MADE (Mums & Dads Edinburgh) Nov/Dec 2015

made mums and dads edinburgh

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

FREE

Gifts Galore

TOPSTMAS CHRI

e r t a e h T Shopping local this Christmas is easy with the Love from Indie Street multi store gift voucher. Accepted in over 100 independent stores across Edinburgh & Glasgow. www.lovefromindiestreet.com

Edinburgh Art Fair 13th - 15th November

r o f t r A ! e n o Every Media Partner

EdinburghLife Magazine

and the Lothians

Edinburgh Corn Exchange New Market Road : EH14 1RJ Doors Open 11am Daily : Admission ÂŁ5/ÂŁ3

Children Free | Creche & Workshops Each Day

www.artedinburgh.com

60 Galleries 500 Artists 3 Days Only!

made

welcome Contributors We asked our columnists what they want to find in their stockings this Christmas…

Kirsty Nicholls (page 25) A month’s subscription to Edinburgh for Under Fives would keep us busy in January. It goes without saying that a Chocolate Orange would be fabulous too.

Jojo Sutherland (page 33) Wouldn’t it be lovely if I found a snooze button for my kids body clocks in my stocking this year?

Graeme Easton © DESIGNED BY FREEPIK.COM

(page 45)

Some Galaxy chocolate, tube socks that are made by Pringle (the crisp one) and the latest chart topping CD.

contact facebook.com/MADEmag

Being a small family-run business ourselves we love to help other small businesses because we understand exactly what this support means. Thankfully at Christmas it’s really easy to do so! With the likes of Love from Indie Street making it super easy to buy thoughtful gift cards from the best Edinburgh independent shops; and the wonderful Treehouse stocking the most perfect kids’ gifts it’s a no-brainer! (We predict their Fairy Doors and Mini Hornits are going to be Edinburgh’s best sellers this year.) And then comes along the fabulously talented, recently graduated Briege Letham who cleverly illustrated our front cover this edition - what a star!

Small Business Saturday (Dec 5th) is the perfect chance to pop into your local gift shop or browse the Christmas craft markets to see what treasures you can find. Go see who you can support.

Louise x

Editor & Publisher Sales Executive Online Events Writers Columnists

Agony Aunt Designer Cover Printer

Louise Wilson Caroline McClean Emma Louise McKale Heidi Scrimgeour, Dawn Geddes, Cate Nelson-Shaw Kirsty Nicholls, Edinburgh for Under Fives Graeme Easton, Woosh! Entertainments Jojo Sutherland MAMi Designs Briege Letham, Cakepipi Stephens & George

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

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

made NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

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three wise Women BARGAIN

JOY

HUNTER

JOY LOVES: FOR HER

JAEGER KURT GEIGER FOSSIL FOR THE HOME

LE CREUSET CHRISTY DENBY

For savvy Christmas shopping and up to 60% off livingston-designer-outlet.co.uk

#

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Contents © DESIGNED BY FREEPIK.COM

november / december

36

6

62

6 News 15 Competitions

Your chance to win

16

When sorry seems to be the hardest word

By Heidi Scrimgeour

20

Christmas Gifts for kids 25 Mum’s New World

Hazards of the job

27

Christmas Theatre

MADE’s annual round-up

33

Trust Jojo

If you need advice…

45

Leave it to Dad

By Graeme Easton

48

Born to be wild

A look at Peter Rabbit

52

Kids go wild

Party with penguins

54

Christmas Gifts

A little bit special

56

Christmas Gin Cocktails

By Edinburgh Gin

58

Face Art

A step-by-step guide

60

Skiing & Kids

Sponsored by Craigdon Mountain Sports

62

A Warm Welcome

38 Santa!

Sponsored by Leaf & Bean Cafe

What will you do with him?

64

40

Christmas Gifts for mums & dads

34 Diaries

What to do in Nov & Dec

made NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

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Out & About 66 Tried & Tested 20

Stagecoach on trial…

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news Make a wish

Owner of Wishing Tree Cafe, Bev Anderson, is delighted to announce the expansion of the cafe’s activities list for children of all ages. Already a popular venue on Musselburgh’s High Street, the play cafe and party venue also offers a range of dance and music classes, storytelling and arts & crafts sessions. With great entry prices, reduced rates for childminders, and grandparents receiving half-price hot drinks on a Wednesday, the play cafe is set to be a social hub over the winter.

For more information about the cafe and their party packages go to www.wishingtreeplaycafe.com

Simply Quality Bon Tot was founded in 2014 by Kristina and Graham Currie, offering a carefully edited collection of design-led children’s clothing and toys, sourced from small brands around the globe. They are now delighted to announce the opening of their own shop on St Stephen Street which showcases the couple’s excellent taste in modern, sophisticated patterns and cuts. Their ethos is quality; they only sell things that they really love, and they believe in slow, sustainable fashion - clothes that avoid obvious gender stereotyping, so that many of their items can be worn by girl or boy, or handed down from sister to brother.

Their new shop is open Thursday - Monday.

For more info go to www.bon-tot.com

Getting to grips with chickenpox Did you know there is a chickenpox vaccine that can be administered from 9 months?

Although small children are not usually terribly ill from chicken pox unless they have compromised immune systems, they do suffer great irritation from the blistering spots and the high risk of permanent scarring. But a two-jag course is available from private GP practices, such as YourGP. It costs £120 (£60 per dose) - for more information call 0131 225 5656.

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news WaterBabies

Big Splash for Cash

Mr. Men: Mishaps &

Mayhem App Arrives

Fans of the phenomenally popular book and TV series will be delighted with the launch of P2 Entertainment’s brand new Mr. Men Little Miss gaming app.

Mishaps & Mayhem is a collection of fast and funny action-packed mini-games based on the playful antics of author Roger Hargreaves’ much loved characters. With the app featuring Mr. Bump, Mr. Tickle, Mr. Happy, Little Miss Naughty and many more, fans will be able to delve into the colourful world of Mr. Men Little Miss.

Mr. Men: Mishaps & Mayhem (for kids 5-8 years old) is now available for £2.29 on both iOS and Android devices.

Christmas Chocolate Add a touch of Cadbury Christmas purple to your tree, or surprise your relatives by gifting them with the new Cadbury Dairy Milk Baubles.

These spectacular supersized baubles are available in two different varieties; Cadbury Dairy Milk Oreo Baubles and Cadbury Dairy Milk Snow Bites Baubles.

RRP £4.99 made NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

It was Splashathon time again for hundreds of Water Babies this summer as classes across Scotland took part in their bi-annual fundraiser for the baby charity, Tommy’s.

Classes took on a Pirates & Princesses theme and babies and toddlers were sponsored to walk the plank, dive for treasure and sparkle in their tiaras, raising a total of over £63,000 in Scotland alone. Across the UK the event raised over £794,000 – smashing the £500k target.

This amazing total could fund clinical care and research at the Tommy’s Edinburgh centre for fifteen months, enabling its specialist ante-natal metabolic clinic to care for over 250 mums-to-be.

To join the fun in the pool, call 0131 554 6682

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news Festive fun at Potter Around

Get into the Christmas spirit at Potter Around with a Mrs Claus’ Christmas Decorations Workshop on Sat 12 December, 11am-1pm.

Mrs Claus and the elves will help you make a number of different Christmas decorations. You can choose from ceramic, decopatch, wirework and beads or fimo – or have a go at all four. There will be hot chocolate and marshmallows, and you can decorate biscuits to munch while you are busy being creative too. For ages 5-12, £12 per head. Call 01506 238961 or email chat@ potteraround.co.uk to book

Leaf & Bean Café

introduces Boutiqueéboo

Leaf & Bean Café is an independent family run café, boutique and activity centre in the heart of Morningside.

A vibrant, friendly place for people to work or relax and enjoy a varied and extensive menu of salads, artisan breads, soup, quesadillas, pancakes, deli sandwiches, and their ever popular best selling Big Breakfast! They serve their own blend of coffee, served by trained baristas, often with some latte art on top. They have a baby & toddler menu too with fresh fruit daily as well as food made to order.

Leaf & Bean Café has recently launched its own boutique, Boutiqueéboo. Inspired by a need for unique gifts, often made by local artisans and available at affordable prices, Boutiqueéboo offers baby & toddler clothing, children’s books, luxury scented soy candles & diffusers, chocolates & marshmallows, Thai silk scarves, unique papercuts, greeting cards, paintings & prints and many more unique gifts for a variety of occasions or as a treat to yourself.

Leaf & Bean Café has its own baby/toddler play area - The Stable - which is also used for different classes, workshops and activities through the week. Check website for up-to-date events. The Stable is available to hire for craft workshops, classes, children’s activities, birthday parties, ante/post natal groups and friend/family gatherings. For more information go to www.leafandbeanedinburgh.co.uk and www.boutiqueeboo.co.uk or call 0131 447 5613.

Embrace National Stress Awareness Day With National Stress Awareness day in November, OMY Design & Play is making it easy for you to get involved and de-stress your mind with their Adult Colouring Posters.

There are a number of benefits associated with colouring for adults; it’s a scientific fact that colouring can bring calming and positive vibes to your daily routine. Stick the giant poster up on your wall at home or in the office for all to contribute. www.stonegift.com

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news Meet the Greenman

Cloudberry Gifts counts

down to Christmas

Enter the enchanted lit glasshouse at the Secret Herb Garden this Christmas and follow a fairy path leading to a hidden natural grotto where the Greenman awaits. Each child receives a tree root from the Greenman, who will help you to pot up the tree and tell you how to care for it. The tree will become part of your life, grow together through the changing seasons and witness the magic unfold.

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

Visit Santa Santa will be at Jabberwocky Soft Play, Haddington on Sat 19 December between 1-4pm and Sun 20 December between 11-3pm. Booking is useful, but not essential (01620 248070 or hello@jabberwockysoftplay.co.uk) and each child will receive a present from Santa.

There will be a small extra charge for Santa, in addition to normal soft play admission charges.

made NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

Cloudberry Gifts now has a second shop open so there’s double the choice for Christmas 2015. The staff’s passion for the festive season has culminated in one of the best Christmas shopping selections in Edinburgh, where gifts are always spectacular. There are always styles to suit whoever you’re buying for; and the Cloudberry range is particularly appealing for those notoriously difficult men in your life. With enough Scottish designers, makers and suppliers to fill Santa’s sack, a visit to Cloudberry creates a real sense of supporting the local community. Both the Barnton and Blackhall shops have cosy coffee shops with the most stunning homemade cakes, soups and sandwiches. www.cloudberrygifts.co.uk

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news Christmas

Adoption Gifts

photos taken a little differently

‘Age 3, I vividly remember being taken to a darkened photographer’s studio and being told to sit still on a sheepskin rug and stop fiddling with my trainers.

This inspired me to do things differently. I wanted to create an experience that children enjoyed and was competitive enough for parents to return too. After sitting on a comfy cushion for a snap or two against a clean white studio setting the session is completely child-led; free to move around, be silly and have fun. We do stop for long enough to get one nice picture to send to Grandma though!’

This year’s pop-up Christmas studio dates are Nov 21st, 27th and 28th and Dec 5th and 12th. Email andrew@ ajlansell.co.uk for info.

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The Scottish Seabird Centre’s wildlife adoptions make great gifts for wildlife fans.

Each adoption pack is £30 and includes, a soft toy of the sponsored seal, gannet or puffin, personalised adoption certificate, A5 poster, factsheet, and details of your adoption will be displayed in the five star Discovery Centre. These can be bought online at www.seabird.org or in person at the Centre’s gift shop.

Newborn Cafe Concept

Babies and Bumps Café in Morningside was an idea born through a mother’s own experiences; but now this unique café concept caters to your needs through pregnancy into parenthood. Being made to feel unwelcome when large groups of buggies walk into cafes, or disapproving eyes when your baby starts crying are feelings almost all parents have experienced. Babies and Bumps Café removes parent’s anxieties and allows you to submerge yourself in a relaxing environment, catered and designed specifically for you and your child. Experience their day bed, baby play pods and delicious food and coffee for yourself.

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news Tap into a new way of shopping

Scottish entrepreneur, Rebecca Christensen from Edinburgh, is giving people all over the world the chance to tap into a new, virtual shopping experience in the City’s hidden gems at Love from Indie Street. The quirky site allows you to ‘shop like a local’ and discover Edinburgh’s thriving independent scene by browsing over 70 independent ethical and sustainable retailers, online and in one place. David Tamworth from Livingston, said: “This really is shopping made easy but with the added bonus of getting vouchers which you know the people in your life will love and be touched by the thought behind it.”

“As soon as I heard about the site last year I logged on and bought all my Christmas gifts in six minutes! www.lovefromindiestreet.com

Introducing…

Fluxie Feet

Flux was born in Leith in 1997 and has become a part of the fabric of The Shore community.

Following the success of the opening of their new store on Dunbar High Street this summer, Flux is opening its doors further to include Fluxie Feet.

Treading in the footsteps of the old Masons shoe shop, Fluxie feet will provide a bespoke children’s shoe fitting service to the East Lothian community. Fluxie feet will have a limited stock of winter shoes and boots for children, expanding to a full range for spring, summer 2016. Fluxie feet will maintain top designer style without compromising on the health and development of your children’s feet. www.get2flux.co.uk

Knotstressed KnotStressed Therapies has a wide range of festive offers available for parents, couples and mums-to-be. Treat a loved one (or yourself) to some relaxation and stress relief, and take time out from life’s challenges. For more info about their festive gift vouchers go to www.knotstressed.com/shop

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news

Christmas 2015 heralds the UK launch of The Elf on the Shelf® bringing something new and exciting to Christmas.

Official adoption centres will open in select locations, making a number of beloved scout elves available for adoption by families.

The Elf on The Shelf: A Christmas Tradition is a magical story that explains how Santa’s scout elves help him manage his naughty or nice lists. Each illustrated, hardback book comes as part of a box set that also includes one of Santa’s scout elves, whose job is to watch during the day and report to Santa every night. Each morning the scout elf returns to its family and perches in a different place to watch the festive fun.

Elf adoption centres include elfontheshelf.co.uk and Treehouse in Stockbridge. www.treehousechildrens wear.co.uk

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Santa’s Farmyard Cottage Santa visits Almond Valley once again, settling into his farmyard cottage set within a chilly midwinter forest. Here he’ll be welcoming young visitors, and handing out some early Christmas presents.

Make your own Christmas decorations in the museum, and join in with the magic of a traditional Christmas. Normal Admission charges apply £6.50 adults, £5 children (age 3-15 years). Ticket to visit Santa is £3.50 and it includes a gift from Santa and a bag of reindeer dust.

Weekends; 28th & 29th November, 5th & 6th, 12th & 13th, 19th daily to 24th December.

A Royal Christmas Party

Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse on Dec 20th and celebrate a Royal Christmas from all the ages - a fun day out for all the family. Learn courtly conduct and dancing while you experience life in the time of Mary, Queen of Scots, dress up like royalty and have your face painted for a palace party. Make traditional Victorian decorations and find out about festive feasts at our banqueting table.

Don’t miss the Family Carol Concert at 3pm in the Great Gallery.

© DESIGNED BY FREEPIK.COM

The Elf on the Shelf

Sick Kids Christmas Fair

at Meadowbank

This is one of Edinburgh’s biggest Christmas Fairs with over 1500 people going last year.

It’s the perfect opportunity to do some early Christmas shopping whilst enjoying a fantastic family day out, with a huge variety of stalls and prices to suit all budgets. There’ll be refreshments, a bouncy castle, crafts, face-painting, surprise characters and even Santa will be there! Get Nov 29th in your diary!

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news Christmas Floristry The School of Floristry in North Berwick offers floristry workshops for beginners through to aspiring and established florists, and runs kids’ workshops, corporate away days and team-building days. Commended by The Rt. Hon Nicola Sturgeon for providing high quality and affordable floristry tuition, The School has recently worked with NHS Scotland, Filmhouse (Suffragette premiere) and Steampunk. Go to www.theschooloffloristry.co.uk for details of Christmas Decoration Workshops with mince pies and mulled wine.

To WIN 6 places on their Christmas Decoration Workshop just say what price the floristry workshop gift vouchers start from. Email your answer to info@theschooloffloristry before Nov 8th and include your mobile number.

Cameron Toll cares about

CHRISTMAS Meet Santa for Free

Every weekend from 28th November

Christmas Charity Events Extended Shopping Hours

30 YEARS

Over 40 Stores | Free parking | Places to eat AT THE HEART OF www.camerontoll.co.uk OUR COMMUNITY

made NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

30 YEARS

AT THE HEART OF OUR COMMUNITY

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news Have a handmade Christmas

This year why not make your gifts and decorations by hand? Honey Pot Arts & Crafts Studio have a huge selection of gift ideas with a personal touch. Make your own Christmas garland, have your child’s handprints added to a tree decoration or paint a plate for Santa’s Christmas Eve treat; not only will you have tons of fun but you will create lasting memories which can be brought out each and every Christmas. www.honeypotceramics.com.

Visit Honey Pot’s Facebook page before 30 November 2015 to WIN a personalised platter for Santa.

Livingston’s got it all

With over 70 boutiques, restaurants and cafés, Livingston Designer Outlet, Scotland’s largest Designer Outlet, has something to suit every taste. Highlights range from iconic fashion brands, including Fred Perry, Kurt Geiger, Lacoste and Tommy Hilfiger; athletic labels like Nike and Adidas; and high-street favourites like M&S and Next.

An 8-screen digital Vue Cinema, two 18 hole adventure golf courses in Paradise Island Adventure Golf and bars and restaurants open 7 days a week, makes it the ideal place to explore with family or friends, to hunt out those special items, uncover some amazing bargains or to take a few moments and relax in www.livingston-designer-outlet.co.uk

Chapter One Childcare set to open 6th nursery The new 70-place Country Park Nursery, set within the beautiful grounds of Dalkeith Country Park will offer naturally inspiring early years learning and childcare. With purpose built accommodation for ages 0-5 years and a large outdoor play area, the benefits of Chapter One working in partnership with Dalkeith Country Park is access to

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acres of wonderful grounds, as well as the Petting Zoo and Adventure Playground which are set to open in spring 2016 following massive

developments to the Park.

Chapter One recently opened the first Edinburgh and Midlothian outdoor nursery, Treetops, which will run alongside the new nursery.

Children will be able to access split placements for both indoor and outdoor learning.

The nursery opens Nov 2015, for more info call 0845 177 1008.

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WIN

•

a

To win competition B email your answer to competitions@mademag.co.uk or enter via mademagazine.co.uk.

competition

A world of fairy magic has arrived at Edinburgh’s favourite children’s shop, Treehouse in Stockbridge. Treehouse is now the official guardian to a whole group of little fairy doors the magical link between the little peoples’ world and our own. These fairy doors need to find homes of special boys and girls this Christmas; boys and girls who will pick the perfect place to put their fairy door, invite the fairy to live with them, and most importantly to give their fairy a name.

For information about Treehouse go to

Email your fairy name suggestion to info@treehouse

competition •

To be in with a chance of winning can you suggest a name for the fairy that lives behind the Treehouse door on page 23?

•

To celebrate this, Treehouse has two fairy doors and accessories to give away to two lucky readers. www.treehousechildrenswear.co.uk

childrenswear.co.uk

To be in with a chance of winning just answer this question: Which flavours are available for the Slissie?

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

made NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

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competition

To use Slissie simply press a button and suck for tasty, calorie-free flavours.

competition •

b

We have teamed up with Slim Lizzie Ltd to provide three lucky readers with a chance to win a fabulous new electronic slimming aid and habit trainer.

Designed to look like a tube of mascara, Slissie is discrete, portable and easy to use. It works by delivering a burst of tasty, natural appetite suppressing flavours to help you cut out snacking and change your eating habits for good. It is available with four calorie-free flavours; Original Mint, Fruit, Vanilla and Chocolate.

Slissie helps take the hunger out of dieting and provides a fun alternative to bad snacking habits.

By using Slissie to distract yourself from snacking, you will be able to break those bad habits, which means the weight stays off and you will be able to stay in your new skinny jeans.

competition

The deadline for both competitions is Dec 18th. To win competition A email your suggested fairy name to info@treehousechildrenswear.co.uk.

SAYING SORRY

WHEN

Seems to be the hardest word WRITTEN BY Heidi

© CHRUPKA - FOTOLIA.COM

S

ay sorry or we’re going home right now,’ I hissed, my cheeks turning redder with every awkward second that ticked by.

Predictably, silence followed. You can guess what happened next. Not five minutes into our much-anticipated day out at the park with friends, I was marching my three year old home on account of his stubborn refusal to apologise for repeatedly snatching his friend’s beloved toy.

Inevitably, I was much more miffed by our abandoned playdate than he was. While I stormed up the hill towards home with tears streaming down my face, I suspect he simply mused at his power, marvelling at his ability to change the course of our entire day simply by refusing to do as I asked.

Fortunately several years have passed since that fateful day and I’ve since learned the error of my ways. First, I never utter threats when

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Scrimgeour

trying to corral my kids into doing something unless I’m totally prepared to follow through on it, and I generally try to avoid threats that involve upsetting my plans or inconveniencing me in any way. See? I told you I’d wised up.

But much more importantly, I’ve learned to lighten up when it comes to getting my kids to apologise. That’s not to say I let them run amok without holding them to account, and nor do I leave bad behaviour unchallenged. I still encourage my kids to apologise when they’ve upset someone, but I’m less hellbent on forcing an apology from their lips at any cost.

Why? Because we’ve all seen scenarios like the one I’ve described above, wherein an ashen-faced mum attempts to wring an insincere apology from a wilful child. And we’ve learned that it’s largely pointless. What does an apology elicited under such circumstances really prove,

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SAYING SORRY

made NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

“It’s never too late to make repair © LASSEDESIGNEN - FOTOLIA.COM

apart from our ability to wheedle something out of our kid when push comes to shove?

And let’s be really honest, all too often these very public moments of parenting are really about our own efforts to save face, and not much to do with our children’s manners or lack thereof at all. That day in the park I felt as though my friendship with the other child’s mother was hanging in the balance; as if it’s continuation all but depended on me managing to make my kid say sorry. It’s silly, really, and as it happens we’re still firm friends almost a decade on, despite that unforthcoming apology.

Here’s the most important thing I’ve learned about kids and saying sorry; what really matters, if you care about teaching your kid the power of an apology, is being quick to say sorry yourself when you get things wrong. I twigged pretty early on in my parenting journey that I was going to have to get good at saying sorry if I had any hope of staying in good relationship with my kids. How can we expect our kids to value saying sorry if it’s something they never see us do? I’m not advocating grovelling to your kids or begging their forgiveness every time you raise your voice or reply snappily to their tenth question of the hour instead of sweetly in your best Mary Poppins tone. But I think it pays to teach kids that no-one’s perfect, not even Mum, and that most misdemeanours and mistakes are easily fixed with a heartfelt ‘Sorry’.

There’s also a school of thought which says that coercing kids to apologise robs them of the opportunity to learn how to say sorry when they truly mean it.

And perhaps it’s selfish but my favourite part of being quick to dispense with apologies where my kids are concerned is that they’ve become adept at granting pardon. No sooner have I apologised for losing my patience whilst trying to herd them out the door for school, and they’re appeasing my guilt with forgiveness and assurances that their dawdling and squabbling pretty much justified my fishwife act.

I’m joking, partly, but my kids’ capacity to accept an apology graciously and extend an olive branch in return is one of the things I most admire about them. And it’s strangely reassuring to realise that they’ve developed that in part

”

because I don’t shy away from admitting when I get things wrong, and seeking swiftly to put them right.

Just as there are few things uglier than a grimacing child growling a reluctant sorry, there’s nothing quite so heartwarming as a child issuing a heartfelt, honest apology.

A friend recently remarked on my readiness to say sorry to my kids. It’s something she rarely if ever does, on account of having been raised in a family where the adults never admitted any flaw or failing to the kids. She says she longs to be able to acknowledge her imperfections to her children, and feels they’d be less defensive when they get things wrong if sorry was a more freelyflowing word in her household.

Which is sort of funny, because the most useful piece of parenting advice anyone has ever given me is this: It’s never too late to make repair. It was uttered by a child psychologist I was interviewing for a feature, and it’s a sentence that has stuck with me ever since.

Why? Because don’t all parents occasionally harbour the secret worry that we might have irreparably damaged our kids in some way?

You don’t have to be a monster to sometimes fear that the little things we all get wrong - the times we’re snappy and impatient or over-react to some normal childish misdemeanour - might

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SAYING SORRY

“

have messed things up beyond repair. It’s a measure of how much we love our kids and want to do the best by them that we’re prone to worry that we might somehow screw it all up. And isn’t the promise that nothing is irredeemable one of the most positive and inspiring things we can hope to pass on to our kids? I think so.

Which leads neatly to one final thought. My surly preteen called his grandfather this afternoon to apologise for being cheeky earlier in the day. A sweet, heartfelt conversation ensued, whereby my dad graciously accepted the apology and the two agreed to put the moment behind them and move on.

Once the call was over, my son glanced in my direction and raised an eyebrow. ‘Am I still on a screen ban for being rude?’ he asked, and

I winced at the realisation that he was about to retract his apology if it couldn’t earn him the reprieve he hoped it would.

‘Yes,’ I said sternly. ‘An apology given in order to get something isn’t a real apology,’ I lectured. ‘I know,’ he said. ‘I was just going to say I don’t think you should let me off the hook just because I apologised.’

Now maybe this kid’s smarter than he looks and that was an effort at reverse psychology - or maybe that psychologist was right. It never is too late to make repair, and my readiness to say sorry when it’s due is paying off in a young man who’s learning how to make amends and really mean it.

And yes, incase you were wondering, the screen ban stuck. n

© NADEZHDA1906 - FOTOLIA.COM

An apology given in order to get something isn’t a real apology

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”

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AL MAS E ID IST T R IF CH G

£15 SHARK DIVE

OFF JUNIOR

BOOKING HOTLINE 01383 411880

A unique gift experience now available at only £80.

Offering 1 Junior aged 8 -15 the opportunity to dive with our 7 sand tiger sharks in our underwater safari.

No Experience necessary. A memorable gift perfect for Christmas.

Purchase gift voucher prior to 30th November and make the saving when quoting NOVOFFER10. Please note advance booking for dive is required, the Junior Dive Season runs from March – October. Normal T&Cs apply. Booking Hotline 01383 411880.

Find us on

Christmas

Little

Ones 2

1. TOASTIE REINDEER £14.95 2. PIRATE BOOKENDS £19.95 3. SANTA & RUDOLPH TATOODLE £1.50

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4. FAIRY PUSH ALONG £9.95

All from Cloudberry Gifts, Barnton & Blackhall www.cloudberry.co.uk

5

4

MERRY CH 5. WICKED

and Happy MICRO RIDERZ Loop & Jump Pack £9.95 www.red5.co.uk

3

6 6. AMBI FISH AND BIRD £9.99 Galt Toys

7 7. BLOC CITY (includes everything you would find in a city, all in several sheets of flat packed cardboard) £14 Bon Tot, St Stephen Street www.bon-tot.com

8. HUGGY BEARS (No sew kits) Huggy Bears usual

cuddly bears and animals are joined by seasonal snowmen and reindeer this Christmas. Plus lots of Christmas outfits for these new friends. Kits are no sew, easy to stuff, pull closed and cuddle. Prices from £6.99 Huggy Bears www.huggybears.co.uk

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8 www.mademagazine.co.uk

9.

A MINI PENNY NECKLACES £18

10. MILK BOTTLE

9

RATTLE WHITE £10 Both from Bon Tot, St Stephen Street www.bon-tot.com

11. CHRISTMAS

11

EDITION BUBABLOON £13.95 www. bubabloon.co.uk

12. AIR STORM FIRETEK Z-CURVE BOW Light up the sky with this ultimate performance bow.

Suitable from 8 years + £29.99.

Stockists include Argos, Smyths

10

12

HRISTMAS

13 13.RASKULLZ HELMETS

Funky, fun and safe. Suitable from 5+ years. £22.99 Stockists include skatehut.co.uk, Smyths

y New Year

14. WOODEN TOY GARAGE A classic toy for any child.

It’s compact size makes it ideal for smaller spaces.

Your little one will love playing with the ramp and moving barrier, car wash, two fuel pumps and helicopter pad! £39 Jojo Maman Bebe, Multrees Walk

14

15. FULL SIZE BABY

GIRAFFE £94.95 Flux, Leith & Dunbar www.get2flux.co.uk

16. POP UP TOY

£7.99 Galt Toys

17. CADBURY

16

DAIRY MILK MARVELLOUS CREATIONS £3.99

17

15 made NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

© DESIGNED BY FREEPIK.COM

21

Christmas

Little

Ones

2 1 4

1. THE FAIRY DOOR £19.99 Accessories from £2.49

2. RED PIANO £49.99 3. WOODEN CAFE MACHINE £25.99 4. MINI HORNIT FOR SCOOTERS AND BIKES £14.99

3

All from Treehouse Childrenswear, Stockbridge www.treehousechildrenswear.co.uk

5. UKICK £8.00 Voted Best New Toy at London Toy Fair A fusion of badminton and street football, use your hands or feet, play alone or in a group, keep UKick off the ground for as long as you can!

MERRY CH

and Happy

6. RAZOR CRAZY CART Award-winning drifting electric go kart that’s’ taking the world by storm. Up to 12mph.

Suitable from 9 years+ £399.99 Stockists include Argos, Smyths, Toys R Us

5

6

7

7. JELLYCAT

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FOX & HARE Both £17.95 Pippin Gifts, Haymarket

© DESIGNED BY FREEPIK.COM

www.mademagazine.co.uk

the

Fairydoor

Invite a fairy into your home and create magical moments forever!

fairies live here Treehouse Childrenswear in the heart of Stockbridge 10-12 Hamilton Place, EH3 5AU • 0131 2251242

www.treehousechildrenswear.co.uk

Greenhill Montessori Nursery Weekly Local Classes

A watery world of confidence, skill and fun!

It’s safe to say you’ll burst with pride as you watch your baby journey from the early days of gentle floating, kicking and splashing to wriggling, giggling and jumping in!

classes held...

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

You can trust us to take the very best care of you and your little one.

Our world-class teachers could have trained as private pilots – five times over – in the time it takes to fully qualify with us. We won’t entrust your child (or our reputation) to anyone less than the best!

Let your child’s adventure begin!

P Children from 18 months to Primary Age P Hours from 9.00 to 16.00 (Care 8.15 to 17.30) P Billingual, with Native speaking teachers in both English and Spanish P Online progress tracking system for each child P We accept Childcare Vouchers P In Partnership with Edinburgh Council P Follows the Curriculum for Excellence Our Values Here at Greenhill Montessori Nursery we are committed to providing a safe, loving and nurturing environment for each child who joins us. We engage your child socially, emotionally and educationally to ensure their success in the future.

Their happiness, security and self confidence are our main goals.

To give your baby a splashing start call

3 Greenhill Park, Morningside, Edinburgh EH10 4DW

Let’s teach your baby to swim!

Tel: 01316290787 info@greenhillmontessori.co.uk www.greenhillmontessori.co.uk

0131 554 6682

www.waterbabies.co.uk

an

Sp

ish Scien

ce

Music

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i at re

Dram

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eme Mov

Outdoors

Are you interested in your child's environment?

YES! Researchers at the Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) are studying exposures of parents and children to environmental hazards.

Can I take part?

Do you have a child under 3 years old?

What do I get for taking part?

Each household will receive a gift voucher after the week study period.

What Hazards?

Air pollution Chemicals Noise

What is involved?

Researchers will set up devices to measure the environment in your home for a period of one week and you will be asked to record information about food, activities and yours and your child's surroundings.

Want to find out more?

Contact Dr. Miranda Loh or Alice Davis By calling 0131 449 8000 Or emailing heals@iom-world.org

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Programme for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement No 603946

nt

Christening wear. Flowergirl dresses.

Communion dresses. Traditional babywear.

Baby gifts and accessories.

Ranges include Mayoral, Sarah Louise, LeChic, Kate Mack, and many more

Mum’s New World WRITTEN BY Kirsty

Nicholls

EDITOR OF EDINBURGH FOR UNDER FIVES

I

currently have one fat ankle and a fetching pink graze on my shin. It happened as I carried Jack into a taxi at 4:40am three mornings ago. We were about to leave for the airport to embark on our first foreign holiday since Jack’s arrival. I had been dreading the flight for about nine months and as I stepped off the kerb (and misjudged how far away it was from the taxi), my head was already in the clouds. Down we fell. Instinctively, I held Jack aloft and thankfully he was absolutely fine. In fact, he appeared to find it rather amusing that mummy had gone flying somewhat sooner than we’d both anticipated.

As I sat in the taxi, bottom lip trembling, I thought about the knee-skimming reversible skirts (my only hope of feigning cleanliness while fitting Jack’s paraphernalia into our luggage allowance) folded neatly into our suitcase. My bruises’ stunning array of colours would be visible in all of their gory glory. They’d compliment my other clumsymummy marks beautifully.

There is absolutely no denying the fact that since I have become a parent, I am even more accident-prone than before. And this is coming from the woman who could - and still can - trip over absolutely nothing.

Who knew the human head could rebound so many times off the top of a car doorframe, without the attached parent losing consciousness?

I frequently feel like I’ve been scalped after scraping my head one too many times while getting Jack in or out of the car. Or how about the perpetually bruised forearm? Sitting in a café last week, I noticed that a group of five of us each had matching supermarket battle scars. How many mums and dads do you see manoeuvring a pushchair, with a basket slung across their arm? Months of deciding that you really can fit

“

Scalded fingers?

Pah! That’s nothing for the tough Edinburgh parent

made NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

your weekly shop into a basket (and months of forgetting that you really can’t) certainly makes its mark.

It doesn’t help that there are now so many more obstacles to dodge or grapple with. Anti-colic bottles for example; they should have a picture of Mount Vesuvius on the box. The slightest shoogle sends a sticky shot of molten milk exploding over the most careful of hands.

Scalded fingers? Pah! That’s nothing for the tough Edinburgh parent.

The high chair leg, though? That folks, takes absolutely no prisoners. Every single morning my husband stubs his toe on ours, silently mouthing expletives while hopping around the kitchen to the Book Bug soundtrack.

But spare a thought to my current situation. I’m feeling supremely grateful to be on holiday. The three of us sharing a room though, presents so many opportunities to add to my clumsy-mummy mark collection. I’m presently sitting here, tapping at my keyboard as quietly as I can so as not to wake a reluctantly sleeping Jack. I now need to negotiate a whole pitch-dark hotel room full of furniture to clean my teeth and get into bed.

Injury photos to follow. Wish me luck. n

25

© MUSEYUSHAYA - FOTOLIA.COM

”

Enjoy Giggles at Wiggles!

Wiggles is the multi-level adventure soft play at the Loch Centre, Tranent.

Suitable for children 6mths - 8 years, Wiggles has 3 levels of adventure soft play full of obstacles and hidden surprises. There’s a dedicated play zone for under 2s, cafe facility and party area.

Come and join the fun, 7 days a week.

You’re guaranteed Giggles at Wiggles!

Loch Centre, Well Wynd, Tranent, East Lothian, EH33 2JX

01875 824140 | www.enjoyleisure.com | z a g Delivering services for East Lothian Council. Registered Scottish Charity: SC040527

£8.50 ©DESIGNED BY FREEPIK.COM

R Y PLANET

Christmas Party 12th December at 4pm

Includes entertainment, games, visit from Santa and Yultide feast, 0-6 years 39 Baileyfield Road, Edinburgh EH15 1NA

0131 669 1231

www.planetcafeedin.co.uk

u p e c o n n a time O

As always, Edinburgh excels itself on the run up to Christmas with an array of theatre shows and pantomimes to entertain and delight the whole family, and this year is no different.

From the magical The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe to the hilarious Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, there is a show for everyone…

The RSNO Christmas Concert USHER HALL BOX OFFICE: 0131 228 1155 Dec 20th, 3pm

The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe

TOP ILLUSTRATION: ©Lovelymaa Avian’s Creation

THE ROYAL LYCEUM BOX OFFICE: 0131 248 4848 Nov 28th - Jan 3rd, 2pm & 7pm

‘We’re walking in the air…’

It isn’t Christmas until The Snowman has taken you on his magical journey through the winter sky. Enjoy this special showing of the festive classic on the large screen, accompanied by the RSNO and narrated by a special guest star.

Hosted by the irrepressible Christopher Bell, this Christmas party for the whole family is filled with seasonal favourites, carols old and new – and, of course, a chance for everyone to sing along!

The Lyceum is delighted to present C.S. Lewis’s classic tale The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

Step through a dusty wardrobe and into a snowy landscape filled with thrilling adventure.

Meet the majestic Aslan, the loveable Mr Tumnus and his fantastical friends and join their quest to free Narnia from the spell of the White Witch.

A festive treat of music and song from the team that brought you The Lyceum’s magical festive shows The BFG and A Christmas Carol.

“It’s a magic wardrobe. There’s a wood inside it, and it’s snowing, and there’s a faun and a witch and it’s called Narnia. Come and see.” made NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

27

Cinderella Family Insight FESTIVAL THEATRE Dec 12th, 19th & 23rd, 11am

Scottish Ballet: Cinderella FESTIVAL THEATRE BOX OFFICE: 0131 529 6000 Dec 5th - Dec 31st

Discover the enchanted, sparkling world of Christopher Hampson’s Cinderella, in the European premiere of this most beloved fairy tale.

In her grief, the young Cinderella plants a rose at her mother’s graveside. When her father remarries, the future seems bleaker than ever. Her wicked stepmother is intent on pushing aside kind and beautiful Cinderella in favour of her two nasty step sisters. Acclaimed New Zealand designer Tracy Grant Lord’s luxurious costumes and extravagant sets create a glittering fantasy world peopled with characters that are touching, funny and real.

28

Learn about the characters, story and costumes in a way that will appeal to both young and old.

You will get the chance to meet one of the dancers and then watch the Company take class on stage. For ages 6+.

Edinburgh Gang Show 2015 King’s Theatre Box Office: 0131 529 6000 Nov 17th - 21st, 2.15pm & 7pm

The Edinburgh Gang Show returns to the King’s Theatre for another fabulous show week.

Enjoy an amazing experience, with over 250 young people from Scouting and Girlguiding performing their hearts out. From incredible song and dance numbers to laugh out loud sketches, this is a show not to be missed!

www.mademagazine.co.uk

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

KING’S THEATRE BOX OFFICE: 0131 529 6000 Nov 28th - Jan 17th, 2pm & 7pm (Sundays 1pm & 5pm)

Stick Man - Live on Stage!

St Andrew Square Box Office: 0844 545 8252 Nov 20th - Dec 29th Dec

“The rib-tickling triumvirate of Allan Stewart, Andy Gray and Grant Stott” (Edinburgh Evening News) return for another unmissable King’s Theatre pantomime season. Staged by the same team behind last year’s record-breaking production of Aladdin, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs carries the King’s Theatre pantomime hallmark of outstanding entertainment for the whole family.

Owen & Olly’s Christmas Stocking

The world outside the family tree is a dangerous place for Stick Man. A dog wants to play fetch with him, a swan builds a nest with him and he even ends up on a fire! How will Stick Man ever get back to the family tree?

From the book by Julia Donaldson, Illustrated

by Axel Scheffler, creators of The Gruffalo. A fantastic show for all the branches of the family tree!

Scamp Theatre’s delightful adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s hugely popular children’s book Stick Man is back in Edinburgh for Christmas! Touching, funny and utterly original, this award-winning production features a trio of top actors and is packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves.

USHER HALL BOX OFFICE: 0131 228 1155 Dec 6th, 3pm

What will Owen and Olly find in their Christmas stocking? They’re hoping for story books, winter sports gear and toys that come to life. But have they made Santa’s nice list, or are they skating on thin ice? If their Christmas wishes come true their stocking will be bursting with musical goodies, traditional treats and family fun. With The Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Manor School of Ballet and area choirs of The National Youth Choir of Scotland. made NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

29

Cinderella

BRUNTON THEATRE BOX OFFICE: 0131 665 2240 Nov 24th - Jan 2nd

© JOHN YOUNG @ YOUNGMEDIA

Christmas wouldn’t be the same without a trip to The Brunton’s panto!

Their panto this year is full of fun and laughter with oodles of gags, local references, chart hits, outrageous costumes and lots of singing, dancing and shouting out. The fabulous cast of professional actors are supported by a chorus of talented, local, young performers from across East Lothian.

Funbox: Santa’s Sleepover Show BRUNTON THEATRE, MUSSELBURGH BOX OFFICE: 0131 665 2240 Dec 22nd 1pm and 4pm Dec 23rd 12pm and 3pm Dec 24th 12pm and 3pm HOWDEN CENTRE, LIVINGSTON BOX OFFICE: 01506 777666 Jan 3rd 1pm & 3.30pm Jan 4th 11am & 2pm Jan 5th 11am & 2pm FUNBOX – formerly of The Singing Kettle - are having a sleepover and you are all invited!

Join Anya, Kevin, Gary and Bonzo who are too excited about Xmas to get any sleep. There are keys to find, a funbox to open and friends old and new to meet –including the Funsters.

Packed with sing-a-long favourites like Aiken Drum, 10 In The Bed and Jingle Bells. Don’t miss this festive family treat. Who knows, you might even see Santa!

Dress for bed and bring a Santa hat.

30

Aladdin

HOWDEN PARK CENTRE BOX OFFICE: 01506 777666 Dec 14th - 28th What is Livy famous for? Its wonderful shopping of course! Join Howden Park Centre this Christmas as they invite you to the Grand Bazaar of old Livingston town. Young hero Aladdin and his glamorous mammy Widow Twanky run the twenty four hour laundry, along with her other son, that dafty Wishy Washy. Between you and me he’s a few suds short of a load, but bless him he has a heart of pure gold. Just as well, because business is bad and the family are broke.

There’s only one thing for it, Aladdin will have to seek his fortune! If only he could think of a plan. All he can think of right now is the beautiful Princess Jasmine, and she is very beautiful indeed... But wait! Aladdin’s not going anywhere until he gets a new lamp for his bike...!

www.mademagazine.co.uk

C CC C C C hildren's c

& Owen

with

on erts

c

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’s olly

CHRISTMAS STOCKING

ets Tick £6 m o fr

Bur mu sting trad sical goowith it d and ional tr ies, famil eats y fu n.

Glasgow Royal Concert Hall 1pm & 3pm Saturday 5th December Usher Hall, Edinburgh 3pm Sunday 6th December 2015 childrensclassicconcerts.co.uk glasgowconcerthalls.com and usherhall.co.uk

28 November 2015 – 3 January 2016 Recommended for all ages

ALL CHILDREN’S TICKETS HALF PRICE

Sponsored by

TICKETS 0131 248 4848 lyceum.org.uk Royal Lyceum Theatre Company Ltd is a Registered Company No. SC062065. Scottish Charity Registered No. SC010509.

Children’s Music Foundation in Scotland, Registered Scottish Charity SC022841

THE BEST BBQ IN EDINBURGH Scottish-Roasted Coffee Pulled Pork Loose Leaf Tea Smoked Beef Brisket Speciality Local Beer and Booze Ribs Homemade Cakes And More in Our Authentic BBQ Smoker…

Reekie’s Smokehouse is family run and super friendly.

Bring your kids, share a platter and relax!

ENJOY A FESTIVE MEATFEST THIS CHRISTMAS k our wor Bring y r u o y r family o ily m fa l a e r

FFu 1h0ris%tmO as men C

Yule-tinted BBQ delights, perfect for groups and families

u quote when yo at’

4Me ‘MADE

20 Holyrood Road, Edinburgh, EH8 8AF

www.reekiessmokehouse.co.uk

AGONY AUNT

Jojo!

Trust

Got a child related problem and need some advice? Look no further!

Comedian, JoJo Sutherland, is on hand to help. Send your problems to info@mademagazine.co.uk @jojosutherland www.jojosutherland.co.uk

I hate Christmas! Ok, that’s a bit strong, but you know what I mean. Every year I say I’m going to be more organised; I’ll start Christmas shopping earlier, I’ll not burn the turkey or hide the presents so well that I can’t find them! I’ve already lost the chocolate coins I bought. Well I say lost, they perhaps managed to find their way into my stomach when I was avoiding planning Christmas with a bottle of wine and some trashy TV. This year, when the supermarkets close for one whole day, I am not going to buy enough milk and bread to cater for a small country, and I’m definitely not going to still be wrapping presents until about 13 seconds before the children of this house bound onto our bed at an ever earlier ungodly hour.

It is, of course, a magical time, and despite my moans, I do love that we are all together and we play silly games, eat too much and regret some of our purchases, argue over the rules of charades and laugh at the ridiculous jumper that the kids have bought their dad….again.

I hope that all you readers have a fun filled time however you choose to spend it but more than anything I really hope this year, Santa remembers to take the prices off everything!

made NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

My daughter is 4 and won’t give up her dummy – what can I do to persuade her?

Julie, Haddington Dear Julie My daughter is 12 and still sucks her thumb.

But don’t be disheartened, unlike digits on a hand you can throw dummies away! A word of caution though, I remember a friend of mine got her child to bury them in the garden with some claim that more would grow and just hoped the child would forget, however, the family dog proceeded to dig them up and the child promptly put the mud covered, slaver filled dummy straight back in her mouth. They do eventually give them up willingly, usually from peer pressure from their friends but it’s an idea to set a date and get them to throw them all away in return for a treat - yes, that could be described as blackmail but sometimes it’s the only way.

Merry Christmas!

Jojo x 33

Dates for your diary Monday Tuesday

Wednesday Thursday

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10am & 11.30am (40mins) Tiny Tales: Falling Leaves @ Scottish Storytelling Centre. Hear stories & songs of fallen leaves. Bring your own fallen leaf to create leaf art. Book in advance. Ages 1-3. Children £5, adults free.

Play This Way Exhibition @ Scottish Storytelling Centre.

A fun, colourful journey through the world of play with a group of inquisitive kids; see artwork from the book by writer/illustrator, Tim Archbold. Until Nov 28th.

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Book Week Scotland 2015!

A nationwide celebration with hundreds of free family events taking place until Nov 29th.

Lothian events are listed at www.bookweekscotland.com

11am & 6.30pm Ministry of Science @ Festival Theatre.

A brilliantly entertaining look at the wonders of science.

Cinderella starts @ The Brunton Theatre. This panto is full of fun and laughter with oodles of gags, local references, chart hits, and lots of singing, dancing and shouting out. Until Jan 2nd

Barnton’s Christmas Shopping Event. Festive fun, Christmas cheer and carol singers!

The annual switch-on of the Christmas Tree lights and late night shopping.

Edinburgh Gang Show 2015 @ King’s Theatre. Over 250 young people from Scouting and Girlguiding performing their hearts out. Until Nov 21st.

6pm - 8pm Cloudberry Christmas Preview Night, festive fizz and nibbles, meet the maker and 10% off on the night.

30 Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs @ King’s Theatre.

The pantomime hallmark of outstanding entertainment for the whole family.

Nov 28th - Jan 17th.

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

www.mademagazine.co.uk

www.mademagazine.co.uk

November 2015 Friday Saturday Sunday 6 7

2pm-5pm Hypopressives Workshop @ Mulberry House, Edinburgh. Covering the basic core principles, poses and breathing exercises. Contact abby@hypopressivescotland.com for more info.

13 14 Foodies Festival Christmas @ Edinburgh’s International Conference Centre. Scotland’s top chefs, artisan producers and international street food. On Nov 13th - 15th.

8

9am - 9pm Pregnancy, Birth & Baby Fair @ Knotstressed Therapies, Montrose Terrace.

Meet the experts and enjoy taster sessions & workshops.

On Nov 7th & 8th.

15

Edinburgh Art Fair @ Corn Exchange. A family event with a crèche, printmaking workshops, & creative classes for younger visitors. On Nov 13th-15th.

See spotlight for more info.

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Pop-Up Christmas Photography Studio! Email andrew@ajlansell.co.uk for info (also open Nov 21st & 28th and Dec 5th & 12th)

11am - 4pm Sick Kids Christmas Fair @ Meadowbank

The Scots Fiddle Festival @ Summerhall.

Accompanied children under 12 go free. www.scotsfiddlefestival. com Nov 20th - 22nd

2pm (1hr) Caddy Capers @ The Scottish Storytelling Centre. Join the Old Town Caddies as they take you for a tour of ‘Auld Reekie’. For ages 6+. Children £6, adults free.

The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe starts @ The Lyceum.

A classic tale.

Until Jan 3rd.

Spotlight on...

Edinburgh Art Fair

Edinburgh Corn Exchange Nov Fri 13th – Sun 15th The Edinburgh Art Fair brings 60 galleries from the UK and abroad to showcase and sell the work of over 500 emerging and established, local and international artists - it’s a must-see event everyone with even the vaguest of interests in contemporary art. The Fair lives by its slogan “Art for Everyone!” and is a family friendly event running a crèche and various activities such as; printmaking workshops, talks and demonstrations, and painting, drawing and creative craft classes to entertain the younger visitors while their parents view the show.

01875 819595 enquiries@ arteineuropa.com www.artedinburgh. com www.facebook.com/ EdinburghArtFair

www.mademagazine.co.uk/whats-on.html made NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

35

Dates for your diary Monday Tuesday

Wednesday Thursday

2

3

Christmas Market @ The Old Colliery, Shawfair Business Park.

Blackhall shopping event!

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10

7

1

8

6.30pm - 9pm Christmas on the Corner @ Colinton Parish Church.

See Santa arrive by sleigh, accompanied by real reindeer!

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Aladdin starts @ Howden Park Centre. Until Dec 28th.

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7.30pm Lothian Hospitals’ Christmas Carol Concert @ Usher Hall (in support of CLIC Sargent Charity) Get in the festive mood with all your favourite carols.

22 10am – 11.30am Breakfast with Santa @ Gambado.

On 22nd too.

16

23

10am - 2pm Step It Up Dance Christmas Camp @ Broughton High School. Avoid stress on the first day of the Christmas holidays - book your kids in for a day of festive fun while you get last-minute gifts bought!

24

1pm & 3pm (45mins).

Stories Round The Tree @ The Scottish Storytelling Centre. Join storyteller Tim Porteus for a magical Christmas Eve afternoon of wintry tales, songs and music. Ages 4+.

28 29 30 31 Hogmanay in the Honest Toun hosted by The Brunton. Family.

Including a FREE lantern procession (7pm) to the FREE fireworks display on Musselburgh Links (7.30pm).

Keep up to date with all the latest events by logging onto 36

www.mademagazine.co.uk

www.mademagazine.co.uk

December 2015 Friday Saturday Sunday 4 5

6

2pm - 4pm Christmas Art Projects @ Potter Around.

Drop in to paint pottery or make gifts or do clay imprint tree decorations.

On Fridays in December.

3pm Owen & Olly’s Christmas Stocking @ Usher Hall.

Have they made Santa’s nice list?

Scottish Ballet: Cinderella @ Festival Theatre. Until Jan 2nd.

11 12

13

Visit the Greenman @ Secret Herb Garden.

Also on Dec 16th-23rd.

2pm (1hr) Aladdin @ Scottish Storytelling Centre. Performed by the Friday 8-10s age group. www.strangetown.org.uk.

For All ages. £8 (£5)

• Pop-Up Christmas Photography Studio!

Email andrew@ajlansell.co.uk for info (also open Nov 21st, 27th & 28th and Dec 5th) • 4pm Christmas Party @ Planet Party

18 19

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2.30pm (1hr) Story Train Christmas Special With Andy Cannon @ Storytelling centre. Until Dec 24th, not sun 20th. £8 (£6) (£24 Family of 4) | Under 5s

3pm The RSNO Christmas Concert @ Usher Hall. Enjoy this special showing of the festive classic on the large screen, accompanied by the RSNO.

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HAPPY NEW YEAR

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Spotlight on...

Owen & Olly’s Christmas Stocking Usher Hall Box Office: 0131 228 1155 Dec 6th, 3pm What will Owen and Olly find in their Christmas stocking? They’re hoping for story books, winter sports gear and toys that come to life. But have they made Santa’s nice list, or are they skating on thin ice? If their Christmas wishes come true their stocking will be bursting with musical goodies, traditional treats and family fun. With The Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Manor School of Ballet and area choirs of The National Youth Choir of Scotland.

www.mademagazine.co.uk/whats-on.html

HAPPY

made NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

37

What will you do with Santa?

Whether it’s breakfast or stories, a disco or a party; or you simply want to take a selfie with him, here are some of our favourite things to do with Santa this Christmas.

Have a Disco?

Have Breakfast?

Santa Disco, Gambado Dec 20th, 11am - 1pm

Santa Breakfast, Gambado Dec 21st & 22nd, 10am - 11.30am

The kids will be entertained

by Santa and Gambado’s resident DJ, and each will have a chance to have a photo with Santa himself!

Presents for each child will be included in the price of £7.50 for the disco. Adults admission £1.

Santa himself will host the breakfast and all children in attendance can join him to enjoy yummy pancakes, fruit and yoghurt. Children will also enjoy Christmas stories and crafts. £7.50 per child and adults, £1.

Have a party with his friends?

Christmas Party with Santa & Friends, National Mining Museum Dec 6th, 11.30am-1pm (0-4 years) / 2pm-3.30pm (5-10 years) Enjoy a fun Christmas Party with Santa and his elves, with special appearances from Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Buzz and Woody, Spiderman & Batman, Elsa & Olaf! Children will love the party games and prizes, refreshments and a gift from Santa. £8.00 per child.

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www.mademagazine.co.uk

CHRISTMAS DAYS OUT

Adopt one of his Elves?

Elf Adoption Days, A Wonderful World of Parties, 102 Causewayside Nov 21st, 22nd, 28th & 29th, Dec 5th, 6th, 12th & 13th 10am, 2pm & 6pm Tel: 07523 599 048

Santa Selfies, Botanic Gardens (John Hope Gateway) Dec 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th 10:30–12:30, 13:30–15.30 Santa will be making his base in the Real Life Science Studio in the John Hope Gateway visitor centre but may enjoy a stroll in the Garden too if the weather is kind. He will be available to meet and greet children and parents, and pose for ‘Santa Selfies’.

Listen to Stories?

Stories With Santa, Scottish Storytelling Centre Dec 15th - Dec 18th, 3pm (40mins) The staff in the Storytelling Centre have been well behaved this year, so Santa has agreed to tell some stories to all our favourite little friends! Laughter and fun for all, gathered round the Centre’s Christmas tree, with storyteller Santa Claus… (assisted by the ever wonderful Jack Martin). £6 (£4 / Family of 4 £16)

made NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

Meet his Reindeer?

Christmas on the Corner, Colinton Parish Church Dec 9th, 6.30pm-9pm CVE Group’s annual winter fair will (mostly) be held indoors in The Swing Café of Colinton Parish Church. As they are celebrating the event’s 5th year anniversary they have a special treat in store. - Santa will arrive by sleigh, accompanied by real reindeer as they make their special journey along Dell Road/Spylaw Street at 6.30pm. You can expect live musical performances with mulled wine, hot cider and tasty refreshments.

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© ILLUSTRATIONS BY FREEPIK.COM

Post for a Selfie?

It’s a Wonderful World of Parties’ studio will be transformed into Mr & Mrs Claus’ sitting room, with the toy workshop through the back . Children will be greeted by Mrs Claus, learn about the tradition of Elf on the Shelf, take part in some christmassy activities, sing songs and if they are really good, get the chance to meet Santa, get their name on the good list and adopt their very own Elf to take home and help them stay on that good list!

It’s a magical time of year for children and Elf adoption days are much more than a quick visit to Santa’s grotto.

They’ll also give parents handy tips for making Elf on the Shelf an exciting adventure for everyone in the family.

Christmas

Mum &

Dad

1

1. SHOE SHINE KIT £14.95 2. WATER BOTTLE £12.95 3. GLASS SET £19.95 4. TRAVEL TOWEL £14.95 5. ALLOTMENT GIFT TIN £19.95

2

All from Pippin Gifts, Haymarket

3

MERRY CH

and Happy 5

4

6

6. IBEANI TABLET STAND

From £24.99 www.ibeani. co.uk

7. SMARTPHONE

PROJECTOR £17.95 Luckies of London

8

8. EDWARD & IRWYN ARTISAN CHOCOLATES

& MARSHMALLOWS From £2.50 Boutiqueéboo at Leaf & Bean Café, Morningside www.boutiqueeboo.co.uk

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7

www.mademagazine.co.uk

10

9 9.

WOODEN BUTTERFLY NECKLACES £16.00

10. MEN’S GROOMING PRODUCTS

HRISTMAS

11

Shaving oil £12.95 Beard balm £9.95 Moustache wax £9.95 Aftershave balm £15.00

11. VINTAGE INSPIRED CAMERA CUFFLINKS £15.00

y New Year

12. NATHALIE BOND ORGANIC SOAP £6.00

All from Greenshoots, Gorgie

14 12 13 15 13. ANTIQUE WEEKEND HOLDALL £299 Powder Grey, Lauder

14. TIMELESS LARGE PENDANT

£160 Links of London, Multrees Walk

15. TAILOR-MADE MEN’S SHIRT

From £69 www.shirtbyhand.co.uk

made NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

© DESIGNED BY FREEPIK.COM

41

Christmas

Mum &

Dad

1

1. GLUGG FIRE EXTINGUISHER WATER BOTTLE £9.95

2. JENNY GRACE JEWELLERY

HEART & PEARL LARIAT £45

3. THISTLE CUFFLINKS

(Handmade in Edinburgh) £40

4. ISLE OF SKYE LARGE TUMBLER CANDLE £16

5. JUST SLATE COPPER ACCESSORY SET £33 6. WORLD MAP LEATHER WALLET £37

2

All from Cloudberry Gifts, Barnton & Blackhall www.cloudberry.co.uk

5 3

4

MERRY CH

and Happy

6

7. POWDER OVER THE KNEE SOCKS 7

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From £14.95. From Cloudberry Gifts (Barnton & Blackhall) & Flux (Leith & Dunbar)

© DESIGNED BY FREEPIK.COM

www.mademagazine.co.uk

“Do you see that shop over there? It’s a good place to get a pair, Of boots for winter and shoes for school, whatever you buy it will be COOL!”

Ethical, contemporary and unusual gifts @ Flux

Child-friendly shopping in Leith and Dunbar

Independent Wine Retailer of the Year 2011 Wines by the case or mixed case delivered FREE to your door!

0131 667 2855 NEW! Children’s Shoes Flux Dunbar

GREAT GROG, Retail Shop, 2 Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh

shop@greatgrog.co.uk GREAT GROG, Retail Shop, 2 Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh www.greatgrog.co.uk shop@greatgrog.co.uk

fluxie feet

Leith… Dunbar… the world!

Poem by:

www.get2flux.co.uk

get2flux

STANLEY JOHN ROSS COOKE – 8 YRS OLD AND FLUXIE FEET HELPER!

made FOR 2015

Pick MADE up at …

Treehouse Leaf & Bean Café Enjoy Leisure Venues Jabberwocky Wishing Tree Café Cloudberry Gifts Doodles

Potter Around Honey Pot Arts & Crafts Party Planet Gambado Cameron Toll Ikea

And HUNDREDS of other venues…

If your shop/café/nursery would like to become a stockist for MADE let Louise know at mademag@live.co.uk or call 07738 068022

TO SUBSCRIBE

email mademag@live.co.uk (quoting SUB15) and you’ll be added to our priority mailing list.

T&C: This offer is available for UK subscriptions only. Subscription starts on receipt of full £15 payment via cheque or BACS transfer. Details will be provided via email.

Leave it to Dad WRITTEN BY Graeme

Easton

C

ome in, take a seat, put your smartphone down, take a sip of your tea (normal or one of them ‘fancy ones’), relax and leave it to dad.

Some of that sentence you may agree or disagree with. However “Leave It To Dad” became a phrase that took on a whole new meaning when I became Dad to girl and boy twins ten and a bit years ago.

In the early days of dad-ship, my wife, “the lovely Emma” (itself now a phrase!) would issue me with a list of instructions and reminders as to when the new babes needed fed, changed and what the things in the changing bag were for. Like many dads I tried to reassure her that all would ILLUSTRATION: SAM MILLER www.sammiller.co.uk be well, that all instructions would be adhered to and the babes would survive They were to my eyes, pretty their outing with Dad. “Leave much all aimed at the mum e.g.

It To Dad” was the phrase If they weren’t changing bags. At the time David I uttered and it became a asleep by the time Beckham was often pictured friendly in-joke between my coolly swaggering along with his wife and I. Or even a texted I got to the pub kids, and FQ (Fathers Quarterly) LITD! through gritted teeth. then that window magazine was the essential dads’ Looking back, the first magazine. My initial reaction was few months of being a dad was staying open this is nonsense! Then I thought were certainly full-on and it perhaps there is a potential was a case of learning on business concept here, products the job. However, is that aimed at dads! A business plan for products not sometimes the best way to get better at geared towards dads was put together, but something? Leaving It To Dad is not a risk! It’s Leave It To Dad, the brand, never reached the something to challenge us blokes, a chance for next stage, as the demands of our kids got in the us to show off, prove that we can actually do way. How ironic. n something to a pretty good standard involving our own kids! I was quite happy to go out with the pram and take on the challenge of walking into town and be satisfied that the twins fell asleep as per instructions. This might have been Graeme Easton is dad to three children, girl called a window of opportunity in some official and boy twins aged 10 and a girl aged 6. He child raising manual but if they weren’t asleep by is director of Woosh! Entertainments and can the time I got to the pub then that window was be heard at the likes of BT Murrayfield and staying open.

Hampden Park as he is the venue announcer.

Leave It To Dad then developed after I Follow Graeme at @graemeeaston got miffed at the proliferation of products for sale associated with bringing up a new child.

“

”

Find out more...

made NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

45

Festive Family Singalong Silliness with Anya, Gary, Kevin & Bonzo FORMERLY OF THE SINGING KETTLE

Support Edinburgh’s Sick Kids and enjoy all the fun of the fair...

SUN 29th NOV The Brunton

Howden Park Centre

22nd-24th December 0131 665 2240 thebrunton.co.uk

3rd-5th January 01506 777 666 howdenparkcentre.co.uk

MUSSELBURGH LIVINGSTON

Don’t miss santa in his magical grotto anD special guests elsa anD anna from froZen!

Meadowbank Sports Centre, London Road, Edinburgh

CAROLS 11amFOR – 4pm

Admission £2 per adult, children enter free

TOURING ACROSS SCOTLAND - SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS

Proudly Sponsored by:

For more information please call 0131 668 4949 or visit us at www.edinburghsickkids.org Scottish Charity No. SC020862

It’s beginning to look like Christmas at Gambado. Come along and join in with our festivities and book your tickets and have Breakfast with Santa or show us your best moves at our Christmas Disco!

Christmas Disco Sunday 20th December 4pm-6pm. £7 per child & £1 per adult Breakfast with Santa 21st & 22nd December 10am—11:30am - £9 per child (Includes 1 FREE adult)

For further information please call us on 0131 202 3566, visit our website: www.gambado.com or follow us on Faceook and Twitter

Edinburgh

ADVERTORIAL

Kettle Stars RETURN!

hen the owners of the legendary Scottish theatre group The Singing Kettle decided to shut up shop, the stars; Anya, Kevin and Gary, were having too much fun to let it end there. Anya explains; “We were devastated when we were told it was ending, but when it became clear that the company was not for sale, we decided to start our own show and carry on together - Funbox is the result. We have a very loyal fan base, so have carried on the great tradition of a family singalong show with lots and lots of audience participation”.

It was that determination that made them set up from scratch a whole new company. “It’s been a lot of hard work and a very steep learning curve”, says Kevin, “but it’s so worth it, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. We love doing what we do too much. We had a lovely review of the show which concluded by saying “they were babysitting before but now they’ve had their own baby”. That was such an amazing thing to say. It’s nailed how we feel” The gang didn’t hang around either, their first Funbox show was just two weeks after the final Singing Kettle performance. “There was a momentum we had to maintain. It felt a bit like we were jumping on a moving train, but we wanted people to be reassured there was still a quality product out there for their children to get involved with”, says Kevin.

Anya, Kevin and Gary aren’t the only familiar faces in Funbox. “Our furry pal Bonzo the dog is with us too” explains Kevin, “He’s as naughty as ever, but he does behave for his best friend; Anya.

He can’t wait for Christmas”. The gang are also joined by some brand new characters. Look out for the Funsters: Fluffy and Flossie. They’ll also be hoping Santa himself makes an appearance!

Anya, Gary and Kevin are very excited about Christmas. “We are having a sleepover and staying up all night singing songs and being silly” says Anya. “It’s such a magical time of year”, continues Gary, “the audiences are always amazing. The excitement and anticipation for the time of year is palpable”.

made NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

© JOHN YOUNG @ YOUNGMEDIA

W

Audience participation is still the name of the game, and everyone’s invited to come in their favourite jammies or onesies. Gary explains; “It’s always been a big part of the experience of coming to our shows and it continues. Mums, dads, grannies and grandpas are encouraged to join in too.”

Funbox also mounted a very successful Crowdfunding campaign. “Our amazing fans got behind us when we launched our crowdfunder in January. We hoped to raise £20,000 towards the cost of the DVD, and made half in the first day” says Anya, “We smashed the total in 3 weeks.

Our ‘Funboxers’ had a real input in making Funbox happen. There were lovely stories of kids raiding their piggy banks to help us out. It was so touching. To all our fans; thank you”. n

Find out more...

Funbox; Santa’s Sleepover Show tours across Scotland from Nov 19th to Jan 10th 2016 with dates in Dundee, Kelso, Glenrothes, Irvine, Glasgow, Musselburgh, Hamilton, Stirling, Perth, Dunfermline, Livingston and Aberdeen.

Full details can be found at www.funbox.co.uk and you can find out more on Facebook and Twitter.

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BORN TO BE

WILD WRITTEN BY

Irene Gray

© IJUSTLOVEIT.CO.UK

L

ook into the bottom of a christening mug and you might meet a pair of large brown eyes gazing back impassively. The image is repeated on stationery, bibs, biscuit tins and lampshades. Throughout the world, this beautifully drawn yet curiously expressionless character is instantly recognisable as Peter Rabbit, merchandiser’s dream and creation of Beatrix Potter. The Edwardian children’s author, illustrator and naturalist wrote stories about homely hedgehogs, town mice and hibernating squirrels, creating a library of books that are a canon of children’s literature. Her accompanying watercolour illustrations are beautiful, their softly muted colours evocative of a bygone era, feeding an adult’s sense of nostalgia for their own lost childhood. Of all Potter’s inventions, none captures the imagination quite like the wayward bunny in the powder blue jacket. The question is, after over a hundred years since he first appeared in print, why does Peter Rabbit have such an enduring appeal?

Superficially, The Tale of Peter Rabbit is a simple story about the adventure of a disobedient boy rabbit, his escape from danger and the

48

consequences of his actions, although closer inspection reveals a discord that runs through the text and its accompanying images. In fact, Peter is not what he first seems. We are introduced to him in the domestic setting of a homely burrow.

He’s wearing a jacket and shoes and walks upright, encouraging us to identify with his human-like qualities. Small, low to the ground and vulnerable, a child can literally share his point of view, through his lowered perspective.

This clever device is used in various depictions, drawing in the child and helping them to believe that he is just like them.

We learn early on in the book that Peter’s father has been killed by Mr McGregor for straying into his garden, then baked into a pie and eaten. Not only has he lost a parent in the most awful way, but we know he is about to repeat the mistake and put his own life at risk.

Despite Mrs Rabbit’s warning to stay

www.mademagazine.co.uk

BORN TO BE WILD

away from the garden he is already on his way across the page, clearly not listening. Human facial expression isn’t required to recognise a defiant little character, determined to forge his own path. His behaviour contrasts with his three obedient sisters, highlighting his wilfulness.

Children’s literature, especially from the last century, is extremely didactic, with the strong message being that good children are rewarded while the bad are punished. We therefore expect some hard lesson to be learned here, and his father’s fate a grim foreshadowing of his own.

An image of a large pie leaves us in no doubt what lies under the crust, while two disproportionately huge hands clutching cutlery loom into view.

It’s a nightmarish scene for a child to comprehend. A dead parent is about to be devoured by a giant.

Once in the garden, Peter sheds his humanising garments of shoes and coat, becoming a recognisably ‘real’ rabbit.

Without sentimentality, he not only displays a wild authenticity but is also the antithesis of the slightly cloying ‘disneylike’ images flooding popular children’s culture. He appears both refreshing and radical.

Peter is suddenly on all fours, eating vegetables and behaving like a wild animal.

He appeals to children not just because of how he looks, but because of his nature. He could be any rabbit seen everyday in a field or hutch, and by blurring the boundaries between fantasy and authenticity, Potter adds to the sense of magic.

Peter is empowered, and like all the best children’s books, an absence of parental lecturing, or in his case, despite the lecturing, allows him to take control of his own life. Breaking free from the constrictions of family, he is the architect of his own adventure. From Swallows and Amazons, to Enid Blyton’s Famous Five to Harry Potter, the young are left to their own

© IJUSTLOVEIT.CO.UK

“

Breaking free from the constrictions of family, he is the architect of his own adventure

made NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

devices, whether orphaned, at boarding school or separated through circumstance. These often tragic situations allow for thrilling, perilous autonomy, providing a ‘what if’ for youngsters to fantasise about adventure. Fear and loneliness are balanced against freedom.

Peter is an unrestricted rebel.

He is terrified, he cries and is nearly caught by the huge, adult Mr McGregor. Yet just like all the best adventures he manages to escape at the last moment, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat. The end of the book shows him back in the domestic setting, cocooned in his warm little bed with a cup of camomile tea. Despite losing his clothing again, and ignoring his Mother’s warning, he isn’t punished, instead returning to the security and certainty of his loving home.

If Beatrix Potter’s book represents nostalgia for lost childhood in adults, for youngsters it’s

49

© ILLUSTRATIONS BY FREEPIK.COM

”

© FREEIMAGES.COM/JOSÉ A. WARLETTA

BORN TO BE WILD

“

something different. By addressing a child’s own sense of powerlessness and difference, the story breaks down barriers.

Animal characters provide the freedom to express complex ideas using a beguiling mixture of fantasy and reality. The harsh, messy facts of life, such as the death of a parent, loneliness and alienation become easier to examine when presented with a soft covering of fur. Peter’s thrillseeking represents escapism and adventure without consequences, painting a seductive portrait to any small child. The happy ever after is assured through his return to the safety of his burrow.

As adults, it’s often easy to forget how traumatic childhood can be, and looking back to our own past through the prism of time will always distort memories. The sense of helplessness, dependency and unvoiced fears are answered by Peter Rabbit.

He empowers the young through his recklessness, and his story is far from the reimagined adult memory of a cosy bedtime tale.

A hundred years from now, Peter will still be stencilled on nursery walls, running past the cot and headlong towards adventure. Without saying a word, he will continue to speak to generations who dream of freedom and escape from childhood restrictions, still secure in his rebel status. n

He empowers the young through his recklessness

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www.mademagazine.co.uk

P ark • try un

Openi ng

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Allow children to connect with nature, get fresh air and exercise, build dens, create fantasy worlds and learn to care for the environment whilst exploring acres of woodland.

Open 7.30am - 6pm Dalkeith Country Park, Edinburgh, EH22 2NA

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0845 177 1008 ch

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.c echildcare.c om • www

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The Country Park Nursery by

ADVERTORIAL

POP UP PARENTS’ EVENTS PRESENTS...

Party With The Penguins

O

n January 3rd, let the ‘Kids Go Wild’ and start the New Year in style with Pop Up Parents’ Events inaugural event at Edinburgh Zoo! Kids Go Wild promises to be a fun filled family event not to be missed, giving Edinburgh kids the chance to party with the penguins!

This is a unique opportunity to experience a fabulous family event in the amazing surroundings of Edinburgh Zoo as part of their Penguin Festival this winter.

Highlights of the event will include inflatable fun in JoJo’s Little Party Palace (from the team behind Jo Jo’s Little Party People), a kids’ disco, frozen fun in the ice palace room, face painting, a chill out zone and an unique opportunity to take part in a song and dance session in our very own penguin performance!

Children will be encouraged to discover their inner animal and take part in an array of animal themed activities as part of the event. From animal handling, to an animal-themed shoot in the MADE magazine photo booth with our friends at Beautiful Bairns, plus the chance for kids to design and don their own masks before taking part in their very own penguin parade - this really will be a day filled with wild surprises!

Find out more...

Date: Sunday 3rd January Time: 1.30pm – 4.30pm Admission: £9 per person (non-walkers free) Booking: www.eventbrite.co.uk or email popupparentsevents@gmail.com

Media Partner

52

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S OT R TE E N S O F T TO

AWARD-WINNING CLASSES AND PARTIES FOR HEALTHY, HAPPY KIDS stepitupdance.co.uk /StepItUpDance

07428 110 135 @StepItUpDanceUK

OCTOBERAD69MMX101.5MM.indd 1

Award winning music classes for babies & young children Balerno, Colinton, Fairmilehead, Marchmont, Morningside & Newington T: 0131 441 4581 E: morningside.pentland@monkeymusic.co.uk

Group discounts for NCT members when 3+ people join together at the same time.

28/10/2014 18:02

Christmas

Personal

Gifts Made for you, or selected with only you in mind - these gifts are all a little bit special…

1 1.

SILVER DEER TEALIGHT MOBILE £9.95 Cloudberry Gifts, Barnton & Blackhall www.cloudberrygifts.co.uk

MERRY CH

3

2

2. PHEASANT

and Happy

LETTER OPENER £21 The Great Gift Company

3. HANDPRINTED

ALUMINIUM CUFFS

BY CLAIRE GENT £32.95 each Pippin Gifts, Haymarket

4. COMMISSIONED

MISU RINGS Sterling silver and 9ct gold set with diamonds (different stones available).

Prices from £210 Susanna Hanl Jewellery www.susannahanl.com

5.

6.

5 54

4 6

SHOT CARTRIDGE AND EIGHT STIRRUP CUPS £65.00 The Great Gift Company A TOWER OF GIRAFFES ‑ ANIMAL BUNCHES

By Anna Wright. An intriguing illustrated mix of pen and ink, watercolour and fabric collage. £11.99

www.mademagazine mademagazine.co.uk .co.uk www.

8

7 10

7.

8.

HRISTMAS

9

THE CLASSIC COLLECTION Each book is bound in a premium silk-finished hard cover with any name embossed in gold. £33.98 www.IJustLoveIt.co.uk PERSONALISED PAPER CUTS From £30. Boutiqueéboo at Leaf & Bean Café, Morningside www.boutiqueeboo.co.uk PERSONALISED ILLUMINATED CANVAS From £55.99 www.IJustLoveIt.co.uk

y New Year

10. LITTLE LETTER STUDIO ART PRINT

Modern designs blend quirky details with vintage-inspired colours. Prints can be personalised and each print arrives wrapped in tissue with a matching gift tag and personalised certificate. From £22. www.littleletterstudio.com

11 RETRO PRINTS Last orders by 21st Dec From £9.99/pack www.photobox.co.uk

made NOVEMBER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER / DECEMBER2015 2015

© DESIGNED BY FREEPIK.COM

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sports

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art

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drink

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shopping

sport

WRITTEN BY Cate

I

Nelson-Shaw

a terrific investment and, let’s face it, a much, may have mentioned this before within much cheaper option than learning to ski abroad.

MADE, but it’s hard to beat the sound of your They are learning a sport for life, one that gets children singing at the tops of their voices us outside in the fresh air, exploring mountains, as you all ski down a mountain on a clear, crisp testing our limits, taking the odd risk, spending winter’s day; and indeed as I write this my 5 year time as a family and having has just sidled up to me, the best fun in the world. read this opening line and As a family we had some asked: “And anyway, Mum, The echoing of great skiing in Scotland last when are we going skiing?”. his laugh as he season – repeated trips to So you’ll gather that in our Glenshee and to Cairngorm. family, skiing is A Big Hit. hurtled towards the Yes, it’s a long day, but Living as we do on jump and then hurled fuelled by hot sausage Edinburgh’s south side we rolls from the bakery in have Hillend a 20 minute himself off it was Blairgowrie (we have a drive away and this has quite something routine) it’s amazing how been a great start to the much we packed in. At the children’s skiing adventures. tender age of 5 and 6 they We waited until our really weren’t up to continuous skiing for a whole youngest was 4 and old enough to enrol on their day, but 2-3 hour sessions were manageable Kinder Ski School, which he did with his then 5 and – most importantly – continuously fun. I year old sister; and within a year they had both think the skiers and snowboarders in the jump progressed through all the Kinder levels and are park thought we were having a laugh as I set off now about to join Junior Ski School. It’s been

“

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face

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shopping

WRAP UP

WARM

© GORILLA - FOTOLIA.COM

THIS SEASON

WINTER SPORTS SPECIALISTS behind my son who was insistent he wanted to try one of the jumps - as it turned out again and again and again…the echoing of his laugh as he hurtled towards the jump and then hurled himself off it was quite something and luckily didn’t result on any misadventures, his or mine.

We are already looking forward to plenty of skiing fun this season, most likely in Scotland as we are keen for the children to become accomplished and confident and have the stamina to be able to ski on consecutive days before we embark on (the expense of) a trip abroad. It’s never too early to start tracking the Ski Scotland snow conditions reports and my husband and I have already agreed to keep weekends free in January, February and March as by all accounts this season promises to be a classic; so with kit bags ready to go and only the packed lunch and flask of hot chocolate to make, we can mobilise extremely quickly. See you on the slopes! n

Join in…

We’d love to keep the conversation going so do please continue it on Twitter @MADE_magazine using #MADEofthewhitestuff

made NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

SKI CLOTHING, EQUIPMENT & SERVICING

Open 7 Days 0131 445 7711 THE PENTLAND OUTDOOR CENTRE 44 BIGGAR ROAD EDINBURGH EH10 7BJ On the opposite side of the City bypass from Hillend Snowsports Centre www.craigdon-edinburgh.com

www.facebook.com/ craigdonedinburgh

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face art

Snowflake Sparkle Face Art A step-by-step guide on how to create a beautiful design with only three colours and a few brush strokes.

Ste p1

Step 3

58

Step 2

Ste p4

www.mademagazine.co.uk

sports

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shopping

DON'T MISS...

MADE to Party: The Top

Ste p5

100 The ultimate Edinburgh party guide

OUT

JANUARY Step 6

2016

Find out more This face art was designed

by Lynn ‘Fantoosh’ Fraser, the official face painter at Holyrood Palace and the National Museums of Scotland. Find out more about Fantoosh on www.fantooshart.co.uk

made NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

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food & drink

C hristmas COCKTAILS

If you’re looking for gin cocktail inspiration this winter here is everything you’ll need. We’ve got recipes for a classic martini, a warming hot toddy, a traditional eggnog and a creamy Christmas gin flip.

It’s time to mix it up!

Edinburgh’s Christmas Gin Flip: • 50ml Edinburgh’s Christmas Gin • 25ml sugar syrup • 1 whole egg • 15ml double cream • finely grated nutmeg for garnish Shake eggs & gin well without ice, then add ice & shake again for 30 secs. Strain, serve & enjoy!

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Cannonball Martini: •

• • •

50ml Edinburgh Cannonball Gin 25ml vermouth Ice cubes to mix 1 green olive

Pour the gin and vermouth into a Boston cocktail shaker with ice.

Stir the cocktail to blend ingredients. Strain into a chilled martini glass and serve garnished with an olive.

www.mademagazine.co.uk

sports

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shopping

Egg Nog •

• • • • • • •

50ml Edinburgh Christmas Gin 50ml milk 50ml cream 1 egg yolk ½ teaspoon vanilla essence 1 clove 1 pinch ground cinnamon 1 pinch ground nutmeg

In a saucepan, gently heat the milk, cinnamon, cloves and vanilla essence, removing just before it comes to the boil. In a separate bowl, whisk the sugar and egg yolk until fluffy, and slowly add to the saucepan. Gently heat until it forms a custard texture, then take it off the heat, strain, and refrigerate for a couple of hours. Add the gin and cream, and return back to the fridge overnight. Serve in cups with a grating of nutmeg and a juniper berry.

made NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

Edinburgh Gin Hot Toddy: • 25ml Original Edinburgh Gin • Honey • Cloves • Cinnamon sticks • Hot Water • Fresh lemon slice Add a nip of Edinburgh Gin, drizzle of honey, squeeze of lemon, some cloves and cinnamon stick to a cup of hot water for a quick Gin Toddy to banish the chills!

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shopping

A Warm

Welcome

1

1. RECYCLED CASHMERE

GLOVES/WRIST WARMERS £23.95, Pippin Gifts

2. LUXURIOUS FAUX FUR THROW £79.95

3. VELVET COAT

£149.95, both from Bank House Living, Lauder

© PHOTOGRAPH AMARA

2

4 4. CINNAMON

SCENTED PINE CONE FIRELIGHTERS £6.50 www.cantocandle.com

5. CIRCULAR METAL

LOG HOLDER £55.00, The Great Gift Company

6. BLACK RABBIT POMPOM WOOL THROW £79, Powder Grey, Lauder

6

3

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shopping

www.leafandbean edinburgh.co.uk

7

Family run, independent café, boutique and activity centre

8 7. POWDER FAUX FUR SCARF £30

8. ANTLER CANDLEHOLDER 9. FOREVER A FRECKLE

£14.95, both from Cloudberry Gifts, Barnton & Blackhall www.cloudberrygifts.co.uk

Very spacious, buggy friendly, warm and cosy with a selection of delicious food for breakfast, lunch and amazing afternoon teas; great own blend coffee, loose leaf teas and hot chocolates and a baby & toddler menu.

The Stable

Where babies & toddlers can play and enjoy activities & classes. See Facebook & website for updates.

Available for hire.

TENDRING TRAWLER HATS £10

10.HERRINGBONE JUMPER

(hand-knitted, made-to-measure) From £27, both from Bon Tot, St Stephen Street, www.bon-tot.com

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www.boutiquee boo.co.uk

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11. HANDMADE LUXURY SCENTED CANDLES & DIFFUSER

Candles from £7, Diffusers £18, Boutiqueéboo at Leaf & Bean Café, 12-14 Comiston Road, Morningside. www.boutiqueeboo.co.uk

made NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

Stunning gifts for Christmas, birthdays, new home or just for you! Baby & toddler clothing, luxury scented soy candles & diffusers, artisan chocolates & marshmallows, papercuts, children’s books, jams, oils and much much more.

12-14 Comiston Road

0131 447 5613 63

out & about

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Have you got great photos from an event you’d like to share with MADE readers?

If so, email them to us at info@mademagazine.co.uk

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1. Pirate and Princess WaterBabies splashed for cash and helped raise over £794,000 for baby charity, Tommy’s.

2. Louise Dale, owner of Babies and Bumps Café, Morningside enjoying the cafe’s official launch night.

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3. Pupils at Edinburgh Steiner School creating a unique art project to help refugees in Syria, entitled Coins for Refugees.

4. Doodles, Marchmont enjoying their crafty Pirate Day. 5. Lloyds volunteers give their support and a fresh autumn feel to Balgreen Playgroup

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7. Graeme from Relove & Buggy Repair Centre servicing the visitors’ buggies.

8. Lee & Olaf from Jojo’s Little Party People.

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9. Euan and Monkey from Monkey Music.

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10. Turtle Tot’s Karina Reinhardt modelling maternity wear.

Photo by Beautiful Bairns.

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All from Tums, Mums and Babies Handpicked Show for Families at the Assembly Rooms.

6. Local collective, Edinburgh Birth & Baby Services hosting ‘Fit for Motherhood’ at Sweaty Betty. www.edinburghbirthandbabyservices.com

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11. Actor, John Hannah taking time out from the Edinburgh Festival to enjoy a family day at Deep Sea World. made NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

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ON TRIAL... Stagecoach Theatre Arts Busy parents and kids don’t have the time to research and try all the available classes available in Edinburgh, so let MADE do it for you. In this edition we spoke with mum, Linsay, about her experience with dance, drama and singing experts, Stagecoach Theatre Arts.

Stagecoach claims: It is a highly regarded performing arts school with a proven record of delivering quality dance, drama and singing lessons to youngsters worldwide; acting as a springboard for some of the UK’s leading young talent, whilst watching thousands of kids grow in confidence and ability.

Linsay says: My daughters seem to have a reputation for being confident, articulate children - but it hasn’t always been that way. I remember taking my elder daughter to a Stagecoach Main School class when she was 6, crying because she was scared to go in by herself. The singing teacher, Sian, was wonderful with her. She gently coaxed her to leave me and join in the class, holding her hand and giving her lots of reassurance and praise. Fast forward 3 months, and it was my turn to cry as I watched my little 6 year old sing a solo at the Christmas parent performance for the whole school, and then to a packed theatre at the end of her first year.

Both of my girls have gained lots of skills through the drama, singing and dance classes, and have had regular opportunities to perform on a stage to parents. We have always been bowled over at the committed and talented performances from the children and young people, and its been a privilege to see so many of them flourish year on year.

The verdict…

Our daughters have both enjoyed opportunities to audition for professional stage and TV shows. Though we never expected it, they’ve had some success and its been really exciting seeing them work with professional actors and directors, learning essential life skills for the future.

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

If you are a business owner and would like MADE to test your service/product get in touch at mademag@live.co.uk 66

www.mademagazine.co.uk

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creative fun at doodles!

parties for all ages • gifts for all occasions • baby hand and footprints • clay imprints • commissioned artwork • 100's of colours and pottery items to choose from

what will you paint?!

29 Marchmont Cres EH9 0131 229 1399 www.doodlesscotland.co.uk

Hypopressives Edinburgh We’ll help you find more4yourcore

Pottery Painting & Craft Studio

Come and try your hand at pottery painting as well as several other crafts including the potter’s wheel

KIDS ART CLUB EVERY FRIDAY 2 - 4PM

AVAILABLE FOR PARTIES, SCHOOLS, PLAYGROUPS & AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS See website for clubs & classes details

Tel: 01506 238961

Email: chat@potteraround.co.uk or visit www.potteraround.co.uk

Particular benefits for: • • • • • • •

Incontinence Pelvic organ prolapse Post-natal women Posture Back & neck pain Hernia Sexual Enjoyment

Tel: 07770 473 937 abby@hypopressivescotland.com www.hypopressivescotland.com

...personalised prints! www.littleletterstudio.com

Honey Pot Ceramics Arts and Crafts Studio Be amazed at what you can do...

l Paint

your own Pottery Imprints Fusing l Clay Hand & Foot Imprints l Make your own Jewellery l Soaps & Bathbombs l Silver l Glass

Introducing ‘Create and Play’ with Scrambles Soft Play. 60 mins arts and crafts in the studio and 30 mins softplay” All summer activities now available for booking.

See website for details and bookings, or like us on Facebook to keep up to date with offers and activities Call 0131 333 6348 Based at EICA Ratho, EH28 8AA. Open 7 days 10am - 5pm Honey Pot Ceramics

www.honeypotceramics.com

made NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

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THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS TREAT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

HHHH “The best night out of the season” Edinburgh Guide

28 Nov 2015 – 17 Jan 2016 KING’S THEATRE

5 – 31 Dec 2015 FESTIVAL THEATRE

0131 529 6000 edtheatres.com