Swansea Life November 2017.

SWA NSE A

LIFE www.swansealife.co.uk

631 ideas

NOVEMBER 2017 £2.95

Cosy up to

Autumn

for the

festive season

cold

Comfort 9 771750 843018

9 771750 843018

11

11

WI N N E R ! U K REG I O NA L MA G A ZI N E O F TH E YE A R

Recharge your look with statement coats, bold boots, comfy knits and toasty accessories

Combining old-world charm with 21st century cool, this is Fairyhill, but not as you know it. As we toast to our future we welcome you to start yours with us. Here’s to new beginnings.

Oldwalls, a collection of luxury wedding venues Wedding Showcase at Fairyhill & Oldwalls Gower Sunday 19th November, 12pm - 5pm oldwallscollection.com

Contents...

N O V E M B E R

2 0 1 7

FASHION 15. GRAB YOUR COAT From ravishing red to fluffy fabrics, we have the coats to covet now 18. DRESS UP Party dresses, perfect for a glam festive night out 32. RE-BOOTED Boots for the season whether bold, classic or bright

SWA NSE A

HAIR & BEAUTY

LIFE EDITOR Laura Davies | 01792 545523 @LawsDx | laura.davies@trinitymirror.com PUBLISHER Lisa Cameron | lisa.cameron@trinitymirror.com PHOTOGRAPHY Adrian White, Jonathan Myers, Gayle Marsh, Hoosh Arabi, Robert Melen CONTRIBUTORS Lara Johnson & Dom Capel, Lesley Taylor, Sian Day, Victoria Wade, Joseph Atkin, Andrew Morgan, Emma Jenkins, Dr. Charlotte Jones, Chris Howells, James Richards, Marc White, Peter Slee and Chris Peregrine

18 41. BEAUTY NEWS What is launching in November. And there are lots!

44. SUPER SERUMS These will revolutionize your winter skincare routine

50 HEALTH & WELLBEING

46. COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS Beauty Advent calendars you WILL want

62

62. FOOD BENEFITS Why eating beetroot is so good for you 68. BETTER BODY Top tips on how to break the 20 worst habits that increase your love handles

Swansea Life, Urban Village, High Street, Swansea, SA1 1NW @swansealife Email: laura.davies@trinitymirror.com www.swansealife.co.uk If we have published anything that is factually inaccurate, please contact the editor on 01792 545533, at postnews@mediawales.co.uk or at Evening Post, Urban Village, 220 High Street, Swansea, SA1 1NW and once verified we will correct it here as soon as possible.

Swansea Life is part of Local World, which is owned by Trinity Mirror PLC, which is a member of IPSO, the Independent Press Standards Organisation. We adhere to the Editors’ Code Of Practice as enforced

by IPSO, who are contactable for advice at Independent Press Standards Organisation, Gate House, 1 Farringdon Street, London.

EC4M 7LG. Website: http://www,ipso.co.ukTelephone: 0300 123 2220; email advice@ipso.co.uk If you have a complaint concerning a potential breach of the Code of Practice, we will deal with your complaint directly or IPSO can refer your complaint to us. Please go to http://www.trinitymirror. com/howtocomplain where you can view our Complaints Policy and Procedure. A “How To Complain” pack is also available by writing to the Legal and Compliance Department, Trinity Mirror PLC, One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5AP.

Average net distribution 7,500 copies sold and distributed in Swansea, Gower and the surrounding South West Wales areas.

Opinions expressed in Swansea Life magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor or designer and the magazine is in no way liable for such opinions. While every effort has been made to ensure that the contents are fully accurate, we cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies and late changes. No article, advertisement or graphic, in whole or in part, may be reproduced without prior permission of the publishers.

4 swansealife.co.uk

71. BEAT THE BLUES How to help banish Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

110

HOUSE & HOME 102. THROUGH THE KEYHOLE We visit a renovated Gower home 106. COSY UP Home comforts worth snuggling up to 110. HOW LOVELY ARE YOUR BRANCHES...

Christmas tree inspiration

BRIDE

WHAT’S ON

74. REAL LIFE BRIDE Emma and Dale tie the knot

178. DIARY DATES What’s on in November in Swansea Bay

76. FOCAL POINT Get inspired with these impressive table centrepieces 79. WE LOVE Everything bridal that we love

160

182

180. HIGHLIGHTS Out top events to attend this month 182. BIG INTERVIEW The Heat is On in Wales Millennium Centre

74 GREAT ESCAPES

SOCIAL DIARY

160. TRAVEL REVIEW We travel to Serbia

186. WOMEN IN BUSINESS AWARDS Media Wales recognise the top businesswomen in South Wales

161. A WEEKEND IN… A luxury Lancaster hotel

196. HANDS UP FOR DOWN’S BALL The charity hold their first ball

OUT & ABOUT

164 234

164. RAMBLING Andrew Morgans takes us on a Gower walk

199 MOTORING SOCIAL DRIVETIME DIARY 172.

We test out the

234

latest Range Rover 214. HEAD Phphphp hphp hphp hphp 221. HEAD Phphphp hphp hphp hphp phphphphphphp

121 82

197. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! 360 Sports and Watersports Centre marks its 5th birthday

226. HEAD Phphphp hphp hphp hphp phphphphphphp

172

FOOD & DRINK

TIME FOR YOU

82. MEAL REVIEW We re-visit Swansea’s Quay 3 restaurant

202. EDDIE’S VIEW Eddie gets emotional at a Swansea Awards ceremony

84. GOOD TO EAT Christmas desserts we need to eat now

214. PRESENTS FOR ALL Our guide of Christmas gifts for all the family

87. ADVENT Calendars that are filled with chocolate and alcohol treats

219. PIN UP PETS Your cute pet pictures

220

swansealife.co.uk 5

E D I TO R’ S L E T TE R

Welcome... ... to the November edition of Swansea Life, where the focus is on all the spectacular changes that the season ahead offers.

There is an excitement in the air of what lies ahead - getting together with friends and family, eating delicious food and of course having fun. Yes, Christmas is around the corner and we can not wait for the festivities to begin.

Seeing all the wonderful gifts and all the glam partywear is already making me feel like going on a shopping spree! And with all the new eateries and bars opening in the city centre, I for one, can not wait to try them out over the party season.

In this edition, we have started our own Christmas Countdown and there are plenty of ideas inside to get winter ready. Just call us Santa’s little helpers! Not only do we have partywear, beauty advent calendars and gift ideas for all the family, we also have home inspiration and festive food treats - all with Christmas in mind.

Next month, we go all out with pages packed with more Christmas themes and winter ideas.

And, we will let you into a little secret - it’s going to a bumper Christmas and New Year edition.

So we will also be celebrating ringing in 2018 too!

MARK REES

WHAT’S ON EDITOR 01792 545529 mark.rees@trinitymirror.com

The feel of a cosy autumn is here! Feast your eyes on some of the fabulous outerwear on offer in our coat special. We also have toasty knits and warm accessories, from hats and scarfs to bold and bright boots - perfect if you are heading to a firework display on Bonfire Night or simply fancy a crisp, autumn walk.

In addition, we have all our regular features and plenty more!

So with just a few weeks away until Christmas, embrace the season and have a wonderful month.

WI N N E R ! U K REG I O NA L MA G A ZI N E O F TH E YE A R

DEBBIE ROBERTS

ADVERTISING MANAGER 01792 545626 debbie.roberts@trinitymirror.com

SWA NSE A

LIFE www.swansealife.co.uk

631 ideas

NOVEMBER 2017 £2.95

Cosy UP TO

Autumn

for the

festive

Find us on Facebook @SwanseaLife

6 swansealife.co.uk

11

cold

Comfort 9 771750 843018

11

01792 545523 laura.davies@trinitymirror.com @LawsDx

EDITOR

9 771750 843018

LAURA DAVIES

season

Recharge your look with statement coats, bold boots, comfy knits and toasty accessories

COVER IMAGE: Jacket, £59, M&Co, Cardiff

SAM JONES

GRAPHIC DESIGNER 01239 460210 sam@yourlocalcrowd.co.uk

Swansea lives OUR PICK OF THE MONTH’S BEST PARTY GET-TOGETHERS (FROM PAGE 185)

186

WOMEN IN BUSINESS AWARDS

STRADEY PARK HOTEL & SPA 

188 RUGBY LIONS

STRADEY PARK HOTEL & SPA PRESENTS

190

MADE OF STEEL

a New Year’s Eve celebration

Masquerade Ball CARNEVALE DI VENEZIA

Tickets £75pp

193

MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNING

197 360 SPORTS 5TH BIRTHDAY

A night of extravagance

Our New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball will be a black tie and smart dress event and masks will be provided.

Enjoy a sumptuous 5 course menu in the Alexander Suite with live music from the talented musical group Audiosugar until late and a stunning display of fireworks to see the New Year in.

199 ROLEX EVENT

To book please contact Stradey Park Hotel & Spa, Llanelli SA15 4HA Telephone: 01554 758171 Email: reservations@stradeyparkhotel.com

Fashion

FASHION FLASH (page 11) COSY KNITS (page 12) KIDS FASHION (page 36) TWINKLE TWINKLE (page 38)

FASHION

R P E O W W O ER L F

5.

1.

1.

2.

6.

3.

Bold Seventies-style florals are perfect for tackling that tricky transitional fashion period. LAURA DAVIES picks out some retro floral prints laura.davies@trinitymirror.com

4.

7.

7.

@LawsDx

Delicate rose and peony prints will never really go out of style, but right now there’s a new kind of floral blooming in fashion - and it’s not for shrinking violets.

As seen on the Gucci and Chloe catwalks, colourful Seventies-style motifs are taking over, from trippy and large-scale to sweet, oriental-influenced patterns.

Choose one bold tailored piece a blazer or wide-leg trousers work well - and pair with separates that match with the darkest colour in the print. Or, if you’re feeling brave, do the double in flowery co-ords - these lively looks can’t fail to lift your mood.

1. Black Floral Top, £38 and Skirt, £38, Oasis at Outfit, Parc Trostre 2. Roksanda Floral Clutch, £118, anthropologie.com 3. Black and White Floral Lace Top, £20, Dorothy Perkins, Swansea 4. Atomic Boots, £70, Office, Swansea 5. Glamorous Petite Floral Wide Leg Trousers, £35, TopShop, Swansea 6. Floral Print Satin Blazer, £39, jdwilliams.co.uk 7. Hush Fleur Jumper, £85; Amie Joggers, £49.50; Twist Skater Shoes, £150, hush-uk.com 8. Sugarhill Boutique Floral Bee Print Summer Top, £26.60, sugarhillboutique.com

8.

FASHION

FA S H I O N F L A S H W I T H L AU R A DAV I E S @LawsDx

HIGH SHINE

Aurrora Heel, £70, Dune at Debenhams, Swansea

Get ready to shine with silver which was all over the catwalks in Chanel and Prabal Gurung. It’s time to show off your metal..

Silver Clutch, £240, Michael Kors, Cardiff

Silver Tone Cup Chain Drop Earrings, £8, River Island, Swansea

laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk

ESSENCE COLLECTION

Pandora launches its new timeless autumn collection, which includes stackable rings and sparkling charms to simple geometrics and statement-making pendants.

It also launches its interchangeable ring concept into the Essence collection, giving you more ways to personalise your Pandora pieces. From , £25 to £300, Pandora, Swansea

Metallic Pleated Skirt, £35, Next, Morfa Retail Park

CASHMERE

Limited Edition Dress, £89, Belt, £15, M&S, Swansea

Keep snug with this gorgeous grey cashmere jumper and matching joggers for a cosy night in from Next.

Ho, Ho, Ho! The Christmas jumpers have already started appearing in the shops and once again there are plenty of designs to choose from.

Here are a few subtle ones to get you into the Christmas spirit..

PARTY BUY! Classic, elegant and perfect for a festive occasion......

Serah Dress, Coast, £195, Cardiff

This is definitely on my coat wish list this season.

The floral number is from Erdem’s new collection for H&M and is a snip at £139.99. The collection launches on November 2 and we predict a sell out so be quick! H&M.

Silver Metallic Midi Dress £59, House of Fraser, Cardiff Jumper, £45, Fat Face, Mumbles

DESIGNER COAT BARGAIN!

Charcoal Premium Knitted Longline Poncho With Cashmere, £45, Joggers, £38, Next, Morfa Retail Park

Oh Deer Sweatshirt, £22, Simplybe.co.uk Misty Mistletoe Jumper, £49, Monsoon, Parc Trostre Grey Sequin Mistletoe Christmas Jumper, £26, Dorothy Perkins, Swansea Trousers, £35, Knit, £25, Dorothy Perkins, Swansea

CAPE CRUSADER Every season the cape makes an appearance and this autumn/winter is no different. We love this embellished, military looking cape which gives Burberry a run for its money and is a fraction of the price.

Cape, £149, Monsoon, Parc Trostre

swansealife.co.uk 11

FASHION Bell Sleeve Roll Jumper, £69, John Lewis, Cardiff

Biba Gold Sparkle Jumper, £49, House of Fraser, Cardiff

Boucle Colour Block Jumper, £32, Simplybe.co.uk

Cashmere Funnel Neck Jumper, £95, Oliver Bonas, Cardiff

Cable Jumper, £35, Very.co.uk Colour Block Knit Jumper, £34.99, New Look, Swansea

Jumper, £38, River Island, Parc Trostre

Perfect for Bonfire Night and beyond, cwtch up in one of LAURA DAVIES’ pick of knits laura.davies@trinitymirror.com

@LawsDx

Jumper, £265, Michael Kors, Cardiff

Jumper, £35, M&S, Swansea

Jumper, £35, River Island, Swansea

12 swansealife.co.uk

Red Extreme Sleeve Jumper, £24, Dorothy Perkins, Swansea

Monsoon Karma Slogan Novelty Jumper, £45, Monsoon, Parc Trostre

H! by Henry Holland, £38, Debenhams, Swansea

20% U P TO

*

OFF

Ever ything in -sto re over our birthday wee ke nd

We’re celebrating our 1st Birthday!

Visit us in-store to view our beautiful range of brands *Offer valid 24th - 27th November 11 St. Mary’s Arcade, Quadrant Shopping Centre, Swansea, SA1 3QW | 01792 277244

stephenhughesjewelleryboutique.com

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE ChloBo Necklace £170

Clogau Gold Intrelude Masque Necklace, £159

Thomas Sabo Bracelet, £179

6

Thomas Sabo Ring, £159

Thomas Sabo Pendant, £339

Clogau Gold Intrelude Masque Ring, £149

Discover the

Calvin Klein Beyond Collection Choker, £99 Cuff £85 Ring £65

christmas collection from Here at Swansea life we’ve discovered a fantastic collection of aspirational accessories. The Jewellery Boutique by Stephen Hughes opens its doors to a fashionable, fun and spirited customer who is looking for the newest and most on-trend pieces.

Cluse Gift Set, £89

Cluse Mesh Strap Rose Gold, £89

ChloBo Karma Bracelet Stack, £265

Quadrant Shopping Centre, Swansea 14 swansealife.co.uk

01792 277244

Cluse Watch Real Marble Face, £119

FASHION

Yellow Ring Pull Longline Puffer Jacket, £55, PrettyLittleThing.co.uk

Once the preserve of skiers and Alpine hikers, the puffer jacket has had a high-fashion makeover in recent years, and we couldn’t be happier, because these duvet-esque coats are insanely warm AND they look super stylish. But be warned, this trend is not for shrinking violets - your sleeping bag jacket should be as big, bright and shiny as possible.

PUFFER JACKETS

GRAB YOUR COAT

Cream Borg Buckle Trim Flight Jacket, £59.99, New Look, Parc Trostre and Swansea

After Balenciaga, Vetements, Stella McCartney and any other designers showed heritage checks on their AW17 catwalks, the high street followed suit (literally). With blazers and trenches this cool, it’s not hard to see why.

Traditional tartans and tweeds have been given a mannish spin this season - layer with other checks and fuzzy knits for cosy-cool vibes.

FUZZ

@LawsDx

RI Studio Check Piercing Trim Coat, £160, River Island, Swansea and Parc Fforestfach

Wool Check Coat, £299; East at John Lewis, Cardiff

laura.davies@trinitymirror.com

Y

COAT

S

Shearling is another trend that takes a traditional textile and gives it a digitalage update. A faux shearling biker or flight jacket strikes the right balance - look for edgy leather and metal detailing, or plump for an usual colour choice, like pink or purple.

HERITAGE FABRIC COATS

From ravishing red to fluffy fabrics, these are the coats to covet now. LAURA DAVIES rounds up just five of the top autumn/winter coat trends

Your unlikely style icon for AW17? That’ll be the Cookie Monster, because fluffy coats in technicolour hues are where it’s at. A short faux fur jacket is ideal for throwing on (or ‘shoulder robing’) for a night out, and outerwear this extravagant needs little by way of accessories.

For double the trend points? It’s got to be a red fuzzy coat.

Faux Fur Coat, £160, Cath Kidston, Cardiff Daredevils Run Jacket, £278.94, Revolve.com

Red is the undisputed colour of AW17, and it lends itself amazingly to outerwear, because what’s more mood-enhancing than a lipstick red wool coat? This season, the silhouette borrows from the boys whether single or double-breasted, it should be oversized, in a rounded tulip shape (rather than belted), and in a weighty wool fabric. Wear yours open and with the collar up for extra attitude.

White Stuff Nene Jacket, £120, White Stuff, Cardiff

SHEARLING COATS

Red Double Breasted Coat, £65; Dorothy Perkins, Swansea

COATS

Ivy Park Pewter Bonded Puffer Jacket, £120, Topshop, Swansea

RE D

Tilda Coat, £299, Hobbs, Cardiff

swansealife.co.uk 15

FASHION

...and the best of the rest

Artistry Fit and Flare Wool Camel Trench, £195, Oliver Bonas, Cardiff

Belted Pink Coat, £285 , Whistles.com

Biba Leopard Print Faux Fur Coat, £199, House of Fraser, Cardiff

Black Coat, £95, Wallis, at Outfit, Parc Trostre

Blanket Coat, £150, JD Williams.co.uk

Blue Check Coat, £35, George at Asda, Llansamlet and Parc Trostre

Collarless Coat, £140, Cath Kidston, Cardiff

Coat, £129, House of Fraser, Cardiff

Coat, £29.99, TK Maxx, Parc Trostre

Coat, £35, Primark, Swansea

Coat, £45, Matalan, Morriston

Coat, £95, Topshop, Swansea

Erin Trench, £90, River Island, Swansea

Grey Crombie Coat, £160, Warehouse at Debenhams, Swansea

Grey Duster Coat, £50, Wallis at Outfit, Parc Trostre

Grey Marl Oversized Tie Up Coat, £29.99, TK Maxx, Morfa Retail Park

Imelda Coat, £150, Boden at John Lewis, Cardiff

J by Jasper Conran Coat, £149, Debenhams, Swansea

Per Una Coat, £99, M&S, Swansea

Principles by Ben de Lisi, £99, Debenhams, Swansea

Red Coat, £30, Primark, Swansea

Red Puffy Coat, £30, Sainsbury’s, Swansea

Seam Detail Fit and Flare Coat, £160, Laura Ashley, Cardiff

Odity Fit and Flare Midi Coat, £195, Oliver Bonas, Cardiff

16 swansealife.co.uk

Blue Check Longline Coat, £34.99 , New Look, Swansea

Burgundy Faux Fur Maxi Coat, £54.99, New Look, Swansea

Carrie Print Coat, £129, Monsoon, Parc Trostre

Check Coat, £69, Dorothy Perkins, Swansea

Check Overcoat, £40, Sainsbury’s, Swansea

Coat, £110, Topshop, Swansea

Daisy Embroidered Coat, £149, Monsoon, Parc Trostre

Dark Grey Wool Longline Coat, £34.99 , New Look, Morfa Retail Park

Detachable Faux Fur Camel Coat, £100, Oasis at Outfit, Parc Trostre

Double Breasted Relaxed Coat, £95, Oasis at Debenhams, Swansea

Dusty Pink Fur Coat, £89, Miss Selfridge, Swansea

Embroidered Drapey Trench, £60, Sainsbury’s, Swansea

Joella Parka, £120, River Island, Parc Trostre

M&S Collection Coat, £149, M&S, Swansea

M&S Collection Coat, £99, M&S, Parc Trostre

Modern Rarity Eudon Choi Check Wrap Coat, £250, John Lewis, Cardiff

Myleene Klass Pink Bell Sleeve Coat, £99, Littlewoods.com

Star by Julien Macdonald Coat, £99, Debenhams, Swansea

Trench Coat, £42, Next, Parc Trostre

V by Very Double Breasted Military Coat, £85, Very.co.uk

V by Very Slim Fit Single Breasted Coat, £60, Very.co.uk

White Parka Coat With Faux Fur Hood, £85, Evans, Swansea

Odelia Coat, £329, Hobbs, Cardiff

Wind Spiral Collarless Coat, £450, Jigsaw at John Lewis, Cardiff

swansealife.co.uk 17

CHRISTMAS DRESSING! The party season is just around the corner so we thought we would help save you time trawling the shops to find your perfect party frock. LAURA DAVIES rounds up a selection of dresses from classic black, festive red or sequin and glitz. laura.davies@trinitymirror.com

Blue Sequin Money Dress, £55, Dorothy Perkins, Swansea

Caption

Brocade Dress, £35 , Dorothy Perkins, Swansea

Black Polka Dot Mesh Sleeved Dress, £50, Evans, Swansea

Black Cut-Out Crepe Dress, £12.99, TK Maxx, Morfa Retail Park

Adriana Bardot Shift Dress, £149, Coast at Debenhams, Swansea

Black Fringe Dress, £32, Next, Morfa Retail Park

FASHION

@LawsDx

Two Tone Blue and Pink Ruched Mesh Dress, £55, Miss Selfridge, Swansea

Star by Julien Macdonald, £45, Debenhams, Swansea

Debut Dress, £130, Debenhams, Swansea

Adrianna Papell Short Beaded Cocktail Dress, £220, John Lewis, Cardiff

18 swansealife.co.uk

Red Dress, £85, River Island, Parc Trostre

Flared Lace Dress, £59, M&Co, Cardiff

YAS Metallic Maxi Dress, £87, Littlewoods.com

Venus Marble Jacquard Dress, £159, Coast, Debenhams, Swansea

Gold Sequin Shift Dress, £65, Next, Parc Trostre and Swansea

Velvet Dress, £55, M&S, Swansea

Dress, £80, River Island, Swansea

Gold Dress, £49.99, H&M, Swansea

Silver Plisse High Neck Dress, £42, Miss Selfridge, Swansea

V by Very Stripe Sequin Dress, £65, Very.co.uk

Silver Plisse High Neck Dress, £249, Monsoon, Parc Trostre

Dress, £69, M&S, Swansea

Geometric Embellished Dress, £215, Karen Millen, Cardiff

Lora Velvet Bow Cocktail Dress, £179, Coast, Debenhams, Swansea

Principles by Ben de Lisi Dress, £75, Debenhams, Swansea

Velvet Dress, £18, George at Asda, Llansamlet

Navy Sequin Dress, £39.99, TK Maxx, Parc Trostre

Gold Leaf Jacquard Dress, £225, Coast, Cardiff

Andrea Ruffle Dress, £179, Coast at Debenhams, Swansea

Samantha Sequin Dress, £109, Monsoon, Parc Trostre

swansealife.co.uk 19

FASHION 1

2

9 3

4

6

5

7

1. Coat, £250 2. Wyse Navy and Multi Stripe Fingerless Gloves, £45 3. Ashbourne Dress, £98 4. Boden Samara Jersey Dress, £98 5. Toolally Kingfisher 8 Nude and Glitter Earings, £45 6. Dogeared Radiate Love Necklace, £70 7. Boden Cashmere Crew Neck Jumper, £130 8. Annabell Pleated Skirt, £98 9. Virginie Ruffle Shirt, £55 10. Velvet Valeska Bomber Jacket, £160 11. Elizabeth Ponte Blazer, £98 12. Luna Leather Across Body Bag, £70 11

HIGH STREET HOTTEST

1

2

3

4 5 1. Analise Poncho in Red, £79.95 2. Womens Festive Luxe Jumper, £59.95 3. Miranda Dachshund Jumper in Red, £59.95 4. Cheltenham Coat in 6 Willow Herringbone, £249.00 5. Coast Waterproof Jacket in Antique Gold, £84.95 6. East Leigh Red Gillet, £64.95 7. Georgina Blouse in Cream Floral Embroidery, £59.95 8. Georgina Shirt in Botanical Vegtable Print, £59.95 9. Go Lightly Parka in Silver Posy Print, £39.95 10. Lucie Shirt in Cream Fox Print, £49.95 11. Gerrie Blazer in Navy, £109 12. Harbour Print in Robin, £29.95

LAURA DAVIES shops this season’s High Street styles

9

10

laura.davies@trinitymirror.com

@LawsDx

20 swansealife.co.uk

8 9

10 12

12

7

11

1

1

1

2 2

2

3

3

4 3 5

5

4 6

6

4

6

7 5 1. Top, £39.50, Trousers, £14, 7 Belt, £6 2. Collection Coat, £89 3. M&S Collection Chain Slouch, £35 4. Jumper, £29.50 5. Bag, £27.50 6. Shirt, £35 7. Velvet Dress, £55 8. Per Una Skirt, £45 9. Skirt, £35 10. Necklace, £15 11. Jacquard Boot, £45 12. M&S Collection Red High Heel, £35 11

12

8

9

10

1. Red Dress, £29.99, Bag, £12.99 2. Black Metallic Wrap Front Skater Dress, £29.99 8 3. Blue Velvet Stripe Top, £14.99 4. Black Embellished Choker, £9.99 5. Bronze Metallic Skirt, £19.99 6. Cream Borg Coat, £49.99 7. Multicoloured Holographic Drop Earrings, £5.99 8. Gemstone Embellished Jumper, £22.99 9. Black Sateen Asymmetrick Hem Skirt, £24.99 10. Dark Red Patent Midi Skirt, £24.99 11. Leather Triple Buckle Ankle Boots, £64.99 12. Burgundy Furry Bag, £22.99

1. Gold Dress, £70 2. Bag, £32 3. Bag, £48 4. Gloves, £25 5. Earrings, £10 6. Coat, £100 7. Dress, £70 8. Jumpsuit, £45 9. Jacket, £35 10. Pink Ankle Boot, £60 11. Jumper, £40

9

7

8

9

10 10

11

12

11

swansealife.co.uk 21

FASHION Cashmere Mitten, £39, Oliver Bonas, Cardiff

Emily Embroidered Star Skinny Scarf, £35, Monsoon, Parc Trostre

Checked Gloves, £16, Next, Morfa Retail Park

Faux Fur Trim Gloves, £25, Accessorize, Swansea

Gloves, £26 , River Island, Parc Trostre and Swansea

Mittens, £22, Debenhams, Swansea

Linea Double Faced Scarf, £25, House of Fraser, Cardiff

WRAP UP As the weather gets colder, keep snug with LAURA DAVIES’ round up of warming accessories to beat the chill laura.davies@trinitymirror.com

@LawsDx

Stole, £39.50, M&S, Swansea

Riley Stripe Flip Mit Glove, £22.50, White Stuff, Cardiff

Faux Fur Scarf, £10, George at Asda, Llansamlet

Leightonn Scarf, £28, Dune, Cardiff Serena Faux Fur Tippet, £29, Accessorize, Swansea J by Jasper Conran Gloves, £18, Debenhams, Swansea

Hat, £20, Debenhams, Swansea 22 swansealife.co.uk

Cable Knit Hat, £14, Lipsy.co.uk

Pom Beanie, £14, Oasis at Outfit, Parc Trostre

Riley Ribbed Hat, £25, White Stuff, Cardiff

Hat, £22, River Island, Swansea

FASHION

WE LOVE

White Court, £59, M&S, Swansea

White heels… and make it pointy! Yes, white is becoming the new nude, Not only does it go with EVERYTHING- it is an instant way to lift a black outfit to create a chic monochrome look.

Pointed Ankle Boots, £35, Next, Morfa Retail Park

HIGH SHINE

Whether you are wearing silver or gold jewellery, this bag will always match! Plus it is perfect for all your party essentials.

Bag, £25, River Island, Swansea

THIS MONTH

WE LOVE LAURA DAVIES rounds up some of her favourite products this month laura.davies@trinitymirror.com

@LawsDx

SERPENTINE We love Links of London’s latest Serpentine Collection, which features sterling silver necklaces and cuff bracelets, along with luxurious 18kt rose gold and yellow gold jewellery. It’s perfect for high fashion parties and sophisticated dinners and finished with precious gemstones. From £70-£225, Links of London at Earrings, £95 Stephen Hughes, Swansea

We can always rely on Coast to come up with the party goods at Christmas time. Their occasionwear always stands out and has something to offer all tastes whether you are after a sparkly number or a simple LBD. We love the Jemma Sparkle Jersey Dress, £99, Coast at Debenhams, Swansea

DRESS TO IMPRESS We love this dress which oozes glam.

Jacquard Bandeau Dress, £85, Oasis at Outfit, Parc Trostre

Necklace, £110

COSY

Snuggle up in this Pink Faux Fur Coat which not only looks fab but is perfect for the colder weather. £65, Dorothy Perkins, Swansea

COAST

Ring, £110

DESIGNER COLLECTION Erdem Moraliohglu is the latest designer to add a little magic to the hotly anticipated H&M annual collaboration this month. His collection, which is inspired by films, memoirs and music, will feature his trademark floral prints, feminine cuts and Victoriana blouses, as a first - menswear. Key pieces include a snowdrop jacquardprint sleeveless ballgown, a high necked lace ruffle dress and a black wildflower-print skirt with a voluminous train.

Pictured: Dress, £149.99, Earrings, £29.99 and Brooch, £24.99, H&M

Cuff, £160

CLASSIC

The classic loafer silhouette gets a contemporary update with Guru from Dune. Featuring a slip on design with a decorative buckle at the front and a soft leather lining for comfort. Wear with cropped tailored trousers and a jumper for a chic, work to weekend look. £95.

Guru Buckle Loafers, Dune at Debenhams, Swansea

swansealife.co.uk 23

FASHION

Animal Print Gloves, £8, M&Co, Cardiff

GO WILD ... with LAURA DAVIES’ pick of leopard print accessories

Beige Animal Pattern Clutch Bag, £14.99, TK Maxx, Morfa Retail Park

laura.davies@trinitymirror.com

Hat, £22, River Island, Parc Trostre

@LawsDx

Lottie Marabou Jacket, £149, Eden Midi Dress, £99, Lip Print Clutch, £29, House of Fraser, Cardiff

Leopard Cross Body, £35, Oasis at Outfit, Parc Trostre

V By Very Velvet Block Heel Ankle Boot, £40, Very.co.uk M&S Collection Boot, £75, M&S, Swansea

Brown Leopard Print Furry Bag, £25.99, New Look, Swansea and Parc Fforestfach Leopard Velvet Mini Backpack, £18, Dorothy Perkins, Swansea

Clio, £80, Dune, Cardiff Faith Bag, £35, Debenhams, Swansea

Leopard and Snake Print Box Shoulder Bag, £79, House of Fraser, Cardiff

Lexy, £45, Dune, Cardiff 24 swansealife.co.uk

Loafer, £179, Hobbs, Cardiff

GRAB YOUR COAT As the weather gets colder, make sure you invest in an on trend coat.

LAURA DAVIES rounds up this season’s high street favourites laura.davies@trinitymirror.com

@LawsDx

Navy Blue Quilted Faux Fur Hooded Coat, Evans, £70, Swansea

26 swansealife.co.uk

Black Faux Fur Hood Coat, £70, Evans, Swansea

Coat, £95; Knit, £36; Trousers, £35, Wallis at Debenhams, Swansea

Nordic Orange Satin Funnel Neck Top, £110; Deep Fuchsia Lux Wool Coat, £360 Jigsaw at John Lewis, Cardiff

28 swansealife.co.uk

Arletta Coat £369; Alana Blouse £89; Alisha Belt £59, Hobbs, Cardiff

Vero Moda Green Coat £75; Native Youth Jumper £75; Vero Moda Silver Midi Skirt £40, Littlewoods.co.uk

Red Double Breasted Coat, £65, Dorothy Perkins, Swansea swansealife.co.uk 29

Michael Kors Coat, £395; Biba Top £69 and Trousers £65, House of Fraser, Cardiff

30 swansealife.co.uk

Coat, £125; Label LabBag £79; Biba, House of Fraser, Cardiff

Warehouse Biker Jacket £87; Lost Ink Glitter Blouse £45; YAS Khaki Skirt £55, Littlewoods.com

Coat, £59; Trousers, £35, Dorothy Perkins,Swansea

Paded Pink Coat, £79, Wallis at Outfit, Parc Trostre

swansealife.co.uk 31

FASHION

3

4 5

2

ls, m ake su re y 7

h LAURA DAVIES’ pick e wit s. styl

eason is all about th e sta This s tem en tb oo t.

6

in ut po ste ou

13

m Fro

BOOT

1

o ts t h g bri

sequins to skyscraper kles, hee c u b

IT!

12

laura .davie s@trinitym irror.com

8

9

Dx @Laws

10

11

14

15

16

17

18

19

1. Mustard Velvet Block Heel Ankle Boots, £29.99, New Look, Morfa Retail Park and Swansea | 2. Alabama, £88, Office, Swansea 3. Alibi, £88, Office, Swansea | 4. Glitter Ankle Boot, £45, River Island, Swansea | 5. Brocade Boot, £49.50, M&S, Swansea 6. Pink Boot, £29.50, M&S, Swansea | 7. Orsina Boot, £125, Dune, Cardiff | 8. Premium Leopard Print Ankle Boots, £49.99, New Look, Parc Fforestfach 9. Nine by Savannah Miller, £65, Debenhams, Swansea | 10. J by Jasper Conran Boots, £79, Debenhams, Swansea 11. Carvela Metallic Ankle Boots, £208, Littlewoods.com | 12. Octal, £130, Dune at Debenhams, Swansea | 13. Red Boot, £50, River Island, Swansea 14. Sequinned Boots, £45, Dorothy Perkins, Swansea | 15. V By Very Sequin Bow Block Heel Boot, £48, Very.co.uk 16. V By Very Cone Heel Ruched Calf Boot, £48, Very.co.uk | 17. Sloanne Boot, £140, Dune, Cardiff | 18. Faith Boots, £69, Debenhams, Swansea 19. Burgundy Velvet Knotted Boots, £35, Dorothy Perkins, Swansea 32 swansealife.co.uk

Discover our Christmas Diamond Collection Quadrant Shopping Centre, Swansea | 01792 462999 | stephenhughesfinediamonds.com

This page: The Polaris Collection, 9ct Diamond Bangle £1995 Previous page: The Sirius Collection, 18ct Diamond Cluster Pendant £2500

The Sirius Collection, 18ct Diamond Cluster Earrings ÂŁ2250

FASHION

OH BABY, IT‘S GETTING The weather is getting colder, make sure your little ones are all wrapped up with LAURA DAVIES’ fashion picks. laura.davies@trinitymirror.com

@LawsDx

Mantaray Dress, £24, Debenhams, Swansea.

Girls Character Hat, £8, M&Co, Cardiff Printed Pinafore Dress, £19, Mamas and Papas, Cardiff

Crochet Knit and Bobble Dress, £25, Mamas and Papas, Cardiff

36 swansealife.co.uk

J by Jasper Conran Coat, £24, Debenhams, Swansea

Little Dickins & Jones Girls Sequin Fringe Star T-Shirt, £12, House of Fraser, Cardiff

Two Piece Top and Skirt Set, £35, Mamas and Papas, Cardiff

RI Girls Sequin Jumper, £22, River Island, Swansea

Scarf, £12; Hat, £10; Jumper, £18; Jacket, £35; Jeans, £22; River Island, Swansea

Squirrel Bag, £12, M&S, Swansea

Check Dress, £16-£21, Next, Swansea and Parc Trostre

Selina Sparkle Coat, £65, Monsoon, Parc Trostre

Caption

Boys Woodland Gloves, £12, Monsoon, Parc Trostre

J by Jasper Conran 3 in 1 Parka, age 1-6, from £48, J by Jasper Conran MockableTop, £19, and J by Jasper Conran Collmax Skinny Belted Jean, from £16, Debenhams, Swansea

J by Jasper Conran Dungarees Set, £26, Debenhams, Swansea

Tracker Beanie, £8, M&Co, Cardiff

Quilted Hoody in Red, age 3-10, £40, Five Boys Clothing.com

Mustard Polo and Trousers Set, £29, Mamas and Papas, Cardiff

Striped Knit Jumper, £22, Mamaa and Papas, Cardiff

J By Jasper Conran Padded Coat, £48, Debenhams, Swansea

Tootsa Blizzard Winter Jacket, age 2-12, £85, Muddy Puddles

Billybandit Boys Fancy Illustration Pullover, £39, House of Fraser, Cardiff

COLD OUTSIDE

Check Jacket from £12, Grey Tee from £4, Grey Jean £9, Strap Boot from £17, George at Asda, Llanelli and Llansamlet

Car Jumper, from £15, Next, Parc Trostre swansealife.co.uk 37

FASHION

High Neck Blouse, £42, Very.co.uk

Grey Skirt and Jacket with Star Print, both £28, Miss Selfridge, Swansea

Black Star Print Blouse, £19.99, New Look, Swansea

Star Necklace, £15, M&S, Swansea

Skirt, £35, River Island, Swansea

Stasia Star Velvet Jacket, £99, Monsoon, Parc Trostre

Top, £40, Debenhams, Swansea

V by Very Jacquard Star One Shoulder Dress, £55, Very.co.uk

Selena Starlight Sweater, £49, Monsoon, Parc Trostre

Blouse, £42, Monsoon, Swansea

TWINKLE, TWINKLE...

Make sure your seeing stars this autumn with LAURA DAVIES’ High Street picks

Star Gemstone Shirt, £22.99, New Look, Parc Fforestfach

Trousers, £55, River Island, Swansea

laura.davies@trinitymirror.com

Black and Silver Tone Sequin Jumpsuit, £19.99, TK Maxx, Morfa Retail Park

@LawsDx

Nine by Savannah Miller Dress, £55, Debenhams, Swansea

Silver Stars Drop Earrings £5.99, New Look, Swansea

Metallic Star Print Top, £35, Evans, Swansea

Star Embellished Zip Top Pouch, £25, Monsoon, Parc Trostre M&S Collection Bag, £29.50, M&S, Swansea

Equal, £60, Dune at Debenhams, Swansea V by Very 3 Pack Earrings Set, £15, Very.co.uk

38 swansealife.co.uk

Trainers, £29.50, M&S, Parc Trostre

Hair &

beauty

BEAUTY NEWS (from page 41) SERUMS (page 44) BEAUTY COUNTDOWN (page 46) CHRIS HOWELLS (page 50)

Defy Time & Glow this Christmas with Dr Alan Jones at one of the UK’s most pioneering Medical Cosmetic Clinics

30 years experience as a GP 15 years as a Cosmetic Doctor Member of: British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM) British Association of Body Sculpting (BABS) British Association of Sclerotherapy (BAS) General Medical Council Registered Health Inspectorate of Wales Registered Clinic

Probably one of the most innovative Medical Cosmetic Clinic in the UK, where patients are treated with the utmost care and respect. The relaxed ambience puts even the most nervous patients at ease.

Dr Alan’s skills and expertise are continually honed through regular training with world experts who are at the forefront of their field.

His genuine and caring attitude is well matched by his friendly and attentive staff.

It is easy to understand why patients return time and again, even after moving their homes half way across the world.

Defy Time

Medical Cosmetic Clinic

“This is Harley Street services on our Doorstep, but not their prices” ““I would like to say Dr Jones is the most caring individual, who gives professional personal advice, which is always in your best interest.

A lovely, lovely person”. R, Feb 2017!”

From the simplest of procedures such as Thread Vein Removal, Muscle Relaxing Injections and Fillers, to Liposuction and the ground breaking Stem-Cell and Micro-Fat treatments, Dr Alan’s aim is to help you achieve a Natural Youthful Radiance.

466 Gower Road, Killay, Swansea SA2 7DZ • 01792 208466 • www.defy-time.co.uk • Private Car Park

F R E E P E R S O N A L & C O N F I D E N T I A L C O N S U LTAT I O N S

HAIR & BEAUTY

new Lip Art, the brand’s first top coat to transform any lip colour with a glistening iridescent effect. Paint on spectacular multi-tonal shimmer, then pucker-up under the mistletoe…

Choose from three stunning shades - Blush Gold, Gold and Pearlescent – to give lips the WOW factor. £5.49, Superdrug and Boots, Swansea

BEAUT Y NEWS TRANSFORM YOUR LIPS WITH ART

This festive party season, dare to get creative with dazzling liplooks. Rimmel introduces

W I T H L AU R A DAV I E S laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk

@LawsDx

Limited Edition Caviar & Rubies Eye Shadow Palette, £55, Bobbi Brown, Debenhams, Swansea

PART ONE

HAVE A CRACKING XMAS Invisibobble present their limited edition Christmas offering – a cracker containing nine festive invisi’s in metallic and glitter shades. £3.99, Superdrug, and Boots, Swansea

CAVIAR & RUBIES collection We love Bobbi Brown’s Caviar and Rubies Collection, which is decidedly decadent, with lavishly burnished lids, va-va-voom lashes, incandescent skin, and—for those who dare—a life-of-the-party red lip. This beautifully edited Christmas collection includes luxurious eye, lip, cheek and skin essentials, makeup must-haves that were made to party. From, £24-£95.

The centerpiece of the collection is the luxe Caviar and Rubies Eye Shadow Palette. With nine shades inspired by rich jewel tones and burnished metallics—including Gilded, a new diamond dust Eye Shadow formula—this shimmering, sultry festive statement piece is a party clutch essential.

luxe eye shadow

Take a shine to metal with Bobbi Brown’s new Luxe Eye Shadow which is available in 12 lust-worth shades. This high-impact formula delivers gorgeous, multi-dimensional colour with three dramatic and distinctive finishes - high-shimmer Rich Lustre, molten foil Rich Metal, and super-charged Rich Sparkle. A cream-powder finish gives full, intense pigment with just one swipe, leaving a velvety texture and maximum colour payoff. For more intensity, a drop of water delivers a liquid metal look. £27, Bobbi Brown, Debenhams, Swansea

Pore Extractor Pomegranate Mask, £30, murad.co.uk

ELEMIS CHRISTMAS TREATS The much-loved signature fragrance of Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, is now in candle form for Christmas. Create an ambience and fill the air with Lavender, Eucalyptus and Geranium. £27.50, Monks Spa, Machynys, Llanelli Our other favourite sets includes Frangipani Treasures, £89, and Sparkling Beauty, £39.90

HAPPY CRIMPING CHRISTMAS

It’s time to look back to the future, as hair is all about an overdose of texture this season. In continuation from last season’s obsession with curls, AW17 is big on texture, with 80s-inspired looks taking centre stage on the catwalks. In response to these trends, ghd has introduced a new ghd contour. Featuring advanced ceramic heat technology and multi-dimensional plates, you can add depth and bold texture to any look, to instantly enhance shape and volume.

RESCUE CLOGGED PORES, REVEAL SMOOTHER SKIN We love Murad’s new intensive clay mask which is designed to rescue clogged pores after just one use and helps refine skin texture in just ten minutes. Ideal for oily or combination skin, it sits within the Pore Rescue collection which focuses on refining the appearance of pores,reducing t-zone shine and improving skin texture.

CANDLELIGHT

Sisley’s latest candles are the perfect gift for giving (or keeping for yourself!) this Christmas. With an approximate burn time of 45 hours, they come in three scents iconic to Sisley - Rose, Tuberose, and Campagne.

Sisley Rose Candle, Sisley Tuberose Candle, Sisley Campagne Candle, £53, www.sisley-paris.com

ghd contour, £95, Unique Hair Design, Gorseinon or ghd.com

swansealife.co.uk 41

with Swansea Life award winning beauty salon

Gift Vouchers now available, treat someone this Christmas!

All the treatments... ❆ Sunbeds ❆ Spray tanning ❆ Massage ❆ Facials ❆ Non surgical facelifts ❆ Waxing ❆ Permanent make-up ❆ Manicure / Pedicure ❆ Microdermabrasion

❆ Minx & Shellac nails ❆ Body Piercing ❆ Anti-wrinkle injections ❆ Teeth whitening ❆ Laser hair removal ❆ Chemical skin peels ❆ Facial contouring & Restylane ❆ Make up ❆ Lip Filler ❆ ProfHiLo

❆ Eyelash extensions ❆ LVL Lashes ❆ ILAH HD eyebrows ❆ Just for men treatments ❆ PRP Dracula facial ❆ Micro needle facial ❆ Teeth Whitening ❆ Hydrafacial ❆ PolyGel Extensions

HAIR & BEAUTY

BEAUT Y NEWS laura.davies@trinitymirror.com

@LawsDx

PART TWO

A WHISPER OF POWDER A SHOUT OF COLOUR

Clinique reveal the best kept makeup artist secret and a whole new way to wear matte. New Clinique Pop Lip Shadow Cushion Matte Lip Powder delivers a vibrant burst of plush matte colour in a transformative texture. The super saturated creamy pigment glides on effortlessly and transforms into a weightless, powdery finish, giving lips a bright pop of show-stopping colour. Its anti-bacterial sponge tip applicator makes it easy-to-build the intensity, while the unique texture ensures a flawless, just-applied finish without caking.

Clinique Pop Lip Shadow Cushion Matte Lip Powder, £16.50, Boots, Swansea and Parc Fforestfach and Debenhams, Parc Trostre and Swansea

CRAZY, COLOURFUL CHRISTMAS A flash of red. A burst of green. A wink of pink. Merry and bright. Spritz a little Christmas. Cheers! This year, each Jo Malone London gift comes wrapped in prints created by British fashion designer Jonathan Saunders. Bold. Bright.

Bursting with colour. The stunning collection contains everything from Orange Bitters Cologne 100ml £94, Pomegranate Noir Collection gift set, £78, Christmas Miniature Soap Collection, £36, to Pine & Eucalyptus Home Candle 200g £45. Whether it’s a cologne, body cream, candle or luxury gift set or cracker, there is a scent and product to tailor for all your Christmas needs.

Light up Christmas with the new Terre de Lumière Gold Edition from L’Occitane.

Experience the gourmand aromatic fragrance, with base notes of Bergamot, Ambrette Seed and Pink Pepper.

Eau de Parfum 50ml, £58; 90ml, £78, L’Occciatane, Cardiff

GOLDEN SCENT

W I T H L AU R A DAV I E S

BERRY DELIGHT Molton Brown extend their festive limited edition collection, Fabled Juniper Berries & Lapp Pine to wreathe the body and home in drifting arctic airs. Already adored as a captivating hand, bauble and candle collection. The seasonal line has now been enhanced to feature an enchanting new pomander. Beautifully crafted, this desirable tree ornament encircles a snow-white ball for you to fragrance with the essence of a classic, wintry Christmas. A bath and shower gel, body lotion, snowflake bath salts, home and linen mist and aroma reeds have also been introduced to enrich your home and winter bathing ritual with refined, festive aromas. Elegantly presented in forest-green signature boxes, this collection is a divine Christmas gift to truly envelop your surroundings in sophisticated, seasonal aromas.

Crazy, Colourful Christmas, from £22 to £430, Jo Malone, Cardiff

WE LOVE... CLINIQUE Thirsty skin? This team of Moisture Surge heroes will leave your skin hydrated, happy and healthy. £40, Debenhams and Boots, Swansea

HYDRO BOOST

Molton Brown Fabled Juniper Berries & Lapp Pine Snowflake Bath Salts, £45, Molton Brown, Cardiff

As the colder weather sets in, our skin needs a little extra moisture and tlc. That’s why we love the new hydration boosters from Epionce – a barrier-strengthening moisturiser and an intense moisture-boosting face mask. Both are regularly used in dermatology clinics to repair damaged skin and post-treatment, so great if your skin needs extra help during winter or is going through a bad time.

Renewal Facial Lotion, £77.50 and Enriched Firming Mask, £28.50, Epionce.co.uk

swansealife.co.uk 43

HAIR & BEAUTY

c

Se

etics.com cosm Do you a w. find that stress ww takes its toll on your complexion, not just your mood? Aenea’s calming serum releases a neuropeptide that counteracts the effects of cortisol, the hormone produced when we’re stressed, causing inflammation and dullness.

Plus, it protects against pollution, so you can expect more luminosity and less redness ea en

r

15 0,

nti-Stress Super Her tic A o, £

hom rT te

CultBeauty .co 52, . uk

as Roth Wa

,£

ter

um

Dr

en

n yaluro ic Cloud hH

Pe

en

ea

E

en pig

A hydration hero, Peter Thomas Roth’s Cloud Serum contains a massive 75 per cent hyaluronic acid, plus silk proteins, moisture-binding Sodium PCS and essential minerals to support your skin’s function.

A

SERUMS THAT WILL REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR WINTER SKINCARE ROUTINE An active-packed serum is key for fighting the symptoms of winter skin, and there are a host of new launches you need to know about.

LAURA DAVIES looks at the latest super serums we’re banking on in the battle against sluggish seasonal skin laura.davies@trinitymirror.com

@LawsDx

g Facial lisin ita , £36, QV v C. e um c er

When beauty guru Abi Cleeve, the brains behind the brilliant Ultrasun, revealed she was launching her own skincare range, we knew it was going to be good. And it is.

Skinsense serum uses the same slow release lamellar technology as the sunscreen to deliver long-lasting hydration, plus a high dose of that all-important hyaluronic acid.

Balancing Skin Concentrate promises better skin texture, tone, radiance and moisture, without increasing oiliness, in 28 days (there’s even a gauge on the side that counts down the days). It’s well priced too, making it a real serum snip.

YourGoodSkin Balancing Skin Concentrate, currently on offer at £11.10 (full price £16.66), Boots, Swansea

S

se Skinsen d L abs Sn £24.9 oxi 9,

n

l Line Fighte acia II F s, Swansea r, ot Bo

44 swansealife.co.uk

Inde e

Not content to rest on itswrinkle-busting laurels, Indeed Labs has upgraded it’s much-loved Snoxin serum with Snoxin II, which uses a trio of Botox-like peptides to plump up the skin and smooth out fine lines. You should see results within two hours that will continue to improve over four weeks. Not bad at all for less than £25.

R

Hyaluronic acid has been a beauty buzzword for a few years now, but what’s less well known is that the molecules of this moisture-loving ingredient are sometimes too big to penetrate into the skin. DCL’s latest serum is formulated with three different sized molecules to allow for greater absorption and hydration at a deeper level. Genius - and worth the price tag.

om

DCL Hydra Boost Finishing Serum, £98, Space NK, www.spacenk.com

Many of us swap our day cream for something a bit richer when the winter chill starts to set in and our complexions begin to show signs of dryness and dullness, but did you know that adding a serum into your nightly routine could make all the difference?

Packed with nourishing ingredients and actives that not only moisturise but boost your skin’s resilience and radiance, a serum is like a multi-vitamin that works from the outside in. Applied after cleansing but before moisturising, they are designed to target specific concerns, and there are clever new formulations coming out all the time, so it’s worth trying a few to find your perfect match.

HAIR & BEAUTY

1

24 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar, £45, The Body Shop, Swansea

Without a doubt, The Body Shop is always a strong contender for best beauty calendar each year.

Gorgeously designed, with cute feel-good messages written on the dinky boxes that contain 24 mini treats, this one holds £88 worth of swag, but is all yours for £45.

2

Technic Mini Nails Advent Calendar, £16, JD Williams, jdwilliams.co.uk With 24 mini nail varnishes - one for each day of Advent, this calendar is great for all budgets. There’s a good mix of colours too, from vibrant shades, to pastels and glitter.

y t u a e B

3

COUNTDOWN

laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk

24 Days Of Glamour Advent Calendar, £48, Sally Beauty, sallybeauty.co.uk.

4

@LawsDx

For something a little bit different, Sally Beauty is offering product junkies the chance to beautify their barnet this Advent, with 24 top picks from hair and beauty brands such as Tigi, Wella, Sienna X and OPI.

5

Sleek Make-up ‘A Gift A Day’ Calendar, £35, Boots, Swansea Lippies, eye pencils, nail varnish and brushes all come together in this glitzy box of treats.

The Advent Calendar, £55, ASOS.com

Showcasing all the brands popular with fashionistas, the ASOS beauty calendar is always worth a look (there’s even one for the man in your life this year). Bursting with 24 products - a good mix of makeup, haircare and skincare from brands like Smashbox and Cowshed - and a discount for the online store, which you could use on a new party dress.

7

46 swansealife.co.uk

LAURA DAVIES rounds up the best beauty Advent Calendars. The only decision you need to make is which one to buy

Exclusive Advent Calendar, £59.50, Rituals, John Lewis, Cardiff rituals.com.

Containing 24 gorgeous Rituals bath and body treats - including their bestselling Hammam Foaming Shower Gel and Sakura Body Cream - this calendar is worth splashing out on.

6

Morris & Co Advent Calendar, £39, JD Williams, jdwilliams.co.uk.

Hiding beautifully behind 24 William Morrisdesigned doors is the cutest array of travel-sized bath and beauty products. Everything’s based around two signature scents as well, so they’re perfect for lathering, layering and lazing around smelling heavenly.

Soap & Glory It’s a Calendar, Girls! £40, Boots, Swansea

Soap & Glory fans, rejoice - there’s a whole Advent calendar, crammed with beauty, body, make-up and skincare must-haves. Each one is guaranteed to make your day more fun.

8

9

No7 Beauty Advent Calendar, £40, Boots, Swansea and Parc Fforestfach

If you want this rather delectable No7 Advent calendar, you’ll need to get yourself on the waiting list at Boots.com now. Featuring the brand’s must-have make-up and skincare, all set in a glam, gold box, it’s perfect for party season and beyond.

10

11

Classic Beauty Advent Calendar, £49, L’Occitane, Cardiff

L’Occitane’s classic calendar has been an instant sell-out for the past three years, so be fast if you fancy this one.

Packed with 24 minis, from hand soaps and shower gels, to their infamous hand creams, the whole bundle is worth a total of £87.

13

2017 Beauty Advent Calendar, £35, M&S, Swansea

There’s even a Christmas Day treat in this uber-cute calendar from M&S. Available from November 9, the catch is you have to spend £35 on clothing and home. But, if you do that (and let’s face it, who isn’t going to spend £35 in M&S in the run-up to Christmas?), for another £35, this can be yours. Containing make-up, skincare, bath and body treats worth a total of £250, it’s worth snapping up.

12

Containing everything you could possibly need for the Christmas party season glittery make-up and nail art galore at an easy-on-thepurse price point.

What’s not to love?

This calendar features an array of different goodies, from hair bobbles and nail varnish, to body wash and lip balm. And it’s not too pricey, either.

Countdown To Radiant Skin Advent Calendar, £150, Elemis, Monks Spa at Machynys, Llanelli

If you are going to splash a lot of cash on a beauty calendar this year, make it this one.

Packed with decent-sized minis and even a full-size Pro-Collagen Marine Cream (worth £82 on its own), if you buy Elemis products, you may as well spend a bit more on this. In total, the products are worth a whopping £319.

Pretty as a picture, Laura Ashley’s Christmas calendar will look blooming lovely in the hallway. Within each little drawer, you’ll find one of their classic bath or beauty treats, each of which smells divine.

This colourful advent calendar (with it’s sweet Georgian townhouse design) is set to be a sell-out; act fast to get your hands on one.

Tucked away behind 24 doors is miniature Jo Malone colognes, candles and body creams. Even at this price don’t expect it to be on sale for long!

16

San Francisco Winter WonderGlam Advent Calendar, £34.50, Debenhams, Swansea

17

14

Laura Ashley Royal Bloom Advent Calendar, £40, Boots, Swansea

Jo Malone Advent Calendar, £300, Jo Malone, Cardiff

This calendar never disappoints and is probably one of the most purse-friendly options. For £34.50, you get spoiled for 12 days with miniature versions of some of the brand’s bestsellers. A few of the highlights include High Beam, Hoola bronzer, and Rollerlash mascara.

Beauty Advent Calendar, £25, House of Fraser, Cardiff

Jack Wills Beauty Advent Calendar, £35, Boots, Swansea

Clarins Advent Calendar, £60, Boots, Swansea The Clarins 12 day Christmas calendar includes hero products as well as new favourites from the beauty brand. As well as the popular Supra Volume Mascara, other treats include is a primer, rose shimmer, cleanse, hand and nail treatment cream and more.

15 18 swansealife.co.uk 47

Wedding Wonders From weddings to restyles, Helen Mainwaring’s Sketty Salon has it covered.

Jenny White met the former Toni & Guy stylist and her new wedding hair specialist, Ben Smith.

There’s nothing Helen Mainwaring and her colleague Ben Smith love more than the excitement of welcoming a bridal party. Ben has a special passion for wedding hair and all kinds of hair-up creations, and is really carving a name for himself as a creative and talented wedding hair specialist.

“I love the creativity of it and the fact that every bride wants something different,” he says. “We

get them in for a trial session to really find out what they want and go through a few ideas, and then the most rewarding bit is looking after them on their big day. I also love seeing the pictures afterwards - you see them happy and smiling and you know everything has come together and worked beautifully.”

Ben previously worked at Jamie Hill Salon, and Helen trained in London

with Toni & Guy. Between them they have a passion for trend-led, interesting hair and they love helping their clients get out of a rut and try something new.

“I especially love it when a client wants a crazy new hair colour,” says Helen, who stocks some of the most vivid, vibrant colours available. But while rainbow hair is one of her favourite things, she’s also adept at subtler, cutting edge techniques such as balayage.

Besides bridal hair, Ben enjoys putting hair up for other special occasions, and particularly loves it when a client wants something experimental and avant-garde.

“I’m always excited when someone wants something really different,” he says.

Ben and Helen’s expertise is backed by a commitment to the very best products, with evo, label.m, Wella and L’Oreal filling the shelves.

The salon is relaxed and welcoming but also has a modern, edgy feel in keeping with Helen and Ben’s arty spirit: “We like to make our

customers feel comfy not just spending time in the salon but also experimenting with their hair and trying something different,” says Helen.

She recently returned from a tattoo convention in Hong Kong, where she had a tattoo by wellknown artist Jenks, as well as being inspired by the hairdressing that was going on there.

“It was great to get exposed to other ideas and approaches,” she says.

Having the freedom to be truly creative was one of the reasons why she opened her own salon in 2014. Now her team is set

to expand as the salon builds on its success, gathering a growing reputation for everything from great colours and cuts to wedding hair.

“This job is about being creative, and transforming people,” says Helen.

“That’s what I love most of all.”

59 Eversley Rd, Sketty, Swansea SA2 9DE Tel: 01792 204121 website www.helenmainwaringhairdressing.co.uk

HAIR & BEAUTY

REAL WOMEN, WINNING LOOKS W ITH

C H R I S

H O W E L LS

Swansea based International Make Up Artist and current winner of the National Federation of Hairdressing’s Welsh Make Up Artist of the Year award, Chris Howells, gives a Swansea woman a new look.

WHO IS CHRIS HOWELLS? Chris is an International make-up artist who lives in Swansea. He has worked as a make-up artist for more than 15 years, working with a number of prestigious beauty brands including Laura Mercier.

He was trained by and worked for the iconic Laura Mercier herself, which has led to him travelling to some of the most prestigious beauty cathedrals and fashion shows around the globe. Chris won Welsh Make Up Artist of the Year 2016 in the National Federation of Hairdressing’s (NFH) annual and prestigious Welsh Hairdressing and Beauty Awards. Chris plans to use his experience and award winning tips to give Swansea Life readers expert advice and new looks.

MEET AYMEE...

Aymee is the owner/partner at LA Candy Beauty Suite in Gorseinon, and wanted me to help her achieve a glamorous modern evening look.

Aymee has gorgeous skin already, so just a little Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse dry oil followed by Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentre’ was all it needed to prep.

Cover FX Illuminating Primer was applied all over her face and neck. I used Cover FX Oil Free foundation in two shades and applied the matching shade with a sponge in a press and roll motion to the centre of her face, then in a shade deeper to the outer parts of the face. I used By Terry Click Expert Concealer under her eyes and around the nose, lips and on any blemishes to perfect the skin.

Before...

On Aymee’s cheeks, I used Laura Mercier Cream Blush in Canyon and blended it seamlessly with a soft brush and then set with Cover FX Iconic Perfect Setting Powder.

I applied Urban Decay Eye Primer to Aymee’s lids, right up to the brow, which helps to provide

WIN Your very own autumn make over with Chris!

All you need to do is send your details, along with a picture of yourself, to laura.davies@trinitymirror.com

a crease free base. Using Pat Mcgrath’s incredible new palettes Sublime and Subversive, I applied colour to her lids. I started with a warm, orangey-pink tone, applied into the eye socket and blended it out, followed by a purple tone into the crease of the eyelid, which I blend with a soft brush.

I then used a blue colour across the moving lid very gently blending it and then a beautiful bright green into the centre of the lid to create a spotlight. I lined Aymee’s eyes with Kat Von D tattoo line followed by lashings of Dior Blackout Waterproof Mascara and a pair of Eylure Exaggerate lashes. Her brows were defined with Eylure Brow Magician in Brown.

On Aymee’s lips I used Urban Decay Naked Matte Lipstick and a little Soft Pink lip gloss - just to make it pop! To finish, I used Victoria Beckham for Estee Lauder Modern Mercury Illuminator. I applied it using a soft brush to her cheekbones, the tip and bridge of her nose, the brow bone and on the chin to create the most amazing glow.

50 swansealife.co.uk

After...

swansealife.co.uk 51

HAIR & BEAUTY

NEW SEASON HAIR CARE

COLOUR POP!

Get hair ready to sparkle with this delightful duo that works together to nourish and smooth hair for silky soft, winter ready locks. Bestselling and multi-award winning Elasticizer and PK Prep Polishing Balm are presented in a fun cracker, which makes this the perfect little stocking filler for all hair types.

Philip Kingsley Polished Perfection Haircare Gift Set, £10, M&S, Swansea

Are you a matte lip maven, ever on the hunt for a lipstick that delivers superb colour and erases every last trace of shine from your pout?

Well, listen up, because Clinique Pop Lip Shadow Cushion Matte Lip Powder just might be your new holy grail make-up find. Inspired by backstage make-up artists, who press powder over lipstick to soak up any shine and give a truly matte finish, the new lippie is available in eight shades. Clinique Pop Lip Shadow Cushion Matte Lip Powder, £16.50, House of Fraser.

THIS MONTH

WE LOVE LAURA DAVIES rounds up some of her favourite products this month laura.davies@trinitymirror.com

@LawsDx

IT’S TIME FOR A WAKE UP Running on empty? Imagine how your skin feels. Late nights, early meetings and your status as a weekend warrior can sap skin of vital energy. It can leave it dry, lacklustre and looking kind of tired.

Origins created GinZing UltraHydrating Energy-Boosting Cream to serve as your skin’s morning shot (or three) of espresso. This crazy-rich cream packs some skin-tense moisture and smells fresh and zingy with oil blends of lemon, grapefruit and spearmint leaving skin feel completely energised and refreshed.

Origins GinZingUltra-Hydrating Energy-Boosting Cream, £25, www. origins.co.uk

GLOWING SKIN We love Laura Mercier’s Exotique Face Illuminator which highlights the skin with pure light-reflecting pigments for a colour-true, multidimensional, and luminous finish. Its non-dusting texture allows for excellent colour payoff and applies smoothly and evenly onto skin without dragging.

Designed to complement all skin tones, the unique formula brings natural-looking radiance to the complexion for an instant glow.

Laura Mercier Exotique Face Illuminator, £38, John Lewis, Cardiff

BEAUTY SLEEP

THE SCENTS OF XMAS

Savour the season with Pine and Eucalyptus’ scent collection from Jo Malone that captures the essence of winter. The crisp aroma of sweet pine is woven with velvety eucalyptus to create a revitalizing ambiance.The range features a Room Spray, Home Candle 200g, Diffuser and a Luxury Candle, 2.5kg. And this year all gifts are wrapped in prints created by British fashion designer Jonathan Saunders. £44 - £300, Jo Malone, Cardiff

Calm.com, the popular meditation app, has launched it’s first-ever offline product - a lavender-based pillow mist.

Calm Sleep Mist is mainly lavender, but also contains frankincense, chamomile and clary sage, made with 100 per cent pure essential oils. It really is deeply soothing and best of all, the mist has great staying power. Time for some Zzzz…

Calm Sleep Mist, £19.99 for 28ml, available from Calm.com

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS It’s the 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love, and San Francisco-based makeup brand Benefit, is celebrating with collectible “snow globes” featuring iconic feelin’ Frisco scenes. From the Golden “Glam” Bridge to the most twisted street in the world, these custom gift sets are jam-packed with Benefit cult-favourites and bestsellers. Pictured: Galifornia Love Kit Includes: Roller Lash in Black; Gimme Brow in 3 ands a mini GALifornia, £24.50, (Usually, £52.75) Benefit, Boots and Debenhams, Swansea

UNDER THE MISTLETOE We love Caudalie’s new tinted lip balms which are come in three sweet, fruity scents and subtle colours - baby pink Innocence, rose pink Seduction and raspberry red Addiction. French Kiss Trio, £20, John Lewis, Cardiff swansealife.co.uk 53

magic happen Make the

LOOK FANTASTIC THIS FESTIVE SEASON • Full range of botulinum toxin techniques and dermal fillers • Tear troughs, non-surgical rhinoplasty, lip, cheek and lower facial enhancement • Facial pain, TMJ dysfunction and headache management • Toxin from £190, fillers from £250, gift vouchers • 10% discount on tear trough correction during November & December (T&C's apply) • Professional and discrete clinic in North Gower, Swansea

DrDanFacial.com Clinic provides natural subtle enhancement in a professional clinical environment, visit www.drdanfacial.com or phone Sarah for a FREE consultation.

DrDanFacial.com Botulinum toxin & Fillers Mr Dan Ashworth FDS, FRCS (OMFS) Consultant Maxillofacial Surgeon

Penclawdd Dental Practice | West End | Penclawdd | Swansea | SA4 3YU Email: DrDanFacial@gmail.com | Telephone Sarah Ashworth on 07779 455071

Explore our new wonderfully indulgent all over body Cocoa Butter range in store and online today Available at selected Holland & Barrett stores and online at www.hollandandbarrett.com

www.drorganic.co.uk *of users said the product left their skin feeling moisturised after just one application, based on an independent consumer trial of 51 participants.

HAIR & BEAUTY

Makeover!

W ITH

L ARA

JOHNSO N

Mumbles stylist & salon owner Lara Johnson shares her tips in her monthly column.

Make over...

er Aft

Model: Kate Metcalf Occupation: Seamstress from Mumbles

KATE SAYS...

After the summer my hair was feeling dry and lifeless. I really felt that I needed a change.

My hair has been long for ages and most of the time it would end up in a top knot.

I wanted a look which had direction but was still soft. I was thinking about having a strong, bold, pinky colour to bring my look on trend as I felt drab and boring. I’m delighted with the way the team at Lara Johnson approached my re-style. Lee spent time listening to what I was thinking about and the styles I wear both in my hair and clothes. I was a little nervous about bringing up the length but I’m delighted. I do feel it is far more flattering and it feels so healthy. I love the colour. The team worked through different tones that took it away being just a block of colour. I feel like I have a new lease of life!

LARA JOHNSON LIFESTYLE SAYS: Kate is adventurous with what she wears.

I wanted to create a style that complimented her image by very much making a statement with her colour. It is important when you are creating a style that it not only suits the look but also the lifestyle. Kate is a busy working mum so we wanted a look that requires minimal styling and maintenance. I started with the colour. We love the current trend of bright and vivid tones. The only problem I find with them is that they can look very solid. We changed the feel by working with two different tones. I divided her hair into two main sections with the lower section shaped into a star section. After gently lifting the colour to a soft blonde we applied the Wella Instamatic range tones of Mute Mauve to the underneath and Pink Dream through the upper section. There is a very subtle difference between the colours that is just enough to create texture. The Instamatic colours will slowly fade, and when Kate fancies a change it can be removed quickly

56 swansealife.co.uk

and easily. We took her hair shorter as it is more flattering on Kate. I kept it long enough that it can be dressed easily. I worked layers through the shape but used freehand techniques so that the shape was soft and the mauve colour shows through.

Before...

er Aft

Step by step...

1

The Loose Curls Pony Tail A low-key look that still meets glamour in this stylish take on an everyday ponytail

2

A simple dressing that can completely change your look Difficulty Easy You Need Curling irons (we have used styling irons, but go for whatever you find easiest). A comb, A brush, Strong hair band, hair spray

Before...

1

Use the styling iron to create fairly loose curls. If your hair is stubborn or doesn’t hold a curl well spray with a small amount of hairspray.

2

Backcomb at the root through the top of the hair.

Comb gently on the forward sections so they are easy to smooth out

3 4

3

Tip For an even looser look try twisting the hair into four or five mini buns and dry using a diffuser.

Shake out and dress

4

Brush the hair back and smooth over the top creating shape. It can be as subtle or as strong as you feel.

Secure with a band and wrap a section around and secure with some spray and a hair pin or grip

CONGRATULATIONS! A massive well done to our very own columnists Lara Johnson and Dom Capel, who are finalists in one of the most prestigious British hair awards - HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards.

This is no small feat with the 2017 awards attracting hundreds of entries which take the form of photographic collections.

The winners of this and 15 other categories including the prized British Hairdresser of the Year title, are all to be announced at The British Hairdressing Awards, which, takes place at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London’s prestigious Park Lane on Monday, November 27. We all have our fingers crossed for you!

swansealife.co.uk 57

HAIR & BEAUTY

EMMA’S BEAUTY CHATTER Former Miss Wales Emma Jenkins is a TV make-up artist and presenter from Llanelli. This month she chooses her top picks for party season!. Follow her on Instagram/Twitter: @emmavjenx It’s time to dig out those sequins and sparkles to celebrate the ‘most wonderful time of the year!’ If, like me, you’re looking for a few simple additions to your beauty wardrobe to ensure you are the belle of the ball, then here are my top three must-have purchases!

BIG HAIR OR A SLEEK WAVE - THIS IS THE STYLER FOR YOU

FOUNDATION THAT LASTS AS LONG AS YOU DO

GET NAILED!

The ghd Curve Soft Curl tong is a fantastic styler to create a multitude of glamorous looks. If you’re a tong virgin and a little weary then check out my youtube video on how to create perfect Hollywood curls! £120, ghdhair.com

We all expect our makeup to be on its best behaviour over party season, even if we are not! Yves Saint Laurent have just launched the ultimate party base. The ‘All Hours’ liquid foundation comes in over 22 shades, is oil-free, high coverage and stays put for up to 24 hours! We all deserve a little luxury, get a colour match in store and treat yourself this month! Yves Saint Laurent All Hours Foundation, £33.50, John Lewis, Cardiff

What with everyone rushing to the nail salon to get some well needed TLC, you may not find an appointment so easily this time of year!

A quick-fix to all your nail problems is the Elegant Touch House of Holland Luxe Nails in Diamond Diva from Boots, Swansea. At just £12.99 they’re a fast track to fancy fingers!

From cleansing to clean eating, here are our top skincare tips for the over 50s...

USE NON-ALCOHOL BASED PRODUCTS Try using tonics and alcoholfree spritzers. We recommend a little spritzer bottle of organic rosewater which smells absolutely delicious and use a non-alcohol based skin tonic, especially when it’s warmer.

DON’T USE FOAMING CLEANERS The problem with anything that foams is that it disrupts the acidic barrier of the skin. Even if it’s just a very gentle soap or a mild foaming gel, it is going to impact on the pH balance of the skin. We recommend using a cleanser or an oil with a cloth.

We love Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, £16, John Lewis, Cardiff. They are also much more effective at shifting make-up.

USE SERUMS ON A DAILY BASIS Use a serum on a daily 58 swansealife.co.uk

Gut health really is your internal skin brightener and it’s really easy to do. I find I’m not very good at giving things up and I much prefer to add things in. It’s easy to add a spoonful of kimchi or a small glass of kefir to your diet.

basis - they are hugely helpful.

Look for serums that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and lots of essential fatty acids from plant oils.

These are lightweight, but quite powerful formulations.

USE AN OVERNIGHT FACIAL OIL There’s been quite a few clinical studies to show that rosehip oil can be really rejuvenating on skin. It’s full of vitamin E so it’s very good if you’ve been out and

about in the sun and it’s very good on scar tissue and age spots.

ADD PROBIOTICS INTO YOUR DIET There is an incredibly powerful link between our gut and our skin.

The vast majority of premature ageing is due to processes of inflammation and dermatological research has linked this to disturbances in our gut bacteria.

AVOID REFINED SUGAR Refined sugar is absolutely the big baddie and we just need to be aware of it. One of the reasons it’s not so good as we age is that it can trigger skin inflammation. Try opting for things like plain dark chocolate which is lower in refined sugars.

PRIORITISE SLEEP The experts pretty much all agree that the optimum number of hours is seven and a half a night. Not much more and not much less. Definitely avoid screens and get outside.

Research has shown that being outside gives you better quality of sleep.

Photo: www.justinharrisphotography.co.uk

BRIAN BROWN SALON MODELLING & MANAGEMENT AGENCY

01792 301901

1 BELLEVUE WAY • SWANSEA • SA1 5BZ

www.briandbrown.co.uk

Health & wellbeing

FOOD BENEFITS (page 62) DR CHARLOTTE (page 66) SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER (page 71)

DefyTime

Cosmetic Clinic & Medical Spa

466 Gower Road, Killay, Swansea, SA2 7DZ Tel: 01792 208466

FO O D B E N E F I TS

beetroot

Beetroot has been linked with better stamina, improved blood flood and lower blood pressure.

LAURA DAVIES looks at the food benefits. laura.davies@trinitymirror.com

Reduces ‘bad’ cholesterol and prevents plaque formation Beetroot is known to contain large amounts of soluble fibres, flavanoids and betacyanin. Betacyanin is the compound that gives beetroot its purplish-red colour and is also a powerful antioxidant. It helps reduce the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and does not allow it to deposit on the walls of the artery.

This protects the heart from potential heart attacks and stroke, reducing the need for medication.

Good for mumsto-be and their unborn child Another amazing quality of the root is that it has an abundant supply of folic acid. Folic acid is important for pregnant mums and unborn babies because it is an essential component for the proper formation of the unborn child’s spinal cord. Beetroot also gives mums-to-be that extra energy boost required during pregnancy.

62 swansealife.co.uk

@LawsDx

Beats Osteoporosis Beetroot is packed with mineral silica, an important component for the body to use calcium efficiently. Since calcium makes up our bones and teeth, having a glass of beetroot juice a day could help keep conditions such as osteoporosis and brittle bone disease at bay.

Keeps Diabetes under check People suffering from diabetes can fulfil their sweet craving by adding a little beetroot in their diet. Beets release sugars very slowly into the blood and helps to keep your blood sugar levels low. It is also low in calories and is fat-free making it a perfect vegetable for diabetics.

Lowers your Blood Pressure Levels

Beetroot is a great source of nitrates, which when consumed, is converted to nitrites and a gas called nitric oxides. Both help to widen the arteries and lower blood pressure.

Boosts brain power Drinking beetroot juice could increase a person’s stamina by 16 per cent, because of its nitrate content. It could also help in the proper functioning of the brain and beat the onset of dementia.

Other Fun Facts about Beets n Some people claim that the juice, massaged into

the scalp, can clear up dandruff n Since the Victorian era, people have used it to dye

their hair n It can be used as a sugar substitute when baking

cakes due to its naturally sweet taste n The Romans even used it as an aphrodisiac due to

its high levels of boron n In some cultures, it is believed that if a man and a

woman eat from the same beet, they will fall in love n Beets can be made into a wine-like

beverage that tastes like Port

Treats Anaemia Beetroot contains a lot of iron which helps in the formation of haemagglutinin, which is a part of the blood that helps transport oxygen and nutrients to various parts of the body.

Helps relieve fatigue Studies have found that beetroot can help to boost a person’s energy. Due to its nitrate content it helps dilate the arteries, therefore helping in the proper transportation of oxygen to various parts of the body, increasing a person’s energy. Also because the root is a rich source of iron, it helps in improving a person’s stamina.

Beats constipation Because of its high soluble fibre content, beetroot acts as a great laxative. It helps in regularising your bowel movement by softening stools. It also cleanses the colon and flushes out the harmful toxins from the stomach.

Improves sexual health and stamina Also known as ‘natural viagra’, beetroot has been commonly used in a number of ancient customs to boost one’s sexual health. Since the vegetable is a rich source of nitrates it helps release nitric oxide into the body, widening the blood vessels, and increasing blood flow to the genitals – a mechanism that medicines like Viagra seek to replicate.

swansealife.co.uk 63

MON - KILLAY St Hilary’s Church, 462 Gower Rd, Killay SA2 7DZ 9.30a.m & 11.30a.m Tel: Allison 07890 293931

TUES - LLANGYFELACH Church Hall, Swansea Rd, Llangyfelach SA5 7JQ 4.15p.m & 6.15p.m Tel: Amanda 07815 989756

MON - LLANSAMLET Mercure Hotel Swansea Enterprise Park Llansamlet SA7 9EG 9.30a.m & 11.30a.m Tel: Sam 07949 476411

TUES - ABERCRAVE Abercrave Miners Hall Tanyrallt, SA9 1XA 5.30p.m Tel: Jacqui 07792 582663

MON - LLANSAMLET Swansea Enterprise Park Llansamlet SA7 9EG 3.30p.m, 5.30p.m & 7.30p.m Tel: Kurtis 07939 409617 MON - YSTALYFERA Ystalyfera RFC Ffordd Glandwr SA9 2ER 9.30a.m & 11.30a.m Tel: Gemma 07894327584 or 01639 845396 MON - YSTALYFERA Ystalyfera RFC Ffordd Glandwr SA9 2ER 3.30p.m, 5.30p.m & 7.30p.m Tel: Gemma 07894327584 or 01639 845396 MON - COCKETT The Side of St Peter’s Church Cockett, SA2 0FW 3.30pm, 5.30p.m & 7.30p.m Tel: Kathryn 07794 543866

WED - UPLANDS Pantygwydr Baptist Church Ernald Place, Uplands SA2 0Hn 5p.m & 7p.m Tel: Allison 07890 293931 WED - PONTARDAWE nSCC The Factory Church St, Pontardawe SA8 4JB 3.30p.m & 5.30p.m Tel: Sharon 07495 747268 WED - CWMRHYDYCEIRW Tabernacle Church Hall Cwmrhydyceirw SA6 6LH 5.30p.m & 7.30p.m Tel: Molly 07724 647618 THURS - BIRCHGROVE Birchgrove Community Centre Lon Gwesyn, Birchgrove SA7 9LD 9.30a.m Tel: Susan 01792 523695

TUES - TRALLWN Trallwn Community Centre Bethal Rd, Llansamlet SA7 9QT 5.30p.m & 7.30p.m Tel: Joanna 01792 927474

THURS - SWANSEA St. David’s Church Hall St. David’s Square (By Iceland) Swansea City Centre, SA1 3nG 11a.m & 1p.m Tel: Christine 01792 701804

TUES - ST. THOMAS St. Thomas Church Hall Benthal Hall, Lewis St St. Thomas SA1 8BP 5.30p.m & 7.30p.m Tel: Molly 07724 647618

THURS - YSTRADGYNLAIS Glanrhyd Coronation Club Glannant Ystradgynlais SA9 1BG 5.30p.m & 7.30p.m Tel: Nicola 07718 053121

TUES - MANSLETON The Mary Cave Centre Brondeg, Manselton, SA5 8PZ 5p.m & 7p.m Tel: Allison 07890 293931

THURS - BIRCHGROVE Birchgrove Community Centre Lon Gwesyn, Birchgrove SA7 9LD 5.30p.m & 7.30p.m Tel: Susan 01792 523695

THURS - MANSLETON The Mary Cave Centre Brondeg, Manselton SA5 8PZ 4.30p.m & 6.30p.m Tel: Amanda 07815 989756 THURS - KILLAY Siloam Baptist Church Goetre Fach Rd, Killay SA2 7SG 3.30p.m, 5.30p.m & 7.30p.m Tel: Joanna 01792 927474 FRI - GORSEINON new Lodge, Alexandra Rd Gorseinon, SA4 4DE 9.30a.m & 11.30a.m Tel: Irene 01656 861648 FRI - MANSLETON Manselton The Mary Cave Centre, Brondeg, Manselton SA5 8PZ 9.30a.m & 11.30a.m Tel: Amanda 07815 989756 SAT - YSTRADGYNLAIS Glanrhyd Coronation Club Glannant, Ystradgynlais SA9 1BG 9.00a.m & 11.00a.m Tel: Nicola 07718 053121 SAT - CWMBWRLA Gordon Moore Centre (FOYD) 300 Carmarthen Rd 8.30a.m & 10.30a.m Tel: Kurtis 07939 409617

An opportunity to become a Slimming World Consultant in the Swansea area. new groups waiting to be opened.

For more info contact Sam on: 07949 476411

IS YOUR CHILD INELIGIBLE FOR ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT, OR ARE YOU TIRED OF WAITING? WE CAN HELP, WITH CHILDREN'S PRIVATE SPECIALIST ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT FROM UNDER £10 PER MONTH*.

DENTAL IMPLANTS • ORTHODONTICS FAMILY AND COSMETIC DENTISTRY Contact us today to arrange your first consultation: COMPREHENSIVE DENTAL & IMPLANT CLINIC

Woods Dental, 65 Walter Rd, Uplands, Swansea, SA1 4PT E: info@woodsdental.co.uk T: 01792 476 714 www.woodsdental.co.uk *Finance 9.9% APR over 5 yrs subject to approval, terms and conditions.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

ASK

DR. CHARLOTTE

WOMEN AND HAIR LOSS It is not that uncommon for ladies to come and see us concerned about their hair at all ages of their life, but particularly after the menopause.

Many report feeling guilty that “they are wasting our time on something so cosmetic” but be reassured, we understand how scary the prospect of losing your hair can be and how it can know your confidence.

IS HAIR LOSS NORMAL?

We all lose hair every day and that is normal at all ages - the medical term is alopecia. It can happen gradually or suddenly and can vary considerably.

Some people have thinning and excess shedding, whereas some have discrete bald patches, whereas others develop progressive thinning to the front and top of the head extending backwards similar to a male pattern balding (this tends to be inherited). Many of the conditions will see hair regrowth if the underlying problem is addressed.

This month Sketty GP and Swansea Life doctor Charlotte Jones, looks at hair loss

However, after the menopause, when we have less oestrogen circulating, we can particularly notice that the hair appears finer OR thinner.

This is because oestrogen contributes to thickening the hair follicle and promotes hair growth. There are also many other factors that can affect hair thickness or hair loss, e.g. genetic links, alopecia, polycystic ovarian syndrome, stress, dramatic weight loss, chemotherapy treatment, iron or B12 deficiency and thyroid problems to name but a few.

SO WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Easy to say, but try not to panic.

Think about what could be causing it, e.g. do you or could you have any of the above conditions such a low iron which is not that uncommon in ladies as we lose blood each month with our periods. n Look at your diet – make sure your diet is healthy with fresh fruit and vegetables and a good amount of protein. n Consider taking a general multivitamin supplement to boost your natural body vitamins and minerals – these tend to be safe for all people but if you are unsure, check with your pharmacist. n See your hairdresser – they are very used to advising clients on what they can see happening to the hair on your scalp, advising on styles that will suit and avoiding things that may be putting more traction on the hair follicles.

They can also often n n

advise on other techniques to cover the loss e.g. scarves / wigs or will know who and where you can get this advice from. n Support groups can be an invaluable source of advice e.g. Alopecia UK. n There are a wide array of products available in chemists and your pharmacist is well placed to advise on this as well as some medication based treatments (e.g. a hair lotion called minoxidil which is available privately and on prescription). n You may want to see your doctor especially if you think you could have one of the conditions above. Your doctor will help work out the cause for the loss and hopefully be able to find a treatment to help and, if necessary, refer you to a specialist for their expert guidance. n A useful website to look at, which I suggest patients consider, is NHS Choices.

D O YO U WA N T STRAIGHTER TEETH? LEAVE IT TO THE PROFESSIONALS, WITH SPECIALIST ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT FROM £27.30 PER MONTH*

DENTAL IMPLANTS • ORTHODONTICS FAMILY AND COSMETIC DENTISTRY Contact us today to arrange your first consultation: COMPREHENSIVE DENTAL & IMPLANT CLINIC

Woods Dental, 65 Walter Rd, Uplands, Swansea, SA1 4PT E: info@woodsdental.co.uk T: 01792 476 714 www.woodsdental.co.uk *Finance 9.9% APR over 5 yrs subject to approval, terms and conditions.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

20 bad habits for Are your jeans feeling that bit tighter and you have a ‘muffin top’ sitting prominently on your waistband? laura.davies@trinitymirror.com

1

6

@LawsDx

YOU SKIP THE PROTEIN

BECOME A SLEEPING (THINNER) BEAUTY

A lack of sleep may cause us to eat 300-400 more calories the next day. And in order to keep energy levels high we tend to choose sugary or starchy quick fixes. Just one extra hour of sleep each night can increase leptin, the hormone which suppresses appetite.

If your diet is lacking in protein then you may be more inclined to go back for seconds. Including protein in your meal helps slow down digestion, leaving you feeling more satisfied and fuller for longer. This in turn can help with weightloss, as you’re less likely to have as many calories.

YOU’RE ADDICTED TO SOCIAL MEDIA

YOU CUT OUT ALL FATS FROM YOUR DIET

2

Always checking Facebook and scanning your Instagram feed constantly throughout the day, ring any bells? Anyone who’s spending a lot of time on Facebook or Instagram is likely to be less active, and online connections, even for those who have a lot of online ‘friends’, are much less satisfying and fulfilling than real human contact. This could increase the tendency to comfort eat, to boost levels of ‘feel-good’ chemicals such as serotonin that are lacking as a consequence.

3

YOU DON’T READ FOOD LABELS

Do you scan the shelves and select ‘gluten free,’ ‘sugar free’ or ‘low fat,’ in the hope that it can help shift those stubborn pounds? Unfortunately, that’s exactly what could be increasing our fat around the middle. ‘If a food or drink is described as ‘low sugar’, ‘slim line’ or ‘diet’, it will usually contain an artificial sweetener. These sweeteners have been linked to mood swings and depression, and it has been found that people who regularly use artificial sweeteners tend to gain weight because they can slow down the digestive process and increase appetite.

YOUR DIET LACKS PROBIOTICS

4

Our stomach is made up of good and bad bacteria, called gut flora, which has a controlling influence over many important body functions, including metabolism and fat reduction. However, our lifestyle habits (taking antibiotics, diet high in sugar, stress, alcohol) damage our gut bacteria.‘Feed the good bacteria with fibrous foods and plenty of probiotics, which you can find in fermented foods (Kombucha tea, sauerkraut, yogurt, kefir and apple cider vinegar are all examples of probiotic-rich superfoods that balance your gut flora) or include a supplement in your diet.

5

YOU RAID THE SNACK TIN Emotional eating never resolves the underlying issue and leads to guilt and shame. Always have a list of non-food related self-soothing activities to hand. By having a relaxing bath, taking a walk or watching your favourite programme, you can lift your mood in a natural and healthy way.

7

Fat is an essential part of our diet and should not be avoided. We need to eat the right kind of fats: oily fish, nuts, seeds and seed oils in order to obtain essential omega 3 and 6 fats which are necessary for our health. What we should be avoiding are the processed fats found in junk food and bakery products.

8

YOU RAID THE FRIDGE BEFORE DRINKING WATER

Often when we think we’re hungry we’re actually thirsty. Drink a glass of water and wait 20 minutes before reaching for a snack.

YOU SIT AT YOUR DESK ALL DAY, WITHOUT ANY EXERCISE

9

Being a desk jockey can affect your belly fat. Sitting eight hours at a desk without breaks means you’re losing out on physical activity that can help you burn calories; it also decreases activity of the fat-burning enzyme lipoprotein lipase. You should also try walking around the office more and always opt to take the stairs.

YOU EAT ON THE RUN It gives your body the message that time is scarce, you are under pressure and stressed. Furthermore, your digestive system will be less efficient. Make a point of sitting down and eating your food as calmly as possible.

11

10

YOU’RE CONSTANTLY SNACKING

If you feel like you are constantly grazing throughout the day, then you are likely to be adding unnecessary calories to your diet. If you find yourself polishing off a whole packet of biscuits, it may be time to eliminate them from your living space. Processed

boosting belly fat LAURA DAVIES looks at the top tips on how to break the 20 worst habits that can increase your love handles

foods can be highly addictive, so why torture yourself by keeping them within arms reach? If you want to snack, try a handful of almonds. They are rich in protein and healthy fats, giving you the energy boost you need whilst balancing blood sugar. This snack is exactly what we need to prevent carbohydrate and sugar cravings.

12

YOU EAT IN FRONT OF THE TV

Do you eat your meals in front of a screen? Then turn if off. You can eat up to 70 per cent more if distracted by watching the TV or in a cinema. Research has shown that eating lunch in front of your computer makes it harder to remember what you have eaten and then you don’t feel as full. As a result, you will then be looking for something else to eat. In one study, computer users then ate twice as many biscuits half an hour later than the non-computer users eating lunch!

13

YOU RUSH THROUGH YOUR MEALS

Meal times shouldn’t be a race to the finish line. Take your time to chew and put your fork down between each bite.

Remember it takes time for our bodies to register we are full, the slower we eat the less likely we are to go back for seconds.

FRUIT JUICE COUNTS TOWARDS YOUR 5 A DAY

15

Optical illusion can make us eat more than we think.

Larger plates can make a serving of food appear smaller, however smaller plates can lead us to misjudge the same quantity of food to be significantly larger.

16

17

SUCKED IN BY FOOD ENVY

Do you search the menu of a restaurant before you go, selecting a healthier alternative so you don’t over indulge when you get there? But – as soon as your friend orders the likes of a double cheeseburger you cave and go for a similar option? Side step the food envy by ordering first. If your friend orders the creamy pasta dish first, temptation may kick in – it’s easy to get swayed by people’s choices.

Eliminate temptation by ordering first.

YOU LET STRESS GET THE BETTER OF YOU

YOU GIVE IN TO PERIOD CRAVINGS

When surfing the crimson wave, do you constantly think about food and allow yourself to binge on all your favourite treats? The chemicals in our body- dopamine, serotonin and cortisol all play a role in appetite regulation. These are affected by hormones in your body, including sex hormones. This is why when you have

18

Do you struggle to control your stress levels?

This can have an impact on your waistline. After a stressful event cortisol levels in the blood often remain high for a while, effectively increasing your appetite because your body thinks you should refuel after all this fighting or fleeing. This means people under constant stress quite often feel constantly hungry. Worse, their body urges them to stock up on the foods it thinks will be most useful after all that ‘activity’ – carbohydrates (like sugar) and fats.To de-stress and relax, try yoga, a hot bath, massage, read a novel, listen to music or go for a walk.

14 19

Fruit juice often sounds very innocent but this is actually quite a sugary drink (in the form of fruit sugar called fructose) – even if it’s free from added sugar. Eating whole fruit is much better for you because of the fibre and this helps to support our digestive system – especially having a healthy bowel movement every day. Cut down on fruit juice for your waist size and to protect your teeth from tooth decay.

YOU USE LARGE PLATES

hormonal fluctuations, such as just before menstruation, you may find yourself with a bigger appetite and in search or sweet or fatty foods. To help beat the fatty cravings try a snack including protein and complex carbohydrates. Try eating a boiled egg with some vegetable sticks, or some oat cakes with nut butters.

YOU SKIP YOUR VEGGIES

Are your meals often lacking vegetables? This can be a significant way of you adding calories to your diet, by filling your plate with other food groups, such as carbs. Soups are a fantastic way of boosting your veg intake and using any odds and ends of vegetables in the fridge, especially those that are starting to look a bit limp and sad! Gently steam all vegetables, add lots of garlic, onions and herbs such as rosemary, thyme. Then blend in a food mixer or liquidiser.

Serve hot or cold!

YOU REFUSE TO ‘DETOX’ YOUR CUPBOARDS Out of sight – out of mind. If you’ve got into a habit of munching away on unhealthy snacks on movie nights, it may be time to detox your kitchen of unnecessary junk.

Stock your cupboards with healthy snacks like fruit, nuts, seeds, hummus and crudités or homemade bliss balls.

20

YOUR NO 1 FOR CHRISTMAS

2017

Book your tickets online

VillageHotels.com/Christmas 0r call 01792 341270

CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH 4 Course with all the trimmings

Inspiration Suite Restaurant

£60 adult £30 child £70 adult £35 child

NEW YEAR’S EVE

Inspiration Suite Restaurant Pub

£68 adult

£35 adult £17.50 child £20 adult

Village Hotel Swansea, Langdon Road, Off Fabian Way. Swansea SA1 8QY

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

HOW TO BANISH

Seasonal Affective Disorder Autumn is here and with it comes dark, dull and miserable days. With the lack of sun, it’s important that we avoid the onset of Seasonal Affective Disorder also known as SAD, which is estimated to affect one in three people in the UK. Despite the lack of sun, it’s vitally important to maintain an intake of vitamin D, for the benefits it brings to the way we feel and our general mood. LAURA DAVIES looks at how to beat the blues laura.davies@trinitymirror.com

1. VITAMIN D, VITAMIN D, VITAMIN D! Vitamin D is important to our mental wellbeing. There is a reason other than the gleaming tans, that the warm summer sun puts a smile on our face, and that is the abundance of vitamin D it provides us with.

Vitamin D is the most effective way to beat the blues. It plays a crucial role in disease prevention and maintaining optimal health, and a deficiency keeps a part of the brain, the hypothalamus, from working which in turn can leave us feeling sleepy, lethargic and demotivated.

To beat deficiency you can: take Vitamin D supplements; get outside whenever the sun appears and eat foods such as cheese, egg yolk, orange juice, soy milk, cereals, tuna, mackerel and salmon.

2. EAT FOODS RICH IN OMEGA-3

Eat plenty of foods rich in omega-3 such as fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds – eating healthily is an immediate mood boost as fatty foods make the body sluggish and bloated.

3. EXERCISE

As difficult as it is to get up and out when the weather is cold and the sky is bleak, exercising can do so much for your morale.

Regular exercise has been proven to help with traditional types of depression, and SAD is no different. Staying active increases the production of feel-good chemicals that can help ease depressive feelings. You don’t need to run a marathon, but fitness classes,

@LawsDx

DID YOU KNOW: SAD affects 1 in 3 people 40 per cent more likely to affect women n 29 per cent of British adults experiencing symptoms n 1 in 5 adults in the UK already have a vitamin D deficiency n n

treadmills, yoga will all help. You can even combine exercise with getting natural sunlight.

4. HEALTHY DIET

A healthy diet can make anyone feel good about themselves, so why not combat those winter-in-summer-blues with a focus on healthy eating. While people with SAD often crave comfort foods such as sugary snacks, eating a healthy diet can leave you feeling and looking great. Lots of lean protein, leafy greens and fish will keep those hormones in check.

5. REACH OUT FOR HELP

SAD is a form of depression, and like any depression, it’s vitally important to talk to people about the way you feel. SAD can undoubtedly leave you feeling extremely isolated, so it’s important to voice your feelings to those closest – who you know will do anything they can to help. Be sociable, exercise in groups and stay in touch with

friends. Being around other people will improve your mood and reduce any feelings of isolation.

6. WRITE DOWN ANY PESSIMISTIC THOUGHTS

Rid the mind of pessimistic thoughts by writing them down at the end of a day. This will improve positivity upon waking up and the body will feel fresh and revitalised after eliminating the negative energy.

7. AROMATHERAPY Essential oils and aromatherapy can help with SAD as they target the location of the brain that is responsible for mood control, sleep and hunger – steaming with an essential oil is a very relaxing way of utilising this technique.

8. RAISE YOUR SPIRITS WITH CARBS

Carbohydrates such as peas, beans, whole grains and vegetables can help to regulate levels of serotonin (a mood regulator in the body) and so eating a reasonable quantity of these daily can raise spirits.

9. TRY TO STAY POSITIVE AND EMBRACE THE POSITIVES AROUND YOU!

Easier said than done I know, but it’s important to sit down and think of all of the positives around you, while writing down pessimistic thoughts to get them out of your system as mentioned in step 5 will help – writing the positives will be equally as rewarding.

swansealife.co.uk 71

GIVE A

gift experience THIS CHRISTMAS

SPA TREATMENTS | A LA CARTE DINNER | GOLF LESSONS SHORT BREAKS | A ROUND OF GOLF | SUNDAY LUNCH GOLF MEMBERSHIP | PAMPER DAY | AFTERNOON TEA MONETARY VOUCHERS AND MUCH MUCH MORE...

CLICK OR COLLECT – THE CHOICE IS YOURS!

Vale Resort, Hensol Park, Hensol, Vale of Glamorgan, CF72 8JY

SL.10.17

01443 667800 | www.valeresort.com/gifts

Bride

REAL LIFE WEDDING (page 74) CENTRE PEICES (page 76) WE LOVE (page 79)

BRIDE

real life wedding Emma Donohoe and Dale Reynolds Emma Donohoe, 27, married Dale Reynolds, 30, a mechanic from Mayhill at Llangyfelach Church. The couple, who now live in Townhill, had their reception at Manor Park Country House. JESS HAMMETT speaks with the bride‌

How did the proposal happen?

Dale proposed after we had our son in February 2010. We had our engagement party on April 7, 2010, and we got married on April 8, 2017. We didn’t actually plan to get married nearly exactly seven years after our engagement party, it just happened! It was really nice to have that connection.

Where did you get married, was it difficult to choose a venue?

We got married in Llangyfelach Church, and we had our reception at Manor Park Country House. It wasn’t difficult to choose a venue.

When I started planning, I knew exactly what I wanted. I’d previously seen pictures of a wedding at the church, and I fell in love with how beautiful it was. I’ve also been to a few receptions at Manor Park, and knew it would be a perfect place for our reception.

How would you describe your wedding theme?

It was romantic and pretty, following a colour scheme of rustic pink. My four bridesmaids wore pink, as well as my daughter who was a flower girl.

Did you have a wedding planner, or did you take a DIY approach?

I was very organised! I started planning in January 2016 and by May everything was booked and in place. The Wedding Business based in Upper Killay arranged our flowers and made the table decorations. We had fifteen tables, and seven had candelabras and the others had chandelier stands with flowers. There was also a beautiful flower arch over our cake. My mother’s corsage and all of the men’s buttonholes were also made by them, and complimented the rustic pink colour scheme.

The table plan, invitations and table numbers were all made by Simply Elegant Wedding Services, based on Carmarthen Road. Janet, from Cakes by Janet in Neath, made our wedding cake. It was absolutely beautiful, encrusted with diamonds. It was five tiers of different flavours, including vanilla, chocolate, traditional wedding cake and carrot cake!

Tell us about your wedding dress…

I bought my dress in the first shop I visited.

It was on the mannequin in the window of Allison Jayne. Even though I tried on other dresses, I knew that the one on display was for me! The seamstress in Allison Jayne was superb. She altered it to fit and added a gorgeous lace panel to the back. I had a cathedral veil to match.

Tell us about your beauty prep for the day…

I had Jessica and Jemma from Aspire in

Mansel Street to do our hair. Jessica did my hair, which was pinned from the back of my neck.

Jemma did the bridesmaids’ hair, which was curled and loosely pinned up. Lauren Maxi-Leigh did our makeup. I went for a full glam look to compliment my dress!

– and everybody was mesmerised by him.

We also had a singer, Karl Lewis from Port Tennant, who sang for everyone whilst waiting for the evening guests to arrive. We also had a DJ in the evening, Lee Heaven, and he was fantastic!

What was your favourite moment?

One of my favourite moments was when my uncle came to see me in the morning at my mother’s house. He was my usher, and the moment I saw him I started crying! I loved that moment because that’s when it sank in that I was getting married, and I started to get emotional. Seeing Dale at the end of the aisle was also a wonderful moment. The whole day was my favourite, really!

How important was photography to your wedding day?

Photography was really important to us.

Our photo album is fantastic. The cover is glass, and on the first page there is a gorgeous photograph of Dale and I. It’s absolutely stunning.

What was your first dance?

Our first dance was to Ed Sheeran’s ‘Perfect’.

The words in the song are so fitting, as it says ‘we were still kids when we fell in love’. I was 16 when I met Dale, so we were still kids. No one had heard of it in the wedding as it was on his album, but when I was listening to it in the car I realised just how perfect it was for us!

Did you have any entertainment?

Yes, we had a magician – Luke the Magician

Do you have any advice for brides to be?

Know that all the stress prior to the big day is worth it! It really is. We still can’t believe it’s over, and we’re convinced weddings should last for a whole weekend! It’s mad how fast the day goes. Also, definitely have a break from planning now and then. I was getting really ahead of myself, and I was buying things for the sake of it. It’s important to take a step back from it sometimes!

Pictures: Justin Harris, www.justinharrisphotography.co.uk

BRIDE

a focal point Decorate your wedding tables with eye catching centrepieces. LAURA DAVIES rounds up creations from floral fancies to classic candleabras laura.davies@trinitymirror.com

@LawsDx

Pictures: Š Getty Images

76 swansealife.co.uk

Have your Picture Perfect Wedding At Norton House Hotel we offer comfort, style and service, ensuring your special day is one to remember

Weddings l Functions l Restaurant l Accommodation

Fully Refurbished Venue

2

nd

Sunday of every month NOVth

16 17 th

Sunday Jazz Lunch, 12noon - 2.30pm second Sunday of every month Come and enjoy Sunday Lunch at the Norton House Hotel, with Entertainment from A Jazz Trio

Packages start from just ÂŁ25pp

Beaujolais Nouveau 2017, Nov 16/17, 1pm 4 Course Meal, Half Bottle of Wine Per Person, Entertainment from 4 - 10pm, Light Evening Buffet

Picturesque scenery on our doorstep

Norton Road, Mumbles, Swansea, SA3 5TQ

01792 404 891

enquiries@nortonhousehotel.co.uk

www.nortonhousehotel.co.uk Weddings l Functions l Restaurant l Accommodation

BRIDE

Emma Bridgewater Mr & Mrs Guest Book, £12, John Lewis, Cardiff

Wedding Wish Jar, £10, Next, Morfa Retail Park

Fujifilm Instax 300 Wedding Pack with Instant Camera, 60 Shots, Photo Mounts, Wedding Guest Book and Pen, £149, John Lewis, Cardiff

© Pippa Carvell Photography

Heart Shape Wooden Jigsaw Guest Book, £18, Hobbycraft, Pontarddulais Road Retail Park

Signing Frame, £49.99, Confetti.co.uk

be our guest Whether you choose a traditional guest book or opt for an alternative wedding wish idea, LAURA DAVIES rounds up some inspiration for your big day laura.davies@trinitymirror.com

@LawsDx

Guestbook, £19.99, www.gofindagift.com

© Pure Creations

78 swansealife.co.uk

Ginger Ray Wooden Frame Wedding Guest Book, £25, John Lewis, Cardiff

Wooden Wishing Tree Guest Book, £18.99, www.partypieces.co.uk

BRIDE

GUEST BOOK KEEPSAKE This is a beautiful way to create a bespoke keepsake from your big day! It’s available in five background colours and it features an engraved wooden plaque with two names, a date and an address. You can choose from 60, 80 or 100 heart-shaped tokens, which guests can personalise and drop into the wooden box. It’s perfect for your wedding reception and it’s ready to display on the wall as a long lasting memento of the day. Personalised Wedding Drop Box With Tokens, £164.99, GettingPersonal.co.uk

FOR THE BEST MAN

English Pewter Company Best Man Pocket Watch, £28, Next, Morfa Retail Park

THIS MONTH

WE LOVE LAURA DAVIES rounds up some of her favourite products this month laura.davies@trinitymirror.com

@LawsDx

MAP YOUR PLAN Perfect if you are having a travel-themed wedding.

Map Wedding Travel Plan, £10.50, notonthehighstreet.com

THANK YOU!

Make it personalise by giving your bridesmaids their initial charm from your big day. It could also be a nice touch incorporated into their floral posies.

Thomas Sabo Sterling Silver Charm Club Letter Charm, £24, Stephen Hughes, Swansea

PRETTY MAIDS

Looking for the perfect bridesmaid’s dresses for your big day? Let us make it easy for you with Dorothy Perkins’ gorgeous collection of bridesmaid dresses available to buy now. Available in an array of colours, lengths and fits for petite and tall bridesmaids too, there’s sure to be a style to suit everyone.

We love this dress, which is a steal at £85.

SAY I DO AT SOSBAN, LLANELLI

LA VIE EN ROSE

One of South Wales’ most innovative restaurants is welcoming couples to-be after being granted a full wedding licence. Situated in a Grade II listed building its dramatic interior and exterior offer the perfect backdrop. The waterside location, striking stone tower and exposed brick and wood-beam interior, offer stunning photograph opportunities on-site and is also just a short drive from picturesque Sandy Water Park and many of Carmarthenshire’s beautiful beaches. Sosban is available for exclusive hire, and can cater for up to 160 guests and also boasts a large sun terrace ideal for guests to enjoy cocktails and canapés.

Mumbles wedding designer Stephanie Allin has revealed her new 2018 collection. The inspiration for La Vie en Rose was is based on the history and romance of beautiful Provence, by deciding to shoot the campaign images in the region, it has led the way for a dreamy, romantic and eclectic collection. Set in a breathtaking 18th century chateau in a sleepy Provencal village, Stephanie’s dresses oozes romance and class and perfectly compliment the stunning surrounding. Soft chiffons, pastel coloured beading, printed silk and low back details encompass Stephanie’s love for fashion and her unique ability to enhance a woman’s natural shape. Stephanie Allin, Mumbles

LOOKING FOR THAT HONEYMOON SUITCASE ESSENTIAL?

Introducing the Havaianas Luna Special, complete with a delicate design, sophisticated straps and finished with Swarovski crystals. These will make sure you step onto the beach feeling effortlessly stylish after your big day - no matter the honeymoon destination. Available in four colours.

GREAT FOR THE TOP TABLE!

Set of 6 Votives, £9.99, Next, Morfa Retail Park

Havaianas Luna Special, £45, www.havaianas-store.com swansealife.co.uk 79

understated luxury, intimate dining and perfect romance

Gift a little bit of the Grove this Christmas.

A selection of gift experiences are now available. info@thegrove-narberth.co.uk

www.thegrove-narberth.co.uk

Food & drink

QUAY 3 (page 82) SIAN DAY (page 84) COOKBOOKS (page 89)

Norton Road, Mumbles, Swansea, SA3 5TQ 01792 404 891 www.nortonhousehotel.co.uk

enquiries@nortonhousehotel.co.uk Nortonhousemumbles @nortonhousemumb

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

LOVE AT SECOND SIGHT! PETER SLEE re-visits Quay 3 in Meridian Wharf and likes what he finds there... peter.slee@trinitymirror.com

@PeterSlee56

My brain, as you might imagine, is terrifically cluttered with memories of restaurants. Ones that sparkled, others that gently fizzled as well as one or two that are best forgotten.

But Quay 3 in Swansea’s marina, which regretfully I called in on a year or so ago and for some reason haven’t been back to since, lives on in my mind as a really great place to hang out and eat in.

It’s the sort of place that makes me gently disgruntled with my jammy, ever-stimulating schedule that stops me going back. But if anyone asks me where to eat, last-minute, I’d say, ‘Give Quay 3 a go’.

We were in the area and arrived at 7.30 on a Friday night with a small group of friends planning to have an abstemious glass of something, maybe some olives, perhaps a teensy plate of rustic breads.

In fairness, just about everyone else in the place was already launched into its menu, the tables were laden with goodies and temptations high. So we declared the weekend officially open and joined them. Well, why not.

Sometimes these things just have to be done, don’t they?

One of several things that impresses on the restfully short’ish menu is the relatively modest price of dishes.

We ordered some belly pork with black pudding (£7.95) to start. Delicious. The beetroot spaghetti (£5.95) was rather lovely, too, arriving with goats cheese and black sesame and festooned in purple basil.

For me, a first rate fillet steak with hand-cut chips, some excellent green leaves and a good peppercorn sauce.

Then for one of our group, and from its very new fish bar, an excellent offering of Tuna Nicoise with green beans, dill potatoes, confit egg yolks, black olive puree and a

82 swansealife.co.uk

smattering of nicely salty anchovies. (£15.95) It was though probably the seafood linguine that was the stand-out dish. An affable bowl of coils of silky pasta in a bowl surrounded by curls of crisped squid, steamed mussels and cockles covered in a seafood velouté that is heavy with the cooking juices. Terribly moreish.

Salt Marsh lamb burger with fat chunks of triple cooked chips (£13.95) was another welcome hit. .

But this is not the full picture.

For despite its website failing to mention it, the kitchen here also offers a brilliant vegan menu. No, not yet another plate of stuffed peppers and cous cous or vegetable tagine. And not borderline edible items like bark, pollen, moss and activated sprouts either.

Here, there is stuff you actually want to want to eat as one of our small group did. Not a miscellany of daftness A simple menu of a couple of starters and three mains offers something for anyone who simply wants to be fed great vegan food, deftly and deliciously.

To start, an Heirloom Tomato salad with torched gem, pickled cucumber and carrot, Wye Valley asparagus and a lemon and oil dressing.

It arrived on the table and immediatly had to be photographed and facebooked so good were its looks.

It was vibrant, sparkling and unctuous.

Quay 3 chefs then moved on to whip up an ever-socolourful plate of mixed stir fry vegetables with fried tofu, jasmine rice and Thai sweet chill scallered with black sesame. It came with big clean flavours.

The guys in here are clearly some sort of wizards to draw

such flavour from what they had in front of them.

Produce such as tufu are not the friendliest of ingredients.

They are the wild anarchists of the cold store. They will not play by the usual petty kitchen rules. It can also inevitably taste like damp Andrex. Not here it doesn’t.

It was great stuff and enough to tempt even the most ardent of meat eaters to give it a go.

And do leave room for dessert. They are almost inexplicably good. The affagato - always a favourite of mine - is a dark expresso poured over vanilla bean ice cream. The lemon posset is mystifyingly silky.

There is a distinct lack of faff about the Quay 3 experience. Which is good, as I didn’t go there to be called sir, served 11 courses I didn’t really want and have a napkin folded into an owl each time I visited the toilet.

No. I wanted to sit at the bar, switch to my table, choose some meat, add a side of sauce and chat for a couple of hours with friends.

I wanted non-harsh lighting, friendly staff, evidence of things being cooked with a bit of love, and the hubbub of locals too lazy to face their own ovens. That’s how neighbourhood restaurants should be. And when they are, it is impossible for me not to love them. Quay 3 is nailing this.

There are plenty of original twists and a heartening , family friendly balance of dishes to choose from. The cooking here is very good. Just one word of advice though. Shout a bit more about your veggie and vegan options too. They are worth telling the wider world about, they really are!

Meridian Wharf, Trawler Rd, Swansea SA1 1LB www.quaythree.co.uk

n

swansealife.co.uk 83

FOOD & DRINK

get christmas food ready..

LAURA DAVIES picks out luxury sweet and savoury Christmas deserts that wow!

Home cooking with Sian Day

A deliciously simple recipe for November...

POLAR EXPRESS

A moist, light sponge cake, filled with jam and vanillaflavoured frosting and decorated by hand with a friendly polar bear family.

Free From Polar Bear Cake, £ 7.42 Morrisons, Parc Pemberton and Port Talbot

CHOCOLATE DELIGHTS

Wow guests with these chocolate mousse pine cones with a hidden chocolate truffle centre and a dusting of gold lustre.

6 Chocolate Pine Cones, £12, M&S, Swansea

REINDEER GAMES

A fun hidden-centre dessert of milk and dark chocolate sponge and raspberry jelly.

It comes with chocolate antlers to decorate at home.

Chocolate and Raspberry Reindeer Dessert, £12, M&S, Swansea and Parc Trostre

Mascarpone Fig and Honey Cheesecake OH XMAS TREE!

Indulgent layers of chocolate sponge, crunchy ganache, Belgian dark chocolate mousse and Belgian white chocolate mousse. Handdecorated with a floral print glaze brushed with gold dust shimmer.

The Best Chocolate Christmas Tree, £9, Morrisons, Parc Pemberton and Morfa Retail Park

CHEESECAKE WITH A DIFFERENCE

A cheese selection to suit all tastes. Rich in creamy Cornish St Endellion Brie, Wensleydale cheese swirled with Juicy cranberries and blueberries, traditional mature Stilton, Mature Farmhouse Red Leicester and Tesco’s crunchy Coastal Bite Chedder - there’s something for everyone in this collection.

Exclusive to Festive Food to Order.

Tesco finest* Cheese Celebration Cake, £30, Tesco, Parc Fforestfach and Parc Trostre 84 swansealife.co.uk

Figs are just coming to the end of their glorious season. Plump and tender they add a burst of sweetness to many dishes. They have a soft chewy texture and are very nutritious, as well as being high in fibre, potassium and vitamins. They are a welcome ingredient in any dessert. This cheesecake recipe is a great base for many flavour combinations. It was inspired following a recent trip to Paphos, Cyprus, where we picked fresh figs every morning from a tree in our courtyard.

We ate them with natural yogurt and local honey, which was delicious!

YOU WILL NEED...

FOR THE CHEESECAKE BASE n 23cm spring form tin n 200g digestive biscuits n 75g butter METHOD Crush the biscuits in a ziplock bag and bash with a rolling pin into fine crumbs.

Melt the butter.

Add the crumbs into the butter and mix, then tip into a spring form cake tin and press down with the back of a spoon.

Then set aside in the fridge.

YOU WILL NEED...

FOR THE CHEESECAKE MIX n 200g mascarpone n 200g cream cheese n 2 tbsp honey n 1/2tsp vanilla extract METHOD Place ingredients into a mixing bowl and whisk until light and fluffy.

Smooth onto the base and chill until ready to serve FOR THE TOPPING n n

3-4 fresh figs 1tbs honey

Slice the fresh figs and decorate the top of the cheesecake. Drizzle over the honey and serve!

FOLLOW SIAN’S DELICIOUS RECIPES on her blog page, siandaydream.wordpress.com, Facebook or Tweet her @SianDay

Advertising Feature

EXPERIENCE FINE DINING AT ITS BEST AT THE GOWER HOTEL’S GLAMOROUS DESTINATION BAR & RESTAURANT, MONROE’S

The Gower Hotel, nestled in Bishopston has a destination within it, a dining experience that you sure do not want to miss out on.

Monroe’s Bar & Restaurant truly is a dining destination in itself. Executive Chef Dean Parker and his kitchen brigade offer world class, fine dining, an exceptional gourmet and culinary experience. Our restaurant brings glamour to Gower, with evening appetising starters like pan seared scallops with sauce vierge that melt in your mouth, cooked to perfection.

Our mains brings to the table, the more traditional grilled steaks, cooked just the way you like, or if you want to venture more into our fresh seafood array of options, why not try the pan fried, whole sea bream that takes you to the beaches surrounding our magnificent luxury hotel.

The Gower Hotel and Monroe's Bar & Restaurant offers exclusivity for all, it lends itself to being the perfect escape for that fine dining lunch or evening special occasion, event or celebration. Have a look to see what our diners and guests so far have had to say and why we have received such rave reviews!

To book, contact us now on 01792 234111. Looking for the ideal venue for Christmas parties, events or even for New Years, then look no further than The Gower Hotel and Monroe’s Bar & Restaurant.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“Superb place in a beautiful setting and has been taken over by professionals. The food was great and the staff were totally on the ball and very attentive. The food and drinks came quickly and the staff made sure that we were happy. Linda and Mark have done a great job and the staff were fabulous.

Well done we will be back!!!”

- HELEN BOWDEN “We went here last night for my birthday meal and it was fantastic! The food, the service and the staff! We were here two years ago and weren’t treated very nicely but we met the new owner and she was fantastic, warm and friendly! We were even treated to prosecco and the most delicious truffles going!

We will certainly be back! And we shall be recommending this place to our friends and family! Thank you for making my birthday so special, I even got a ‘happy birthday’ on my dessert!”

- DAYNAH CAMPBELL “I can HIGHLY recommend the new Monroe’s Restaurant at The Gower Hotel. The phrase that Jimi Martin and I used for some of the dishes were ‘game changer’ - SIANY MARTIN

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

WWW.THEGOWERHOTEL.COM | 01792 234 111 | INFO@THEGOWERHOTEL.COM

Christmas at

Share the cheer and eat your way around the world this Christmas! Enjoy 100s of global dishes plus all your festive favourites, ALL FOR ONE SET PRICE.

FREE BOTTLE OF WINE Book for 4 or more people before 15th November, quoting “XMASWINE” and get a free bot tle of wine!

EARLY BIRD OFFER

Book for 8 or more people before 15th November and get a meal voucher for ever yone in the group to be used in Januar y 2018.

free

SPACIOUS MODERN DINING

Castle Street, Swansea SA1 1JF

|

NinesBuffetSwansea

Tel: 01792 456666 Nines_Swansea

| w w w. ninesrestaurant . co.uk Nines_global_Buffet

* WINE OFFER: Over 18s only. 1 bottle per 4 people. Valid on bottles of house red and house white wine. Booking must be for the period 4th Dec - 4th Jan 2017 Evenings Only. Mention offer when paying. Must book before 15th November. EARLY BIRD OFFER: Booking must be for the period 4th Dec - 4th Jan 2017. Voucher will be given on the day you dine with us. Voucher entitles one guest to eat for free when accompanied by at least two full paying customers. Deposit is required for groups of 14 or more. Voucher cannot be used on 1st January or Saturdays.

FOOD & DRINK

1

2

3

4

with Sian Day

14 13

5

TREATS EVERY DAY 6 LAURA DAVIES picks the food and drink advent calendars that’ll make the countdown to Christmas a little more special laura.davies@trinitymirror.com

12 11

@LawsDx

1. Advent Collection, £60, Biscuiteersbaking.com 2. Aldi Wine Advent Calendar, £49.99, Aldi, Llansamlet and Gorseinon 3. Baileys Advent Calendar, £13, Debenhams, Swansea 4. Jelly Belly Beanboozled Advent Calendar, £19, jdwilliams.co.uk 5. Wine Calendar, £39.99, Iceland, Swansea 6. Carluccio’s Limited Edition Advent Calendar, £75, Carluccio’s, Cardiff 7. Kellogg’s Cereal Advent Calendar, £4, Tesco, Llansamlet and Parc Trostre 8. Milly Green Tea Advent Calendar, £20, John Lewis, Cardiff 9. The House of Newby 2017 Advent Calendar, £55, www.newbyteas.co.uk 10. Hotel Chocolat Milk Chocolate Christmas Advent Calendar, £12.50, Hotel Chocolat, Cardiff 11. Edinburgh Gin Advent Calendar, 5cl, Pack of 25, £100, John Lewis, Cardiff 12. Godiva Advent Calendar, £28, John Lewis, Cardiff 13. Ilchester Cheese Calendar, £8, Asda, Llansamlet and Llanelli 14. The Pip Stop Prosecco Advent Calendar, £125, notonthehighstreet.com

10

9

7 8

swansealife.co.uk 87

Christmas AT THE OXWICH BAY HOTEL

Relax and enjoy the festive period at the Oxwich Bay Hotel and let our superb chefs and attentive staff look after you, your family, and friends.

Festive Afternoon Tea Including a visit to see Santa.

Indulge in an array of seasonal sweet and savoury treats served with a glass of mulled wine.

Festive Lunch & Dinner For groups of 10 or more.

Treat your friends and family for a festive 4-course meal to remember.

Party Night

Stay with us over Christmas Relax for 3 nights and let us take care of your friends and family.

Start off the celebrations with Afternoon Tea on Christmas Eve served in our luxury marquee overlooking the bay, followed by a sumptuous meal that night in the hotel. Wake up to a full English, Welsh or continental breakfast on Christmas Day, followed by lunch and an evening buffet. Enjoy breakfast on Boxing Day and perhaps a stroll along Oxwich Beach before enjoying dinner. Finally, if you’ve still got room, wake up to breakfast before heading on your way.

Join us on our luxury party night.

New Year’s Eve

Celebrate by joining in on our party night in the Marquee, with a welcome drink on arrival, a superb 5-course meal with coffee and mince pies to finish! Party the night away with excellent entertainment and a private bar.

See the new year in with style, with a drink and canapés on arrival, 5-course meal in the Hotel, or 3-course in the Marquee, and entertainment into the night.

Christmas Day

Available to both residents and non-residents.

Let us look after you on Christmas Day with a welcome drink on arrival, and enjoy a delicious 7-course meal in the Hotel, or 5-course in the Marquee.

Choose from a masquerade ball in our luxury marquee, or gala dinner in the hotel.

For further information visit: www.OxwichBayHotel.co.uk/Christmas

FOOD & DRINK

COOKBOOKS TO SEE YOU THROUGH AUTUMN The time for cosying up indoors with something hot and delicious is upon us. LAURA DAVIES checks out the cookbooks that will see you through the season, whether you’re in need of something nourishing and hearty, or indulgent and bountiful. Or just something that comes absolutely covered in cheese... laura.davies@trinitymirror.com

AT MY TABLE

by Nigella (Chatto & Windus, £26) The queen of food is back with this sumptuous collection of home-cooked classics (with a twist or two, of course), all generously sized. Try: the ‘emergency brownies’.

BRAVETART

by Stella Parks (W. W. Norton & Company, £26.12) Light on pictures, but big on sugar, BraveTart brings together every iconic American dessert you could hope to make and/or eat.

Try: the classic cherry pie.

SWEET

by Yotam Ottolenghi and Helen Goh (Ebury Press, £27) The first Ottolenghi pastry book, Sweet is all decadent puds, quick-fix cookies and sturdy tea-time cakes. The only other thing you need is a cup of tea.

Try: the peanut sandies (like shortbread, but super nutty).

JAPANEASY

by Tim Anderson (Hardie Grant Books, £20) Beautifully photographed, these recipes from the former MasterChef contestant make Japanese cooking totally approachable, without scrimping on flavour.

Try: the fragrant fried gyoza.

GRILL MY CHEESE

by Nisha Patel & Nishma Chauhan (Quadrille, £12.99) For cheese lovers, this book, from the celebrated duo behind the Grill My Cheese street food shack, is an absolute necessity. Try: the grilly cheese

@LawsDx

steak toastie - with steak, green pepper, mushrooms and lots and lots of cheese.

THE ART OF THE LARDER

by Claire Thomson (Quadrille Publishing, £25) Chef Claire will have you reorganising your store cupboards with this ode to the larder, and learning you can’t go far wrong if you’ve got some tinned tomatoes stashed away. Try: the linguine con vongole (as told to her by the Naples grandmother who inspired her to cook).

THE MODERN KEBAB

by Le Bab (Ebury Press, £9.99) Who doesn’t love a greasy kebab on the way home from a night out? Well, Le Bab - Soho’s gourmet kebab restaurant - takes the humble kebob to the next level.

Try: the mackerel kebabs with lettuce, dill and pickled fennel.

SALT FAT ACID HEAT

by Samin Nosrat (Canongate Books, £28) Less a cookbook, more a guide to handling the essential elements you need to master to be an excellent cook, don’t expect intricate recipes; do expect to learn something.

Try: to read it from start to finish.

LES ABATS

by Michel Roux Jr (Seven Dials, £25) There’s a cost to eating only certain cuts of meat, as well as a whole lot of waste.

From brains to intestines and organs, in Les Abats, Roux shares ways to make the most of the whole animal, from snout to tail. Try: to be open minded about eating hooves.

COMFORT

by John Whaite (Kyle Books, £19.99) This book is ridiculously autumnal. From

the sticky Lebanese fried Brussels sprouts steaming in a bowl, to the fish pie potato skins bubbling with cheese, it’ll certainly feed you up for winter. Try: the giant mushroom, spinach and ricotta Yorkshire pudding - who needs beef?!

FEASTS

by Sabrina Ghayour (Mitchell Beazley, £20) Whether you’re feeding all your friends in one go, or want to treat your immediate household to something ambrosial, Persian cook Sabrina knows how to lay on a party.

Try: the sticky tamarind ribs.

5 INGREDIENTS

by Jamie Oliver (Michael Joseph, £26) Didn’t think Jamie could get more straightforward than 15 minute recipes? Think again. These nifty dishes rely on just five ingredients and some inventive techniques for maximising flavour.

Try: the flat breads with mango chutney, boiled eggs and chilli.

THE SPORTSMAN

by Stephen Harris (Phaidon Press, £29.95) Go behind the scenes at the Michelin-starred Whitstable restaurant, famed for its self-taught chef Stephen Harris, and the fact it used to be just your standard boozer. Try: the signature dish, slip sole in seaweed butter.

THE CHRISTMAS CHRONICLES

by Nigel Slater (Fourth Estate, £26) Nigel will guide you simply and heartily from the start of November through until January, touching on the best things to eat during winter, whether it’s Bonfire Night or New Year’s Eve. Try: the pink grapefruit marmalade. swansealife.co.uk 89

TIDE-DESIGN.CO.UK

COMING SOON

Discover the sophisticated elegance of Bar Saint James www.saintj.co.uk

Best places to Eat

Restaurant Guide Four great places to eat and drink

MAS CHRIST R U O Y BOOK NOW! S E I T R PA

Pasta Pizza Ice Cream The Heart of The Seafront

Coffee Burgers Coffee

Family

Bay.indd 1

19/01/2015 13:31

The Heart of The Seafront

We listen to our customers. You’ve told us what Burgers you want and that’s what we’ll deliver - superb food and drink in a spectacular setting with the warmest Pasta. of welcomes. Join us for a relaxing experience overlooking our magnificent Aberavon beach.

Pizza listen to our customers. You’ve told us what you want and that’s what we’ll Ice CreamWedeliver - superb food and drink in a spectacular setting with the warmest of 01639 welcomes. Join us for a882121 relaxing experience overlooking our magnificent Aberavon Family beach. Takewww.caferemos.com away food & drinks now available - open Monday-Sunday 9am-9pm.

01639 882121 • www.caferemos.com 92 swansealife.co.uk

THE NEW ABERCRAVE INN WELCOMES YOU TO THE NEWLY

REFURBISHED B&B ROOMS SERVING FOOD DAILY SUNDAY LUNCHES

LUNCHTIME SPECIAL OFFER MON-SAT

£6.95

TRY OUR DELICIOUS FAMOUS BBQ RIBS

BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY NOW Open 7 days a week 145 Heol Tawe, Abercrave, Swansea Valley, SA9 1XS Tel: 01639 731002 www.theabercraveinn.co.uk

Best places to Eat

NOW BOOK

MUMBLES

The Kitchen Table Mumbles

S ISTMA R H C FOR

626 Mumbles Rd, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4EA Tel: 01792 367616 • www.thekitchentablemumblesblog.wordpress.com

We are a cosy and independently run cafe style restaurant offering wholesome, home cooked and locally sourced food.

The only Gluten-free dining restaurant mentioned on the Gluten-free Facebook in Swansea & Mumbles. We cater for Vegan and vegetarians.

FREE Americano Coffee or Welsh Brew Tea with every breakfast ordered before 12 Mon - Thurs.

Sri Lankan curry night last Thursday of every month from 6pm with 20% off takeaway. Terms and conditions apply.

25% off

your bill with this voucher

Expires: Jan 2018

Bar, Restaurant and Takeaway open at Mumbles Pier Copperfish is dedicated to offering a relaxed menu of traditional Fish and Chips as well as some delicious extras. Copperfish Bar offers an array of local beers and ciders as well as a selection of cocktail specials and carefully selected wines.

For reservations call 01792 365200

Happy Hour 5pm-7pm Pints from £3 Bottle of Prosecco £14

WELCOME TO

CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA, BEER GARDEN AND SPORTS BAR NOW OPEN RESERVATIONS TAKEN FOR CHRISTMAS

GOWERTON RD, PENCLAWDD, SWANSEA, SA4 3RB 01792 872886 INFO@THERAKEANDRIDDLE.COM WWW.THERAKEANDRIDDLE.COM

ditions

r person is required when making your booking. able 30 days before your booking date, after e non-refundable.

less on the day, we regret that the deposits paid er/s that don’t attend will not be refundable.

s a m t s i r h

made payable to: CJ and EJ Limited

c

ps for our standard Christmas menu are e a food pre-order form which must be the final numbers for your group no later the date of the party.

me to pre-order wines or drinks – please ask wine list and place your order at the same re-order.

lergen list and will do our best to accommodate s with advance notice. We cannot always fic alternatives to all menu items, but we will we can, please ask any party members with ntact us and we can advise them. Please note e a 100% nut free environment. We reserve the advertised menus without notice.

opening hours

RS UP TO AND INCLUDING THE 23RD DECEMBER

ecember 12.00pm - 9.00pm

u n e m 2017

WILL BE AVAILABLE RATHER THAN SUNDAY LUNCH

available from

Date of Pa

25th November - 23rd December

Contact D

th December* CLOSED

christmas menu

h December (Boxing Day) Restaurant) & 12pm - 9pm (Sports Bar)

NG HOURS BETWEEN CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR

party lunchtime menu

Lunch £20.95

2 Courses £13.95 3 Courses £16.95

12pm - 9.00pm Live Music from 9pm Evening £22.95

January 12pm - 8.00pm kkkk Riddle, Gowerton Road, Penclawdd,

LET’S START k k k k

Swansea SA4 3RB 72886 E info@therakeandriddle.com Persian Chicken Terrine with spiced pear and www.therakeandriddle.com grape chutney

Garlic Mushroom and Brie Bruschetta (v) Celeriac, Panchetta and Thyme Soup

kkkk

THE MAIN EVENT k k k k

Turkey Breast stuffed with Pork, Sage and Onion Sausage meat and Cranberries wrapped in Bacon with traditional Turkey gravy Rump of Welsh Beef and Yorkshire Pudding with a Port jus Salmon and Leek parcel with white wine and dill sauce

kkkk

Garlic Mushroom and Brie Bruschetta (v)

STAFF U

Deposit Pa

Soup of The Day kkkk

THE MAIN EVENT k k k k

PARTY L

Gower Roast Beef with Yorkshire Pudding Pembrokeshire Turkey with cranberry and sausage stuffing Chestnut and Shallot Tatin with mushroom and madeira sauce (v)

All above served with Roast Potatoes, Honey Roast Parsnips and a selection of Seasonal Vegetables

TO CONCLUDE k k k k Lemon Posset with homemade shortbread

Address:

Tel:

Chestnut and Shallot Tatin with Mushroom and Madeira sauce (v)

All above served with Roast Potatoes Honey Roast Parsnips and a selection of Seasonal Vegetables

Name:

LET’S START k k k k

Persian Chicken Terrine with spiced pear and grape chutney

Smoked Salmon Carpaccio kkkk

Please u

kkkk

TO CONCLUDE k k k k

Christmas Pudding with brandy sauce

Traditional Christmas Pudding

Trio of Cheesecake

Lemon Brulee Cheesecake

Hazelnut Panna Cotta with poached vanilla Pear and Chocolate Ganache

Home made chocolate and salted caramel brownie

Please use BLOCK CAP to fill in this Example: M.

Upstairs is a stylish but relaxed sports bar that is well supplied with screens showing BT and Sky Channels including a dining area equipped with an impressive pizza oven. Besides nine different pizzas, the menu offers favourites such as grills and burgers plus many more.

To wash it all down, there’s the full range of beers from the Gower Brewery, which the owner Chris co-owns.

GOWERTON RD, PENCLAWDD, SWANSEA, SA4 3RB 01792 872886 INFO@THERAKEANDRIDDLE.COM WWW.THERAKEANDRIDDLE.COM

Food-wise, there is no shortage of options: the ground floor menu opens with appetisers such as deep fried cockles to a mezze platter.

Main courses are grouped into three sections: Grills and Burgers; Flavours of the World; and Old Favourites – think scampi and chips or Gower chicken wrapped in bacon and served with a Welsh cheese, leek and bacon sauce.

90 Walter Road, Swansea, SA1 4QF 01792 644688 www.ndjohn.co.uk

CHRISTMAS TASTING ON DECEMBER 1ST We are now entering the season of festivities where many of you are starting to think or even buy your Christmas drinks! If you haven’t, don’t panic as there’s still plenty of time to decide (and save!). If you are a bit unsure or are still deciding on what to get, our Christmas Tasting on December 1st is a great opportunity for you to sample a huge choice of different Wines, Prosecco and Champagne and meet the representatives from various producers and suppliers. It’s all based in our shop at 90 Walter Road, Uplands, where you can buy tickets for £5.

If you’re preparing earlier than that, you may want some advice right now about what to drink over Christmas.

Champagne? We have three recommendations for you, including our Manager’s favourite from his recent to trip to the Champagne Academy. Complex, profound and indulgent, the Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve has been given the gift of time, as one discovers upon tasting it. The House specifies on each bottle the year of cellaring and of disgorgement to advise connoisseurs on the cellar ageing process. The rare, thousand-yearold Crayères, purchased by Charles Heidsieck in 1867, inspired the large base and narrow neck of the new silhouette for the non-vintage wine bottles. This unique shape increases the volume of wine in contact with the lees, thereby enhancing its aromatic range and the complexity of the Brut Réserve.

Another recommendation and a long-standing favourite is Bollinger Special Cuvée. This is the result of the delicate blending between harvest grapes and a majority of reserve wines, including some, aged in magnums for more than 15 years in Bollinger’s cellars. Delightfully pale gold in colour, the mousse is light and persistent.

Densely packed apple and pear fruits give way to a noticeably creamy, caramel-like finish.

And our last recommendation, Jean Claude Bouchard et Fils Brut, has proven hugely popular most likely due to its low price when compared with others. A Champagne for pure pleasure. The taste is full, mellow and fleshy, a perfect balance of flavours and softness with notes of apples and sun-drenched red and black fruits strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blackcurrants, red cherries and redcurrants.

Running up to Christmas we will be offering various deals on not just Champagne but the rest of our range of Wine, Spirits and Beer.

Grab a bottle of champagne, drink a glass, and have a heart of celebration!

Charles Heidsieck The Brut Réserve boasts a deep golden hue. Delicate, vivacious and long-lasting bubbles are the result of a long, slow maturing process in chalk cellars.

Bollinger A golden colour, distinctive of black grape varieties. Very fine bubbles. Beautiful aromatic complexity. Ripe fruit and spicy aromas. Hints of roasted apples, apple compote and peaches. A subtle combination of structure, length and vivacity. Bubbles like velvet. Pear, brioche and spicy aromas, notes of fresh walnut.

Jean Claude Bouchard et Fils Brut This wine is dressed in a beautiful golden yellow colour with golden and pink reflections. The nose is expressive on notes of cooked apple, strawberry jam and pastry cream..

House & home

THROUGH THE KEYHOLE (page 102) COSY UP (page 106) LESLEY TAYLOR (page 115) WE LOVE (page 125)

LBS Home & Garden, 22 Rhosmaen Street, Llandeilo, SA19 6NL • 01558 823900 LBS Neath, Neath Abbey Road, Neath SA10 7BR • 01639 646511 LBS Port Talbot, Unit 5, Cramic Way, Port Talbot SA13 1RU • 01639 884433

HOUSE & HOME

THROUGH THE KEYHOLE It was a transformation project taken on with gusto and the results are stunning, as CHRIS PEREGRINE finds out. chris.peregrine@trinitymirror.com

FARMHOUSE GETS I

T was around eight months of hard work for Dan Madge and his team, but the Gower farmhouse he co-owns with a friend has been transformed into a modern four bedroom family home.

The project has gone so well that he is slightly envious that he cannot move in there with his family, but the plan was always to renovate the property since he had the keys 17 months ago and sell it on.

“I am chuffed to be honest,” he said. “It’s beautiful. It is absolutely stunning. We have put on a new roof, replumbed, rewired, redone the extension. We have put in a wet room, replaced one bathroom and added two more bathrooms.

“We have basically done a high-spec renovation of the whole house, making it into a nice, bespoke home. What the new owner

102 swansealife.co.uk

will have is a beautiful family home in a Gower village, close to Three Cliffs Bay and other lovely beaches and walks.”

The property still reflects period character, but balances it with a high specification and contemporary finish. There are two reception rooms, a kitchen/family room, a study, a utility room and wet room to the ground floor.

On the first floor there are four bedrooms, two with en suites, and a family bathroom. Some of the living room features are double glazed French windows overlooking the south-facing garden, a wood effect floor and an exposed beamed ceiling.

The kitchen is fitted with a range of contemporary wall and base units with a granite work surface, a Belfast sink with mixer tap, tiled splashback, under-unit lighting, built-in fridge/freezer, dishwasher and Range cooker with a five-ring gas hob, an extractor fan, exposed beams and LED chrome spotlights to the

HI-SPEC MAKEOVER ceiling. It opens out to the dining room, which has double glazed windows, a radiator, a vaulted ceiling and two Velux windows.

mosaic floor, a spoiler skylight to the ceiling and LED chrome spotlights.

The utility room has an internal window to the kitchen with an artistic depiction of Southgate and Three Cliffs Bay, wall and base units with a granite work surface. Other highlights include LED chrome spotlights to the ceiling, ceramic tiled walls and a glazed rear door, while there is room for a tumble dryer, plumbing for a washing machine and enough space for an Americanstyle fridge/freezer. A study and wet room are among other ground floor features.

The secluded south-facing garden has a lawn with mature plants and flower beds. The driveway leads to off-street parking for two vehicles. There is a timber shed and a sun terrace which can be accessed from the house. The lawn continues around the side where there is a greenhouse. There is a gravelled area at the back, leading onto the street. And breathtaking clifftop walks to Pwlldu Bay and Three Cliffs Bay await, as does village life.

The first floor master bedroom has double glazed windows, a walk-in wardrobe and an en suite double cubicle shower room with a heated towel radiator and LED chrome spotlights to the ceiling. The family bathroom has a bath with temporary tiled surround and a corner shower cubicle with a Victorian-style shower. There is a heated towel radiator, a wash hand basin, a

n PROPERTY: Southgate Road, Southgate, Swansea, SA3 2DA n PRICE: ÂŁ695,000 n BEDROOMS: 4 n AGENT: John Francis, Newton Road, Mumbles, 01792 360060

swansealife.co.uk 103

www.pablack.co.uk

Sketty Park Road SWANSEA

Gower Road Swansea

• Impressive detached family home in landscaped gardens • Six double bedrooms & study • Four reception rooms, bespoke kitchen/breakfast room • Gated entrance, ample parking, double & triple garage • Four bath/shower rooms • Part Exchange considered

• Detached residence with sea views to the front • Five bedrooms • Three reception rooms • Fitted kitchen/breakfast room • Long front and rear garden • Viewing highly recommended

For sale with pa black Swansea 01792 641481

For sale with pa black Swansea 01792 641481

Llys Y Nant Glais • Detached Executive Home • Three Floors • Six Bedrooms • Three Reception Rooms • Garage. Rear Garden • Popular Residential Area For sale with pa black Morriston 01792 798201

Offers Over £380,000

£1,000,000

£600,000

Millwood Gardens Swansea

Marina Villas Maritime Quarter

• Impeccably well presented 4/5 bedroom detached house.

• Bespoke kitchen/dining room.

• Versatile living space.

• 3 bath/shower rooms.

• Sun room/outbuilding.

• Lawn and patio to rear garden

• Very well presented versatile family home • 32' first floor living space: kitchen/dining/sitting • Principal bedroom with vaulted ceiling & en suite shower room • Three further bedrooms • Parking for at least four cars • Adjacent to Marina and beach

For sale with pa black Swansea 01792 641481

For sale with pa black Swansea Marina 01792 463780

£350,000

£318,000

www.pablack.co.uk

E

N

W

The Bryn Swansea

Clyne Neath

• A highly individual versatile detached family home • Three reception rooms • Four bedrooms • En suite to principal bedroom • Very large fitted kitchen/dining/family living • Mature Gardens creating a garden atrium For sale with pa black Swansea 01792 641481

• Individual five bedroom detached house • Stunning bespoke kitchen/living/dining room • Living room with minstrels gallery and wood burning stove • Five double bedrooms 4 suite shower rooms and bathroom • Landscaped gardens, outbuilding, attached garage £658,000

For sale with pa black Neath 01639 635115

E

N

OIRO £450,000

W

Clyne Castle Swansea

Cadoxton Neath

St Catherines Court Swansea Marina

• A grand first floor two bedroom apartment • Stunning principal reception room with panoramic views • Fully fitted kitchen • Luxury bathroom suites and a cloakroom • Set in historic parkland • Many restored period features

• Spacious 5 bedroom detached house set in about 2.5 acres • Panoramic views to Swansea Bay • 2/3 reception rooms • Kitchen/breakfast room • Substantial garaging • A private secluded woodland setting

• Very well presented versatile four bedroom family home • 37' first floor living space: kitchen/dining/living room • Kitchen/Dining room with sit-out balcony overlooking the square • Master bedroom with en suite and Juliette balcony • Walking distance of the Marina and beach • Garage conversion into store and office

For sale with pa black Swansea 01792 641481

£375,000

OIRO £375,000

For sale with pa black Swansea Marina 01792463780

£300,000

HOUSE & HOME B&Q, Morfa Retail Park and Parc Trostre

COSY UP Feeling the chill? The temperatures might have dropped outdoors but that doesn’t mean things have to be cold and dreary indoors. Whether you’re styling up a snug room, or just want to something comfy to curl up in now the nights have started to draw in, now is the perfect time to ‘fall’ into something luxuriously soft and snuggly. LAURA DAVIES picks out the key pieces for an autumn home update laura.davies@trinitymirror.com

106 swansealife.co.uk

@LawsDx

No need to worry about having to snuff out those pillar candles, with this statement LED lantern. Place it by the fireside - the loop holder could even be accessorised with a tartan ribbon or sprig of Holly at Christmas.

M&S have it nailed with this graphic faux fur cushion, which stands out with a shot of emerald green to add texture and richness. A real winner!

Abstract Fur Cushion, £29.50,M&S, Swansea and Parc Trostre

Lantern with LED Candles, £49.95, House of Bath.com

Pumpkin Pie Dish, currently £38.50, Laura Ashley, Pontarddulais Road Retail Park This decorative dish would make a tasty-looking addition to any kitchen.

Linea Natural Sheepskin, £45, House of Fraser, Cardiff

Why take the trouble to kit out a drinks cabinet, when you can make a classic martini like a pro and then sip in splendour with this glamorous cocktail table and swivel chair. Cheers!

Mary Velvet Chair, £899; Montserrat Ceiling Light, Gold, £450; West Elm Martini Side Table, £159, John Lewis, Cardiff

If you love the idea of padding around in bare feet and then massaging your toes into a comfy sheepskin rug, the natural beauty of this Nordic-style floor covering is simply irresistible - especially at this price.

Wilko Heart Clock, £5, Wilko, Swansea and Llanelli

The clocks have gone back, so why not make time for a small hanging wall deco, such as this romantic design in natural wood.

This wise old bird lamp base is a work of art, as well as a decorative accessory. Teamed with a burgundy lamp shade, it’s ideal for autumn and bound to steal the spotlight.

Capri Rustic Owl Table Lamp, Burgundy, £42, Dunelm, Parc Pemberton and Pontarddulais Retail Park

Available in a host of colourways (we love this matt velvet mustard version), with its deep, cosy seat and buttoned upholstery, this two-seater sofa is a sound investment.

Not only will it glam up your favourite space, but what could be better than being firmly cushioned in velvet?

Lyla Petite Sofa, £550, Next, Morfa Retail Park

Large Plain Supersoft Throw, £9, Primark, Swansea Our favourite shade of grey is this elegant dove grey - and this super-soft throw would work as a spread for the bed, or look fabulous draped over an armchair.

Driftwood and bark always adds warmth to interiors, and with a wick to add a warming glow, you can’t go wrong with this rustic tealight.

Small Bark Tealight Holder, £3, Asda, Llansamlet and Parc Trostre swansealife.co.uk 107

New To Market

Regionally 32 offices throughout the South West Nationally 225 offices across Great Britain

New To Market

BRYN GELLI, PORTHYRHYD, CARMARTHEN

THE COACH HOUSE, LANGLAND, SWANSEA

A generous detached family home with stunning countryside views. Beautiful gardens surround the home, which presents 3 receptions, kitchen/breakfast, utility, 5 beds & a lower ground games/gym/cinema room which has the flexibility to be made into a private annex. EPC D

A converted coach house, situated moments from the family friendly Langland Bay with fabulous sea views. The contemporary interiors are finished to a very high standard. There is a communal garden with gate onto the coastal path and a car parking space. EPC B

Asking Price £450,000

Asking Price £420,000

New To Market Internationally Plus 75 offices globally 5000 professional associates all around the world 57 CASWELL BAY COURT, CASWELL, SWANSEA

GREENACRE, SOUTHGATE, GOWER

Superb location with the most spectacular views over Caswell, this beautifully finished apartment presents 2 beds one with en-suite shower room, lounge/diner, kitchen, family bathroom & a spacious balcony to enjoy those amazing, uninterrupted sea views! EPC C

Perfectly located in the Gower coastal village of Southgate. This well loved detached family home presents 4 receptions, family bathroom and 4 beds including a substantial master bedroom with en-suite. Ample parking & beautiful south facing garden. EPC D

Offers In The Region Of £450,000

Asking Price £695,000

GROVES AVENUE, LANGLAND, SWANSEA

NEWTON VILLAS, MUMBLES, SWANSEA

Located in the most desired private road in Langland, this detached family home has exceptionally generous room sizes & stunning interiors. Comprising 3 receptions, kitchen/diner, 4 beds & 2 bathrooms. The master bedroom has sea glimpses. EPC D

Situated with private access into Under Hill Park, with the village of Mumbles and beaches just a short stroll away. This luxurious home offers an open plan kitchen/diner/ lounge with benefit of additional separate living areas also. 4 beds & 4 en-suites. EPC B

Asking Price £1,299,950

Offers Over £825,000

Fine & Country Swansea 77 Newton Road, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4BN Tel: +44 (0)1792 367301 | Email: swansea@fineandcountry.com

New To Market

New To Market

15 LANGLAND BAY MANOR, LANGLAND, SWANSEA

PENLAN GARDENS, UPLANDS, SWANSEA

Superbly located, this beautifully presented apartment has lots of character & is only moments away from the family friendly Langland Bay. Housed in a very special Grade II listed building, accommodation presents lounge/diner, kitchen, 1 bedroom & 2 bathrooms. EPC Exempt

A hidden gem boasting lovely sea views & privately nestled among mature grounds twinned with spacious accommodation & high ceilings throughout, this is a perfect family home. Presenting 3 receptions, 4 beds & 3 bathrooms and beautiful grounds. No onward chain. EPC D

Asking Price £289,950

Asking Price £635,000

Regionally 32 offices throughout the South West Nationally 225 offices across Great Britain Internationally Plus 75 offices globally 5000 professional associates all around the world

THE GRANGE, MIDDLETON, GOWER

65 HIGHER LANE, LANGLAND, SWANSEA

Beautiful, modern detached 5 bedroom home is finished to the highest standards, providing a lovely family home. Providing generous accommodation and wonderful outside entertaining areas. Quiet coastal location with sea glimpses, close to Rhossili. EPC C

A fabulous property in desirable Langland with glistening sea views from the upper floors. Comprising lounge, dining room, conservatory, kitchen, 5 beds, family bathroom & en-suite shower room. Only a few minutes walk to the nearest beach. EPC D

Offers Over £650,000

Offers Over £850,000

BEUDY'R HEBOG, DREFACH, CARMARTHENSHIRE

1 CHANNEL VIEW, LANGLAND, SWANSEA

What a beautiful setting & pretty property to behold as soon as you turn into the grounds of this lovely family home. Generous, private gardens with characterful accommodation comprising 2 receptions, 3 beds (1 ensuite shower) & 1 bathroom. EPC D

Wonderfully situated in a small, private development in Langland, this elegant & modern detached family home comprises 4 receptions, 5 beds & 3 bathrooms. Private, generous gardens, electric gated entrance & sea glimpes from the roof terrace. EPC C

Asking Price £450,000

Asking Price £995,000

Fine & Country Swansea 77 Newton Road, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4BN Tel: +44 (0)1792 367301 | Email: swansea@fineandcountry.com

HOUSE & HOME

Oh Christmas

Tis the season to spruce up your Christmas tree.

Get inspired by LAURA DAVIES’ round up of themed firs.

laura.davies@trinitymirror.com

All from the Santa’s Workshop Range, Wyevale Garden Centre, Llansamlet 110 swansealife.co.uk

@LawsDx

Tree...

1

2

4

3

1. 6ft Black Pine Needle Tree with LED Lights, £100, Dunelm, Parc Pemberton | 2. 7ft North Valley Pre-Lit Tree £225, House of Fraser, Cardiff | 3. 6ft Majestic Noel Tree £60, House of Fraser, Cardiff. | 4. 7.5ft Les Deux Alpes Tree £140, House of Fraser, Cardiff | 5. 6ft Lit Tree £85, M&S, Swansea | 6. 7ft Snowy Potted Tree £200, M&S, Swansea | 7. 7ft Pre Lit Maharaja Peardrop Tree, £295; John Lewis, Cardiff | 8. 7ft Peruvian Pine Christmas Tree, £195, John Lewis, Cardiff | 9. 7ft Highland Pine Christmas Tree, £195, John Lewis, Cardiff

5

9

6

7

8

14

swansealife.co.uk 111

£435,000

Davies Craddock are pleased to present for sale “Plas Maelgwn” which is offered on the market for the first time having been occupied from new by the current owners. This deceptively spacious and adaptable property is set in the sought after location of Ferry Road, Kidwelly.

‘A lifetime service under one roof’

4/8 John Street Llanelli Tel 01554 779412

www.daviescraddock.co.uk

Set in an elevated position over looking the historic town of Kidwelly with uninterrupted views of both Kidwelly Castle and the church of St Marys with Pembrey Country Park and The Gower Peninsula beyond.

Set over three levels the property briefly comprises to the ground floor: entrance hall, lounge, dining room, kitchen, utility room, rear porch, conservatory, to the first floor: landing, master bedroom with ensuite, bedroom two, bedroom three, bathroom, to the lower floor: hallway with storage and entrance to integral double garage, shower room, bedroom four, bedroom five, bedroom six. The property also benefits from a burglar alarm and high level sensor activated security lights.

Externally the property has well maintained gardens tastefully landscaped with ample parking for a number of vehicles, lawn area with mature trees and a decked area conveniently set to take in the views.

Viewing of the property is essential to appreciate all the unique property has to offer.

www.peteralan.co.uk

If you’re thinking of downsizing from your empty nest, speak to us today

Upgrade

yoUr ceNtral HeatiNg boiler NoW tHe colD WeatHers Here to a

Worcester Bosch Boiler

10

NOW AVAILABLE WITH A

Year WarrantY PARTS & LABOUR

tiMe to CHanGe Your firePLaCe or StoVe? Then we can help, we’ve been supplying and installing them for 30 years visit our large showroom with over 50 fireplaces on display

Up to

50% off ex-display

fireplaces & stoves

V ALLEY SERVICES THE FIREPLACE & HEATING CENTRE

Open: Mon-Fri 9am-4pm • Sat 9am-2pm Milland Road, Neath Tel: 01792 260087 / 01639 638393 After Hours Tel: 07977 090901 www.valleyfiresandheating.co.uk

Keeping South West Wales warm for over 30 years Number one choice for... boilers • fires • stoves • fireplaces • gas • lpg oil • electric • laNDlorD certificates • serviciNg

Call us for a free quotation

©LW

HOUSE & HOME

1.

L E S L E Y

TA Y LO R

DECK THE HALLS… ...and the living room, and the stairs, and the dining table.

Interior designer Lesley Taylor shows you how

3.

“

“

2.

4.

CHRISTMAS IS A FANTASTIC TIME TO

EXPERIMENT ESPECIALLY AS ANY

ADDITIONS WILL ONLY BE

TEMPORARY

swansealife.co.uk 115

HOUSE & HOME

5

It will come as no surprise that as an interior designer I love putting together a new look for my Christmas decor every year.

It can, however, be a daunting task – especially if you feel you lack an artistic eye or are devoid of inspiration.

But Christmas is a fantastic time to experiment, especially as any additions will only be temporary.

And to get your creative juices flowing, I’ve picked out my favourite festive looks of 2017.

Back to the 80s Christmas in the 80s was fabulous – swathes of colourful tinsel masked trees while festive bunting made from brightly coloured foil hung ceiling to ceiling.

And while this Christmas may not be a return to the full-on festive glamour of the 80s, a homage to the era has emerged.

Brightly coloured baubles, luscious tinsel and metallic ornaments are all making a comeback; think clashing colours, pops of neon and glitter by the tonne to complete this indulgent, opulent look.

On a tight budget? Get creative. Give old baubles a new lease of life with some PVA glue and a few tubes of glitter; or why not hunt around second-hand or an antique shop for some pre-loved genuine 80s decorations.

Centre of attention Centrepieces are an essential part of my Christmas décor – I have one on my dining table throughout the season.

And it really is that, a centrepiece around which we all gather; be it a family dinner, a Christmas Eve takeaway or the main event itself, Christmas Lunch.

Whether you decide to make your own or buy one, choose a centrepiece that complements not only your Christmas colours but the room in which it will be placed. If your home has a more minimalist vibe, a fussy centrepiece will look immediately out of place. However, a modern one won’t necessarily work in a traditional décor.

And for me, the only essential is a candle or two (the more the better).

Candles and Christmas go hand in hand and will also create an intimate atmosphere for those festive meals together.

If you’re short on inspiration, time or money, a few candles brought together on a nice plate will work perfectly.

Modern touch As with many interior trends, I’m looking to the Scandinavians for my final piece of festive inspiration.

Typified by muted shades of taupe and blue, this look will bring modern yet classic styling to your Christmas decorations resulting in a timeless finish.

And just because it’s modern doesn’t necessarily mean minimal.

Pompoms, baubles and decorations draped from the ceiling are all perfectly acceptable, just keep colours to a minimum and make sure the ones you have complement each other.

1. Create the perfect backdrop to your Christmas 2. A centrepiece, such as this one created by festive goodies from the Broste collection, will create the right ambience. The Broste collection is available from the Taylors Etc showroom 3. Unleash your own creativity on a festive centrepiece 4. Use candlelight to create a beautifully warm festive ambience. These candles are available from the Taylors Etc showroom 5. Muted shades of blue and taupe will add a modern touch. These decorations are from Broste – brostecopenhagen.com

116 swansealife.co.uk

Lesley Taylor is the author of 10 interior design books and has appeared on a range of network TV shows, including This Morning, giving inspirational advice on home styling.

She lives in Swansea where she is the Founder and Design Director of luxury interiors lifestyle store Taylors Etc. based in Cardiff www.taylors etc.co.uk

HOUSE & HOME

PROTECTING YOUR PLANTS FROM

FROSTS LAURA DAVIES looks at how to protect your plants before the first frost gets them. laura.davies@trinitymirror.com

@LawsDx

As the weather cools down, plants will need covering, bulbs will need lifting or mulching and extra winter protection given to tender specimens which will have to be brought indoors if they are to survive the coldest months. So, what steps should you be taking?

WRAP THEM UP

Use horticultural fleece, hessian or bubble wrap to wrap around permanent plants in pots. You need to stop the roots from freezing, which could ultimately kill the plant. If you have lots of pots, huddle them together near a house wall, where it will be slightly warmer. They will insulate each other and you can use one large length of protective material to protect all the plants. Tie the cover round them securely so it doesn’t blow off in winter.

Next time you’re planting a tender permanent specimen in a frost-resistant container, line the inside wall of the pot with bubble wrap to save you having to do it in the autumn.

Plants in borders which can’t easily be moved, such as tree ferns, should be wrapped in horticultural fleece, from the base of the trunk upwards. The leaves of tree ferns and other tender plants such as cordylines should be tied upright, packed with straw and covered with horticultural fleece, plus a layer of mulch should be laid over the root area.

MAKE A FRAME

Small tender shrubs can be protected with makeshift frames made from chicken wire or a wigwam made from bamboo canes packed with straw and then covered in netting. In wet weather, you may need to temporarily cover them with clear polythene to stop them rotting in the wet.

If frost is forecast, keep a pair of old curtains to hand to cover borderline hardy plants overnight to prevent damage.

MOVE THEM INDOORS

Many tender plants, such as geraniums, begonias and half hardy fuchsias will need to be brought under cover before the first frosts. Put them in a frost-free greenhouse or garden shed to give them the best chance.

LIFT PLANTS

Dig up tubers and rhizomes of tender plants like cannas and dahlias once the foliage has been blackened by the first frost. Cut them down to within 5cm (2in) of the base and dig them up with a fork, taking care to avoid damaging the rhizomes, remove all loose soil and dry them off, before storing them in boxes of dry sand or soil in a cool, frost-free place like a shed (for dahlias) or a greenhouse or conservatory (for cannas).

If you live in a mild area, you may get away with just a thick mulch such as straw or compost around the roots. If you can provide shelter for dahlias or cannas grown in containers, bring them under a porch or into an unheated greenhouse.

118 swansealife.co.uk

f looring & furnit ure AT LEEKES

Home Experts FOR

120 YEARS 1897 – 2017

Leekes Cross Hands, Business Parc, Carms. SA14 6RB Leekes Llantrisant, Cowbridge Road, RCT. CF72 8XU Tel: 0333 222 4120 | Online: leekes.co.uk

c o s y CARPETS

Transform the look of your home with carpets and flooring from Leekes. From classic or contemporary and bold or beautiful, we offer a wide selection of flooring in a variety of designs and widths to bring your flooring vision to life. Our flooring selection delivers style, comfort and practicality while our expert team of flooring consultants can guide you through the selection, planning and installation process to find your perfect style and finish.

Features of our Carpets Huge Selection from all the Leading Brands Including Brintons, Brockway and Ulster Selection to suit any budget and style Choose from a variety of colours and patterns FREE estimation and quotation Free pre-fit survey with a preferred installer Fitted by our Experienced Installers Our fitters have decades of experience Stocked Ranges for a quick turnaround Available for immediate delivery and fitting We will not be beaten on price Ask about our Lowest Price Guarantee

c o s y fa b u lo u s FLOORING

Contact us today for a FREE consultation in store or at home

Leading Brand Flooring

Home Experts FOR

120 YEARS 1897 – 2017

Leekes Cross Hands, Business Parc, Carms. SA14 6RB Leekes Llantrisant, Cowbridge Road, RCT. CF72 8XU Tel: 0333 222 4120 | Online: leekes.co.uk

blissful

BEDROOMS

Achieving the perfect night’s sleep will help us feel refreshed and ready to start the day. Visit the bed studio at Leekes to discuss your options with the knowledgeable team who will be happy to guide you through the range to ensure you make the right choice. We offer the perfect selection of over 60 divans and mattresses from leading brands including Hypnos, Gainsborough, Rest Assured and Sleepeezee available in store.

Beds | Mattresses | Bedroom Furniture | Sofa Beds | Bedding

Shop with confidence with our LOWEST PRICE GUARANTEE† on Leading Brands including: THE SCIENCE OF COMFORT

THE SCIENCE OF COMFORT

THE SCIENCE OF COMFORT

Home Experts FOR

120 YEARS 1897 – 2017

Leekes Cross Hands, Business Parc, Carms. SA14 6RB Leekes Llantrisant, Cowbridge Road, RCT. CF72 8XU Tel: 0333 222 4120 | Online: leekes.co.uk Terms and conditions apply.

†

A FAMILY BUSINESS WITH

FAMILY VALUES

NO GIMMICKS JUST

A GENUINE

PRICE WITH A FIRST CLASS

SERVICE

Over 25 Years Experience in UPVC & Aluminium available in a variety of colours

10 YEAR

GUARANTEE

Call for a FREE QUOTE:

01792 700700

26 Midland Rd, Llansamlet, Swansea, SA79QY

Email: yvonne@wagmanwindows.co.uk www.wagmanwindows.com

Grace Cluster Pendant Light, £99.99, Very.co.uk

Pine Cone Dinner Candle, £18.50, M&S, Swansea

HOUSE & HOME

Caption RJR.John Rocha Cushion, £30, Debenhams, Swansea

Gray & Willow Stone Dinnerware, from £8, House of Fraser, Cardiff

Wooden Sideboard, £129.99, Homesense, Parc Fforestfach

Roman Numeral Clock, £24.99, Very.co.uk

THIS MONTH

WE LOVE LAURA DAVIES rounds up some of her favourite products this month

Metallic Flutes and Bucket (set of 6), £28, Next, Morfa Retail Park

J by Jasper Throw, £125, Debenhams, Swansea

White Oiled Clock, £209, John Lewis, Cardiff

Carlton Aviator Keeler Wing Chair £1,265, Arthur Llewellyn Jenkins, Gorseinon

Sainsbury’s Home Neroli & Amber Grey Glass Decorative Candle, £8, Sainsbury’s, Swansea

Laura Ashley Silver Stag Tealight Holder, £28, Laura Ashley, Pontarddulais Road Retail Park

Caption Brown Peruvian Throw, £79.99, TK Maxx, Morfa Retail Park

@LawsDx

Gold Glass Decanter, £9.99, Homesense, Parc Fforestfach

laura.davies@trinitymirror.com

Le Flore Set Of 4 Champagne Glasses, £30, Oliver Bonas, Cardiff

XL Round Pillar Lantern, £120, Next, Swansea and Parc Trostre swansealife.co.uk 125

Quality made truly affordable

Fires Fireplaces & Range Cookers Wood Stone & Marble Fireplaces Electric Gas & Multi Fuel New Selection of Seasonal Giftware

Gorseinon 01792 892357 www.brisco.co.uk

HOUSE & HOME

Berry Wreath, £12, Homesense, Parc Fforestfach

Ceramic Penguins (Set of 2), £19.99, Very.co.uk

Folklore Reindeer Woolly Sheep Red, £15, John Lewis, Cardiff

Glass hanging star, £14, Next, Morfa Retail Park

25

Glass hanging star, £14, Next, Morfa Retail Park

DECOR IDEAS FOR UNDER

£25

Lit Dome Christmas Scene, £15, Next, Morfa Retail Park

Christmas inspiration all for under £25.

LAURA DAVIES picks her top buys laura.davies@trinitymirror.com

@LawsDx

Merry Christmas Candle, £10, Debenhams, Swansea

Magical Village Snowglobe, £20, John Lewis, Cardiff

Red Check Stocking, £19.95, White Stuff, Cardiff

Nordic Country Metal LED Joy Sign, £15, Wilko, Swansea

Robin Applique Cushion, £25, M&S, Swansea 128 swansealife.co.uk

Red felt Cushion, £19.50, M&Co, Cardiff

Paper Star Lights, £14, House of Fraser, Cardiff

HOUSE & HOME

Set of 3 Red Reindeer Ornaments, £15, Debenhams, Swansea

Sainsbury’s Home 35cm Porcelain Light Up Cone Tree, £25, Sainsbury’s, Swansa

Stocking, £15, House of Fraser, Cardiff

Starry Night Ceramic Stag Head Copper, £10, Wilko, Llanelli and Swansea

Silver Sleigh Bell Wreath, £22, Laura Ashley, Pontarddulais Road Retail Park

Set of 3 Silver Candle Holders with Bows, £25, Debenhams, Swansea Wooden Moose Countdown Calendar, £10, Sainsbury’s, Swansea

Wooden Christmas Tree Ornament, £15, M&Co, Cardiff

Very Noel Sign, £24.99, Very.co.uk

Wooden Nutcracker, £19.99, Homesense, Parc Fforestfach

Red LED Star, £7, Homesense, Parc Fforestfach

Red Spruce Ring Candle, £16, Laura Ashley, Pontarddulais Road Retail Park

Wire Reindeer Room Decoration, £12, Next, Parc Trostre swansealife.co.uk 129

Living Spaces...

Relax & entertain in luxury

Bespoke designs from Planning to Completion

2000ft

SHOWCENTRE

0%

• • • •

Free Planning & building regulation advice Free Quotations with 3D Imaging 2 Years Interest Free Credit 10 Year Insurance Warranty

FREEPHONE 0800 808 3224 www.securahome.co.uk Unit C1 Kestrel Way, Garngoch Ind Est, Gorseinon, Swansea SA4 9WN

INTEREST FREE

OPEN 7 DAYS

Suitable for underfloor heating A Company built on its reputation & personal service • Wood/Laminate Flooring • Cushion & Hard Vinyl Flooring • Carpets • Natural Flooring – Coir/Sisal • Safety Flooring • Full Floor Preparation • Domestic & Commercial Contracts • Free Measuring & Estimates RECOMMENDED INSTALLERS OF AMTICO FLOORING Technical & professional advice on the best flooring for your home or business SWANSEA’S ONLY NICF MASTER FITTER

Tel: 01792 896523

E: theflooringstudioltd@btconnect.com Visit: www.theflooringstudio.biz Visit our showroom at: 72 High Street, Gorseinon, Swansea SA4 4BP

Paul James

Est.1982

HOUSE & HOME

NOVEMBER WITH A DIFFERENCE With JOSEPH ATKIN, Head Gardener at Aberglasney Gardens in Carmarthenshire

Hydrangea aspera

If there is one month of the year in which it is difficult to create real interest in the garden, it is November.

However, there are a few plants that can be combined to create a ‘show stopping’ display. The three selected here are less common and certainly a break from the normal winter planting that you see in public parks. These are plants that are usually overlooked for their winter interest and yet make a valuable addition as they offer interest at other times of the year too.

Nyssa sylvatica ‘Wisley Bonfire’

Asparagus We came across Asparagus as an ornamental by accident when we started growing it as a food crop in the Kitchen Garden. Soon we mixed it with cut flowers and discovered the fern like grassy fronds looked magnificent with those cut flowers. By November the stems are usually over 2m high and die back a wonderful bronze colour which combines with other late season cut flowers.

They create a very similar effect to ornamental grasses but of course you also have the benefits of home grown Asparagus. There is no reason why Asparagus cannot be grown in any herbaceous border or a mixed border giving it potential as an ornamental, a vegetable and a winter interest plant. Despite having a notorious reputation for being slow to crop it’s easy to grow and produces autumn colour from a young age so you don’t need much patience. n Height = 2m n Spread = 1m n Position/Aspect = Sunny n Soil = fertile well drained (sandy if possible) n Pest and diseases = No problems for us n Style = kitchen, potager, mixed border, dry garden, herbaceous, Mediterranean

Nyssa make great garden shrubs but are even better as small trees. They have a wonderful shape or silhouette and grow at a moderate rate. Their primary interest is the startling yellow and orange autumn colour which usually lasts for about a month. At Aberglasney we have found it to reliably produce great autumn colour ever year whatever the weather too. The selection ‘Wisley Bonfire’ also has a lovely conical shape.

Height = eventually 5m Spread = 3m n Position/Aspect = Any except deep shade n Soil = Any except waterlogged n Pest and diseases = No real problems n Style = Specimen tree on lawn, mixed border, park land, woodland or contemporary garden n n

Osmunda regalis Ferns are not the first thing that spring to mind when you’re thinking about autumn colour but this fern is great addition to any garden throughout autumn and winter. The ‘Royal fern’, as it is often known, is the ideal garden plant for wet or shady ground. Once planted it’s happy for a good fifty years and slowly gets bigger and bigger producing majestic fronds that turn a warm yellow in the autumn and winter. This plant is a favourite at Aberglasney as we seem to be able to use it all over the Gardens. This is mainly due to it being so easy to grow and because it produces interest almost all year. Historically it has had a reputation for being tricky to grow and is usually thought of as a specialist plant but that’s certainly not the case in our experience so it’s well worth a try.

Height = 1.5m Spread = 2m eventually n Position/Aspect = Any sun or shade but not dry n Soil = Any except very dry n Pest and diseases = No problems n Style = Woodland, exotic, oriental, Asiatic, bog garden n n

136 swansealife.co.uk

Shutters Awnings Blinds and Motorisation Conservatories Curtains st

re Inte

Ee E R F nanc fi

Create the mood

for less than you think with home automated motorised blinds from Solar.

What if your window blinds could adjust themselves!

Powerview motorised blinds from Luxaflex can make this a reality.

Cardiff showroom

Bridgend showroom

Gripoly Mills Retail Park, Sloper Road, Cardiff. CF11 8AA

North Road, Bridgend Industrial Estate, Bridgend. CF31 3TP

Telephone: 01792 359622

www.solarsunshades.co.uk

Mirage blinds

by SOLAR

VouIrECaW rdiff g usin

room Show gle 360 Goo

Curtains

by SOLAR

a GetQUOTE K IC e QU onlin

www.solarsunshades.co.uk

now

Shutters

by SOLAR

Supp l Fitte ied & di 4 w n just

eeks

Telephone: 01792 359622

Visage blinds

by SOLAR

Int

FRerest fin EE anc e

www.solarsunshades.co.uk

www.solarsunshades.co.uk

Interest Free Credit & Finance Solar have teamed up with our Finance Partner Close Brothers to offer interest free credit on all of our products, as well as very competitive interest bearing finance. This re-enforces our commitment to customers to help them create their ideal home with the right products at the right price point.

T&C’s apply please visit web site for details

Get a

QUIC

K QU

onlin OTE e

now

W VouIrECoamrdiuffsing

wro 360 Sho oogle G

Shutters Awnings Blinds and Motorisation Conservatories Curtains

Cardiff showroom

Bridgend showroom

Gripoly Mills Retail Park, Sloper Road, Cardiff. CF11 8AA

North Road, Bridgend Industrial Estate, Bridgend. CF31 3TP

Awnings

by SOLAR

Inte

rest

FRE fina

E

nce

al erci m Com utions sol lable avai

Luxaflex

by SOLAR

“What if your window blinds could adjust themselves” Powerview motorisation can make this a reality.

Telephone: Telephone: 01792 359622

www.solarsunshades.co.uk

VICTORIA WADE’S GARDEN Join Victoria Wade, an RHS Gold winning garden designer from Killay, with her seasonal growing tips.... www.victoriawade.co.uk

Feeding the birds

@WadeLandscapes

Bee on daisy

Winter is coming! And as the days get shorter and the nights get colder, our feathered friends in the garden could do with a bit of a helping hand to stay warm.

It is so easy to feed the birds, and doing so will help them to overcome periods of natural food shortage and survive any severe winter weather so they are in tip top condition ready to breed in the spring.

Feeding wild birds makes it really easy to watch a whole range of fascinating species up close, and it is a great way to get kids interested in wildlife too.

Positioning bird feeding stations in view of windows means you can study their beautiful colours and quirky behaviour up close, and also keep any eye on when the feeders need to be topped up.

A simple bird table is suitable for most foods and will attract lots of different species. You can easily make one. It just needs a raised rim to retain the food and a gap at each corner of the rim so that water can drain away and you can easily clean away any droppings or uneaten food.

A good variety of different feeders and food types will encourage a wide variety of different birds to your garden. Try feeding a range of different bird seed mixtures, black sunflower seeds, nyjer seeds, peanuts, bird cakes, fat balls and mealworms, all of which you can buy from local garden centres or hardware stores. Peanuts and fat balls are often sold in nylon mesh bags, never put out any food in these as they can 142 swansealife.co.uk

Some species of birds, such as blackbirds, prefer to feed on the ground, so try scattering some food on the lawn or use a ground feeding tray. Space the food out to reduce competition between different birds and keep any ground food out in the open so that the birds won’t fall prey to any lurking cats. Don’t be tempted to put out more food than can be eaten in a day to avoid attracting vermin. trap birds’ feet or beaks, and don’t put out whole peanuts in the spring as they may choke young birds- crush them first or use a special peanut feeder.

There are lots of hanging bird feeders available which you can position around your garden, such as steel mesh nut feeders, fat ball hangers and seed feeders.

Just make sure you choose the right type of feeder for the food you are using.

Make sure you position bird feeders and bird boxes out of reach of cats and dogs.

Never feed any mouldy food and clear away any uneaten food from your feeding stations.

Wild birds will appreciate being fed all year round, but it is the winter months where it is particularly important, especially when the ground is frozen. Ask a neighbour if they can top up your feeders if you’re going to be away, as the birds will come to rely on you for their dinner.

It’s really important to provide a source of water too, either a wildlife pond or bird bath is great. Floating a tennis ball in the water when it gets colder should help to stop it from freezing.

If you have the space you could even turn your whole garden into a bird foraging paradise, by planting a wide variety of fruiting trees and bushes.

HOUSE & HOME Debenhams, Swansea

Check Bean Cube, £35, jdwilliams.co.uk

Cream Knitted Pom Throw, £28, Debenhams, Swansea

Wool Check Cushion, £29.50, M&S, Swansea

Wickham Check Cranberry Cushion £45, Laura Ashley, Cardiff

Grey Faux Fur Bean Bag, £49, jdwilliams.co.uk

Natural Animal Faux Fur Throw, £60 £100; Next, Morfa Retail Park

Sincerity Check Throw, £34.99, Homesense, Parc Fforestfach

SNUG

Ribbed Grey Fur Cushion, £7, George Home, Parc Trostre

Autumn calls for snuggling up in a blanket and keeping warm and toasty. LAURA DAVIES looks at warm fabrics ideal for the change of season laura.davies@trinitymirror.com

@LawsDx

Sainsbury’s Home Green Check Cushion, £12, Sainsbury’s, Swansea

Laura Ashley, Cardiff

Sincerity Check Throw, £55, House of Fraser, Cardiff

Faux Fur Cube Grey, £49.99, Very.co.uk

Burlington Chair in Torrin Plaid Ochre, £949, M&S, Swansea

swansealife.co.uk 143

O T UP

F F O % 0 SALE

5AUTUMN

PRICE PROMISE WE WILL BEAT ANY QUOTE THIS DOOR FULLY FITTED

MPN Windows and Doors are award

£599

Limited Time Only First Come First Served

winning trusted FENSA installers of double and triple glazing, UPVC and aluminium, specialising

DOORS - FREE YALE LOCKS

in: • Windows • Doors • Conservatories • French Doors • Bifold Doors • Porches • Patio Doors

CONSERVATORIES - FREE UNDERFLOOR HEATING

• Tiled conservatory roofs Every installation comes with a 10 year insurance backed warranty and FENSA Certificate

WINDOWS - FREE VERTICAL BLINDS

Established Family run Welsh company Contact us 24/7 for a FREE quotation • FREE PARKING

SWANSEA: 01792 654623 | PORT TALBOT: 01639 851287 182 Neath Rd, Swansea, SA1 2JT (Opposite Liberty Stadium) www.mpnwindows.com | Email: sales@mpnwindows.com

HOUSE & HOME

TABLE

dressing Make sure your Christmas table is dressed to impress with LAURA DAVIES’ picks laura.davies@trinitymirror.com

12-Piece Charger Plate Set (Red), £19.99, Very.co.uk Berry Candle Wreath, £15, Sainsbury’s, Swansea

@LawsDx

Christmas Cutlery Knitted Stockings, Set of 2, £6, John Lewis, Cardiff

Silver Wine Holder, £9.99, TK Maxx, Parc Trostre

House of Fraser, Cardiff

Set of 2 Gold Star Candles, £10, Debenhams, Swansea Viners 16-Piece Gold Titanium Cutlery Set, £109, Very.co.uk Confetti Ceramic Coasters, 4pk, £8, Sainsbury’s, Swansea

Gold Leaf Napkin Ring, £4, Homesense, Parc Fforestfach

Metallic Flutes and Bucket (set of 6), £28, Next, Morfa Retail Park

Gold Effect Cake Stand, £30, Next, Swansea

M&S, Swansea

Ornate Beaded Runner, £35, M&S, Swansea

Gold Glass Decanter, £9.99, Homesense, Parc Fforestfach

Copper and Champagne Crackers (set of 10), £18, House of Fraser, Cardiff swansealife.co.uk 145

FREE AGE STORAGE ARY UNTIL UNTIL 2018 JANUARY JANUARY2018 2018 *

**

TT EEAA B B L L ILI OORR WWEEWW IKIKEEFF LL TE TE. .

AANNYY QQUUOO LLIKIKEE

GE REMOVALS REMOVALS • TRADE ••SELF SELFSTORAGE STORAGE STORAGE ••TRADE TRADE •STORAGE STORAGE PACKAGING ••PACKAGING PACKAGING

days a week › Open › Open 7 days 7 days a week a week surance › FREE › FREE Insurance Insurance ge of packing materials sold› Full › Full range range ofof packing packing materials materials sold sold ollection Service when › FREE › FREE Collection Collection Service Service when when e with us you you store store with with usus cover Worldwide › We › We also also cover cover Worldwide Worldwide

NOWNOW NOW OPEN OPEN OPEN NEW Storage NEW NEWStorage Storage Facility Facility Facility

in Fforestfach, ininFforestfach, Fforestfach, Swansea.

Swansea.

Swansea.

£4.99 £4.99

TYMOVES.CO VISIT VISITUS USTODAY: TODAY:WWW.CITYMOVES.CO WWW.CITYMOVES.CO Swansea Prospect ProspectPark, Park, SA5 Queensway, Queensway, 4EDFforestfach, Fforestfach,Swansea SwanseaSA5 SA54ED 4ED

***

+VAT +VAT +VAT

5 T:319 T:01792 01792 0777 940531 940531F:F:0845 0845A 319 319 0777 0777 AASTORAGE WEEK WEEK WEEKSTORAGE STORAGE See Seewhat whatour ourcustomers customerssay say

*T&Cs apply. *T&Cs *T&Cs apply. apply.

HOUSE & HOME

2

1

3 COUNTDOWN to CHRISTMAS…

The countdown to Christmas is on! LAURA DAVIES rounds up her pick of decorative advent calendars for your home laura.davies@trinitymirror.com

@LawsDx

7

5 4

8

6 9

12

13

10 14

11

1. A by Amara Wooden Boxes Advent Calendar, £50, Amara.com | 2. LED Wooden Advent Calendar, £40, shop.nationaltrust.org.uk 3. Gingerbread Man Advent Calendar, £30, The Contemporary Home, www.tch.net | 4. Heaven Sends Wooden Advent Calendar House, £29.99, Magical Story, www.magicalstory.co.uk | 5. Advent Calendar Cushion, £35, M&S, Swansea | 6. Wooden Star Advent Calendar, £45, House of Fraser, Cardiff 7. Advent Calendar, £15, Next, Morfa Retail Park | 8. Santa Train Advent, £29.50, M&S, Swansea | 9. Gisela Graham Wooden Reindeer Advent Calendar, £30, Amara.com | 10. Sainsbury’s Home North Pole Santa Plush Countdown, £16, Sainsbury’s, Swansea | 11. Advent Candle, £6, M&Co, Cardiff 12. Cinnamon and Clove Advent Votives, £12, Sainsbury’s, Swansea | 13. The Collection Wooden Tree Advent Calendar, £19.99, Argos, Swansea 14. Advent Stocking, £4.99, Homesense, Parc Fforestfach swansealife.co.uk 147

Tel: 01656 741443

@pylegardenvillage

www.thepylegardencentre.co.uk

restaurant

Salon Loulou H A I R

A N D

B E A U T Y

&

Christmas at Pyle Garden Village Tel: 01656 741443

@pylegardenvillage

www.thepylegardencentre.co.uk

Tel: 01656 741443

@pylegardenvillage

www.thepylegardencentre.co.uk

DATES FOR YOU R

restaurant

The Olive Tree has grown into a hugely popular restaurant with an extensive selection of home-grown dishes. Diners can enjoy our British-European menu open for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea with the fully-licensed restaurant also available for evening parties and events. After shopping for plants and garden products it’s the perfect place to meet friends in a relaxed setting.

DIARY

October 16th-23rd Nati onal Baking W eek 31st Halloween Novemb er 3rd National Sandw ich Day 4th National Roast Dinner Day 5th Bonfire Night 11th Armistice Day 12th Remembrance Sunday 17th Loulou Fashion Show & Dinner 23rd Thanksgiving Salon Loulou restaurant

H A I R

A N D

B E A U T Y

&

Christmas at Pyle Garden Village Tel: 01656 741443

@pylegardenvillage

www.thepylegardencentre.co.uk

Tel: 01656 741443

@pylegardenvillage

www.thepylegardencentre.co.uk

Christmas at Pyle Garden Village Santa Arrives Santa’s Grotto Saturday 25th November 2017

Open from Sunday 26th November 2017 £6.99 Per Child

Breakfast & Tea with Santa

Adults £6.99 each Children £12.99 each

Treefest

Friday 1st December 2017 and Saturday 2nd December 2017

10% OFF Xmas Trees See Instore and Website for details.

Tel: 01656 741443

@pylegardenvillage

www.thepylegardencentre.co.uk

Loulou Boutique An oasis of beautiful womens’ clothing and stylish accessories.

restaurant

Leaf Interiors Be inspired with a wonderful array of Christmas furnishings and giftware.

Salon Loulou H A I R

Christmas Table Decorations We stock all types of festive tableware.

A N D

B E A U T Y

&

Christmas Tree Decorations Dress your tree with our beautiful baubles and lights.

Christmas at Pyle Garden Village Artificial Trees Be amazed at our range of superb lifelike trees.

Tel: 01656 741443

@pylegardenvillage

www.thepylegardencentre.co.uk

Tel: 01656 741443

@pylegardenvillage

www.thepylegardencentre.co.uk

restaurant

The

Restaurant

Woodwork is the one-stop shop

Leaf Interiors was started in

invites you to dine in our glass

for all your landscape and garden

October

house restaurant or outside on

products.

Karen, two friends who shared a

the

Olive

veranda

Tree

overlooking

the

2013

by

Sally

and

love for home decor and began

plant area eating alfresco. Enjoy

From garden sheds, fencing, trellis

making customised curtains for

our

menu

panels, timber planters and furni-

their friends. Their hobby quickly

open for breakfast, lunch and

ture, Woodwork has now added

evolved into a business as they

afternoon tea.

stoneware, gravels, paving stones

began taking orders for their

and water features to its ranges.

creations and they soon began

British-European

It has become a hugely popular

adding other home accessories

attraction in the garden village. A

Sourcing stock at the best prices

perfect place to shop, relax and

means that customers will benefit

treat yourself to breakfast, snack

from the savings offered by those

We’re not on the high street and

or lunch.

reductions.

that’s just how we want it to be.

and furnishings to their inventory.

We aim to focus on delivering our customers the best services and products in a market and environment that we understand.

Tel: 01656 741443

@pylegardenvillage

www.thepylegardencentre.co.uk

restaurant

Petstop offer a range of pets

Salon Loulou will soon celebrate

Loulou Boutique is now firmly

including

rats,

a successful first year in busi-

established as a leading boutique

hamsters, lizards and turtles. As

ness which has seen a promising

Loulou with Salon a collaboration of brands

well as this they stock a wide

upturn in its client base. It offers

not seen on the high street.

variety of branded pet food for all

a sleek, modern environment

Womenswear styles, shapes are

different types of animals. They

with friendly, skilled staff who

constantly changing and Loulou

also offer toys and pet accesso-

will consult throughly before

reflects a comprehensive range

ries. All of this comes alongside

they work their magic on clients.

of casual to smart clothing with

birds,

rabbits,

friendly advice on what’s best for your pet.

H A I R

A N D

B E A U T Y

names like Joseph Ribkoff, Naya, The innovative hair, barber, nail

Rino & Pelle, Masai, Alex Max to

and beauty salon is the latest

name a few. It also stocks fabu-

addition to the home and life-

lous

Jewellery,

bags,

scarves

style shops based at Pyle Garden

together with a warm welcome

Village.

and friendly advice whenever you

To mark it’s first year anniversary,

&

call in.

Salon Loulou will be offering special prices on all treatments with a glass of fizz throughout December.

Christmas at Pyle Garden Village Tel: 01656 741443

@pylegardenvillage

www.thepylegardencentre.co.uk

Tel: 01656 741443

@pylegardenvillage

www.thepylegardencentre.co.uk

&

Aqualogic is a small team of dedi-

Regardless of breed, size and age,

Never compromising on quality,

cated fish keepers, with over 35

we welcome all pets to Paws Galore

coupled with a before and after

years of trade experience. We

Dog Grooming salon. Before your

sales service that is second to

have a large range of Tropical,

dogs grooming session starts in

none, most of our customers are

Marine, Coldwater and Pond fish.

our salon in Pyle Garden Village,

now the result of recommenda-

We stock all the well known brand

we will discuss your dogs indi-

tion. Our cutting edge designs,

names and accessories for your

vidual grooming needs, behaviour

experience, fantastic build quality

aquarium. We are here to give

and health. Then, we’ll create a

and keen attention to detail,

expert advice on any issue you

custom grooming plan for you

ensures that we are a cut above

may be having with your tank.

and your dog. We promise a safe

our competitors.

and clean environment for all pets at all times. We are City &

Be the envy of your friends and

Guilds qualified and Fully Insured

family, and pop in for a coffee

- Certificates available to view. We

with Paula & Richard and allow us

also offer a pick up and drop off

to create that ‘wow’ factor home

service (small fee added for this

you’ve always dreamed of....”

service).

FREE WINE COOLER

FILLED WITH PROSECCO For kitchens ordered before December 25th 2017

Tel: 01656 741443

@pylegardenvillage

www.thepylegardencentre.co.uk Tel: 01656 741443

restaurant

Established in 1999 and with over

Established

in

1979

Dunraven

WE GOT YOUR WALLS COVERED

25 years experience in theheating

Windows have been providing

Harris Images provides the facil-

industry, Select Heating & Stoves

excellent customer service for

Salon ities for you to Loulou turn that special

have exactly what it takesto turn

nearly 40 years. Over 5,000

image into art form through large

your dream heating into reality!

customers a year now choose

format graphics from wallpaper

H A I R

A N D

B E A U T Y

Dunraven to install a range of

print canvas acrylic glass vinyl

Woodburning & Multifuel Stoves,

products including high security

imagination is your only limita-

Electric

Stoves,

Windows and Doors, Designer

tion cover your space with family

Fireplaces’ Fireside Accessories,

Conservatories, Porches, Cano-

images pets holidays favourite

Oak Effect Beams, Full In-House

pies, Flat Roofing and more.

places scenic views on any wall

Installation Service Available.

You’re guaranteed a great job

you wish to change the mood of

when you choose Dunraven for

an area email your image or chose

your home and you know you’re

& from our extensive library printed

in safe hands dealing with an

in glorious full colour or mono your

established company who really

home or work place could soon

care about the service provided.

become your perfect view for

Stoves,

Gas

further information with no obligation contact Norman Harris with a brief description of your project freshen up your image.

Christmas at Pyle Garden Village Tel: 01656 741443

@pylegardenvillage

hello@harrisimages.co.uk www.harrisimages.co.uk

www.thepylegardencentre.co.uk

For the sleep you’ve always dreamed of....

WHY NOT COME AND VIEW OUR HUGE RANGE OF BEDS...

Most available with immediate delivery

SUMMER SALE, PLUS 0% INTEREST FREE CREDIT

NOW AVAILABLE ACROSS THE STORE 8 A4

MORRISTON

01792 771 012

SWANSEA CITY CENTRE

67 A40 RIVER TAWE

LIBERTY STADIUM

DAYS MOTOR GROUP

8 A4

Unit 11, Beaufort Court, Beaufort Rd Plasmarl, Swansea, SA6 8JG

ASDA

WE ARE HERE

A4 06 7

View our full range & buy from the comfort of your home

www.dreamtimebeds.co.uk

LOOK FOR SIGN AT THE ROUNDABOUT

HOUSE & HOME

HERITAGE: Capture the season’s mood with cushions in autumnal hues of burnt orange, moss green and earthy browns. Take inspiration from nature with woodland motifs and choose cosy materials, such as tweed, fur and chunky knits to keep your home feeling seriously snug.

1

2

3

4

5

6

COSY CUSHIONS Give you room a new lease of life for autumn with LAURA DAVIES’ picks.

From checks, floral prints, opulent and sumptous jewel tones and woollen and fur textures, there is a cushion to suit every home. laura.davies@trinitymirror.com

7

9

8

@LawsDx

10

11

SCANDI: For a modern take on Scandi style, embrace organic materials and calming mineral colours. Introduce cushions in smokey shades of denim, ochre, charcoal and blush and opt for plain or geometric designs that will sit well against mid-century furniture for a beautiful , yet simplistic scheme.

OPULENCE: Update your home with cushions in rich, sumptuous materials and vibrant colours. Deep plums, magentas and teals sit together alongside animal print and gold detailing, while velvet, fur and fringe embellishment combine to create a regal scheme that shouts luxury.

12

13

14

15

16

17

HERITAGE: 1. Ardingly Floral Cushion, 19.50, M&S, Swansea

| 2. Autumnal Cushion, £29.99, Homesense, Parc Fforestfach | 3. Junipa Rust Floral Print Cushion, £20, House of Fraser, Cardiff | 4. Ochre Knit Cushion, £16, Sainsbury’s, Swansea | 5. Tweed Cushion, £19, M&Co, Cardiff 6. Wool Check Cushion, £29.50, M&S, Swansea

SCANDI: 7. Sheepskin Cushion, £45, Debenhams, Swansea

| 8. Luxury Faux Fur Tipped Cushion Cream, £14.99, Very.co.uk | 9. Knitted Cushion, £14.99, Homesense, Parc Fforestfach | 10. Wave Knit Cushion, £19.50, M&S, Swansea | 11. White Quilted Cushion Large, £16, Sainsbury’s, Swansea

OPULENCE:

12. Blue Geometric Cushion, £16.99. Homesense, Parc Fforestfach | 13. Gold Ikat Cushion, £16., Very.co.uk | 14. Junipa Burgundy Ornamental Cushion, £25, M&Co, Cardiff | 15. Merlin Cushion Copper, £17.99, Very.co.uk | 16. Red Velour Cushion, £16, M&Co, Cardiff 17. Star by Julien Macdonald Cushion, £18, Debenhams, Swansea swansealife.co.uk 157

FREE OLD BED DISPOSAL

55 New Rd, Skewen, SA10 6EP

01792 815080

FREE LOCAL DELIVERY

Unit 12-16 Tower Court St Davids Rd, Llansamlet SA6 8RU (Behind Smyths Toys)

01792 799213

Great escapes

SERBIA (page 160) WEEKEND BREAK (page 161)

251 Oxford Street, Swansea, SA1 3BL Tel: 0844 800 3855

GREAT ESCAPES

SERBIA...

A GREAT PLACE YOU’D NEVER THOUGHT TO VISIT!

A trip to Serbia would not usually see you end up in Novi Sad - but it has just been named the European City of Culture 2021. ROBERT DALLING has just spent a week exploring the up and coming city and its surrounding areas to find out exactly why it is worth a visit.

The banks of the river Danube

Novi Sad

Bishop’s Palace

160 swansealife.co.uk

S

TANDING meters away from hundreds of horses hurtling towards you at high speed is an unusual way to spend a Sunday morning.

But here I am, right at the heart of Serbia’s Krcedin Isle, completely fascinated and ever so slightly unnerved . And yes, it is, without doubt, one of the best experiences of my life. Really!

After a short boat ride along the beautiful River Danube, we visited something that is not an artificial man-made park safari, but an example of real natural life thriving in its original form through the municipality of Indjija. A real oasis of the animal world and a paradise for lovers of nature, ecology and bird watching, it has been unchanged for hundreds of years and is part of the Kovilj Petrovaradin Swamp Protected Special Nature Reserve.

Horses, donkeys, chickens, pigs and cows all roam freely through the marsh land, which has unsurprisingly become very attractive for tourists and also included on a list of national importance.

If you are animal lover like myself, the chance to see so many so close and unrestricted is too good a photographic opportunity to miss.

Krcedin Isle is only a short journey away from Novi Sad which has just been named the European City of Culture 2021 making it the very first time the title has been awarded from a non EU country.

The core of Serbia’s second city is steeped

with history and boasts broad pedestrianized streets lined with Neo-Classical buildings and outdoor cafes. In 1849, Hungarian troops in Petrovaradin shelled the city, razing most of it. It escaped major damage during the World Wars, but NATO’s bombing destroyed all three of its bridges and much of its infrastructure.

Today, Novi Sad has undergone a huge transformation with the bridges rebuilt and damage repaired, and the only visible reminder of its sometimes troubled past being some political graffiti on its streets.

The people are incredibly friendly, and even share our sense of humour - as we found out with a discussion about Del Boy in Only Fools and Horses. It turns out he’s regarded as something of a legend

by Serbs.

The city boasts a thriving social scene with 200 festivals taking place year - with the most famous being EXIT music festival, which since starting in 2000 as a student protest against the Milosevic regime, has since grown steadily in reputation and size, attracting over 150,000 visitors a year - all located in the formidable Petrovaradin Fortress, a must see for any tourist.

But there is far more - even catering for some niche areas with a fish soup festival and a raspberry festival. But it is no surprise when you realise Serbia is the largest importer of raspberries in the world - and one in six you taste in your lifetime would

have come from from there.

It is also no surprise then to learn Novi Sad’s culinary delights are based around fish and its desert raspberries - and there is some fantastic restaurants which take huge pride in serving up the very best of both each day. We visited Fish Zelinish restaurant, a real hidden gem tucked away in a little side street. What looked quite unassuming from the outside was full of character once you stepped through the doors, with an eclectic mix of wall decorations which made your eyes wander.

But the focus was always going to be on what was in front of us, as we were treated to some of the finest pieces of carefully selected vegetables, meat and fish, which were hard to resist, along with some alcohol-free Mojito style cocktails which were delicious.

The food was amazing, but the quaint ambiance and really knowledgable staff were the highlights here. A visit to Novi Sad would not be complete without trying its Bermet wine. It is the only region in the world you can get it, and is a must - as its herbs and spices are quite unique. The perfect place to enjoy a glass (or two) is Kovacevic Winery in Irig, a short journey from Novi Sad, where along with Bermet, you can enjoy a selection of different wines with a delicious meal - with its goats cheese, meat dishes and apple pie coming recommended in a fine dining experience which won’t break the bank - and frankly leave you in disbelief at its value. A lie down is needed after all those hard earned calories - and one of the smartest choices of hotel in Novi Sad is Hotel Park. Located a stone’s throw away from the town centre, it is a welcome plus after a day in the searing Serbian sun and with all the home comforts you could ask for. Once you’re fully refreshed, make sure you take the time to fully explore Novi Sad’s beautiful architecture and history - and a great place to start is Freedom Square, which is encircled by an array of splendid buildings.

It is dominated by a striking Neo-Classical City Hall topped with a tower that once held ‘Matlida’ and the Roman Catholic Church of Mary, which has a striking spire which will keep you mesmerised.

If you’re into your shopping, Danube Street is definitely worth a visit. What was once a hive of activity off the bay of Danube today it is preserved by a mix of fashion and retail to suit all budgets.

And just at the end of the street is the beautiful Danube park. Once a place where many young couples would meet and where the military city orchestra would play, it is not surrounded by untapped beauty and the perfect area to unwind after a busy day exploring what Novi Sad has to offer.

A trip to Novi Sad would be impossible without flying into Belgrade, Serbia’s most popular city and main airport.

WEEKEND GETAWAY

The Roman Catholic Church of Mary

...LANCASTER HOUSE HOTEL

After days of hiking in Snowdonia and the Lake District my brain and feet had become somewhat estranged.

My brain wanted more of the stunning mountain-top views but my feet yearned for flat ground and, preferably, slippers and a comfortable sofa.

Within minutes of the arriving at Lancaster House Hotel the two ends of my body entered into a truce.

The view from my hotel suite was excellent, while my feet treated themselves to a swim in the indoor pool, followed by a session in an outdoor hot tub, steam room and sauna.

My brain tried to work out the difference between a steam room and sauna, while my feet were feeling thoroughly renewed.

Lancaster’s proximity to the M6 makes it a great stopping-off point en route to the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales, but there was more to the university city than I’d expected.

Few British tourists trouble this place - for now. Some remember those wars of the 1990s and the NATO bombing campaign and prefer to stay away. Others, though, are simply put off by its relative ugliness.

Even the city’s most ardent supporters might just admit the Serbian capital is not “overly beautiful”.

Yet, look beyond its Soviet-era commercial quarter and you will find a fascinating, vibrant city, with some surprisingly attractive pedestrianised streets in the centre, and a certain charm along the riverbanks of the Danube and Sava. More than 40 invasions have coloured the architecture, and stained its history with blood, but the city is flourishing once more with a lively artistic and cultural scene. Its youthful population makes the nightlife legendary and the great value coffee shops, bars and restaurants are so thriving you may wonder when any work gets done. Go now, before everyone else finds out.

I, for one, can’t wait to go back.

Robert Dalling flew to Serbia with AirSerbia and MPR Network / National Tourism Organisation of Serbia. Visit airserbia.com and serbia.travel for more information.

Anywhere with a river, canal, castle, brewery and decent parks gets a tick in my box, and Lancaster’s Georgian appearance and sandstone buildings lent it a rather graceful air.

It’s a small city, with a population of around 50,000, and its central core is more than mangeable on foot (even worn-out ones).

A little further out of the city centre is the 54-acre Williamson Park and its domed Ashton Memorial. The views across Morecambe Bay towards the Lake District are wonderful.

You’ll see a lot of students during term-term as the city is home to Lancaster University and also a a University of Cumbria campus.

Lancaster House Hotel is around two miles from the city centre and right by Lancaster University.

The four-star venue’s hotel suites comprise a bedroom, lounge and bathroom. There are also twin and double rooms - plus a health club and spa offering an assortment of treatments.

The hotel has won an AA rosette for fine dining. My three-course dinner was outstanding, and the service impeccable. In fact all the hotel staff I spoke to were a credit to the hotel.

Breakfast covered all bases, and helped fuel a four-mile stroll from the city centre to Morecambe Bay. You can catch a train or bus back.

On the second morning it was time to reluctantly check out and point my car south - and give my feet another breather. n Richard Youle spent 2 nights courtesy of the Lancaster House Hotel, where prices for twin rooms start at £104 per night including breakfast.

IC G A M D E E N T N O D U O Y TO DISAPPEAR...

...YOU JUST NEED A CARAVAN LARGE SELECTION OF PRE-OWENED CARAVANS FINANCE LOW DEPOSIT

Choose from an extensive range of Bailey caravans designed and styled to suit a wide variety of price ranges.

UP TO 10 YEARS TO PAY

Every one of our caravans offers the core values of first class build quality, award winning design and unbeatable value for money.

UNDERCOVER AWNING GALLERY & ACCESSORY SUPERMARKET

Elba Crescent, Crymlyn Burrows, Fabian Way, Swansea SA1 8QQ (J42 2½ miles)

Gorseinon Road, Penllergaer, Swansea SA4 9GE (J47,M4opposite 3M’s)

01792 643326

01792 892884

www.baileywales.com

Out

& about

WALK OF THE MONTH (page 164)

OUT & ABOUT

A N D R E W

M O R G A N ’ S

SWANSEA BAY WALK Join ANDREW MORGAN as he leads us on a Swansea Bay walk.

Start/Finish location .............. Tankeylake Moor, near Llangennith, Gower Distance ...................................... 3 miles (2 hours) Level .............................................Moderate Parking ......................................... Tankeylake Grass verge

164 swansealife.co.uk

Tankeylake Moor Just before descending the road into Llangennith, Tankeylake Moor is the area of level open ground on the right with Llanmadoc Hill in the background. There is no car park here, so just park carefully on the grass at the edge of the road. From here we can do a short circular walk into history with great views to the Brecon Beacons and over Carmarthenshire to Tenby and Caldey Island.

Use the second of the dirt tracks that accesses the Moor and follow it towards the farm. Despite its name, there is no lake here but it maybe muddy in places! Legend has it that the ‘lake’ was formed from the blood of the warriors led by the defeated chieftain Tonkin! You will not enter any fields today, so as you approach the hedgerow where the moor ends and farmland begins, bear left along another track towards the outside corner of the field. Just before that corner, bear left and uphill to a junction of paths and turn right on the lower one. This takes you into the Bulwark, one of the largest Iron Age hillforts in Wales and a Scheduled Ancient Monument. From here and along the top of the hill there are great views all around. To the north are the Brecon Beacons and below is the Loughor Estuary. Turning around, you can see the hill forts of Hardings Down and behind that, Rhossili Down.

Turning west along the ridge of the hill, you first come to a large collection of stones where an ancient and important chieftain was buried. He must have been very important since many years later, the hillfort was built below him rather than on the highest defendable ground.

As you go along, watch for the unusual view of Worms Head then continue to the furthest point of the hill where a Trig Point and Toposcope mark your descent along a well-defined winding track.

Views across the Loughor Estuary are wonderful here. You can make out Llanelli, Burry Port, Pembrey and Tenby across Carmarthen Bay. The panoramic views across Burry Holms, Llangennith, Rhossili Down and Hardings Down all make this a fantastic place to visit. Pick a good day for visibility as the hill is exposed and can be windy on top but you’ll be rewarded with a memorable walk. To finish, bear left to take that long descent starting towards Rhossili Down and wind your way back on this track to the road.

If you like the idea of walking places such as Llanmadoc Hill but don’t feel confident enough to do it alone, Swansea Ramblers have walks every week where you can explore the countryside in the safety of a group and Below: Andrew Morgan at the same time make new friends. Many people come along for the fun of being with other people who also enjoy the countryside. You are welcome to come along to find out if a Swansea Life walk is for you. Hope to see you soon!

Transport: Traveline: www.traveline-cymru.info 0871 200 22 33 or BayTrans: www.baytrans.org.uk/

Upcoming walks November...

WED 01 Ynystawe (8 miles) • Moderate meet 10am Fendrod Lake SAT 04 Dimbath (6 miles) • Moderate meet 11am Bridgend: Blackmill SUN 05 Geology and Scenery-West Gower (10 miles) • Moderate meet 10am Penmaen NT car park MON 06 Cefn Bryn (3 miles) • Moderate meet 10am Penmaen NT car park THU 09 Llangorse (10 miles) • Moderate meet 8.45am Go Outdoors, Llansamlet SAT 11 Kenfig (6 miles) • Easy/Moderate meet 11am Kenfig Reserve SUN 12 Remembrance (10 miles) • Moderate meet 10am Penmaen NT car park MON 13 Mumbles and Coast Path (3.5 miles) • Easy/Moderate meet 10am Mumbles: Top of Underhill Park WED 15 Gower Coast (9 miles) • Moderate meet 9.30am Penmaen (Rose Cottage CP) SAT 18 Gnoll (6 miles) • Moderate meet 11am Gnoll, Neath SUN 19 Medieval Gower (12 miles) • Easy meet 9.30am Parkmill: Park Woods TUE 21 Llangammarch Wells (Train) (9 miles) Strenuous meet 9.15am High St Station, Swansea THU 23 Llanwrtyd Wells (Train) (6 miles) • Moderate meet 9.15am High St Station, Swansea SAT 25 Craig yr Allt (6 miles) • Moderate meet 10.15am Francis St, Swansea SUN 26 Penllergare Woods (6 miles) • Moderate meet 9am Penllergare Valley Woods WED 29 Lliw Mills and Reservoir (7 miles) • Moderate meet 10am Lower Lliw Reservoir

Visit our website: www.swansearamblers.org.uk swansealife.co.uk 165

Hammet House is a luxury country house on the Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion border at Llechryd. Set in glorious landscaped grounds, the house sits on the famous river Teifi. With boutique bedrooms, Michelin listed fine Dining and awarded 2 AA rosettes for excellence in food, service and style.

Hammet House, Llechryd, Cardigan, Pembrokeshire SA43 2QA Tel. 01239 682 382 â–‘ www.hammethouse.co.uk

HAMMET HOUSE PEMBROKESHIRE

The 15 bedrooms at Hammet House are a spectacular blend of old and new. Light & airy Georgian rooms are styled with contemporary furnishings & facilities to create a beguiling mix of old & new. Bathrooms are stocked with luxury toiletries & fluffy soft towels.

Drinks tray with whole-leaf teas & our freshly ground WaDo coffee, along with lovingly made home-baked Hammet House goodies. The ideal base for a chic hotel stay in Pembrokeshire or Cardigan.

Cosy rooms are small double rooms, some are snug & more suited to one night stays or single occupancy, some are more spacious & located on the top floor. Cosy doubles retain the character of the Georgian house & have more of a vintage feel than our good, fabulous & outstanding rooms.

All have flat screen t.v., drinks tray with teapigs teas & freshly ground WaDo coffee. All have en-suite bathrooms stocked with luxury toiletries & fluffy deep towels. Some have shower only, some baths with shower over.

The fabulous room has lots of space, with a super king sized handmade oak bed & handmade pocket-sprung mattress & Egyptian cotton bed linen. Spacious seating area & great views over the front croquet lawn. Large flat screen tv, drinks tray with teapigs whole leaf tea, freshly ground coffee, yummy hand-baked goodies.

Spacious en-suite bathroom with bath & shower over, super soft towels & bathrobes, luxury toiletries.

The good rooms are light & airy large rooms with lovely views over the front or side lawns. Good rooms have super king size beds, with hand-sprung mattresses, Egyptian cotton bed linen, & luxury microfibre bedding. Good rooms have large flat screens, drinks tray with freshly ground coffee, teapigs whole leaf teas & yummy home-baked goodies.

En-suite bathrooms are stocked with luxury toiletries, fluffy soft towels & bathrobes, & have bath with shower over.

Our family room is a duplex room with one super king size bedroom, en-suite bathroom & adjoining childrens bedroom with 2 single beds. The family room is perfect for a family getaway. Large flat screen tv in the king bedroom & second flat screen tv with dvd player in the childrens bedroom.

Luxury Egyptian cotton bedlinen, drinks tray with whole leaf teas & freshly ground Wado coffee. Spacious bathroom with luxury toiletries, soft fluffy towels & bath with shower over. The family room can also accommodate either 1 exta bed or 1 travel cot for larger families.

Pembrokeshire is a wonderful county to visit as a family, full of many attractions & adventures, we have the ideal base for exploring local beaches, walks, nature reserves, attractions, castles & quaint local towns.

Children of all ages are welcome at Hammet House.

Travel cots can be provided at £10 per stay, or extra beds (for children up to 14 years) at £25 per night.

We serve a ‘Little peoples’ menu every day, & well-

behaved children are welcome in all public rooms of the hotel until 9pm, & later at discretion. We are happy to refrigerate any baby food or milk that you may wish to bring, & our chefs will happily prepare any particular offmenu items that you may wish to request.

We have 7 acres of gardens for little guests to explore, & a funky ‘den’ downstairs with squishy sofas & large flat screen t.v.

Hammet House, Llechryd, Cardigan, Pembrokeshire SA43 2QA Tel. 01239 682 382 ░ www.hammethouse.co.uk

HAMMET HOUSE PEMBROKESHIRE

COME & EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF FINE DINING IN PEMBROKESHIRE...

We offer a stunning contemporary British fine dining dinner menu every evening from 6pm, alongside a relaxed all day house menu from 12 noon, breakfast & brunch from 8am, cocktails, organic wine list, afternoon tea, coffees, cakes & nibbles....

For the ultimate fine dining experience our 7 course tasting menu is also available, booking essential. We have been awarded 2 AA rosettes for excellence in food, service & style.

Food is served all day at Hammet House in the library bar, dining room, drawing room & outside. Our beautiful restaurant & library bar is open to residents & non-residents. Booking is always advisable.

HAMMET HOUSE @ CASTELL MALGWYN

CHRISTMAS 2017 Seasonal Menu and Half Bottle of Prosecco 1st-22nd December in our restaurant, “The Art Room @ Castell Malgwyn”

INCLUSIVE CHRISTMAS BREAK 3 nights Bed and Breakfast 24th, 25th, 26th December

Parties up to 32 in The Art Room

To include Afternoon Tea on arrival, A La Carte Dinner on two nights

OR up to 8 in our intimate private dining “Wunderkammer”

Festive Breakfast, Christmas Day Tasting Menu as above

Lunch and Dinner £45 per person

from £885 per couple

CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH TASTING MENU

AUTUMN AND WINTER BREAKS UNTIL 21ST DECEMBER

Limited to 32 persons 7 courses including mulled wine, sparkling Beaujolais with Chestnut Liqueur, coffee, mince pies and a half bottle of Champagne

3 nights bed and breakfast including Tasting Menu and an A La Carte Lunch or Dinner from £470 per couple

£125 per person

Hammet House, Llechryd, Cardigan, Pembrokeshire SA43 2QA Tel. 01239 682 382 ░ www.hammethouse.co.uk

HAMMET HOUSE PEMBROKESHIRE

Motoring

DRIVE TIME (page 172)

TRAINER SWANSEA

375 Carmarthen Road, Swansea 01792 651474

MOTORING

Swansea Life tests Range Rover’s latest SUV - the Velar

drive TIME:

THE VELAR WHAT’S NEW?

Those looking to purchase a Range Rover used to have three main options. There was the Evoque, representing the more affordable end of the spectrum, the Sport, which sat in the middle, and the standard Range Rover at the very top. Now, there’s one more car in the family - the Velar.

Designed to sit in between the Evoque and Sport, it’s a mid-sized SUV for those who want a little more space and a little more luxury.

Featuring an all-new Touch Pro Duo infotainment system which comprises two high-definition 10.2inch touchscreens, and fitted with Range Rover’s latest tech, it’s the most cutting-edge car the brand has ever put to market. There are rivals - the Porsche Macan being the primary one - and with a segment almost brim full of SUVs, the Velar does have a tough fight on its hands if it wants to succeed.

LOOKS AND IMAGE The front end of the new Velar is unmistakable as that of a Range Rover, but with a twist. It features full Matrix LED headlights that are almost razor thin, sitting either side of a large, prominent grille. A side look at the profile of the Velar reveals it to be rather raked, though it still incorporates a ‘floating roof’ design as seen on other cars in the range.

The extremely short overhang at the front is contrasted by quite a large one at the rear which, in our eyes, can make it appear a touch dumpy. That said, the door handles, which electronically retract to become flush with the car’s bodywork, are an extremely neat touch, and it all works together 172 swansealife.co.uk

FACTS AT A GLANCE Model: Range Rover Velar Base price: £48,830 Engine tested: 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel Power: 300bhp Torque: 700Nm Max speed: 150mph 0-60mph: 6.1 seconds MPG: 44.1 Emissions: 167g/km

to create a car that looks more like a concept than a vehicle you can actually go out and buy.

Inside, the cabin is dominated by Range Rover’s new Touch Pro Duo infotainment system. The dual 10.2-inch touchscreens give easy access to navigation, media and phone functions via the top monitor, or climate control settings and driving mode selections through the lower one. It’s a system that is just as good to use as to look at, and represents a huge step forward for the brand over its existing offerings.

SPACE AND PRACTICALITY To achieve in the SUV segment, any car needs to be practical. The Velar is somewhat of a mixed bag in this respect. The boot space, for example, is impressive. There’s 632 litres of boot space to be found with the rear seats raised, rising to 1,731 litres with them folded flat. It’s a huge load area, and because it’s square in size, it is very useable. The Velar is quite a high car, which does mean that lugging heavier items into the boot could be more of a challenge, but there’s not much of load lip which makes things a little easier.

In contrast, the rear seat legroom seems somewhat mean. With two average-sized adults sat up front, there really wasn’t much space in the rear - though head and shoulder room levels were just right. In truth, we could have seen a little more taken off the boot capacity for the sake of a little more legroom, as there just doesn’t seem to be quite enough of the latter for a car of this size. That said, the cabin’s airy nature means it does feel spacious overall, while soft-touch materials and well-padded seats make it a comfortable place to be.

the one below it. However, the first thing that strikes you when you get behind the wheel - and before you’ve even started the engine - is just how vast the Velar feels. It’s near impossible to see the very front of the car, and this can be a little disconcerting to begin with.

It could be down to the cabin’s low positioning inside the car as a whole, combined with the vehicle’s sheer size - though we’d need a little more time in it on UK roads to find out.

After selecting ‘D’ on the car’s rotary gear controller, the Velar - fitted with the turbocharged V6 diesel in our test car - pulls away cleanly and responds with more than enough urgency for a car of this size. The eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox shifts without any fuss, and you can take manual control of switching cogs via the steering wheel-mounted paddles should you want to - though most drivers are likely to forget these in daily driving and leave the gearbox in all-auto mode. The impressive 700Nm of torque on tap makes for swift and easy overtaking, and means the Velar never feels out of puff, even on extremely steep gradients such as the ones found along our Norwegian test route.

The steering feels somewhat distant to begin with due to its relative lightness, but you soon become used to it. There’s not a huge amount of feel, but it’s not a hard car to place on the road. The only drawback is, again, the car’s size, and this can make it feel somewhat cumbersome on single country lanes.

BEHIND THE WHEEL

Our car was a HSE model and came fitted with the turbocharged V6 diesel, air suspension, and rode on 21-inch alloy wheels. We also tested a First Edition-specification car - limited to the first year of production - and the ride was noticeably firmer on this model’s larger 22-inch alloys - we’d recommend choosing the smaller wheel as it does wonders for the overall ride quality.

The Velar, as mentioned earlier, is designed to sit in between the Evoque and Sport in the product line-up, and as such you’d expect it to drive perhaps not quite as keenly as the car above it, but offer more involvement than

The Velar is also nothing short of exceptional when it comes to tackling tricky conditions. It’s fitted with the latest Terrain Response system, and it allowed the car to scrabble up incredibly steep gradients, as well as handle all manner

of slippery surfaces. If left in full Auto terrain mode, it’ll happily tackle almost anything even when on standard road tyres. If you’re looking for a car for all conditions, then the Velar is the car to go for - and it more than lives up to Range Rover’s ‘go anywhere’ ethos.

VALUE FOR MONEY Prices for the Velar start at £44,830. For that, you get a base-spec vehicle fitted with the four-cylinder Ingenium diesel engine. As standard, all cars get Terrain Response, 18-inch alloy wheels and heated front seats - though they’re only manually adjustable. Cruise control, autonomous braking and keyless entry is also included, as is the Touch Pro Duo infotainment system. This base trim is available with the four-cylinder only.

Mid-range SE cars benefit from larger 20-inch alloy wheels, a 360-degree parking camera and a full 12.3-inch screen replacing the car’s traditional dials. You also get leather seats, of which the front two are powered and heated. However, these cars cost from £56,060 - though are now available with the turbocharged V6 diesel.

Prices for the Velar can go as high as £85,450 for top-spec First Edition cars, though it’s unlikely many drivers will choose this. The middle range cars offer excellent value for money as they come fitted with a good amount of standard equipment, and enough luxuries to keep even the most avid button-pusher happy.

WHO WOULD BUY ONE? The Velar will be perfect for those who want elegant looks and the latest tech wrapped up in a true go-anywhere package. It’s likely many drivers will be tempted to Range Rover from other brands - and we couldn’t blame them.

Relatively limited rear legroom aside, the Velar is a very well-rounded car, and it’s likely to be immensely popular - and deservedly so. swansealife.co.uk 173

The Wheel Specialist ALLOY WHEEL REFURBISHMENT & CUSTOMISATION “ DON’T TAKE MY WORD FOR IT, HERE’S WHAT MY CUSTOMERS THINK” - Mark Allcott, Owner, The Wheel Specialist Swansea I was really pleased with the whole experience. Mark Allcott was very helpful and his advice was spot on. The work was carried out very professionally and I was extremely pleased with the results. It’s a shame that more business’ aren’t the same. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending to others - Kind Regards, Barry H Just had my car done, with Mark and the guys at Swansea branch. Fantastic service, I’m delighted with the finished product and shall be using them again - Kind regards, Matt L Had my wheels refurbished recently at The Wheel Specialist in Swansea on my car. I must say the guys there did a fantastic job, very professional and very helpful. Would highly recommend them to anyone, so many thanks to Mark and the guys at Swansea - Regards, Vaughan would like to thank you and your team for the really good work that was carried out on my Audi, the wheels look as good as new and I will be recommending you to others.” - Paul Trueman “The wheels are brilliant, the boys did a terrific job matching them to my car, Please thank those concerned. I am very pleased with the results.” - Don Lewis

01792 700 110

Ashmount Business Park (Unit 9B) Upper Forest Way, Swansea Enterprise Zone, Swansea, SA6 ©LW

Penyrheol Theatre Swansea PERFORMANCE TIMES AND DATES:

Friday 22nd December at 7pm • Saturday 23rd December at 2pm Saturday 23rd December at 7pm For Tickets and More Information, Please Visit:

www.facebook.com/UpNextSouthWales

what’s on

CALENDAR OF EVENTS (page 178) WHAT’S COMING UP (page 180) BIG INTERVIEW (page 182)

Got something to tell us about, for inclusion in the What’s On section?

Please contact Mark Rees...

THIS NOVEMBER...

THURSDAY

WEDNESDAY

2

1

mark.rees@trinitymirror.com 01792 545529 @reviewwales

FRIDAY

3

SATURDAY

4

ROMEO AND JULIET (BALLET)

DRACULA: THE BLOODY TRUTH

INTO THE WILD: ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS

SWANSEA GRAND THEATRE, 7.30PM

WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE, CARDIFF, 7PM

PLANTASIA, FOUR SHOWS FROM 10.30AM

SWANSEA GRAND THEATRE, 7.30PM

JACKSON - LIVE IN CONCERT

SUNDAY

5

SWANSEA’S BIGGEST FIREWORK DISPLAY ST HELEN’S, FROM 5.30PM

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

TEA DANCE

SISTER ACT (NEATH AOS)

MINDGAME BY ANTHONY HOROWITZ

CHARLES DICKENS’ HARD TIMES

EYE OF THE STORM

GWYN HALL, NEATH, UNTIL NOVEMBER 11

SWANSEA GRAND THEATRE, UNTIL NOVEMBER 11

PONTARDAWE ARTS CENTRE, 7.30PM

TALIESIN ARTS CENRTRE, 1PM AND 7.30PM

6

THE MINERS THEATRE, AMMANFORD, 2.30PM

SATURDAY

11

FESTIVAL OF REMEMBRANCE BRANGWYN HALL, 7PM

178 swansealife.co.uk

7

8 SUNDAY

12

HELEN SEAR: “...THE REST IS SMOKE” EXHIBITION GLYNN VIVIAN ART GALLERY, UNTIL NOVEMBER 19

9 10 MONDAY

13 TIGER BAY NOVEMBER 25

WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE, CARDIFF, UNTIL NOVEMBER 25

WHAT’S ON ur Swansea Grand To

Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Swansea Grand Theatre, until November 18

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

14 15

SABA DOUGLAS-HAMILTON: A LIFE WITH ELEPHANTS TALIESIN ARTS CENTRE, 7.30PM

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT SWANSEA GRAND THEATRE, UNTIL NOVEMBER 18

SATURDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

BEAUJOLAIS AT THE BRANGWYN

WATERFRONT WINTERLAND

LOU LOU’S VINTAGE FAIR

BRANGWYN HALL, FROM NOON

MUSEUM PARK, UNTIL JANUARY 7

BRANGWYN HALL, FROM 10AM

SUNDAY

MONDAY

SWANSEA CHRISTMAS PARADE AND LIGHTS SWITCH-ON

CHRISTMAS MARKETS

LUNCHTIME ORGAN MUSIC WITH GLENN CROOKS

ABBEY PLAYERS PRESENT A CHRISTMAS CAROL

AN AUDIENCE WITH KEV JOHNS

SWANSEA CITY CENTRE, FROM 5PM

OXFORD STREET, SWANSEA, ALL DAY

BRANGWYN HALL, 12.45PM

SWANSEA GRAND THEATRE, UNTIL NOVEMBER 25

SWANSEA GRAND THEATRE (ARTS WING), 6.45PM

18

16 17 TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

19 20 21 22 23 SATURDAY

SUNDAY

PHIL JUPITUS

DYLAN THOMAS EXHIBITION: “I MIGHT WANT TO SMILE”

PONTARDAWE ARTS CENTRE, 7.30PM

DYLAN THOMAS CENTRE, UNTIL DECEMBER 22

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE: ANDREAS RÜTHI

MISS SAIGON

ELF JR. (STAGE 8 THEATRE SCHOOL)

GLYNN VIVIAN ART GALLERY, UNTIL NOVEMBER 30

WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE, CARDIFF, UNTIL JANUARY 6

UNTIL DECEMBER 2

FRIDAY

MONDAY

25 26 27

24

AN EVENING WITH WYNNE EVANS AND FRIENDS THE LYRIC, CARMARTHEN

JASON MANFORD “WORK IN PROGRESS”

SWANSEA GRAND THEATRE, 7.30PM

28 29 30

swansealife.co.uk 179

WHAT’S ON

1

WATERFRONT WINTERLAND

WHERE: Swansea Waterfront WHEN: Friday, November 17 Christmas begins in Swansea this year with the return of Waterfront Winterland on Friday, November 17.

You can show off your moves ice skating on the Admiral ice rink and children’s rink, pay a visit to Santa’s Grotto, get festive in the family funfair and the Big Wheel, and warm up with a glass of mulled wine. Tickets for the ice rink can be booked in advance.

2

SWANSEA’S BIGGEST FIREWORK DISPLAY

WHERE: St Helen’s Rugby and Cricket Ground WHEN: November 5 at 7pm Remember, remember...

It’s a well-established Swansea tradition, and once again the city’s biggest fireworks display will take place in St Helen’s Rugby and Cricket Ground on November 5.

It all kicks off at 5pm, with entertainment from some special guests at 5.30pm, and the main event at 7pm. Parking for ticket holders will be available at the Recreation Ground on a first come, first served basis.

3

CHRISTMAS MARKETS

WHERE: Oxford Street, Swansea WHEN: Saturday, November 18 The green and red Christmas Market chalets will be open for business in Oxford Street once again on Saturday, November 18.

There’ll be more than 40 traders selling all manner of Christmassy goodies, gifts and presents, or treat yourself with some tasty food and drink, including the return of camel burgers.

180 swansealife.co.uk

WHAT’S ON

WHY NOT...

AUTUMN READS The evenings are getting darker so snuggle up with LAURA DAVIES’ top reads for the month MRS OSMOND BY JOHN BANVILLE published in hardback by Viking, £14.99 (ebook £9.99).

The 1881 novel The Portrait Of A Lady by Henry James ended after Isabel Osmond finds out her husband has betrayed her and her close friend Madame Merle, his erstwhile lover, is her stepdaughter’s mother. And now, John Banville, the Man Booker Prize-winning author of The Sea, has taken up this unfinished tale and provided us with an absorbing sequel. Having defied her husband and returned to England from Rome to be at her cousin’s deathbed, Isabel is struggling to come to terms with what has happened. Through encounters with old friends and acquaintances, we discover Isabel has a plan for a reckoning. Banville, like James, really gets under Isabel’s skin and when she finally confronts Gilbert Osmond, we feel for her and want her to succeed. Even if you haven’t read Henry James’ novel, you’ll still enjoy this tale of a young woman’s battle to assert her independence. Banville brings all the characters from the first novel newly to life, and Isabel’s relationship with her maid Staines is particularly fascinating through our 21st century eyes.

...join the Christmas Parade.

WHERE: Dylan Thomas Centre WHEN: Sunday, November 19 It’s back! The traditional Swansea Christmas Parade, complete with floats and on-street entertainment, returns this month.

It will start at 5pm at the Dylan Thomas Centre on Sunday, November 19, before travelling along Wind Street, High Street, Orchard Street and the Kingsway. Santa will pause to turn on the rest of the city centre’s Christmas lights close to the real Christmas tree, which will be located on the Kingsway end of Princess Way. It will finish in the area of Swansea Grand Theatre, rather than at the Guildhall.

THE BOOK OF FORGOTTEN AUTHORS

by Christopher Fowler is published in hardback by riverrun, £14.99, (ebook £7.49).

Recorded music has transferred to digital formats and can be found online. The same is not true of the written word - it is confined to the vegetable medium of the printed page, and it rots. Even bestsellers can disappear almost without trace, along with the reputations of the people who wrote them. Good writers vanish for a host of reasons - often just through bad luck. Christopher Fowler has done us a great service by rediscovering 99 ‘forgotten’ authors who are worth a second look. Some names may ring familiar to older readers - Virginia Andrews (Flowers In The Attic), E.M. Delafield (The Diary Of A Provincial Lady).

But they will draw blank looks from anyone under 40.

The inspirations of others survive in our consciousness as a single creation - Disney’s Dumbo The Elephant, perhaps, or as an obscure reference in the lyrics of a Deep Purple album. Reading about the lives and works of these authors - many madly eccentric - is a joy. Fowler has put in an awesome amount of research and clearly could have created a compelling list that was twice as long.

SWEET BEAN PASTE

by Durian Sukegawa is published in paperback

by Oneworld Publications, £8.99 (ebook £5.99).

Sweet Bean Paste was actually written in 2013 and was then made into a Japanese-language film in 2015, but this is the first time it has been translated into English (by Alison Watts). Sweet Bean Paste focuses around Sentaro, a depressed, alcoholic ex-con who runs a small stall selling dorayaki Japanese pancakes filled with sweet bean paste. His life is turned upside down when an elderly woman unexpectedly comes and helps him make delicious bean paste. Even though she brightens his life, her tragic past can’t stay hidden for long. Charmingly written, you initially think you know exactly where the book is going, but Sukegawa’s plot continues to surprise the reader. It perhaps could have done with more character development (particularly for Sentaro), but Sukegawa manages to weave a tale of sorrow that somehow feels uplifting by its end.

swansealife.co.uk 181

WHAT’S ON

interview

The heat is on... ...at Wales Millennium Centre Huge touring musical Miss Saigon is coming to Wales this Christmas.

MARK REES takes a look.

HEN the most recent London production of musical Miss Saigon opened in 2014, it went on to sweep the boards at the 2015 Whatsonstage.com awards, claiming a recordbreaking nine awards at the ceremony - the most ever won by a single show in its 15-year history.

The show has since hit the road, and this Christmas it will be stopping off for a six-week residency at Wales Millennium Centre.

Based on Puccini’s opera Madame Butterfly, Miss Saigon tells the story of young bar girl named Kim, orphaned by war, who falls in love with Chris, an American GI - but their lives are torn apart by the fall of Saigon.

Cameron Mackintosh’s production has music

by Claude-Michel Schönberg with lyrics by Richard Maltby Jr. and Alain Boublil, adapted from original French lyrics by Alain Boublil, with additional lyrics by Michael Mahler. The new production is directed by Laurence Connor with musical staging by Bob Avian and additional choreography by Geoffrey Garratt.

Cameron Mackintosh said: “It’s hard to believe that it has been over 25 years since Miss Saigon first opened, but if anything, the tragic love story of the show has become even more relevant today. This new production, directed by Laurence Connor, takes a grittier, more realistic approach than the original production while still delivering the power and epic sweep of Boublil and Schönberg’s tremendous score. Of all my shows, Miss Saigon is the one that I have received the most requests from the public to bring back.

I am thrilled that audiences around the UK will get to see this tremendous new production that audiences and critics in London have embraced since it opened in 2014.”

W

182 swansealife.co.uk

FACTS ABOUT MISS SAIGON IN WALES:

n There are 87 people in the touring company (cast 38, crew 32, orchestra 15, creatives 2) n They are made up of 10 nationalities (British, Thai, Chinese, Korean, Singaporean, Japanese, Filipino, New Zealand, Dutch, Swedish) n There are 16 trailers to bring the show to Wales, with 45 production staff to move it

COSTUMES

n All the straw hats in the show are from Vietnam or Thailand n There are more than 200 pairs of shoes in the show n The girls American Dream bikinis have a kilo of beading on them, plus 75 stones on each leg n There are 16 costume changes for each ensemble girl throughout the show n The GI Boys flak jackets and helmets are all original and have been used in action

WIGS MAKE-UP

n These show uses 60 wigs, and it takes approximately 40 hours to make one wig n Kim has seven wig changes throughout the show, and its all her own hair

INSTRUMENTS

n There are 15 musicians in the orchestra n They include 8 Asian flutes, a flute and a

piccolo n There are 77 different percussion instruments in total, including unusual instruments like the skull drums, ankle bells, singing bowls, Thai chap cymbals and Miss Saigon will be at Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, from November 29 until January 6, 2018

swansealife.co.uk 183

BOOK NOWIC

AG

FROM BRITAIN'S GOT TALENT AND S4C'S ROWND A ROWND

ENTURE ADV T H I S

PROUDLY SPONSORS

JAY WORLEY

IGANT

C H R I ST M A

S

FROM S4C'S GWAITH CARTREF

AS

Jack

LEILA HUGHES AS

Jill

THE HILARIOUS

ANTHONY ARGYLE

RETURNING PANTOMIME FAVOURITE

AS

Dame Cookie Trott

ADAM BYARD AS

JJ

THE PRINCESS ROYAL THEATRE PORT TALBOT 1ST DECEMBER 2017 - 7TH DECEMBER 2017

01639 763214 WWW.PRINCESSROYALTHEATRE.COM 

  #BEANSTALKSOUTHWALES WWW.JERMINPRODUCTIONS.CO.UK

Social diary

WOMEN IN BUSINESS AWARD (page 186) RUGBY LIONS (page 188) MACMILLAN COFFE MORNING (page 193)

SOCIAL DIARY • AWARDS

WOMEN IN BUSINESS AWARDS WHERE: The Marriott Hotel, Swansea TELL ME MORE: The best businesswomen in west Wales were honoured at a prestigious awards show at the Marriott Hotel in Swansea. The event, hosted by Media Wales, saw more than 200 guests enjoy lunch at the awards show which was presented by journalist and broadcaster Frances Donovan. It covered categories from Mentor of the Year to Rising Star of the Year, Professional Woman of the Year and Lifetime Achievement. Pictures: Hoosh Arabi

186 swansealife.co.uk

swansealife.co.uk 187

SOCIAL DIARY • DINNER

LIONS RUGBY LEGENDS DINNER WHERE: Liberty Stadium, Swansea TELL ME MORE: Adore Events hosted a Lions Rugby Legends three course dinner with a Q&A session with Player of the Series 2017 Jonathan Davies, Robert Jones MBE and Phil Bennett OBE. There was entertainment throughout the night as well as comedian Colin Price. The event raised money for the British Heart Foundation. Pictures: Hoosh Arabi

188 swansealife.co.uk

swansealife.co.uk 189

SOCIAL DIARY • DINNER

MADE OF STEEL DINNER WHERE: Blanco’s Hotel, Port Talbot TELL ME MORE: Steel workers from the Community Union at Tata Steel walked from Port Talbot to Cardiff to raise money for the children of Ty Hafan and say thanks to the people of Wales for their support in helping the UK steel industry. A celebratory dinner, organised by Visionary Events, was held to highlight their efforts. The night was hosted by Kev Johns MBE and included an auction and raffle as well as entertainment and comedian Colin Price. Pictures: Jessica Davies Photography

190 swansealife.co.uk

swansealife.co.uk 191

SOCIAL DIARY • DINNER

HAKA LUNCH WHERE: Morgans Hotel, Swansea TELL ME MORE: The lunch at Morgans starred guest speaker, ex All Black and now Sky Sports pundit Sean Fitzpatrick ONZM. Event compere was former Ospreys head coach and now BBC Wales Scrum V pundit Sean Holley.The lunch was organised by the Events Room and money raised from raffles went to Age Connect Morgannwg. Pictures: Ian Williams, Riley Photography

192 swansealife.co.uk

SOCIAL DIARY • MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNING

MACMILLAN CHARITY EVENT WHERE: Dani Dee Dance Studio, Swansea TELL ME MORE: Enzo Maccarinelli showed up for coffee and a cake at the Dani Dee School of Dance to raise money for Macmillan cancer charity during its Macmillan Coffee Morning. Pictures: Hoosh Arabi

swansealife.co.uk 193

SOCIAL DIARY • AWARDS

SWANSEA BAY RADIO YOUNG ACHIEVERS AWARDS

WHERE: The Towers Hotel and Spa, Jersey Marine TELL ME MORE: The awards recognised and rewarded special young people in the Swansea Bay area, that truly make a difference through business, training, education, the arts or voluntary work. There was live music from Naomi Tristram and Matt Johnson and a charity raffle which raised £646.33 for the Wales Air Ambulance. PIctures: Hoosh Arabi

194 swansealife.co.uk

swansealife.co.uk 195

SOCIAL DIARY • CHARITY BALL

HANDS UP FOR DOWN’S CHARITY BALL WHERE: National Waterfront Museum, Swansea TELL ME MORE: Swansea based charity Hands Up For Downs held its first charity ball, which included a three course meal as well as wine donated by Cheers Wine Merchants Ltd. Kev Johns presented the evening and was also auctioneer for the night. Guests also enjoyed live music from Swansea band Joe Schmo.The purpose of the ball was to raise the profile of the charity and raise awareness of what it is like to live with Down’s Syndrome today within the community.

196 swansealife.co.uk

SOCIAL DIARY • ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

360 BEACH AND WATERSPORTS 5TH ANNIVERSARY

WHERE: 360 Beach and Watersports Centre, Swansea TELL ME MORE: A party took part to kick off a week of celebrations to mark 360 Beach and Watersports Centre being part of the Swansea community for five years

swansealife.co.uk 197

SOCIAL DIARY • NEW OPENING

COCINA VIP OPENING

WHERE: Princess Way, Swansea TELL ME MORE: Mexican restaurant and bar Cocina opened its doors in Swansea with a VIP party. Cocina is the sister brand to El Mexicana, which already boasts 20 restaurants across the country. Pictures: Jonathan Myers

198 swansealife.co.uk

SOCIAL DIARY • LAUNCH

ROLEX SHOWCASE WHERE: The River House, Swansea TELL ME MORE: Rolex Baselworld 2017 showcase headed to Swansea for guests of the city’s Crouch jewellery store. VIP customers attended an evening with food and entertainment at the award-winning The River House restaurant. Pictures: Robert Melen

swansealife.co.uk 199

Tme for you

EDDIE’S DIARY (page 202) PIN UP PETS (page 219) PET HEALTH (page 220)

parc spa stradey park hotel

Stradey Park Hotel, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, SA15 4HA (01554) 758171 • myddfaispa@stradeyparkhotel.com

TIME FOR YOU

BY INVITATION W I T H

E D D I E

W H I T N E Y

Swansea businessman Eddie Whitney keeps us up to date with his charity work and social diary...

T

HE event season is in full swing and this month I was invited to the Swansea Bay Young Achievers Awards 2017. It was hosted at the Towers Hotel and sponsored by Tata Steel, and presented by Helen Enser Morgan and Lee Jukes.

I knew it would be an emotional night, but this year it blew me away more than ever.

The evening started with The Performance Factory Stage School and as always, they were all stars. It was a night that showed that there are some awesome young people in South Wales, who have commitment, entrepreneurial skills, courage, talent and so much more.

The Young Fundraiser of the Year Award was won by Jake and Regan Morgan, these boys moved me to tears. They showed

202 swansealife.co.uk

courage, strength and compassion for others after losing their father at such a young age. They also received the last award of the night, sponsored by Tata Steel- Young Achiever of the Year - they were definitely well-deserved winners.

My favourite award has always been the Child of Courage and this year I was happy to sponsor this award. The winner was Callum Williams, a truly inspirational 13 year old boy. Callum of Pontarddulais Comprehensive School, had his legs amputated in 2015 after suffering pain all his life due to clubfeet. But it hasn’t let it stop him living life to the full. In addition to winning gold in the UK wide judo championship he has also represented Wales at wheelchair basketball. However, the Swans remain his sporting love, and the club invited him to be a mascot for their 2015 Boxing Day match at the Liberty Stadium. He had been fitted with prosthetic legs, customised by the artificial limb team at Morriston Hospital to

“

“

I LEFT THE EVENT

FEELING

reflect his love of the Swans. Now the club has once again brought a little bit of happiness his way for their favourite supporter, by donating a couple of shirts for him which were adapted to adorn his current set of legs.

After receiving his first set of legs with the Swans logo, the club also invited him to their Swansea training ground at Fairwood to meet the players. They have remained in touch ever since, and on the night, my good friend and Callum’s true fan Lee Trundle came to show his support and bring him to the stage to accept his award. After all the awards were presented we could all wipe away the tears and enjoy entertainment by five young guys called Yes Lads.

PROUD OF ALL THESE YOUNG

INSPIRATIONAL PEOPLE

I left the event feeling proud of all these young inspirational people, especially as young people sometimes get a bad reputation. It proved to me that there are still a lot of good young people in the Swansea Bay area.

Eddie x

swansealife.co.uk 203

PLEDGE IT

WIN IT Bike Scheme USE IT #bikes4swansea Crowdfunding a bike share scheme for Swansea

swansea.ac.uk/bikescheme

Mumbles Traders Association present

Christmas lights switch on and late night shopping Thursday 23rd November from 5.45pm www.christmasinmumbles.co.uk

The GeorGe

The George, Southend, Mumbles, Swansea, SA3 4EH

Mumbles Traders Association present

Christmas lights switch on and late night shopping Thursday 23rd November from 5.45pm www.christmasinmumbles.co.uk Entering its 5th successful year, Mumbles Traders Association has arranged to have Newton Road closed from the White Rose to Oystermouth Primary School from 5.45pm-9pm for a christmas and late night shopping extravaganza!!

As the whole street is involved, the lights switch on will be outside the Ostreme Centre at 7pm.

Switching on hosted by Badger (The Wave) and lights switched on by special guests, start celebrating Christmas this year with the annual Mumbles Christmas parade with the RNLI, Santa, and lighting up Mumbles! Newton Road closed from 5pm with entertainment from 5.45pm.

Shops open late, outdoor food stalls, musical entertainment!

WHAT’S ON 5pm – Road closed - setting up stalls, etc - Please move your car by 5pm!

6pm – Event starts - The Wave stage leads the celebrations outside the Ostreme Fiddle Sticks Violin Orchestra perform outside Lloyds Bank - 40 strong string orchestra!

New breakfast, lunch and evening menus available including vegetarian and vegan dishes

Now opeN: Sunday breakfast 9.45am - 11.30am and Sunday Roast £8.50 from 12.30pm - 3pm

wednesday 8am - 10pm NIGHTTIMe oFFeR Curry and Pint £10.95 or Tapas Thursday 8am - 11pm

Monday 8am - early evening

NIGHTTIMe oFFeR

Tuesday 8am - 10pm

3 Tapas dishes for £9.75

NIGHTTIMe oFFeR

Friday 8am - 11pm Full evening menu

Pizza and Pint £10.95 or Tapas

including live music Saturday 8am - 11pm Full evening menu

Now taking bookings for Beaujolais Day; £14.50 for a 2-course meal including entertainment with Natalie Rewbridge.

Now taking bookings for Christmas and private parties.

50 Newton Road, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4BQ

01792 367711

An exciting bar and venue where you can enjoy the best in live sport and entertainment...

We’re open 7 days a week, all year round (except Christmas Day)

Ask At the bAr About becoming A member for

exclusive discounts

And entrY to members onlY lounge which includes Access to snooker And pool tAbles.

We can accommodate your party, function or conference, whether that be a Birthday, Christening, Christmas Party, Business Event or other function. If you need help with making arrangements for entertainment such as live bands and DJs, just ask us, we can help you make arrangements with great local bands and DJs. Some Christmas Party dates are still available so book now while you still can - contact Paula on 01792 366026 to make a booking.

Upcoming Key Events: 18th November - The Shuffle

25th November - Adele Tribute

Date

Date

2nd December – Ed Sheeran

Tribute 9th December - Ghost Train

Date

Date

16th December - The Flames

23rd December - Thrillionaires

Date

Date

24th December - Christmas Jumper Day

31st December - New Years Eve Party

Date

Date

Karaoke is every Wednesday!

4 Western Lane, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4DX • Tel: 01792 366026 Web: https://www.oysterlounge.co.uk Events https://www.facebook.com/oysterlounge

Mumbles Traders Association present

Christmas lights switch on and late night shopping Thursday 23rd November from 5.45pm www.christmasinmumbles.co.uk Salvation Army Band Christmas carols perform at the top of Newton Road 6.40pm - RNLI & Santa parade this year from the TOP of Newton Road by Oystermouth school down to Ostreme Centre.

7pm – Special guests to “switch on” the Christmas

lights - This will be counted down by Badger from The Wave.

7.10pm – Santa heads over to his Grotto located inside Maureen Cottey Florist shop.

7.15pm - Entertainment on The Wave stage and an overall warm christmassy feeling should abound.

Plus Mums The Word Choir and St David’s School in West Cross School Choir

Pop up food stalls will be located throughout Newton Road plus Carousel and fair rides will be located both ends of Newton Road.....all this and christmas music will entertain visitors up until late!

9.15pm - Road reopens *(these are all approximate times)

For further information or questions info@mumblestraders.com www.mumblesfestival.co.uk

Advertising Feature

More than just a

PHARMACY From a full list of professional healthcare services and Holistic therapies, to a comprehensive range of the very latest beauty salon treatments, Newbury Pharmacy is very much at the heart of the local community, writes JENNY WHITE.

If you’re looking for a special gift this Christmas, a voucher for a spa treatment at Newbury Pharmacy’s beautiful salon could be just the ticket. This long established and well-loved pharmacy has been owned

by Huw Evans and his family since 2014. When the long standing, much admired previous owner, Stephen Newbury sadly passed away Huw and his brother Derian took over with the

aim of maintaining the pharmacy’s tradition of being a family run independent business.

“We wanted to ensure we offered the highest levels of customer service through a friendly, patient centered approach, striving to develop the already excellent relationship the staff enjoyed with our customers,” says Huw.

Alongside the traditional pharmacy services, the therapy business has grown significantly, developing into a fabulous salon, offering a comprehensive brochure of spa and beauty treatments.“Our team of highly trained therapists has almost tripled in the past three years and we’ve been able to add many new and exciting treatments” says salon manager Kathy Conte.

“At Newbury, we offer a tranquil place where you can escape for the very best facials and body treatments and we are thrilled that CLARINS has recognised our efforts in awarding us CLARINS GOLD salon status.

This means that when you book an appointment with us you can be sure that you will receive the highest standard of Clarins service and treatment in one of the countries leading privately owned beauty salons.”

“We’re very proud of that, especially as we love their products so much – they are beautiful to work with and achieve excellent results,” says Kathy.

The Newbury Health & Beauty brochure also includes Jessica Polish Geleration and Gel Prescriptive

NEWBURY

Pharmacy

Health

Beauty

Rewards & Loyalty Scheme 7- mile radius, so we can efficiently serve customers living anywhere from Southgate, Pennard, Bishopston, Three Crosses, Killay and Dunvant, through to Sketty, Uplands and the city centre,” says Huw. We also provide a bespoke service to Care Homes, supplying compliance aids where required and providing same day delivery of acute prescriptions.

Manicures/Pedicures, Holistic Massage, Hot Stone Massage, Reflexology, CACI Non Surgical solutions for face and body, Nouveau Lashes Extensions, London Beauty Lab Glycolic Peels, Brows by Mii, Sports & Remedial Massage, make overs and much, much more. We are looking for new treatments all the time – this is a revolutionary industry that is always changing.”

Other services include, Cholesterol checks with full lipid profile, FREE blood pressure checks, HbA1c monitoring as an indicator of Diabetes control and diagnosis, Flu vaccinations, travel health advice and Medicines use review.

Newbury Pharmacy also stocks full ranges of a number of premium skincare products which may be difficult to find elsewhere locally and the displays certainly compliment the gold salon ambience. In addition

The world of pharmacy is also continually evolving and Huw and the team are constantly looking to explore new opportunities and utilize modern technology to improve existing services. The pharmacy now offers a number of efficient prescription management solutions to help take the worry and stress out of ordering your repeat medication. Huw says,“We have a popular NEAT REPEATS service where customers are able to give consent to our team to monitor, order and collect their repeats on their behalf and a new, easy to use online ordering facility via our website which enables customers to take control of ordering 24/7, not just when the pharmacy and surgeries are open!”

“We can collect from all surrounding surgeries and offer FREE delivery anywhere within an approximate

to CLARINS, you will find beautiful products in L’Occitane, La Roche Posay, Roger & Gallet, Vichy and Avene.

All customers can take advantage of the Newbury Reward VIP Card point scheme, which offers many benefits including discounts on product purchases and salon treatments, entry into regular prize draws and admission to special salon demo days which usually include a free glass of bubbly, nibbles and goodie bags.

“It’s a way of giving something back to our loyal customers,” says Kathy.

The Newbury store, sits right in the heart of Mumbles, a beautiful location for enjoying salon treatments, with windows looking out to Oystermouth Castle in one direction and down to the sea in the other.

“It’s a lovely place to spend time – I love working here,” says Kathy.“It’s such a fabulous, friendly place – we know all our customers by name, and we love it when they come back to see us again.”

FOR SALON APPOINTMENTS CALL 369057 35-37 Newton Road, Mumbles SA3 4BD

Wonderful care FOR YOUR ELDERLY RELATIVES

OCEAN LIVING

LOCATED ON THE SEA FRONT IN MUMBLES, OVERLOOKING SWANSEA BAY (OPPOSITE VERDI’S), OCEAN LIVING HAS ALL THE HALLMARKS OF SOPHISTICATION AND STYLE BUT WITH A UNIQUE HOMELY FEEL THAT IS ENJOYED BY RESIDENTS, THEIR FAMILY AND FRIENDS. Ocean Living has been developed and designed specifically for luxury senior care living, with generous room sizes, opulent interior design, magnificent en suites and comfort all round. Ocean Living is registered for 15 residents.

Freshly cooked to order meals are made by our resident chef, including breakfast, three course lunch, supper and of course home-baked cakes and desserts and are all serviced in our restaurant quality dining room. In-room dining facilities are also available if preferred - our aim is to make our residents feel at home.

With two care homes owned by the same family, we can provide a continuity of care and support. A key worker is assigned to each resident which enables clients and their families to build a relationship with their carer.

All our care is personalised and individual with a focus on being a home from home.

With discreet support from the staff team we aim to encourage our residents to remain as independent as possible. Whatever level of care you or your loved one needs, we can provide it at Ocean Living and Hawthorn Court.

OCEAN LIVING 01792 361818 734-6 Mumbles Road, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4EL info@ocean-living.co.uk www.ocean-living.co.uk

HAWTHORN COURT 01792 201427 12 Bayswater Road, Tycoch, Swansea, SA2 9HA info@hawthorncourtcare.co.uk www.hawthorncourtcare.co.uk

HAWTHORN COURT ENJOYING WONDERFUL VIEWS OVER SWANSEA BAY AND SPECIALISING IN DEMENTIA CARE, TYCOCH BASED HAWTHORN COURT IS ONE OF THE ONLY RESIDENTIAL HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY IN THE AREA THAT IS DEMENTIA REGISTERED. We work in collaboration with Age Cymru, the Alzehimer’s society and other specialist, professional organisations to enhance the everyday well-being of our residents. Hawthorn Court is registered for 25 residents.

Having worked with us for over 10 years, home manager Liz Watkins has a huge array of experience in delivering high quality care.

Together with her dedicated staff, the team ensure our resident’s needs are their number one priority. Our members of staff are continually developing their training and skills, so that they are qualified and confident both physically and mentally.

We have recently installed a new lift.

TIME FOR YOU

Gift guide LAURA DAVIES rounds up a few Christmas gifts for young ones.

Children’s Wooden Toy Drum in Grey, £19.95, cuckooland.com Baby Annabell Doll, £54.99. Very.co.uk

Skip Hop Vibrant Village Pull and Spin Activity Bunny, £16, John Lewis, Cardiff

OH BABY, BABY… How much do mums-to-be really need to buy before their baby arrives? LAURA DAVIES finds out.. laura.davies@trinitymirror.com

When a baby’s on the way, the instinct is to start buying, and there’s certainly enough baby paraphernalia available. But while there’s plenty of choice, the prices can be eye-wateringly expensive.

The truth is, you don’t actually need 95 per cent of the things you see around you, especially if you’re struggling financially. A newborn baby doesn’t need very much at all, just comfortable clothes, somewhere safe to sleep and clean feeding equipment.

You’ll probably be bought gifts when baby arrives, so just equip yourself with the very basics, enough to last you a couple of weeks.

WHAT WE SUGGEST BUYING ...until you find your feet. n 6 long-sleeved and 6 short-sleeved cotton newborn sleepsuits n 12 muslin squares (around 70cm square).

They double up as furniture covers, clothes protectors, swaddles, changing mats, playmats, and bibs. n The cheapest moses basket you can find.

Secondhand is fine, you don’t need a stand.

Very LeapFrog Leapstart 2.0, £39.99, Very.co.uk

Duplo Mickey Racer £13, Debenhams, Swansea

@LawsDx

(You will need a new mattress to reduce risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome SIDS) n A brand new, cheap, but safety marked, mattress (you can use muslins, clean T-shirts/tea towels as sheets) n 1 cotton pram-size blanket - but you can use cotton towels and adult jumpers or shawls, just make sure they don’t have tassels or holes to trap little fingers. n A microwave steriliser - although sterilising tablets, or a pan on a stove, do a great job of sterilising breast or bottle feeding equipment. n Dummies or pacifiers if you want to use them, 2 basic bottles, plus 4 bottles of ready-to-feed stage 1 formula. Even if you plan to breastfeed, make sure you have these with you in case things don’t go as planned because hospitals won’t provide them for you. Be prepared. n A notebook to write times of feeds, which breast you started on, when baby poos etc because the lack of sleep makes it hard to remember accurately.

Paddington Big Suitcase Book, £14, M&S, Swansea Personalised Rattle, £18, John Lewis, Cardiff

Lambert Infant Rocking Sheep, £89.95, Cuckooland.com

swansealife.co.uk 213

TIME FOR YOU

Aspinal of London Passport Cover & Luggage Tag, £95, House of Fraser, Cardiff | Bag, £50, River Island, Swansea Barbour Tartan Manicure Kit, £25, House of Fraser, Cardiff | Bareminerals Go Nude or Make A Statement, £30, Debenhams, Swansea

Green Almond & Redcurrant Candle, £120, Jo Malone, Cardiff | Gloves, £26, River Island, Swansea Girls Unicorn Backpack, £26, Monsoon, Parc Trostre | Biba Peacock Trinklet Box, £28, House of Fraser, Cardiff

LAURA DAVIES picks out gifts for all the family this Christmas

CHRISTMAS Pink Velvet Pyjama Robe, £22, Dorothy Perkins, Swansea | Hunter Olive Backpack, £225, House of Fraser, Cardiff Jon Richard Bracelet, £25, Debenhams, Swansea | Kiddimoto Kurve Balance Bike in Stars Design, £74.95, Cuckooland.com

Vintage SLe Toy Van Sophie’s House Doll House, £91.95, Cuckooland.com | M&S Collection Red Heel, £39.50, M&S, Swansea Michael Kors Wonderlust Eau de Parfum, £43-£94, Boots, Swansea | Mamas & Papas Giovarni Ranger, £29.99, Argos, Swansea

Nutella, £5, (free personalisation) Debenhams, Swansea | Personalised Slate Cheeseboard, £19.99, Gettingpersonal.co.uk | Shave Kit, £10, Debenhams, Swansea Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera with 10 Shots of Film, Built-In Flash & Hand Strap, Flamingo Pink, £69.99, Curry’s, Morfa Retail Park

214 swansealife.co.uk

Laura Mercier Brush Up Luxe Brush Collection, £70, John Lewis, Cardiff | Dazed and Dazzled Tall Teapot, £54, John Lewis, Cardiff Pomegranate Noir Cologne 100ml, £92, Jo Malone, Cardifff | Sparkling Truffle Tree, £15, M&S, Swansea

Game of Thrones Monopoly, £30, Debenhams, Swansea | Tommy Hilfiger Leather Strap Mens Watch, £179, Very.co.uk Trolls Fragrance Duo Set, The Perfume Shop, £6.99, Swansea | Wyse Multi Star Scarf (Exclusive), £155, John Lewis, Cardiff

FOR EVERYONE laura.davies@trinitymirror.com

@LawsDx

Rose Oud Luxury Fragrance Gift Set, £22, Next, Parc Trostre and Morfa Retail Park | ghd Flight Travel Hairdryer, £56, ghd.com Blessed, £150, Dune at Cardiff | Dawn Mixed Bangle, £65, Oliver Bonas, Cardiff.

Bush Classic Turntable , £39.99, Argos, Swansea and Llanell | Candles, £4.50 Next, Morfa Retail Park and Parc Trostre

Elemis The Adventurer, £42, Monks Spa at Machynys, Llanelli | Foreo Luna 2 Facial Cleansing Brush for Sensitive Skin, £170, Very.co.uk Fitbit Blaze, £189, Very.co.uk | Estée Lauder Global Glow Makeup Gift Set, £40, Boots, Swansea

swansealife.co.uk 215

For all your mobility equipment & living aid needs

Haverfordwest 01437 768383

Penarth 02920 707111

Swansea 01792 790678

homelifts never looked this

good

www.snowdropindependentliving.co.uk

Step inside a Stiltz HomeLift. Designed to make your life easier, a Stiltz HomeLift fits easily into your home and compliments any decor. Place it in the corner of a room, in a cupboard or a stairwell void. Alternatively, make a statement and position your lift centrestage in an entrance hallway or main room.

A Stiltz HomeLift transports up to 3 people in comfort and style so you can transform your life without moving home. Do you need some help around the house? Are you thinking ahead and future-proofing? There’s never been a better time to consider a Stiltz HomeLift. Packed with sensors to keep everyone safe, it plugs straight into a domestic socket, runs very quietly and uses less energy than a toaster!

UE UNIQ OOR -FL THRU TEM SYS 1

2

3

• • • • • • • • • • •

Quick and easy to install Advanced safety features Small footprint Innovative travel system Battery back up Economical to use Flexible positioning options Wheelchair model available 1st year servicing included Cost-effective and affordable Install in a day*

4

“

I looked at moving costs and worked out that a Stiltz HomeLift would be cheaper. The lift has already made things much easier.

It’s been the best decision

“

Ms. Turner, Hereford

Open door, step in Close door, press up button to start lift

Lift moves through floor

Arrive upstairs

*Based on the installation of a Duo HomeLift model in ready prepared aperture

❅ ❉

❆

❉

❅

❆

❅

❉

❅

❆

SURPRISE SOMEONE THIS CHRISTMAS!

A GIFT TO BE REMEMBERED!

CHRISTMAS TANDEM SKYDIVE GIFT VOUCHERS VALID FOR 2018

FROM £162.95

ONLY £42.95 DEPOSIT REQUIRED

FILMING & CAMERA OPTIONS AVAILABLE

Swansea Airport, Fairwood, Swansea SA2 7JU Tel: 01792 207035 / 07779019655 info@skydiveswansea.co.uk / www.skydiveswansea.co.uk Open Weekends, Bank Holidays and some Friday afternoons. Weight and health restrictions do apply.

Please contact us for further details.

TIME FOR YOU

Your pet pics!

Who‘s the fur-est of them all? They’re part of the family, we wouldn’t be without them, and now we want to see just how gorgeous the furrier members of your household are...

Email us your pet pics: laura.davies@trinitymirror.com

Name: Mickey Clarke Age: 9 Breed: Cocker Spaniel Likes: The beach, doggy massage, cheesy socks, and being grumpy Dislikes: Young dogs, people taking his socks Owner: Emma, Simon and Chloe Clarke From: Aberavon

Name: Sura Age: 5 Breed: Chocolate Cocker Spaniel Likes: Long walks in Penllergaer Woods Dislikes: When people ask who owns her Owner: Michael Verbeeck and family From: Treboeth

Name: Missy Age: 3 Breed: Cavachon Likes:The beach and tummy tickles Dislikes: Water and baths Owner: Lesley and Martyn From: Glynneath

Name: Ralph Age: 2 Breed: Beagle Likes: Giving big hugs, walks, chasing golf balls, slippers, getting up to mischief Dislikes: Cats and the smell of nail polish Owners: Leigh and Gemma From: Swansea

Name: Menna Age: 2 Breed: Patterdale Terrier Likes: The beach, her ball and belly rubs. Dislikes: Lawn mower and the vacuum . Owner: Julie Phillips From: Swansea

Name: Belle Age: 8 Breed: Dachshund/Jack Russell Cross Likes: Her treats Dislikes: Thunder and helicopters Owner: Kirsty Jones From: West Cross

Names:Toby and Leo Age: 1 Breed: Ginger moggies Likes: Cuddling up in bed and jumping in the fridge when I open the door! Dislikes: They don’t hate anything yet. Owner: Sarah Brown From: Gorseinon

Name: Poppy Age: 6 Breed: Guinea pig Likes: Sleeping under my wardrobe and parsley Dislikes: Chin tickles and having her nails cut Owner: Nicole Butler From: Port Talbot

Name: Sandy Age: 8 Breed: Pug Cross Border Terrier Likes: Food and Walks Dislikes: Fireworks Owner: Samantha Edmunds From: Aberdare

Find Pets, pet food, pet toys and pet acessories in store!

Village Farm, Pyle, Bridgend, CF33 6BJ

Open 7 Days

01656 741443

thepylegardencentre.co.uk

swansealife.co.uk 219

TIME FOR YOU

How owning a pet can benefit your health If you’re thinking of getting a pet, you’ll probably be weighing up the pros of having a cuddly (or even scaly) new friend, with the cons of having to look after it. But have you considered the health benefits of owning a pet?

LAURA DAVIES looks at why pets can be good for your health laura.davies@trinitymirror.com

@LawsDx

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE However bad your day’s been, you’ll have someone who depends on you to shower you with affection. The British Medical Journal says the emotional bond between owner and pet can be as intense as that in many human relationships, and may confer similar psychological benefits.

ROUTINE The responsibilities that come with owning a pet can give your day purpose, reward and a sense of achievement. Regular routines and rituals can help energy management and support mental space. The Dogs Trust also highlights that a good routine is vital for your dog’s wellbeing too.

Walking your dog - or even borrowing one from a neighbour or animal rescue centre - can do wonders for your wellbeing, as it combines moderate exercise with taking a break from work or household chores and getting some fresh air. Well cared for and responsibly raised pets can provide companionship as well as motivation to exercise, which is good for both physical and emotional health. Dogs especially are great motivators and personal trainers - never wanting to miss a training session, even when it’s raining.

BOOST TO MENTAL WELLBEING

Pets can act as a social icebreaker between strangers, or as a catalyst for social interaction. Research suggests dog-walkers experience significantly higher social capital (interactions and relationships) than non-dog-walkers, meaning they’re less likely to be lonely.

Studies have found that dog owners are less likely to suffer from depression than those without pets. Pets can also reduce stress and anxiety levels, while playing with a dog or cat can elevate levels of the feel-good hormones serotonin and dopamine, which help you feel calm and relaxed. The Mental Health Foundation notes similar effects have been associated with stroking pets. Caring for pets can help us take time out of our busy schedules, which can help us gain perspective and recharge our batteries.

LOWER RISK OF HEART DISEASE

IMPROVING CHILD HEALTH

SOCIALISING

Owning a pet can reduce your risk of developing heart disease. It may be that dog owners naturally do more exercise, but pets also play a role in providing social support, encouraging you to stick with a new habit or adopting a healthy behaviour.

Owning a cat has also been associated with a reduced risk of dying from cardiovascular disease and stroke, possibly due to the stress-relieving effects of animal companionship.

220 swansealife.co.uk

Younger members of the family will also flourish with the presence of a four-legged friend. Children brought up with pets tend to have more stable immune systems, and growing up with pets has also been found to improve children’s social skills.

Pet ownership - done well - also encourages childhood responsibility as the presence of an animal encourages children to develop compassion, understanding and respect for living things.

www.thewelfare.co.uk

www.facebook.com/welfare.ystradgynlais @TheWelfare1

LIVE Kasai Masai Friday 27th October 8pm Kasaï Masaï bring the traditional sound of remote equatorial African villages to Ystradgynlais, adding a unique and contemporary twist on the way. £12/ Concessions £10

LIVE BROADCASTS Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Royal Opera House Encore Screening Sunday 29th October 2pm Follow Alice down the rabbit hole in Christopher Wheeldon’s exuberant ballet, inspired by Lewis Carroll’s much-loved book.

Alice encounters a cast of extraordinary and instantly recognizable characters, from the highly strung Queen of Hearts to a playing-card corps de ballet, a sinuous caterpillar and a tap-dancing Mad Hatter. £13 / £11 Concessions / £10 Children

LIVE The Magic Porridge Pot Sherman Theatre Wednesday 8th November 6pm The Magic Porridge Pot is overflowing with songs, music and fun for all the family, especially those under 7, this autumn.

In a village on the edge of the Enormous Forest, Aggie is always trying to help her mother and the other villagers, but often ends up just making a mess. Whilst on one of her adventures Aggie is given a magical pot which makes tasty porridge, but when her mother tries her hand at it and can’t make the pot stop, the town is filled with porridge and Aggie’s help is really needed... by everyone. £5

LIVE The Bear & Tatyana’s Party Pieces Mid Wales Opera Thursday 16th November 7:30pm Experience opera like never before as MWO Small-Stages presents its first ever micro-chamber performances with a brand new version of this hilarious one-act comedy classic. £10 / Concessions £7.50

LIVE Between The Crosses Flying Bridge Theatre Ltd Friday 17th November 7:30pm

By William Huggins From the producers of multi-award winning A Regular Little Houdini and Not About Heroes.

Edgar Huggins, a World War One veteran and the longest living Durham Light Infantryman, breaks his silence from beyond the grave in one candid interview, which his great-nephew dramatises. This new play explores the guilt of the survivor and society’s need to create a hero.

FREE Tickets are required contact the Box Office

LIVE BROADCASTS Follies National Theatre Live- Encore Screening Monday 20th November 7pm Stephen Sondheim’s legendary musical is staged for the first time at the National Theatre and broadcast live to cinemas.

Winner of Academy, Tony, Grammy and Olivier awards, Sondheim’s previous work includes A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd and Sunday in the Park with George. £12/ Concessions £10

LIVE Talisk Wednesday 22nd November 8pm Nominees of the 2017 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards’ Horizon Award, and winners of the 2015 Young Folk Award, Talisk are one of the fastest rising bands on the British folk scene.

With appearances at world-leading festivals including the Cambridge Folk Festival, Denmark’s Tønder, Fairport’s Cropredy Convention and Celtic Connections, as well as live sessions on both BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio Scotland’s flagship folk programmes, theirs is a star firmly, and rapidly, on the ascent. “…completely blown away by the sheer dexterity and musicianship of this innovative trio.”

The Living Tradition £11 / Concessions £9

LIVE I’m Cerebral…Get me Out of Here!

Comedian Noel James plus guests Saturday 25th November 7pm Noel James delivers razor sharp mix of witticism and wordplay. His themes are manifold - jobs, Wales, family, the Elephant Man - while his engaging high energy performance is guaranteed to leave the audience exhausted. Originally from Pontardawe he honed his engaging comic style on the London comedy circuit and now comes to Ystradgynlais as Wales’ number one funny man! ‘…stands out like a droll giant in a land of trite dwarves’ - The Independent. £7

LIVE Hard Times Lighthouse Theatre Saturday 2nd December 7.30pm Following their acclaimed adaptation of Dickens’ The Chimes in 2014, Lighthouse bring their unique theatrical style to this compelling tale of cold hearts and blazing humanity. £10 / £7.50

LIVE BROADCASTS A Christmas Carol National Theatre Live Wednesday 13th December 7pm Matthew Warchus directs Charles Dickens’ timeless classic in a joyous new adaptation by Jack Thorne. Starring Welsh actor Rhys Ifans. £12 / £10 For bookings & enquiries, please contact the Box Office on 01639 843163. Alternatively, you can email us at boxoffice@thewelfare.co.uk Brecon Road, Ystradgynlais, Swansea SA9 1JJ Buy Online www.thewelfare.co.uk

The Ystradgynlais Society for Arts Trade and Tourism presents

GWYL NADOLIG

YSTRADGYNLAIS

CHRISTMAS FAYRE

SUNDAY 10TH DECEMBER 2017

THE GORSEDD PARK, THE WELFARE HALL, ST CYNOGS CHURCH THIS YEARS CHRISTMAS FAYRE IS EVEN BIGGER THAN LAST YEAR!

WITH CRAFT STALLS, A FUN FAIR, REINDEER, CAROL SINGERS, FOOD AND DRINKS, A BRASS BAND AND A VISIT FROM SANTA HIMSELF, IT’S A FANTASTIC DAY OUT FOR ALL OF THE FAMILY . FOLLOW D I S C O V E R YSTRADGYNLAIS ON FACEBOOK TO KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL OF THE PLANNED FESTIVITIES. WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/DISCOVERYSTRADGYNLAIS

Counselling with Anne-MArie

Qualified Counsellor (MBaCP) Private theraPy and on-line Counselling serviCes listening, Caring and understanding Life Coaching, Stress and Anxiety Bereavement, Suicide and Suicidal Ideation, Stress and Anxiety, Spirituality, Marital and Emotional Difficulties, Family Problems, Sexual Abuse, Depression, Loss, Anger Issues, Guilt, Identity Issues, Domestic Violence, Phobias and Addictions, Post Traumatic Stress

07951 933 028 • Email: annemarielearcounselling@gmail.com

• Award-Winning Team Care and Nursing at Home

• Fully Managed Service • Family Owned and Run • Dementia Specialists • Over 40 Branches Nationwide

Providing Care in the Home for over 28 Years With 28 years of experience in caring for people within their own home, and a commitment to using only directly employed carers, we have the expertise to provide the best care possible from 30 minutes to full-time Live-In care.

Looking for care?

01792 626 162 For more information: www.helpinghands.co.uk

NEXT MONTH IN SWANSEA LIFE

YOUR BUMPER CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR ISSUE Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide Winter Warming Foods Party Time: Beauty and Fashion Musts Health and Wellbeing Special Hello 2018! A look to the year ahead DON’T MISS! Your Special December/ January Edition OUT DECEMBER 5

swansealife.co.uk 233

Blinds VERTICAL BLINDS

VENETIAN BLINDS

ROLLER BLINDS

SKYLIGHT BLINDS

0% A REPRESEPR NTATIVE

FINA AVAILANBCE LE

Spread the Cost. Ask for more information Spread the costs of all Blinds and Shutters across 6, 9 or 12months at 0% Interest when you spend £600 or more with a minimum 25% deposit.

Representative Example for: Window Blinds Purchase Price £1000 Minimum Deposit (25%) £250 Amount of Credit £750 12 Monthly Payments £62.50

Total Payable Duration of Agreement Rate of Interest (Fixed) APR Representative

£1000 12 months 0% 0% APR

Payment plans are offered by Close Brothers Retail Finance. Close Brothers Retail Finance is a trading name of Close Brothers Limited. Close Brothers Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority. Finance is only available to permanent UK residents aged between 18-75, subject to status, terms and conditions apply.

CHILD SAFETY NEW 2017 FREE HOME FABRIC CONTROLS TO SELECTION FREE design advice and an RANGE ALL BLINDS obligation FREE quotation.

Tel: 01792 896531

Chic are members of the British Blinds and Shutters Association. Your assurance of quality standards.

Unit A2 & A3 Kingsbridge Business Park, Gorseinon, Swansea SA4 4HJ

A family business celebrating 27 years in business with over 60,000 customer orders completed ELECTRIC CONTROL

ÂŁ85 FROM AS LITTLE AS

EXTRA PER BLIND

Control at the touch of a button. Ideal for all large or out of reach windows, and for multiple blinds (up to 16 blinds controlled from 1 remote). Operation by battery, Rechargable lithium motor or hard wired.

CHOICE OF MANUAL OR ELECTRIC

The latest addition to our range. A combination of opaque and transparent material gives an outstanding visual eect and the control of light and privacy.

For more information visit our website www.chicblinds.co.uk Email: sales@chicblinds.co.uk or visit our showroom

Discover our Christmas collection.

Visit us in store for your perfect Christmas gift.

Quadrant Shopping Centre, Swansea | 01792 462999

stephenhughesfinediamonds.com