Families Edinburgh Issue 69 November/December 2011

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ISSUE 69 November/ December 2011

www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk

Email - editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk

Tel. 0131 622 0405

2 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 69

What’sInside... news&views Welcome to the November/December issue of Families Edinburgh. It’s hard to believe we’re heading towards the end of another year. Thank you to all the fantastic support and feedback you continue to give us at Families Edinburgh - we always love to hear from you!

We’ll be back again in the New Year - 2012 will see us turning 12 years old!

Wishing you a wonderful festive season.

Sarah 3–9 10 – 11 12 13 15 16 – 17 18 – 19 20 – 21 22 – 23 24 – 25 26 – 31

News and Views Clubs and Classes News Morton Fraser with help on filing a Tax Return Thinking of Returning to Work?

Winter Health by The Healthy Living Centre Find Your Off Switch A Money Saving Christmas A Creative Christmas A Local Christmas Markets and Parties and Fairs (oh my!) (and Santa!)

A Hamleys Christmas Out and About

Contact Information: Editor: sarah Adair 0131 622 0405 editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk Follow us on twitter @familiesedinbur Designer: Kenny Dickson kennydickson7@gmail.com

Send a Letter from Santa and support NSPCC Scotland The NSPCC’s popular annual Letter from Santa fundraising campaign is back!

The Letter from Santa initiative gives family and friends the chance to send someone special a magical letter from Santa for a suggested donation of £5.

The letter is personalised with the child’s name and confirms that Santa and his sleigh will be stopping off in their home town to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. There is also the chance to order an extra special letter for newborns, with a Baby’s First Christmas letter.

Last year Letter from Santa raised £1.3m towards continuing the vital services the NSPCC offers children, young people and families in Scotland and across the UK, and the charity hopes to reach £1.6m this year.

Money raised by Letter from Santa in Scotland will support the NSPCC’s services for children and young people in Scotland.

These include ChildLine, the confidential and free 24 hour helpline for children and young people. ChildLine offers a lifeline for many thousands of children every year, who can get help and support from a trained counsellor either over the phone or online via 1-2-1 chats, message boards or emails.

Registrations are now open so ensure you order a letter from Santa for a child (or kid at heart) you know. To find out more or to register your details, visit www.nspcc.org.uk/santa or call 0845 839 9304. The last day for postal orders is 19 December; for online orders, please check the website.

Wee Masons Competition

NCT The Falkirk & West Lothian Branch of the NCT are excited to announce that the hugely successful Bump & Baby Fair is back! This year’s event will take place on Sunday 6th November 2011 at The Marriott Dalmahoy, Kirknewton, 11am-4pm.

With an array of exhibitors relating to many aspects of pregnancy, birth, babies and toddlers, it’s a great opportunity to try before you buy, find out what services are available locally and grab some great bargains at exhibitors’ stands.

William Mason, Wee Masons and Goretex are giving away a “Luxurious Spa Day” at the Macdonald Marine in North Berwick to one lucky winner, in their free prize draw.

Drop into any one of their 3 stores in East Lothian and have a look at the fantastic Goretex range for all the family, from functional to fancy, Primig, Ara, and Camel Active will have a product that will keep you dry. Just pop in, fill in the form and you never know… It could be you.

Competition closes 20th November 2011. www.mason-shoes.co.uk

Spice Cupboard-Private Indian Cooking Lessons Are you an Indian food lover who is tired of the greasy, oily taste of take-out? If so, it’s time to make your own healthy Indian food so you will never need to order out again!

Making a curry from scratch sounds daunting, but Joty Sharma from Spice Cupboard will teach you personally in your home just how easy it is to make tasty, home cooked and healthy Indian dishes for you and your family.

This opportunity is great for mums who have a free afternoon while the kids are at school. You will learn authentic recipes in a simple manner while also gaining confidence in using different spices. Prices start at £65 per 2-3 hour lesson for up to 2 people and you get to keep the recipe cards. Demonstration plus dinner. For something different, why not learn the art of Indian cooking while you and your friends enjoy a night in with a 2-course meal. Spice Cupboard will take away the pressure and provide all of the ingredients as well. Prices start at £25 per person, depending on menu choice. (Minimum 4 people).

Spice Cupboard also offers ready-made meals in the Morningside area for collection only.

For more information, please e-mail Spicecupboard@hotmail.com or call 07976585055

French Fancies In a tucked away spot on London Street (just at the bottom of Broughton Street) is a new French delicatessen and café. Down a couple of steps you’ll find a warm welcome, lots of yummy home made treats and a light, bright café space with plenty of room for children.

Thomas is head-chef and everything is home-made (or Family made the Tea cosy creations are made by Thomas' mum and the saucisson is made by Thomas' uncle!)

Bé said “We just wanted to have a place where people can feel comfortable and warm”. Having visited and personally sampled one of the fig and almond tarts (mmmm) I’d say they’ve done a very good job of that. They are open 7 days a week. 42 London Street, EH3 6LX Cover Information: M&Co AW11 Baby Girl fairisle knitted poncho £18.00, Heart fairisle hat & mitt set £8.00 www.mandco.com

Next Issue: Jan/Feb 2012

the Great Big Birthday Party Issue Booking deadline December 2nd

Do you have a child with diabetes?

Would you like to meet other families of children with diabetes? A new group has been set up in Edinburgh (for Edinburgh and Lothians): • To allow parents and carers to share experiences and knowledge • To help children to make friends with other local children with diabetes If you're interested, please contact: E: lfwd@hotmail.co.uk

Music Bugs Music Bugs will be raising funds for Children in Need this year. In the week 14th – 18th November they will be running a “Silly Songathon” at all of the classes. Children will be invited to dress up as their favourite nursery rhyme character (optional of course). Check website for further details. www.musicbugs.co.uk/classes/edinburgheast

Professional Tiling • Wall & Floor Tiling • Underfloor Heating • Wet Rooms • Mosaic • Natural Stone • Bathroom Installation • Tanking Systems Contact Philip Anderson t: 0131 225 1425 m: 0776 894 9977 e: newtownstone@me.com www.newtownstone.co.uk

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news&views Creative Play Helps Children Blossom at the Botanics A forest den, creative play and storytelling sessions are just some of the activities being brought to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) for the under fives by Starcatchers, an arts organisation for pre-school age children.

The temporary exhibition space at the Garden’s John Hope Gateway has been transformed into a woodland wonderland. It is the first time the Botanics has hosted an events programme specifically aimed at the under 5s.

Each Monday, Wednesday and Saturday Starcatchers artists will be on hand to engage youngsters in a variety of interactive performances.

The Starcatchers project is part RBGE’s forgotten forests campaign to celebrate International Year of Forests 2011. A wide range of media is being used to encourage everyone to promote the value of woods that have been overlooked in the past.

Starcatchers at the Botanics is being led by Hazel Darwin-Edwards, “I am fascinated by the strong connection between forests and childhood, imagination and play. People treasure memories of being in the woodlands as children; shelters, rope swings, hide and seek, and running away. Forests feature in countless fairytales and adventure stories but they also tell their own stories about growth and nurture.’’

Starcatchers’ forgotten forest will run until 22 January 2012. For details visit www.rbge.org.uk/forgottenforests or www.starcatchers.org.uk

The Wee Treat The Wee Treat, Scotland's only bodycast studio recently relocated from Dunfermline to Edinburgh. The studio creates beautiful pieces of art from customers bodies and whilst it's certainly unusual, it’s proving extremely popular with their customers (and their other halfs!)

Lee Walls owner said "the concept come from a friend who thought it would be great as a confidence builder, originally the bodycasting was run as part of a course for women's groups, but we couldn't keep up with demand and felt it was time to take the next step and open premises".

If you are looking for something totally unique, the casting process itself usually takes around 30 minutes, the cast is finished off to your choice, mounted and painted and ready for collection within seven days. Most people think of bodycasting as being something prohibitively expensive just for celebrities but, with prices starting at only £39, we think it's affordable for everyone. The Wee Treat, 140 Bruntsfield Place, EH10 4ER Tel: 0131 228 2025 www.theweetreat.co.uk

The Kabin

Lothian Dance Academy 2 Rosefield Ave Lane, Portobello and Gracemount Leisure Centre

Pre-school Ballet & Tap Modern Jazz & Tap Boogie Kids Streetdance/Hip Hop Musical Theatre Song & Dance RAD Ballet Grades to Advanced 2YRS - ADULT

Tel: 0131 669 9073 or Email

contact@lothiandance.com 4 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 69

Loanhead's new community building, The Kabin, is now open to the public Monday to Saturday from 9.00am-6.00pm and on Sunday from 11.00am-6.00pm.

Whether you live in Midlothian or not, it’s a great place to visit!

Featuring at The Kabin is a jungle themed 3 tier soft play centre called The Amazone, which is overlooked from The Honeypot Cafe serving hot and cold snacks and drinks at great value prices, including home baking. At a cost of only £2 for an hour, it must be the cheapest hour of fun around! It also hosts parties for children of all ages and abilities, including soft play, bouncy castle, cinema, arts & crafts, and pamper, etc with prices starting at only £6 per child. The Kabin is used by various community groups including parents and tots group, a gardening club, a junior youth club, a girls’ only youth club, a community cinema and other activities for people of all ages and abilities. New members are always welcome.

The Tub laundry and ironing service which operates on an ad-hoc or regular basis - why not treat yourself and free up some time to spend with your family - as well as a small charity shop, Play It Again, offering quality second hand clothes, toys, books, etc.

For more details, please call The Kabin on 0131 440 2541, check out our website at www.thekabin.org or Facebook at LCLC Kabin. The Kabin is a non-profit organisation which enables them to invest profit into, and thereby subsidise, many of the activities offered to their patrons.

Nile Grove Playgroup at Greenbank COME AND PLAY! Leave your child in safe hands with fully qualified staff for a morning filled with play, stories and snack. The playgroup takes children from 2¼ to 5 years and runs Monday to Friday during term time from 9.15 to 11.45am.

Places currently available. Visit www.nilegroveplaygroup.co.uk to enrol online.

For more information, call our Playgroup Leader, Vanessa Charlton on 07505 366580. Outwith term time, email us at nilegroveplaygroup@gmail.com.

Or, better still, pop in and see us during term time.

Greenbank Parish Church, Braidburn Terrace, EH10 6ES We look forward to welcoming you to our playgroup.

Re-opening of the National Portrait Gallery The Scottish National Portrait Gallery will reopen on 1 December, following an ambitious £17.6 m restoration project. The first major refurbishment in the Gallery’s 120-year history, the project has restored much of the architect’s original vision, opening up previously inaccessible parts of the building and increasing the public space by more than 60 percent.

OPENING EVENTS FOR FAMILIES Celebrate the reopening of the new-look Portrait Gallery with an exciting programme of weekend events for families in December: There are lots of hands-on activities, as well as storytelling and trails.

On Saturday 3 December 10.30am -12.30pm, celebrate the lighting of our Christmas tree and create your own miniature Christmas bauble with Let’s Decorate! Take your creation home, give it as a gift or use it to decorate our lovely new learning studio.

On Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 December from 10.30am to 4.30pm come and Draw with Light - make a beautiful blue and white cyanotype picture in just half an hour.

On Sunday 11 December, drop in between 2-4pm and welcome the Portrait Detectives Raeburn and Rothko to their new home and solve a festive mystery. Pick up a kit, don a deerstalker and help uncover a mystery.

Popular family activities Art Cart and Bags of Art will be taking a holiday at the Portrait Gallery this December. On Sunday 4 December (1-4pm) Art Cart will help you to transform yourself for The Great Portrait Breakout! (see above), while on Sunday 18 December (2 -4pm), Bags of Art invites you to a glittering afternoon of winter lantern-making in the Great Hall.

Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Queen Street, Edinburgh

The Wrapper No more wrapping up sandwiches or snacks in packaging that just gets thrown away.

Stop this waste with The Wrapper By Re-Wrap-It – the Reusable Sandwich Wrap.

The Wrapper has a plastic side for keeping food fresh in and a colourful fabric outer.

You simply place the sandwich, roll or whatever you choose in the middle of the Wrapper, fold it over the food and seal with the handy Velcro strip. This keeps the food fresh inside and then, when needed cleverly unfolds into a plate. Ideal for keeping your desk clean or if you are eating outside. No more worrying about toddlers eating food from the floor or dirty picnic tables. They can be branded with your local sports team logo, school colours, or with a favourite pet or family photo printed onto the cotton....the list is endless.....

It also makes the ideal Party Bag for children, to be filled with Birthday Cake and sweeties, or the perfect stocking filler for Christmas morning treats. REDUCE REUSE RECYCLE with the Wrapper - the Reusable Sandwich Wrap. For more information about The Wrapper contact us at www.re-wrap-it.co.uk or 0141 954 4739

Blossom Tree Nursery In August the children at Blossom Tree Nursery had a wonderful crop of potatoes within their vegetable patch, the children had a great time digging them up, eating them and also using them for potato painting when they were too soft to eat.

“Last month we decided to plant more winter potatoes, the children and staff are now looking forward to making wonderful winter dishes with them for snacks when they are ready in December - Yum!” Tel: 0131 664 4944 www.blossomtree.org.uk

Rain-Shine Winter, winter here we come, when there’s snow lets have some fun!

Poor weather doesn’t necessarily mean a day indoors with the kids. Why not try one of Rain-shine’s fantastic all in one snowsuits! Machine washable and fully waterproof, they will keep your little person warm and dry enough to have countless snowball fights!

Rain-shine is a small family business based in Central Scotland managed by mum Megan and twin sisters Laura and Paula. “We specialise in quality clothing for children who love to be active and have fun in all weather. Our sizes range from 6 months up to 8 years and include all in one snowsuits, all in one waterproofs, trousers, jackets and swimwear with UV protection – covering Rain and Shine!” Supplier of waterproofs and snowsuits to nurseries throughout the UK. FREE first class delivery on all items! Visit our website TODAY at www.rain-shine.co.uk or contact Laura on 07736 468147.

Happy Birthday Happy Birthday to Homebakes4U who has just turned 1, and two December birthdays Doodles is 13 on December 13th and the Imagination Workshop is 5 on December 9th.

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news&views Artistic Director Julie Mitchell, LRAD, ARAD, AISTD Examiner of The Royal Academy of Dance

EDINBURGH DANCE ACADEMY Branches throughout Edinburgh and East Lothian

EDINBURGH DANCE ACADEMY Edinburgh's Premier Dance School * Ballet * Jazz * Modern * Tap * Drama * Singing

A walk for the "little ones". Taking place after the Edinburgh Christmas Walk, Edinburgh Christmas Run and The Golden Tinsel Mile Walks.

Sunday 4th December You can raise money for your favourite charity or just take part for fun.

Santa arrives in Inverleith Park at 12.30pm. Come and join Santa Parade at 12.35pm. Santa Toddle 1pm On entering (entry fee £5) the toddle each child will receive a special Santa Toddle sponsor form and number and as they complete the toddle Santa will give them a medal, certificate and Santa goody bag. If you don’t already have a charity to raise money for in mind then why not support one of these:

A caring environment where pupils achieve their highest potential.

See us in the Pantomime at The Kings Theatre.

EXAM RESULTS 100% PASS RATE

0131 337 3402 www.edinburghdanceacademy.co.uk 4-6 Coltbridge Ave, Edinburgh, EH12 6AH

Mums ,dads and family can join the children on the toddle (no charge) .Babies in buggies are welcome.

Find out more about all four events at www.challengescotland.com

The Care Necessities

The Stockbridge Jumboree

Founded in 2010, by childcare professionals Lexi Duncan and Sarah Currie, The Care Necessities is a bespoke boutique childcare agency that is passionate about families, education and fun. Offering more than simply 'sitting,' we supply experienced, reliable and talented care providers to families with children of all ages. We are the first agency in Scotland to offer comprehensive educational services such as qualification specific tutoring and extra-curricular services alongside expert care provision. For your added peace of mind, our multi-skilled long and short term nannies, babysitters and tutors are all disclosure checked.We strive to provide reputable, high quality care services at an affordable cost. www.thecarenecessities.co.uk info@thecarenecessities.co.uk

Remember all the giraffes around Stockbridge last November?

This year look out for 30 elephants all decorated in a style that suits each shop - the unveiling is at the LifeCare centre on Sunday 13th November with a Christmas fair. The elephants will be on display for a month with a trail for the kids to follow again, and they'll be auctioned on Sunday 11th December for Sick Kids and LifeCare.

Buddy brilliant!

Bed time can be a challenge for any parent, as can getting ready for school, brushing hair, brushing teeth, monitoring TV time. But when your child has special needs, those daily routines can be even harder. www.netbuddy.org.uk is a website for parents and carers of people with learning disabilities, which offers hundreds of simple, yet ingenious solutions to everyday issues – from bed wetting to challenging behaviour.

The tips are contributed daily by other parents, carers, teachers and therapists, and organised by subject.

There’s also an interactive forum for people to solve specific practical issues.

The site’s creator, Deborah Gundle, herself has a son with profound learning disabilities. “When Zach was small, I spent so much time and energy solving daily problems, and I knew other people were doing the same,” she said.

For more information go to www.netbuddy.org.uk

Dance classes for both boys and girls from 18 months upwards.

Pink and Blue Playgroup

Ballet • Tap Modern • Jazz FRIDAY CLASSES now held at Craiglockhart Tennis & Leisure Centre

Contact Nicky to book your

07545 551271

nicky@dndance.co.uk www.dndance.co.uk

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Informal, friendly group for parents and children to play and meet other parents, have a chat, snack, tea/coffee.

Admission: free. Please contact us to let us know you’re coming.

Where: Buccleuch Free Church, 10 Westcross Causeway, EH8 9JP. When: 10am-12noon, every Friday, and usually on during school holidays.

Age range: birth to preschool Contact: esther_c_black@yahoo.co.uk; mobile: 07734863014, or find us on facebook.

PictureHouse Studios

Congratulations to Louisa Macdonell at PictureHouse Studios has achieved another Merit for the second year in a row in the Children’s Portrait Category of the UK Master Photographer Awards. She goes through to the final again of this prestigious UK-wide competition. PictureHouse offers the Cherubs baby portrait programme from the Master Photographers Association capturing the amazing changes of baby’s first year over three portrait sessions. www.picturehousestudios.co.uk

Blackhall Playgroup Spaces available at Blackhall Playgroup, located in St Columba Church, Queensferry Road, Blackhall. This is a parent run playgroup, run by an experienced Early Years Teacher and a committee of parents. Working with a team of skilled specialists, we encourage learning through play. Now under new management, we offer a stimulating and nurturing environment for children aged 2.25 years to 3.5 years. Our sessions are as follow: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 9.30am – 12.00pm. Tuesday 12.00-2.30pm. You can choose either 2 sessions or 4 sessions. Please contact the Waiting List Secretary on 0131 467 3390. We are holding a coffee morning from 10.30 -12 on Monday 21st November, please come along to see how the playgroup is run for yourself and to help us to raise some funds. We will have home baking, Angel Designs Jewellery are joining us and we have some great raffle prizes to be won.

Labels4kids Congratulations to Ann-Maree Morrison, director of Labels4kids ltd who has won Specsavers Entrepreneur of the Year. Labels4Kids produces vinyl waterproof labels, iron on, stick on and sew on labels for children’s school clothing and general items. www.labels4kids.com/fam

Competition!

No more Monkey Bizness, is here!

Gambado, the UK’s premier indoor play and party centres for children has come to Edinburgh. The expanding Children’s Entertainment Centre operator has announced the acquisition of the centre previously operated by Monkey Bizness.

Confirming the take-over, Gambado Managing Director, Ian Westwater said: “This is an exciting time for our company and we are delighted to be in a position to take on new sites and bring the unique Gambado experience to Edinburgh.”

Gambado currently operates three indoor soft play centres in and around London.

The centres offer a unique indoor soft play experience for children under the age of 12 years along with the best birthday parties in town.

Come on down and meet Gambado the Tiger, Nikki Jacobs and her team!

Visit our new website www.gambado.com to find out all about us and what’s coming soon!

To celebrate they are giving away 1 annual membership for 1 child and 2 named adults, and 2 runner up prizes of a family day pass for 5 people. For your chance to win, answer the following question:

What kind of animal is Gambado? a. A Monkey b. A Lion c. A Tiger Enter online at www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk/offers Terms and conditions apply.

Festive Special Offer from World of Bowling The Special offer for this issue is simple and exclusive to Families Edinburgh readers.

Off peak rates are available anytime. This includes weekends and bank holidays. So if you are stuck for something to do this holiday, look no further than some quality family bowling.

The Corn Exchange Village Team hope to see you and your family soon.

Call 0131 443 0404 or Vist www.wof.uk.com for more information.

Terms and conditions apply.

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clubs&classesnews Artroom 32 An exciting new service for budding young artists! Arts & crafts classes for children based in the home of a qualified artist in Leith.

Classes available for nursery aged children and all the way through Primary school.

Children will learn lots of new techniques using a wide variety of quality materials helping to increase creative skills and unleash artistic imagination!

We'll be painting, drawing, sculpting, printing, jewellery and model-making...using clay, plaster, paints, chalks, charcoal, beads, glue, hands, feet...and lots more! Classes are fun, relaxed and educational. Children can be left if they are happy for you to go - with full Disclosure you can have time to yourself with full peace of mind that your own little creation is safe, happy and maybe just a little bit messy. Arty parties and holiday workshops also available.

For more information please call Louise: 0131 553 6798/07931 513 815. Email: info@artroom32.co.uk or check out website: artroom32.co.uk

Baby Sensory Classes

Light shows Brain games

Award winning Baby Development classes for babies from birth to 13 months

Classes in Ratho, Cramond, Corstorphine, Blackhall, Fettes, Haymarket & Meadowbank

Puppet shows Bonding/Massage To find out more visit our website www.babysensory.co.uk Contact: Emma-Louise Beeson Tel: 0781 886 3334 Twitter: @Edincentral Email: edinburghcentral@babysensory.co.uk

Ceilidh Kids

Blank Canvas Dance

Ceilidh Kids have a new Tuesday class at the Calton Centre (121 Montgomery Street) from 1.30 – 2.15 1st Nov – 6th December. This is as well as their classes on a Wednesday at Mayfield Salisbury Church and Thursdays at St Martin’s Church, Dalry Road. £18 per family for the 6-week block, or £4 per family per week pay-as-you-go. Contact Caroline Brockbank for more details or to register: tel 667 8898 or email ceilidhkids@ceilidhkids.com

Street Dance Classes: for Beginners, Improvers, Children, Teenagers & Adults.

At Blank Canvas Dance we are dedicated to teaching the most current styles of dance including Hip Hop, ‘Poppin’ n Lockin’, breakin and Street. Street dance is about creativity, flare, attitude and uniqueness. We wish to develop your confidence in dance while exploring and fusing your own style.

Our classes are committed to a relaxed atmosphere, which is fun, social and open to dancers of any levels.

Every week consist of a good warm up, some technique work and then fusing together a different routine each week, so your child will be at no disadvantage being 'new'.

Click on our website to see video’s of kids in action during last term www.bcdance.co.uk There are 3 classes on a Friday night: Beginners 3.45pm-4.30pm (primary 3+), Improvers 4.30pm-5.30pm (must have completed 1 term of beginners) and Intermediates 5.30pm-6.30pm (must have completed 2 terms of beginners). Booking essential: Blank Canvas Dance 07842870926 info@bcdance.co.uk www.bcdance.co.uk Book now and quote ‘street dance’ to get your first class free.

The Butterfly Music School The Butterfly Music School provides piano and music lessons, alongside the popular Kindermusik programme for children and their families. Our programmes are available around the city and cover all ages, from birth to 18! Led by a qualified teacher and licensed Kindermusik educator, all of the classes will be tailored to your child’s needs and interests. To find our more please visit our website at www.butterflymusicschool.co.uk and the Kindermusik website at www.kindermusik.co.uk.

We are currently offering Gift Vouchers which make a fantastic Christmas present!

Water Babies The Water Babies winter 2011 term will begin w/c 7th November and alongside our wide ranging current venues across Edinburgh City Centre, West Lothian and Dalkeith, we will also be starting beginners classes at the Novotel Hotel, Hermiston Gate. Babies love water and swimming from birth is entirely natural. As well as being really good fun and energetic, structured lessons are a wonderfully sociable activity, and classmates often become friends and a real source of support. The Water Babies course works by teaching you and your baby key life-saving skills. Each is built on as the weeks progress and babies are able to master them from remarkably early on.If your baby is under 12 months old and you would like to look into the class options in your area, please call on 0131 554 6682, email woggle@waterbabies.co.uk or have a look at our website www.waterbabies.co.uk The spring term will begin w/c 11th February 2012 - many of our little swimmers join our waiting list before they are even born so it’s never too early to get in touch!

Edinburgh Acting School Edinburgh Acting School is in its 30th year providing quality training for both adults and children in drama. The classes build confidence, performing skills, speech and communication skills and nurture talent. There is also the opportunity to sit speech and drama exams. Classes are held at Stockbridge House, 2 Cheyne Street in Edinburgh, EH4 1JB. New classes are opening so please enquire for any ages or levels not on the current timetable.

Email Kirsty at enquiries@edinburghactingschool.com or call 07773297904.

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Baby Sensory Baby Sensory is now an international phenomenon for parents with babies 0-13 months old. Written by Dr Lin Day the programme of classes are designed to teach parents techniques to stimulate and soothe baby. It's a fun and social occasion with fantastic group activities with parachutes and bubbles to take home ideas of excercise and baby sign. Edinburgh classes are ran by EmmaLouise Beeson are very popular, running throughout the city including; Ratho, Cramond, Corstorphine, Haymarket, Fettes, Meadowbank, new classes are coming to West and East Lothian and the borders! www.babysensory.com edinurghcentral@babysensory.co.uk Call 07818863334

Messy Munchkins Messy Play is by its very definition messy. It’s a fun and interesting way for children to explore and learn about the world around them. It allows children to use everyday materials in a different way and make new discoveries.

Children’s learning is reduced if they’re worried about the mess. It’s therefore important to avoid the idea that getting dirty is a bad thing - instead concentrate on ways to keep it within limits. This can be difficult at home and that’s where Messy Munchkins can help.

We run messy play sessions for children under 5.

Sessions offer children the opportunity to have messy fun in a social way. They’ll get to; feel gritty sand, smell fruity play dough, paint with pudding, or squish baked beans between their toes... the learning is endless. And, we clean up the mess! Contact 07876542492 or juliet@messymunchkins.co.uk, to book your FREE trial. Website www.messymunchkins.co.uk

clubs&classesnews Explore Learning

SwimEasy

Explore Learning is a network of learning centres for children aged 4-14, where children become members and attend regularly once or twice a week. Explore tutors create individual courses to inspire children to develop into confident, successful individuals with the knowledge and skills to succeed in life. Over 500 children regularly attend our Edinburgh centres to gain knowledge and enthusiasm from our team of fantastic tutors. We are currently inviting families to enjoy a Free Consultation at one of our Edinburgh centres 0131 332 3300 (Blackhall) or 0131 337 7401 (Murrayfield) www.explorelearning.org.uk

SwimEasy’s innovative style of teaching, which provides children with the unique “SwimEasy Passport to Success”, offers small class sizes with the added benefit of our teaching staff in the water. SwimEasy is Scotland's largest independent provider of swimming lessons for children and adults of all abilities. Not only do we teach children to swim, we specialise in progressing young athletes through into the sport of swimming.

We offer specialist One-to-One, One-to-Two and Small Group Classes for children of all abilities at venues throughout Edinburgh and Forth Valley.

Swim Easy – February and Easter Holiday 2012 “RapidTrack” Lessons.

Edinburgh week commencing 13th February at Merchiston Castle School, and for two weeks of the Easter holidays from the 2nd and 9th of April at Craigroyston High School. RapidTrack Lessons will also be available at Donaldson’s School in Linlithgow during the week commencing 2nd of April. Lessons can be booked a week at a time, each morning, from Monday to Friday. Contact us now on 0131 466 0764 or 01506 205778 to discuss their child’s needs. www.swimeasy.co.uk

Dancebase Dancebase is bursting with classes to get you and your young ones moving this new year. Bookings for Spring Term open on Sat 3 Dec 2011 at 10am. Spring Term 2012 starts Sat 7 Jan. Have a look online and pick a class to make you and your young ones feel fabulous and open your ears, body and mind to new possibilities.

What better gift could the New Year bring? See you soon at Dance Base! Dance Base is at 14 – 16 Grassmarket EH1 2JU. t 0131 225 5525 e dance@dancebase.co.uk. www.dancebase.co.uk

EICA Holiday Camps Give them a Christmas adventure to remember, at eica:ratho. For many busy parents, the countdown to Christmas doesn’t just mean a very long shopping list. It can also mean a whole lot of pressure to make sure their children are happy, active and challenged.

The friendly and professional staff at Edinburgh International Climbing Arena: Ratho might just be able to lure them away from those selection boxes and Christmas films with their range of active, exciting and safe holiday camps on offer this festive season.

Based around all things fun and led by fully qualified, experienced staff, activities are available to children of four years right through to teens and include; climbing, abseiling, soft play sessions and, for the real dare devils...the aerial assault course!

Jo Mathieson, Adventure Activities Manager at EICA:Ratho said: “With Christmas Holiday Camps at EICA:Ratho, you’re safe in the knowledge that you won’t hear those two little words “I’m bored” ever again during the holidays!”

Call the climbing arena to book on 0131 333 6333

Dynam-nic dance Come and play at the Lyceum Theatre Play Time involves 2-4 year olds and their parents/carers in imaginative and expressive play together. The Artist led sessions use simple drama, music or visual arts techniques to stimulate children’s creativity and to develop communication and language skills, as well as building confidence and social skills. Wednesdays from 10.30 – 11.30am, (next block 26 October -30 November). Either book a full block in advance for a reduced rate, or just drop in on the day.

LYT Play, for 5 – 7 year olds, games and lively arts-led activities to explore drama in a fun and relaxed environment. When they turn 8, LYT Play participants are guaranteed an offer of a place in the Lyceum Youth Theatre. Both sessions are open to all, on a first-come, first-served basis, and are led by artists with specific experience of working with the age range.

Fridays from 2 – 3.30pm, (next block 28 October – 18 November). Places should be booked in advance at the Lyceum Box Office.

Both will then continue in blocks after Christmas, during the school term. For more information, or to book, call 0131 248 4848 or see www.lyceum.org.uk

All Dynam-nic dance classes are now based at Craiglockhart Tennis & Leisure Centre. Whatever age your boy or girl is, we have a class suitable for them.

Mini Stars for 5 & 6 years. This one hour class covers Tap, Ballet and Modern following a fun theme each term.

Learning basic dance steps with the help of props and exciting routines.

Dynam-nic Stars and Lowers classes are aimed at children 7-11 years. The class is split into three 30 minutes sections, Ballet, Tap and Modern/Jazz. A fantastic way to develop a variety of skills and to explore different dance styles.

Due to popular demand we have now added additional Twinkle Toes classes for 3&4 year olds. Please check out our website for full class listings.

Our increasingly popular Dynam-nic Dance parties can be tailored just for your child. Whether they love Michael Jackson moves or Rihanna is their favourite, we will put together a playlist along with dance routines especially for their special day. Contact Nicky for more details 'discover the joy of dance' 07545 551271 nicky@dndance.co.uk www.dndance.co.uk

9 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 69

Should I be doing a Jane has never completed a tax return before. She is worried that she should be sending one to HMRC (previously Inland Revenue) before the end of January 2012. What does she need to know?

Does Jane need to complete a tax return? a) Income Tax Jane’s tax return tells HMRC about 1) income that she has received and 2) and assets which she has transferred (sale or gift) which might trigger Capital Gains Tax (CGT).

Before she had children, Jane worked as a manager at her local bank. Tax was deducted from her salary through PAYE and she only had a small amount of savings in a current account so she did not complete a tax return. A lot of people do not actually need to complete a tax return each year.

Self Assessment puts the onus on the taxpayer to tell HMRC if they have income or gains that might mean they need to pay tax.

Jane has a responsibility to complete a return if she should be paying tax and the likely ’income’ reasons might be:• Jane decides to start up her own business now that the children are at school and becomes self-employed.

• She inherits some money and uses it to invest in a portfolio (providing £10,000+ from savings/investments or £2,500+ from untaxed savings/investments) or buys an investment property (£10,000+ from property before allowable expenses or £2,500+ of income after deduction of expenses).

• Jane’s aunt dies and leaves some money in trust for her benefit. Jane will be receiving income from the trust each year from now on.

Previously, the only capital assets which Jane and her husband John have sold have been their main homes as they moved from their first flat to their first family home and now to their dream home. Principal Private Residence Relief should apply since they have always lived in their main homes, haven’t run a business from them and the properties haven’t had particularly large gardens. They haven’t therefore had to pay CGT each time they move on.

Jane now has an investment portfolio and John has been saving regularly into one too so they need to look at whether they have any gains each year if shares are sold. They both tell their fund manager to stay within their personal allowances for CGT (see below) if possible. Their investment property will not get Principal Private Residence Relief if they sell it.

How does Jane get a tax return?

She needs to register with HMRC using a form SA1 and they will give her a Unique Taxpayer Reference. She can then either send in her return online or by post.

What period should Jane use for her tax return?

The tax year runs from 6th April until 5th April the following year. For example, the current tax year is from 6th April 2011 until 5th April 2012 which we refer to as the tax year 2011/12.

What paperwork does Jane need to complete her return?

• Jane’s total annual income is more than £100,000.

Hopefully in the few months following the tax year end, Jane should receive:-

b) CGT

• Tax certificates from her banks showing the interest she has received and any tax they have deducted.

Regardless of whether or not Jane has income which requires a return to be completed, if she has CGT to pay then she will have to complete a return giving details of her income and capital gains for that tax year. CGT can be payable where you sell or gift an asset and the price you sell at (or market value when you gift) is higher than when you acquired the asset.

• A ‘tax pack’ from her portfolio manager showing all dividends received. If she has any shares in her own name, she will receive the dividends directly when they are paid and will get a tax voucher for each one.

10 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 69

tax return?

• If Jane is employed she will receive her P60 showing her salary and the tax paid through PAYE. • If Jane contributes to a pension, her pension provider will give her a summary of the payments made in the tax year.

Jane should also keep a note of any money she gives to charity under gift aid. Both the charity payments and pension contributions can reduce Jane’s income tax bill. Jane can ignore Child Tax Credit and Child Benefit as these are not taxable.

If Jane has any CGT to pay, she will need to show the sale proceeds (if she has sold a chargeable asset) or its value when she transferred it (if she made a gift) aswell as the amount she acquired it for. She may be able to deduct money that she has spent on the asset for example, if she has an investment property and has built an extension to it.

Jane and John can ignore their ISAs which they contribute to each year as any income or gains from an ISA (whether cash or stocks and shares) is exempt.

Jane has put money in an account for her children.

Does she need to include this?

If the income from what Jane has put aside for her children (who are under 18) exceeds £100 then she needs to include this in her return. If her husband John also contributes (for example payments come from their joint bank account) then he too has a £100 limit. This does not apply to grandparents who save for their grandchildren so the income belongs to the grandchild and they have their own full personal allowance available.

What rate of tax does Jane pay at?

Stage 1: Calculate income tax The tax calculation is a little more detailed where there are, for example, allowances or savings/ dividends received. However, the general rates and bands of income tax for 11/12 are as follows: Personal Allowance:

£7,475 free of tax

Basic Rate:

£0 - £35,000 @ 20%

Higher Rate

£35,001 - £150,000 @ 40%

Additional rate of tax £150,000+ @ 50%

Stage 2: Calculate CGT John and Jane each have an annual allowance of £10,600 (applied to any gain after capital losses are deducted). The remaining gains are then added ‘on top’ of the chargeable income. If Jane is a basic rate income tax payer then the gains that take her up to the top of the basic rate band are taxed at 18%. After that, the rest are taxed at 28%.

Jane is worried she might miss the deadline for submitting the return.

For all income or gains in the tax year 11/12 (ends 5th April 2012), Jane has to submit her tax return by 1) 31st October 2012 if she is sending it by post or 2) 31st January 2013 if she is doing it online.

When should Jane pay the tax due in the return?

For 2011/12, Jane will need to actually pay her tax by 31st January 2013. If you are late then penalties and interest may be applied.

Is there any planning Jane can do to minimise her tax liability?

• Jane and John each have a personal allowance and a basic rate band for income tax as well as an annual allowance for CGT. They should consider whether assets (a bank account, investment property or shares for example) should be put into joint names or into one of their names alone to use up both of their allowances/bands.

• They should also check whether their employers offer a salary sacrifice scheme (childcare vouchers) to pay the cost of childcare. They can each use £243 per month from their salaries and will therefore save tax and National Insurance on up to £486 between them.

• If they can afford to continue contributing to ISAs each year then this is a good way to move up to £10,680 each into a tax free wrapper meaning a maximum of £21,360 between them each year depending on whether they use a cash ISA or Stocks and Shares ISA. Sarah McKinlay is a Partner in Morton Fraser’s Private Client Division. If you think that you might need to complete a tax return and pay tax by 31st January 2012 and would like any help with this, or if you have any general queries on income tax and CGT, then you can contact Sarah on 0131 247 3150 or email her at sarah.mckinlay@morton-fraser.com.

11 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 69

Going Back to Work after a Career Break Going Back to Work after a Career Break can be a daunting process.

It's quite normal for parents to lose a bit of confidence during the time spent raising a family. Mums and dads can also feel anxious about the interview process itself, worrying about how they compare against other applicants with more recent work experience.

So how can you regain your confidence and improve your job hunting results?

1. Think about your successes Take time to think about the achievements you had in the jobs prior to your career break.

Many employers these days are placing less emphasis on technical skills, and more on personal abilities or 'behaviours' such as Influencing, Problem Solving, and so on. During your career break, you may have done things which show you still have these skills.

Did you help the school organise any events? Have you done anything for charity?

Your achievements can be drawn from any area - sports, social, voluntary work, hobbies, school-related - you can use these as additional examples of your skills during an interview.

2. Be flexible in your job search Part-time jobs are on the increase, but there still aren't many out there, especially in the specialised and professional sectors. You may need to consider starting a new job on a full-time basis, and then making a Flexible Working Request several months later or whenever feels appropriate. Working full-time allows you to 'earn your stripes' and show your employer what you're capable of. It also allows you to get a feel where the workload can be scaled down or shared with another part-time worker, without putting the team under pressure. Remember, your employer is obliged to consider a Flexible Working Request, but they don't have to grant it if business needs cannot accommodate it.

3. Create a great CV Your CV is the most vital bit of marketing literature you'll ever produce. Start with your personal and contact details (you are not required to disclose your date of birth or marital status). Follow with your most recent job and then go through the rest in reverse chronological order. Leave out hobbies and interests unless they are extremely relevant to the job for which you're applying. The rule of thumb is: if it isn't going to help you get the job, don't put it in your CV. Make sure your CV is easy to read. And finally, don't forget to do a spell and grammar check.

4. Prepare well for your interview Interviews are your chance to shine and to stand out from any other candidate, so don't be modest. Before you go to interview, check you fully understand the job specification.

Research the company to show you're keen. Also, go over the achievements you feel are most relevant to the job specification. Arrive on time and dress professionally, even if the office is a casual work environment, because first impressions count. Be polite to everyone. Think about why you want to work for the company, and be able to justify why your skills are a good match. Also, take a moment to think about your answers before you give them. Never feel pressured to hurry because you could end up feeling flustered and say the wrong thing. Finally, remember that employers invest a lot of their own time in doing interviews, so they're hoping you do well and won't be trying to trip you up.

5. Learn from any mistakes If you aren't successful at application or interview stage, it's a good idea to ask for feedback. This can help you to understand how to improve your interview technique for the next time. Remember, every failed interview is invaluable practice for the next one.

Personal interview skills coaching is another way to improve your skills and confidence. Fiona Anderson is an independent Interview Skills Consultant with 15 years' recruitment industry experience in Financial Services, IT, Consultancy, Media, and Agency. She has conducted thousands of interviews, and has expertise in varied recruitment processes including behavioural interviews, presentations, occupational testing, and assessment centres.

Fiona now specialises in helping professional mums and dads prepare for interviews after a career break. Through personalised one-to-one coaching sessions, Fiona provides CV feedback, analyses job specs to predict likely interview questions, identifies suitable answers, and provides tips on how to prepare for and control the overall interview process. Most people only require a single two hour coaching session to dramatically improve their interview technique and confidence level.

For more information on interview skills coaching with Fiona, please visit www.anderson.gb.com.

12 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 69

Winter

Wellbeing www.nordickids.co.uk

Traditionally, Autumn has been a time to store the harvest and other resources vital to our survival in the scarcer Winter months. Thankfully, these days are long behind us; however it is still very important to think about conserving our energy, breathing slowly, deliberately and deeply, and looking after ourselves through fun, diet and exercise.

Messy Play Sessions for Children Aged 8 Months to 5 Years – at various venues around Edinburgh!

Crucial early learning All the mess without the stress Fun, exciting and safe. Precious quality time

For session details please visit our website

www.messymunchkins.co.uk To book a FREE trial session please contact

Juliet on 07876542492 or email juliet@messymunchkins.co.uk Childrens Parties and Nursery Sessions also available

There are many ways to nourish yourself at this time of year. Acupuncture, a branch of Chinese medicine, is fabulous at preparing the body for the winter months.

September and October is a time when the body’s energy of being ‘open’ in summer begins to turn inward. With the weather being warm one day and cold the next, it is the time for paying closer attention to our children’s clothing – covering them up in the sudden temperature drops. This will protect their Lung Organ energy (Chi), and stave off the cold, which can disrupt the flow leading to colds and sniffles. Sadly if their Lung Chi is attacked from outside like this, and their energy gets too low through repeated tiredness, this can turn into childhood asthma.

In the great scheme of things this should not be a problem. With appropriate diet and lifestyle, and some gentle treatment to support the young constitution, a lifetime of inhaler use can easily be prevented. It is important not to give children too much in the way of mucous forming foods such as dairy, wheat and sugar, which only exacerbate lung and skin problems (commonly eczema in Autumn). Instinctively you will be changing from cold salads to warmer nourishing foods such as soups and steamed vegetables - winter squash, winter peas, broccoli, and sweet potatoes which all support the young child’s energy and immune system at this time of year and are delicious for the whole family. So, attention to diet and a few weeks of boosting the Lung Chi with gentle acupuncture will enable your children to sail through the shortening days and prepare them for the depths of winter - or the excitement of Christmas as it’s more commonly called!

What else can we do as the temperature cools down and we start to feel chilly? If we are not careful, we find ourselves tensing up and we can start to feel stiff. Some gentle stretching is a lovely way to counterbalance this. Follow this easy Chi exercise: sit down with your legs out in front of you. Reach both arms up above your head and breathe in deeply. As you exhale, look forwards past your toes and allow your belly to come towards your thighs. Try to keep the backs of your knees straight. Stay in this position for 3 breath cycles. Then relax your body completely down over your legs, arms down on the floor by the sides of your thighs, and continue to breathe deeply, feeling your back stretch out. Only do this if it feels good.

A really fun and increasingly popular way to keep out those Wintery thoughts is to laugh. Science shows that the body and brain cannot differentiate between real and fake laughter, and it is great for releasing endorphins. Try this: start standing with your feet apart, breathe in and reach your arms into the air, hold the breath in and in, and then, as you release it, let your body come forwards all the way towards the floor, bending the knees and laugh out loud. Faking it has the same effect as real laughter, so start by making yourself laugh and see what happens. Don’t forget to try it with the kids as giggles are infectious!

The Healthy Life Centre promotes well-being.

Based in the city centre, we offer a wide range of therapies (including Acupuncture, Craniosacral therapy and Shiatsu), classes (laughter yoga is on Sundays), courses and workshops to promote allround health this Autumn and Winter.

Please see our website for more details www.thehealthylifecentre.com or phone 0131 229 0724

13 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 69

Escape the Cold Introducing the unique concept of With Luxurious Hot Oil Massages Ayurveda has become the therapy of choice throughout the western world, having originated in India 5000 years ago. An ancient health system involving diet, yoga, massage, meditation and lifestyle; Ayurveda literally translates as 'knowledge of life'.

In many parts of India, massage forms an intrinsic part of family and daily life and is held in very high esteem. As well as the feel good factor, regular massage has been shown to have profoundly beneficial effects at all stages of life, from infancy to pregnancy to elderly.

Especially popular are the profoundly relaxing and deeply restorative hot, herbal oil Ayurvedic Massage treatments, known as ‘Abyhanga’. These treatments are a great way of boosting immunity and have been shown to help fight off the common cold.

What better treat at this chilly time of year?

At KnotStressed Therapies we offer unique Ayurvedic hot oil massage treatments that are ideally suited for supporting women during and after Pregnancy. Ayurvedic massage can help to relax muscles and nerves, aid digestion, reduce stress, induce deep sleep and boost well-being.

Ayurvedic Massage is, however, suitable for everyone as each treatment is tailored according to the individual's personality, emotions and physical traits. The therapist may ask 'How are you sleeping?', 'What do you enjoy doing?', What weather conditions are you most sensitive to?'. Your answers will help define your body type according to one of the three main 'Dosha's' (constitutions): Vata (air and space), Pitta (fire and water) and Kapha (water and earth).

Did you know that if you sleep little, spend money quickly and talk a lot, you may have a 'Vata' temperament?

Or, if you are learned, of good character, spend money on luxuries but have a tendency towards anger, you’re likely have a Pitta temperament.

BabyCalmTM Classes and Workshops BabyCalmTM is a unique concept, presented through classes and workshops, helping new parents understand how to calm their baby's crying, avoid colic and aid restful sleep.

Turning crying babies and stressed parents into calmer babies and happier parents.

BabyCalmTM strive to help parents to not only calm and understand their babies, but to help them to trust their instincts and confidently make their own parenting decisions without relying on somebody else's routines or manuals. During the classes and workshops the pros and cons of different approaches are discussed so that parents can feel secure in their own informed choices and have their instincts validated.

BabyCalmTM offer 3 different Course formats, all reasonably priced, starting from only £30 for a group workshop: 1. The Antenatal Workshop – a 3hr workshop, taken during pregnancy to prepare parents to be able to welcome their baby in a calm and confident way.

2. The Colic and Crying Workshop – an emergency 3hr workshop that can be taken from birth to 12 weeks with the sole aim of helping parents to calm their baby.

3. The 4 weeks BabyCalmTM course – An 8hr course, just for mums and babies, designed to soothe babies and fill new mums with confidence.

About BabyCalmTM BabyCalmTM was founded in 2007 by Psychologist, Antenatal Teacher, Doula and mother of four Sarah Ockwell-Smith. In February 2011 BabyCalmTM was launched as a limited company and Sarah was joined by Charlotte Phillips, a mother of one, as Co-Director. Sarah and Charlotte immediately made the decision to train teachers all over the UK in response to phenomenal demand for BabyCalm’s services all over the UK, both from parents and from professionals such as Midwives, Health Visitors and SureStart Centre Managers.

BabyCalm in Edinburgh

By identifying your dosha, your therapist is able to tailor your treatment through a range of specialist massage techniques and by specifically selecting the luxurious herb-infused oil that is used, leaving you feeling nurtured and renewed - why not experience one for yourself?

My name is Anne Young and one of the first Licenced BabyCalm teachers in Scotland. I am a qualified Complementary Therapist and mother of two daughters.

There are two areas that I have a particular interest in and that is to support women through pregnancy and help support new mums and babies. I have specialised training in fertility/maternity reflexology and pregnancy massage and I’m also a qualified baby massage instructor. Frequently mums-to-be express their fears and excitement about becoming a mum – “will I be a good mum”? During baby massage classes regularly topics such as colic, sleep issues, feeding problems are discussed by the mums. The mums also feel confused by conflicting advice that they get from different sources and lack confidence in their ability and intuition as a mum.

Frances Paulo is co-Director of KnotStressed Therapies. To book an appointment contact her at frances@knotstressed.com or for more information go to www.knotstressed.com

BabyCalm for me is very special and unique; empowering parents to be confident and allowing them to trust their own abilities and intuition… leading to calmer babies and happier parents.

By contrast, someone with a 'Kapha' temperament exhibits a great deal of virility, a stable mind as well as a tendency towards weight gain.

Ayurveda believes that ill-health is caused by an imbalance in our physical, emotional or mental constitution. Each Ayurvedic treatment therefore seeks to gently bring a person's body and mind back into a healthy balance.

T HE R APIE S

14 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 69

I am offering The Antenatal Workshops, The Colic and Crying Workshops and The 4 Week BabyCalm Courses in Edinburgh.

For venues, dates and times please visit www.scents-of-wellbeing.co.uk.

Contact Anne on 07811 073 202 or anne@babycalm.co.uk The BabyCalmTM www.babycalm.co.uk

Where is my ! p l e H Off switch?

By Helena Foss Prioritise Soul Food If, like me, you regularly find yourself arriving breathlessly at Overwhelm Central, running like fury to escape the clutches of the Things To Do monster (the one that gnaws away at you during occasional idle moments or jolts you anxiously awake at 3am), then it is time to prioritise your Soul Food. Your rational mind will not think that Soul Food is necessarily ‘important’ nor ‘productive’, but your body and heart will recognise it immediately; by feeling warm and relaxed. It could be half an hour alone under a favourite tree, lunch with a close friend, singing, painting or writing just one paragraph of that novel inside you. These things nurture us – and nurturers need nurturing. Simple as that.

When I need to get my priorities straight, I use the ‘rocks and sand’ analogy. The really important things are a mix of pressing Things To Do and Soul Food – meeting an article deadline, a spot of tree hugging, my boy’s urgent dental appointment, a dance around the living room, dinner, regular exercise – are the rocks, the rest is gravelly stones or grains of sand. Pour sand in a metaphorical jar first and only a few rocks fit on top. But pop the rocks in first and all the itty bitty stuff will fit in around it. My sandy items sit on a list and will easily get done once my rocks are in place.

One of my rocks is regular meditation. I actually cannot function properly without it.

Mind the Gap There is plenty of scientific evidence today to prove that meditation and mindfulness are effective antidotes for our epidemic levels of anxiety-fuelled binge-thinking, not to mention compulsive perfectionism, beating the clock and triumphing over the panting Things To Do beast. ‘Yes,’ my epitaph might read, ‘she got things done, but did she enjoy any of it?’ It is like using every ounce of energy to scale the world’s highest peak and then keeling over at the top, too exhausted to enjoy the view. What, then, really is the point?

The point of meditation is to become mindful; to simply be aware of your thoughts, to notice them coming and going, moving through like clouds in the sky. This means you can actually choose whether to believe them or not (I’m too fat, my neighbour hates me, I’ll never be a good enough mother, you know the kind of thing). Like the British weather, some days the inner landscape of the mind is overcast, but with regular practice (it is called meditation practice for a reason), you will get moments of dropping out of the mind into the vast, expansive blue sky of nothingness, which, paradoxically, is teeming with life, creativity and potential.

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Spice Cupboard Indian cooking lessons in your own home * Learn healthy, authentic recipes in a simple manner * Acquire confidence in using different spices OR * Demonstration plus Dinner: Learn the art of Indian cooking while you and your friends enjoy a night in with a 2 course meal *Gift vouchers available SPICE CUPBOARD IS A HEALTHY ALTERNATIVE TO TAKEAWAYS

Joty B. Sharma 0131 447 4753 07976 585 055 spicecupboard@hotmail.com

It is during meditation that much of the ‘sand’ of my life quietly settles down and sorts itself out.

Switch yourself back on In fact, once you can switch compulsive thought patterns off – or at least be aware of them enough so that they calm down – you get switched on to the present moment, which is, so the sages tell us, the only thing that actually exists.

When I am really present, time itself slows right down; I am able to respond rather than knee-jerk react to situations.

The lights are on. There is someone home. You are able to truly ‘be there’. You become, in the best sense of the word, a rock – both for yourself and your family.

Mummy downtime, therefore, is good for everybody. Scheduling it onto your calendar is no longer a luxury. It is a duty.

Just like that darned tax form. www.helenafoss.co.uk

Meditation for Mums For me, the ancient practice of meditation has been the perfect solution to help me reduce stress, maintain my energy levels and be present with my daughter so I enjoy my time with her.

I have been a meditation teacher for 8 years and have seen the many benefits it has brought into my life and the lives of others. My experience as a mum for the past two years has convinced me that having happy mums means a better chance of having happy children. And so, I have created Meditation for Mums, teaching the same methods I use, in flexible daytime classes, to give mothers the chance to discover something remarkable inside themselves.

For most of us, for most of our lives, we are run by the thoughts in our mind, like puppets on a string. Happy thoughts, then we are happy. Sad thoughts, then we are sad.

But good news! We don’t need to live like that.

Let’s do a little exercise, you can’t do it wrong and you can do it only now; so try sitting comfortably with eyes closed for a couple of minutes and gently watch thoughts go by, emotions, voices, noises anything you notice, the instruction is just to be aware not forcing or controlling the quality/frequency of thoughts, just be indifferent. Did you notice anything special? Perhaps gaps between one thought and the next? Did the gap have any special quality? Maybe silence, maybe void, did you feel relaxed, what was your experience like?

By changing your relationship with your thoughts, they don’t have control over you. The result is growing peace of mind, contentment and happiness – even during the inevitable busy and stressful times. Amazing, but true.

The practise involves no belief, and is very simple to use. Details of classes can be found at www.meditationformums.co.uk or by calling 0131-466-6270. Classes are held in Edinburgh.

Whether you decide to do this or not, please believe this - Self-care isn’t selfish; you deserve to be nurtured.

Anne Young BSc RN CBMI MIFPA Mobile: 07811 073 202 Email: anne@babycalm.co.uk www.scents-of-wellbeing.co.uk 25 Inverleith Row, Edinburgh. EH3 5QH

15 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 69

A Money Sav

Christmas realFOODS Christmas Carol

www.theweetreat.co.uk

The Wee Treat is Scotland's only bodycasting studio, we specialise in creating gorgeous pieces of art from your body.

We stock fair trade and ethically sourced gifts and cards and we have a great range of quirky locally produced crafts.

140 Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh, EH10 4ER

tel: 0131 228 2025

The Wrapper, Re-Wrap-It, reusable sandwich wrap, eco friendly, reduce reuse recycle www.re-wrap-it.co.uk

Christmas is coming and the goose is getting fat, but perhaps thanks to the recession your bank balance is skinny…

Why not take a lead from the ghost of Real Foods Christmas’ past, save money in the present and have more to spend in the future buy purchasing your essential food items from Real Foods in bulk.

The past: When Real Foods first started trading in the 1970s a great many of our customers used to buy in bulk because the more you bought, the less the cost The present: Real Foods still do give you fantastic savings when you purchase loose items such as rice, pulses, dried fruit, flours and anything else we pack ourselves.

The future: You’ve saved in November by buying in bulk and in December, you’ve got a little more to spend on some of the luxury items that go into making Christmas what it is for you, your family and your friends.

How do you do it?

Get together with friends and or family so that you can spread the cost of buying in bulk, then you’ve got the buying power you need to get the lowest prices on bulk items.

For example, the price of a 1kg pack of long grain organic Italian brown rice is £2.33. If you buy a 25kg sack at £29.36, the cost per kilo comes out at £1.17. That’s half the price!

It gets better than that, not only can you buy your items in bulk at half price, you can get free delivery on any order over £10 too by making your purchases online.

You’ve just saved a lot of money by being cooperative.

Something you may not also have realised at this point is you’re also more environmentally friendly as buying in bulk is precycling and reduces the need for packaging, so give yourself a pat on the back for saving money and saving the environment.

Why not form your cooperative using Facebook and invite your friends and or family to join you. You could start a group on Facebook using the name ‘Real Family’ followed by your chosen cooperative name i.e. ‘Real Family <cooperative name> and then we’ll know who you are. Once you’ve got a group together you can add us on Facebook and you’ll get access to our bulk price list and be notified any offers or new products that would save you money as a cooperative.

Santa’s ‘sack’ just got a whole lot more exciting!

This isn’t the only way to save with Real Foods. In addition to making savings by buying in bulk, you can also get 10% on case purchases of all branded products, we have over 250 price promotions each month, 3 daily half price manager’s specials and for those with an alarm clock, the Early Bird 10% discount giving you 10% off all your full price shopping between 8am-10am weekdays, 9am-10am Saturdays and 10am-11am on Sundays.

Registration is free and easy, just ask in-store for details or go to our website: www.realfoods.co.uk/article/early-bird-discount You don’t have to be a Scrooge this Christmas if you shop at Real Foods.

Christmas doesn’t have to be a big spend Here are ten tips to keep your purse in one piece this festive season.

www.rain-shine.co.uk or call Laura on 0773 646 8147

Give your little ones the freedom to play outside whatever the weather this winter!

Our range of children’s waterproofs and snowsuits are fully waterproof and machine washable.

1. Don’t spend a penny before you work out your overall Christmas budget. Plan the season to fit your spending.

A perfect fun, family Christmas can be had on any budget. It’s only one day and it’s not worth waking up in the New Year with a thumping, debt-induced hangover.

2. Don’t shop in December – the most expensive month of the year! Doing Christmas shopping in the January sales will easily save you 50% on gifts, 70% or more if you’re getting Christmas cards.

3. Second Hand Santa – Kids don’t care if someone else had a chance to play with something awesome first. Buy toys and games at nearly-new markets, second-hand shops and websites, and save a fortune.

4. Decorate late. Start a new family tradition and wait until the last weekend before Christmas to buy your Christmas tree, at which point traders are practically giving them away. You can chop at least 50% off the price.

5. Post Early enough to make the 2nd class deadline and your savings will add up, especially with international items. The final date for 2nd class posting in the UK is the 17thDecember, with international dates starting from the 4th December. See the Last Posting Dates Tool at: www2.royalmail.com/greetings 6. Avoid luxury wrapping which loses its value in seconds as your loved-one tears through to get to the goods. Get the kids to potato-print on brown paper, or glue and glitter newspaper and magazine pages for a cheap and unique option.

7. Give photos. Photos are priceless and a joy to receive, the value far outweighing the actual cost. As well as framed snaps, you can find websites where you can upload your photos and have a calendar or hardback book made out of them, usually for around £20.

8. Have a pot-luck dinner – where each family member brings a dish on Christmas Day and together you create an amazing surprise feast for a fraction of the price. It’s not just about getting out of cooking; it’s all about sharing the joy of preparing for the big day, you can tell them.

9. Only 1 each. Buying for every niece, nephews, and third cousin adds up pretty fast. Arrange with the other adults to buy 1 or 2 presents each– collectively enough for all the children at the party - with a limit of £5 per gift. Wrap them up and put them in a large laundry basket, add tonnes of shredded newspaper and hold a lucky dip – all the kids get one present each, it’s a heap of fun, and only costs you £5 - £10!

10. Go for a walk in the woods. Pick up fir cones, nuts, berries, holly, and bare twigs.

Leave them plain or spray paint in Christmas colours. Weave in ribbon and fairy lights if you want to go for smashing authentic Yuletide decorations at a fraction of the retail price.

Wishing you fun, debt-free Christmas! Nicole Diamond is founder of The Jack & Jill Market, Where Smart Mums Sell & Save. www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk

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ing Make your own Christmas tree decorations.

This Salt Dough Christmas Tree Ornament idea has been provided by Honeypot Ceramics Salt Dough Christmas Tree Ornaments Ingredients: • • •

2 Cups Flour 1 Cup Salt 2 Cups Water

• • •

2 tsp. Cream of Tartar 2 Tbsp. Vegetable oil 1 drop. Food coloring and/or Fragrance (optional) Materials: Apron, Bowl, wooden spoon, air tight container, PVA Glue (or clear varnish), ribbon, acrylic paint, sequins, beads etc Recipe: This is a lovely activity to do with your kids – there’s plenty of measuring, pouring and cutting out even if they’re not able to safely help with the heating up and stirring bit.

1. Mix together all of your dry ingredients in a sauce pan.

2. Slowly add the water, stirring to keep lumps from forming.

You can add your food colouring/fragrance now - if only one colour / fragrance is desired.

NB: To make different colours, add the colouring/fragrances at step 5.

3. Now add your oil.

4. Heat on a medium heat, stirring regularly until mixture thickens and pulls away from sides of pan and forms a ball. Remove from heat.

5. Allow to cool, then knead until smooth.

NB: If doing multiple colours, divide the plain dough and work in your food coloring/fragrance by kneading them in. It's a good idea to put down greaseproof paper to protect your work surface from staining from the concentrated colouring.

6. Your dough is now ready to use or you can store it (in a zip lock bag or other air tight container in the fridge) NB: your dough may need to be kneaded a few minutes after taking it out again to work out stiffness from being chilled.

Decoration: You can use all sorts of shaped cutters to make your tree ornaments - don't forget to make a hole in it to thread on your ribbon! Decorate your ornaments by pressing in sequins, buttons, pasta, rice, beads, acrylic paint etc 7. Store in a warm place and let your masterpieces air dry for 48 hours 8. You can add more glitter or paint with watered down PVA glue to make them shiny (spray or paint on varnish if you have it!)

9. All you need to do now is hang them on your tree - or why not make a garland - you could even use the dough to make and decorate names places for the Christmas Table -or simply just use the salt dough to have lots of messy fun at any time

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Creative Christmas Friday 25th (1 – 5) & Saturday 26th November (10 – 12) Drop in

Christmas crafts at Honeypot Ceramics

A range of craft projects will be available each day. Price £10 per head and children can choose to do two different craft projects. From the following range: Beaded Tree Decorations, Christmas Garlands, Set of 4 beautiful Christmas Cards, Air dry clay ornaments, Decorating ‘edible’ tree decorations, Christmas Soaps or Bath Bombs. Honeypot Ceramics based at EICA, Ratho 0131 333 6348 Sunday 27th November - Calendars for 2012 Back by popular demand, personalise a calendar to make a brilliant family gift that will last all year. 2.30pm till 4.30pm. Suitable for children age 5+, price is £12 per person per class (inc snack and drink). The Imagination Workshop, 136 Marchmont Rd 0131 466 0148 Thursday 1st December Christmas Plate - Each Thursday night in December, we’ll show you how to paint and decorate your own very special ‘Christmas plate. See www.honeypotceramics.com for more information. Last day for painting pottery, to be kiln fired ready for Christmas, is Thursday 22nd December Friday 2nd December Children’s Christmas workshops at Doodles. Paint your own Santa door or window plaque. Glaze or acrylic 1-2pm £10 per session. Please call us on 0131 229 1399 to book your place Doodles, 29 Marchmont Crescent Friday 2nd (1 – 5) & Saturday 3rd December (10 – 12)

Drop in Christmas crafts at Honeypot Ceramics 1 – 5pm. A range of craft projects will be available each day. Price £10 per head and children can choose to do two different craft projects. From the following range: Beaded Tree Decorations, Christmas Garlands, Set of 4 beautiful Christmas Cards, Air dry clay ornaments, Decorating ‘edible’ tree decorations, Christmas Soaps or Bath Bombs. Honeypot Ceramics based at EICA, Ratho 0131 333 6348 Saturday 3rd December – Tree dressing, 10-11.30am Help us celebrate some of Newhailes’ wonderful trees by joining us to make some ecofriendly decorations that we can hang on the estate, or you can take them home for your own Christmas tree. Children £3, accompanying adults free, booking essential National Trust for Scotland, Newhailes, Newhailes Road, Musselburgh, East Lothian, EH21 6RY. Booking and more information on 0844 493 2124 or lothianranger@nts.org.uk Saturday 3 December, 10.30 am - 12.30 pm or 1.30 pm - 3.30 pm

Festive Feathered Friends at Lauriston Castle £4 per

adult/child. Using natural woodland materials create a colourful array of feathered creatures to adorn your Christmas tree and festive home along with some simple bird feeders for hanging outdoors. With Stephanie Walker. To secure your place, call Margaret Findlay on 0131-529-3963 or margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk.

Saturday 3rd December 10.30am -12.30pm, celebrate the lighting of our Christmas tree and create your own miniature Christmas bauble with Let’s Decorate! Take your creation home, give it as a gift or use it to decorate our lovely new learning studio. National Portrait Gallery, Queen Street Sunday 4th Dec - Christmas Tree Decorations Decopatch a bauble, Paint an angel, beaded sparkly felt heart. All classes suitable for children age 5+, price is £12 per person per class (inc snack and drink).

The Imagination Workshop, 136 Marchmont Rd 0131 466 0148 Friday 9th December

Children’s Christmas workshops at Doodles. Paint your own tea plate for Santa or granny’s treats. Glaze.

Please call us on 0131 229 1399 to book your place. Doodles, 29 Marchmont Crescent On Friday 9th December

The Imagination Workshop is 5!

They would like to invite you to a special open house afternoon of Christmas cheer.

You can decopatch a Christmas tree bauble for free and enjoy a glass of juice and a mince pie on us. We’ll be open from 12 noon until 7.30pm so drop in, sprinkle some glitter and help us celebrate five amazing years! The Imagination Workshop, 136 Marchmont Rd 0131 466 0148 Friday 9th (1 – 5) & Saturday 10th December (10 – 12)

Drop in Christmas crafts at Honeypot Ceramics A range of craft projects will be available each day. Price £10 per head and children can choose to do two different craft projects. From the following range: Beaded Tree Decorations, Christmas Garlands, Set of 4 beautiful Christmas Cards, Air dry clay ornaments, Decorating ‘edible’ tree decorations, Christmas Soaps or Bath Bombs. Honeypot Ceramics based at EICA, Ratho 0131 333 6348 Saturday 10 December, 10.30 am - 12.30 pm or 1.30 pm - 3.30 pm

A Line of Christmas Stars at Lauriston Castle £4 per adult/child. Make the most sparkly, amazing and colourful string of starry bunting to decorate your room or Christmas tree. Then make a magical 3D Christmas scene of Santa and his reindeer flying across a starry sky to decorate your Christmas table. With Tessa Asquith-Lamb. To secure your place, call Margaret Findlay on 0131-529-3963 or margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk.

Saturday 10 & Sunday 11 December Festive Forest Fun Winged tropical tree seeds are perfectly designed to glide through the air. Come and test them for yourself and use some beautiful treasures from the forest to make a festive decoration. 5+ | FREE 12.30 PM - 3.30 PM. Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Send for

Santa!

Christmas party?

Invite Father Christmas!

• He'll play some games • He'll hand out presents • He'll have a sing-song • He'll pose for photos Email: SendForSanta@hotmail.co.uk Mobile: 07754701467 / 07930852436 Facebook: ‘Father Christmas in Edinburgh’

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Creative Christmas Saturday 17th December

Christmas Artsparks

Saturday 10th – Sunday 11th December

A Royal Christmas 11:00-15:00.

Tickets: Included in the standard admission price to The Palace of Holyroodhouse. Test your knowledge of traditional Christmas customs with our quiz for all the family. Who began the tradition of sending Christmas cards? Which monarch sent the first Christmas message to the nation? Discover the answers to these questions and join us in the Palace Family Room to make some crackers and tree decorations to take home. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Tickets and visitor information are available from www.royalcollection.org.uk or 0131 556 5100.

Sunday 11th Dec - Christmas Stockings – Get ready for Santa by decorating your own felt stocking with glitter, fun fur, sequins and lots more! All classes suitable for children age 5+, price is £12 per person per class (inc snack and drink). The Imagination Workshop, 136 Marchmont Rd 0131 466 0148

This pre-Christmas Artsparks course will offer children the opportunity to transform and recycle old, unwanted toys from the bottom of their toybox into a stunning decoration. We will be making wreaths, cards and decorations inspired by artists who use everyday materials in their work such as David Mach, Shane Waltener and Douglas White. Suitable for 5 to 14 year olds. 10am to 4pm. Cost £40 per day. www.jupiterartland.org Sunday 18 December Bags of Art at the Portrait Gallery (Ages 3-12) 2-4pm. (Great Hall). Star light, star bright, help us make some winter light. Join artists Louise Fraser and Tessa Asquith-Lamb, for a glittering afternoon of lanternmaking as our popular family activity Bags of Art takes a festive holiday at the Portrait Gallery. Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Queen Street Sunday 18th December -

Christmas Crackers You can make a cracker for everyone round your Christmas table this year! Easy to do and a lovely way to make really individual crackers. All classes suitable for children age 5+, price is £12 per person per class (inc snack and drink). The Imagination Workshop, 136 Marchmont Rd 0131 466 0148 Tuesday 20 December, 10.30 am - 12.30 pm or 1.30 pm - 3.30 pm Magical Tree

Treasures at Lauriston Castle 13th December: Doodles will be having a festive party all day 10.30 –9pm as we celebrate 13 years of Doodling! Come along and enjoy a cake or mince pie and mulled wine while you paint and let us help you make some festive and unique Christmas gifts that will be truly treasured. Booking essential, p[lease call us on 0131 229 1399. Doodles, 29 Marchmont Crescent

Children’s Christmas workshops at Doodles

Friday

16th

December

Get all glittery and paint frosty the snowman or Rudi the reindeer – glaze all acrylic. 1-2pm £10 per session Please call us on 0131 229 1399 to book your place.

Doodles, 29 Marchmont Crescent

£4 per adult/child. Make traditional wooden decorations in a variety of Scottish woods to bring woodland Christmas magic to your home (some use of tools required). Decorations will be scented with oils. With Stephanie Walker.

To secure your place, call Margaret Findlay on 0131529-3963 or margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk.

Beano the Clown Magic, Balloons, Songs & Games -5s & +5s, 1hr & 2 hr,

Tel: 07948-070 569 Web: Beano.theclown.free.fr

ALSO CHECK OUT Kiss the Fish www.kissthefishstudios.com 9 Dean Park Street, Stockbridge Tel: 0131 332 8912

Ceramic Experience and www.theceramicexperience.com Ocean Drive, Edinburgh, EH6 6JB. Tel: 0131 554 4455

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A Local Christmas

Spoil your loved ones with a Christmas gift from one of the many fantastic local shops and businesses in Edinburgh!

Smallprint Capture a precious moment in time with a unique item of jewellery hand-crafted in fine silver.

Abi from Smallprint makes fine silver jewellery featuring your child's finger print, each one personally engraved. The fabulous ranges include everything from fingerprints to drawings and doodles, hand and footprints, even a handwritten name. Choose from a wide range of pendants, cufflinks, charms, keyrings and much much more; all polished to a beautiful finish. “I don't use moulds or casts, so your chosen piece has been touched by someone you love and I make everything myself, from start to finish, in my studio at home.” A wonderful gift that shows how much you care. And don't forget to treat yourself too!

To have a piece of jewellery made contact Abi for an appointment on 0774 7707527.

Check the website for events and venues where she will be taking prints www.smallp.co.uk Abi will be at the following venues, any admission charges will apply: Fri. 4th & 25th November 12 - 3pm Molly's (Ocean Terminal) Sun. 6th November 11 - 4pm Bump & Baby Fair Sun. 6th November 10.30 - 4pm Edinburgh Christmas Gift Fair (The Hub) Thurs. 10th November 9.30 - 12.30 Time Twisters

Sam Miller Sam Miller is an artist and Mum living and working in Edinburgh. She makes unique and personalised gifts, framed prints and cards, which make perfect Christmas presents. Sam loves creating new work and after her daughter began school in August she had more time to commit to this. She has now launched an online shop and has begun selling around the world.

Each piece is lovingly handmade and can be personalised to your own specifications, such as adding a name, hairstyle, or skin colour so that each image is unique and special and will be something to keep and treasure forever. Family portraits and other custom designs can also be requested. Her style is spontaneous and lively. She creates beautiful fun designs that include cute characters like a Scottish Santa, ballerinas and cheeky monkeys, all guaranteed to make you smile! Sam is constantly adding new products to her shop so do watch out for new work or contact her to discuss any custom orders. To celebrate her first Christmas as a new business she is offering a 10% discount on each purchase, use the discount code of FAMILIES at the checkout. Please take a look at sammiller.org.uk or contact sam@sammiller.org.uk

Knotstressed PictureHouse Studios Louisa Macdonell at PictureHouse Studios has achieved another Merit for the second year in a row in the Children’s Portrait Category of the UK Master Photographer Awards. Christmas Studio offers include a free mini-photoshoot for children under 16 with prints from just £30.00. www.picturehousestudios.co.uk email: info@picturehousestudios.co.uk or call 0131 553 1177

Homebakes4u Homebakes4u is one year old this month!

Fiona Hill says “sometimes it’s hard to believe that my personal passion has turned into a vibrant young business in such a short time”.

Home favourites like Carrot Cake, Chocolate Fudge Cake, Muffins and Cup Cakes are Fiona’s most popular sellers whether for birthday parties or just small family treats.

Christmas cakes were a particular success last year and orders for this festive season are already in – so please contact Fiona if you would like to order too.

To place an order or find out more please contact Fiona by e-mail at homebakes4u@aol.co.uk or phone on 0775 4093339.

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Fairtrade Organic Cotton Christmas Gift Bag for New Mum's and Dad's including £50 Voucher for a Baby Massage/Signing Course, colourful baby toy, KnotStressed babygrow and vintage Nursery Rhymes Book. Only £60 plus p+p!

Indulgent 90-Minute Massage Gift Voucher with a free Relaxing Music CD. Only £50 plus p+p! www.knotstressed.com

Rain-shine Rain-shine – want to allow your little ones the freedom to play this winter whatever the weather? Why not have a look at our range of childrens waterproofs and snowsuits. They make the perfect Christmas gift for a child who has everything – the gift of being able to play outside regardless of what mother nature might throw at us! Visit www.rain-shine.co.uk or call Laura on 0773 646 8147.

Maddie & Mark’s Shoes If you aren’t sure what to buy this Christmas head to Maddie and Mark’s Shoes for some great ideas. Cosy slippers, sparkly party shoes, toasty boots, beads, bangles, clips….too many gorgeous things to mention!

Head down to their shops in Blackhall, Bruntsfield, Buckstone or if you’re in Glasgow the shop in Silverburn Shopping Centre. www.maddieandmarks.co.uk

A Local Christmas

This Little Piggy

This Little Piggy Keepsakes captures your children's Fingerprint's, Hand/Footprints, Artwork, Hand writing and pet paw prints into fine silver. With Christmas just around the corner why not give Granny, Grandad, Aunties, Uncles, Mummy's and Daddy's a truly unique gift they can treasure forever. Keyrings, Cufflink's, Necklace's, bracelets, Golf Markers and much more. Visit me at my studio within The Happy Baby Shop, 91 The High Street, Tranent. Also available are 3D and 2D Casts. To book an appointment please call 07816 942425 or email hazeleaston@thislittlepiggykeepsakes.co.uk www.thislittlepiggykeepsakes.co.uk

Sjb Images - Free Christmas Shoot!

See the voucher on page 21 which is for a free photo shoot including a 10 x 8 photograph of your choice.

All shoots will be put on a private online gallery for you to choose your favourite. The perfect Christmas present for the family. Please call Susan to arrange your sitting on 07939 180610 or email susan@sjbimages.co.uk.

Voucher valid until 17/12/2011. www.sjbimages.co.uk

Spice Cupboard Gift vouchers for Spice Cupboard-Private Indian Cooking Lessons. Making a curry from scratch sounds daunting, but Joty Sharma from Spice Cupboard will teach you personally in your home just how easy it is to make tasty, home cooked and healthy Indian dishes for you and your family.

Prices start at £65 per 2-3 hour lesson for up to 2 people and you get to keep the recipe cards. Demonstration plus dinner. For something different, why not learn the art of Indian cooking while you and your friends enjoy a night in with a 2-course meal. Spice Cupboard will take away the pressure and provide all of the ingredients as well. Prices start at £25 per person, depending on menu choice. (Minimum 4 people). For more information, please e-mail Spicecupboard@hotmail.com or call 07976585055

Edinburgh Zoo Edinburgh Zoo has a host of unique gifts that don’t need batteries and won’t be put in a cupboard!

With our annual membership you can enjoy as many visits as they like to both Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park plus many more special benefits. With our various adoption packages, each lucky recipient will receive an adoption pack and the chance to attend some exclusive events

held throughout the year. New for Christmas 2011 is the opportunity for people to join us here at the Zoo for a keeper experience so why not make this Christmas present one to remember and have someone you love feed our lemurs or help train our rhinos! Edinburgh Zoo is home to over 1000 rare and endangered species, the UK’s only koalas, the UK’s largest chimpanzee house and lets not forget our newest residents due to arrive soon the UK’s only giant pandas. With lots to see and enjoy Edinburgh Zoo is a great day out for all the family and has something for everyone. With a fantastic gift shop, two new restaurants and 82 acres of parkland to discover time spent at Edinburgh Zoo is a time when magic moments are made.

For more information please call 0131 314 0374 or go to www.edinburgzoo.org.uk

Zigzagrapics Fifty years of scientific research has shown that newborn babies not only prefer to look at high contrast black and white images and repetitive bold patterns but that these images can help develop: • Focus and visual tracking • Concentration skills • A baby's natural curiosity For the first six months of a baby's life their eyesight is still developing and what they often need are vibrant black and white images that their eyes can 'lock' onto. These pictures have been specially designed to stimulate your baby's visual experience but also remain attractive if left on the wall. I am a retired art teacher living in the Scottish Borders and the Black and White design I created for my grand-daughter when she born was so successful that I decided to produce a series of lively pictures that are appealing to babies, children and grown-ups. www.zigzagraphics.co.uk

The Wee Treat The studio creates beautiful pieces of art from customer’s bodies and whilst it's certainly unusual it’s proving extremely popular with our customers. If you are looking for something totally unique, the casting process itself usually takes around 30 minutes, the cast is finished off to your choice, mounted and painted and ready for collection within seven days. Most people think of bodycasting as being something prohibitively expensive just for celebrities but, with prices starting at only £39, we think it's affordable for everyone.

The Wee Treat, 140 Bruntsfield Place, Tel: 0131 228 2025 www.theweetreat.co.uk

a-fotography “Your family is changing so fast, isn’t it? Your children are growing up and becoming more like adults every day.

Don’t you wish you could “freeze time” and hold these special moments of their youth and innocence forever?”

Armand Sprogis is an Edinburgh based photographer who can create a fun lifestyle session at his studio or on location. www.a-fotography.co.uk or call 0131 662 6550 for more information or a chat.

The Sleeping Beauty The creative team behind Cinderella and The Nutcracker presents a spellbinding re-telling of treasured fairytale The Sleeping Beauty. Liberally sprinkled with surprising twists and delicious wit, this magnificent version of the much-loved story features spectacular choreography, lavish sets and costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score, performed live by the Scottish Ballet Orchestra. The Sleeping Beauty will be bringing a little magic to the winter months – let Scottish Ballet cast a spell on you! Festival Theatre, Edinburgh 11 – 14 January 2012 Tickets £10-£32.50. Discounts available, contact Box Office.0131 529 6000 www.festivaltheatre.org.uk* A truly unique gift to treasure foreve Prints can be taken in your own home.

Local Family Business

Contact Hazel on 07816 942425 or hazeleaston@thislittlepiggykeepsakes.co.uk www.thislittlepiggykeepsakes.co.uk

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Christmas Markets and P And not just that…but Santa too!

Traditional German Christmas Market Mound Precinct. Thursday 24 November – Saturday 24 December. www.edinburghschristmas.com

Traditional Highland Village Christmas Market Wardie Primary School, Granton Road EH5 3NJ are hosting their annual Christmas Craft Fair on Wednesday 16th November. 7pm-9pm - Adults £2.50 (includes Glass of Mulled Wine) Children Free. Stalls include local crafters with a selection of home-produce, cards, bags, jewellery, glass ware, cupcakes and more.

Why not head along to a Christmas Shopping evening at St Thomas' church hall, Glasgow Road, on Friday November 18th, 7-9 pm. There will be lots of gift ideas, Christmas crafts for you to try your hand at and mulled wine and mince pies to enjoy. There is no charge for the event, just turn up and browse the wide range of gifts, many locally sourced and hand-made. If you are interested in having a stall at the event, please email eastcraigspta@hotmail.com'

Christmas comes early to the Edinburgh Steiner School. If you just can’t wait for the festive season to start then head down to the Edinburgh Steiner School on Spylaw Road for its annual Christmas Market.

Taking place on Saturday 19th November 2011 from 11am – 4pm, this year's Market promises to captivate the whole family. Spark your imagination with a visit to the professional storytellers or relax with a complementary therapy and unwind. Browse the unique range of stalls offering handmade crafts and Christmas gifts or tuck in to a hearty meal or delicious snack from one of the refreshment stands. Younger visitors can enjoy candle dipping, biscuit decorating and a wide range of craft activities as well as exploring the generous grounds of the school. Pupils will also be performing music and songs throughout the day to help to raise funds for the school.

With raffle prizes galore and plenty of carols to put you in the festive spirit, enjoy a fantastic day out for just £1.50 per adult and 50p per child. Edinburgh Steiner School Christmas Market, 60 Spylaw Road, Edinburgh, EH10 5BR, www.edinburghsteinerschool.org.uk

Santa’s Arrival at Dobbies Sunday 20th November, 11.30am A magical day of family fun and entertainment to celebrate the arrival of Santa to Dobbies Garden Centres. please contact your local store for specific date and time.

Santa’s Grotto at Dobbies. From Sunday 20th November. Children are invited to meet the big man in red in his very own traditional grotto. Tickets £5, advance booking is advisable. (from 5th November) Dobbies Garden World Melville – 0131 663 1941.

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East Princes Street Gardens Thursday 24 November – Wednesday 4 January. www.edinburghschristmas.com 26th November Juniper Green Nursery Playgroup Christmas Bazaar. Juniper Green community Centre (Village Hall) 1pm-3pm.

Entry £1 (or £2.50 inc Santa’s Grotto) Please come along to get into the festive mood at

Marchmont Playgroup's Christmas Fair and Ceilidh on Sunday 27th November from 2-4.30pm.

Ceilidh Kids will be providing the music and in addition there will be delicious home baking, Santa and his Grotto, Raffle, Silent Auction. Lucky Dip, Children's Games, 2nd hand toys and books so come along and join in the fun. Tickets: £4.00 per walking child (BABIES GO FREE). £2.00 per Adult. Family of 4 Ticket £10. Marchmont St. Giles Church, 1A Kilgraston Road, Edinburgh. EH9 2DW

The Real Scottish Christmas Fair: Saturday 3 Thursday 8 December. Castle Street/Princes Street.

Scottish traditional and contemporary music, samples, tastings, information, innovation and inspiration! Hot food and drinks available throughout and plenty of tempting Christmas shopping.

Saturday 3 & Sunday 4 December Santa’s Grotto (also 10th & 11th). 10 – 5pm – Come and meet Santa in his Ratho Grotto and visit the Rock Tots Playroom (the Haston suite), Price £6 (includes a visit to Santa, an hour in the playroom, Christmas gift, face painting, photo in Santa's sledge and children can make their own special bag of ‘Reindeer Food’, ready to put out on Christmas Eve, in Honey Pot Ceramics. EICA Ratho.

Santa Visits West Princes Street Gardens

Santa at Almond Valley Weekends, 3rd & 4th, 10th & 11th, 17th & 18th December plus the 23rd and 24th of December. Jolly old Santa is at home in his farmyard cottage handing out early Christmas presents.

Join in Christmas crafts, meet the animals in a special nativity scene and enjoy the magic of a traditional Christmas. www.almondvalley.co.uk On Saturday 10th December from 10 – 2 we at Edinburgh Montessori Arts School are hosting our Christmas Fair from our fantastic new building at Liberton Brae. Our Christmas event has been growing each year, with pressie stalls, children’s drama and arts activities, storytelling, tombola, games and lucky dip, relaxation for the grown ups and not to mention the yummy home baking; we are really pleased to have such a wonderful new space for this years festive fun. We are currently taking bookings from stall holders for indoor and outdoor pitches. Whether you have wares to sell or are simply in search of some Christmas spirit, come along and join us for the festivities at Mill House, Tower Mains Studios, 18N Liberton Brae, EH16 6AE. To book a stall please contact the school office on 0131 446 0777.

The Ethical Christmas Fair: Sat 10 - Sun 18 December. Castle Street/Princes Street, Enjoy a Christmas that won’t cost the earth. With everything from eco-gadgets to Fairtrade chocolate, this market is guaranteed to make your Christmas greener than ever.

Ethical and sustainable gifts, decorations and jewellery sit side by side with food and drink including curries, honey and plenty of sampling.

Edinburgh Farmers’ Christmas Market, Castle Terrace 24th December 9 – 2. A wonderful variety of the best in meat, fish, free-range eggs, cheese, seasonal fruit and vegetables, jams and honey – all direct from the farms of Scotland. Speciality meats such as venison, wild boar, wild game and even ostrich are on sale, alongside liqueurs, bread, chocolate and chutneys.

Something for everyone and straight from farm to fork.

This year, there will be a special Christmas Market on 24 December on Castle Terrace from 9am

Saturday 3 – Saturday 24 December. First visit Sat 3 Dec: 3pm. Daily from Sun 4 Dec: 11am and 4pm.

Check www.edinburghschristmas.com for further information.

to 2pm. Check www.edinburghfarmersmarket.co.uk for other dates

The Santa Toddle – Sunday 4th December A walk for the "little ones". You can raise money for your

Church Hall, Bruntsfield Place. Come along for some festive fun! Aimed at 2-5 year olds (although older siblings are very welcome) we will be having a feast of winter fun for the children: "Magical Jello" will be performing from 2.30pm-3.20pm, followed by all kinds of fun festive arts and crafts for the little ones. Refreshments and of course yummy home baking will also be available. Tickets go on sale November 14th, priced £5 per child (2 years and over)and £2 per adult and will also be available on the door on the day. We look forward to seeing you! Please contact 0131 228 2768 for more information.

favourite charity or just take part for fun. Santa arrives in Inverleith Park at 12.30pm. Come and join Santa Parade at 12.35pm. Santa Toddle 1pm. On entering (entry fee £5) the toddle each child will receive a special Santa Toddle sponsor form and number and as they complete the toddle Santa will give them a medal, certificate and Santa goody bag.

Find out more at www.challengescotland.com

Holy Corner Community Playgroup Winter Party, Sunday 11 December 2.30pm-4.30pm, Christ

Parties and Fairs (oh my!)

Christmas Bowling Parties

Baby Sensory is now an international phenomenon for

This festive period the Corn Exchange Village are running specialised Christmas parties, which can accommodate any big family looking for a different kind of celebration this year. Scrumptious buffet and prizes are amongst some of the things we can provide to make your Christmas party magical. Prices start from £11 per person and can be tailored in many ways to suit you and your family.

parents with babies 0-13 months old. It's a fun and social occasion with fantastic group activities with parachutes and bubbles to take home ideas of excercise and baby sign.

Edinburgh classes are ran by Emma-Louise Beeson are very popular, running throughout the city including; Ratho, Cramond, Corstorphine, Haymarket, Fettes, Meadowbank, new classes are coming to West and East Lothian and the borders! Christmas party sessions are open to non members and are running on 16th and 17th December booking is essential.

SPECiAL OFFER The Special offer for this issue is simple and exclusive to Families magazine readers. Off peak rates are available anytime. This includes weekends and bank holidays. So if you are stuck for something to do this holiday, look no further than some quality family bowling. We hope to see you and your family soon. Corn Exchange Village Team. Call 0131 443 0404 or Vist www.wof.uk.com for more information. Terms and conditions apply.

Send For Santa!

For many parents, Christmas parties for their children can be a nerve-racking prospect. Is Santa going to appear?

And if he does, who will get the job of dressing up and trying desperately not to be recognised?

After being asked to help out for friends on several occasions, two Edinburgh-based actors decided that they could provide a useful service to beleaguered fathers, and so 'Send For Santa' was born.

The man in red arrives unannounced, plays party games, distributes presents for you, leads a singsong, and then heads off into the night, wondering where he parked the sleigh! To find out how to bring a bit of Christmas magic to your party, get in touch with 'Send For Santa' Tel: 07930852436 or 07754701467 Email: SendForSanta@hotmail.co.uk or find us on Facebook: ‘Father Christmas in Edinburgh’

Send a Letter from Santa and support NSPCC Scotland The NSPCC’s popular annual Letter from Santa fundraising campaign is back!

The Letter from Santa initiative gives family and friends the chance to send someone special a magical letter from Santa for a suggested donation of £5.

The letter is personalised with the child’s name and confirms that Santa and his sleigh will be stopping off in their home town to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. There is also the chance to order an extra special letter for newborns, with a Baby’s First Christmas letter.

Registrations are now open so ensure you order a letter from Santa for a child (or kid at heart) you know. To find out more or to register your details, visit www.nspcc.org.uk/santa or call 0845 839 9304. The last day for postal orders is 19 December; for online orders, please check the website.

Just in case any inspiration is needed for this year’s letter to Santa Gulliver’s Toys & Gifts have given us their top toy ideas 165 Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh For Baby’s. Freddie the Firefly soft, crinkly activity toy by Lamaze. Sophie the Giraffe teething toy One year olds Push and pull along toys Musical toys - maracas, tambourine, xylophone Two year olds Sorting and stacking bricks Pretend play – play phones, kitchen sets, play tool sets Three year olds Arts and Crafts – drawing and painting easel, colouring and sticker books. Dressing up – Pirate or doctors outfit

by Melissa and Doug Four your olds. Superhero starter kit by Klutz Wiz around musical puzzles by Jumbo games Five year olds Hello Kitty bead jewellery making set by SES Charades for Kids by Paul Lamond Games Six year olds Moshi Monsters Talking Plush by Vivid Tyrannosaurus Rex Board Game by Paul Lamond Games Seven year olds Famous Five 250pc mystery puzzle and game by Paul Lamond Games, Baffle Ball Game by The Green Board Game Co Eight year olds Build your own spy science top secret intruder alarm by Kidz Lab. BrainBox The World Game by The Green Board Game Co Nine year olds 3D Make this wizard's castle by Usborne Glow in the Dark Solar System making Kit by 4M Ten year olds Romans – Conquer the World Game by the Green Board Game Co. Have the Last Word board game by Paul Lamond Games Vist www.GulliversToys.co.uk for more information on these and many more children’s toys and gifts.

23 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 69

Have a

Christmas

This year at Hamleys, St Enoch Centre, celebrate a Special Christmas by having breakfast, lunch or tea with Father Christmas!

Father Christmas and his Elves will be welcoming children from across Scotland to the finest toy store in the world, bringing a little Christmas magic to all. Every guest will have a special chat with Father Christmas himself and hear tales of Lapland and magical stories of Christmas and after some scrumptious food everyone can enjoy Christmas games, singing and best of all, get to make their very own wish list surrounded by the finest toys in the world. Just before it’s time for Father Christmas to leave, his special guests will receive a goody bag and march out to Hamleys Christmas post box to send their wish list off to the North Pole.

Taking place from Thursday 1 December to Saturday 24th December. Visit www.hamleys.com for all the times for breakfast lunch and tea. Suitable for ages 4-11years and costs £25 per child. A maximum of 15 children per booking.

The menu includes Xmas tree shaped toast, scrambled eggs, sausages etc for breakfast, Xmas tree shaped pizza, macaroni cheese, garlic bread and festive treats for lunch and tea.

I met Father Christmas at Hamleys can be booked from 4th October online only. p.s. Each little guest can bring one adult with them to attend I met Father Christmas at Hamleys. Visits last one hour and each child will have an individual chat with the Father Christmas.

So for an extra special treat take the children along to enjoy a very special meal with Father Christmas himself.

And while you’re there you can ask him for one of these fantastic toys............

TV AND FiLM iNSPiRED TOYS for a blockbuster Christmas Light Up Rapunzel Doll.

Girls can wave the wand and make Rapunzel ‘magically’ glow, wave the wand again and Rapunzel sings her iconic song from the movie accompanied with a beautiful light show. £39.

Queen Anne’s Revenge Inspired by the hugely popular Pirates of the Carribean, this Lego ship includes 7 minifigures from the film. A blow the budget buy at £130 but will surely be loved. £130 Dance Star Mickey Mickey walks, talks and dances to six different songs - he even does the Moonwalk. With cool new dance moves and 2 interactive games - you’ll be movin and groovin’ with Mickey £89 Dr Who Build your own Screwdriver Combine the sections from each of the three Sonic Screwdrivers in different ways to create your own version. With over 80 possible combinations, each with light and multiple sound effects, this is the ultimate sonic screwdriver set. Suitable for ages 5 years+ £26

Edinburgh/Lothians 0131 441 3603

24 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 69

HQ Fife 01383 62 45 99

and 3 of this year’s most wanted.......

My Keepon This little yellow robot is an internet phenomenon and set to become the latest toy craze. Tipped to be a must have toy this Christmas. My Keepon can make over 50 different sounds and it intuitively dances when music is played as well as responding to your touch! Truly a spectacle to behold! £40 Kiddizoom Twist The latest Kiddizoom camera features an innovative, unique rotating self portrait lens that allows kids to view video and photos on the integrated LCD screen as they shoot them.

The 2MP digital camera also includes a number of additional features including 5 built-in games, a 4x digital zoom, together with interactive stamps and wacky effects which can be added to digital photos and video to give that individual touch. It also comes with a voice recorder with 5 different voice changing effects.

Suitable for years 3+ £64 Lego Technik Supercar LEGO Techinic: This cool supercar is full of working features and functions, just like the real thing! Use the built-in Power Functions to open the scissor doors, extend the rear spoiler and pop the hood to reveal the V8 engine. Also features gear wheel steering, realistic suspension and moving pistons. Rebuilds into a Hot Rod. £125

25 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 69

If you have any events you would like listed free in this section please email them to editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk

All these events and more can be found on ou Until Sunday 22 January 2012 Forgotten Forests At The Gateway. 10.00 AM - 4.00 PM John Hope Gateway, ground floor. Journey into our forgotten forest, presented by Starcatchers, which will engage, entertain and ensure that some forests at least will never be forgotten. With your participation the forest will grow and evolve over time. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Wed 2, Sat 5, Wed 16, Sat 10 & Wed 30 November Explore the forgotten forest For Ages 0 – 2 And Their Adults: | 10.30 Am & 1.00 Pm (50 Mins). John Hope Gateway, ground floor. To book phone 0131 248 2981 or email forestenquiries@gmail.com then pay on the day at the Botanics Shop (£3). These unforgettable forgotten forests adventures run by Starcatchers resident artists combine creative participation and interactive performance to explore forgotten forests themes with the under fives. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Wednesday 2, 9, 16, 23 November Magic Carpet 10.30am. Our magic carpet introduces your wee ones to some of the fantastic things to see and do in our museum. Join us as the carpet visits a different gallery each week for fun activities, stories and songs. See www.nms.ac.uk/families for details of how to take part. National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street Friday 4, 11, 18, 25 November Friday Family Fun. 13:30 – 16:30 (drop in) Let out of school early? Make the most of your half-day Friday – come and have some fun with us! Every Friday afternoon during term time we’re putting on extra activities in our galleries or Learning Centre. Find out more at www.nms.ac.uk/families National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street Saturday 5 November Floaty Fairy Wings and Magic Wands. 10.30 am – 12.30 pm. £4 per adult/child. Fashion your very own fairy wings made of willow and then add precious sparkly jewels. Make your own wand too: no fairy is dressed without one! With the staff from Lauriston. To secure your place, call Margaret Findlay on 0131-529-3963 or margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk. Lauriston Castle.

Saturday 5 November, Fantastic Films, Storytelling, Drumming And Dancing At The Africa in Motion Children’s Day 11am – 5pm. Filmhouse, 88 Lothian Road & St Cuthbert’s Parish Church, 5 Lothian Road.

Join us for Africa in Motion, the UK’s largest African film festival’s dedicated Children’s Day, featuring magical storytelling, a programme of short films and animations and drumming and dancing workshops.

11am free African storytelling event hosted by Kenyan/Scottish storyteller Mara Menzies of Toto Tales. Introducing fantastic characters from history and folklore, this fun, interactive session gives a flavour of the African nations, their people and their rich cultural heritage. Suitable for children aged 2+ and their carers.

Free ticketed event (tickets available from Filmhouse Box Office).

African Films for Children, starting at 1pm (finishing at 2.45pm), is a specially curated programme of 7 films. Featuring fantastic tales of adventure, stories based on Ethiopian and Maasai folklore and short films revealing powerful messages about survival and the natural environment, the programme will delight young audiences and their families. Suitable for children aged 6+ and their carers. English subtitles will be narrated for younger viewers.

Drumming & Dancing workshops (2pm & 3.30pm) introduce young audiences to the music and rhythms of Africa . Feel the beat of the djembe drum, dance to the infectious rhythms and create your own compositions and routines in a relaxed, fun environment.

Suitable for children aged 7+ (Families welcome). Lindisfarne Hall at St Cuthbert’s Parish Church Tickets for all Children’s Day events available from the Filmhouse Box Office (0131 228 2688; www.filmhousecinema.com ). For full programme information, see the website: www.africa-in-motion.org.uk

26 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 69

While every care has been taken to compile the OUT AND ABOUT section please remember that this magazine is printed weeks ahead of the events. PLEASE call and check events with the venue to avoid any disappointment before setting out.

ur website www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk Saturday 5 - Sunday 6 November Edible Gardening and Wildlife. All Ages Free 12.30 PM - 3.30 PM. Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway. Find out how to attract friendly beasts to keep those garden pests away and how to encourage pollinating insects to make your garden even more successful. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Sunday 6th November NCT Nearly New Sale. 23.30pm at The Corn Exchange, Court Street, Haddington, EH41 3HA. Sale of children’s clothes, baby clothes, toys, books, videos, CDs, DVDs, nursery equipment, maternity wear, prams and buggies. £1 entry per adult.

To register to sell your goods at the sale either email: nearlynewsales@ncteastlothian.org.uk or call 08442 436119. Further details and conditions at: http://www.ncteastlothian.org.uk/nearlynew.htm Sunday 6th November into the Night Garden. Come along and find out where animals sleep at night time, learning about different habitats for each animal. Children can make their own animal habitat to take home. For full details on times and how to join Dobbies Little Seedlings Club please contact your local store. For further information about all events at Dobbies please visit www.dobbies.com or contact Dobbies Garden World Melville – 0131 663 1941.

Wed 9, Sat 12, Wed 23 & Sat 26 November Explore the forgotten forest. For Ages 2- 4 And Their Adults 10.30 Am & 1.00 Pm (50 Mins). John Hope Gateway, ground floor. To book phone 0131 248 2981 or email forestenquiries@gmail.com then pay on the day at the Botanics Shop (£3). These unforgettable forgotten forests adventures run by Starcatchers resident artists combine creative participation and interactive performance to explore forgotten forests themes with the under fives. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Sunday 13th November Five Sisters Zoo Visit (between 1 – 4pm). We are being visited by ‘Five Sisters Zoo’ to help raise awareness and raise funds (by donation) for their save the bear appeal. They are trying to rescue three bears, currently in an animal sanctuary in Belgium, having suffered from appalling conditions. They will be bringing some of their animals to the EICA including: Giant Sulcata (Tortoise), Bearded Dragon, Hedgehog, Royal Python and Guinea Pigs which you will be able to handle. www.honeypotceramics.com 16th November DOODLES St Andews’s Day Offer: Let us help you celebrate and commemorate our National day!

20% off all pottery painted between 16th and 30th November which has a Scottish theme! Call us on 0131 229 1399 to book your place.

Saturday 19th November Edinburgh Steiner School annual Christmas Market. 11am – 4pm. Spark your imagination with a visit to the professional storytellers or relax with a complementary therapy and unwind. Browse the unique range of stalls offering handmade crafts and Christmas gifts or tuck in to a hearty meal or delicious snack from one of the refreshment stands. Younger visitors can enjoy candle dipping, biscuit decorating and a wide range of craft activities as well as exploring the generous grounds of the school. With raffle prizes galore and plenty of carols to put you in the festive spirit, enjoy a fantastic day out for just £1.50 per adult and 50p per child. Edinburgh Steiner School Christmas Market, 60 Spylaw Road, Edinburgh, EH10 5BR, www.edinburghsteinerschool.org.uk Saturday 19 November A Lot of Allotments!

10.30am -12.30pm or 1.30pm - 3.30pm Tiny Paper Gardens to Treasure. Be inspired by the amazing glass allotment by Rachel Elliot to create your own tiny paper garden with greenhouses, rows of carrots, cabbages, flowers and bunnies. With artist Tessa Asquith-Lamb.

Booking is essential. For booking and further information, please contact Margaret Findlay at the City Art Centre on 0131 529 3963 margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk. www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk Saturday 19th November Castle Tales. 10.30 am – 12.30 pm. £4 per adult/child. Discover Lauriston Castle’s ancient hidden secrets, hear atmospheric wintry tales in the old tower house, and then create your very own coat of arms and miniature castle to take home! With the staff from Lauriston. To secure your place, call Margaret Findlay on 0131-529-3963 or margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk.

Lauriston Castle Sunday 20th November Santa’s Arrival. 11.30am.

A magical day of family fun and entertainment to celebrate the arrival of Santa to Dobbies Garden Centres. please contact your local store for specific date and time. For further information about all events at Dobbies please visit www.dobbies.com or contact Dobbies Garden World Melville – 0131 663 1941.

Sunday 20th November, 3-5pm Pirates and Princesses Party. We’ll be showing you how to make your own fabulous treasure chest or tiara. There will also be a range of pirate and princess ceramics to paint and decorate. The fun starts at 3pm Price £12 per head (includes treasure chest or tiara supplies and tea party). Booking and Pirate/ Princess outfits Essential! www.honeypotceramics.com

Sunday 20th November The Jack & Jill Market.

10.30am – 1.30pm 40 stalls bursting with quality, nearlynew baby & kids clothes, toys, buggies, bikes, equipment, etc (0-9 yrs). Come and fill up the Christmas stockings for a fraction of the retail price. West Lothian College, Almondvale Crescent, Livingston, EH54 7EP www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk From Sunday 20th November Santa’s Grotto Children are invited to meet the big man in red in his very own traditional grotto. Tickets £5, advance booking is advisable. (from 5th November). For further information about all events at Dobbies please visit www.dobbies.com or contact Dobbies Garden World Melville – 0131 663 1941.

Sunday 20 November Talking Trees Storytelling. 2.00 pm – 2.30 pm & 3.00 pm- 3.30 pm. Patrick Geddes Room, upstairs in the John Hope Gateway. Meet the Talking Trees Storytellers for their monthly session of stories of trees and travellers, magic and marvels. 5+ Free Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Tuesday 22 November Tiny Tales. 10 & 11.30am (40mins) | £6 per child | Age 6mths – 2yrs. How did Nellie the Elephant come to join the circus?! Fairies and rainbows also feature in a lovely morning of classic stories for wee ones with Robbie Fotheringham. Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. 0131 556 9579 www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk Thursday 24 November Nappuccino. 10am - 11.30am, Informal, free sessions where parents can pop in for a cuppa and a chat about nappies and see the various real nappy options on offer. Please note you can drop-in anytime between the sessions hours. Duncan Place Resource Centre, Duncan Place (just of Duke St, Leith), Edinburgh, EH6 8HW Thursday 24 November Edinburgh’s Christmas 2011 Open for business from 10am. Light Night event begins at 5.15pm. Christmas Fair, rides and Ice Rink open from 10am.

Check times and prices at www.edinburghschristmas.com Thursday 24 November Norwegian Carol Concert St Giles’ Cathedral at 7 pm. Free. The glorious architecture of the Cathedral makes a wonderful setting for some family carol singing.

Thursday 24 November Story Space. 11am (45mins) £6 per child | Age 3 – 6 years. Greyfriars Bobby and all things Doggy! Story fun featuring Edinburgh's famous canine, with storyteller Alison Galbraith.

Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street 0131 556 9579 www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk

If your child means the world to

you...

thinking of having your childrens’ portrait created.

Dear loving parent, Your family is changing so fast, isn’t it? Your children are growing up and becoming more like adults every day. Don’t you wish you could ‘freeze time’ and hold these special moments of their youth and innocence forever?

“I’m very happy and more than thankful to Armands for my familys’ photo session. I really wanted something special and emotional. This day couldn’t be more perfect, it was fun and lovely. Armand knows how to get the best result and will provide full guidance and advise. Believe me, result is worth every penny. These are our memories and not only, it’s our history to pass it onto generations.

Armands big thank you, for making my dreams come true!” Linda, Edinburgh

Give us a call to find out more information and have a chat.

Armands Sprogis

0131 662 6550

www.a-fotografy.co.uk

We CAN stop the clock. Memories are the most valuable thing we own.

27 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 69

All these events and more can be found on our 25 November – 31 December 2011 Beauty And The Beast. Royal Lyceum Theatre Christmas Show

A course for women returning to work 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 re-introduce you to today's working environment and give you guidance and support in finding work.

Sunday 27th November The Jack & Jill Market 10.30am – 1.30pm 60 stalls bursting with quality, nearlynew baby & kids clothes, toys, buggies, bikes, equipment, etc (0-9 yrs). Come and fill up the Christmas stockings for a fraction of the retail price. Meadowbank Leisure Centre, London Rd, Edinburgh, EH6 7AE www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk Sunday 27 November Super Sundays. 12:00 – 16:30 (drop in). Ahoy, Admiral! A day of activities to celebrate our Admiral Cochrane special exhibition. National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street Sunday 27th November 2.00 – 4.30pm Marchmont Playgroup's Christmas Fair and Ceilidh. Tickets: £2 per adult, £1 per child (babies go free). Family ticket £5.

Tickets are available on the day or in advance by contacting Silke Heinrich at silkeheinrich@web.de

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. Our next course will start in January 2012.

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

A merchant who has fallen on hard times stumbles upon a castle and angers the beast who lives within. He is dutybound to return or send another in his place and, though she’s scared, brave Beauty vows to honour her father’s word and face the terrible monster. As the pair gradually overcome their differences and become friends, the malevolent witch Crackjaw plots and schemes to defeat all that is good and pure. Can Beauty and the Beast stop her evil plan, and prove that love really does conquer . Featuring Ruth Milne as Beauty and Andrew Rothney as The Beast.

Tickets :£10-£24. Childrens Tickets Half Price!

Family tickets just £60 ( Book four Stalls tickets for just £60 as long as at least one of the seats is for an Under 18). Booking information: Box Office: 0131 248 4848. Groups 8+ 0131 248 4949 Online: www.lyceum.org.uk/beauty Saturday 26 - Sunday 27 November Edible Gardening and Composting. 12.30 pm - 3.30 pm Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway. Find out how to make good quality compost that will help your garden flourish and how composting can reduce the rubbish you send to landfill. Meet the worms that can help you! Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

29 November – 7 January ALADDiN – stunning new pantomime for Brunton Theatre. Aladdin is a stunning new pantomime written especially for Brunton Theatre audiences and is suitable for all ages. In ancient Peking, in the little known Scottish enclave of Musselburgh, only one boy can help the evil Abanazar find the magic lamp that will make him the most powerful warlock in the world. That boy is Aladdin. However, Aladdin couldn't care less about such things; he only has eyes for the beautiful Thistle Blossom, the bonniest lass in the land. The problem is he's just the son of a common washer woman while she's a Princess. Worse, her harridan of a mother, the Empress, has sworn to behead any man who dares gaze upon her darling daughter.

Meanwhile, Aladdin's mammy, Widow Twanky, is skint and struggling to keep the family laundry open.

Will Aladdin realise the danger that Abanazar poses? Will he be able to win the heart of the beautiful Princess Thistle Blossom without losing his head? And will he be able to save the family steamie? Well, with the help of his silly brother Wishee Washee, a magical flying carpet and the mysterious Genie of the Lamp, he might just.

Tickets are available now from Brunton Theatre Box Office on 0131 665 2240 or www.bruntontheatre.co.uk Peak performances £16.00 (£13.00), family £56; Offpeak performances £13.75 (£10.75), family £47; Schools £6.00 ELC, £6.50 other

26th November Concert For Trees 7.30pm An inspiring and fun evening of music, poetry and dance for all the family exploring the enchanting and magical world of woods, the lungs of the earth. For further information and ticket prices please visit www.usherhall.co.uk or call the Box Office on 0131-228 1155 Saturday 26 November Drawing With Light With artist Michael Craik. Booking is essential for all events.

For booking and further information, please contact Margaret Findlay at the City Art Centre on 0131 529 3963 margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk. www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk From Saturday 26th November Breakfast with Santa Join Santa for a special breakfast.Tickets £9.95 per child.

Advanced booking is advisable. For further information please visit www.dobbies.com or contact Dobbies Garden World Melville – 0131 663 1941.

Saturday 26 or Sunday 27 November A Family Edwardian Christmas. 10 am -12.30 pm. £6 per adult/child. Visit Lauriston at Christmas time for a look back to how the Edwardians celebrated the festive season 100 years ago. Discover the Edwardian toys under our beautiful tree, play fun parlour games, watch a very special Magic lantern show, then in the old castle kitchen make a traditional Christmas craft. With the staff from Lauriston.

To secure your place, call Margaret Findlay on 0131529-3963 or margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk.

Lauriston Castle

28 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 69

30 November – 2 December Sinbad the Sailor.

Come along and join in the fun at St Serf’s annual panto with Cheeky chimp and Clumsy camel. Wed 30th Nov to 2nd Dec at 7:30pm and 3rd Dec at 2pm and 6:30pm. Tickets are only Adult £7, U18 £3 and family (2A+2C) £17. St Serf’s Church Hall, Clark Road, Edinburgh – see www.stserfsplayers.org.uk. Group discounts available.

0131 249 4899.

Thursday 1st - Saturday 24th December Join in the Christmas magic at Hamleys, St Enoch Centre this December by having Breakfast, Lunch or Tea with Father Christmas! www.hamleys.com Fri 2, 9, 16 December Friday Family Fun 1.30 – 4.30 (drop in). Let out of school early? Make the most of your half-day Friday – come and have some fun with us! Find out more at www.nms.ac.uk/families National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street

website www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk 3 December – 22 January Cinderella. The King’s pantomine is an Edinburgh Christmas tradition, and Cinderella is surely the greatest panto of them all.

This spellbinding show is packed with laughs and spectacle, including a finale that features real Shetland ponies. Tickets, with concessions and group discounts available for selected performances can be booked on 0131 529 6000 or www.kingstheatre.org.uk Saturday 3 & Sunday 4 December Dance Base Christmas Show. Watch our dancers for the autumn term unleash their inner starlet. This is the time for them to shine in our fabulous (now legendary) Dance Base Christmas Show, back at the lovely Queen’s Hall. It’s always huge showbiz fun and a great buzz for everyone performing. More information will come through Dance Base’s d-mail as the winter approaches. Sign up for d-mail to stay informed at www.dancebase.co.uk.

Saturday 3 - Sunday 4 December Fantastic Forests. 12.30 pm - 3.30 pm Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway. Celebrate National Tree Week with staff from Forest Research and Forestry Commission Scotland. Enjoy a range of hands on activities celebrating the 2011 International Year of Forests. 5+ Free. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Saturday 3 December Explore the Forgotten Forest . 10.30 am & 1.00 pm (50 Mins) John Hope Gateway, ground floor. To book phone 0131 248 2981 or email forestenquiries@gmail.com then pay on the day at the Botanics Shop. Ages 0 – 2 and their adults. These unforgettable forgotten forests adventures run by Starcatchers resident artists combine creative participation and interactive performance to explore forgotten forests themes with the under fives. £3 Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

3rd December Tree Dressing, 10 -11.30am. Help us celebrate some of Newhailes’ wonderful trees by joining us to make some eco-friendly decorations that we can hang on the estate, or you can take them home for your own Christmas tree. Children £3, accompanying adults free, booking essential. National Trust for Scotland, Newhailes, Newhailes Road, Musselburgh, East Lothian, EH21 6RY. Booking and more information on 0844 493 2124 or lothianranger@nts.org.uk From 3 December Scottish National Portrait Gallery Opening Events. Celebrate the reopening of the new-look Portrait Gallery with an exciting programme of weekend events for families in December: The Portrait Gallery is now much more family friendly, with a larger café area, a ramp at the entrance for buggies and wheelchairs, a huge glass lift and a fantastic new learning centre. A suite of dynamic new gallery trails have been created for explorers of all ages.

Simply pick one up and begin your gallery adventure! Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Queen Street, Edinburgh Saturday 3 December Let's decorate! (Ages 3-12) 10.30am-12.30pm. (Education Studio).

Celebrate the lighting of our Christmas tree by creating your own portrait bauble inspired by the Campbell of Glenorchy Family Tree and our amazing collection of miniatures. Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Queen Street

The French Fancies Coffee, Tea, Home-made Patisserie

Saturday 3 December Festive Feathered Friends. 10.30 am - 12.30 pm or 1.30 pm 3.30 pm. £4 per adult/child. Using natural woodland materials create a colourful array of feathered creatures to adorn your Christmas tree and festive home along with some simple bird feeders for hanging outdoors. With Stephanie Walker. To secure your place, call Margaret Findlay on 0131-529-3963 or margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk. Lauriston Castle Saturday 3 December, 3.30-4pm Craigentinny Primary School Choir. (Great Hall). Gather around the Christmas tree for a special, family festive concert, featuring the children's choir at Craigentinny Primary School. Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Queen Street Saturday 3 – Saturday 24 December Santa Visits West Princes Street Gardens First visit Sat 3 Dec: 3pm. Daily from Sun 4 Dec: 11am and 4pm.

Check www.edinburghschristmas.com for further information.

Saturday 3/Sunday 4 December Santa’s Grotto (also 10th & 11th) 10 – 5pm – Come and meet Santa in his Ratho Grotto and visit the Rock Tots Playroom (the Haston suite), Price £6 (includes a visit to Santa, an hour in the playroom, Christmas gift, face painting, photo in Santa's sledge and children can make their own special bag of ‘Reindeer Food’, ready to put out on Christmas Eve, in Honey Pot Ceramics. EICA Ratho.

3rd & 4th, 10th & 11th, 17th & 18th December plus the 23rd and 24th of December.

Santa at Almond Valley Weekends. Jolly old Santa is at home in his farmyard cottage handing out early Christmas presents. Join in Christmas crafts, meet the animals in a special nativity scene and enjoy the magic of a traditional Christmas. www.almondvalley.co.uk Sunday 4th December The Santa Toddle – A walk for the "little ones".

You can raise money for your favourite charity or just take part for fun.

Santa arrives in Inverleith Park at 12.30pm. Come and join Santa Parade at 12.35pm.

Santa Toddle 1pm. On entering (entry fee £5) the toddle each child will receive a special Santa Toddle sponsor form and number and as they complete the toddle Santa will give them a medal, certificate and Santa goody bag. Find out more at www.challengescotland.com

Patisseries, Delicacy, Aromatised Oil, Jams, Terrines and Saucissons Tea Cosy & so much more!

We CATER for ALL OCCASION : Party, Birthday, Business Reunion... We have a selection of GIFT BASKETS to please everyone.

Come and enjoy our best selection of Loose Leaf Tea or a Coffee in a cosy atmosphere, with a home-made French Pastry ! Or a quick lunch ? We have a small playing area

thefrenchfancies@gmail.com 42 London Street EH3 6LX Edinburgh

0131 558 1002.

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All these events and more can be found on our Sunday 4 December Meet the Ancestors - The Great Portrait Breakout! Join a host of characters from Scottish history as they come to life and break out of the gallery in a colourful festive pageant to launch our new monthly family programme – Meet the Ancestors! Drop in from 1pm and transform yourself into a walking, talking portrait or your favourite character from Scottish history. From 2.30pm, fall into line beside Mary Queen of Scots, Thomas Carlyle, Viking invaders and many more besides. How far will they get?

You'll have to join in to find out! Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Queen Street, Edinburgh Sunday 4 December, 1-4pm Art Cart at the Portrait Gallery (Ages 3-12). (Education Studio). Art Cart is taking a festive holiday at the Portrait Gallery this month. Take part in craft activities and transform yourself into a walking, talking portrait or your favourite character from Scottish history then join in with our festive pageant. Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Queen Street 4th December Winter Wonders 10-11am. Take a walk with the Ranger around the estate to see what our wildlife is up to at this time of year – a fantastic way to escape the pressures of the season for a little ecotherapy.Adults £2, children £1, booking recommended National Trust for Scotland, Newhailes, Newhailes Road, Musselburgh, East Lothian, EH21 6RY. Booking and more information on 0844 493 2124 or lothianranger@nts.org.uk Sunday 4 December Christmas Carols 1.00 pm & 2.30 pm. John Hope Gateway from 1 pm to 1.45 pm and in the Palm House from 2.30 pm to 3.15 pm. Enjoy Christmas Carols from a group of talented singers who will add a warm Christmas atmosphere. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Wednesday 7, 14, 21 December Magic Carpet 10.30am. Our magic carpet introduces your wee ones to some of the fantastic things to see and do in our museum.

Join us as the carpet visits a different gallery each week for fun activities, stories and songs.

See www.nms.ac.uk/families for details of how to take part.

National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street

Wed 7, Sat 10 & Wed 21 Dec Christmas in The Forgotten Forest. 10.30 Am & 1.00 Pm (50 Mins) For Ages 2- 4 And Their Adults: John Hope Gateway, ground floor. To book phone 0131 248 2981 or email forestenquiries@gmail.com then pay on the day at the Botanics Shop. It’s Christmas in the forgotten forest. Join the Starcatchers resident artists for festive forgotten forests adventures combining creative participation and interactive performance for the under fives. £3. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Sunday 11 December Portrait Detectives - Festive Special (Ages 3-12) 2-4pm. (Reformation Gallery).

Welcome the Portrait Detectives to their new home. Pick up a kit, follow clues and solve a crime from Scottish history.

Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Queen Street

10 – 11 December, 11:00-15:00 A Royal Christmas Included in the standard admission price to The Palace of Holyroodhouse. Test your knowledge of traditional Christmas customs with our quiz for all the family. Who began the tradition of sending Christmas cards? Which monarch sent the first Christmas message to the nation? Discover the answers to these questions and join us in the Palace Family Room to make some crackers and tree decorations to take home. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Tickets and visitor information are available from www.royalcollection.org.uk or 0131 556 5100.

Saturday 10 - Sunday 11 December Festive Forest Fun. 12.30 pm - 3.30 pm Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway. Winged tropical tree seeds are perfectly designed to glide through the air. Come and test them for yourself and use some beautiful treasures from the forest to make a festive decoration. Free. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Saturday 10 & Sunday 11 December Come Draw with Light and Make a Cyanotype Picture to Take Home (Ages 8+) 10.30am; 11.15am; 12pm; 12.45pm; 2.15pm; 3pm; 3.45pm; 4.30pm. (Education Studio). Create a blue and white photograph without a camera in just half an hour using a Victorian process invented by John Herschel in 1842. Led

by Sian Hughes. Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Queen Street Saturday 10th December Edinburgh Montessori Arts School Christmas Fair. 10 – 2 we at are hosting our Christmas Fair in our fantastic new building at Liberton Brae.

Our Christmas event has been growing each year, with pressie stalls, children’s drama and arts activities, storytelling, tombola, games and lucky dip, relaxation for the grown ups and not to mention the yummy home baking; we are really pleased to have such a wonderful new space for this years festive fun. We are currently taking bookings from stall holders for indoor and outdoor pitches. Whether you have wares to sell or are simply in search of some Christmas spirit, come along and join us for the festivities at Mill House, Tower Mains Studios, 18N Liberton Brae, EH16 6AE. To book a stall please contact the school office on 0131 446 0777.

Saturday 10 December, 12.30-1pm Dholki Drumming and Sikh Dancers. Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Queen Street

Why not pop in to paint some ceramics and let the children burn off energy in our soft play. We are the perfect venue for birthday parties, school outings, Cubs, Brownies and Hen parties. We have hundreds of ceramics to choose from for some painting fun and there is no need to book.

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Saturday 10 December Warming Tales for Weary Travellers (Ages 3-12). 2pm & 3pm. (Library). Take shelter from the cold and join us in our cosy library to hear stories that have journeyed to Scotland from all over the world. Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Queen Street

Sunday 11 December Festive Frolics! 12:00 – 16:30 (drop in) Christmas crafts and choir concerts. National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street Sunday 11 December The Great Edinburgh Santa Run. West Princes Street Gardens, by the Ross Bandstand. Start time - 11am, registration opens from 9am. Entry £12.50 adults – includes Santa Suit to keep; £7.50 children - includes an Elf Hat to keep. Register at www.thesantarun.org.uk Sunday 11 December Talking Trees Storytelling 2.00 pm - 2.30 pm & 3.00 pm - 3.30 pm. Patrick Geddes Room, upstairs in the John Hope Gateway. Warm your heart with winter tales from the Talking Trees Storytellers.

Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh 13th – 16th December Sleeping Beauty by Telford College. Come and join us down at North Edinburgh Arts for the fabulous fairy tale of Princess Paris of Pilton, the beautiful girl who falls under the spell of the wicked fairy of Ferry Road, who puts everyone in Muirhouse to sleep for a hundred years! Tuesday 13th 10.30am & 2pm, Wednesday 14th 10.30am, 2pm & 7pm, Thursday 15th 10.30am, 2pm & 7pm and Friday 16th December at10.30am. Cost: £2.50/£2 concessions/£1.50 good neighbours. Age: 5 – 12 (and those who would still like to be) North Edinburgh Arts, 15a Pennywell Court,Edinburgh, EH4 4TZ. Tel: 0131 315 2151 Tuesday 13 December Tiny Tales. 10 & 11.30am (40mins) | £6 per child | Age 6mths – 2yrs Wintry tales and warming music with storyteller Mio Shapley.

Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street 0131 556 9579 www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk

website www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk Wednesday 14 & Saturday 17 December Christmas in The Forgotten Forest. For Ages 0 – 2 And Their Adults: 10.30 am & 1.00 pm (50 mins). John Hope Gateway, ground floor.

To book phone 0131 248 2981 or email forestenquiries@gmail.com then pay on the day at the Botanics Shop. It’s Christmas in the forgotten forest. Join the Starcatchers resident artists for festive forgotten forests adventures combining creative participation and interactive performance for the under fives. £3. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Thursday 15 December Story Space. 11am (45mins) | £6 per child | Age 3 – 6 years Christmas fun and games with storyteller Anne Pitcher, back by popular demand after rave reviews! Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. 0131 556 9579 www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk Friday16 December Diana Hendry: The Very Snowy Christmas. 2 & 3pm (30mins) | £5 per child | Age 3 – 7 years. Author Diana Hendry presents a selection of tales from her The Very… series, including The Very Snowy Christmas (live on 23/24 Dec).

Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street 0131 556 9579 www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk Saturday 17 - Sunday 18 December Edible Gardening Christmas Fun. 12.30 pm - 3.30 pm Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway. Join the Edible Gardening team for festive fun and seasonal activities. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh From Saturday 17 December The Sleeping Beauty Treasure Trail. You can follow a special treasure trail through the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh to discover objects linked to our fairytale production. Let Scottish Ballet cast a spell on you! National Museum of Scotland

Sunday 25 December Happy Christmas!

Wednesday 28th December Forty Winks.

Follow the Fairies...with Scottish Ballet Watch, learn and dance: the perfect way for families to discover the magic of ballet. Follow our fairies into the dream world of The Sleeping Beauty. Multiple workshops are being held for each age group to ensure you have the best chance of a place in the class. Participants only need to take part in one workshop - pick a time which best suits you!

Please note that workshops take place at the National Museum of Scotland 10.15 -11.00am - Parent & toddler class (3-4 years), 11.15am - 12noon - Parent & toddler class (3-4 years), 1.15 - 2.15pm - 5 - 6 years 2.45 - 3.45 - 5 - 6 years Thursday 29th December 10.15 - 11.15am - 5-6 years, 11.30am - 12.30pm - 5 6 years, 1.15 - 2.45pm - 7 - 9 years, 3.15 - 4.45pm - 7 - 9 years Wednesday 4th January 10.15 - 11.00am - Parent & toddler class (3-4 years), 11.15am - 12noon - Parent & toddler class (3-4 years), 1.15 - 2.45pm - 7-9 years, 3.15-4.45pm - 7-9 years Thursday 5th January 10.15 - 11.15am - 5 - 6 years, 11.30am - 12.30pm - 5 - 6 years, 1.15 - 2.45pm - 7 - 9 years, 3.15 - 4.45pm - 7 - 9 years Workshop booking details Workshops costs £6. The capacity for all workshops is 16, with the exception of the parent and toddler which can accommodate 12 pairs ie 12 toddlers with a parent/carer. Tickets can be booked through the National Museum of Scotland from early November.

Sunday 18 December Talking Trees Storytelling. 2.00 pm - 2.30 pm & 3.00 pm - 3.30 pm. Patrick Geddes Room, upstairs in the John Hope Gateway. Join the Talking Trees for Wednesday 11 – Saturday 14 January The Sleeping Beauty. Choreography – Ashley tales of deepest winter and Christmas. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh 5+ Free Page. Music – Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Design – Antony McDonald. The creative team Sunday 18 December Bags of Art at the Portrait Gallery (Ages 3-12). 2-4pm. (Great behind Cinderella and The Nutcracker presents a spellbinding re-telling of treasured fairytale Hall). Star light, star bright, help us make some winter light. Join artists Louise Fraser and Tessa The Sleeping Beauty. Princess Aurora is born into a magical world where mortals mix with Asquith-Lamb, for a glittering afternoon of lantern-making as our popular family activity Bags of Art the fairies of the enchanted forest. Cursed by a jealous fairy fallen from grace, Aurora falls takes a festive holiday at the Portrait Gallery. Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Queen Street into an enchanted hundred-year slumber from which she can only be woken by true love’s Friday 23 December The kiss. Liberally sprinkled with surprising twists and delicious wit, this magnificent version of Very Snowy Christmas. the much-loved story features spectacular choreography, lavish sets and costumes, and 1 & 3pm and Sat 24 Dec Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score, performed live by the Scottish Ballet Orchestra. The 10.30am (55mins)£7/£5 - Sleeping Beauty will be bringing a little magic to the winter months – let Scottish Ballet cast Family Ticket £15 (4 a spell on you! Tickets £10-£32.50. Discounts available, contact Box Office. Box Office people)Age 3 – 7 years. The 0131 529 6000 Booking Online www.festivaltheatre.org.uk perfect gift for Christmas! It's the night before Christmas and Big Mouse and Little Mouse are putting up decorations.

Little Mouse scampers out to search for holly but finds big white flakes falling from the sky.

"Goodness me!" he cries.

"The Sky is coming undone!"

Blunderbus Theatre Company present a magical, musical winter's tale based on the bestselling book by Diana Hendry complete with live music, beautiful puppets and a stunning snowy set which comes to life before your eyes. A charming festive tale to warm even the coldest of hearts. Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. 0131 556 9579 www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk Saturday 24 December Stories Round The Tree 1 & 3pm (50mins) | £4/£3 - Family Ticket £10 (4 people) | Age 4+. The Centre's popular festive session of seasonal storytelling returns! Magical wintry tales from storyteller and puppeteer Sylvia Troon plus a Nativity story from Donald Smith guarantee Christmas storytelling magic for all. Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street 0131 556 9579 www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk

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