MADE (Mums and Dads Edinburgh) Jul/Aug 2015 by MADE (Mums and Dads Edinburgh) magazine

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THIS SCHOOL YEAR WILL BE DIFFERENT Berries on the BBQ!

SUMMER SUMMERCAMPS CAMPSFOR FOR2015 2015

July 6th-August 14th... see website forfor full details: www.excel-sports.co.uk July 6th-August 14th... see website full details: www.excel-sports.co.uk T E N N I S | FO OT B A L L | R U G B Y | H O C K E Y | C O M P U T E R X P LO R E R S | A R T & M O R E . . .

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welcome Contributors We asked some of the MADE team for their favourite things about summer...

Heidi Scrimgeour (pages 15-17 )

Having no packed lunches to make or school uniforms to iron (ok, I never iron them anyway).

Andrea Zanin (pages 49-51)

Other than parks and Pimms, not having to dress my three small children like the Yeti every morning is well up there on the Favourite-O-Metre.

Marie Irvine BBQs with my husband’s freshly caught trout - well at least the “ones t hat didn’t get away”.

contact facebook.com/MADEmag

Summer is my absolute favourite time of the year. I was born to live in the sun. I love dining (and wining) al fresco, I love going on holiday, I love not having the mad morning rush, I love visiting new places and most of all…I love not wearing socks! So, unsurprisingly this edition has become an extension of all my favourite things; with BBQ and picnic ideas, some rather clever travel products and masses of things to keep you occupied all summer long – whether it’s at the Festival Fringe or day-tripping your way over Scotland, we’ve got it covered. And then, when the summer holidays do come to an end, sigh, we’ve got Heidi Scrimgeour with her tips to keep us sane when the morning school rush begins all over again (sigh). Make the most of the summer, and see you out and about.

Louise x Editor & Publisher Louise Wilson Sales Executive

Caroline McClean

Online Events

Lesley Keany

Writers

Heidi Scrimgeour, Andrea Zanin

Columnists

Kirsty Nicholls, Edinburgh for Under Fives

Agony Aunt

Jojo Sutherland

Designer

MAMi Designs

Cover

Morph ©Aardman Animations Ltd

Printer

Stephens & George

MADE, PO BOX 28825, Edinburgh, EH14 9BA T: 07738 068022 • E: mademag@live.co.uk www.mademagazine.co.uk

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

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Contents july / august

22 6 News

12 Competitions

6 chances to win!

Today’s Princess Culture

This school year will be different

By Andrea Zanin

By Heidi Scrimgeour

Berries on the BBQ!

Pick your own with a twist

MADE for travel

Perfect products for packing

Balanced Chromosome Translocation

Mum’s New World

One mum’s story…

What you really need to know!

Shopping

Summer day trips

Back to School

Where will you go?

Sport

Mummy’s gone a bit parental!

Edinburgh Leisure answers your questions…

By funny mummy Harriet Beveridge

Health

32 Diaries

Hypopressives

Get the most from July & Aug

Food

Family Festival Fringe

The Pantry summer recipes

Top shows for all ages

Trust Jojo

If you need advice…

made JULY / AUGUST 2015

Out & About 66 Tried & Tested

Turtle Tots on trial…

news Excel this summer

Go on a journey Collins Picture Atlas and Collins Children’s World Map are the perfect way to introduce children aged 4-8 to the countries of the world and their colourful cultures. Beautiful illustrations and fun, fascinating facts take children on a journey of discovery, ideal for home learning whilst developing essential reading skills. www.collins.co.uk

Summer fun is all they do at Excel Sports Academy! When the weather is hot out come the water pistols, water bombs and ice lollies! Other times they are playing tennis, judo, football, having art and computer lessons, making movies for the Friday prize giving or writing music for the rock concert. Excel is managed by PE Teachers and run by aspiring PE Teachers and sports specialists and they use the fantastic facilities at St George’s School. Excel runs 8am-6pm, is for children 5-15 years and childcare vouchers are accepted. They were completely full last year so book quickly at www.excel-sports.co.uk

Community Kabin Open for over four years, The Kabin is a community focused charity that provides space and facilities for local services and activities complementing existing provision in Loanhead and helping to meet the needs of local people. Climate Challenge Funding will allow them to run more activities such as growing vegetables, composting, monthly cooking workshops and cycling & bike repair workshops, along with monthly film screenings to help raise awareness and reduce local carbon emissions. To receive 10% DISCOUNT off all Kabin parties booked in July just quote ‘MADETOPARTY’

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Boogie on down! FREE

Ice Cream!

Boogie Beat Music & Movement is great fun for pre-school children. Classes are based on traditional nursery rhymes and classical fairy tales combined with a lively and active dance twist. Themes include Jack and the Beanstalk, the Gingerbread Man, and 3 Little Pigs. Come to class and meet Giggles the Boogie Beat monkey and experience the magic for yourself. Classes in Barnton, Ravelston, Ratho, Morningside and Stirling. Also available for parties and workshops in nurseries. www.boogiebeat.co.uk

The family-run eatery, Mercat Grill near Musselburgh is offering every school child plus siblings a free ice cream when they order a fresh, tasty lunch from the children’s menu during the summer holidays (Mon-Thur until 19 Aug). The little munchers just need to be accompanied by at least one parent/carer also ordering lunch. To book call 0800 124 4112 and quote ‘Ice Cream Offer’.

School shoe shopping made simple at

Maddie & Mark’s

With summer upon us, why waste a moment worrying about school shoes when Maddie & Mark’s Shoes have got it sorted. Not only have they got an amazing range to choose from (with sizes right up to a 42/UK 8), and assistants who are expertly trained in getting the right fit, they also offer appointments so you never have to queue for your school shoes again! Don’t waste a minute, book your appointment now – Portobello 0131 657 6333, Blackhall 0131 315 3322 or Bruntsfield 0131 447 9779. www.maddieandmarks.com

made JULY / AUGUST 2015

news All about books

Summ Holid

An A-Star summer

This summer A-Star Sports is running their camps in Fairmilehead Parish Church, Reid Memorial Church, Leith Scout Hall and Glencourse Centre, Auchendinny from 9am – 1pm. W/C 6 JULY Each session only costs £16 and includes sports, Colintongames, Church Hall (EH13) arts & crafts, snacks and drinks. To book andW/C for13,information 20 & 27 July (3 weeks) Reid Memorial Church (EH9) about special offers contact Brian via W/C 3 AUGUST brian.droudge@a-starsports.co.uk Leith Scout Hall (EH5) W/C 3 AUGUST Glencorse Centre, Auchendinny (EH26)

Dragon softplay arrives!

Sports, fun & games, arts & crafts, snack & drink provided

The Edinburgh International Book Festival (15th – 31st Aug) has over 200 events in the Baillie Gifford Children’s Programme, featuring authors such as Catherine Rayner, Julia Donaldson, Eoin Colfer, Frank Cottrell Boyce, Matt Haig, Sally Gardener and Francesca Simon with readings, workshops, debates and discussions featuring stories, pictures, and real life adventure. www.edbookfest.co.uk

The new Jabberwocky soft play For booking form, please conta and café in the picturesque town of T: 07876 021073 Haddington, East Lothian, is already a E: brian.droudge@a-starsports.c big success. Named for the dragon in F: /AStarSports.EdinburghSE.Eas Lewis Carroll’s ‘Through the Looking www.a-starspor Glass’, the amazing dragon-shaped play frame is only 25 minutes from Edinburgh, an easy drive along the A1. It’s located right in the centre of the town, opposite the John Gray Centre Museum and Library. Jabberwocky specialises in keeping parents as happy as their children, with excellent coffee, home-made cakes and soups, Wi-Fi and a relaxed atmosphere. An enormous model dragon on the ceiling delights small visitors! The function room for children’s parties is already used by other child-centred groups/ activities, with more to follow… www.jabberwockysoftplay.co.uk kinghorncreative.co.uk

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Living better every day Murad has chosen The Prince’s Trust as the brand’s first charity partner in the UK. Murad is proud to support their efforts to help and inspire disadvantaged young people to achieve their dreams and get into vital education, employment or training, and will offer a special edition Prince’s Trust version of their hero skincare product Rapid Collagen Infusion in the UK. With every one sold, £10 will be donated to The Prince’s Trust. (RRP £65). Available from www.murad.co.uk, and John Lewis in Edinburgh.

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news Cheeky Monkeys Join Monkey Music and Cheeky Chefs this summer as they sail off on a Pirate and Princess adventure, and go deep into the jungle on an animal adventure. Their themed summer workshops are packed with singing, dancing and instruments delivered by Monkey Music, before cooking up a storm with Cheeky Chefs; creating yummy goodies to take home. Workshops are two hours and include a snack for each child. Fancy dress is encouraged. Workshops take place at Boroughmuir Rugby Club on Saturday 11th July (9.30am and 1pm) - Pirates and Princesses. And Saturday 18th July (9.30am and 1pm) - Animal Adventure. Book via www.bookitbee.com

Cheeky Chefs

Wonderful parties As a mother of four and a former primary school teacher, Kirsty Herriot, Director of A Wonderful World of Parties, knows exactly how to keep children interested, educated and entertained. Kirsty loves making children’s wishes come true, creating magic for them and sharing their sense of wonder for everything make-believe. She creates and hosts imaginative parties, designed in amazing detail to suit whatever theme your child will love. Kirsty also runs Make a Memory experiences which are adored by children and parents alike, with a photobook available of your child to keep as a memento of their special day. To find out more contact Kirsty via www.wonderworldparties.co.uk

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FREE dance class

To celebrate expansion across Edinburgh and The Lothians, award-winning urban dance company, Step It Up Dance is offering FREE classes at all new venues during the first week of the autumn term in Balerno, Dunbar, Haddington, Morningside, Murrayfield, Penicuik, Portobello, South Queensferry and Trinity. The new term begins Mon 17th Aug and costs £65 per term. To book your free class email hello@stepitupdance.co.uk or go to www.stepitupdance.co.uk for more info.

Can you help? The Sick Kids Friends Foundation believes nothing should get in the way of being a child. The charity exists to transform the experiences of children visiting hospital and is encouraging people to take a charity place in the Scottish Half Marathon, Edinburgh Big Fun Run or brand new Edinburgh Men’s 10K to help them to continue with their vital work.

news ulture C Club @ Broxburn Culture Club is a summer holiday club in Broxburn for children aged 5 -12. With experienced, fullytrained staff providing a safe and fun environment, your children will make long-lasting friendships and develop new skills through activities and excursions such as golf, arts & crafts, horse-riding, martial arts, trips to museums and art galleries and nature walks. The club runs Mon-Fri 8.30am5.30pm and costs £100 per week with sibling discount available. There are limited spaces so book early to avoid disappointment. Contact Michelle Redmond on 0333 577 7076 or missredmond@tkdbroxburn. co.uk

Visit Planet Cafe for their brand new home corner! They have a kitchen for budding cooks and a market stall to buy and sell fruit and veg. With new comfy seating, new toys, specialist coffee and home-made scones, sit back and relax whilst your little one is cooking up a storm! www.planetcafeedin.co.uk

haircut with school shoes! FREE

Before you know it, it’s time to get the children kitted out for school again. Thankfully Treehouse has a fantastic promotion that will make it easier - a free haircut with every purchase of school shoes! Treehouse has a fantastic shoe department and professional hairdressers under one roof. They stock quality brands such as Start-rite, Ricosta, Petasil, Noel and lots more. They also stock other school basics including socks, tights, lunch boxes, bags, name tags, shoe polish and school hair colour accessories to ensure you have everything you need. This offer runs throughout July & August. Call 0131 225 1242 to book your Back to School appointment. www.treehousechildrenswear.co.uk

diddi dance comes to Edinburgh!

New to Edinburgh from August, diddi dance classes are designed to help your diddi ones enhance their co-ordination and rhythm. Teacher, Debbie will nurture your child’s natural love of movement and help build their confidence in a structured yet relaxed 45 minute class. They’ll use ribbons, hoops and other fun props to help get the most from each funky diddi dance track, with themes changing every half-term to explore styles such as salsa, country and disco. For more info call Debbie on 07752209482 or email debbie.rigby@diddidance.com

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news Fringe by the Sea This year’s festival (Aug 11th-16th) in North Berwick will have a launch concert by none other than international performing and recording star, Joan Armatrading. The programme, as usual, promises to be wide and eclectic with something for all the family. A new strand to the festival this year will concentrate of the best of gigs, performances and shows involving local talent; with the heart of the action again at the harbour with two speigeltents being the hub. www.fringebythesea.com

Tartan Tales The Singing Kettle’s creator and former star, Artie Trezise, returns with a show full of traditional stories songs and audience participation. From Three Little Pigs to The Train to Glasgow, this is action-packed story-telling at its best. See Artie on Sun 12 July, 11am & 1pm at Howden Park Centre, Livingston. howdenparkcentre.co.uk

Wildchild

Fabulous F lux

Based in East Lothian, Wildchild Designs offers a full design service for all aspects of bespoke play equipment and carvings for children; including treehouses and play structures, agility and natural play, sculptures and seating, and adventure and sculpture trails. Director and artist, Robin Wood, offers the highest quality designs and creations to add an amazing new dimension to your garden or nursery. www. wildchilddesigns.co.uk

Already popular in Leith, the fabulous Flux opens its doors on Dunbar’s High Street this summer too. If you’re in need of a contemporary, quirky gift or a little treat for yourself or your own home this haven of delights is always worth a visit. Flux now stocks Dr Haushka, Frugi, LaDiDa, Organics for Kids and Blade and Rose, including a medley of local artisans. Open 7 days. www.get2flux. co.uk

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competitions competitions •

a To win 1 of 4 VIP passes (1 hour flight pass) tell us... When do the Family Jump sessions take place?

competitions

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competitions

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competitions •

WIN

To be in with a chance of winning just answer this question: Where is FitnessChicks based? For more information go to www.fitnesschicks.co.uk

To win simply email your name, address, phone number and answer to competitions@mademagazine.co.uk or enter via www.mademagazine.co.uk before August 25th. Please mark your entry Competition A, B, C, D, E or F as the subject. Ryze Trampoline Park boasts a dodgeball court, a super slam basketball hoop, waterfall trampolines and a slack-line. You can jump on over 10,000 square feet of connected, worldclass trampolines with the famous angled wall trampolines, launching decks and a few surprises up in the ceiling! Daily Kid Jump sessions (10am11am) are for kids aged 2-6, and daily Open Jump sessions from 11am are for ages 7+. Family Jump sessions are Mondays, 6pm - 9pm and Club Ryze (for ages 12+) runs Fri and Sat nights 8pm - 11pm. For more information go to www.ryzeedinburgh.com

FitnessChicks, Edinburgh’s only all women workout, health and beauty studio, is based at Quartermile and runs over 40 classes per week. The gym is warm and friendly and run by people who know first-hand how hard it is to make sure exercise is part of your weekly routine and how to make it fun! FitnessChicks also boasts its very own vintage-styled beautician and boutique hairdressing salon for that whole body experience. To celebrate their third anniversary they are giving three lucky readers the chance to win a three month summer membership, worth £75 each, plus £100 worth of hair and beauty treatments.

Quote ‘MADEmagazine’ to receive £10 OFF your first platinum monthly membership and a further 20% OFF all first hair and beauty treatments!

To be in with a chance of winning just tell us… What is your favourite independent business in Edinburgh? For more information go to www.lovefromindiestreet.com

Short on time but still want to choose a thoughtful gift? At Love from Indie Street www. lovefromindiestreet.com you can buy gift vouchers from over 60 of Edinburgh’s best independent businesses in minutes. With over 150 gift vouchers, for everything from restaurants to florists and beauty salons to book shops, you’ll be spoilt for choice from the comfort of your own home. To celebrate the re-launch of their website we have a £50 Love from Indie Street gift voucher up for grabs, which can be used to choose a gift from over 60 Edinburgh stores.

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competitions

Which Edinburgh Theatre will host Dinosaur Zoo in September?

For more information go to www.edtheatres.com/ dinosaurzoo

f For more information go to www.macgregorhairdressing.co.uk

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For more information go to www.theschooloffloristry.co.uk

competitions •

How long does the news tate-of-the-art tanning booth take?

competitions •

MacGregor Hairdressing and Beauty, Morningside is home to a brand-new, state-of-the-art tanning booth - the only one of its kind in Edinburgh. It features a warm continuous flow of air and clear voice instructions, and has been regarded by leading industry experts as the best and most innovative automatic booths to be introduced into the world of sunless tanning. It takes just 10 minutes to give you a beautiful bronze, natural glow, regardless of shape, size or skin type and dries immediately - perfect not only for people who are timerestricted but also who prefer to tan in private. To win three months of free spray tans (worth £120) at MacGregors just answer this question:

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The School of Floristry opened on the sea front in North Berwick in May 2015, offering a wide range of floristry tuition to suit all levels. Their workshops are relaxed, friendly and informal, and range from 2 hours sessions at weekends, to half days, full days and week-long floristry foundation workshops. They also arrange mother and kids workshops for 12 mums and up to 30 kids; as well as sterling silver and sea glass jewellery making workshops. To be in with a chance of winning a place at a School of Floristry workshop for you and a friend, you just have to name a bouquet after a woman you think deserves it. This could be your mum, a friend or someone well known from history. Just tell us the name you have chosen and the reason behind your decision. We have workshop places for five readers!

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To win a Family Ticket (4 seats) to Dinosaur Zoo at the Festival Theatre on Sat 19 Sept at 11am just answer this question:

competitions

Do you dare to get up close and personal? Now introducing the Tyrannosaurus Rex to the stage, Dinosaur Zoo brings these awesome prehistoric creatures to life as you’ve never seen them before. From cute baby dinos to teeth-gnashing giants, marvel and interact with extraordinary life-like dinosaurs in this imaginative and hilarious live show. But watch out. Not all of these ravenous reptiles are as tame as they seem! Direct from the West End, Dinosaur Zoo is fast becoming a world-wide phenomenon, offering guaranteed fun for all the family ages 3+.

As recommended by Wildchild Designs oďŹ&#x20AC;ers a full design service for all aspects of bespoke play equipment and carvings for children

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, r a e y s Thi g n i h t y r eve will be .) y l l ea r , t d i f f e r e n (no WRITTEN BY

just love that ‘back to school’ feeling that descends on us all without fail every August. From the joy of new shoes and bags - I don’t see why the kids should be the only ones to get kitted out for a new term - to the crisp Autumn air, I love the sense that the new school year is stuffed full of promise and possibility. Don’t we all start the new school term with the best of intentions? No shouting on the school run, PE kits won’t get forgotten at the bottom of the laundry pile, and this year we’ll definitely start making packed

made JULY / AUGUST 2015

eour

Heidi Scrimg

lunches the night before. But within weeks of the kids being back at school I’ll be back where I was at the end of last term; a dithering, exasperated shell of my self, reduced to shouting about missing shoes and despairing over what to put in the lunch boxes. I’m determined to do things differently this year, though. So I asked a bunch of more organised mums for their best tips for following through on those new term good intentions - and here’s what they said…

BACK TO SCHOOL

Never play another game of hunt the missing school jumper All the mums I interrogated for their tips agreed that the secret to staying calm on school mornings beyond the first week of term, lies in laundering and laying out the kids’ school uniforms the night before. I can certainly vouch for this one - my lads are much better at getting dressed in the morning if everything is in plain sight and within easy reach. Eventually they’re going to have to learn how to look for their clothes in their own drawers instead of relying on me to make it all super-easy for them, of course, but in the meantime not having to play hunt-the-missingschool-jumper every morning means I’m much less likely to end up sobbing into the Shreddies.

Be mindful for a moment

I know mindfulness is all zeitgeisty and fashionable right now, but for the average mum it’s a faintly baffling concept. (I only wish I had enough mindfulness to figure out what the hell mindfulness is, never mind how to have more of it.) But last year, after a tragic and unexpected death of a friend of my son’s, I found myself saying prayers in the car on the way to school. Nothing heavy or overly religious; more of a blessing over their day and a quick run-through of things we felt thankful for. It began as an effort to offer some comfort at what was an unsettling time, but it also helped me feel - even for a few moments - more connected to my kids, no matter what tears or triumphs their day might bring. So I’m convinced that a few moments of mindfulness can help make the mornings less mind-bending - be that daily prayers, a family mantra, or a few seconds to share what you’re thankful for before rushing headlong into the day.

have a disorder, through to blind, wild-eyed panic about being late, back to day dreaming, and then more panic - there’s little middle ground,” confides another friend. “But my tip is to get every last form, sock and sandwich ready the night before.” But after years of wasted time making lunches in the morning, only to have them returned halfeaten a few hours later, I decided to set up a deli shop on my kitchen counter. I buy part-baked baguettes, pop them in the oven in the morning, then watch my kids get creative with their sandwich contents while I savour another cup of coffee. There is now no sandwich filling or relish known to man that can’t be found in my kitchen, and the result is that my kids don’t just scoff their Subway-style lunch, they’ve even been given catering requests from friends whose mums try to palm them off with marmite sarnies. (Sorry, mums, I know it’s upped the bar.) On top of that, I pay over the odds for prepackaged lunch-box friendly foods that I know my kids will eat. Instead of sending bananas back and forth between school and home, watching in dismay as they gradually become ever browner

Win the packed lunch wars

One mum I know swears by freezing a week’s worth of sandwiches on a Sunday afternoon but I am fairly certain that my fussy eaters would find some reason to take issue with their sandwiches not being freshly made. (I know, I’ve made a rod for my own back.) “My kids, aged six and nine, alternate between getting so distracted that I wonder if they

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BACK TO SCHOOL

and less likely to avoid the compost bin, I splash out on a pack of pricy smoothies and chuck one in each lunch box every morning. They get one of their five-a-day, and I get a extra five minutes in bed. It’s a price worth paying.

Indulge in a little time travel

Other mums I know say that setting the main household clock five or even ten minutes fast serves as a great way of concentrating the children’s minds on time-keeping in the mornings. I’ve tried this one but unfortunately my kids soon sussed that I was way too calm for it to *actually* be 8.30am, and they’ve taken to checking the kitchen clock against the time on

their pesky gaming devices. (Which I can’t figure out how to change.) Still, other mums reckon that setting an alarm to go off five minutes before you all need to leave the house also helps. In fact one friend of mine has three separate alarms on her phone; one to notify the kids that it’s time to go, another five minutes later to warn that they have precisely three minutes before the final alarm goes off, which is the one that notifies them that they now have no hope whatsoever of getting to school on time. I love the thought of the kids scrambling around, Mission Impossible style, to avoid still being in the house by the time that third alarm goes off.

Indulge in a little reverse psychology

“

Get every last form, sock and sandwich ready the night before

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”

This one’s pretty harsh, but a friend of mine swears by letting her kids be late for school - just once - in order to instil in them the value of being ready for school on time in the morning. “I’ll say ‘Don’t worry that you haven’t got your tie on / shoes on / school bag ready. I’ll take you to school just as you are because we need to get to the roundabout before 8.05am due to the traffic and I’m sure your teacher will be totally cool with you turning up looking like you do,” she says. “They got the message pretty quick.” Finally, if none of these tactics appeal to you, try getting up thirty minutes before the kids do so that you’ll have half an hour’s peace in which to enjoy a cup of coffee and a quiet shower. It might not change the ensuing chaos but at least you’ll be mentally and physically equipped for the onslaught that is the average school morning. n

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SKINNY POWER BANK (GREEN) £18, NPW www.npwgifts.com

TRAVEL CITRONELLA CANDLE

The new huggable friends that transform from a cuddly character to a comfy neck pillow. Characters include Dotty the Ladybird and Waddle the Penguin - ideal companions for car journeys and flights. £19.99 from Argos, age 3+

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£6.50 & £6, Can to Candle, Edinburgh www.cantocandle.com CAMPING TABLE WITH TWO BENCHES £60, Tiger Stores www.tigerstores.co.uk GRACO METRO Weighing just 7.5kg, this new lightweight stroller has a compact footprint, perfect for travelling and life on the go. Designed to fit in even the smallest of car-boots, has a convenient one-hand folding mechanism and is agile for those hopping on and off public transport. The Metro is suitable for ages 0-3 and costs just £229.99. www.graco.co.uk

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50 TRAVEL GAMES £8, The Great Gift Company www.thegreatgiftcompany.co.uk

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BUBABLOON® A fabric balloon cover that keeps the light, bouncy effect of a balloon, but helps protect children from popping and the threat of choking. Made from 100% poplin cotton, the machine-washable cover comes in a handy pouch making it a perfect, space-saving toy. www.BUBABLOON.co.uk CARRY BLANKET £7, Tiger Stores www.tigerstores.co.uk NAPPY GRAB BAGS A premium product containing one Naty nappy, one sachet of Weleda Calendula Nappy Change Cream and four individual wrapped organic Jackson Reece baby wipes. Designed specifically to make it easier to get out and about with little ones. www.beckymantin.com

10. TOTSEAT

Washable, squashable and pocket-sized, the Totseat is the perfect highchair for travel and day trips. Harness your baby in safety and comfort in any shape and size of adult chair. For babies 6-30mths. www.totseat.com

10 made JULY / AUGUST 2015

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Visit our new shop!

78-80 High Street, Dunbar EH42 1JH 0136 886 4567 • Open 7 days

Flux is opening in the heart of sunny Dunbar! Child friendly and specialising in ethical, contemporary and unusual gifts, with friendly, helpful staﬀ, we now stock Dr Haushka, Frugi, LaDiDa, Organics for Kids and Blade and Rose, including a medley of local artisans.

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R Y PLANET

Limited places only so BOOK NOW! Discounts available for siblings Illustrations: Designed by Freepik

Open: Mon-Fri 9am-4pm, Sat 10am-2pm, Closed Sun (available for parties) 39 Baileyﬁeld Road, Edinburgh EH15 1NA • 0131 669 1231

www.planetcafeedin.co.uk

Mum’s New World WRITTEN BY Kirsty

Nicholls

EDITOR OF EDINBURGH FOR UNDER FIVES

recently took Jack to visit family and we spent a number of hours driving on the motorway. Unfortunately, I’d drunk a bucket of coffee before we left. Now, Jack and I have frequented a number of service stations along the M6 in his short 5 months, but it’s only when travelling alone that I realised how few of them have toilets in their baby changing rooms. Holding a baby while “going” is doable. But doing up your jeans afterwards is nigh on impossible. So next time we make the journey, I’ll wear leggings. Comfortable to sit in and easy to hoik up onehanded. It got me thinking, that those articles entitled “What You Really Need to Know When You Have a Baby” rarely actually tell you what you really need to know when you have a baby. Or for that matter, what you – or your baby - really need to wear. One of the first lessons I learned, is that Jack’s “emergency” clothing in the nappy bag does not grow at the same rate as him. John Lewis seems to have a laxative effect on my son. It’s as if he knows as well as we do, just how special that Parents’ Room really is. “Not a problem,” I thought, “The trusty back-up onesie is in the nappy bag”. Needless to say, Jack had become a giant, it was three weeks since I had packed said trusty onesie and a trip to the haberdashery department was required to remove its feet. Talking of feet, I’ve learned that some careful wardrobe planning in this area is required before attending a toddler class. Everyone has that pair of smelly shoes. If you happen to put these on when you’re rushing out of the door to Bambino Beats, the consequences on arrival – as everyone’s gleefully kicking off theirs - can silence a room. The same is true with socks. If we’re in a rush – which we usually are – the first pair that comes to hand is rarely matching and typically holey. Cue embarrassment at Monkey Music. I’ve heard that if you say a phrase over in your head just before you go to sleep, you’ll made JULY / AUGUST 2015

“

A trip to the haberdashery department was required to remove its feet

”

remember it in the morning. So my midnight mantra is: “Odour eaters and matching socks, odour eaters and matching socks...”. When it comes to clothes, you cannot plan carefully enough for the post-swimming lesson scrum. With a cold, screaming child and the jostling elbows of tired mums, putting your own trousers on seems suddenly unimportant. Not any old trousers I might add. Last week, yours truly decided it would be best to wear skinny jeans. I never did manage to rush my damp legs into them; with my long coat I hoped people would assume I was wearing a short skirt underneath. Baggy bottoms are of course what those ‘What You Really Need to Know When You Have a Baby’ articles should have told me to wear. Yes people, I drove us home in my pants. n

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GREAT DAYS OUT

GREAT DAYS OUT Where will you go today…

Blair Drummond Safari and

Adventure Park - by Stirling

Alnwick Castle

- Alnwick, Northumberland

Scottish Seabird Centre

Kelpies, The Helix Park - Falkirk

Almond Valley Heritage Trust - Livingston

Glasgow Science Centre

- The Harbour, North Berwick

- 50 Pacific Quay, Glasgow

Kelburn Estate and Country

Deep Sea World - North Queensferry

Centre - Fairlie, Ayrshire

Auchingarrich Wildlife Centre - Comrie, Perthshire

East Links - Dunbar, East Lothian

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made JULY / AUGUST 2015

GREAT DAYS OUT

Blair Drummond

Blair Drummond BLAIR DRUMMOND SAFARI AND ADVENTURE PARK By Stirling, FK9 4UR www.blairdrummond.com The main attraction at Blair Drummond near Stirling has to be the drive through safari, but did you know you can also see a sea lion presentation, birds of prey demonstration, enjoy a boat safari around Chimp Island and a visit to Lemur Land! Not to mention having fun on pedal boats, an adventure play area with pirate ship, climbing frames and buried treasure; a flying fox and an astroglide! If you want to learn a bit more about the animals don’t miss Meet the Keeper talks at enclosures and viewing platforms. Blair Drummond also has a terrific BBQ area (you can bring your own or use theirs) and a host of snack bars and stalls to keep everyone happy. Or there are plenty of picnic tables spread throughout the park. Blair Drummond

Blair Drummond

Kelburn Estate and Country Centre KELBURN ESTATE AND COUNTRY CENTRE Fairlie, Ayrshire, KA29 OBE www.kelburnestate.com Based around a castle that’s had an amazing makeover, this estate near Largs in Ayrshire features an outstanding glen with waterfalls, deep gorges and beautiful woodland leading to spectacular views over the islands of the Firth of Clyde. The most popular attraction at Kelburn is the Secret Forest, a complex of woodland paths and raised walkways cut through a wild wood, in which you will discover a Secret Grotto, a crocodile pool, the Maze of the Green Man, a Chinese Garden, a secret passage leading out of the Woodman’s cottage, a 25ft high pagoda and 100 other surprises! There’s The Castle with No Entrance which is home to a greedy Goblin; and a Gingerbread House with walls embossed with cakes and lollipops and all manner of sweet things. It is the home of the witch, who crouches hidden in her kitchen, waiting for children who are tempted to enter… Kelburn also has an adventure course, a fortressstyle Wild West Saloon, a playbarn, a softplay maze of tunnels, slides and dens and a café. Prams are welcome but as much of the centre is on a sloping hillside with gravel trails, it is recommended you bring a child carrier. Kelburn have a small number available for loan. Under 3s go free!

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Scottish Seabird Centre

Alnwick Castle

Scottish Seabird Centre

ALNWICK CASTLE Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1NQ www.alnwickcastle.com

SCOTTISH SEABIRD CENTRE The Harbour, North Berwick, EH39 4SS www.seabird.org

Alnwick Castle is one of Britain’s most iconic castles and has been the location for all kinds of film and TV productions - most famously the first two Harry Potter films! Here you can dress up in medieval finery, meet the characters of the castle, play traditional games in the square and take your place upon the throne. Or put your knightly skills to the test when you come face-to-face with Northumberland’s fearsome dragon! Why not try your hand at a range of medieval crafts - whether it’s making herbal soap balls or learning the traditional art of scriptorium. Alnwick has an enormous and beautifully crafted Treehouse which sits high in the treetops. There are walkways in the sky and wobbly rope bridges for bouncing on, all accessible by wheelchair and buggy. On the Treehouse’s deck there’s the Roost, one of The Garden’s education rooms, which shows films and hosts activities. And at the heart of this fantastic treehouse is a beautiful and unique restaurant with a roaring log fire in the centre of the room, trees growing through the floor, handcrafted furniture and screens created from fallen branches. Most importantly, the locally-inspired food is delicious!

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GREAT DAYS OUT

The Scottish Seabird Centre, with stunning views across the Firth of Forth and the iconic Bass Rock, offers a five star Seabird experience for the whole family. Work your way round different zones, learn from expert daily mini-presentations and enjoy the Wildlife Theatre and Flyway Tunnel. The Centre also boasts a café, gift shop, Kids’ Zone with soft play and arty fun, and a Scope Deck with binoculars and reference materials.   This summer the centre is calling on visitors to help battle against the invasion of alien species! Professor Egghead and the Alien Invasion takes place from 4 July - 30 August, 2pm daily, with a whole host of different interactive activities throughout the week.

Scottish Seabird Centre

GREAT DAYS OUT

Deep Sea World

East Links EAST LINKS Dunbar, East Lothian www.eastlinks.co.uk East Links, the premier visitor attraction in the South East of Scotland, is a farm themed activity park. With over 65 different activities including a train safari through the animal paddocks, a four level Fortress, go-karts, trampolines, jelly belly, ball blast arena, hay barn with climbing walls, soft play, pedal tractors, Education Barn and JCB Young Drivers Zone and lots more! The park is wheelchair accessible and electric scooters are available free of charge.

amongst loads of others. As you walk through the UK’s longest underwater tunnel you’ll see huge sharks, Stella the stingray, tropical fish and much much more! See the wonders of the deep with fascinating Sand Tiger sharks, conger eels and a myriad of marine life. And this summer Deep Sea World is set to be overrun with giant creepy crawlies as part of a major new feature. The extraordinarily life like animatronic creatures, including a human-sized snail and duelling scorpions as big as cars, are the stars of ‘Monster Creepy Crawlies’ which opens at the North Queensferry attraction on Saturday, June 27th.

Deep Sea World

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DEEP SEA WORLD North Queensferry, KY11 1JR www.deepseaworld.com Scotland’s national aquarium, Deep Sea World is located just under the picturesque Forth Rail Bridge, in the quaint village of North Queensferry. Open daily from 10am they have interactive sessions and different opportunities to take part with shark, reptile, seal, frog and seahorse feeds –

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Experience a

Royal Day Out

aboard the UK’s No.1 Attraction (TripAdvisor 2014)

THE PERFECT DAY FOR ALL THE FAMILY! 5s Und GO er FR EE !

The Royal Yacht Britannia, Ocean Terminal, Edinburgh, EH6 6JJ www.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk Call 0131 555 5566

Daily interactive activities 4 July–30 August, 14:00 Included with admission www.seabird.org

Five main decks to explore; all accessible for buggies and wheelchairs • Adult and child audio-tour included in the price • Free parking • Delicious soups and sandwiches in The Royal Deck Tea Room • Cupcakes and milkshakes for the little ones and chilled Champagne for the adults!

One Child Goes

FREE!

One child goes FREE with a full-paying adult or senior citizen with this advert. Valid until 31st Dec 2015. Ref 1346.

Image © Rob McDougall / Scottish Charity no SC025837

UMM S S I H T

have taken over from Saturday 27th June

Find us at North Queensferry, Fife KY11 1JR. By the Forth Rail Bridge, just 20 minutes from Edinburgh

www.deepseaworld.com

Find us on

BUY TICKETS ONLINE

& SAVE MONEY

Open daily from 10am 01383 411880

GREAT DAYS OUT

Glasgow Science Centre

Glasgow Science Centre GLASGOW SCIENCE CENTRE 50 Pacific Quay, Glasgow www.glasgowsciencecentre.org Glasgow Science Centre is one of Scotland’s mustsee visitor attractions; with its hugely interactive Science Mall being home to hundreds of interactive exhibits throughout the three engaging floors. Find out all about yourself in BodyWorks or let your imagination run wild in the Be Creative, Be Innovative zone, not to mention popular classics like the plasma ball, chaos pendulums and whispering dishes. The Science Centre is also home to Scotland’s biggest IMAX and best Planetarium where you can gaze at over 9,000 twinkling stars. Also home to Glasgow Tower, a revolutionary

Glasgow Science Centre

structure and a world first which stands at 127m, it is the only fully rotating building in the world! After being entertained by the centre’s live stage performances, you can shop for gifts, gadgets and gizmos in the intriguing gift shop packed with great ideas for enquiring minds, and then grab a bite to eat in the café which serves a wide range of delicious hot and cold meals.

Almond Valley Heritage Trust ALMOND VALLEY HERITAGE TRUST Millfield, Livingston, West Lothian, EH54 7AR www.almondvalley.co.uk Nestled in a pleasant riverside site with woods and green spaces that extend for almost a mile, the picturesque buildings and paddocks of Mill Farm are home to many friendly farm animals. There’s always something happening here with milking, feeding, talks and handling sessions throughout much of the year; and a programme of seasonal crafts, games and activities for children during the school holidays. Kids can let off steam and engage their imagination in a range of play facilities including a simulated archaeological dig, a play mine, toy tractors, pedal carts and trampolines. Even if the sun isn’t shining there are indoor play areas for all ages, and secrets to be discovered in the museum.

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GREAT DAYS OUT

Kelpies

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KELPIES The Helix Park, Falkirk www.thekelpies.co.uk The Kelpies are one of the largest equine sculptures in the world, standing 30 metres tall. They are the landmark feature of ‘The Helix’ on the Forth and Clyde Canal near Falkirk. Brain-child of sculptor Andy Scott, they are the largest public artworks in Scotland. Brand new, fun-filled Kelpie Family Tours (Sat & Sun mornings) are suitable for all the family with lots of interactive activities along the way. Aimed at ages 5-11, the family tour lets you discover the myth, magic and mystery of the awe-inspiring Kelpies. Head down to the Lagoon in Helix Park and you’ll find the amazing Adventure Zone play park with timber equipment for ages 2+. And featuring 15 jets and 6 mist sprays, Splash Play is a great way to cool down and have fun at the same time. Jets shoot up to 2 metres high! But be warned - players will get wet! Bring a change of clothes if you intend on playing in the Splash Play area. Picnics are a great idea with lots of open flat grass land as well as benches. There are catering facilities on site at our vans up at The Kelpies (hot food, grill, ice cream etc) – these will be replaced by our café that is under construction and due to

made JULY / AUGUST 2015

open October 2015. There is also a small café found at the lagoon in Helix Park. Family pedallos are available during the summer, as well as kayak and canoe lessons for older kids. The whole site is buggy friendly with lots of wide, flat pathways.

Auchingarrich Wildlife Centre AUCHINGARRICH WILDLIFE CENTRE Comrie, Perthshire, PH6 2JE www.auchingarrich.co.uk Auchingarrich is nestled in the picturesque Perthshire hills just outside of Comrie, seven miles west of Crieff. As well as all the animals you can say hello to and activities such as pony rides, milking Clover the cow, animal feeding and hatching & handling; there are plenty of other things to keep you busy at Auchingarrich. Their indoor play barn is suitable for ages 5 to 11 and is a great place for mums and dads to enjoy their coffee on the benches whilst little ones have a ball. There is also table tennis, football table, shooting cannons and a football area! With a tractor circuit, mini golf and several more outdoor play areas there’s plenty for everyone. Torlum Coffee Shop provides excellent service for all tastes.

FRINGE COMEDY

s ’ y m m u M Gone a Bit

Parental Funny Women Awards National Semi-finalist, Harriet Beveridge, talks to MADE about parenting, panic, and bringing her standup show and book to the Edinburgh Fringe.

took to parenting like a duck to concrete. I was utterly clueless - I thought babies slept through the night after a couple of days. I thought ‘episiotomy’ was a type of pasta. And the learning curve never stops does it? Just when you’ve figured out how to tie that baby sling thing (which looked so effortless and cool in the shop, but which actually requires a degree in knot-tying) you need to ditch that and stop them toddling towards electric sockets. Before you know it you are in a church hall with other bewildered parents, singing ‘row, row, row your boat’ and wondering what on earth has happened to your life. (By the way, is it just me, or did anyone else manage more than 35 years on this planet quite happily thinking you simply rowed your boat merrily down a stream – blissfully unaware that you also need to row down a river looking out for polar bears and remembering to shiver…?) My strategy with most challenges I life – after sheer blind panic – is humour. Looking back isn’t it frankly hilarious that we chatted to a midwife about baby names while they sorted out our undercarriage? Or that you made it all the way on that flight to Spain managing to pass off a baby poo stain on your blouse as a coffee spill? When we don’t know whether to laugh or cry, let’s laugh.

That’s why I’ve written a spoof nanny advice book called ‘Turnip-Led Weaning’ and why I’m heading up to Edinburgh this August to launch the book and do my stand up show, ‘Mummy’s Gone a Bit Parental’. This has NOTHING to do with the fact that this gives me two weeks away from the chaos of school summer holidays to luxuriate in the relative calm (sic) of the Royal Mile, honest. In the show I explore such fundamental dilemmas as ‘is it OK to Febreeze a seven year old? Or to go to school dress-up day as a Tequila Girl? My boys are now nearly 7 and 9 and are active contributors to the show. Just last night I was tucking my youngest up in bed and he solemnly said ‘Mummy, I love you more than flies love poo’ before dissolving into hysterics and demanding I use that in my routine. n

Find out more..

Mummy’s Gone a Bit Parental is in aid of Maggie’s Cancer Centres and Edinburgh Sick Kids www.helpfulhumour.com @mummysgoneabit Aug 17th – 29th (not 23) 12.40pm (50 mins) Greenside @ Infirmary St (Venue 236)

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EDINBURGH

MELA MELA KIDZONE OPEN 12-6 EACH DAY WITH A HOST OF LIVE PERFORMANCES, DANCE WORKSHOPS, INTERACTIVE ARTS AND CRAFTS AND OTHER HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES

LEITH LINKS: SAT 29 & SUN 30 AUG TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT EDINBURGH-MELA.CO.UK CHILDREN AGED 12 AND UNDER GO FREE! TICKETS FOR AGED 13 AND OVER JUST £4 EARLY BIRD (BOOK BEFORE FRI 28 AUG) / £5 ON THE DOOR

Dates for your diary Monday Tuesday

Wednesday Thursday

2 2pm-3.30pm River Dipping @ Water of Leith Visitor Centre. £4 per child. Booking essential.

Start of Excel Sports Summer Camps! Book online www.excel-sports.co.uk

10am & 11.30am (40mins) Tiny Tales @ Scottish Storytelling Centre. Sessions for toddlers to get interactive with stories. £5 per child. For ages 1-3yrs.

Aquatics Camp at Royal Commonwealth Pool. Kids (9 – 14) can have fun whilst working towards recognised Scottish Swimming & Royal Life Saving Society awards. Call 0131 667 7211 to book. Runs 13th – 17th

Summer dance class @ Planet Cafe with Step It Up Dance.

Enjoy-a-Ball Summer Camp starts @ Saughton Scout Hall. www.enjoy-a-ball.com

Family Day Race Meeting @ Musselburgh Racecourse

16 2pm-3.30pm River Dipping @ Water of Leith Visitor Centre. £4 per child. Booking essential.

27 28 29 30

Crafty Cooks Summer Club runs until 31st Pentland Community Centre. UK activity 5-12 year@ olds by What’s on 4 Little Ones 2010, 2012 & 2013 www.craftycooks.co.uk

Don’t forget to book your new school shoe appointment!

ub mmer Holiday Cl

s and Su Classe Keep up Wtoeekly date with all the latest events by logging onto

www.craftycooks.co.uk

PHOTO BY MARASCHINO PHOTOGRAPHY

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July 2015 Friday Saturday Sunday 3 4 10am-12pm & 1pm-3pm FREE Messy Munchkins @ The Gyle (drop in)

10am & 2.15pm (45mins) It’s in the Bag: Down on the Farm for ages 0-2yrs. 11.15am & 1pm (45mins) It’s in the Bag: Knights and Princesses for ages 3-6yrs. Both at Scottish Storytelling Centre. £6 per child.

Celebrate National Teddy Bear Picnic Day aboard The Royal Yacht Britannia where kids can go & spot teddies hidden around the ship!

10am & 1pm Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom @ King’s Theatre. Join Ben and Holly, and their friends on this exciting, enchanting and magical musical adventure packed full of games, songs and laughter. For ages 2+

10 11

17 18

10am-12pm & 1pm-3pm FREE Messy Munchkins @ The Gyle (drop in)

11am (1.5hrs) Teddy Bears’ Picnic @ Re-Union Canal. Build your own teddy bear whilst cruising the Union Canal and then stop at Harrison Park for a picnic. Also on July 18th. www.re-union.org.uk

9.30am & 1pm (2 hours) Monkey Music & Cheeky Chefs summer workshop @ Meggetland Sports Centre. Singing, dancing, instruments plus cooking! Animal Adventure theme. Book www.bookitbee.com

24 25 10am-12pm & 1pm-3pm FREE Messy Munchkins @ The Gyle (drop in)

Spotlight on...

10am – 5pm Airshow @ National Museum of Flight, East Fortune

National Museum of Flight, East Fortune July 25th www.nms.ac.uk/ airshow

The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team the Red Arrows will once again headline Scotland’s National Airshow, performing alongside a stellar line-up of spectacular air displays of aircraft from all eras. The National Museum of Flight will be open for visitors to explore - full of interactive exhibits and family fun. On the ground, there will be a range of family entertainment and activities, and food and drink. Early bird tickets available until 10 July

31 Carnival Racenight @ Musselburgh Racecourse

2pm Professor Egghead & The Alien Invasion @ Scottish Seabird Centre. Daily interactive activities until Aug 30th. www.seabird.org

For details on ticket prices visit www.nms.ac.uk/airshow

www.mademagazine.co.uk/whats-on.html made JULY / AUGUST 2015

Dates for your diary Monday Tuesday

Wednesday Thursday

1pm & 3.30pm Pirates and Princesses: FUNBOX @ Howden Park Centre. Set sail on an all-new adventure for all the family. On Aug 2nd too. howdenparkcentre.co.uk

10am – 12pm Sparkle Arts Three Little Pigs Workshop @ Myreside Pavillion. Refreshments included. Book via www.sparklearts.co.uk

12pm ‘The Last of the Dragons’ & 2.05pm Alfie White: Space Explorer. Two awesome shows starting @ Pleasance Courtyard Venue 33!

10am – 12pm Sparkle Arts The Princess & The Pea Workshop @ Myreside Pavillion. Refreshments included. Book via www.sparklearts.co.uk

Start of Fringe by the Sea @ North Berwick. Runs until Aug 16th

See The Tiger Who Came To Tea @ Pleasance Courtyard. Runs Aug 5th-31st

FREE Step It Up Dance Classes this week! Email hello@stepitupdance.co.uk to book

10.30am-12pm. Bizmum’s meet @ Jenn’s Den. www.bizmums.biz

See Annabelle’s Skirting Board Adventure @ Venue 27. Runs Aug 6th-30th.

12.15pm (1 hour) Geometric City @ Pleasance Courtyard. Featuring physical theatre, puppetry & vibrant characters. Runs until Aug 31st. For ages 3+.

Last day for MADE competition entries! To enter go to www.mademagazine.co.uk

Morph ©Aardman Animations Ltd

Keep up to date with all the latest events by logging onto 34

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August 2015 Friday Saturday Sunday

Spotlight on...

1 2 11am - 4pm Farm Fest @ Gorgie City Farm. Annual family fun day with games, music, BBQ and fun times for all age. FREE entry

Edinburgh Mela

10am – 12pm Sparkle Arts Superhero Bootcamp @ Myreside Pavillion. Refreshments included. Book via www.sparklearts.co.uk

1pm & 3.30pm Funbox: Fancy Dress Fun @ Brunton Theatre (Venue 1) The family sing-a-long show from Anya, Gary, Kevin and Bonzo (formerly of The Singing Kettle). On 8 Aug too.

3pm (45 mins) The Secret Life of Suitcases @ The Scottish Storytelling Centre. Runs until Aug 23rd. For ages 5+. www.secretsuitcases.com

14 15

Start of Edinburgh International Book Festival @ Charlotte Square Gardens. Runs until Aug 31st.

21 22

See Chicken Licken and the Little Red Hen @ Summerhall. Runs Aug 5th-29th.

2pm & 5pm Morph Modelmaking Workshop @ Pleasance Courtyard Venue 33. Morph is back on TV and he’s at the Fringe!

Edinburgh Mela @ Leith Links. On 30th too. See spotlight for details….

3pm EIF Family Concert: Scottish Chamber Orchestra Players @ Queens Hall

Edinburgh Mela celebrates its 21st birthday with its biggest and brightest event yet. Join the buzzing crowds for two days of fantastic live music and dance across three stages plus the irresistible tastes and smells of the Global Food Village. One of the most familyfriendly events in the city, don’t miss your chance to Go Bananas! at this year’s vibrant and active dancethemed Mela Kidzone, packed with a host of live performances, dance workshops, interactive arts & crafts and other hands-on activities guaranteed to delight the whole family. Day passes are FREE for kids 12 and under. £4 for adults if pre-booked by Friday 28th August (£5 on the door)

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IMAGES FROM WWW.LUNARIA.CO.UK/MELA-KIDS-ZONE-2014/

7 8

Leith Links www.edinburgh -mela.co.uk Sat 29th & Sun 30th August Noon – 6pm

THE F TO S E B

y l i m a F est F

Morph ©Aardman Animations Ltd

Dragons, puppets and tigers who come to tea – you never know quite what to expect at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. This year is no different! Whether your family is after something musical or dance related; drama or theatre based; or just something downright fun and silly, there really is something for everyone…

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FAMILY FEST

Morph Modelmaking Workshop FAMILY, CRAFT

Aardman www.aardman.com @aardman Ages 5+ 28-31 Aug 2pm & 5pm (1 hour) Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33) Iconic animated clay character Morph made his TV debut in 1977 and entertained an entire generation with his slapstick antics. Almost 40 years on, Morph and his mischievous pal Chas are back with some new adventures which premiered on YouTube and are now on TV. Now Morph’s at the Fringe! Learn how to make your own Morph with help from an expert Aardman modelmaker. Also join in on Saturday 29th for A Morning with Morph, a one-off chat with Morph’s creator Peter Lord and special guest host and enjoy a selection of classic and new Morph clips.

The Unbirthday Party by Immie Davies INTERACTIVE, THEATRE

Paperfinch Theatre www.paperfinch.co.uk @PaperFinch2013 Ages 5+ 5-31 Aug 11am (50mins) C Venues - C (Venue 34) Alice is having a positively frabjous tea party, and everyone’s invited! Nestle down for tea with the befuddled Caterpillar, bumblesome Mad Hatter and jittery March Hare. There’ll be plentiful jam tarts, flamingo croquet, a caucus race, and dollops of frumious family-friendly nonsense. Paperfinch Theatre return to the Fringe with their Cameron Mackintosh award-winning blend of theatre, storytelling and live music. made JULY / AUGUST 2015

Geometric City

PHYSICAL THEATRE, FAMILY

Moulded Theatre www.mouldedtheatre.com @mouldedtheatre Ages 3+ 24-31 Aug 12.15pm (1 hour) Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33) The world sneezed and everything fell to pieces, revealing a mysterious landscape. Come and join Bridget and Cindy in this theatrical adventure, as they go exploring through locations they quickly discover are inhabited by a range of creatures. Featuring physical theatre, puppetry and vibrant characters, it’s suitable for the whole family and fuel for the imagination.

FAMILY FEST

Annabelle’s Skirting Board Adventure THEATRE, FAMILY

Howard Read & Steve Pretty www.skirtingboardadventures.com Ages 3-12 Aug 6-30 (not 18) 11.30am (1 hour) Just the Tonic at the Community Project

The Secret Life of Suitcases PUPPETRY, STORYTELLING

Ailie Cohen Puppet Maker www.secretsuitcases.com @lifeofsuitcases Ages 5+ Sat 8 - Sun 23 Aug (not 12, 17) 3pm (45 mins) Scottish Storytelling Centre (Venue 30)

(Venue 27) Annabelle is the world’s smallest elephant, and her friend Icarus is a moth who loves bright lights and woolly jumpers. They become friends with Arthur (who is, disappointingly, just a normalsized human man) and together they go on an adventure beyond all imaginings. An ordinary living room can be a place of danger and wonder if you’re one millimetre tall. This mixture of animation, live video, comedy and song is brought to you by Howard Read – creator of the hugely successful Little Howard shows – and Steve Pretty of the Hackney Colliery Band.

Larry works in an office and he likes it very much. He likes sorting and tidying and generally putting things in order. Everything in its place, a place for everything. But one day, a suitcase suddenly appears at his door. A suitcase with a tiny label. A tiny label with Larry’s name on it. And this suitcase has a mission... Join Larry in The Secret Life of Suitcases as his world gets turned upside down by a fantastical flying suitcase taking him further than he ever thought possible. Follow Larry’s journey as he discovers the thrill of adventure and the joy of coming home again. “A fantastical life-changing journey... the sheer craft & invention is a constant stream of delightfully quirky surprises” **** The Herald

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An Ailie Cohen Puppet Maker Production;

'..Completely delightful...'

originally co-produced with the Unicorn Theatre

The Scotsman

An enchanting puppet show about travel, adventure and the joy of coming home again for ages 5+

Scottish Storytelling Centre (Venue 30) ÂŁ9 / ÂŁ7 conc

Sat 8 - Sun 23 Aug 3pm

(not 12, 17)

(45 mins)

www.edfringe.com / 0131 226 0000

FAMILY FEST

The Tiger Who Came To Tea ADAPTATION, FAMILY

Nick Brooke Ltd & Kenny Wax Ltd www.thetigerwhocametotealive.com Ages 2+ 5-31 August (not 8) 10am (1 hour) Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33) The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? What they certainly don’t expect to see at the door is a big, stripy tiger! Following a smash-hit West End season, the tea-guzzling tiger comes to the Edinburgh Festival in this delightful family show; packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos! A stunning stage adaptation of the classic tale of teatime mayhem... expect to be surprised!

I Hate Children Children’s Show CIRCUS, MAGIC

Unusual Productions www.ihatechildren.com @ihatechildren Ages 8+ 5-30 August (not 17 & 24) 11.45am (1 hour) Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33) Edinburgh’s ‘best children’s show’ (ThreeWeeks) is back for more treacherous trickery. Your little monsters guest star in this award winning magic show that’s fun for kids and adults. Every child 8+ helps with the magic. Live music! Champagne for moms! Tons of magic!

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FAMILY FEST

Damsels in Success: Fairytales Retold INSTALLATION, STORYTELLING

Not Cricket Productions www.simplyspiffing.co.uk @simplyspiffing Ages 5+ Aug 5-31 (not 18) 11:30am (50 mins) C venues – C nova (Venue 145) Jeremy, Rose and Alex’s parents are going to a ball and they leave the children in the charge of a babysitter. When she reads them The Princess and the Pea before bedtime, Rose takes objection to the story and its inconsistencies. They consequently set out to retell famous fairytales including Hansel and Gretel and Sleeping Beauty in their own way, with help from the audience and whatever items are to hand. Fun, funny and just a little bit silly. .

All-in-One Fun FREE

Eejits and Hissy Fits

Cerys Nelmes www.cerysnelmes.com @cerysnelmes Ages 3-11 Aug 8-29 (not 17, 24) 12.20pm (45 mins) Hispaniola (Venue 79)

Fiona Herbert www.fionaherbert.co.uk Ages 4+ Aug 5-23 (not 10, 17) 11.15pm (55 mins) Scottish Storytelling Centre (Venue 30a)

COMEDY, FAMILY

Join West Country comedian Cerys Nelmes as she entertains you and your children for 45 minutes of onesie fun! Wear your onesie, and have some funsie! There will be music, dancing, games, story time and lots of audience participation! Cerys will also be reading her new book, The Sad Unicorn, written and created by Cerys and her teenage son, Callam. All children will leave with their own edible rainbow unicorn poop! Onesies optional! made JULY / AUGUST 2015

COMEDY, STORYTELLING

Storyteller Fiona Herbert takes you on three adventures, encountering eejits and hissy fits along the way. In The Wee B and the Pea a prince meets a polite and resourceful young woman who can cope with peas under the mattress. In an old Celtic tale of two giants a clever wife comes up with a cunning plan to protect her husband from a bully, and in Washadish a spoilt wee madam learns the importance of nature and humility, narrowly escaping having to do the dishes... forever!

FAMILY FEST

Alfie White: Space Explorer THEATRE, STORYTELLING

Tall Stories www.tallstories.org.uk @tallstoriesnews Ages 5+ 5 - 30 August (not 19th) 2.05pm (duration 50 minutes) Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33)

The Last of the Dragons ADAPTATION, COMEDY

Manhattan Children’s Theatre www.lastofthedragons.org @NYdragonsinEdin Ages 3+ 5 - 31 August 12 noon (1 hour) Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33) A wonderful story of princesses, dragons and handsome princes…but not as you know it! In E Nesbit’s (The Railway Children) story the prince is too afraid to fight, the princess “wields a mean sword and quick wit” (New York Times) and wants to do the rescuing herself, and what she loves about the prince is his brain and not his muscle. And the dragon is nowhere to be found… This is a tale of bravery, intelligence and unexpected NEW traditions. Beautifully set for the stage, and directed by Laura Stevens cofounder of Manhattan Children’s Theatre, with an all Edinburgh cast, this show will delight young and old. “If you’re tired of that ‘’Once upon a time’’ same old, same old, you should visit Manhattan Children’s Theatre for ‘’The Last of the Dragons,’’ New York Times.

It’s 1967 and the space race is on... Alfie White is crazy about space. And his dad is training to be the first man on the moon. At least that’s what Alfie tells his schoolmates. In fact, Alfie’s dad has disappeared without trace – as if swallowed up by a black hole. Together with his best friend Meg, Alfie sets out on a daring mission to find his dad. But where on earth – or in space – is he? From Tall Stories, the company behind 2014’s sell-out success Emily Brown And The Thing.

Chicken Licken and the Little Red Hen PUPPETRY

DNA Puppetry and Visual Theatre www.dynamicnewanimation.co.uk Ages 3-8 Aug 5- 29 (not 7,8,9,17,24) 15:35 (45 mins) Summerhall (Venue 26) ‘Chicken Licken’ begins with baking bread. Events soon get out of hand as the chick is born from the egg and her adventures carry the amused interest of children and adults alike as she is nearly eaten by the hungry Foxy-Loxy. She then grows up to eventually outwit the hunter, her courage and wisdom triumphing over adversity in a gripping hide-and-seek chase sequence that results in the hunter getting his come-uppance – but what about the bread?

www.mademagazine.co.uk

AlfieWhite-MADE-69x101_Layout 1 20/05/2015 16:50 Page

Based on the story by Olivia Jacobs & Toby Mitchell

He’s out there... Somewhere. From the company who brought you 2014’s sell-out success EMILY BROWN AND THE THING (★★★★★ The List) 5–30 Aug

AUGUST 5-31 @ NOON

Ages 5–105

2.05pm (ends 3.00) 0131 556 6550

EDINBURGH FESTIVAL FRINGE 2015

THE PLEASANCE THEATRE

www.pleasance.co.uk www.tallstories.org.uk

d n a puppetry and visual theatre

www.lastofthedragons.org • www.pleasance.co.uk

chicken licken

A lively and witty adaptation of classic barnyard tales for young children and their families in a recipe mixing performance, puppetry, clowning, juggling and originally composed music by Jon Owen. Directed by Rachel Riggs. Puppets by Eve Ravenscroft.

y es the seemingl Chicken Licken do olds ar aling to 3 – 8 ye impossible – appe ff... O eat British Bake and fans of The Gr n’s re making to child when it comes to d an DNA Puppetry theatre, it’s clear ust. cr r pe e part of the up Visual Theatre ar om

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childrenstheatrereview

SUMMERHALL

August 5 - 29 3:35pm Tuesdays-Sundays 1 Summerhall Edinburgh, EH9 1PL Tickets: in person at Summerhall, from www.summerhall.co.uk or 0131 226 0000 £7 / £24 family of four - Aug 5 & 6 previews £5

FAMILY FEST

Anatomy of the Piano (for beginners) MUSIC, STORYTELLING

Will Pickvance www.willpickvance.com @willpickvance Ages 6+ Aug 6-30 (not 17, 24)

The Falcon’s Malteser by Anthony Horowitz FAMILY, THEATRE

New Old Friends www.newoldfriends.co.uk Ages 8+ Aug 5-31 (not 17 & 24) 2pm (1 hour) Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33) The Diamond Brothers Detective agency (the inept Tim and his quick witted younger brother Nick) have to discover what’s so important about a box of Maltesers, or else. A hilarious family adventure featuring slapstick, songs and four cast members playing 20 characters.

10am (55 mins) Summerhall (Venue 26) Will asks Father Christmas for a spaceship – he gets a piano! An adventure into the world of pianos – where they come from, how they evolved and why they make a pretty cool Christmas present. Featuring Bach’s cave piano, Beethoven’s bad moods and a jam with ‘Fats’ Waller. ‘The pace of the show is riveting, adults shaking their shoulders, children banging the floor while their mouths hang open in astonishment’ (ArtsHub.com.au).

The Man Who Planted Trees PUPPETRY, STORYTELLING

Beasts and Beauties FAMILY, DRAMA

1541 Ages 7+ Aug 7-15 4.10pm (55 mins) Greenside @ Nicolson Square (Venue 209) Retold by the Poet Laureate, Carol Ann Duffy, and freshly devised and reimagined, these four fairy tales are guaranteed to delight and enchant both young and old. Performed with tremendous physical energy and original music they’ll delight the entire family!

Puppet State Theatre www.puppetstate.com @puppetstatethtr Ages 7+ Aug 6-19 (not 17) 5pm (1hr 5mins) Scottish Storytelling Centre (Venue 30) Back by popular demand, this multi award-winning adaptation of Jean Giono’s classic environmental tale by Edinburgh based Puppet State Theatre Company has been touring internationally for the past six years, with appearances off-Broadway and at the Sydney Opera House. A unique blend of comedy, puppetry and inspiring storytelling.

www.mademagazine.co.uk

Greenhill Montessori Nursery WEEKLY

Let your child’s adventure begin!

LOCAL

CLASSES

with Water Babies, the UK’s leading baby swim school

P Children from 18 months to Primary Age P Hours from 9.00 to 16.00 (Care 8.15 to 17.30) P Billingual, with Native speaking teachers in both English and Spanish P Online progress tracking system for each child P We accept Childcare Vouchers P In Partnership with Edinburgh Council P Follows the Curriculum for Excellence

classes held...

Fully qualified, world class instructors, teaching you to teach your baby to swim

Our Values Here at Greenhill Montessori Nursery we are committed to providing a safe, loving and nurturing environment for each child who joins us. We engage your child socially, emotionally and educationally to ensure their success in the future. Their happiness, security and self confidence are our main goals.

in Edinburgh city centre, Newington, Hermiston Gate, Oxgangs, Crewe Toll, Dalmahoy, Dalkeith and more!

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SOFT PLAY S SESSION

SUMMER CAMPS 2015

ONLY £2ur.5! per ho

MAYBURN WALK, LOANHEAD • 0131 440 2541

Children can run wild in Amazone - a 3-tiered jungle themed soft play - and everyone can enjoy food, drinks and home baking from the Honeypot Café. The Kabin also boasts a charity shop, laundry & ironing services, dance studio, cinema, digital arts, meeting rooms, sensory/therapy room, plus our fantastic community garden.

We host parties every weekend! Celebrate your own special day with a choice of Amazone soft play, Cinema, Disco or Recording Parties.

Weekly group activities include: • PARENTS & TOTS • BABY PEEP • BALLET • GARDENING • MUSIC • ARTS & CRAFTS • BINGO • DISCO DANCING • TEA FOR TWO • CRAFT & CHAT • WEDNESDAY ADDITIONAL NEEDS GROUP • YOUTH CLUB • BASKET BALL

Open Mon – Sat, 9am-4.30pm • Sun 10am-4.30pm

www.thekabin.org.uk

THE CREATIVE CREW

THE GAMES GANG

Two Fun Filled Camps For Active Kids Aged 3+ Full day £30, Half day £15, Full Week £125.

Find out more and book your place at stepitupdance.co.uk /StepItUpDance

Made-Ad-Summer.indd 1

@StepItUpDanceUK

30/03/2015 11:20

AGONY AUNT

Jojo! Trust

Got a child related problem and need some advice? Look no further! Comedian, JoJo Sutherland, is on hand to help. Send your problems to info@mademagazine.co.uk @jojosutherland www.jojosutherland.co.uk

It’s the time of the year when I start to swear at myself and ask why I ever thought doing the Edinburgh Festival Fringe AGAIN was a good idea! Will I never learn? It seemed like such a good idea back in January when I agreed to do a play. It still seemed like a good idea in February when I agreed to write, act in and film a sketch show every day of the Fringe. And in March I was positively delighted to put my name onto multiple stand-up bills going on every night around the city. But now I’ve looked at my diary I realise that each day needs to have at least another 24 hours in it! That’s possible, right? I had completely forgotten I have 3 children at home, each with a list of demands. I appear to have drunk a bottle of memory bleach and omitted to place their needs on the spreadsheet. Can birthday parties be held on Facetime? Can I oversee a sleepover via Skype? Surely someone knows how I can be in Falkirk, Kirkliston and Edinburgh at exactly the same time? Ironically last year, a man at the festival taught me how to juggle; hopefully this year I will meet a magician!

Dear Jojo My 2 year old won’t let me out of her sight, it’s driving me mad. How can I get her to stay with someone other than me for even 5 minutes? Claire, Bruntsfield Dear Claire I feel your pain. There was a point in my life when I thought I might never be able to go for a pee on my own ever again, and having a bath felt like being in a public swimming pool. It’s a bit like ripping off a plaster - you literally just have to drag yourself away. I have one theory that your child will scream blue murder until you are out of earshot and then stop instantly until you reappear giving the impression that they’ve screamed the whole time you’ve been away. All they’ve actually done is scream long enough to give you guilt – DO NOT BE FOOLED!

Jojo x made JULY / AUGUST 2015

Summer Holiday Club

W/C 6 JULY Fairmilehead Parish Colinton Church HallChurch (EH13) W/C 13, 20 & 27 July (3 weeks) Reid Memorial Church (EH9)

W/C 3 AUGUST Leith Scout Hall (EH5) W/C 3 AUGUST Glencorse Centre, Auchendinny (EH26) Sports, fun & games, arts & crafts, snack & drink provided

For booking form, please contact Brian on: T: 07876 021073 E: brian.droudge@a-starsports.co.uk F: /AStarSports.EdinburghSE.EastandMidlothian

www.a-starsports.co.uk

Entomologist? Beekeeper? Ballerina?

At Sparkle Arts we encourage children aged 1-5 to develop and learn through a fun mix of music, dance and drama. Our classes bring subjects to life to accelerate learning, whilst building confidence and improving social skills. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a creative education that will make little minds sparkle and teach children skills that will last a lifetime. Go online to find out more and book a class.

sparklearts.co.uk

make learning fun.

THERE MUST BE MORE THAN

this provincial life! Raising girls in today’s rampant princess culture WRITTEN BY Andrea

Zanin

isney princesses are taking over the world. Forget Barbie. That war is won. The power of princess, with its sequins, sparkles and pink paraphernalia, has replaced the guns and grenades of conventional mutiny, ousting Barbie and replacing her blonde ambition (or lack thereof) with something equally ominous: poofy dresses, handsome princes, pretentious palaces and small pet friends that sing, sew and speak. Cinderella and co. careened into action at the turn of the millennium when a man named Andy Mooney, the newly appointed Products Chairman for Disney’s Consumer Division, attended a “Disney on Ice” show and was struck by the number of little girls dressed in princess costumes. Homemade princess costumes.

made JULY / AUGUST 2015

PRINCESSES

Opportunity sang its siren’s song and fifteen years later, eleven official Disney princesses and their accompanying accessories have sent do-ityourself stitching to the sin bin – to the greater or lesser relief of mums the world over. Although the advent of the princess dress might have rescued time swamped parents from an abyss of creative complications and midnight tailoring sessions, little girls have fallen hook, line and sinker for a fantasy that is equivocal in its ability to both delight and destroy. When Little Red Riding Hood visited grandma, the wolf was disguised as an old lady; a lesson to girls that danger lurks in places least expected. The moral at the end of Charles Perrault’s early version of the tale reads; “...there are various kinds of wolves. There are also those who are charming, quiet, polite, unassuming, complacent, and sweet, who pursue young women at home and in the streets. And unfortunately, it is these gentle wolves who are the most dangerous ones of all.” Gorgeous gals – charming, quiet, polite, unassuming, complacent, and sweet – hanging

around in castles, primping, preening and waiting around for true love’s kiss to be doled out by a dashing dude on horseback... no wonder mums are freaking out! The defining characteristic of Disney’s 20th century princess adaptations is that looks matter and if you don’t have them you may as well sit, like hopeless Georgie Porgie, in a corner and cry; there will be no man and there will be no saving (because that’s what women need, of course). It’s a feminist’s nightmare and a parent’s problem. How are mums supposed to teach their girls that beauty comes from within and to “go get ‘em tiger” when the world says otherwise? More significantly, Aurora says otherwise – buy a nice dress and wait on your guy. The misogynistic message might come prettily packaged but it’s is also enveloped in a very real fear that Disney’s princess jargon is cajoling girls into a life of mediocrity – lethargy and self-doubt. The perfectionism preached by today’s girlygirl culture has successfully created a cess pool of confusion, where impressionable minds loiter on the brink of identity crises. According to

www.mademagazine.co.uk

PRINCESSES experts, there is no current research proving a direct link between Disney princesses and low self esteem but there are investigations showing that the more mainstream media girls consume, the more importance they place on being pretty and sexy. And you can’t get more mainstream than Disney’s estimated multibillion dollar princess product division. In her book Cinderella Ate My Daughter, New York Times bestselling author Peggy Orenstein refers to the existence of a ream of studies showing that teenage girls and tertiary education students who hold conventional beliefs about femininity – especially those that emphasise beauty and pleasing behaviour – are less ambitious and more likely to be depressed than their peers. But really? Surely a couple of princess films and a doll or two are not going to kill a girl’s self esteem? Not all the princesses in Disney’s repertoire are anaemic man-slaves. Mulan challenges tradition by joining the army to save her father from certain death; she spends most of the film dressed as a boy and also saves the whole of China (and she’s not even an actual princess). Pocahontas chooses her people over the dashing Captain John Smith and Scottish aristocrat Merida refuses an arranged marriage, changing her destiny with feisty determination. And although Anna and Elsa have not yet been added to the official Disney princess posse (it’s just a matter of time), Frozen’s ‘Prince Charming’ is a villain and the girls save not only the day but each other too. Not bad. Sadly, it’s not that simple. The plasticisation of these characters seems to undermine any ounce of feminine authenticity they may have exuded in their respective films. Recently, parents petitioned for the reversal of a design that had distorted tough cookie Merida into something “skinnier and sexier” (and without her bow!); not really the image that Merida’s creator, Oscar-winning Brave writer and director Brenda Chapman, had in mind when she wrote a female protagonist to “give young girls

“

a better, stronger role model, a more attainable role model, something of substance, not just a pretty face that waits around for romance.” The implication of Merida’s girly-girl perversion by Disney’s super savvy marketers is that dolls do not sell unless they’re prettified. And who is buying these dolls? We are. Mums and dads: caregivers, also proponents of rabid consumerism, aiding and abetting a generation of feeble females with insecurity issues. It’s a harsh reality. And harsher still is that apart from siphoning ourselves and our daughters off to the proverbial desert island; there is little we can do to stop Disney’s glitterati from infiltrating our girls’ consciousness. They’ll be accosted at school, at the bus stop, buying milk at the supermarket. Disney is everywhere. As conscionable parents, we might try to strike a balance, compensating for rampant advertising and other children’s influence (as well as our own consumerist tendencies) with positive affirmation, praise for accomplishments rather than looks, plus some media literacy – as part of an ongoing conversation. On our doorstep this summer we see a positive princess role in Last of the Dragons showing at the Pleasance from 5 to 31 August. Here we have an intelligent and feisty princess who stands on her own two feet. She refuses to have some handsome prince save her from the dragon, she can jolly well look after herself, and insists on going against 100 year old traditions she thinks make no sense. She also falls in love with the prince not because of his looks and muscle but because of his intelligence, intellect and knowledge of the stars. We assume that as our girlies mature, the princess bubble will shrink – slowly but surely – and then it will burst. And hopefully the shock will be minimal. And if not, well, in the words of Disney’s Snow White “What do you do when things go wrong? Oh! You sing a song!” It just doesn’t seem good enough, does it? n

Little girls have fallen hook, line and sinker for a fantasy that is equivocal in its ability to both delight and destroy

made JULY / AUGUST 2015

”

e b r w ries a r t S ONE TH ! Q B B

trawberries may not be the obvious partner to a BBQ, but here is a tried and tested easy, delicious method. l Depending on the number of people, take a foil container or two (like recycled Chinese meal dishes or bigger). Take the washed and dried strawberries and slice a small amount off the bottom where the stalk joined. This will let them sit securely upright. l Toss the strawberries in four or five tablespoons of orange liqueur, sugar and ½ teaspoon of almond essence. Most of the alcohol will be evaporated during the cooking, but if you are concerned about the kids eating them then pure orange juice can be substituted. l With some softened butter grease the foil tray(s) and pack in the strawberries so they support each other. l Pour the remaining liquid over the strawberries and place on the BBQ at approx 200 °C. Cook for about 8 - 12 mins until they are beginning to slump. l Spoon the strawberries over ice-cream with a spoonful or two of the juice from the cooking tray. Delicious!

to Want ur pick yo.. own.

BORDER BERRIES Rutherford Farm, Kelso, TD5 8NP Explore the bountiful berry fields in the beautiful Borders, where berry picking is easy on this family-run PYO farm. Full of fresh, juicy Scottish strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries, tayberries, red and blackcurrants all naturally ripened in the open air. Taste right away or whisk home for baking, puddings, jam or the BBQ! Border Berries is perfect for little foragers where they can enjoy a picnic area and café offering fresh baking, smoothies and homemade cordials. You can pick from June 29th until Aug 16th.Check their Facebook page for updates and offers. www.borderberries.co.uk BELHAVEN FRUIT FARM www.belhavenfruitfarm.co.uk CAIRNIE FRUIT FARM www.cairniefruitfarm.co.uk CRAIGIES FARM www.craigies.co.uk

www.mademagazine.co.uk

Club d Summer Holiday Weekly Classes an

www.craftycooks.co.uk PHOTO BY MARASCHINO PHOTOGRAPHY

Cheeky Chefs P R E S S R E L E A S E ••• P R E S S R E L E A S E •••

Monkey Music Summer Workshops Join Monkey and his friends from Cheeky Chefs for summer workshops that are not to be missed! Sail the seven seas on a Pirate and Princess adventure or join us as we venture deep into the jungle on an animal adventure..... Each summer workshop will be jam packed with singing, dancing and instrument playing delivered by the team from Monkey Music before cooking up a storm with the fantastic Cheeky Chefs and creating some yummy goodies to bring home! Workshops will last 2 hours and include a snack for each child. Fancy dress for each theme is also encouraged! Workshops will take place at Boroughmuir Rugby Club, Colinton on the following dates: Date: Saturday 11th July Time: 9.30am and 1pm Theme: Pirates and Princesses

Date: Saturday 18th July Time: 9.30am and 1pm Theme: Animal Adventure

Spaces are limited and places can be booked online at www.bookitbee.com

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  

Our miracle baby & A BATTLE WITH BALANCED CHROMOSOME TRANSLOCATION WRITTEN BY Ewa

Wijata, Vivvi Photography

e’d been trying to have a baby for a long time, so when I finally got pregnant I was absolutely delighted. I was aware that miscarriage was common, but I didn’t think it would happen to me. However it did. There was nothing I could do to prevent it and I was left feeling empty, sad and confused. I managed to get pregnant again and when our baby girl was born I was over the moon. I always thought we’d have two children but we didn’t want to rush it. After my earlier experience, planning and stressing about it was not what I wanted. When my daughter was three I found out that I was pregnant again and it was such a wonderful surprise. I was naturally anxious about my first upcoming scan. And it was then, after seeing our baby on the screen, we found out there was something wrong - a genetic disorder. Everything went blurry and I felt like my life stopped. I stopped caring about work, plans, money. I just wanted to wake up from this nightmare. After further tests, we found out our baby had Turner Syndrome and tragically we lost her at 12 weeks. My heart and life were torn into pieces. A new year started and I tried to be more optimistic, concentrated on work and rediscover all the positive things in my life. I even started to photograph more newborn babies, which was really rewarding. I was happy that I could create these special memories for their parents. made JULY / AUGUST 2015

When we received a letter from a doctor to find out how we are doing, I was feeling more stable. I did not expect any more news. I was actually expecting some wonderful things for this upcoming year, but I was wrong. I found out I have Balanced Chromosome Translocation - a condition which only affects pregnancy. If normal chromosomes get together I would have a normal pregnancy, but if abnormal chromosomes pair together, there will be some missing genetic material and this can cause miscarriage, or the baby can be unbalanced and carry a genetic disorder. This meant living in constant fear and frustration. I got pregnant 17 months later and although I was happy and excited, I was also scared and never stopped worrying. Every time I had even tiniest abdominal pain I thought something bad was going to happen. I couldn’t sleep at night. I’d start imagining my life with a second baby, but a minute later I would remember my condition. I tried to think positive and not to panic, but two weeks later I lost my baby again. I was so devastated and I felt that no one could understand. Either I could trying or play this horrible emotional game again. During my difficult time grieving, I joined a Balanced Chromosome Translocation online group, which gathers people with different types of BT from around the world. They gave me so much hope, support and understanding from their own personal stories - sad and happy. I still read their stories on a daily basis. I decided to do something positive so I’ve signed up with Jump for Love to do a parachute jump and raise money for the Mariposa Trust, a leading baby loss charity which offers support and provides National Remembrance services for anyone who has lost a baby at any stage of pregnancy, at birth or in infancy. I’m trying to raise £450 this summer to complete my jump in autumn. I’m also planning monthly meetings for anyone in Edinburgh affected by Balanced Chromosome Translocation. n

For information and updates.. about the Balanced Chromosome Translocation monthly group contact Ewa via www.vivvi photography.co.uk or visit her Facebook page

shopping

•

sport

•

health

•

food

•

shopping •

sport

shopping 1. MAGNETIC POSTCARD (WIPE-CLEAN) £7.95, Bank House Living, Lauder www.bankhouseliving.co.uk 2. SNAPPY TAGS

(ONE-CLICK CLOTHES LABELS)

www.snappytags.co.uk

3. MINI MI-PAC SCHOOL BAGS

(VARIOUS COLOURS AVAILABLE)

£17.99, Treehouse Childrenswear, Stockbridge www.treehousechildrenswear.co.uk

BACK TO

SCHOOL 2015

4. MULTI-COLOURED PENS

£2.95, Cloudberry (Barnton & Blackhall) www.cloudberrygifts.co.uk

5. JOULES LUNCH BOXES (VARIOUS DESIGNS AVAILABLE)

£14.95, Treehouse Childrenswear, Stockbridge www.treehousechildrenswear.co.uk 6. HAPPY JACKSON SNACK BOX SET £9.99, www.urbancuckoo.co.uk

7. PETASIL BABS SHOES £50.50 - £54 .00 8. START-RITE FLEUR SHOES £40

Maddie & Marks (Blackhall, Bruntsfield, Portobello) www.maddieandmarks.com

7 56

8 www.mademagazine.co.uk

shopping

•

sport

•

health

•

food

•

shopping •

sport

9 9. WOODEN COLOURED

PENCILS (SET OF 12) £4, LB With Love, Edinburgh www.lbwithlove.com

Our school shoes are top of their class!

We’ve an amazing choice of styles, shapes and sizes with expert staff to make sure they fit. Book your ‘fitting’ appointment today.

10. FIRST DAY AT SCHOOL CARDS

£2.30, Cloudberry (Barnton & Blackhall) www.cloudberrygifts.co.uk 11. START-RITE ENGINEER SHOES £42 12. RICOSTA JACK SHOES £53 - £62 Maddie & Marks (Blackhall, Bruntsfield, Portobello) www.maddieandmarks.com

book your school shoe appointment now blackhall: 0131 315 3322 bruntsfield: 0131 447 9779 portobello: 0131 343 3289 www.maddieandmarks.com

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Kids & Sport

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED When should kids start playing sport? Anyone who has seen children in a playground knows that most are naturally active, but as they start school it can be a challenge to get their recommended 60 minutes of daily activity. There can be uncertainty how activities will fit around school or just the general pressure of busy working families. In spite of this you can help kids fit activity into their daily lives which can set healthy patterns that will last into adulthood. One option to put in the activity mix is sport. The benefits of sports Sports can help kids grow in many ways, such as working with others or challenging themselves in a safe environment. They can learn the value of practise and the challenge of competition plus it’s a fun way to spend time with friends and get regular exercise.

When should kids take up a sport? There are many classes specifically designed for the stages children go through as they develop from babies and through primary school. You no longer have to wait for your baby to be inoculated before you start swimming. And there are fantastic classes like Gym Nippers and Mini Kickers football that introduce little ones to basic movement skills, concepts such as taking turns and help muscle and co-ordination development. It’s not until about age 5 or 6 that most kids develop the skills and attention span needed to listen to directions and grasp rules of a game. Choosing the right sport If your child shows an interest in a sport, try to let them do it. Even if it doesn’t turn out to be a good fit, they’ll learn from the experience. Each child is unique. Some are naturally inclined

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towards team sports while others may be more comfortable with individual effort. There is something for everyone. Don’t worry if it takes a few tries to find something that’s right for your child. It often takes time for them to figure out which activities they enjoy. Family considerations Of course, what they do affects the rest of the family too. Have a think about transport coordination, especially if you have more than one child. And we’ve all planned classes perfectly only to find that the times change as the child move class! Getting to know the other mums and dads to share some of the transportation can help a lot. Do you have a butterfly? When they are small it might take a few tries to find an activity they love, but having fun and staying active are the goals and there are many alternatives out there. With over 14 different sports and activities to try, Edinburgh Leisure has a huge choice of high quality coaching all over the City for tots to teens. n For more information go to www.edinburghleisure.co.uk made JULY / AUGUST 2015

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Hypopressive

METHOD

he Hypopressive Method was developed in Europe by Dr. Marcel Caufriez in the 1980s as a non-surgical treatment for women with pelvic floor issues; it can also be used just as effectively for men. The specific breathing pattern combined with a variety of postures and poses creates a vacuum effect that has the abdominal muscles and pelvic floor unconsciously brought in and upward without force or pressure. Hypopressive Method improves your posture, activates your deep slow twitch muscle fibres and re-educates your body to cope with external and internal pressures. Core weakness and pelvic floor dysfunction happen as a result of the internal pressure we are subjected to from a wide range of areas: gravity, everyday activities, physical training, pregnancy and other trauma. This pressure will always find the weakest point and this can be the cause of conditions such as urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and hernias.

Who benefits from the Hypopressive Method?

i The term ‘HYPOpressive’ refers to a decrease or reduction in pressure. This is opposite from most traditional exercises, including abdominal exercises that are HYPERpressive – they increase internal pressure.

l Incontinence It is estimated that between 3 & 6 million men and women in the UK suffer some sort of incontinence. Leaking a little urine when you sneeze is not normal! Incontinence ads on TV lead us to believe the little pads they sell are the solution to the problem when they really only address the symptoms not the cause. l Pelvic organ prolapse Hypopressive exercise is a suitable non-invasive method that has proven successful in treating pelvic organ prolapse patients. For many it can remove the need for surgery. l Post Natal women Hypopressive exercise can be started as early as six weeks postnatal, providing your doctor gives the go ahead to exercise. Around

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15-20 minutes of exercises at home every other day for a month should see the pelvic floor and pelvic organs returning to their pre-pregnancy state. l Posture, back and neck pain One of the visible benefits of Hypopressive exercise is improved posture. Research studies have demonstrated reductions in excessive lumber and cervical lordosis and thoracic kyphosis. In addition, postural comfort was reported in the form of better mobility and reduction in pain. l Hernia Hypopressive exercise can help people suffering from inguinal hernias, umbilicle hernias and vertebral disc hernias. l A final benefit is that the Hypopressive Method can increase sexual enjoyment. Hypopressive training re-programmes the core muscles and diaphragm, which are vital in managing pressure naturally both consciously and sub-consciously. Typical pelvic floor and core exercise rely on conscious muscle contraction. This is fine in an environment where you are able to “brace” before physical activity. But day-to-day when you reach to pick up a child who’s fallen over, your focus is on the child and you are relying on your core to work at a sub-conscious level. Think of Hypopressives as the foundation for any traditional training, such as running, or as a fantastic stand-alone form of exercise with numerous benefits. n Edinburgh’s Hypopressive teacher, Abby, had a very active lifestyle before her two pregnancies, but traumatic labours left her body vulnerable and literally destroyed her quality of life. After a lot of searching she found Hypopressives and the results after just two sessions were revolutionary. She trained with professionals and Abby now offers group classes and one-to-one intensive foundation level courses at Jabberwocky in Haddington, and the Drill Hall, Dalmeny Street to help you find more4yourcore. She has new locations coming soon so to find out more email her at abby@hypopressivescotland.com made JULY / AUGUST 2015

Hypopressives Edinburgh We’ll help you find more4yourcore Particular benefits for: • Incontinence • Pelvic organ prolapse • Post-natal women • Posture • Back & neck pain • Hernia • Sexual Enjoyment

CLASSES: • Jabberwocky Soft Play, Haddington • Drill Hall, Dalmeny Street More venues coming soon…

abby@ hypopressive scotland.com www.hypopressive scotland.com 61

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By Charlotte from The Pantry and Tums, Mums & Babies

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ith summer here at last you’re no doubt getting that itchy foot feeling to pack up and get out for the day to the beach. Or maybe you’re just delighted you can open the patio doors and get the kids away from the telly! Here are two super ideas that make picnics more fun. All you need is a cool bag and they will stay cold and fresh until lunch.

Fruit pops You will need some lollypop moulds, a baking tray and some of your favourite fruit. If you don’t have a mould some lollypop sticks in an ice-cube tray works just as well. Ingredients: l 1 cup fresh mango* l 1 cup fresh pineapple* l 1 cup fresh kiwi* l 1 cup Greek yogurt l 1/2 cup coconut milk l 1 teaspoon honey *Any fruit will work

Directions: Split the fresh fruit in half - chop up one half and set aside. With the other half, blend until it forms juice. Set aside. Mix together the yogurt, coconut milk and honey then blend in the juice. Fold in the fresh fruit to the mixture, then spoon into individual moulds. Put in the freezer for 60 minutes, then slide in the popsicle sticks. Freeze for 4-6 hours until firm. When they are ready to eat, let them sit out for 5 minutes, then wiggle each out to enjoy! For babies just dot your favourite fruit blend into little blobs on a baking tray. Freeze. And hey presto, baby ice cream! My 3 year old loves this too!

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All-in-one Savoury Muffins These delights are a great alternative to sandwiches - and they’re gluten free! Make them the night before a picnic or eat warm straight from the oven. All you need is a muffin tray. Ingredients: l 1 & ¾ cup gluten free multi-purpose flour l ½ tablespoon baking powder l 2 tablespoons chopped oregano or basil l 1 & ½ cups of milk l 2 medium eggs l 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese l 1-2 cups sweetcorn or chopped ham or grated carrots (you can use any veg or meat you want) l 1 small jar of pizza sauce or pasatta Directions 1. Preheat oven to 180 °C. Coat a 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray, butter or a muffin case. 2. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder and herbs. Add eggs and milk and whisk until well combined. 3. Stir in mozzarella and other toppings if using. Mix well. Stir in ¼ jar of sauce to marble the mixture. 4. Divide mixture evenly into muffin pan. Just under 1/4 cup per muffin will about divide the mixture pretty evenly. 5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a fork inserted into the middle of a muffin comes out clean. 6. Let cool in pan for a couple minutes. Remove and serve with sauce for dipping. n

Find out more… For more information about The Pantry in Stockbridge go to www.thepantryedinburgh.co.uk

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We’ll help you raise adventurous little foodies with easy, seasonal, cost-eﬀective and fun dishes! For information and dates of classes contact Charlotte via charlotte@thepantry edinburgh.co.uk

1-2 NW Circus Place Edinburgh EH3 6ST

0131 629 0206 63

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Have you got great photos from an event you’d like to share with MADE readers? If so, email them to us at info@mademagazine.co.uk

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1. Seven year old John Imray wins the 2015 Edinburgh Festival Fringe’s Schools Poster Competition, supported by Virgin Money. Also photographed is runner up Isla Barlow, Virgin Money’s Stephen Pearson, Kath M Mainland and runner up Jack Glen.

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2. Getting messy with Messy Munchkins at Dobbies Garden Centre.

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3. Celebrating Bookbug Week 2015, children from Murrayfield Nursery snuggle up with childrens’ author Debi Gliori, Bookbug and a couple of sheep at Gorgie City Farm.

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4. Sam and his friends have a fantastic Step It Up Dance Party to celebrate his 10th birthday.

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5. Two princesses magically bring Olaf back to life at A Wonderful World of Parties.

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6. Pupils from Law Primary School helped award-winning Scottish Seabird Centre celebrate its 15th birthday.

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8. The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) was delighted to welcome HRH The Princess Royal as she made an official visit to RZSS Edinburgh Zoo on May 22nd.

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7. Acting Minister for Children and Young People, Fiona McLeod MSP officially launches Edinburgh’s first outdoor nursery (part of Mother Goose Nursery) with Brooke Wright (3).

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ON TRIAL... Turtle Tots Busy parents and babies don’t have the time (or energy!) to try all the available classes available in Edinburgh, so let us do it for you. In this edition we spoke with mum of one, Paula, about her experience with baby swimming experts, Turtle Tots. Turtle Tots claims: They offer a unique and fun swimming programme, which begins with aqua-natal yoga classes for mums-to-be, and continues with specialist and progressive baby swimming classes from birth, and toddler/pre-school classes. They are very proud of their fun, social and stimulating classes, which are hugely beneficial for the babies, mums and dads too!

Paula said: I used to hate the water and thought I couldn’t possibly take my baby swimming. When I was nine I panicked in the deep end of a pool and had to be pulled from the water. It totally knocked my confidence and I didn’t swim again for 16 years! But knowing how beneficial swimming would be for my baby Joshua, I didn’t want to hold him back so I decided to follow my friend’s recommendations and try out Turtle Tots. I was incredibly nervous to start with, but I quickly realised babies don’t have any fear of the water and I found this comforting. My son loved the water and his smiles helped me relax. In fact, he inspired me so much that I ended up taking lessons myself and I have learned to swim all over again!

The verdict… Joining Turtle Tots has been fantastic for our whole family. The teachers are so supportive and never expect me to do anything I’m not comfortable with. It’s been massively valuable for Joshua to learn this essential, life-saving skill, and it’s been a wonderful way to spend genuine quality time with him. For more information about Turtle Tots go to www.turtletots.com

If you are a business owner and would like MADE to test your service/product get in touch at mademag@live.co.uk

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lture Club u C A holiday club for children aged 5 -12

• art & crafts workshops • team building activities • trips to museums & art galleries • nature walks • golf • horse riding • martial arts

Mon-Fri 8.30am-5.30pm £100 per week

Contact Michelle Redmond 0333 577 7076 missredmond@tkdbroxburn.co.uk

a and Edinburgh Fitness Zumb

Broxburn Black Belt Academy, Unit 6, Thistle Business Park, Broxburn, EH52 5BB

Insanity Classesg! now runnin

Zumba with Nadia is no ordinary exercise class,

it’s a PARTY!

Classes in Morningside and Craiglockhart

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Help children develop confidence, coordination and social skills whilst they learn to express themselves in a warm and relaxed environment. Classes in Barnton, Ratho, Ravelston, Morningside and Stirling. Contact zoe@boogiebeat.co.uk to book your space!