MADE (Mums and Dads Edinburgh) Magazine - Jan/Feb 2020

made mums and dads edinburgh

JAN/FEB 2020

FOCUS ON

EDINBURGH’S TOP 100 PARTIES

WELLBEING

Venues, Themes, Cakes, Presents

THIS YEAR

make learning fun.

FREE

NEW FOR 2020: PARTIES FOR AGES 8+

www.sparklearts.co.uk

CONTENTS Welcome It’s 2020!! A new year, a new start.

Maybe a new job, a new house, a new baby; new beginnings for sure! And with two fab events happening in January and February there is no excuse not to find a new you.

On 11 and 12 January we have Calm on Canning Street, where Edinburgh’s West End comes together to offer a range of wellbeing classes, talks and workshops. And then on 1 and 2 February we have Edinburgh Wellbeing Festival at the Assembly Rooms, which covers everything from vegan and plantbased diets, physical fitness and yoga, to menopause, mindfulness, mental health and dementia.

I’m especially excited that Mother Pukka and Papa Pukka are going to be there talking about their new book Where’s My Happy Ending, an honest, funny look at love and relationships, social media and children. Perfect events to start a happy new year.

Louise x

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

5 News 10 Give them time

By Isobel Skyes

17 Sustainable Living 18

18 Home Inspirations 20 What’s on: Jan-Feb 26 2020 Finance Goals

By Gemma Wood

28 From Crutches to Triathlon

By Angela MacRitchie

30 Staycaction

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Family beach holiday in Fife

35 MADE’s Top 100 Parties 64 Happy birthday to you!

66 MADE Meets….

Tempo Perso

57 Editor & Publisher Louise Wilson Designer

MAMi Designs

Sales Executive

Caroline McClean

Feature Writer

Isobel Skyes

Columnist

Claire Daly

Front Cover

Pixel Photos

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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Let’s Play.

Let your little ones, and their imaginations, run wild in our unique 228 sq.m. indoor play barn And for the grown ups...delicious coffees, teas, fresh-pressed juices, sweet treats and light lunches await in our Orangery café (dogs welcome too!)

OPEN MON - SUN, 9.30AM - 5.30PM WHITEKIRK, EAST LOTHIAN, EH39 5PR WWW.WHITEKIRKHILL.CO.UK 01620 671 702

NEWS FROZEN FUN THIS FEBRUARY

DREAMING OF A FAMILY RETREAT TO SOUTH WEST FRANCE NEXT SUMMER? Nestled in the heart of stunning Dordogne, Le Chevrefeuille B&B and self-catering is the ideal family holiday haven. Approved by leading UK preschool tour operators, Le Chevrefeuille is easy to reach with low-cost direct flights from Edinburgh to Bergerac and Bordeaux.

This stunning accommodation has won Tripadvisor’s Certificate of Excellence every year and is centrally located to Dordogne’s most famous tourist sites.

Onsite there’s ample kid-friendly entertainment: toyroom, pool with safety fence, animals, bikes and beautiful grassed play area. All baby equipment is provided and for kids of all ages: babysitting!

Parents will love the stunning poolside views, beautifully appointed rooms and cottages and award-winning cookery school. For a unique experience, sign up for the highly acclaimed family cookery course - it’s fun, educational and a great opportunity for some family bonding time.

Visit www.dordognefamilyholiday.com for more information on this blissful family retreat.

Quote ‘MADE Edinburgh’ for a 5% discount off all bookings (outwith July and August).

“Let it Go” on Saturday 15 February as Elsa and Anna visit Conifox for their Frozen Party.

Listen to story time and join in with singalongs then decorate your own biscuits and cupcakes. There will also be games and a ‘meet and greet’ with the famous sisters so dress up and enjoy in the fun.

Visit Conifox during January for half-price entry to their adventure park where you can zoom around the track on pedal go-karts or see how high you can reach on the giant jump pillow.

Book early to avoid disappointment via Facebook @ conifoxadventurepark or to find out more visit www.conifox.co.uk

KIDS CAMPS AT MARINE DRIVE World of Football, Marine Drive is offering a fantastic sports and activities camp in the February break for children aged 7-12. Activities include football, bubble football, archery, ping pong, Xbox, plus loads of fun mini games. The camp runs Monday 10 - Friday 14 February with an early drop-off available from 8.30am. Find out more and book online at www.worldoffootball.com/kids-camps-md made JAN / FEB 2020

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NEWS AM SPACES

STAYCATION, STAYCATION, STAYCATION! Celebrate VisitScotland’s year of Coasts and Waters with a family beach holiday to Fife this year. Stay at Abbeyford Leisure’s award-winning Elie, St Andrews or St Monans holiday parks and you’ll only ever be a few steps away from golden beaches and dramatic seascapes. Watch their latest park videos at abbeyford.com

PLAY BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Nurture the Play is now officially open at 5a Portland Gardens, with a focus on unlocking your child’s curiosity and natural desire to explore. With a selection of natural and real life objects you will be hard pushed to find a conventional toy there, the aim is to bring current early year focuses to the mainstream and support parents and carers to participate through free play sessions and groups whilst providing coaching and consultancy for the early years sector. www.nurturetheplay.co.uk

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Interior Designer, Alex McKay of AM.spaces, has a passion for designing Spaces that welcome and create memories. Originally a Hospitality Designer, she breathes new life into the homes of busy families helping to sort through all their ideas and countless Pinterest Boards. Working together to uncover their style and home needs.

She builds on a story that reflects them and then brings it to life.

She loves when a client’s smile grows because they are blown away by her mood boards or 3D models, seeing just how their space can look; when the ideas suddenly click into place and they realise how they can make it ‘Their Space’; one that serves them best, practically and aesthetically.

For help completing your home projects this year, contact Alex via www.alexmckayspaces.com

www.mademagazine.co.uk

NEWS A SPARKLING NEW BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY IS WAITING FOR YOU Sparkle Arts specialise in the delivery of educational Performing Arts classes; their creative approach helping children develop through a fun mix of music, dance and drama.

They are looking for energetic, talented people with a performing arts background to join the growing Sparkle Arts franchise network. Franchisees will be fully trained, and have access to ten years of experience of running a profitable business with a

curriculum of more than 120 fully scripted classes, together with school holiday workshops and bespoke children’s parties.

Sparkle Arts aim to become the leading provider of benchmark educational services for children in the UK & Ireland.

If you are looking to start your own exciting business and you think a Sparkle Arts Franchise would be right for you, call Dayle Henderson on 07717 706778 or email info@sparklearts.co.uk

SCOTLAND’S PREMIER PREGNANCY & FAMILY FAIR RETURNS TO EDINBURGH THIS SPRING Bonnie Bairn brings together the best local experts, service providers and independent retailers who can support you from pregnancy, to birth and parenthood; ensuring you and your baby get off to the best possible start.

A day packed with informative talks and workshops for the grown-ups, as well as taster sessions and entertainment for babies and young children.

There is something for the whole family to enjoy, plus premium goody bags for the first 250 families and a free Epic Prize Draw.

Visit www.bonnie-bairn.co.uk and use code MADE for 30% discount

NEW PROACTIVE FAMILY MEDIATION TURNS BIGGER AND BRIGHTER

Cherry Tree Mediation offers a highly professional and approachable dispute resolution service for families. Their principal mediator, Laura McLaughlin, has extensive experience as a family solicitor allowing her to offer a new proactive mediation service. Laura’s experience in family courts means she has a wide and diverse knowledge of asset division and contact arrangements, which allows her to suggest alternative resolutions not previously considered. It’s a cost-effective alternative to court action to settle financial and child-related disputes. www.cherrytreemediation.co.uk made JAN / FEB 2020

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NEWS TURTLE TOTS DONATES £11,246 TO LOCAL CHARITY Turtle Tots Edinburgh was delighted to have raised an incredible £11,246 for Simpsons Special Care Babies. Over the past four years, they have raised over £20,700 for the local charity.

Director, Karina commented; “Simpson’s Special Care Babies has provided vital support to many of our swimmers, and personally to friends and family. With a current fundraising target of £300,000, I was keen that Turtle Tots help get them nearer to that target.’’

YOGA + PROSECCO Yosecco has become a huge success in Edinburgh, with lovely ladies rocking up for 90mins of a fusion of Yoga and Prosecco, where you get to sip, stretch, giggle and relax.

The brainchild of Zoe Young, Yosecco, gives you the chance to align your body and mind - along with some fizz!

At the end of the session you enjoy relaxing aromatherapy, plus extra optional time chilling and chatting to new potential friends. Zoe is available for Hen and corporate events too, follow @ZoeYoungYoga to find out more.

MY MATERNITY RUNWAY

Why spend money on an outfit you might only wear a few times?

If ever there was a time to rent a dress, during your pregnancy would be it.

My Maternity Runway is an Edinburgh-based dress hire company offering a sustainable way to find a fabulous outfit that doesn’t cost the earth or compromise on quality.

Choose from a variety of highquality dresses, including wellknown brands like Tiffany Rose, available in a range of sizes.

Prices start from £40 and there’s no need to worry about dry cleaning. Pop in for a hassle-free appointment and find the perfect dress for that special occasion. @mymaternityrunway

40 YEARS IN THE SADDLE AND LIMBERING UP FOR THE NEXT 40 to mark their forty years in the Colinton community; a hilarious ceilidh, a walk through Colinton Dell, and the annual Mulled Wine and Quiz night. The team are also making some adjustments to meet the changing needs of local families. As we move into 2020 look out for a refreshed, revitalised Stableroom - ready for the next forty years. Places are available, so for further details contact 07740334967 or stableroomcolinton@gmail.com

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EXCELLENT TUITION INDIVIDUAL & GROUP SESSIONS PONY TREKS BEACH RIDES

Established in 1972, Tower Farm Riding Stable offers a variety of equestrian services for all ages of horse lovers.

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n o i t eti

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WIN RIDING LESSONS AT TOWER FARM

Tower Farm Riding School 85 Liberton Dr, Edinburgh EH16 6NS 0131 664 3375 www.towerfarm.org

Established in 1972, Tower Farm Riding Stable offers a variety of equestrian services for all ages of horse lovers. From individual and group lessons, to pony treks on the Braid Hills and on the beach; as well as leasing, livery and competitions. With excellent on-site facilities and tuition, kids can start their equestrian journey from the age of three.

Tower Farm’s proprietor, Caroline Buckle, is proud of the high standards her Riding Stable promotes and is excited to be able to offer a prize giveaway for three lucky winners!

First prize is a bundle of three riding lessons (worth £96), and two runners-up will win one riding lesson (worth £32).

To be in with a chance of winning just go to www.mademagazine. co.uk and tell us where in Edinburgh Tower Farm is located.

We’ll pick a winner at random on 15 February 2020. For more information about Tower Farm go to www.towerfarm.org.

(Prize must be used before end July 2020)

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give them time AN ARGUMENT FOR SCHOOL-START DEFERRAL IN SCOTLAND

By Isobel Skyes

I

meaning folk that I was “holding her back”. How could I not see that she was ‘“definitely ready” and that she would be “unchallenged” or even “bored” in nursery? I couldn’t have disagreed with them more. I believed that play was learning.

I built it into my lessons as much as possible simply because it seemed to me the natural way for children, and indeed humans, to learn.

Play was meaningful and memorable, the sort of learning that is deep and that sticks. So I did my reading. I needed facts and reasons beyond my own ‘gut instinct’ (although I would always advise you trust this too) to throw at the doubters. Why not school at 4? The answer to this lay in asking ‘WHY school at 4?’

The UK has one of the lowest school starting ages in the world, in fact only 12% of countries start formal schooling at 5 (66% start at 6, 22% start at 7). The history of this decision finds its roots in 19th century industrial Britain. Reforms brought in at the time expanded educational provision and introduced widespread statefunded schools. By the 1800s education was compulsory for children aged 5 to 10.The Elementary Education Act of 1880 permitted school boards to set a standard which children were required to reach before they could be employed. Children who were employed were

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left Scotland 10 years ago in a bashed up Ford Fiesta and all my belongings in a box.

I returned 7 years later with considerably more baggage in the shape of 1.5 kids, a husband, a teaching degree and a lorry 60% full of plastic toys that bleeped. I was 40 weeks pregnant with an apparent future footballer and our daughter was just 3. Had we stayed in England, she would have been starting school the following summer at the tender age of 4. I was apprehensive. From what I had experienced in my teaching career so far it all felt a bit too soon, so I was delighted to discover that as a February born baby in Scotland, her and her January born peers would be entitled to defer their school start date by a year. Not only that but she would automatically be entitled to an extra year of nursery funding.

Despite being a primary school teacher, my decision to defer my child’s school start was still considered a bit controversial by the rellies/ random people on the bus etc. By all accounts my daughter presented as ‘ready’ for school.

She was thoughtful, bright, very curious and a great talker. She knew all her letter sounds and numbers, had no toileting issues, was fairly good at getting herself organised, basically all the things that the establishment suggest ‘readiness’ to start school. It was even argued by some well-

start formal schooling at seven, as is the case in Finland. That doesn’t mean their children stay home till 7. Many of these countries have a kindergarten stage based on well-established principles of child development. Research into the role of play in child development has consistently found that free, self-directed play is fundamental to children acquiring the ability to self-regulate, develop social competence and language skills.

It is also important to note that those children whose countries do give precedence to play and start formal learning at a later age, show no signs of having been ‘held back’. Indeed in PISA’s 2016 Education ranking of western nations, the top achieving nations all start formal school at 6 or 7. Having taught the 6-7 age range myself many times over the last 10 years, I was trained to group my children based on academic ability to enable me to differentiate and better meet those children’s needs. Makes sense right? But when I take a closer and more uncomfortable look back I remember those 6 year olds knew quite well that being in the ‘circles group’ in maths meant they weren’t ‘the best’. They didn’t have to be called the ‘bottom’ group to know that is how they were viewed. Because they could see the work they got was easier and they knew the teaching assistant or teacher was usually always stationed at their table. Teaching and learning in Scotland (and

© IMAGES BY FREEPIK.COM

required to have a certificate to show they had reached this standard and employers who were unable to show their child workers had done so were penalised. It thus made economic sense then to send them as early as possible. The earlier a child could start school the sooner the parents were available to work in local industry and the sooner their children would be ready to join them. Nowhere could I find any pedagogical reason for starting school at 4 or 5. Nothing that said ‘at 5 your child has reached a level of development that makes them ready to engage with and succeed in more formal learning’.

Somehow, we as parents (and one could argue councils and governments as well) seem to have bought into the idea that the sooner we start children at school and the harder we push them, the sooner they’ll achieve great things. However, research suggests the opposite is true.

In UNICEF’s 2013 survey ‘Child Well-being in Rich Countries: A comparative overview’ the UK ranked poorly alongside its European neighbours.

Through the use of indicators that captured how many children in each country had low income, low educational achievement, poor health or low levels of life satisfaction, the survey didn’t quite reinforce the impressive colonial mythos that a ‘British Education’ holds overseas. The western countries with the best records in education

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how individual councils approach discretionary deferrals across Scotland. Even if you are lucky enough to be able to self-fund an extra year of nursery, many councils will not allow you to do that in a school nursery meaning parents are faced with deciding to uproot their child for a year and place them in a private nursery setting or sending them to school. The simple truth is that many parents simply can’t afford not to send their children to school. This postcode lottery in part led to the establishment of grassroots

movement Give them Time in the summer of 2018, with parents across Scotland sharing their own experiences of applying for a further year of nursery funding for their child. Thanks to the work of the campaign the Scottish government recently debated and voted to introduce legislation to support the automatic deferral of all children not yet 5, however until this becomes law (if it ever does) and funding is provided to councils, whether you are supported to do what you feel is right for your child or not is still dependent on where you live or whether you can self-fund.

As for me, as both a mum of a deferred child and a primary school teacher, I would say we’ve not regretted the decision once. And if you’re lucky enough to be able to give your child just a wee bit more time then you should definitely grab it with both hands. The best advice I was given was ‘Yes they might be ready. But they won’t be ‘less ready’ a year later will they?’ n

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© IMAGES BY FREEPIK.COM

my classroom!) has thankfully moved on quite a bit from then, however I still wince when I think back to what I was taught was ‘best practice’. I wonder how many of those circles missed out on achievements of which they were quite capable because at such a young age they were already deemed by people like me to be incapable?

In Scottish education there has definitely been a shift in understanding about the primacy of play.

P1 should now be more ‘play-based’ however I would argue that there is still a misunderstanding here. Play IS learning. In some schools ‘Play-based learning’ is just a fancy way of saying ‘we’ve decided what’s important and we’ve tried to make it super fun’.

The agency of what to learn and where to take that learning still lies predominantly with the teacher.

Despite years of investment to narrow the attainment gap in education between rich and poor, where you are born and how much money your parents have still overwhelmingly dictates your life chances. Mental health problems, childhood obesity and the huge decline in recent years of opportunities for children’s free outdoor play are having a growing impact on children’s social and academic achievements. Despite Scottish policy supporting a developmental approach, it’s clear the structure of our education system can’t support it when we are still sending children into formal learning situations at 5.

Deferral then, was a no brainer, and I was lucky not to have to argue my point too forcefully with the school and nursery. However in speaking to other parents who sought the same thing, it became clear that even some nurseries and schools were giving out advice that didn’t quite tally up with what parents were legally entitled to do. Many were led to believe it was an opportunity that would be granted or not. It came as a surprise to me that ALL children who have not turned 5 by the start of their p1 year are legally entitled to defer. Funding for nursery however, remains the decision of the council in question and huge disparities exist between

Confidence starts in the water

To book your first class call

0131 554 6682 waterbabies.co.uk

The Edinburgh Wellbeing Festival returns for a third year

Edinburgh Wellbeing Festival returns to the Assembly Rooms on 1st and 2nd of February 2020 for another packed weekend of talks, classes and workshops to help us lead healthier and happier lives.

The festival will feature some of the biggest names in wellbeing, covering everything from vegan and plant-based diets, physical fitness and yoga, to menopause, mindfulness, mental health and dementia. Key themes this year are loneliness, the importance of community, the power of music, and how physical activity impacts on our mental health.

Headline speakers include Olympic Gold Medalist Dame Kelly Holmes MBE, award-winning cookery writer and anti-poverty campaigner Jack Monroe, Buddhist monk and bestselling author Gelong Thubten, BBC Doctor Rangan Chatterjee, Instagram’s favourite parents Mother and Papa Pukka, and world-renowned Professor of Neuropsycho- pharmacology, David Nutt.

Fitness classes are suitable for all levels and include yoga star Annie Clarke, Pilates PT instructor Hollie Grant, celebrity trainer and Nike Ambassador 14

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“EWF is a fantastic event. To have so many experts in one place, delivering talks, workshops and classes was both inspiring and motivating” - DR RANGAN CHATTERJEE Faisal Abdalla, and Dame Kelly Holmes who will be running one of the first of her new Military in Motion classes.

Felix Buxton of electronic music duo Basement Jaxx has also written a bespoke piece for the festival which will be performed by Edinburgh’s Got Soul Choir. This special event, which is presented in partnership with Edinburgh Music Lovers, will celebrate the power of music to bring us together, with a one-off performance, and a panel discussion on how music can benefit our health. Music will run throughout the festival, with disco yoga, sound baths, binaural beat therapy and more.

For those who want to try something new there will be workshops on how to make everything from kombucha to herbal remedies, and taster classes from Calm on Canning Street, Foundation Training and Edinburgh Leisure. Once again the marketplace will be full to the brim of wellness products, health advice, discounted treatments and delicious food.

This year the festival has partnered with Edinburgh Leisure, whose Active Communities programme harnesses the power of physical activity to tackle inequalities and combat the effects of inactivity; Street Fit Scotland, who deliver a programme of health, fitness and wellbeing, aiming to reduce social isolation and loneliness for people who have experienced homelessness or who are vulnerably housed and The Joshua Nolan Foundation, which was set up to reduce suicide by funding counselling sessions for those who desperately need it, whilst also improving awareness of mental health issues.

Edinburgh Wellbeing Festival is a partnership between The City of Edinburgh Council and Good Thinking.

Tickets range from £5 to £45 plus booking fee.

For more details and the full festival schedule visit edinburghwellbeingfestval.com.

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The Emotional Alchemy Hub Overcome Overwhelm| Stress| Worry| Guilt| Anxiety As a mum and business owner I know that day-to-day life can be tough, and I know it’s better to take steps to overcome the overwhelm before it turns into physical pain, burnout, depression or illness.

My happy place is helping women, mums and mumpreneurs transmute EFT Tapping for Life the heavy, negative emotions into EFT Tapping for light, powerful energy we can use Business to regain our sense of self.

Shiatsu Energy You cannot pour from an empty cup.

Massage

‘I think Dee has magic hands; I always know I have someone to come to when things get stressful’ Dr F Dempsey

dee@deemurraytherapies.co.uk | 07971 414 897

www.deemurraytherapies.co.uk

FIND YOUR SENSE OF CALM WITH US IN 2020 Our beautiful Yoga and Wellbeing sanctuary, Calm on Canning Street in the West End offers a varied timetable of yoga and meditation classes including Beginners Yoga, Beginners Yoga for Men, Hot Yoga, Gentle Flow, Yin Yoga and more. We also have a full schedule of events as well as Massage, Counselling, Life Coaching, Homeopathy and Ayurveda consultations.

Spend a trial month with us for only £30 for 4 Yoga classes and let us nourish you from top to toe Visit our website www.calmoncanningstreet.com Follow our journey on Insta @calmoncanningstreet

UPCOMING EVENTS

Foxhall, Kirkliston Edinburgh EH29 9ER Adventure Park 07968 746355 adventurepark @conifox.co.uk

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

@conifoxadventurepark @conifoxadvpark @conifoxadvpark

Don’t miss HALF PRICE Park Entry this January Bistro Restaurant • Pedal Go Karts Crazy Foot Golf • Off Road Pedal Go Karts Pedal Tractors • Giant Jump Pillow Trampolines • Farm Swings Balance Beams • Rope Bridge

RK ADVE NT UR E PA Sat 15 February Frozen Fun

a for a fun Join Elsa and Ann February.

Frozen Party this e and join in Listen to story tim n decorate with singalongs the and cupcakes. your own biscuits games and a meet There will also be famous sisters. and greet with the

www.conifox.co.uk

7 steps to sustainable living refurbished double-glazed wood windows. We have a wood burning stove for the cold months.

EDUCATION: Reading about sustainability, politics and environmental issues gets you thinking about what you can do now, and also what we should be doing to prepare our children for their future. We sensitise our children to environmental issues and respecting nature in general.

FOOD: We eat organic food from our local market and have reduced our meat consumption to once a week. We’ve also cut down on dairy products, but being French, I still give in when I see some very nice cheese!

C

eline and Zeno Kerr live in Edinburgh with their three young children. As a family they are trying to live a more sustainable life. They recently launched the ili Laptop Stand as a direct result of not being able to find an environmentally friendly solution for something they needed.

They told us, ‘We are by no means experts in going green, but we’ve discovered that the more changes you make, the more you learn and the more you want to do…’

TRAVEL: We cycle and walk most of the time but of course a car is handy for longer trips, so we share ours with friends and neighbours.

They are insured on it and we have a WhatsApp group for car-sharing so that everybody knows when it’s being used and where it has been parked last.

CLOTHING: We buy second-hand clothes and regularly organise clothes swaps. Not only does it reduce waste, it’s fun to meet with friends over a glass of wine and pre-loved clothes.

ENERGY: Our old home is well insulated with

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PLASTIC TOYS: We’ve never bought plastic toys for our kids. It’s no problem if they are given them as it’s good for them to experience different materials, but there are enough in circulation for us not to need to buy them.

HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS: Moving to organic household products and toiletries was challenging.

We swapped cling film and aluminium foil to beeswax wraps. We use bamboo toothbrushes, and coconut scrubbers for dishwashing. We buy very little from supermarkets, instead we take our containers to Edinburgh’s zero waste shop, Eco Larder, and refill with pasta, cereals, flour, spices, olive oil etc. Our next step is to start using shampoo bars to eliminate the bottles we refill, but I’m not quite ready for that yet. With three children under five, we choose our battles wisely.

“Every little change takes us closer to being more sustainable and motivates us to do a little more.

Don’t try to do it all at once and all of the time.

Be kind to yourself and realise with every small change you are probably doing more than you think.” n

For more tips and ideas, sign up to their newsletter via www.ililaptopstand.com/blog

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DUSKY LILAC EUCALYPTUS £28 Audenza

INSPIRATIONS

PARTON HALF SPHERE PENDANT LIGHT £69 Cult Furniture

ZUIVER OBI WOVEN RUG £259 Cuckooland.coom

ALL ANGLES’ MIRROR £158 Audenza

SOHO HOME BETSY ARMCHAIR £1,300

OLIVER BONAS MERCURY TEALIGHT HOLDER £12.50

MARLOW NESTING TABLES Cult Furniture

OLIVER BONAS MATCHES £12 due March

SCALLOP PRINT CUSHION £28 Cult Furniture

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INTERIOR DESIGN: HOME WALK AND TALK You are just a bit stuck….

AwArD WiNnInG

bAbY-LeD

Swimming programme Giving your little one the best start to their swimming journey contact 07964 840 049

edinburgh@turtletots.com

www.turtletots.com/edinburghandeastlothian

A WELCOMING NEIGHBOURHOOD RESTAURANT IN THE HEART OF BRUNTSFIELD, SERVING AUTHENTIC ITALIAN FOOD A N D W I N E - T H E I TA L I A N WAY

A walk around your home, focusing on areas where you are just simply stuck. Colour, furniture arrangements, what to add or subtract, anything you need. Let’s have a look and see what we can do. I’m here to help you Love Your Space!

Find out more at www.alexmckayspaces.com or follow on Instagram @AM.spaces

KIDS EAT FOR ONLY £2* 208 Bruntsfield Place | EH10 4DE | T: 0131 221 1777 E: bookings@mytempoperso.com | W: mytempoperso.com @mytempoperso

*T&Cs apply

Dates for your diary Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday Thursday 1

Happy New Year!

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Visit Edinburgh Zoo before 26 January and see the Giant Lanterns: Lost Worlds

GIANT LANTERNS: LOST WORLDS @ EDINBURGH ZOO

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STORYTELLER CLAIRE HEWITT @ SCOTTISH STORYTELLING CENTRE, 14 JAN

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Tyrannosaurs starts @ the National Museum of Scotland. This exhibition explores the most feared and revered of all dinosaurs, featuring rare fossils and cast skeletons.

Runs 23 Jan - 4 May. 30

HALF PRICE ENTRY @ CONIFOX ADV PARK JANUARY

10am & 11.30am (40mins) Tiny Tales @ Scottish Storytelling Centre. The perfect introduction to storytelling for wee ones, with stories, songs, rhymes, space for buggies and roaming around!

For ages 1- 3, £5 per child.

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EDINBURGH CHINESE NEW YEAR FESTIVAL 20 JAN - 2 FEB

28 Oor Wullie: The Musical @ King’s Theatre. Join Wullie, Fat Boab, Soapy Soutar, Wee Eck, and the rest of the Sunday Post gang, in a brand new musical adventure. For ages 4+.

Runs 28 Jan - 1 Feb.

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Hogmanay House: A magical “First Foot” adventure @ Lauriston Castle. Celebrate the magic and origins of Hogmanay. For ages 7+. Runs until Sun 5 Jan. www.magicfest.co.uk

Kids Gone Wild groups @ Polbeth & West Calder Community Garden.

10.30am - 12pm Bushcraft Babies (ages 0-2). 1pm - 2pm Little Boots for mini adventurers aged 2-5. Every Wednesday www.kidsgonewild.co.uk 15

Edinburgh Chinese New Year Festival runs from 20 Jan - 2 Feb with lots of events happening to celebrate the Year of the Rat.

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OOR WULLIE: THE MUSICAL @ KING’S THEATRE 28 JAN - 1 FEB

TYRANNOSAURS @ THE NATIONAL MUSEUM 23 JAN - 4 MAY

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january 2020 Spotlight on...

Friday Saturday Sunday 3 4

HOGMANAY HOUSE @ LAURISTON CASTLE UNTIL 5 JAN

10 11 Visit Conifox during January for half-price entry to the adventure park

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Funbox: Trouble in Toy Town @ Howden Park Centre, Livingston. Kick 2020 off in style and head to Toy Town for the brand new singalong.

On 4 & 5 January.

FUNBOX @HOWDEN PARK CENTRE 4 & 5 JAN

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Wellbeing in the West End. A weekend of wellbeing classes, talks and workshops. Runs 11 & 12 January - see spotlight for more info

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For more info on MADE’s favourite events go to www.made magazine.co.uk

19 10.30am-12.30pm FREE Open Morning to change career with CNM Edinburgh. @ Napier University Merchiston Campus, 10 Colinton Rd. www.naturopathy-uk.com/events

24 25 1.30pm - 3pm Family Ceilidh @ Scottish Storytelling Centre.

A fun introduction to sociable dancing with live music and stories. For all ages, £5 FAMILY CEILIDH @ SCOTTISH STORYTELLING CENTRE 25 JAN

26 10am - 4pm Sunday Funday @ The Yard, Canonmills.

Open to the public on Sundays so everyone can get messy and have fun! £6 per child for two hours. theyardscotland.org.uk

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Wellbeing in the West End

Calm on Canning Street, EH3 8EG 11 & 12 January For the second year, The West End comes together over the weekend of the 11 & 12 January to offer a range of wellbeing classes, talks and workshops.

Nurture yourself, explore and support local West End businesses and raise money for wonderful local charities and celebrate all things wellbeing.

All money raised will go to The Rock Trust, a charity aiming to end Youth Homelessness in Scotland and The Joshua Nolan Foundation, who work to reduce suicide in Scotland through raising awareness and getting crucial support to those most in need.

Tickets via Eventbrite, under 16s go free.

SUNDAY FUNDAY 10AM - 4PM @ THE YARD EVERY SUNDAY

made JAN / FEB 2020

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Dates for your diary Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday Thursday

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4

For more info on MADE’s favourite events go to www.mademagazine.co.uk FERGUS MCNICOL @SCOTTISH STORYTELLING CENTRE, 11 FEB

10 Sports & Activities Camp @ World of Football, Marine Drive for ages 7 -12. Kids can enjoy football, bubble football, archery, ping pong and loads of fun mini games! www.worldoffootball.com 17

11 10am & 11.30am (40mins) Tiny Tales @ Scottish Storytelling Centre. The perfect introduction to storytelling for wee ones, with stories, songs, rhymes, space for buggies and roaming around!

For ages 1- 3, £5 per child.

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Elsa & Anna are visiting Conifox on Saturday 15 for a Frozen Party!

Book your tickets via Facebook @conifoxadventurepark before they sell out!

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ZOG @ KING’S THEATRE 12-15 FEB

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6

FROZEN PARTY @ CONIFOX ADV PARK 15 FEB

13 Zog @ King’s Theatre.

Zog has been imaginatively adapted in this magical production, featuring live musicians.

Runs 12 - 15 Feb. 20

Kids Gone Wild groups @ Polbeth & West Calder Community Garden.

10.30am - 12pm Bushcraft Babies (ages 0-2). 1-2pm Little Boots for mini adventurers aged 2-5. Every Wednesday

SPORTS & ACTIVITIES CAMP @ WORLD OF FOOTBALL

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5

25

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Pancake Tuesday!

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www.mademagazine.co.uk

FEBRUARY 2020 Spotlight on...

Friday Saturday Sunday

1

2

Edinburgh Wellbeing Festival returns to the Assembly Rooms!

Enjoy fitness classes, inspirational conversations with leading experts, workshops and taster sessions.

See spotlight for more info…

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Edinburgh Wellbeing Festival EDINBURGH WELLBEING FESTIVAL @ ASSEMBLY RMS

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12pm & 2.30pm Stan & Mable and the Race for Space @ Assembly Rooms. Join the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Stan and Mabel, for a fun-packed session of music and storytelling. For ages 4-10 14 15 Capital Sci-Fi Con 2020 @ Edinburgh Corn Exchange. Movie, media & comic convention to raise money for CHAS. Runs 14 - 16 Feb

STAN & MABLE @ ASSEMBLY ROOMS 8 FEB

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STRANGER VISITOR @ SCOTTISH STORYTELLING CENTRE, 15 FEB

23 10.30am-12.30pm, FREE Open Morning to change career with CNM Edinburgh. @ Napier University Merchiston Campus, 10 Colinton Rd. www.naturopathy-uk.com/events

CAPITAL SCI-FI CON 2020 @ EDINBURGH CORN EX 14 - 16 FEB

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SUNDAY FUNDAY 10AM - 4PM @ THE YARD EVERY SUNDAY

made JAN / FEB 2020

Assembly Rooms 1 & 2 February

2.30pm – 3.30pm The Strange Visitor: Book Launch @ Scottish Storytelling Centre.

Discover this trad Scots tale reimagined in English and in Scots.

Games and crafts included.

Free (ticketed) event for ages 7+.

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www.edinburgh wellbeing festival.com

10am - 4pm Sunday Funday @ The Yard, Canonmills.

Open to the public on Sundays so everyone can get messy and have fun! £6 per child for two hours. theyardscotland.org.uk

Edinburgh Wellbeing Festival features some of the biggest names in wellbeing, covering everything from vegan and plantbased diets, physical fitness and yoga, to menopause, mindfulness, mental health and dementia. Key themes this year are loneliness, the importance of community, the power of music, and how physical activity impacts on our mental health.

Headline speakers include Olympic Gold Medalist Dame Kelly Holmes MBE, awardwinning cookery writer and anti-poverty campaigner Jack Monroe, Buddhist monk and bestselling author Gelong Thubten, and Instagram’s favourite parents Mother and Papa Pukka amongst others.

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Love Your Business in 2020

© ANDREA THOMSON

L

ove Your Business networking club at Black Ivy, Bruntsfield is celebrating its 2nd anniversary by giving two readers the chance to win a year’s membership!

Whether you’re just starting out in business, at the idea stage or planning to take your empire to the next level, it’s always good to keep networking high up on your priority list.

Love Your Business was set up by Michelle Brown, founder of Michelle Brown PR, who has delivered PR, Marketing & Communications multi-channel campaigns for major UK brands including M&S, Geox, Huggies and Specsavers.

We caught up with her to find out more about her passion for talking to people, face to face, to help with business success and longevity..

3) What’s different about Love Your Business?

Love Your Business networking club is relaxed, informal and great fun. People feel really welcomed and alway say how friendly everyone is. There’s a variety of speakers every month from all walks of life sharing their business journeys, and leaving attendees feeling hugely inspired. Also, it’s a pay-as-you-go model, so there’s no monthly or yearly membership fee.

1) Why did you set up LYB? I’m a big fan of getting out there and meeting people in business – there’s always someone you can help and learn from. I also love linking people up and seeing them working together and going from strength to strength.

To be in with a chance of winning a year’s membership for Love Your Business, email michelle@michellebrownpr.com before 15 February 2020 and tell her why YOU should win.

2) Why is it important to network and talk about your business?

It’s easy to get caught up in the running of your business and stop working on your business model in terms of factors like brand positioning, margins and goals. Sometimes all it takes is to step back, reflect and talk to other people to see things in a different light.

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4) Is there a networking protocol for someone giving it a go for the first time?

Yes, bring a business card and a smile and go in with the mindset of how you can help someone – don’t forget to follow up! n

FOR MORE INFO

Love Your Business runs on the last Thursday of every month at Black Ivy, 10am - 12noon. Tickets (£20) include tea/ coffee and £2 charity donation, book via Eventbrite. www.michellebrownpr.com

www.mademagazine.co.uk

Sunday Funday Home Help Me Care has been graded ‘Excellent’ for ‘Care and Support’ in its recent care inspection

At Home Help Me Care, we recognise the significant contribution the older generation have made to shape our future, and in turn we will look after them as they deserve.

Could you help?

Join our team, and receive  flexible working hours (to fit in with school and lifestyle)

  

training opportunities career progression good rate of pay

Contact: 0131 285 8320 / 07581 554712 info@homehelpmecare.com

www.homehelpmecare.com Registered Company No. SC553248

is open to everyone so you and your family can experience the magic of The Yard.

10am - 4pm every Sunday in Canonmills £6 per child The only indoor and outdoor adventure play centre in the east of Scotland, with something for everyone, The Yard is where all ages get messy and have fun!

theyardscotland.org.uk Scotland Yard Adventure Centre (known as The Yard) is a registered Scottish Charity SC002538 and Private Limited Company registered in Scotland 101671.

GETTING YOUR

financial DUCKS IN A ROW

By Gemma Wood

A New Year can bring the promise of change, focus and getting to the ‘I really must…..’ list! Many of these thoughts will likely be around household admin and getting to that pile of paperwork. If you are in the mood to get organised and take control of your finances, then here are some key points to address when considering your and your family’s financial planning.

1. Do you have a household budget? Do you know where all your money goes? It’s helpful to review bank statements regularly for rogue Direct Debits and payments and have a plan for your money each month. You might even save some money along the way and these can be redirected to more longerterm goals!

3. Review what life and critical illness cover policies you have (or don’t have!) and are they still appropriate for your life and finances now? It is also essential to consider what your current sick pay situation is if you have changed jobs or become selfemployed so that you can still pay your bills during periods of illness.

2. Are you claiming Child Benefit and Child Tax Credits where available? Check out the www.gov.co.uk website to see if you are entitled to any further benefits. www.childcarechoices.gov.uk this link is great to guide you on your childcare choices.

4. Check your Will* is up-to-date (or that you have one). Whether you are married or not and have assets or not, a Will makes sure your estate with is dealt with quickly with minimal hassle for your loved ones. Most importantly make sure that you have noted

*Will writing involves the referral to a service that is separate and distinct to those offered

by St. James’s Place. Wills are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

The Partner Practice is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised an Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products. The title ‘P

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www.mademagazine.co.uk

ADVERTISING FEATURE

your wishes regarding Guardianship for your children.

It’s often not an easy decision but if you’re having trouble deciding, imagine how tricky a court will find it?

5. Top up that ‘rainy day’ fund. Knowing you have a pot of cash available for the broken washing machine and car MOT takes the pressure off the unexpected. Aim to have 2-3 months expenditure as back up.

6. Think about your retirement. Have a review of your pension plans and think about increasing your pension contributions by a 1% each year. Every penny helps and a little extra now can go a long way later on. Whether you are employed or self-employed, take some time to consider what your retirement strategy is and how you are planning to fund the longest holiday of your life!

7. Consider saving for your children. Regular or lump sum payments can have a significant impact on the choices an 18-year-old can have in terms of training, education, property purchase or whatever they require to establish themselves as young adults. If you start early, the power of compound interest can transform even small sums.

There is help and guidance available to those who want to have more control and security surrounding their financial planning and I am here to help guide those conversations.

Let’s make 2020 the year your financial ducks are lined up in the direction you want your life to go! n The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds you select and the value can therefore go down as well as up. You may get back less than you invested.

FOR MORE INFO

For straightforward, practical steps towards a more secure financial future, please get in touch with Gemma Wood (Gemma.Wood@sjpp.co.uk). Based in Edinburgh, Gemma is a diploma-qualified financial adviser who helps her clients make a financial plan, so they can focus on the more important things – like enjoying life!

nd regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Partner Practice’ is the marketing term used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.

made JAN / FEB 2020

Financial advice of true family value

We provide a comprehensive wealth management service, offering specialist face-toface advice tailored to you.

Our services include: • Investment Planning • Inheritance Tax Planning • Family Protection Planning • Intergenerational Planning • Retirement Planning For further details please contact:

Melville Wealth Management 0131 303 0018 gemma.wood@sjpp.co.uk www.melvillewm.co.uk

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FROM CRUTCHES TO

©MICHAEL MCLAREN

Triathlon T H A N K S T O S T U D Y I N G AT T H E C O L L E G E O F N AT U R O PAT H I C M E D I C I N E

By Angela MacRitchie CNM Graduate in Naturopathic Nutrition, Herbal Medicine, and Naturopathy

I

was a county gymnast at the age of 19 when my knee swelled up and I could only walk with crutches. Over the next 20 years I had six operations, took heavy painkillers and was often bed-ridden with pain. After the sixth operation my consultant said “No more operations, I’m referring you to the Rheumatology clinic”.

Prescribed a cocktail of powerful anti-inflammatories, which, despite making me feel very unwell, brought down the swelling dramatically, meant that I could dispense with crutches, though I was still in pain. I was told I’d be taking anti-inflammatory drugs for life, so I began to investigate natural alternatives.

When I explained to the rheumatologist the natural changes I was making, he was unimpressed. I told him I had challenged myself to do

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a triathlon in two years’ time, to which he replied, “No chance”.

But my body increasingly began to wake up again and respond. Two years later, at the age of 46 I successfully completed my first triathlon.

I’m now 50. It’s been six years since I’ve taken any medication. My knee is fine, I’m painfree and enjoy more mobility than since I was a teenager. The only reason I haven’t done more triathlons is because I’ve been studying for three Diplomas at CNM: Nutrition, Naturopathy and Herbal Medicine.

I learnt amazing facts at CNM which really helped my health. It turned out my blood had no Rheumatoid factor markers, so Rheumatoid Arthritis was never the problem.

It was tough studying for three Diplomas and

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MY HEALTH JOURNEY HAS TAKEN ME FROM CRUTCHES TO RUNNING A TRIATHLON. STUDYING AT CNM HELPED ME DO IT

CNM

COLLEGE OF NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE

Training Successful Health Coaches

Health Coach

Do Something Life-Changing  Improve Your Health  Change Career  Help others

working full time, but everyone at CNM helped me. I now have three clinics offering my clients complete wellbeing packages. As a Naturopath I know the importance of giving the body what it needs for healing and returning to balance and inspiring people to make positive change in their lives.

I don’t have the words to express how much studying at CNM has changed my life. n

DO SOMETHING LIFE-CHANGING

Attend a FREE Open Event to find out about training with CNM Edinburgh. To book: 01342 410 505 naturopathy-uk.com CNM has a 22-year track record training successful natural therapy practitioners in class and online.

Colleges across the UK and Ireland.

made JAN / FEB 2020

01342 410 505 thehealthcoach.com 29

STAYCATION, STAYCATION, STAYCATION!

Award-winning St Andrews Holiday Park

2020 is shaping up to be the ideal year to enjoy a staycation, especially if you enjoy getting away to the seaside. It’s the year that Scotland celebrates its Coasts and Waters with a packed programme of events and activities which will shine a spotlight on these vital elements of our landscape.

F

rom our beautiful natural features including coasts, lochs and rivers to our industrial heritage such as canals, mills and the creation of our national drink – whisky, Scotland’s Coasts and Waters have shaped our culture, our stories and our way of life.

One of the best ways to get involved is to stay on a coastal holiday park and use it as a base to explore all of what your chosen area has to offer.

The proximity of Fife means that the Kingdom is the perfect starting point for many and you don’t need to look any further than Abbeyford Leisure holiday parks for the ideal staycation. With three award-winning parks in the East Neuk, they have been creating magical holidays for all ages for over 70 years. Family friendly Elie Holiday Park, is a real hidden gem and offers a fine selection of holiday home accommodation all within a short walk of the beach and the stunning Fife Coastal

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Path. The park, which is also open to day trippers, is home to the exciting Robinson Crusoe Adventure Park – an impressive shipwrecked galleon surrounded by palm trees, where wannabe castaways can relive Crusoe’s adventures until sundown – all for free! For grown-ups there’s the superb Kincraig View Restaurant and the popular Mirador Café, which serves some of the best barista coffee in the Kingdom.

At weekends and during the school holidays enjoy complimentary evening entertainment and free football coaching sessions with AM Soccer Club in the summer. Also look out for family-fun sandcastle, scarecrow and music events.

Further along the coast, St Andrews Holiday Park offers unrivalled sea views across azure waters towards St Andrews and beyond, and is enviably located within easy reach of magnificent sandy beaches, fantastic watersports and all the

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homes, ur holiday ark Connoisse P ay id ol sH St Andrew

The Braes

, St Andre

ws Holiday

Park

Crusoe adventures, Elie

Holiday Park

ith hot tubs

Lodges w

best golf courses. There’s an impressive bar and restaurant (The Braes) which has a laid back vibe and an expansive sun terrace to soak up those sea views, plus a new Papa John’s Pizza Takeaway.

Accommodation includes stylish lodges with private hot tubs affording breathtaking sea views and a wide range of very modern holiday homes (many with decking and sea views).

Alternatively, head for St Monans Holiday Park, which is set in a prime coastal location quietly nestled between the East Neuk villages of Elie and Pittenweem. Overlooking the Fife Coastal Path, the Signature Plus and Castaway Vista holiday homes boast stunning views and are the perfect escape for a rejuvenating walking holiday.

Each park offers dog-friendly holiday homes too and touring caravans, motorhomes, campervans and tents are also welcome. Book online and you can select your pitch or holiday home location for free. n

FOR MORE INFO

Castaway (beach or forest) holiday homes at Elie Holiday Park start from £260 per family at Easter for 4 nights. Book online and view park videos at abbeyford.com

made JAN / FEB 2020

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From sew-stoppers to

IPS TO T E L P M I S 7 UCCESS S E M U T S O C

W O H S OPPER ST

David Stringer has almost 20 years’ industry experience in

costume design, with notable work in the West End, including Andrew Lloyd Webber’s School of Rock the Musical, Wicked, Cats, Legally Blonde, fitting and dressing the costumes in the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the London 2012 Olympic And Paralympic Games, and costuming for Little Mix’s current tour.

If your new-year budget is tight, remember costumes don’t have to be stressful or expensive. Here are David’s top tips…

FIND A HIDDEN GEM AND SUPPORT A GOOD CAUSE Before you start, pop into your local charity shop. They’re an Aladdin’s cave of retro outfits with beautiful patterns that can be re-made into costumes – all on a budget. You never know, you might discover a hidden gem that sparks your imagination for a whole costume, and at the same time you’re helping a worthwhile cause.

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… AND DON’T RULE OUT THE POUND SHOP! Pound shops, jumble sales and cheap fabric shops are also amazing places for purse-friendly materials and accessories. The pound shop is a personal favourite of mine; lots of my pound shop purchases are being worn on the West End stage.

SEWING ISN’T THE BE-ALL AND END-ALL… CUE CABLE TIES! I know lots of parents will panic buy costumes because they’re worried their sewing skills aren’t up to scratch. However, you don’t need to be a dab hand with a needle and thread to make your little one’s costume shine on stage. There’s lots of ways you can bring your costumes together, such as Wonder Web, staples and even the trusty cable tie – you wouldn’t believe how many costumes on the West End stage are being held together by cable ties! All of these best-kept secrets are available from your local stationery store which will do the same job as a stitch.

Don’t forget the humble old safety pin - it’s always good to have a couple of those on hand if there any last-minute wardrobe malfunctions.

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© IMAGE BY FREEPIK.COM

DON’T PANIC Firstly, don’t get stressed when you hear the words ‘fancy’ dress’! I know that lots of parents feel that they don’t have any ‘creative inspiration’ when it comes to thinking up costumes, and often put too much pressure on themselves to create something out of the ordinary.

To get the creative juices flowing, browse Pinterest for inspiration of costumes that have already been made or YouTube for tutorials.

Once you’ve done your research, put pen to paper and do some sketching. It doesn’t need to be a masterpiece, but it will help relieve stress if you have a plan.

BUILD UP FROM A BASE Just because you’re creating your own costume, it doesn’t mean you can’t use a pre-existing base to make life easier and cheaper. A onesie, leggings, or even an oversized jacket are great pieces to use as a starting point. You can cut the item into a new shape, adjust the length, or add extra fabric and materials, like feathers or glitter, until you get your desired result. This is a great way to save both cash and time.

GET CREATIVE WITH SOME BUBBLE WRAP OR FOAM TO ADD IN SOME INTERESTING TEXTURES

KEEP ONE EYE CLOSE TO HOME Household items like milk bottles, shampoo bottles or kitchen roll tubes are all great, low cost options for building additional height or shape to a costume. Or get creative with some bubble wrap or foam to add in some interesting textures. Your recycling bin can be a treasure trove for finding empty packaging to create weird and wonderful accessories - cereal boxes can be turned into great headpieces!

RE-USE, RE-WEAR, RECYCLE If your children love a particular costume - there is no reason why it can’t be worn again. Repurpose Halloween costumes for World Book Day (with less face-paint and fake blood!)

If they’ve outgrown old pieces, donate them to a charity shop to give other children the chance to enjoy them, or provide parents with exciting materials to use in their costume creation…

World Book Day is 5 March 2020. n

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A party is all in the planning

By Claire Daly

O

ur daughter’s first birthday party was really a party for adults, a BBQ in the garden with a few babies here and there. I made strawberry cakes - a very simple crumble base with giant strawberries on top. As soon as I brought them out Rose wolfed several of the strawberries, leaving the cakes decapitated.

One friend arrived without her mobile and nobody could hear the doorbell in the back garden of our old flat so she missed the party.

The photos went wrong too. We have the almost perfect shot of Rose smiling on her first birthday, with the (remaining in tact) strawberry cakes and both of us, but when we looked at the photos properly later we realised that lurking in the background was a dad on his phone. I have always intended to Photoshop him out but never had the time.

Her second birthday party was much more child-oriented with a huge avocado lime cheesecake a la Hemsley and Hemsley that all the adults and children loved. Even the babies loved it... apart from ours who wouldn’t even try it. We spent so long preparing the flat and the food that when the first guest arrived we realised the birthday girl was still asleep! She’d had a long nap and no lunch and woke up grumpy and tired, so she didn’t enjoy the party as much as she should have.

For the third party we focused more on Rose.

We fed her all morning to ensure maximum energy for the afternoon. This time we had a real house with a garden so we held the party outside with lots of toys out for the kids to play with. But

the photography went wrong again after a friendly dad offered to take the pictures at the last minute. I forgot he was taking the pictures and pointed Rose to smile at my friend Sarah who I’d originally asked to take them. The pictures are mostly Rose and us looking in the wrong direction, and the backs of peoples heads.

By the fourth birthday party we’d almost got it right. We had cakes aplenty, we’d cut the timings down to three hours instead of five (which had shattered us all at the third birthday party when people dribbled in all afternoon from 12 til 5). Then a friend arrived more than an hour early and we weren’t ready, I hadn’t even put my face on.

The wind blew out the candles before Rose had the chance. I’d forgotten how ‘Pass the Parcel’ worked and had to quickly add six more wrappings and chocolate surprises to to the prizes using shopping bags. Oh and the music!

Next year we will have Rose’s favourite music ready to go on the proper speakers and not on a phone. And we will try not to feel embarrassed that it will be Frozen songs or Heart 80s.

What could possibly go wrong at her fifth birthday party… n

BY THE FOURTH BIRTHDAY PARTY WE’D ALMOST GOT IT RIGHT

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Follow Claire at @DalyReads

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made

TOP 100 PARTIES Page 36 - Birthday Cakes Page 38 - Party Entertainers Page 40 - Parties for Ages 8+ Page 42 - Dance, Drama & Music Parties Page 44 - Parties for Under 5s Page 46 - Soft-Play & Play CafĂŠs Page 48 - Make & Create Parties Page 52 - Sport & Active Parties Page 56 - Super Cool Themes Page 58 - Face-Painters & Equipment Hire Page 60 - Parties at Visitor Attractions Page 62 - Party Venues to Hire

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BIRTHDAY CAKES Juniper Bakes

Eat Me by Lesley

Spangles Cakes

Bespoke cakes and cupcakes

Juniper Bakes

S Luca Dairy Ice Cream Luxury Ice Cream Cakes

S. Luca of Musselburgh has been crafting luxury dairy ice cream for over 100 years. Everybody loves cake! Everybody loves ice cream! Luca’s ice cream cakes, made from genuine Luca’s dairy ice cream, combine the best of both to create a truly magical party treat.

Eat Me by Lesley Cakes and Events

Personalised celebration cakes, alcoholic cocktail cupcakes and themed afternoon tea parties, From £14.99, collection only from EH7.

CONTACT: Lesley www.facebook.com/eatmeltd

Juniper Bakes

CONTACT: enquiries@s-luca.co.uk 32-38 High Street, Musselburgh 0131 665 2237 16 Morningside Road, Edinburgh 0131 446 0233 www.lucasicecream.co.uk

Bespoke Celebration Cakes Juniper Bakes specialises in bespoke celebration cakes, for all ages and occasions, that taste as good as they look. Let them bring your own ideas to life or they can create a design especially for you.

Price variable on design.

CONTACT: Lee Picken lee@juniperbakes.co.uk www.juniperbakes.co.uk @juniperbakesedinburgh

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S Luca Dairy Ice Cream

Cakes for all occasions, that taste just as good as they look.

All designs can be catered to your needs to create the most memorable show stopper for your party. All enquiries are welcome.

CONTACT: Ania spanglescakes@hotmail.com www.spanglescakes.co.uk

SugarDaddy’s Bakery

Gluten Free Birthday Cakes SugarDaddy’s delicious cakes are always gluten-free, and they can cater for many other allergies too. The cake flavours in their Roseneath Street cafe change every week, so pop in for a visit or check them out online.

CONTACT: hello@youneedcake.co.uk www.youneedcake.co.uk

For pure brilliant fun! face painting balloon modelling glitter tattoos bouncy castles

mascots balloon dĂŠcor popcorn & candy floss

contact Bex:

GET READY TO PARTY WITH DN DANCE! Let DN Dance create a bespoke dance party for your budding star - any song, any dance style, any theme!

parties from just ÂŁ145 up to 28 kids aged 5+

07593 332 744 info@purebrilliantevents.co.uk

www.purebrilliantevents.co.uk

for details and booking:

dndance.co.uk NEW! DN Dance Babies parties for tiny dancers aged 1 - 4

...the ultimate pop party experience...

Be a star for the day at Yoo-Star, the professional, fun recording studio. Experience the thrill of being a real popstar, enjoy a fun recording session and photoshoot and leave with your own music CD. Perfect for kids parties, or an unforgettable day out for your little star to record their favourite tunes.

Yoo-Star @ Groove Tunnel, Eldin Cottage, Eldin Industrial Estate, Edgefield Rd, Loanhead EH20 9QX. t: 0131 448 2170 www.yoo-star.co.uk www.facebook.com/yoo.star.party

ENTERTAINERS Alexander the Great Entertainments

It’s in the bag

Magic, Balloon modelling, Disco, Circus Skills & Face Painting Parties best for ages: 3+ Alexander the Great Entertainments provide colourful fun-filled shows that involve all the children, especially the birthday child and encourage full audience participation. Whether it’s magic, circus skills, acrobatics, face painting, balloon modelling or a disco with bubble and smoke machines, they have everything needed to ensure lots of interactive fun.

CONTACT: 07881 780 793 www.alexanderthegreat entertainments.co.uk

Faerie Tales by Ericka

Imaginative Storytelling Parties Parties best for ages: 1-10 Imagination, stories, fun and much, much more ... a truly unique and bespoke party just for your wee one. Hosted by your very own faerie, who will help your child and their friends bring their story to life, through games, interactive play and imagination. Each party is different ... your child can be part of their own faerie tale, have their face painted and so much more.

As well as flying to you, Ericka also has her own Faerie Den available for hire.

Parties from £95, and face painting from £50.

CONTACT: Ericka 07810 404 741 erickasparkles@gmail.com

It’s in the bag

Storytellers & Entertainers Parties best for ages: 0-6 It’s in the bag are an awardwinning company who delight in taking children’s imaginations on a magical journey. The children go on a storytelling adventure with

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rhymes, songs, creative games, drama and puppets to bring the story to life.

The children are given little riddles and have to guess what’s ‘in the bag’? Each game, activity and song is tied into the theme as a wonderful story unfolds.

CONTACT: Lorna 07967 348 661 itsinthebagparties@hotmail.co.uk www.itsinthebagparties.co.uk

Kidnetick

Children’s Entertainment Parties best for ages: 5-8 Kidnetic’s award-nominated 2 hour party is a combination of comedy, cardio, drama, team challenges and, of course, party games with music and disco lights.

CONTACT: Joshua 07719 236 321 www.kidnetick.co.uk

Magic Gareth

Magician & Children’s Entertainer Parties best for ages: 3+ Magic Gareth provides amazing magic and baffling balloons for your wee one’s birthday. The party

starts with all-inclusive musical games, seamlessly slides into a fun, interactive and mind-blowing magic show where your child is the star of the show, and finishes with balloon animals for everyone!

Gareth’s goal is to make the process as easy as possible so you can sit back, relax and enjoy your child’s party too.

Choose from the ‘1-Hour Party’ and the ‘2-Hour Birthday Bonanza’.

CONTACT: Gareth 0791 221 5255 gareth@magicgareth.co.uk www.magicgareth.co.uk Faerie Tales by Ericka

ENTERTAINERS

Parties by Em

Peter Pepper & Dusty Bin

Parties by Em

Magician & Balloon Modeller

Paramount Kids

Parties by Em

Parties best for ages: 4-16

Parties best for ages: 3-7

Paramount’s lively professional children’s entertainers and DJs are experts in providing you with a fantastic fun filled kids birthday party that the children will be totally engrossed in. Which is great news for mums and dads, as you can sit back relax or you can join in and enjoy the fun too!

With options such as Magical Wizard Parties, Foam Parties and Glow Parties, your party is going to be the talk of the class!

Parties by Em offer a range of party plans, from 30 minutes to 2 hours, all of which are hosted by your chosen character! There are lots of characters available, from princesses to superheroes to garden fairies. They bring the music, games, sweets, and prizes; and can offer face painting and balloons as part of the party plan, as well as princess sing-alongs which are always super magical!

They can do everything (except food) so you can sit back and enjoy a cup of tea while they run the show!

Action Packed Parties

CONTACT: 07960 944 298 partymagic@paramountkids.co.uk www.paramountkids.co.uk Magic Gareth

Character Parties

CONTACT: Emily 07415 951 559 kidspartiesbyem@gmail.com @PartiesbyEm

Parties best for ages: 3+ Peter Pepper has over ten different magic shows, so there is always something new to see. He can also supply balloon animals or swords for all the children - poodles, giraffes, sausage dogs, parrots on perches, cats, elephants, tigers, horses, and many more.

CONTACT: 01750 21227 www.peterpepperchildrens entertainer.co.uk

Stina Sparkles Entertainments

Facepainting, Magic & Disco Stina Sparkles provide everything your party needs; DJ, disco, facepainting, balloon modelling, magic, soft play, pamper and singing princess parties!

CONTACT: Stina 07724 814 117 www.stinasparkles.net

Tricky Ricky

Magic & Entertainment Tricky Ricky offers a spellbinding show, adding a touch of magic to any children’s and family event.

He has various party packages available for different groups and ages, but he can change things around to suit you so give him a call to discuss your event.

CONTACT: Ricky 07976 815703 ricky@trickyricky.com www.trickyricky.com

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PARTIES FOR OVER 8s Hot Tub Parties

Splatmaster Paintball

Hot Tub Parties are amazing! The hot tub gets delivered right to your back garden on a Thursday and you get it keep it all weekend! It fits 6 - 8 adults, so perfect for your child’s party and a few friends.

Parties best for ages: 8+

Hot Tub Parties

Prices starts from £180 for Wednesday - Monday hire.

CONTACT: 0131 510 7165 info@ActivityDelivered.com activitydelivered.com

Karting Parties

Parties best for ages: 8+

Foam Dart Thunder provide Nerf parties and events for everyone aged 6+. Using custom-made inflatable camouflage cubes and sticky foam darts and vests, they provide kids with a fun workout without them realising they’re exercising! Foam Dart Thunder have various exciting game scenarios to ensure everyone has a great time and they provide all the equipment. They can also theme the party to your requirements.

CONTACT: 0131 235 2855 info@foamdartthunder.com

www.foamdartthunder.com

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All action, zero impact game played outside in the fresh air for ages 8+. Two hour session for 6 10 players, includes equipment hire and unlimited ammo.

CONTACT: Craigton House, Winchburgh, EH52 6PY 0800 4102020 www.bedlampaintball.co.uk

Xtreme Karting is a highly competitive fun event, specially for younger drivers to experience an exclusive karting event. The party includes race suits, souvenir balaclavas, exclusive sessions on the track, printouts of lap times, medals for the fastest three drivers and pictures on the podium. A pizza and juice package is perfect as a post-race snack.

Nerf Parties

CONTACT: Winchburgh, EH52 6PY 0800 4102020 www.bedlampaintball.co.uk

Outdoor Lasertag

Parties best for ages: 8-16

CONTACT: 2 Huly Hill Road, EH 28 8PH 0131 333 0195 info@xtremekarting.co.uk www.xtremekarting.co.uk

Low impact paintball is an experience that uses low velocity paintball guns, firing extremely fragile paintballs. It’s a new event, set to become a phenomenon for kids’ parties!

Silent Disco Parties

All your child’s friends in one room, dancing to the same beat – in peace and quiet! Silent disco parties take the disco to the next level and work great in a hall, at home or even in one of Activity Delivered’s tipis. The best bit is that you hire and run it yourself, keeping the cost down and the party going! You can be flexible with guest list, location, night or day. With awesome disco lights too, it is sure to turn any dark space into a bouncing party.

Silent Disco Parties start from just £100 for a 24hr hire.

CONTACT: 0131 510 7165 info@ActivityDelivered.com activitydelivered.com

Silent Disco Parties

UV Glow Parties

Parties best for ages: 9-12 Light up your child’s birthday with Paramount Kid’s brilliant UV Glow Discos! Their energetic DJ entertainers will lead a completely interactive glow disco, with games, friendly competitions, plenty of the newest chart music and old classics too. Their glow discos include UV lighting, disco lighting, music PA system and even glow sticks!

For 9-12yr olds the discos have a more grown-up feel, making them the perfect choice for those hardto-cater-for tweens.

CONTACT:: 07960 944 298 info@paramountkids.co.uk www.paramountkids.co.uk

Virtual Reality Parties Parties best for ages: 8+ Imagine a world you can see, hear and touch. A world you can walk around and even interact with real people. Using the very latest in Virtual Reality and computing technology, The Realm VR takes you a journey that will simply blow your mind.

Climb Mount Everest, travel to the moon, play with or against your friends, with unbelievable realism that you are in the game; or simply relax and enjoy the many adventures that The Realm offers.

CONTACT: 600 Gorgie Road, EH11 3AL 0131 339 2000 www.therealmvr.com

WHY NOT BOOK A FOAM DART THUNDER PARTY

SKATEPARK EVENTS BIRTHDAY PARTIES PUBLIC AND PRIVATE EVENTS WWW.FOAMDARTTHUNDER.COM E: info@foamdartthunder.com

ALL EQUIPMENT (BLASTERS,VESTS, GLASSES & DARTS) ARE PROVIDED

MUSIC, DANCE & DRAMA PARTIES Bambino Beats

Music & Sensory Parties Bambino Beats love a party! Their parties are tailor-made just for you. Fancy a dive under the sea?

Or perhaps a trek into the jungle?

Bambino Beats will take you and your friends on an adventure.

They’ll come to a venue of your choice on your special day and bring all their favourite props and songs.

DN Dance

Dance Studio Parties best for ages: 5+

CONTACT: clare@bambinobeats.com or amy@bambinobeats.com www.bambinobeats.com

Boogie Beat Music & Movement (Edinburgh & Stirling) Music & Dance Parties

Parties best for ages: babies to age 6 Want an all singing, all dancing party for your little one? Boogie Beat parties are fun, structured and include favourite songs, stories, fairy tales, puppets, instruments and parachute games. Themes include Pirates & Princesses, Superheroes, Dinosaurs & Dragons to name a few. Come along and meet Giggles the Boogie Beat Monkey - it will leave you smiling!

You can combine a Boogie Beat party with a Turtle Dove Play Café or a Joy Tots Café party package and let your little ones enjoy a snack, play and 45mins of Boogie Beat. Check out the lovely 5* reviews on the Boogie Beat Facebook page.

CONTACT: Zoe 07841109730 zoe@boogiebeat.co.uk www.boogiebeat.co.uk @BoogieBeatEdin

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Bambino Beats

CeilidhKids

Dance Parties Parties best for ages: 4+ A ceilidh is a great way to celebrate if all the guests like to dance!

CeilidhKids provides Scottish dancing for all the family and works best as a family party, with adults joining in too. Children not yet at school will definitely need an adult partner. CeilidhKids will run an hour of family dancing, then leave you to eat, drink and be merry. You book the hall and provide refreshments, they bring the music and the fun.

Prices start at £50 for an hour of dancing.

CONTACT: Caroline 0131 667 8898 ceilidhkids@ceilidhkids.com www.ceilidhkids.com CeilidhKids

Let DN Dance create a bespoke dance party for your budding star!

Using your chosen music tracks they plan a mash-up dance routine to present at the end in a mini show. Love Little Mix? A superfan of The Greatest Showman?

Into pirates, disco, football or cheerleaders? Whatever your favourite tunes or theme, they’ve got it covered.

Take advantage of their full party package and use their dance studio. The package includes a separate food room and DN Dance party invitations. Prices from £145.

Min 10, max 28 children, age 5+ CONTACT: Nicky 4 Hutchison Terrace, EH14 1QB 07545551271 / 0131 4430753 nicky@dndance.co.uk www.dndance.co.uk

Monkey Drama Drama Parties

Parties best for ages: 3-6 Monkey Drama’s very own venue, The Monkey Hoose offers amazing party packages from £160 for 15 children. You’ll have full use of the venue for 1 hour 45 minutes, with a hour-long themed drama session, filled with imagination, energy and fun, including lots of props, music and role play; and then it’s upstairs to enjoy food and cake in the party room. Monkey Drama can provide the party snacks or you can bring your own. Invites and party games are included in the package, as well as prizes, certificates and stickers, and a special gift bag for

MUSIC, DANCE & DRAMA PARTIES the birthday child.

Or, Monkey Drama can come to a venue of your choice and provide a hour-long adventure. Packages for up to 20 or 25 kids, prices from £150. Themes include A Day at the Zoo, Superheroes, Pirates, Builder Adventure and The Hidden Rainbow, or pick your own…

CONTACT: Alana 07736 298 013 3 Kingsknowe Park, EH14 2JQ alana@monkeydrama.co.uk www.monkeydrama.co.uk

Monkey Music Music Parties

Parties best for ages: 1 – 4 Monkey Music love doing parties and every event is tailored to suit each occasion. The parties last for up to an hour and include the same award winning ingredient as to the regular classes. You can expect instrument playing, musical games, singing, dancing and much more all delivered to original songs sung live by the party host. An optional craft activity is available for parties aimed at children aged 2+. They can provide invitations and a gift for your child to help remember their special day with Monkey.

Parties can be held in your own home or at an external venue.

CONTACT: Abbey Smith 0131 229 4480 morningside.pentland@ monkeymusic.co.uk www.monkeymusic.co.uk

Simon Says Dance Dance Activity Provider

Parties best for ages: 5-9 Simon Says Dance host dance parties jam-packed with fun, allowing parents to sit back and enjoy a well-earned breather. Their parties consist of learning a dance routine to the party child’s favourite pop song and playing traditional party games.

CONTACT: info@simonsaysdance.com www.simonsaysdance.com

even an exclusive funky t-shirt to help your child feel amazing on their special day!

Every aspect of your party is organised and hosted by energetic, qualified dance teachers, ensuring you can relax and watch as the kids enjoy a wonderfully memorable day.

Sparkle Arts

Drama & Dance Parties Parties best for ages: 2-12 Life’s too short for boring kid’s parties! Take the strain out of organising the next party for your little treasure with Sparkle Arts.

They have ten+ years experience of creating fabulous parties for children aged 2-12 years that are talked about long after the balloons have lost their shape. They have over 60 bespoke themes to keep everyone riveted for the entire party with props and dressing up clothes to add to the fun.

They are fully insured and all their staff have the required health and safety training and certification to put your mind at ease. Sparkle Arts also work with many large organisations like Sheraton Hotels and Heart of Midlothian FC organising children’s events.

CONTACT: 0131 123 4567 info@sparklearts.co.uk www.sparklearts.co.uk

Step It Up Dance Dance Parties

Parties best for ages: 2 - 12 You and your child will both love Step It Up Dance’s exciting range of award-winning, unique party packages, jam-packed with dancing, games, routines, encouragement, praise and a whole lot of fun. Even the invitations are included in the price and sent straight to your door.

To help your planning go without a hitch SIUD can also include optional party themes as well as provide you with a full VIP planning service including booking your venue, food, party bags, cake and

CONTACT: 07428 110 135 hello@stepitupdance.co.uk www.stepitupdance.co.uk

Yoo-Star

Music Recording Parties

Parties best for ages: 5+

Be the star you know you are! With 13 years’ experience in musical parties, Yoo-Star guarantee a day to remember. Dress up in their glamorous dressing room for your photo-shoot. Experience the thrill of being on stage in a funky rehearsal room. See yourself live on TV. Record alongside chart topping Scottish acts in their professional studio. Leave with your own complimentary CD with a professionally designed cover featuring you or your band and loads of photos of the experience.

Prices from £60 for hour long recording sessions to full party package for £140 (up to 16 guests, includes one complimentary CD and all the photos taken on the day). Domino’s Pizza or buffet available separately at £4 per person or bring your own snacks.

Extra CDs can be bought on the day.

CONTACT: 0131 448 2170 Loanhead, EH20 9QX info@yoo-star.co.uk www.yoo-star.co.uk www.facebook.com/yoo.star.party

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PARTIES FOR UNDER 5s CONTACT: 0131 5548943 hello@joytots.com www.joytots.com

Diana Baker Photography

Krafty Kreations

Messy Play & Sensory Sessions Gymboree

Diana Baker Photography

Gymboree Play and Music Edinburgh

First Birthday Cakes Smashes

Parties best for ages: 1 – 5 Gymboree Play and Music Edinburgh offer unique, custom designed, themed birthday parties for children aged 1-5 years old.

You can wow your little one with anything from a Pirate to a Princess party! Parties include venue hire, two members of staff to help with your day, party food and a structured play and music session.

Parties best for ages: 1 - 4

Party packages vary and can be altered to completely suit your needs and wishes. Max party size is 15 children. Gymboree Play and Music can provide everything other than your birthday cake so you can enjoy a stress free day! They also have a private car park accessible from Slateford Road.

New! DN Dance Babies parties are for tiny dancers. Enjoy a magical birthday adventure with Della Duck and Ralph Ram - expect music, movement, bubbles and a lot of fun!

CONTACT: 07910 188 713 3 Gorgie Park Rd, EH14 1NL edinburgh@gymboreeclasses.co.uk www.gymboreeclasses.co.uk

£80 for up to 15 children aged 1-4.

Invitations and balloon for each party guest included.

Joy Tots

DN Dance Babies Dance Studio Parties

CONTACT: 0131 443 0753 contact@dndancebabies.co.uk dndancebabies.co.uk

Joy Tots

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Themed messy play parties, including ball pool and cake smash.

Take the stress out of parties and book a messy play party. You have fun and they clear up!

Structured Music & Softplay Venue

A cake-smash is a wonderful way to celebrate a baby’s first birthday, with photos to keep and treasure for ever. Diana Baker can also create a personalised baby book with handwritten notes from family members woven in amongst beautiful portraits. Whether you would like to do a cake smash or a classic family session, give Diana a call to see how she can help make it a day to remember.

CONTACT: Diana 07546 987 017 Castlebrae Business Center, EH16 4BB diana@dianabakerphotography.com www.dianabakerphotography.com

Parties best for ages: 1-3

Exclusive Venue Hire and Bespoke Parties Looking for somewhere intimate and stylish for your party? Joy Tots offers exclusive weekend venue hire for a range of celebrations.

From simple venue hire to bespoke parties tailored to you - they have something for everyone. Party additions include catering, craft activities, cake and party bags.

This venue is ideal for birthdays, baby showers and group gettogethers.

Prices from £100 for two hours.

CONTACT: Kate 07851744083 kraftykreationsbykate@yahoo.com www.facebook.com/ kraftykreationsbykate/

Studio Life Photography

First Birthday Cakes Smashes

What better way to celebrate baby’s 1st birthday than with a Cake Smash?

Cake Smash sessions are so much fun for the whole family, with photographs of your little one to be treasured for years to come.

Each session is personalised with an exciting, unique look and fun atmosphere for your baby. With bunting, balloons, baby in their cake smash outfit and a Bibi’s Bakery specially designed giant cupcake. There is added fun after the cake smash with splash time in a mini roll-top bath with lots of bubbles!

Session Fee: £75 (includes giant cupcake). Prints, digital images, frames and photo album options available from £25 Free 5x7 print with this ad

CONTACT: Zsofi 0131 603 7777 4a Kirk Loan, EH12 7HD hello@studiolifephotography.co.uk www.studiolifephotography.co.uk @studiolifepictures

drama for the early years drama for the early years

PA R T IE S

hild Classes

Exclusive hire available for parties Party packages can include play time, tasty food, balloon decorations, cake cut-and-wrap, character visits, face painting, glitter tattoos, party games and party bags.

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SOFT PLAY & PLAY CAFES Clambers at Royal Commonwealth Pool

Scrambles @ EICA: Ratho Soft Play

Soft Play

Parties best for ages: 1-10

Parties best for ages: 1-10 In one of Edinburgh’s most iconic venues there’s a big, bright, brilliant soft play where children can have a blast burning off their energy, followed by games and tasty (healthy!) food in the lovely, light party room.

CONTACT: 0131 667 7211 Dalkeith Road, EH16 5BB

Jabberwocky Soft Play & Café

Parties best for ages: 0-9 Unique dragon-themed soft-play and café in Haddington with an exciting play frame and stimulating baby/toddler area. Jabberwocky provides a healthy and generous birthday tea in their sunny party room and can cater for allergies.

Whilst the kids have fun, adults can relax and enjoy comfortable sofas, wi-fi, excellent range of teas, cakes and Glen Lyon coffee.

Choose the 2-hour soft play party or create a unique party for your child. For little ones, how about softplay plus a picnic party or messy play? Older children can enjoy a magician, Alice in Wonderland theme, balloon modelling, arts & crafts, jewellerymaking or a mini-disco.

Just bring yourselves and the birthday cake – Jabberwocky do the rest. £10.95 per child for 2hr party of soft play, party room, party tea, invitations and thank-you cards.

Optional party bags at small extra cost. Free parking nearby.

CONTACT: 01620 248070 Haddington, EH41 3DX hello@jabberwockysoftplay.co.uk www.jabberwockysoftplay.co.uk @haddingtonsoftplay

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At a Scrambles party, kids can enjoy one hour soft play fun followed by 30/45 mins in the party room, with your very own party host to look after you and your guests, organise games and activities and serve food.

Jabberwocky

CONTACT: 0131 333 6333 Newbridge, EH28 8AA

Ocean Play Soft Play

TimeTwisters Play & Party Centre

Parties include 1 hour play and 30minutes in the party area with delicious food, juice and an empty party bag with a balloon and tattoo to help with the distribution of the cake.

CONTACT: 0131 555 1900 Ocean Drive, Leith, EH6 6JJ

Playroom by Little Lunches Play Café

Parties best for ages: 1 - 5 The playroom is a brilliant place to have your little one’s birthday party. All party packages include 2 hours of play, party food for little ones, party hats, helium balloon bouquets for the party table and reserved seating for adult guests.

You can also opt for themed parties (jungle animals, dinosaurs or unicorns), party games, glitter tattoos, food for the grown-ups, character visits and much more.

They even make gorgeous birthday cakes and cupcakes too. All birthday party guests have access to both the indoor and outdoor play areas (weather permitting of course). Exclusive use of the playroom is available at weekends between 3-5pm which is a great option for larger groups.

CONTACT: 0131 629 5943 South Gyle Crescent, EH12 9EB www.little-lunches.co.uk/ playroom-by-little-lunches/

Soft Play & Party Centre Parties best for ages: 1-12

TimeTwisters specialise in making sure your child’s birthday is an exciting, fun and memorable experience. They offer a wides choice of parties and options, including soft-play, make-a-bear and laser-tag parties.

CONTACT: 0131 639 0187 Bankhead Dr, EH11 4EJ www.timetwisters.co.uk

Playroom by Little Lunches

SOFT PLAY & PLAY CAFES TurtleDove Play Cafe Play Café

Parties best for ages: 1-5 Host a birthday party at TurtleDove and let them do all the hard work.

They offer one - two hours of play time, a tasty buffet for the kids and lots of extra options to make your child’s party unique to them. You can book character visits from their mascots, face painters or why not make it a themed party? TurtleDove cater for food allergies, and they also offer an exclusive hire option from 3pm on Saturday or Sunday.

Accompanying adults are welcome too (at no extra charge).

Tot’s Spot

Tot’s Spot

Tumbles at Portobello

Tot’s Spot parties include two hours of play time for children, a tasty buffet for party guests, balloon decorations for children’s tables, cut and wrap the cake ready for guests to take home, café open for all adult guests to purchase food and drinks. A table and 8 seat will be reserved for accompanying adults. You can also add character visits, face painting, glitter tattoos, party games, party bags and wrap or sandwich platters for your adult guests.

Parties for 12 children start from £90.

Hire Tot’s Spot for your child’s party with full exclusive use for 2 hours. Prices (from £200) include full use of the play facilities, a tasty buffet for kids and lots of optional extras to make your little ones day special, from a character visit to face-painting.

Parties best for ages: 0-10

Play Café

CONTACT: 01506 207770 East Calder, EH53 0EJ hello@totsspot.co.uk www.totsspot.co.uk

Soft Play

Tumbles soft play has distinct zones for babies under 12 months, toddlers under 4, and juniors (4 to 10 years), spread across three levels with 24 metres of wavy slides. With packages available for every age group (catering included) your child’s special day will be perfect.

CONTACT: 0131 669 0878 20 Westbank Street, EH15 1DR

TurtleDove Play Cafe

From just £90 for parties up to 12 children. Exclusive hire for 2 hours just £200.

CONTACT: Debbie 0131 312 7077 31 Corbiehill Road, EH4 5BQ www.turtledoveplaycafe.co.uk

Wishing Tree Play Café Themed Soft Play Parties Parties best for ages: 0-7 The Wishing Tree Play Cafe can provide everything you need for a party to remember in their woodland themed play café. Their parties last two hours; one hour in the play area, followed by one hour in the party room, with themed table, wall decorations, delicious healthy food, balloons, music and disco ball. Themes include mermaids and Pirates, Peppa-Pig, Gruffalo, Turtles, Super-Heroes, Paw Patrol, Mini Mouse with loads more possible.

CONTACT: 0131 665 1588 Musselburgh, EH21 7DA info@wishingtreeplaycafe.com www.wishingtreeplaycafe.com

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MAKE & CREATE PARTIES Doodles Ceramics Workshop Arts & Crafts Venue

Parties best for ages: 5+

Kiss The Fish

Artroom 32

Arts & Crafts Venue Parties best for ages: 5+ Artroom 32 offers art and craft classes, workshops and arty parties for children and adults lots of messy fun and something unique to take home as a keepsake of the day. They can offer themed parties tailored to suit the birthday boy or girl.

CONTACT: Louise 07931 513815 44 Ferry Road, EH6 4AE www.artroom32.co.uk

Doodles pottery painting parties are £12 per head, this includes party shelf items such as figurines, plaques etc, as well as a standard mug, bowl or plates. Normally allow 2 hours for children’s parties but for young children it is recommend a slightly shorter time of 1.5hrs. The time is divided between painting followed by a birthday tea. Doodles don’t supply food but they have (complimentary) teas or coffees for adults and juice or water for children most people bring along a selection of finger foods, treats and a cake.

The Rock Lobster include a bear or animal plush, stuffing, wishing heart, birth certificate, take home bag and instructions. No sewing required just stuff, pull closed and cuddle.

CONTACT: 0333 335 0120 paws@huggybears.co.uk www.huggybears.co.uk

Kiss The Fish

For bookings of 6 kids or more, Doodles requires a £25 deposit to secure the booking, this is then refunded on the day.

CONTACT: 0131 229 1399 27-29 Marchmont Cres, EH9 1HQ painting@doodlesscotland.co.uk www.doodlesscotland.co.uk

Huggy Bears

Mobile Bear Making Parties

Parties best for ages: 3+

Have a bear making party with Huggy Bears no-sew bear and animal kits. The easy-to-use kits

Mobile Arts & Crafts Parties Parties best for ages: 5 - 15

Kiss the Fish is celebrating 10 years of organising crafty parties, workshops and events around Edinburgh. They will come to your home, school or workplace with materials and expert instructors to ensure everyone has a great time and takes home a fabulous work of art. Activities are suitable for all age groups, including decoupage, mosaics, jewellery making and lots more.

CONTACT: 0771 826 7728 info@kissthefishstudios.com

The Rock Lobster Chocolate Parties

Chocolate Making Parties Parties best for ages: 5-12 Children make a variety of delicious chocolate goodies to take home in party bags, and learn where chocolate comes from.

Personalised chocolate lollipops also provided for each child.

Doodles

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CONTACT: 07932 023 373 www.therocklobster.co.uk @Rocklobsteredinburgh

COLOUR POP MINI BALLOONS £2.99 (pack of 5) www.candleandcake.co.uk

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUNTING £7.99 www.gingerray.co.uk

FUN & FUNKY POLKA DOT CANDLE £1.99 www.gingerray.co.uk

party essentials DINOSAUR PARTY BAG £5.99 (pack of 5) www.gingerray.co.uk

MONSTER CUPCAKE WRAPS & TOPPERS £4.99 (pack of 10) www.gingerray.co.uk

EXTRA LONG CAKE CANDLES £4.25 (pack of 16) www.candleandcake.co.uk

TREAT TUBS £2.99 (pack of 8) www.gingerray.co.uk

YUM PAPER PLATES £2.99 (pack of 8) www.gingerray.co.uk

GIANT COLOUR POP CONFETTI BALLOON £4.99 www.candleandcake.co.uk

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CELEBRATE YOUR BABY’S FIRST BIRTHDAY WITH DIANA BAKER PHOTOGRAHY

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www.mademagazine.co.uk

NO TIME, NO SLEEP, NO BIRTHDAY PLANS?

no worries!

By Diana Baker

W

hen my wonderful daughter reached her first birthday, I cried.

Tears of exhaustion because sleep deprivation is real. Tears of pride because we’d made it this far. And tears of wonder at how fast my baby was turning into a cheeky toddler!

While my daughter wouldn’t detach from my hip and I could barely find a clean t-shirt for myself, I struggled with what was I going to do for her first birthday?!

Do I do something big with entertainment and catering, or just something small with just the family?

After all, I don’t want her to think when she is older that I didn’t care! I really struggled with it all, working myself into a right tizzy. MUMMY GUILT! So when I opened my photography studio here in Edinburgh, I knew that I had to help mums just like me make it through totally guilt free.

When I created my Cake Smash sessions I really thought about what I went through.

Grandma didn’t “get” the whole cake smash idea. “I just want a just want a nice photo of her” she’d say. All I wanted was for my daughter to made JAN / FEB 2020

have a blast, and to know that I loved her!

Meanwhile all my husband wanted to know was did he get to eat cake too?

With everyone’s opinions in mind, I designed my cake smash photography session to be a real ‘three-in-one’: First, I create a simple, cake-free portrait that’s perfect for Grandma Second, I organise the cake so all Mum has to do is get a happy baby to me. Then, it’s playtime!

I’ve had children bounce on their cake, dive in, or just stare in amazement. Whatever happens, we’ll make magical memories.

And not forgetting about Daddy, while I am photographing bubba with bubbles for a pretend clean up and real giggles, Dad can munch down a cupcake or two.

Finally, after the shoot, I’m there to guide you through how to display your portraits.

Lots of parents love my framed collages. Or, our bespoke album with space for handwritten notes. I’m here to make sure you get to enjoy these moments forever—especially at their 21st when you bring them out to show everyone.

So, baby napping right now? Yaaaassss! Give us a call and let us take the worry away and organise everything for you. n

FIND OUT MORE Contact us at dianabakerphotography.com www.facebook.com/ dianabakerphotograpahy or telephone 07546 987 017.

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SPORT & ACTIVE PARTIES Bubble Football Party

Conifox

Edinburgh Corn Exchange

Bubble Football Party

Activity Delivered

Activity Parties and Tipi Parties For years Activity Delivered has been delivering the newest and best birthday parties to the kids of Scotland. With a wide range of activities such as Nerf Wars, Tipi Cinemas, Indoor Mini Tipis, Zorb Football, Combat Archery and much more, they have something for everyone!

Their friendly team have years of experience working with young people, and are sure to make your child’s birthday the very best.

Parties start from just £150.

CONTACT: 0131 510 7165 0141 280 8498 info@ActivityDelivered.com

Allan Telfer Sports Parties Multi-Sport Parties

Best for ages: 4 -12 Allan Telfer Sports Parties provide children with an opportunity to participate in fun, engaging, competitive games and activities that incorporate both individual and group work.

Just choose your theme and Allan will arrange games to suit.

60 minutes - £55 (4-5yrs) 90 minutes - £75 (6-12yrs) CONTACT: Allan 07572 875 789 AllanTelfer1983@gmail.com www.allantelfer.co.uk/parties

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The World of Football now offers Bubble Parties! They take place on fully enclosed football pitches and are hosted by professional party hosts. Bubble parties last 90 minutes and always start off with a quick play-safe demonstration.

After the demo, when everyone is comfortable in their bubbles, it will be straight in to the mini games.

The party host will tailor the games based on your child’s age. Food is served afterwards in a designated party area.

CONTACT: 0131 443 0404 www.worldoffootball.com

Bumblebee Sports

Sports Parties

Bumblebee Sports offer fun-filled and inclusive games parties. For children 3+ years, their parties focus on fast paced, fun games that keep children engaged from start to finish. For children 7+ years, they offer sports-based and/ or themed parties for an actionpacked multi-sports adventure, and families can choose to have activities from their range of 8 core sports. They take up to 30 children and offer free invites!

Prices range from their Baby Bee Package(1hr) at £100 to their Queen Bee package(2hrs) at £150.

And they offer a special deluxe pack which includes T-shirt, Water Bottle and Trophy.

CONTACT: Brian 07598 569 325 info@bumblebeesports.co.uk Bumblebee Sports

Conifox

Birthday Adventure Parties Adventure Park Party Enjoy full use of the fantastic adventure park facilities, bring your own picnic and make use of the picnic benches throughout the grounds. Prices vary depending on numbers.

Adventure Park & Bistro Party After enjoying full use of the adventure park facilities, you will move over to the Bistro, where Conifox’s chef will prepare lunch in your own private birthday room. Choose from freshly baked margherita pizza, grilled Angus beef burger or a Conifox hotdog, all served with fries, fruit cordial and something nice and sweet. £14.95 per child CONTACT: 0131 333 3334 Kirkliston, EH29 9ER www.conifox.co.uk

SPORT & ACTIVE PARTIES

Eden Rock

Eden Rock

Climbing Parties Parties for ages: 3+ Climbing is for any age or ability, and Eden Rock will tailor your party to suit your wee ones. With use of their specially designed kids’ climbing area, your little rock stars of tomorrow will have loads of fun playing climbing games and doing challenges, guaranteed to leave them ready for a little siesta! After climbing, make yourselves comfy in the private function room and bring your party food to refuel.

CONTACT: 0131 285 6044 Loanhead, EH20 9TB edinburgh@edenrockclimbing.com www.edenrockclimbing.com

enjoyleisure

Foxlake Adventures C.I.C

Outdoor Adventure & Water Sports Venue

Foxlake offers adventure birthday parties for ages 6+ on FoxFall ropes course followed by Ringo Rides. Foxfall sessions involve the children tackling elements suspended over the lake; while Ringo Rides give participants the chance to tear up and down the lake on big inflatables, feeling every bump and splash along the way!

CONTACT: 01620 860657 Dunbar, EH42 1XF www.foxlake.co.uk

enjoyleisure

Happy Days Pony Riding School

Parties best for ages: 1 – 12

Parties best for ages: 2 - 8

For a birthday party packed full of active fun, you’re sure to have a blast with enjoyleisure. Across East Lothian there are options galore: Bouncy Castles, Aqua-Runs, Soft Play, Multi-Sport, Swimming, Climbing and Trampolining Parties.

Plus they can do all the catering for you too.

Party sessions include a pony pamper session (grooming and pony care), pony rides, party food, party bags and rosettes for all children. There is also an on-site playground and woodland tree house to host the party food session. All protective gear, including body protectors and helmets, is provided.

Active Fun for Everyone

Some party options have age restrictions, please ask for more information.

Kids Gone Wild

Nature-based Outdoor & Woodland Parties Parties best for ages: 2 - 12 Looking for something adventurous? Kids Gone Wild parties are bespoke, allowing you to pick your own activities, including fire lighting and toasting marshmallows, woodland play gym (think tree climbing and slack lines!) den building and even themed woodland trails. There’s also a Mini Highland Games party package too! Based in West Lothian but can travel to an area of your choice to provide the adventure!

CONTACT: 07399 199 666 info@kidsgonewild.co.uk www.kidsgonewild.co.uk

Pony Riding Parties

CONTACT:

CONTACT: 0131 660 0168 Eskbank, EH22 3LF

www.enjoyleisure.com

happydaysponyriding@yahoo.com

Kids Gone Wild

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SPORT & ACTIVE PARTIES The Boardwalk

Roller Skating Parties Skating birthday parties are available from just £8.50 per head – all inclusive of equipment, supervision and the party room for food and cake afterwards.

Rugby Tots

Orcadia

Trampoline Centre Have a trampoline party in a room with 6 floor-level trampolines, a bouncy castle and juke box.

Parties can be booked for Friday afternoons, Saturdays and Sundays for £110. This is for 1.5 hours private use; 1 hour in trampoline room and half an hour in the café. Please note this is selfcatering only.

CONTACT: 0131 669 1075 3 Windsor Place, EH15 2AJ info@orcadiacentre.org.uk www.orcadiacentre.org.uk

Rugby Tots

Rugby Parties Parties best for ages: 3 - 7

CONTACT: 0131 629 4988 info@boardwalkleith.com Ocean Terminal, EH6 6JJ www.boardwalkleith.com

World of Bowling

Bowling Parties at Edinburgh Corn Exchange Parties best for ages: 5 - 12

World of Football

World of Football

Football Parties at Edinburgh Corn Exchange Parties best for ages: 6 - 13

World of Bowling parties are the best value and best fun in Edinburgh, and now exclusively feature MAD GAMES with shorter formats, easier scoring, advanced lane lighting and effects. Personalise your lane with the birthday child’s photo and take advantage of special bowling birthday features and games, exclusive to World of Bowling.

The party package includes approx one hour of bowling, shoe hire, unlimited squash and the party meal. Add on Luca’s ice cream as an extra treat!

Is your child football mad? The World of Football has been hosting Edinburgh’s best football party package for over 10 years and provides an unforgettable experience. Their football parties are hassle free and take place on safe and secure 3G pitches, and last approximately 1hr 30mins.

A party host ensure kids warm up, enjoy a football game, have quick refreshments at half-time, have a penalty shoot-out and enjoy delicious food in your own dedicated party area. Their stone baked pizzas are always a winner!

Extras are also available like Luca’s ice cream or a game of bowling!

CONTACT: 0131 443 0404 www.worldofbowling.com

CONTACT: 0131 443 0404 www.worldoffootball.com

If you’re looking for a high energy party - give Rugbytots a try! Their parties are focused on games and having fun and are not skill-specific so can be enjoyed by everyone, boys and girls aged 3 - 7.

Their coach will take the party for 1 hour and will ensure everyone has an enjoyable experience. £100 for up to 10 children and then £5 per child above that. Price includes a gift for the birthday child and we can also provide invitations if required.

CONTACT: Sandra 0345 313 3252 sandra@rugbytots.co.uk

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World of Bowling

in East Lothian

• Pool Parties

•

Aqua Run Parties Soft Play Parties Bouncy Castle Parties Trampolining Parties Pitch Parties Climbing Wall Parties Multi-Sport Parties

•

•

• • www.enjoyleisure.com

•

Delivering services for East Lothian Council. Enjoy East Lothian Ltd, Scottish Registered Charity SC040527.

S TH ON DS M R 18 WA UP

®

FOR HEALTHY, HAPPY KID

DAN

S

MAKE YOUR CHILD’S SPECIAL CELEBRATION MORE FUN!

RUGBYTOTS PARTIES

stick-

A Rugbytots Party is a fun-filled way to celebrate your child’s birthday, starting school or any other special event.

Distinctive and dynamic, our parties place the emphasis on play, with plenty of party games and group participation.

AWARD-WINNING URBAN DANCE CLASSES & PARTIES FOR TOTS TO TEENS Quote ‘MADE’ for a free gift when you sign up!

0345 313 3252 sandra@rugbytots.co.uk

stepitupdance.co.uk /StepItUpDance

07428 110 135  @stepitupdanceuk

Aug 2017 Made Ad 66mm x 90mm - landscape.indd 1

04/08/2017 11:10

SUPER COOL THEMES Gaming Tipi Parties Activity Delivered’s Gaming Tipi is the perfect environment to foster teamwork and encourage kids to be the best they can be – but shh, they think it is all about the fun…!!

Their tipis get the kids out of the house and into the garden, contain the mess and save you the hassle of finding somewhere to host the party.

Gaming Tipi Parties

The largest tipi will sit 25 kids, and you get to keep it overnight to enjoy endless hours of gaming.

Rain or shine, their fully waterproof tipis will ensure that the magic of your birthday isn’t a wash out.

Fairy Training Parties

CONTACT: 0131 510 7165 info@ActivityDelivered.com activitydelivered.com

Fairy Training Parties The Fairy Godmother needs some help to encourage Fairies to visit your area. She will train your child and their friends in Fairy Magic, so they can help with this magical task. Fairy Training starts in a willow fairy den the Fairy Godmother brings to your garden, hall or local park area.

Once spells, potions, wishmaking and wand enchantments have been learnt, you will go for a short wander looking for the places fairies love, and casting enchantment spells.

The party finishes with decorating fairy cakes to have with your birthday tea or to take home.

Each trained Fairy will receive a special certificate for their hard work and everyone takes home their wand, wish potion and happy memories. The Fairy Godmother also leaves a Fairy house for your garden for the birthday child to find. Fairy Training Party costs £250. Maximum of 12 children.

CONTACT: Kirsty 07590429530 berry@fairytraining.co.uk www.fairytraining.co.uk

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Wigwams and Wishes

Gooey Events

Foam Parties

By Paramount Kids

Sleepover Parties

By Wigwams and Wishes

Your party will be the talk of the town! Safer than water but even more fun! There is no restriction on age when it comes to foam. It can be used outside directly into your garden or school field, or it can be hired alongside a foam pit.

Either way the kids are in for some foamtastic fun! It’s water soluble so can be simply left to evaporate or can be hosed down to disperse.

The children can wear swimwear or regular clothes but they will get wet, so be sure to remind them to bring a dry set of clothes for the journey home when the fun is finished.

Parties best for ages: tots to teens

CONTACT: 07960 944 298 partymagic@paramountkids.co.uk www.paramountkids.co.uk

Lego Parties

By Young Engineers Parties best for ages: 4 - 12 Perfect parties for Lego lovers, Young Engineers offer 3 options: Dessert Making: build a Lego cakemixer and make your party dessert.

Lego Engineer: build your own mechanical machine. Dragon: beat the dragon with your LEGO skills.

CONTACT: office@young-engineers.co.uk www.edinburgh.youngengineers.co.uk

Wigwams and Wishes specialise in creating premium quality, magical sleepovers, which are extra-special for children, and practical for parents. Prices from £35 per child.

CONTACT: 07940 466 936 wigwamsandwishes@outlook.com www.wigwamsandwishes.co.uk @wigwamsandwishes

Slime Parties

By Gooey Events Best for ages: 5+

Kids love slime. Parents hate it.

So Gooey Events run slime parties from their venue to keep it out of your house! Kids can make slime, stretch it, swirl it - and even make bubbles from it! Gooey Events also offer chocolate making parties, bath-bomb making and tie-dye classes. They now have two venues in Livingston Village and Armadale, perfect for parties, schools and workshops.

CONTACT: Alison 07576 964 099 hello@gooeyevents.com www.gooeyevents.com Livingston, EH54 7FA

The Party experts — Over 800 parties last year — — Delivered to you —

Hoverboards

Indoor mini Tipis

Hot Tubs

Nerf Wars

Zorb Football

Silent Disco

Cinema/Gaming Tipi

www.Activitydelivered.com info@activitydelivered.com 0131 510 7165

Fairy Training Parties MAKING BIRTHDAYS MAGICAL Parties includes a willow fairy den, wish potions, wand enchantments and fairy cakes.

For more information contact: The Fairy Godmother (Kirsty) 07590 429530 berry@fairytraining.co.uk Fairy Training Parties

FACE-PAINTERS & EQUIPMENT HIRE

Pure Brilliant Events

Fantoosh Face Art

The Bouncy Castle Man

An artist combining unique designs for your party theme and with over a decade of impeccable hygiene practice. Fantoosh will keep your wee ones safe and looking sparkly fabulous!

The Bouncy Castle Man can supply fantastic bouncy castles and a wide range of character mascots all over Edinburgh, Lothians, Fife and the Borders.

Face Painter

CONTACT: Lynn 07775 861 075 www.fantooshart.co.uk

JoJo’s Little Party People Music, Softplay & Mascots

JoJo’s Little Party People offer a range of party packages including a Giant Bouncy Castle, ball pool, soft play blocks, animal hopperz, party music, and a personalised ‘JoJo the Lion’ teddy for the lucky birthday child.

CONTACT: Lynsey 07963 780 697 lynsey@jojoslittlepartypeople.com www.jojoslittlepartypeople.com

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Bouncy Castle & Mascot Hire

Pure Brilliant Events

Facepainting, Popcorn & Candy Floss Machines Pure Brilliant Events is a specialist face painting and balloon modelling company who also offer bouncy castles, popcorn and candy floss, mascots, glitter tattoos and balloon decor. From small parties to large events, they have a party package for you. Check their website which offer great savings, but book before the end of January and you’ll benefit from 2019 prices!

CONTACT: Bex 07593 332 744 info@purebrilliantevents.co.uk www.purebrilliantevents.co.uk

CONTACT: Mark 07513 593 073 info@thebcm.co.uk www.thebcm.co.uk

Topcatz Inflatables

Inflatables & Mascot Hire Topcatz is an entertainment company covering Edinburgh, Lothians and surrounding areas, providing mascot hires and special appearances and bouncy castles.

CONTACT: 07450 065 079 tomcatzinflatables@gmail.com www.tcinflatables.co.uk

VISITOR ATTRACTIONS Deep Sea World

Sea-Life Visitor Attraction Parties best for ages: 3 – 11

Dynamic Earth

Dalkeith Country Park

CONTACT: 01383 411880 North Queensferry, KY11 1JR www.deepseaworld.com

Parties best for ages: 5-12

Dynamic Earth

Magical Fort Parties

Dalkeith Country Park

Almond Valley Heritage Centre Visitor Attraction & Softplay

Almond Valley parties include an attractive decorated room that serves as your base for the duration of the party, delicious party food and a play session in Morag’s Meadow soft play.

CONTACT: 01506 414957 Livingston, EH54 7AR www.almondvalley.co.uk

Blair Drummond Safari Park Safari Parties

Birthday parties at Blair Drummond Safari Park is ideal for children up to 10 years old and for party sizes 8-20. The package includes exclusive use of a safari yurt for two hours, full day admission to the Safari Park, lunch, goodie bags, visit from Safari Park mascot and vouchers for two rides per child.

CONTACT: 01786 841456 Stirling, FK9 4XQ www.blairdrummond.com

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Deep Sea World is the perfect birthday party venue to guarantee oceans of fishy fun and aquatic adventures. Themed Pirates and Princesses Parties feature guided tours of the aquarium, dedicated party host, themed lunch boxes, games and party bags for the whole party PLUS a free year’s membership for the party child.

Perfect for little adventurers, Dalkeith Country Park’s magical Party Bell Tent is located near the Zip Slides in Fort Douglas. Unzip it to reveal a gorgeous, fun space to refuel. And have cake of course!

The package is designed to have everything you need, including the hire of the Bell tent, entry into Fort Douglas and children’s party food boxes. The price is £15 per child up to a max of 20 and 10 adults.

There’s a minimum charge of £200.

Visitor Attraction

Parties best for ages: 4 - 12

Parties are only available between the April school holidays and the October school holidays.

Fancy traveling back in time 15,000 million years to the beginning of our universe and taking an action packed adventure through the life of our planet Earth.Dynamic Earth birthday party packages contain something for kids of all ages. For younger children (aged 4 - 5) there’s a Storytelling Birthday Party; for children aged 4 - 12 there’s The Adventurer Birthday Party, and for older children (aged 6 -12) there’s the Craft Activity Party.

CONTACT: 0131 654 1666 Dalkeith EH22 1ST info@dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk www.dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk

CONTACT: 0131 523 1273 Holyrood Rd, EH8 8AS groups@dynamicearth.co.uk www.dynamicearth.co.uk Deep Sea World

VISITOR ATTRACTIONS East Links Family Park

Edinburgh Zoo

A great fun and safe environment for a party, ideal for everyone to let off some steam. The party package includes unlimited use of the parks facilities, a free token for each child for animal feed or crazy golf, an animal handling session and a reserved area in the picnic barn for the day.

A chance to spend the afternoon exploring the park with prearranged panda viewing (subject to availability). Enjoy a birthday buffet lunch with party bags delivered by animal mascot!

Visitor Attraction

CONTACT: 01368 863607 Dunbar, EH42 1XF www.eastlinks.co.uk

Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect World

Visitor Attraction & Mini Zoo Butterfly World can hold children’s parties on Saturdays and Sundays starting, or midweek depending on availability. Parties include use of the party room and a private talk, tour of the visitor attraction and animal handling session.

CONTACT: Dobbies Garden World, EH18 1AZ www.edinburgh-butterfly-world. co.uk

Animal Visitor Attraction

CONTACT: 0131 314 0336 Corstorphine Road, EH12 6TS www.edinburghzoo.org.uk

Jupiter Artland

Art & Sculpture Visitor Attraction

Parties best for ages: 5+ Parties run from May to September (open season weekends only)

Jupiter Artland’s parties are 2 hours 15 minutes full of exploring, creating and having fun, all set within a magical landscape of beautiful woodlands. All parties are based in their classroom and in the outdoors. Themes include Build a Bothy, Outdoor Adventure and Fairy Kingdom, all of which can be tailored to the group’s specific ages and requirements.

Parents can select additional

extras, including marshmallow toasting, birthday cakes and party bags. Parties are led by Jupiter Artland’s learning team, who specialise in outdoor, creative learning.

CONTACT: 01506 889900 Near Wilkieston, EH27 8BY learning@jupiterartland.org www.jupiterartland.org

National Museum of Flight Visitor Attraction

Celebrate a supersonic birthday and choose from a Jet Powered or Supersonic package and enjoy a range of activities including boarding Scotland’s iconic Concorde, the handson interactive gallery, Fantastic Flight, and creative make and take sessions. Plus dress up in uniform, complete the assault course and get up close to military and passenger aircraft.

CONTACT: 0131 247 4238 East Fortune Airfield, EH39 5LF www.nms.ac.uk/flight

Jupiter Artland

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PARTY VENUES FOR HIRE Cramond Kirk Hall

Glencourse Centre

Cramond Kirk Hall has loads of space for parties, running around and bouncy castles. A commercial kitchen is available to use, with lots of tables and chairs. The halls are in safe open parkland with plenty of parking.

The Glencorse Centre is located just a mile from Penicuik and has plenty of on-site free parking. They hire out their main hall and kitchen facilities for birthday parties for just £60 for a 3-hour slot.

1 Kirk Cramond, EH4 6HZ

CONTACT: David Haggarty 0131 312 6911 hallenquiries@cramondkirk.org.uk www.cramondkirk.org.uk

Eric Liddell Centre

15 Morningside Road, EH10 4DP 0131 447 4520 www.ericliddell.org

Fairmilehead Church Halls 1a Frogston Rd West, EH10 7AA

Different sized halls are available for birthday parties. You can bring your own entertainer or bouncy castle (height restrictions apply in some halls) and have access to the kitchen, tables and chairs. Car park and free on-street parking nearby is available.

CONTACT: Carole Park 0131 445 2374 office@fhpc.org.uk www.fhpc.org.uk

4 Firth Road, Auchendinny, EH26 0QZ

CONTACT: 01968 670264 www.glencorsecentre.org.uk

North Merchiston Club

48 Watson Crescent, EH11 1EP The club is conveniently situated on the edge of the city centre, close to Fountainpark and adjoining Harrison Park East.

Birthday parties can be held in the club most weekends.

CONTACT: 0131 622 1757 info@northmerchiston.co.uk www.northmerchiston.co.uk

Inch House Community Centre

225 Gilmerton Road, Inch Park, EH16 5UF The Community Centre is located in the historic Inch House, Inch Park in the south of Edinburgh.

They have a variety of beautiful rooms to hire, with prices starting from just £15 per hour; as well as smaller rooms available from just £10 per hour.

CONTACT: 0131 664 4710 inchmgecom@gmail.com www.inchhouse.co.uk

Juniper Green Village Hall 1A Juniper Park Rd, EH14 5DX 0131 458 3751 www.junipergreenvillagehall. co.uk

LifeCare Centre

2 Cheyne Street, EH4 1JB 0131 343 0940 www.lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk

Nuture the Play

Nurture the Play

5a Portland Gardens, EH6 6NY Nurture the Play can help you celebrate your little one’s special occasion by offering venue hire or set up themed parties such as messy play, crafts, tinkering or something of your choice. Prices start from just £75 for 1.5 hours hire.

CONTACT: Amber www.nurturetheplay.co.uk

World of Football, Marine Drive

25 Marine Drive, EH4 5EJ Continuing the success of their football parties at the Corn Exchange, World of Football Marine Drive can now offer party room hire for only £30 an hour.

Design your own party by bringing in your food and drink, add on pitch hire at regular prices and play on safe, secure and fully enclosed pitches, suitable for boys and girls of different age groups.

Inch House Community Centre

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World of Football

CONTACT: 0131 228 2141 www.worldoffootball.com

Happy Birthday

to you

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

Aila 8 on 19 Jan

Charlie 9 on 4 Jan

Luke 10 on 3 Feb

Martha 5 on 27 February

Sam 10 on 15 Feb

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www.mademagazine.co.uk

Jaxon

Clara

2 on 14 February

4 on 18 February

Matilda 3 on 1 January

Jude 3 on 4 JanuaryÂ

Faye 6 on 9 January

Angus 5 on 16 February

made JAN / FEB 2020

Cooper 4 on 23 January

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MADE meets...Tempo Perso M

What is your earliest memory of Italy?

My earliest memory is about food! I remember sitting by the open fire in our house, watching my grandma stirring a huge terracotta cooking pot inside were sausages, dried beans and water. The pot bubbled away for seven or eight hours, filling the room with delicious aromas and I remember thinking it was like magic to create something so delicious from such a few ingredients. The fire was the centre of our home and it feels like I grew up sitting alongside, waiting for the next meal.

What inspired you to start your business?

Looking back, it seems inevitable that I would open a restaurant - my family ran a cheese stall in our local market so food has been a central part of my life for as long as I can remember. In 2003 my mum, brother and I opened a restaurant (the original ‘Osteria del Tempo Perso’!) in my home town of Casalvieri. I had already fallen in love with Scotland and felt that we could bring the same sort of restaurant to Edinburgh - good, authentic Italian food and wine, with great service and a really welcoming atmosphere. It was also really important that we’d be a family-friendly restaurant - in Italy, children grow up eating good food alongside their parents, extended family and friends and that’s something I’m proud of.

What’s the best thing about your job?

Without doubt it’s the people. It’s the relationships you build running a restaurant - everyone from our staff to suppliers and fellow business owners in the neighbourhood. I love how many independent businesses there are in Bruntsfield and really value that network. But above all, our customers are what makes my job so much fun getting to know them, listening to their feedback and making their visit the best we can. It’s not just

66

©BLUE SKY PHOTOGRAPHY

arco Iacobelli, owner of Tempo Perso Italian restaurant in Bruntsfield is originally from Lazio but moved to Scotland to open the restaurant five years ago. MADE talks to Marco to find out more about his family friendly restaurant….

about the food and wine, the social and human side is so important.

(And the worst?)

That’s easy - all of the paperwork. Not made any easier by having to do it in a second language but I’m working on my English!

What surprises people when they come and dine with you?

Probably how similar it is to the osteria they loved on their Italian holiday! I also love suggesting new wines to match the dishes - it’s great when people try something different from their usual Valpolicella or Pinot Grigio and realise how well it works with those flavours.

What’s your favourite dish?

Definitely Salsiccia e Provola Affumicata - it’s a beautiful Italian sausage from Campania with Italian smoked cheese. So much flavour, a simple but authentic taste of Italy and just the perfect comfort food - especially with some chunky chips and a glass of Montepulciano from Abruzzo.

It’s one of the many organic and vegan wines we serve by the glass which makes it easier for people to try something new.

What are your plans for the future?

In the restaurant, I want to continue to build our reputation and keep improving what we do. I’ve also got big plans involving wine - this year saw the first harvest from my family vineyard so watch this space… n Tempo Perso, Bruntsfield Place www.mytempoperso.com

www.mademagazine.co.uk

EXPERTS IN….SLIME PARTIES!!

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Chocolate-Making Parties Bath Bomb Making • Tie-Dye Classes

Bespoke celebration cakes for all ages and occasions Lee Picken lee@juniperbakes.co.uk www.juniperbakes.co.uk @juniperbakesedinburgh

07576 964099 hello@gooeyevents.com www.gooeyevents.com Livingston Village, Armadale

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Telfer SPORTS COACHING

07598 569 325 info@bumblebeesports.co.uk www.bumblebeesports.co.uk

Fun filled Music & Sensory classes for babies and toddlers aged 0-5 years throughout Edinburgh & Lothians ...with a retro twist!

Are you having a birthday?

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Clare: 07811 352 950 / Amy: 07580 106 745 clare@bambinobeats.com / amy@bambinobeats.com www.bambinobeats.com / fb:bambinobeatsmusic

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The newest family-friendly hotspot in Edinburgh West!

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FUN, COMPETITIVE GAMES & ACTIVITIES from Octonauts to Star Wars, choose a theme based on your child’s likes

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ACT. SING. DANCE. Discover excellent training in Performing Arts for ages 4 to 7 and 8 to 12.

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WORLD OF FOOTBALL

BIRTHDAY PARTIES MARI NE DRIV E

Host YOUR OWN FOOTBALL PARTY Design your own party by HIRING OUR PARTY ROOM, bring your own food and drink and play on our safe, secure and fully enclosed pitches, suitable for boys and girls of different age groups.

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CALL 0131 228 2141

OR EMAIL INFO@WORLDOFFOOTBALL.COM World of Football, 25 Marine Drive, Edinburgh , EH4 5EJ

For more information visit worldoffootball.com