ For women, Moira can offer make-up advice and product recommendations based on your “wow” colours that enhance your natural beauty. She can help you choose glasses, go shopping with you and and teach you everything you need to feel good about yourself. For men, she will leave you with valuable skills so that next time you go shopping you can go straight to the clothes that suit you! n

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Moira Cox

For some, the Christmas party season is all about glitter and bling, but others prefer a classic, elegant party look. Whatever your style, here’s how to look fabulous this December… l

Colour & Personal Style Consultant

We’ve been told that everyone needs a Little Black Dress, but only one in four people actually suit black! Everyone suits primary red, so why not look for that LRD?

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A big trend this season is tiger, leopard, zebra and snake skin textures. Look out for unexpected colourways.

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Wearing well-fitting trousers is a style essential. Be choosey - make sure the cut, waist, length, leg fit and ankle shape all work for you.

For a smart finish, make sure you own an amazing jacket.

FIND OUT MORE

To find out how to dress to look your best, whether professionally or just for fun; whilst also learning about saving money and time email moira.cox@houseofcolour.co.uk www.houseofcolour.co.uk/moiracox

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KEEPING A CHECK ON YOUR

SIGHT AND HEARING HEALTH S

pecsavers Audiologists are championing the importance of caring for your senses by encouraging people to prioritise hearing health. Having hearing problems is not something many people are willing to admit but it is a very common problem, affecting around one in six people in the UK. Many people put off doing something about it for years without realising just how much of an impact it is having on their life or the stress straining to hear is putting on their mental and emotional health. Jonathan Bell, hearing director at Specsavers Audiologists in Edinburgh, works closely with his teams across the city to provide the best level of care to customers while delivering world-class

audiology services right in the heart of your area. Jonathan says: ‘Deteriorating hearing can be quite an emotional experience and can often lead to feelings of isolation. We understand what hearing loss feels like and how it can be a difficult subject for loved ones to approach but thankfully, it’s something that is surprisingly common and easily resolved. ‘Research shows that on average people wait around 10 years to seek help for hearing loss after first noticing a problem. This is a huge amount of time for someone to struggle with their hearing, especially when you consider that people with hearing loss are more likely to suffer with depression and develop dementia. ‘There are still lots of Scots who don’t realise

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DETERIORATING HEARING CAN BE QUITE AN EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCE AND CAN OFTEN LEAD TO FEELINGS OF ISOLATION. we offer comprehensive hearing examinations as well as eye tests. ‘Our hearing professionals can answer any hearing related questions, give advice on our excellent range of hearing aids and offer services such as ear wax removal. ‘We often see people who have been struggling for years but have finally come in to get some help after reaching the point where they can’t function properly anymore. Hearing aids can make a big difference so I’d urge anyone who notices they can’t hear as well as they used to, to come in for a test. Having hearing loss doesn’t necessarily mean you need hearing aids but our audiologists will be able to tell you how much hearing you’ve lost and give you some advice about how to cope with it.’ Specsavers recommends that everyone over the age of 55 should have a hearing test every two years. Our qualified hearing professionals will give you a comprehensive hearing assessment for free. However, there is no obligation to buy a hearing aid. Five tell-tale signs of hearing loss: 1. You have the TV up too loud 2. It seems like everyone’s mumbling 3. Conversations are hard work in noisy places 4. You ask people to repeat themselves on the phone 5. Friends and family make comments about your hearing n

FIND OUT MORE

To book an appointment and find your nearest Specsavers store, visit www.specsavers.com made NOV / DEC 2018

HEALTHILY INTEGRATE THE INTERNET

into family life By Dr. Claire Halsey, Parenting Expert

Being online, whether for leisure, learning or work can be a big part of time at home. Get the most from internet use and family time by following these top tips: 1. GET A BALANCE Family life works best when it includes a mix of activities. Get the most out of time at home by having a balance of real world family activities, shared time online - perhaps working on a project together or watching a streamed movie - and personal internet use – such as Skyping friends, completing homework or gaming. 2. MAKE GOOD USE OF THE INTERNET TO STRENGTHEN RELATIONSHIPS: Online connections mean we can share our everyday lives and precious milestones – children’s first steps, big birthdays, exam results – with family and friends who can’t always be

around in person. Mix these online methods with real world, face-to-face contact for the richest connections. 3. TAKE AN INTEREST When family members are absorbed with online, there’s an opportunity to show an interest and even join in. You may be surprised to discover a shared enthusiasm and develop it together online, and maybe in the real world too. 4. MAKE THE INTERNET DO THE HARD WORK FOR YOU Whether you’re planning day trips in the holidays, craft activities for a rainy day or making bigger

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decisions, make online information gathering a natural part of planning in your family. When each of you does a little online detective work, decisions can be easier and best of all, everyone can be involved. 5. STAY SAFE Agree your online safety rules and set parental controls if needed. Keep up to date with the latest online scams and safety issues and be open about what you’re each searching and sharing online. You’ll be safer as a family if you keep communicating about online safety. 6. FIND THOSE TEACHABLE MOMENTS There are plenty of opportunities to make online activity a chance to teach valuable life skills and set good habits for the next generation. Online shopping is an ideal place to begin. Next time a purchase is needed work together to consider what you’re looking for, deciding on a budget, making price comparisons, considering quality or reviews and checking for secure payment. All these add up to useful skills online and off. 7. MAKE WORK AND HOME LIFE FLEXIBLE Working online can offer opportunities for flexibility that allow families to be available at key points in the day or for important events – family mealtimes, the school play or sports events. Grasp opportunities for flexible working and work from home to be around for those significant family moments. Put a limit on it though. 8. PRIVACY Families are built on love and trust and this extends to the online world as well. Family members will have different ideas about what is private and what needs to be accessible to others. Get this all out in the open. Give clear explanations about what must be visible such as search histories and what can be private and why. Share your reasons using possible scenarios - such as a teenager’s Facebook page being left open on a laptop – to work out how this should be handled. It’s wise to agree what can be shared about other family members on social media, and what should not. n

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Dr. Claire Halsey is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist, author and broadcaster in parenting.

made NOV / DEC 2018

Happy Birthday to you

If your little one will be celebrating their birthday in January or February, and they would like to see themselves on these pages then please email louisewilson@live.com with a clear photo, their name, age, DOB and address.

CIAN 6 on 29 December AMIRA 2 on 5 November

ALEX 7 on 19 December

ALFRED 4 on 20 November OSKAR 8 on 10 November

THEODORE 4 on 10 November

CAITLIN 6 on 6 December GEORGE 6 on 16 December www.mademagazine.co.uk

HARRY 3 on 14 NovemberÂ

MAYA 3 on 28 November

RUBY 7 on 22 December

ZION 4 on 12 November MARY 3 on 3 December

ARCHIE 7 on 1 December

LEWIS 11 on 18 November

HOLLY 9 on 31 December ELLIE 6 on 2 November

CALUM 3 on 21 November made NOV / DEC 2018

GOALS JUST GOT GREAT! By Lynne Pearson, Edinburgh City Personal Trainer

here is a good chance that you are currently pursuing a particular goal in your life. You might be aiming for a job promotion, getting to grips with a new hobby, planning an amazing family holiday trip aboard, looking to lose weight or possibly moving house. Being goal oriented is part and parcel of the human experience. There are however two very different types of goals; intrinsic goals are an internal form of motivation and relate to your passions in life, your relationships, interests and key values. For example, being more active together as a family. Extrinsic goals, on the other hand, are motivated by some outside demand, obligation or reward. For example, completing a 12 week diet and exercise plan to fit into that outfit you have bought for the office Christmas party. Heading into 2019 there will undoubtedly be a rash of endurance events being sent your way, all enticing you to set a new physical challenge, raise funds for charity and boost your fitness levels. There is no doubt that all these aims are very worthy and worthwhile and exposure will develop your skills and experience to multiple forms of exercise. However, what happens in the longer term once the event has been completed, the celebrations enjoyed and the muscle stiffness eased? So, rather than signing up to the latest running, riding or walking event, opt instead to spend time on what you find intrinsically rewarding. Where do your interests and passions lie? This is key to your happiness and self-esteem. For me, I have found my happy in running. I will often go for a run for the sake of it, just because I

really enjoy the doing. I am intrinsically rewarded and then I feel happy and fulfilled. Recently joining Edinburgh Athletics Club has brought me joy and appreciation that being part of a tribe is key to my happiness. Doing things with like minded people sounds so simple but I believe it is so important in ensuring your success in any physical pursuit. Find your tribe and you will find your path to success. n

FIND YOUR TRIBE…

Contact Lynne on 07835 452 274 or email linmpearson@hotmail.com for more information and a free initial fitness consultation. She offers a free one hour initial fitness consultation and nutritional assessment, with affordable and flexible rates with group and one-to-one sessions available. www.edinburghcitypersonaltrainer.co.uk

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