Swansea Life January 2017

SWA NSE A

LIFE www.swansealife.co.uk

JANUARY 2017 £2.95

REAL LIFE STORIES TO INSPIRE AND MOVE YOU your 2017 best year ever!

Make

u Eat yourself happy

u Amazing Gower homes u Great days out

HEALTH TWEAKS

Swansea Life COVER JAN.indd 1

9 771750 843018

9 771750 843018

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LOOKS TO KICK-START YOUR LUX NEW YEAR WARDROBE

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234

Small change, big difference

15/12/2016 13:30:22

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WHY YOU FELL IN LOVE

Discover Oldwalls.

A collection of exclusive wedding venues.

Luxury guaranteed.

Wedding Showcase at Fairyhill and Oldwalls, Sunday 15th January 12pm – 5pm Gower

oldwallscollection.co.uk | T: 01792 391468

JanAdPlan.indd 3

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Contents...

J A N U A R Y

2 0 1 7

FASHION 12. FEEL FIT & LOOK FAB We will all be wanting to go to the gym with our pick of activewear 24 SEASONAL STYLE Our choice of this season’s top trends 32. SPRING DENIM Denim delights for the season ahead

SWA NSEA

LIFE

EDITOR Peter Slee | 01792 545530 @PeterSlee56 | peter.slee@swwmedia.co.uk

HAIR & BEAUTY 48. MASK IT! Give your face a little TLC 51. SKIN SERUM SAVIOURS Supercharge your skin whilst targetting specific complexion concerns 52. WINTER BERRY How to work off-black tones - without looking goth

DEPUTY EDITOR Laura Davies 01792 545523 | @lawsDx laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk

HEALTH & WELLBEING

PUBLISHER Lisa Cameron | lisa.cameron@swwmedia.co.uk PHOTOGRAPHY Adrian White, Jonathan Myers, Gayle Marsh, Hoosh Arabi, Steve Phillips, Robert Melyn & Richie Crossley CONTRIBUTORS Lara Johnson & Dom Capel, Lesley Taylor, Richard Hammond, Sian Day, Victoria Wade, Joseph Atkin, Andrew Morgan, Charlotte Rogers, Dr. Charlotte Jones, Marc White and Chris Peregrine

52 68. FOOD BENEFITS What’s new in 2017?

75. DRY JANUARY Top tips to help you through the month

86

86. DROP THE CHRISTMAS POUNDS Lindsey Piper explains how

Swansea Life, Urban Village, High Street, Swansea, SA1 1NW @swansealife Email: peter.slee@swwmedia.co.uk www.swansealife.co.uk

Swansea Life is published by Media Wales, a subsidiary company of Trinity Mirror PLC, which is a member of IPSO, the independent Press Standards Organisation. We adhere to the Editor’s Code of Practice as enforced by IPSO who are contactable for advice at IPSO, Halton House, 20/23 High Holburn, EC10 2JD.

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.

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FOOD & DRINK 94. DEVINE DINING Machynys Brasserie in Llanelli 96. LISA FEARNE Healthy eating needn’t be torture 103. ENERGY BOOSTING FOODS Ten Energy efficient winter-warmers

94 16/12/2016 10:09

WHAT’S ON 194. DIARY DATES Swansea’s best events this January 196. WIN TICKETS... ...to meet Joanna Trollope

24

198. INTERVIEW... ...with Diane Lazarus

196

GREAT ESCAPES

SOCIAL DIARY

172. A RECIPE FOR SUCCESS Cruising is the Marmite of the travel world, why not give it a go!

202. WEDDED BLISS The marriage of Kelly and Chris Jones

174. WHERE TO HOLIDAY IN 2017 Book a city break to beat the January blues

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204. LADIES WHO LUNCH A charity get-together

174

214. DIAMOND BRIGHT The opening of the new Stephen Hughes Diamond Centre store

OUT & ABOUT 180. SNAP SHOTS OF SWANSEA BAY This month Richard Hammond visits Swansea city centre 184. BEST FOOT FORWARD Andrew Morgan takes a city walk 186. MY SWANSEA With Kevin Thomas of Valley Mill

HOUSE & HOME

127

180 TIME FOR YOU

123 READER HOMES The best of both worlds in an historic stone barn conversion

235. BABY BLUES & BEYOND You are not alone, the complex emotions a new mum may feel

127. LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE Contemparary light fittings for all

236. FEELING FABULOUS! Why Jai Eastwood refused reconstrcutive surgery after her mastectomy

142. SNOW BUSINESS Top tips to weather proofing your home

240. WISH LIST January’s most wanted

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E D I TO R’ S L E T TE R

LAURA DAVIES

DEPUTY EDITOR 01792 545523 laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk

Hello 2017...

MARK REES

WHAT’S ON EDITOR 01792 545529 mark.rees@swwmedia.co.uk

There’s a lot to loathe about poor old January. This we know well. But I think my most hated aspect of this cold, dank, broke month has to be the pressure to have resolutions.

Year in and year out, I watch those around me resolve to give up drinking/go to the gym three times a week/stop swearing/eat more/less/ whatever. And hate themselves when they fail just 10 days later. But I reckon January is actually the one month in the year when we really need to be kind to ourselves, not pile on more punishment, tests and misery.

So in that spirit – and in the knowledge you are going to reflect on your past and at least a little on your future in the coming days – we hope that with this month’s Swansea Life, you’ll be inspired with a new sense of realistic adventure particularly if you are still musing about what that ‘ new year, new you’ option is all about.

DEBBIE ROBERTS

ADVERTISING MANAGER 01792 545626 debbie.roberts@swwmedia.co.uk

So yes, we reckon we have pretty much got it covered. And if you really are still determined to go for that ‘ fresh start’ , our pages also have plenty of ideas aimed at getting you right out of that post-Christmas slump.

From brilliant, healthy eating advice to inspirational real life stories about people right here in the Swansea Bay area The feel of a new year is a really great one ( despite its sometimes negative connotations).

It is when we are all looking forward to the new and the fresh. And we hope we have captured exactly that on our pages this month with a positive approach to the month ahead.

JESSICA HAMMETT

SOCIAL MEDIA swansealifemag@swwmedia.co.uk

Enjoy the issue!

SWA NSE A

LIFE www.swansealife.co.uk

JANUARY 2017 £2.95

REAL LIFE STORIES TO INSPIRE AND MOVE YOU

CHRIS CAMPBELL

2017your

PROPERTY EDITOR 01792 545564 chris.campbell@swwmedia.co.uk

Make

best year ever! u Eat yourself happy

u Amazing Gower homes u Great days out

Find us on Facebook @SwanseaLife

Editor'sPage_SLJAN17.indd 1

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234 Swansea Life COVER JAN.indd 1

Small change, big difference

LOOKS TO KICK-START YOUR LUX NEW YEAR WARDROBE

9 771750 843018

01792 545530 peter.slee@swwmedia.co.uk @PeterSlee56

HEALTH TWEAKS

01

EDITOR

9 771750 843018

PETER SLEE

15/12/2016 13:30:22

Cover Image: Richie Crossley, Chicstudio: rich@chicproduction.com

SAM JONES

GRAPHIC DESIGNER 01239 460210 sam@yourlocalcrowd.co.uk

16/12/2016 09:09

Swansea lives OUR PICK OF THE MONTH’S BEST PARTY GET-TOGETHERS (FROM PAGE 202)

STRADEY PARK HOTEL & SPA 

COME ALONG TO OUR

202

OUR WEDDING DAY

219

FUND RAISING LUNCH

Our Bridal Showcase is a wedding fayre with a difference - it will be a showcase of all the hottest new styles and most innovative items. We have over 60 different suppliers attending as well as live music performers, magicians and much more.

206

CELEBRATORY BALL

Free goody bags for the first 50 guests! Free entry.

2 11 VIP LAUNCH PARTY

204 LADIES LUNCH

222

VIP LAUNCH PARTY

Stradey Park Hotel, Llanelli, SA15 4HA T: 01554 758171 E: weddings@stradeyparkhotel.com www.stradeyparkhotel.com facebook@stradeyweddings

www.swansealife.co.uk | 7

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Fashion

FASHION FLASH (page 11) ACTIVE WEAR (page 12) SPRING DENIM (page 32) KIDS FASHION (page 36)

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Embroidered Jumper, £38, Evans, Swansea Quadrant

Boiled Wool Zip Jumper, £129, Jigsaw at John Lewis, Cardiff

Colour Block Jumper, £30, Very.co.uk

Jumper, £28, Top Shop, Swansea

Designed by Twiggy Stripe Jumper, £39.50, Caption M&S, Swansea

White High Neck Jumper, £19.99, New Look, Swansea

Embroidered Floral Jumper, £38, Very.co.uk

Sweater, £150, House of Fraser, Cardiff Lost Ink The Bee Embellished Jumper, £52, Littlewoods.com

Wrap up warm with LAURA DAVIES’ pick of New Year knits

laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk @LawsDx

Merino pocket jumper, £95, East at John Lewis, Cardiff

COSY UP

H! by Henry Holland jumper, £35, Debenhams, Swansea

Pink Sweater, £38, Next, Parc Trostre

S’il Vous Plait Jumper, £24, Next, Morfa Retail Park

Chevron Jumper, £25, Dorothy Perkins, Swansea

FASHION

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13/12/2016 09:22

FASHION

F A S H I O N F L A S H WE LOVE! W I T H L AU R A DAV I E S laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk

Jacket £75, Dress £50, Shoes £55; River Island, Swansea

Make it a New Year’s Resolution and sign up to a race... this vest will be your motivation for your first 10k! Red Herring Active, £12, Debenhams, Swansea

If you haven’t bought your winter coat then wrap up in these new launches

Black Lace Ruffle Top, £36, Black Gingham Trousers, £35, Grey bow heeled mules £45, Wallis at Outfit, Parc Trostre

Autograph Coat, £149, M&S,Swansea

GET YOUR COAT

PINK LADY!

A key colour this season is pink and will add a splash of of colour of those dull January nights

Pink Bardot Midi Dress, £40,Dorothy Perkins, Swansea

This print is going to be huge this season.. and black and white gingham earns many fashion points T-shirt With Gingham Print Bandeau, £16, Asos.com

Gingham Frill Blouse, £29.99, New Look, Swansea Gingham Trousers, £38, Next, Morfa Retail Park

Coat, £79, Top Shop, Swansea

Dusty Pink Patent Box Bag, £29, House of Fraser, Cardiff Pink Scallop Top, £14, George at Asda, Llansamlet

Marlowe Gingham Blazer, £179, Hobbs at John Lewis, Cardiff

GINGHAM GIRL

JUST DO IT!

Pink Mesh Top £15.99, New Look, Swansea

GET THE LOOK...

We will be putting this ruffle white boot, £85, on the top of our must-buys next pay day. Top Shop, Swansea

@LawsDx

Dune’s mushroom grey mini saddle bag has more than a whiff of the standout Chloe SS17 collection about it, but you don’t have to wait until spring to get one. Dune Ebonnie Grey Circle Detail Saddle Bag, £50, Dune at Debenhams, Swansea

www.swansealife.co.uk | 11

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FASHION M&S Collecion Graphic Print Running Leggings, £25, Sports Bra, £25, Fleece Jacket, £25;, M&S, Swansea

FEEL FIT, LOOK FAB We all will be wanting to go to the gym with LAURA DAVIES’ pick of activewear laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk

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Athletic Works Leopard Print Trainers, £16, George at Asda, Llanelli

12 | www.swansealife.co.uk

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FASHION

H E L LO J A N U A RY

LAURA DAVIES picks out new season styles for the New Year... laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk

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@LawsDx

1. Fluted Sleeve Black Knitted Sweatshirt, £14, from George, Asda, Llanelli | 2. Turtleneck Placemant Stripe Knitted Dress, £30, Very.co.uk | 3. Cotton Shirt With Contrast Tie Cold Shoulder, £32, Asos.com | 4. Jumper, £42, River Island, Swansea | 5. Emilia boot, £50, Asos.com | 6. M&S Collection Top, £25, M&S, Swansea | 7. Bag, £30, SimplyBe.co.uk. | 8. Gingham Coat, £90, Next, Swansea | 9. Collection Large Resin Necklace, £19.50, M&S, Swansea 10. Black Suedette Floral Embroidered Triple Strap Heels, £29.99, New Look, Swansea | 11. Lace Black Dress, £75, Next, Swansea | 12. Top, £32, Simply Be.co.uk 13. Yellow Frill Trim Long Sleeve Skater Dress £24.99, New Look, Parc Fforestfach www.swansealife.co.uk | 15

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FASHION

North Cable Beanie, £19.99, Superdry, Swansea

F&F Active Ski jacket, £55, Tesco, Llansamlet and Parc Trostre

Thermal Long Sleeve Top by Topshop SNO, £22, Top Shop, Swansea Oakley, £140, www. sunglasses-shop.co.uk

Brunni Tech Jacket, £120, Animal, Swansea

Ski you later jumper, £26, Dorothy Perkins, Swansea

ON THE PISTE LAURA DAVIES rounds up some High Street buys that will ensure you look the part of the slopes

F&F Active Padded Belted Ski Jacket, £55, Tesco, Parc Fforestfach

laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk

@LawsDx

Skinny Fitted Salopettes

by Topshop SNO, £70, Top Shop, Swansea

Pink Sofshell Ski Trousers, £99.95, TK Maxx, Parc Trostre

Sinner Task Ski Goggles, £31.50, Go Outdoors, Llansamlet 16 | www.swansealife.co.uk

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Dare 2B Grapple Ski Glove, £30, Debenhams, Swansea

Columbia Women’s Loveland Mid Omni-Heat Boot, £76.50, Go Outdoors, Llansamlet

Fuschia Ski Trousers, £29.99, TK Maxx, Morfa Retail Park

The North Face Descendit Waterproof Women’s Ski Jacket, £176, John Lewis, Cardiff

13/12/2016 09:31

Stephanie Allin has designed award-winning wedding dresses for over two decades. She developed her business in Mumbles and now has a second store in London. She also has many international stockists.

Stephanie Allin is proud to continue creating and producing her original designs in Wales.

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“Stephanie’s talent astounds me. she and her team created such a wonderfully exquisite dress for me which surpassed anything I could have imagined” Jane. April 2016

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“What really struck me about Stephanie Allin’s dresses was the floaty and feminine quality they have beautiful yet understated. After trying on more than 20 dresses, I was beginning to wonder if the fairytale feeling was a myth, then I walked into her boutique.” Nichola. Dec 2015

15:07

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“I loved meeting you last year and I was blown away by my dress….....as were all of my guests. My dress was just stunning and so comfortable for the whole 14 hours I spent in it!” Carol. May 2016

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www.stephanieallin.net 81 Newton Road, Mumbles, SA3 4BN Tel 01792 361477

We’ve been helping brides in Mumbles for over 20 years and can’t wait to help you find your dress. Quote code We-love-Wales for your complimentary appointment and glass of prosecco plus your £200 Stephanie Allin Gift Card.

This Offer is valid for 3 months of reciept of Card, only on wedding dress orders over £2000 and only on orders placed in the Mumbles boutique. Not to be used in conjunction with any other promotion. No cash return and cannot be exchanged.

15:16

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Embroidered Shirt £28; Peplum Skirt, £28; Thick Belt, £22; Next, Morfa Retail Park

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Shirt, £39.95, M&S, Swansea

Polka Dot Shirt, £39, House of Fraser, Cardiff

Studio by Preen shirt, £49, Debenhams, Swansea laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk

Blue Embroidered Shirt, £14, Embroidered Jeans, £16, George at Asda, Llansamlet and Gorseinon

Embroidered Shirt, £18, Matalan, Llansamlet

Caption

White Checked Floral Shirt, £28, Evans, Swansea

Lost Ink Pleated Cuff Shirt, £45, Littlewoods.com

Red Heart shirt, £28, Dorothy Perkins, Swansea

Monica Shirt, £79, Hobbs at John Lewis, Cardiff

Black and Yellow Contrast Shirt, £25, Dorothy Perkins, Swansea

FASHION

GET SHIRTY Make sure you invest in a shirt this season. Whether it’s denim, ruffled or embroidered, LAURA DAVIES rounds up the top shirts hitting the High Street @LawsDx

22 | www.swansealife.co.uk

13/12/2016 09:32

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Panel Block Shirt, £30, Next, Parc Trostre

Pleat Collar Shirt, £38, Littlewoods.com

Shirt, £38, River Island, Parc Trostre

Blue Stripe Shirt, £14, Matalan, Llansamlet

Top Shop, £45, Swansea

Caption

Stripe Shirt, River Island, Swansea

Flower Embroidery Shirt, £14, George at Asda, Parc Trostre

Caption

Double pocket denim shirt, £39, House of Fraser, Cardiff

3D floral embroidered shirt, £220, House of Fraser, Cardiff

Principles by Ben de Lisi shirt, £35, Debenhams, Swansea

Stripe Ruffle Shirt, £25, Very.co.uk

Caption

Caption

Paperbag Sleeve Stripe Shirt, £28, Very.co.uk

Caption

Caption

Blue Ruffle Shirt, £28, Next, Swansea

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M&S Collection Trouser, £35, M&S, Parc Trostre

Anorak, £60, River Island, Parc Trostre

FASHION

Monochrome kimono jacket, £59, House of Fraser, Cardiff

Mae Stripe Blouse, £35, Monsoon, Parc Trostre

SEASONAL STYLE

LAURA DAVIES looks ahead to the trends that will be hitting the High Street this month and beyond. Hello new season! @LawsDx

High Cut, £35, M&S, Swansea

Pendant, £17.50, M&S, Parc Trostre

Shirt £22 Sportmax Code Skirt £49 Dickens & Jones, House of Fraser, Cardiff

laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk

White Embroidered Jumper, £16, George at Asda, Llansamlet

Bright Mini Tassel Cross Body Bag, £12, Matalan, Parc Cwmdu and Llansamlet

Top, £32, Top Shop, Swansea

M&S Collection Dress, £35, M&S, Swansea

Fiction, £80, Dune at Debenhams, Swansea

24 | www.swansealife.co.uk

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18. Gingham Lace Trim Trousers, £27.99, New Look, Swansea

Stripe & Gingham Shirt with Cold Shoulder, £35, Asos.com

Embroidered Mules, £16, George at Asda, Parc Trostre

White Pleated Top £65, Next, Swansea

Anorak, £60, River Island, Parc Trostre

Metallic Bag With Detachable Multi Strap, £35, Asos.com

ostre

18. Gingham Lace Trim Trousers, £27.99, New Look, Swansea

Papaya Nude Satin , £55, Asos.com

Pleated Skirt £48; Jacket £42; High Top Trainers £30; Dress £45; Next, Morfa Retail Park

12, et

nsea

Black Floral Embroidered Leather Jacket, £59.99, New Look, Swansea

Bomber Jacket, £69, Monsoon, Parc Trostre

Star by Julien Macdonald, £65, Debenhams, Swansea

Jacket. £79, Top Shop, Swansea

Skirt, £34 , River Island, Swansea

is

Como Leopard Print, £85, Dune at Debenhams, Swansea

J by Jasper Conran bag, £39, Debenhams, Swansea

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CASUAL DRESSING After a month of festivities with its glitz and glamour, January brings a more stripped down fashion approach with cool and chic yet comfortable and relaxed dressing. LAURA DAVIES looks at making a statement with minimal effort laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk

@LawsDx

Embroidered Shirt, ÂŁ18, Matalan, Llansamlet and Parc Cwmdu

26 | www.swansealife.co.uk

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Shirt, £39 Maison de Nimes; Jeans £165 Max Mara Weekend, House of Fraser, Cardiff

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Knitted Striped Jacket £42; Brown Belt £12; Handbag £32; Next, Swansea

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Pink Blouse £28, Grey Trousers £30, Next, Morfa Retail Park

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Autograph Top, £69; trousers, £39.50; M&S, Swansea

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M&S Collection Top, £25; Camera Bag, £15; Jeans, £29.50; Square Black Court, £45; M&S, Swansea

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FASHION

SPRING DENIM

Motif Jacket, £49, Simplybe.co.uk

LAURA DAVIES picks out the denim delights for the season ahead laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk

@LawsDx

Denim Jumpsuit, £39.99, New Look, Swansea

Denim Jacket, £49, House of Fraser, Cardiff

Per Una Embroidered Denim Shirt, £39.50, M&S, Swansea

Next, £24, Morfa Retail Park

Red Herring dress, £35, Debenhams, Swansea

Jumpsuit £195; Michael Kors Bag £99; House of Fraser Denim Ruffle Top, £14, Denim Wrap Skirt, £14, George at Asda, Llanelli Frayed Hem Denim Dress, £35, Very.co.uk

Jeans, £42, River Island, Parc Trostre

Denim Bucket Bag, £40, Miss Selfridge, Swansea

Denim Patchwork Jeans, £28, Dorothy Perkins, Swansea

32 | www.swansealife.co.uk

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13/12/2016 09:41

PREMIER MENSWEAR SPECIALISTS

Solid Gold, is the premier menswear fashion store found within the Llanelli area.

A privately owned business with a 33 year history in delivering excellent service with contemporary fashion labels.

“Definitely worth a visit”

Tel: 01554 758895 • 5 Stepney Precinct, Llanelli, SA15 1YN info@solidgoldmenswear.com • solidgoldmenswear.com

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FASHION

Faith embellished trainer, £35, Debenhams, Swansea | J by Jasper Conran Trainers, £55, Debenhams, Swansea | Eleckta, £95, Dune, Cardiff

TRAIN IN STYLE Even if you haven’t made going to the gym a New Year’s Resolution and won’t be throwing on a new pair of trainers, then there is one shoe which is on trend this year which involves no exercise at all. Meet the newest trainer-inspired footwear which ticks all the fashion boxes. LAURA DAVIES picks out the best. laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk

@LawsDx

Black Embellished Trainers £29.99, New Look, Swansea | Example, £80, Dune at Debenhams, Swansea

Raffia Trainer, £16, Matalan, Parc Cwmdu | Metallic Back Creeper, £28, Very.co.uk | M&S Collection Black Mix Jewel Trainer Trainer, £35, M&S, Swansea

Passion, £40, Office, Swansea | Gold Trainers, River Island, £45, Swansea | DIVA, £32, Office, Swansea 34 | www.swansealife.co.uk

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                                                       

Cofion Cynnes x

                           

                                  

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FASHION

Baby boys grey dinosaur jumper, £10, M&Co, Cardiff

Breton Sailor Top £14, Twill Turn Ups £18, Patterned Wellies £17, JoJo Maman Bébé, Cardiff

Badge Safari Jacket From £14; Pique Stripe Tee From £4; Light Wash Jeans From £7; Lace Up Trainers from £14; Matalan, Parc Cwmdu and Llansamlet

kIDS OF 2017 caption

Shirt and Jumper Set, £15, Next, Swansea

Bluezoo Monster Pocket Jeans, £14, Debenhams, Swansea

Blue Polo, £10, M&S, Swansea

Washed Chukka Boot from £14, Matalan, Llansamlet

Grey badged Jeans £15, Monkey Top £9; Next, Morfa Retail Park

Grandad Hooded Tee £4, Primark, Swansea

Quilted Gilet, £22, Next, Morfa Retail Park

F&F Borg lined Gilet £10; Tesco, Llansamlet and Parc Fforestfach

36 | www.swansealife.co.uk

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Make sure your children are kitted out in the latest trends for the season ahead. LAURA DAVIES picks out new-season styles

Skirt £10; Cardigan £11; Embroidered Denim Shirt £12; Next, Swansea

Navy Velvet Dress, £20, M&S, Swansea

Heart Sequin Tee £4, Primark, Swansea

Candy Hi Shine Lace Up from £12, Matalan, Parc Cwmdu

caption

John Rocha Dress, £26, Debenhams, Swansea

Breton Shift Dress £16, JoJo Maman Bébé , Cardiff

Embroidered Jeans, from £10.50, Next, Parc Trostre

Puffa coat, £40, River Island, Swansea

@LawsDx

Metallic Mac From £14; Metallic Jeans From £11; Metallic Espadrilles From £12, Matalan, Parc Cwmdu

Candy Embroidered Skirt, £12, Matalan, Parc Cwmdu

laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk

Leopard shirt £12, Leggings £6; Jacket £35; River Island, Swansea

www.swansealife.co.uk | 37

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Ladies fashion boutique in the heart of Talbot Green Our beautiful shop offers a wide collection of ladieswear to suit all ages, from size 10-24, from all around Europe.

At Boutique Box we have plenty of experience and offer personal, honest advice to all ladies making sure that they look elegant and feel amazing.

Whether you’re off to the races, Mother of the Bride/Groom or just looking for that special outfit, we will do our best to make you look your best.

22 Stuart Terrace, Talbot Green, RCT, CF72 8AA (next to the Post Office)

T: 07712 448864

E: sally@boutique-box.co.uk OPENING TIMES:

Mon - Appointment only Tues to Fri - 10am - 5pm, Sat - 10am - 4pm Sun - Close

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Hair &

beauty

BEAUTY NEWS (from page 41) WE LOVE IT! (page 46) BEAUTY MASKS (page 48) LARA JOHNSON (page 62)

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Defy Time would like to wish all our patients a very

Happy, Hea althy and Prrosperrous New w Year and thank them for their support especially their kind words...

“Amazing clinic! Staff are very understanding and nothing is too much trouble. Dr Alan Jones knows exactly what can be done for you and delivers only the best! This is my 4th return visit – would advise anyone to come here.”

“I was so nervous the first time I came. I was put at ease by Dr Jones and his lovely staff. I am so pleased with the treatment I have had. I would recommend this clinic to anyone.”

“Came all the way from London!! Amazing, Lovely, Understanding!!

Knows his work like no other! Trust him with your eyes closed!”

“Dr Alan has always been a wonderful GP in his previous life, and now as a skilled Cosmetic Doctor, always thinking of the patients’ needs.”

“Relaxing, enjoyable and not at all scary. Love the atmosphere!

Lovely Staff !!”

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

with Dr Alan Jones 30 years experience as a GP and 15 years as a Cosmetic Doctor 466 Gower Road, Killay, Swansea SA2 7DZ • 01792 208466 • Private Car Parking

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE FREE PERSONAL & CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATIONS

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HAIR & BEAUTY

BEAUT Y NEWS

BROW THIS WAY WITH ARGAN OIL

The new John Frieda Sheer Blonde Brilliantly Brighter range increases the natural luminosity of blonde hair for a natural looking, perfectly blended, brilliant shine. Shampoo and Conditioner, £6,99; Blonde Perfecting Treatment, £9.99; Superdrug, Swansea

BRILLIANTLY BRIGHTER

Rimmel has re-vamped its Brow This Way product with a new, caring formula enhanced with Argan Oil. Finally, you can condition your eyebrow hairs as you groom, style and set your arches.

Shades: Blonde, Mid Brown, Dark Brown, Clear, £4.49, Superdrug, Swansea

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

@LawsDx

PART ONE

BLEMISH REMEDY ANTI-IMPERFECTION SERUM We love the new BareMinerals Blemish Remedy Anti-Imperfection Serum which incorporates the oil-absorbing benefits of the mineral Zinc and naturally-derived botanical extracts to effectively– yet gently – combat, heal and prevent blemishes at the source while conditioning and softening the skin. £36, Debenhams, Swansea

BRILLIANT FUTURE AGE DEFENSE AND RENEW EYE CREAM Formulated to bolster the skin’s natural ability to deflect and pre-emptively target future signs of aging in the delicate eye area, BareMinerals Brilliant Future Eye Cream is powered by antioxidant mineral Manganese plus naturally-derived botanicals and age defying peptides specifically chosen to renew and replenish the delicate eye area. Its age-defending formula revives youthful-looking eye contours to promote a more refreshed appearance, and combat the early signs of aging, such as dark circles, puffiness and fine lines. £30, BareMinerals, Boots and Debenhams, Swansea

HAND BALM L’Occitane launches a new Intensive Hand Balm enriched with 25 per cent shea butter perfect for soothing hands. A small amount of this extra-rich texture is all you need to soften, nourish and protect your hands.

New Intense Hand Balm, 150ml, £21; Shea Butter Hand Cream, 150ml £19; Debenhams, Swansea

GOOD NEWS FOR JO MALONE FANS Jo Malone launches its new Myrrh & Tonka scent from its Cologne Intense Collection. With an atmosphere of addiction and carnal richness this fragrance appeals to both men and women. At the top there is a hint of lavender and a floral note, creating a comforting and voluptuous opening. The big, rich heart and base note of myrrhis sensual. And the tonka brings generosity. It’s captivating and mesmerising. Not only is it available in a 100ml, £105, it will also be available in the 50ml size for the very first time! And even better, all Jo Malone’s Cologne Intense collection will also be available in the new size from this month. Jo Malone, Cardiff

NEW EVERCALM ULTRA COMFORTING RESCUE MASK Specially developed with a REN exclusive complex of original ingredients to combat over-sensitivity, this rescue mask will calm, soothe and moisturize, helping to instantly alleviate the key signs of sensitive skin. It will increase the skin’s ability to cope with stress, aid recovery and strengthen the protective moisture barrier, leading to long term well-being of your skin. The skin mimicking texture leaves a luxurious soft-touch feel, delivering the ultimate sensation of comfort. The Roman Chamomile scent is warm, sweet and herbaceous, relaxing and calming for both body and mind. £28 for 50ml, M&S, Swansea

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38 Ravenhill Rd, 72 New Road, Swansea, SA5 5AW Skewen, SA10 6HE

01792 587444 01792 812858 Join us on Facebook

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4k likes

12/16/2016 3:09:29 PM

HAIR & BEAUTY

SHEA BUTTER FOAMING CLEANSER

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

@LawsDx

PART TWO

With its creamy, silky texture, L’Occitane’s foaming cleanser glides over skin to remove make-up, impurities and all traces of pollution.

The cleanser leaves skin cleansed, balanced and beautifully soft thanks to it being enriched with 5 per cent of nourishing shea oil, allantoin, vitamin E and glycerin that give this cleanser a hydrating, ultra gentle texture.

CONTOURING Clarins launches its first contouring palette to create flattering angles to enhance features for a complexion that is luminous with defined contours and sculpted cheekbones .A sleek gold palette comprising of three shades is perfectly tailored to suit all skin tones. The formula is enriched with plant extracts to nourish the skin,whilst Clarins exclusive AntiPollution Complex protects from external aggressors.

L’Occitane Foaming Cleanser, 125ml, £17, M&S, Swansea

The palette includes a curved makeup brush which will hug facial contours allowing easy application.

Sleek Gold Compact Containing a Mirror and Curved Brush, £36, Clarins at Boots and Debenhams, Swansea

HAIR CARE The new John Frieda Luxurious Volume Core Restore range immediately transforms fine hair from within to empower that effortless, everyday volume, out of reach for many women. Every product in the innovative three-part collection contains an essential protein strength complex. With every use these innovative products will give your fine hair the strength it needs to achieve natural looking, long lasting volume

WE LOVE...

TOM FORD VELVET ORCHID LUMIÈRE, 50ML Tom Ford introduces Velvet Orchid Lumière, a new shimmering shade of velvet within The Tom Ford Orchid Collection. Spellbinding and fresh, the new interpretation of the Velvet Orchid Eau de Parfum immerses you in its gourmand-touched sensuality.

HEAD

£76

Caption

Luxurious Volume Core Restore Protien-Infused Shampoo, £6,99, Luxurious Volume Core Restore Protein-infused Clear Conditioner, £6.99, New Luxurious Volume Core Restore Advanced Protien Volumiser, £9.99, Tesco, Parc Fforestfach

...AND TOM FORD VELVET ORCHID HYDRATING EMULSION A sensuous way to moisturize the body. Scented with the ultra-feminine Velvet Orchid fragrance, this luxurious, satin-like body emulsion glides on to help smooth and soften skin. Featuring the luxurious touch of velvet flower rich in vitamins and minerals, the beautiful formula moisturizes and helps support a moisture barrier for skin. £36 Both available from John Lewis, Cardiff

SKIN GLOW COLLECTION The New Year calls for a new glow! Bobbi Brown Cosmetics introduces its Skin Glow Collection, an edited selection of illuminating and hydrating formulas for cheeks, lips and skin.

Whether running from the gym to the office or from coffee to cocktails, the Cheek Glow Palette, Extra Lip Tint and Extra Illuminating Moisture Balm impart a fresh, healthy glow with just a few swipes. Mirror optional.

Cheek Glow Palette, £35; Extra Lip Tint, £25; Extra Illuminating Moisture Balm, £42.50, Bobbi Brown, Debenhams, Swansea

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 BRUNETTE BAR at Alfredo 01792 654044 sales@alfredo.co.uk www.alfredo.org.uk 3 MANSEL STREET SWANSEA, SA1 5SE

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Bring to salon for

30% OFF

(in January Ts and Cs Apply)

12/16/2016 12:49:01 PM

HAIR & BEAUTY

UPDATE YOUR BEAUTY REGIME THIS NEW YEAR! Overhaul your makeup and skincare with LAURA DAVIES’ pick of natural and organic must haves laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk

@LawsDx

Waking up on a cold winter’s morning is never fun…but a nice shower is something worth getting out of bed for!

When it’s dark and gloomy outside, nobody wants to spend too much time doing their makeup early in the morning.

This amazing multi-tasking BB Cream has everything your skin needs to look and feel great this New Year. It contains nourishing ingredients such as jojoba oil, shea butter, acai oil and pomegranate seed extract, which hydrate your skin and leave it feeling soft. It also provides a light coverage and matte finish.

Benecos Natural BB Cream, £9.95, www.benecos.co.uk

Wake up your body and mind with this citrus scented body lotion.

The combination of rich olive oil and grape seed oil gives this nourishing lotion a texture that gets easily absorbed, providing moisture and smoothness to the skin. Rich in powerful antioxidants like Vitamin C, citric acid, and flavonoids, lime is known to help reduce the formation of spots and keeps skin looking radiant.

Fair Squared Body Lotion – Lime 250ml, £12.95, www.fair-squared.co.uk

December can really take its toll on your skin. Parties, food and alcohol (basically all the fun things!) can contribute to your skin looking tired and dull….

Organic Rose Oil is one of the best anti-ageing oils that nature has to offer. It hydrates skin and leaves your complexion looking radiant. Organic Rose helps reduce fine lines by promoting the regeneration and restructuring of skin cells. It also helps to reduce scarring by softening the skin and diminishes the appearance of broken capillaries. Certified organic Rose Oil is rich in Vitamin A and essential fatty acids, both are vital to the skin. Take years off the look of your skin and protect it from cellular damage whilst restoring the healthy, revitalized glow of youth to your complexion. khadi Rose Face Oil for Anti-Ageing and Glowing Skin 100ml, £11.90, www.khadihair.co.uk

One sniff of this scrumptious shower gel and you will be transported back in time to your favourite sweet shop.

Liquorice has a calming and healing effect on the skin, so this shower gel doesn’t just smell great, but it is fab for your skin too!

ORGANii Liquorice Shower Gel 300ml, £5.95, www.organii.co.uk

Are your eyes looking a little tired after the party season?

This transparent, 100 per cent natural and Ayurvedic eyeliner could be just the ‘wake me up’ your eyes need! Perfect for those days when you want to highlight the windows to your soul, but without partaking in a complex eye makeup routine. This creamy eyeliner gives your eyes a touch of gloss and sparkle, while ingredients such as amphor and Almond nourish and cool the skin around the eyes Soultree Eyeliner in Transparent, £13.90, www.soultreeskincare.co.uk

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HAIR & BEAUTY

CITY SMART SKIN

EYE SHADOW KIT Looking for a quick make-up fix? Benefit’s Big Sexy Eye Kit, £27.50, gives you not one but three options.

The trio of dual eye shadows comes with a handy sponge applicator, so you all you need to do is swipe, sweep and blend to create easy-peasy smoky eyes. Benefit, Debenhams, Swansea

FOOT THERAPY After weeks of Christmas partying and dancing, our feet are probably in need of some tlc. We love Dr Ceuticals new Pumice Foot Scrub, £6.99, followed by the doc’s Foot Rescue SOS Cream, £9.99, both available at Boots, Swansea

Your skin faces a lot each day –dirt, pollution, the weather, stuffy heating, along with the constant effects of being on-the-go. A regime from Formula 10.0.6 will be sure to help keep your skin feeling squeaky clean as well as fighting off the effects these factors can have on our skin. Offer your face a deep and thorough cleanse with the So Totally Clean cleanser. Draw out all the day’s impurities from the city pollution with a Deep Down Detox. Finish off with Picture Perfect Day’s SPF15+ to re-hydrate the skin in addition to protecting you against UV rays. From £8.99, Boots, Swansea

THIS MONTH

WE LOVE LAURA DAVIES rounds up some of her favourite products this month laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk

@LawsDx

POWER UP YOUR SKIN Enter the new season with an on-trend dewy complexion thanks to Aveda’s botanical Kinetics Hydrating Treatment Lotion, providing skin with an energising shot of hydration to thrive and unveil a healthy-looking radiant complexion, 150ml, £22.50, John Lewis, Cardiff

SMOULDERING New from 3INA, the limited-edition Dark Holiday collection has everything you need to create a smouldering make-up look. The six shimmering shades in the 001 Eyeshadow Palette, £14.95, offer endless smoky-eye combinations, while the Powder Pearls, £15.95, lend skin a candlelit glow and the dark red Ulti-Matte Lipstick, £10.95, imparts a rich, long-lasting rouge, www.3ina.com

ROOT BOOST

Hair feeling lifeless after the party season? Then give hair extra oomph in seconds with a hair powder, lightly sprinkled into roots. We love Hair Fudge Urban Powder Styler, £6.99, Superdrug, Swansea

46 | www.swansealife.co.uk

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Defining beauty year after year... ! p o h s ty u a e b p to s e n ... with your o

10% off

when you first book online, facebook or our new app!

Beauty Opening Times

Mon - 9am - 9pm Tue - 9am - 9pm Wed - 9am - 9pm Thu - 9am - 9pm Fri - 9am - 9pm Sat - 9am - 5pm

Sunbed Opening Times Monday - Friday 9am - 9pm Saturday - 9am - 5pm

Hydrafacial - Lip Fillers - Facial Treatments - Non Surgical Facelifts - Massage Eye Treatments - LVL Lashes - Manicure - Pedicure - Shellac Gel Nails - Waxing - Sunbeds - Spray Tanning - Body Piercing - Permanent Make Up - Muscle Relaxant Injections Restylane Fillers - Skin Peels - Mircodermabrasion - Laser Hair Removal - Teeth Whitening

FF

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O I

W

IT H

10

52 Woodfield Street, Morriston, Swansea SA6 8BW

C’ S V sA O pp U ly C H

www.swanseasunlounge.co.uk facebook.com/MorristonSunLounge

T&

for him & her

Family run business. Est. 2000

01792 775558

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Sun Lounge at the

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Beauty Centre

ll in to Please ca r a full fo n our Salo price list.

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12/16/2016 3:10:07 PM

HAIR & BEAUTY

! t I k s a M After all that partying and indulging over Christmas and the harsh winter weather, your face is no doubt crying out for a bit of TLC. LAURA DAVIES picks out the top face masks that will suit all. laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk

@LawsDx

48 | www.swansealife.co.uk

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Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel, 50ml, £32, Monks at Machynys, Llanelli

Liz Earle Superskin Overnight Mask, 100ml, £42, John Lewis, Cardiff

Instawow Sparkling Facial Mask, £39, www.timbombco.com

NUXE Crème Fraiche de Beauté Mask, 50ml, £18.50, M&S, Swansea

Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask, 100ml, £30, Boots, Parc Fforestfach

Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask To Clear Pores, £23, John Lewis, Cardiff

Pixi Glow Mud Mask 30ml, £18, M&S, Swansea

Decléor Hydra Floral Multi Protection Expert Mask, 50ml, £30, St David’s Spa, Cardiff

Clarins Extra-Firming Mask, 75ml, £42, Debenhams, Swansea

5

Top Cleansing Brushes

Ditch the flannel and try out one of these electric face brushes which help give skin a super-deep clean

ESPA Essential Cleansing Mask, 55ml, £31, House of Fraser, Cardiff.

Clarisonic Mia FIT Facial Sonic Cleansing Brush, Pink, £170, John Lewis, Cardiff

BareMinerals Dirty Detox Skin Glowing and Refining Mud Mask, £32, Debenhams, BaByliss True Glow Sonic Skincare System, £79.99, Argos, Swansea

Murad Instamatte Oil-Control Mask, 100ml, £35, M&S, Parc Trostre

Pulsaderm Buddy Sonic Face Brush, £70, M&S, Swansea Dr Hauschka Clarifying Clay Mask, 90g, £24.50, John Lewis, Cardiff

Kiehl’s Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energising Radiance Masque, 75ml, £28, John Lewis, Cardiff

REN Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask 50ml, £32, M&S, Swansea

Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Peel and Reveal Revitalizing Mask, 50ml, £25, Boots, Swansea

Clinique Sonic System Purifying Cleansing Brush, £79, Debenhams, Boots, Parc Fforestfach

No7 Beautiful Skin Cleansing Brush, £24.99, Boots, Swansea

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WINNER

BEST OF SWANSEA 2016

A T R U LY U N I Q U E HAIRDRESSING & BEAUTY EXPERIENCE T I DY B E A N S B A R B E RS H O P

BY J A M I E H I L L C O M I N G J A N U A RY 2017

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Unit 7, Squire Court, Swansea Marina Telephone: 01792 460203 Beauty Salon - telephone 01792 470277 Visit: www.jamiehill-salon.com

12/16/2016 12:49:25 PM

HAIR & BEAUTY

SKIN SERUM

SAVIOURS If you’ve yet to add an active packed serum to your daily routine, you are missing a trick. While most have moisture boosting properties, their main aim is to super charge skin with potent ingredients that target specific complexion concerns.

LAURA DAVIES rounds up the best beauty boosters. laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk

@LawsDx

Liz Earle Superskin Face Serum, 30ml, £48, John Lewis, Cardiff Pixi Eye Zone Brightener Serum 4ml, £18, M&S, Parc Trostre Eye awakening tinted eye gel that brightens and restores vibrancy, while recharging delicate skin with potent botanical healers.

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Miracle Oil, 100ml, £29, Boots, Swansea

Enriched with the most powerful naturally active ingredients, including Persian silk tree extract to even skin tone, pomegranate flower extract to lift and firm, and rhubarb root extract to plump and smooth, the luxurious and fast absorbing Superskin Face Serum is your new ally for truly radiant, youthful looking skin. For all skin types.

A unique blend of botanical oils rich in omega 3,6,9 and vitamin E nourishes skin and protects its delicate balance. The luxurious oil dissolves make-up and impurities and transforms into an emulsion to completely wash off.

Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Supplement Serum, £46, Debenhams, Swansea An advanced, multi-benefit serum that improves skin’s appearance as it helps prevent the visible signs of aging.

Reduces the look of fine, dry lines, and helps clarify and brighten the complexion

REN Vita Mineral Omega 3 Optimum Skin Serum Oil, 30ml, £25, M&S, Swansea For ultimate hydration, REN Vita Mineral face oil is a transforming oil that strengthens the skin’s vital lipid barrier and re-energises skin cell activity to dramatically improve moisture levels, boost overall skin health and vitality

Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus Smooths, Restores, Corrects 50ml, £60, Boots, Parc Fforestfach This award winning serum has been upgraded with additional ingredients clarisage and glucosamine for skin resurfacing. Three drops, twice a day for a vibrant look

Lancôme Advanced Génifique Serum, 50ml, £82, Debenhams, Swansea Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Improves the appearance of radiance, clarity, firmness, evenness in skin tone and texture.

Decléor Aromessence Néroli, 15ml, £45, St David’s Spa and Hotel, Cardiff Bring a glow to your face with this soothing elixir. Made from 100% pure and natural essential oils, this aromatic product helps to calm, relax and moisturise your skin.

Clarins Face Treatment Oil in Blue Orchid, 30ml, £33, Boots, Swansea For devitalized to dehydrated skin types.

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HAIR & BEAUTY

Rodarte AW16

Winter BERRY

It’s time to turn to the dark side. LAURA DAVIES reveals how to work off-black tones - without looking goth laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk

@LawsDx

Marnie AW16

BLACKENED LIPS A dark, berry mouth is this season’s lip de jour. Think bloodblack red against pared-back, minimal make-up so your loud lips are the ultimate focus. But, a word of warning from the make-up pros: this is one look you don’t want to attempt to apply on the bus.

Dark red lips on a nude face used to be considered effortless.

This season, they’re painstakingly shaped, curved, layered, smoothed - absolutely “done”, Precision may be the key to applying colour, but it’s free and easy when it comes to texture. Choose from high-shine vinyl gloss, through to plush uber-matte lipsticks.

TRY Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick in Motorhead, £16, Debenhams, Swansea NARS Velvet Lip Liner in Belle Mare, £18, John Lewis, Cardiff Liptensity Lipstick in Dionysus, £17.50, MAC, Debenhams, Swansea HELPFUL TIP: Stop lips “bleeding” with this fantastic liner. It is so good that one is sold every two minutes. is a clear lip liner that can be worn with any shade of lipstick or lip gloss, including bright and bold colours.

Applied around the lips, No Bleeding Lips will stop bleeding and feathering.

No Bleeding Lips Secret Lip Liner, £12.50, Superdrug, Swansea

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HAIR & BEAUTY

DEVILISH TIPS If the all-out goth look just isn’t for you, the easiest way to dabble with the dark side is via your nails. “It’s all about the noirs. Prune noir, bordeaux noir, maroon noir - these rich colours that read as off-black feel really interesting right now’ How to nail the look? Use a top coat of black polish with a deep crimson underneath, so you get an intriguing 3D red-black that changes with the light. If you like your nuances to be a little more obvious, cheat with printed nail wraps or press-on nails, where the dark (nail) arts are all done for you.

TRY Soigne Botanique Nail Polish in Robe Velours, £11, soignenails. com Nailed London Nail Lacquer in Killer Heels, £7, www. feelunique.com Elegant Touch False Nails in Nirvana, £8, Top Shop, Swansea

Throw away your nudes and cast aside your brights; you’ll have to dive to darker depths for the one colour palette you need in your cosmetics bag this season.

As far as current beauty trends go, it’s all a bit, well, blackcurrant. Imagine deep cherry on lips (if you dare), through to rich plum on nails.

These fierce, forbidden fruit colours are not quite full-on ebony, but the berry twist gives them the major wearability factor.

Pick your feature and be fearless with your blackcurrent beauty statement.

Moschino AW16

House of Holland AW16

PANDA EYES If you’re a traditionalist, keep the focus firmly on your eyes. In contrast to precise pouts, this season’s eye is all about blown-out, blended smudginess. It’s like morning-after make-up, but better. To achieve the panda effect, combine worn-in kohl with blurry mineral shadows in off-black shades, like smoky slate or burnt taupe.

What makes these smudgy eyes modern is that you can see the skin through the makeup. Aim to work the make-up into the skin in veils.

TRY Topshop Kajal Kohl Liner in Lucky 13, £7, Top Shop, Swansea; Rituel de Fille Ash and Amber Eye Soot in Serpent de Mer, £30, www.cultbeauty.co.uk

Chanel Calligraphie de Chanel in Hyperblack, £25, www.feelunique.com

Caption

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13/12/2016 11:43

HAIR & BEAUTY

How to keep yourself looking fresh during the January Sales Using an anti-fizz serum on your hair, wearing a good makeup primer and avoiding lipstick are just some of the top tips on keeping yourself looking fresh during the January sales. LAURA DAVIES looks at the ten pointers on how to remain looking pristine when trying to bag a bargain laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk

PREVENT YOUR HAIR FROM FRIZZING Anti-frizz products are definitely needed to prep your hair for the January sale madness. Whether you’re sweating around the aisles, or running around in the rain outside, there are a number of factors that can cause little hairs to escape. If you don’t have anti-frizz try spraying a little spritz of hairspray onto a fine-tooth comb and brush through the hair.

WEAR AN GOOD MAKEUP PRIMER Running around the shops trying to get the best bargains will inevitably wear-off your usually pristine makeup. The trick is to invest in a great primer to use after you have exfoliated and moisturised, right before you put your foundation on. This will lock your foundation in place to prevent it from wearing away.

DON’T BOTHER WITH LIPSTICK If you are a lipstick lover, leave it well alone when out sale shopping. Lipstick will only smudge and re-applying it will waste precious bargain-grabbing minutes. Instead, opt for a lip balm or if you insist on lipstick, wear a liquid-matte one, as these are far more long lasting than usual ones.

TAKE A MINIATURE DEODORANT IN YOUR HANDBAG Running around will definitely leave you a little sweaty and possibly a little smelly. A great trick is to carry a miniature deodorant in your bag

@LawsDx

so you can give yourself a little spritz whilst you’re shopping. If you have enough room in your bag for another product, carry a miniature perfume too.

GO FOR A HAIR LOOK THAT WON’T FALL OUT January sale shopping is not the best occasion to curl or straighten your hair. Good hairstyles are the ones that keep your hair out of your face. Try a sleek ponytail or braids. If you have short hair a great idea is to wear a headband to prevent hair from getting in your face and sticking to your forehead.

WEAR LOTS OF HAIRSPRAY After choosing a hair look that keeps your hair away from your face, avoid lockets of hair falling out your hairstyle by spraying your hair into place with an extra-hold hairspray. This will also prevent bad weather and sweat from affecting your perfect hairstyle.

WEAR EYE CREAM The early sale start wiill no doubt leave you with some large under eye bags. Solve this and give your eyes a much-needed lift by wearing a caffeinated eye cream to wake up that sleepy face of yours.

BUILD YOUR FOUNDATION IN LIGHT LAYERS To make your foundation last whilst you’re shopping for the deals, build up the coverage in light layers rather than caking it on all in one go. The light layers will give a more natural look and will survive far longer than one thick layer.

SET YOUR FOUNDATION Always remember to set your foundation with powder. A long-lasting, matte powder will work perfectly when setting your face. A great way to set both your foundation and powder is by spritzing a little makeup setting spray. This will make sure the makeup products on your face last through the chaotic rush of bargain grabbing.

DON’T TOUCH YOUR FACE! No matter how stressful the sales get, always avoid touching your face, as this will only wear your makeup off. Touching your shopping products from the sales and then your face will also cause unnecessary breakouts too.

If you are prone to doing it when stressed or in a mad rush, carry a small sanitizer with you during your shopping marathon.

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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.

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HAIR & BEAUTY

S .

O .

S DIY

LAURA DAVIES rounds up the best winter skin and hair care tips laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk

@LawsDx

AVOID HOT SHOWERS

It can be tempting to whack your shower temperature up full blast but this will damage your scalp and leave it flaky and can also strip your skin of moisture. Keep showers and baths to ten minutes and keep the water mid to lukewarm.

MOISTURISE

Cold conditions can take your skins natural moisture away, so make sure not to skip your skincare routine in the morning and at night. It’s also great to moisturise your hair too. Try to use a hydrating mask to restore natural oils that might have been stripped away in the cold.

WEAR SPF

This may sound ridiculous in the colder months but UV damage can affect your skin all year round, especially if it snows and the sunlight glares back onto you. Try investing in a tinted moisturiser with SPF to use as your foundation.

INVEST IN A HUMIDIFIER

Chances are you’ll have the heating on full blast at home, which will suck out any remaining moisture in the air. Invest in a humidifier and have it on at night to stop your hair and skin drying out.

USE A GOOD FACIAL OIL

In the summer you want to avoid oilbased products but in the winter your skin will lap them up. Use a radiance boosting facial oil three times a week to banish dullness and replenish the top layers of your skin.

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DRINK PLENTY OF WATER

Don’t replace your eight glasses of water a day with hot chocolate and lattes. Make sure you stay hydrated in the winter months and your skin will thank you.

USE VITAMIN E

Harsh winds can cause your hair to have split ends, so try rubbing vitamin E on the ends of your hair to replenish them. Some say massaging this miracle oil onto your scalp can make hair grow fast too.

EYES

The thin skin around your eyes is particularly vulnerable in the winter months so use a good eye cream. For a natural remedy, place some cooled green tea bags on your lids for five minutes before you go to bed.

KEEP WASHING YOUR HAIR TO A MINIMUM

If you can, try and limit yourself to only washing your hair two or three times a week to prevent it from drying out in the cold. This will minimise the amount of heat styling you do as well, which can have double its effect in the cold.

EAT YOUR WAY TO HEALTHY SKIN You may be craving comfort food at this time of the year but make sure to get a good dose of vitamin A and C in your diet. Stock up on mangoes, sweet potatoes and broccoli, which are all linked to keeping skin glowing.

EXFOLIATE YOUR LIPS

Having lip balm handy is great for chapped lips but sometimes it might not do the job. To exfoliate a flaky pout, use a clean toothbrush and gently exfoliate to remove dead skin.

Slather on nourishing lip balm afterwards to lock in moisture.

HAVE REGULAR TRIPS TO THE HAIRDRESSER

Keep your hair in good condition in these harsh months by visiting your salon regularly. Aim to go every six weeks to keep your ends tided up.

USE A HAND CREAM REGULARLY

Your hands have to battle the elements too so use a hand cream daily if your skin is regularly dry. Invest in a silicone-based one that won’t leave you with slippery fingers.

KEEP WRAPPED UP

Your mum was right about layering up in wintertime. Wear a scarf that gives good coverage over your face and neck to avoid windburn.

EXERCISE

Working up the motivation to work out in winter can be difficult but it’s important to do it.

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13/12/2016 11:46

HAIR & BEAUTY

s e o Her BEAUTY

If you are looking for some new beauty products to fill your new Christmas make up bag, then read on. LAURA DAVIES gives the low-down on her all-time heroes and latest favourites to suit all budgets... laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk

@LawsDx

Enduring Essentials

MAC Studio Face and Body Foundation, £22, MAC, Debenhams, Swansea. You can use it really sheer, or you can build it up.

I’ve been using MAC Hush Cream Colour Base, £17, MAC, Debenhams, Swansea, as a highlighter for I don’t know how long. I’m still yet to find a better highlighter.

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Laura Loves

Every woman needs a Moisturiser! Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre Nourishing Moisturiser, £13, Boots, Swansea, is great value for the price.

And for the cold winter weather, a lip balm like Carmex Original, £2.69, Tesco, Parc Fforestfach, is an essential.

Dr Pawpaw Tinted Ultimate Red Balm, £6.99, DrPawpaw.com. I use it on my lips, eyelids, cheeks; I prefer it to Eight Hour Cream.

YSL Volume Effet mascara, £25, YSLbeauty.co.uk, is a personal favourite.

Hourglass Illume Sheer Colour Trio in Sunset, £50.40, John Lewis, Cardiff, because it has a highlighter, blusher and bronzer. They’re all cream and it’s just lovely.

The Luxury Favourite

The one thing you should spend your money on is foundation, because the ingredients make a massive difference. The new Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick, £42, Space NK, is so nice, it’s like silk on your face.

Gorgeous

Clinique Pop Matte Lip Colour + Primer, £16, Clinique, Boots, Swansea. Lipsticks with a matte payoff and the colours are gorgeous.

Budget Buys

Maybelline Age Rewind Eye Concealer, £7.99, Superdrug, Swansea. It gives really good coverage without being really thick.

Maybelline Brow Drama Sculpting Mascara, £4.99, Boots, Parc Fforestfach, which is like a mascara for your eyebrows. The colours are really good.

Top Tip

Soap Brows, is an old Hollywood trick. It’s the most amazing cheap brow gel ever and keeps your eyebrows completely in shape. You can use any kind of glycerin-based transparent soap, like Pears Oil Clear Bar Soap, 99p, Superdrug, Swansea

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13/12/2016 11:47

HAIR & BEAUTY

l l e h s b m o B BLONDE

Honey or icy? Gold or platinum? Everyone can embrace a golden touch - you just need to find the right shade for you. LAURA DAVIES gets the experts’ advice on how to realise your blonde ambition laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk

@LawsDx

From icy white to honey-hued, there are endless blonde shades to choose from, so how do you find the one that’s right for you?

Colour consultation has really moved on from traditional guidelines, so it’s a bit of a myth that someone with, for instance, pale skin and blue eyes should be one type of blonde, compared to someone with darker skin and brown eyes. Colour is bespoke to every individual, taking into account their personal fashion style and lifestyle as well.

That said, there are still some guidelines colourists agree you should follow before hitting the bottle (or the salon).

From selecting a shade to maintaining your mane, these are the top five tips for achieving Goldilocked perfection...

1. COMPLEMENT YOUR COMPLEXION

When deciding which kind of blonde would best work for a client, first identify their skin tone. Skin tones generally fall into two categories, warm or cool. Warm skin has yellow, golden, or peach undertones, while cool skin tones look pink, blue, or beige. With hair colour, you’ll find the most flattering effect when you complement it with tones opposite of your skin tone. For example, if you have warm skin, try cool blonde colours containing violet, blue, or neutral tones. For cool skin, try blondes containing golden or red tones.

2. LOOK BEFORE YOU BLEACH

Look around at other people that have similar hair colour, skin colour and eye colour to you, as a reference for what

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you think will suit you. Most people know what makes them feel good when they wear colour, and generally that is the colour that would suit them best. Our clients are very aware what suits them, and it’s rare they’re dead set on shades that wouldn’t be suitable - but, of course, we’re there to guide and steer in the right direction.

3. ASK THE EXPERTS

Dye-it-yourself with these at-home heroes

Going from brunette to blonde in one sitting can create unwanted damage and hair breakage. If you’re thinking of lifting or lightening hair more than two levels, it may be best to visit a salon, so your hair can be cared for under the watchful eye of a colourist.

Colour Freedom Cream Bleach, £7.99, Superdrug, Swansea

Nice’n Easy Permanent Colour 9.5 Natural Extra Light Blonde, £5.99, Boots, Parc Trostre

Schwarzkopf LIVE Intense Lightener 00B Max Blonde, £5.49, Superdrug, Swansea

4. REMEMBER YOUR ROOTS

If you’re after a look that’s a little more low-key in maintenance, highlights are great, as the re-growth is often softer when it grows out. A full head of colour, especially if it’s bright, will often give a more noticeable re-growth line.If you’re an all-over blonde, then always colour your roots before the hair has grown longer than 1.5cm, to get the best colour result and avoid a visible “band”

5. LOOK AFTER YOUR LOCKS

A must for every bottle blonde is a purple toning shampoo to counteract brassiness. Toning shampoos work wonders towards reducing unwanted warm or golden tones.

Keep that colour fresh with... eSalon Tinted Love Colour Enhanching Treatment, £11, www.esalon.co.uk

Mane ‘n Tail Color Protect Shampoo and Conditioner, £6.99 each, Boots, Swansea

L’Oreal Paris Recital Preference Permanent Hair Colour in California, £9.49, FeelUnique. com

TIGI Catwalk Fashionista Violet Shampoo, £9.75, and Conditioner, £11.15, LookFantastic.com

Sachajuan Silver Shampoo, £20, Escentual.com

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HAIR & BEAUTY

Makeover!

W ITH

L ARA

JOHNSON

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

After

Before...

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Step by step...

The Bow Bun This is a look that is a bit of fun and perfect for those days when you feel whimsical and creative. This style turns your hair into something that you would normally accessorise with.

Difficulty level: Medium Ideal hair length: Long Assistance needed?: No

Make over...

Try this: It can be worn at the top or try lower in the nape of the neck for a sophisticated look

Model: Kasia Occupation: Student & model in Swansea

What you need: • Brush • Strong hair band • Pins • Hairspray

KASIA SAYS...

1

I didn’t want to lose any of the length of my hair but wanted a change as it was feeling flat and boring. The colour was also really non-descript and I wanted to get rid of the orange feel to it. I love what the team have done. I was very nervous but the team at Lara Johnson really listened and went for subtle changes that have made a massive difference. I’m delighted!

LARA JOHNSON TEAM SAY...

The first step was to address the warm tones in Kasia’s colour. She wanted to stay blonde and we all agreed that this was the best thing as she looks so good. We decided to completely change her hair tone by using soft and creamy shades from the Wella collections which gives it a smooth and luxurious sheen. We changed the feel of the length by introducing layers into the shape helping to give it volume and movement. To help Kasia achieve soft movement we used the technical Brazilian Blow dry service. This service is a fantastic way to help you achieve smoother healthy hair without committing to a permanent treatment. The treatment is a fantastic way to help you style your hair, it is basically a styling aid that makes your life easier. We finished the look by using pair of ghd curve tongs to help create waves. We then secured it into place with Sebastian Professional zero gravity.

1

Brush your hair up into a high ponytail the crown of your head.

Use a strong hair band to secure in place

2

On the final twist of your band, pull your hair only partway through creating a loop in your ponytail.

2

3

Split the loop in two and pull each section out and to the side. This will form the sides of your hair bow

3

4

4

Use the tail of your hair to form the centre of the bow. Wrap it up and over the middle of the loop and use pins or grips to secure it at the front and the back adjust the side of the bow to sit evenly, and use grip to keep them in place.

A spritz of hairspray, we used Sebastian Professional Shaper Fierce will help smooth and flyaway hairs and secure the look.

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13/12/2016 11:51

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 recent winner of the National Federation of Hairdressing’s Welsh Make Up Artist of the Year award, Chris Howells, gives actress and singer Jodie a red carpet 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. Just a few weeks ago, 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 JODIE...

This month’s makeover is actress and singer Jodie. She wanted me to show her how to create a smoky eye look for a red carpet awards ceremony that she will be attending.

Jodie has good skin and looks after it well.

Before...

I prepped the skin with some The Ordinary Company Hyaluronic Acid followed by Rodial Bee Venom Moisturiser. Applying Laura Mercier Primer over the face and neck creates the perfect canvas. Le Maquillage Professional Foundation applied with a dense buffing brush perfects the skin flawlessly, without ever looking heavy or cakey. Under Jodie’s eyes I applied a colour corrector from Bobby Brown in an orangey red tone to help combat dark circles. I then finished with Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage which is great to hide any imperfections under the eyes or breakouts and blemishes, especially around the nose and the lip area. It is also great to help stop lipstick from bleeding. I love using Laura Mercier Bonne Mine Palette, an exquisite collection of crème bronze, blush and highlighter. I used the bronze to shape Jodie’s cheekbones, and applied it around the forehead for a little soft contouring. I applied the deeper blush shade to the “apples” of Jodie’s cheeks, ensuring a great blend and no harsh lines. I used the Crème Highlight on the high points of her face, brow bone, top of the cheek bones, bridge and tip of the nose and Cupid’s bow. To set I used a press and roll motion with a velour puff and translucent powder to bolt everything down so it keeps in place all night.

Jodie’s eyes were dressed with Laura Mercier Caviar Sticks in Smoke and Moonlight. Smoke

WIN

Your very own make over with Chris!

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

was applied to her entire moveable lid, under the lower lash and blended out, and Moonlight was used in the inner corner and blended into the Smoke. Then a baked eye colour in Black Karat was blended over the centre lid for more drama.

Lashings of mascara were applied to the top and bottom lashes. A personal favourite of mine is Dior Blackout Waterproof it is the best I have ever used. Black Kajal was applied around the eye rim for a cat like look and Eylure Lashes in Exaggerate 143 were applied for extra volume. Brows were brushed upwards and filled in where needed with Hourglass Brow sculpt pencil.

On Jodie’s lips we used a creamy nude pencil to fill in the whole lip area and then Laura Mercier Crème Smooth Lip Colour in Spiced Rose with a little clear gloss in the centre of the bottom lip for Va Va Voom. Finished and Red Carpet ready in no time!

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After...

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15/12/2016 10:13

THERE’S STYLISTS AND THEN THERE’S

BRIAN BROWN

BRIAN BROWN SALON 1 BELEVUE WAY • SWANSEA • SA1 5BZ • TEL: 01792 301901

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Health & wellbeing

FOOD BENEFITS (page 68) KEEP THAT WINTER COLD AT BAY (page 72) TIPS FOR DRY JANUARY (page 75) DR CHARLOTTE (page 76)

DefyTime

Cosmetic Clinic & Medical Spa

HealthAndWellbeing_SLJAN17.indd 1

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

15/12/2016 12:43

HEALTH & WELLBEING

FOOD BENEFITS

Whats new in 2017?

LAURA DAVIES looks at the top 15 health, food and wellbeing trends we are likely to go crazy for in 2017 laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk

@LawsDx

ESSENTIAL OILS MAKE A BIG COMEBACK

Essential Oils have been around for many, many years but have been forgotten about a bit. Their return is in line with the 2017 theme of “natural” and “holistic” products. Essential oils are among the simplest natural remedies. We’re rediscovering how they can help with a plethora of modern ailments including stress and anxiety, mood, sleep, and even hormonal balance. Essential oils will also be popular on the beauty market too. Essentials oils are packed with vitamins, amino acids and anti-oxidants so they won’t dry your skin. Instead, they can smooth fine lines and heal blemishes at the same time Tiger nuts Tiger nuts are not from tigers! And they’re not nuts. In fact, tiger nuts are a small root vegetable that grows in the Mediterranean and Africa. Tiger nut milk is also a traditional drink in Spain and are commonly found in the form of tiger nut flour – a great alternative gluten-free, grain-free flour that can be used in baking or cooking and suitable for all types of diets from vegan to Paleo to nut-free.

Tiger nuts are high in fibre and contain calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium, amongst other valuable nutrients. They are great when it comes to supporting digestive system and weight loss

CHEWABLE PROBIOTICS FOR DENTAL CARE

People are getting more and more concerned about their teeth

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and their dental health. One way to help prevent any infections and the build-up of bacteria is by taking probiotics in a chewable form. As well as taking care of our intestinal health, friendly bacteria also live in our mouth and help to take care of our teeth and gums too. For this reason, chewable probiotics could help to keep our oral health in check.

OMEGA 3 FROM ALGAE

Along with the 2017 trend of all things ‘natural’, there are themes of ‘environmentally friendly’ and ‘sustainability’.

With this in mind, along with the rising popularity of vegan diets, the market for omega 3 from algae is only likely to increase. We know that there is a real concern about the sustainability of fish due to over farming of our oceans. Omega 3 from algae allows us to have the benefits of the nutrient without affecting our fish stock. Most of us know about the importance of omega-3 fatty acids – especially DHA and EPA from oily fish. But for vegetarians and vegans, or anyone who can’t eat fish or take fish oil supplements, getting a good source of these healthy fats can be a problem. Luckily there is an answer: algae can provide small amounts of these specific omega-3 fats that can be found concentrated in supplement form.

PROBIOTIC WATER

We’ve seen probiotic yoghurts and probiotic supplements of course – and even probiotic chocolate has found a niche in the market. Now probiotic water is proving popular too, as another way to naturally help our gut. Tablets are out. Different ways of getting our supplements are in. Food and drink are becoming functional – this trend is an example of how we can get the goodness of water with the added health benefits of probiotics.

13/12/2016 11:59

HEALTH & WELLBEING

CAULIFLOWER IN ALL FORMS

Cauliflower is amazingly versatile. You can pulse raw florets in a food processor to make cauliflower ‘rice’, steam it and blend to make a delicious mash, or just remove the leaves, shove it in the oven and bake it whole. It’s low in carbs and calories and high in fibre, vitamin C, folate and potassium. It also contains compounds called glucosinolates, which are thought to have anti-cancer activity.

SUPER-SPICES

“Superfood” has become the biggest buzzword in the health food industry. However, after years of avocado and quinoa reigning, it’s time to pass the crown to... Super-spices! With Turmeric being one of the most powerful. It contains Curcumin, which has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This bright yellow spice has been shown to help relieve the pain of arthritis, injuries and even dental procedures as well as playing a role within cancer prevention and protecting against heart disease. Are you trying to detox? Spice up your dishes with turmeric to help the liver function properly. It stimulates production of bile by the gallbladder that is used by liver to filter and expel toxins.

GOAT’S MEAT

Goat meat is a staple North African and Middle Eastern cuisine as well as being the most widely consumed meat in the world.

However, it rarely makes it onto the dinner table in the UK. Goat meat is low in fat and higher in protein than some meats and it’s also higher in iron than beef, pork or lamb. What’s more, eating goat meat can be considered an ethical choice too. Currently, goats are farmed primarily for their milk and so – shockingly – most male goats from goat dairy industry are killed at birth.

FILIPINO CUISINE

While Thai and Vietnamese foods are known throughout the Western world, Filipino food has been slower to catch on.

However, this may all change during 2017, where the Filipino cuisine is set to become more popular. There are many healthy and flavoursome choices available such as Paket – a vegetable dish full of spices, Adobo – meat marinated in vinegar and soy sauce, Ginataang – a fish stew, roasted lemon grass chicken as well

as Tortang Talong – an aubergine and egg based breakfast.

PURPLE FOODS

The future of modern cuisine is purple! Why? They pack a powerful disease-prevention-punch! Purple kale, purple carrots, purple cauliflower, purple broccoli and the purple potato are all amazingly rich in anthocyanins, the antioxidant responsible for their purple colour and have amazing disease fighting properties. They can soothe inflammation as well as boost immune function and improve memory and brain function.

EVERYTHING SPARKLING! INCLUDING TEAS

Drinks with a fizz are gaining popularity by the day. Thanks to champagne, the word ‘sparkling’ is associated with celebration and luxury. No wonder that sales of Prosecco have shot up by 80 per cent over the last five years! This trend is being translated into health drinks too. We now have sparkling sugar free infused water, as well as sparkling matcha tea. 2017 may just bring this trend to a whole new level.

WATERMELON WATER - NEW COCONUT WATER Watermelon water is simply taken from the whole juice of a watermelon. Like coconut water, it contains natural electrolyte minerals. It’s especially high in potassium, which has the benefit of keeping our blood pressure in a healthy range. It also contains lycopene – one of the most powerful and protective antioxidants found in plants. Even though it’s healthy and delicious, it is also naturally high in sugar, so drink moderately.

SUNFLOWER PROTEIN POWDERS

With more and more people going vegan, plant based protein powders have already started flying of the shelves.We need protein for many reasons – not only for our muscles but it’s also required for building, healing and repairing most of the other tissues in our body – as well as producing a range of vital substances such as antibodies and hormones. Because the richest sources of protein are animal foods, vegetarians and especially vegans may struggle to get enough protein. An adult needs a minimum of around 0.8 to 1g of protein per kilo ‘ideal’ body weight per day. So if your healthy body weight is 60kg, you’ll need around 50 to 60 grams of protein per day. And this amount increases if you’re very active, or trying to build strength.

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

20 SECRETS FOR KEEPING ILLNESSES AT BAY It’s the season of colds and sniffles but there is a lot people can do to help keep winter bugs at bay. LAURA DAVIES looks at some top tips

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laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk

Prioritise sleep

Treat yourself to an early night - studies have shown that plenty of sleep helps the immune system to function, while a lack of shut-eye can weaken it.

Manage stress

High stress levels can weaken the immune system. So chill out!

Have a hobby

Having a favourite activity or pastime keeps us active and boosts our happy hormones - helping us to stay healthy and keep sickness at bay.

Get outdoors

Cooped up in an office full of germs all day? Tear yourself away from the computer and step outside for some fresh air.

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Laugh!

Having a good chuckle will get your heart beating and also helps reduce stress levels. So book those comedy tickets, or switch on your favourite sitcom, now.

Eat berries

Berries are a great source of vitamin C, a key cold-busting nutrient. Note to self: blueberry muffins probably don’t count.

Drink water

H2O is awash, if you pardon the pun, with health benefits - and not just when it comes to hangovers. It also helps

@LawsDx

flush out bad bacteria and can prevent dehydration, constipation and kidney stones.

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Munch some (proper) chocolate

It could help you fend off illness, because it contains immune-boosting cocoa (the proper dark stuff, that is; not the sugar-loaded milk and white choccy treats).

So what better excuse for a big slab of it?

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Gargle diluted TCP

This liquid antiseptic can be used as soon as you get the inkling of a sore throat. Just gargle (but don’t swallow) TCP diluted with five parts water, twice a day.

10 Get steamy

An oldie but a goodie. Hover over a steaming bowl of water with a towel on top of your head to clear the sinuses.

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Hands to yourself

Keep handshakes to a minimum during cold and flu season. How about a fist pump instead?! Failing that, get yourself some hand sanitizer.

Try ginger

Ginger can sooth sore throats, reduce fever, and aid circulation. What’s not to love?

Wash hands

Wash hands after using public transport. If you take a train or bus to work, you’re leaving yourself exposed to all sorts of bothersome bacteria. Tube passengers, take note: research has found the most germ-ridden line on the London Underground is the Northern Line.

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

14 Take some Echinacea

This native American herb is known for its healing qualities and is a popular choice for fighting the first signs of cold and flu. Note, however, that it can lose impact if used long-term.

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Get garlicky

Garlic may not make you popular with your other half, but it boasts compounds which help our immune system fight germs.

Use sterilising wipes

Some exposure to germs is good for children, but if you have very little ones who like to chew on everything, rub their toys with a sterilising wipe after a playdate to stem the spread of nasties.

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Nip coldsores in the bud

Coldsores are a symptom of being - and can leave you feeling - really run-down. So keep some coldsore-busting cream in your desk drawer or bedside table, and zap it at the first tingle.

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Get a massage

Along with relieving stress, a study found that participants who had a 45-minute massage had an increased number of disease-defending white blood cells.

Jump in the shower

Cold showers get the blood pumping, help reduce migraines and strength immunity.

20 Eat sweet potatoes

These spuds contain beta-carotene, an antioxidant which helps protect our immune system. Not only that, they’re delicious. Tuck in!

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11/18/2016 12:29:03 PM

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Top Tips for making it through

‘Dry January’ Going without alcohol for a month is the perfect way for your body and wallet to recover from an indulgent Christmas and New Year. But with five booze free weekends to get through, it may be a bit of a challenge. LAURA DAVIES looks at the top tip for getting through the month so it doesn’t seem so much of a chore.

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DON’T HIBERNATE

The worst thing you can possibly do is to hole yourself up in your house and attempt to hibernate. Make it your mission to get up and make the most of your hangover free weekends and mornings. Plan activities you would never normally get round to at times you would never usually be up.

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DITCH COCKTAILS FOR DETOXING MOCKTAILS

Don’t settle for plain old tap water when you go out. Drinking mocktails is a great way to get through dry January, as you are still treating yourself to a luxurious drink, minus the calories and headache the next morning. We love detoxing Aloe Vera water, muddled with fresh lime, raspberries and fresh guava juice for a quenching alternative.

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KNOW YOUR NUMBERS

Read it and weep. A Pina Colada cocktail with rum has 644 calories. That’s more than a Big Mac burger! A pint of larger has 180 calories which is more than a small slice of chocolate cake. And a large glass of white wine is 185 calories, the equivalent of four fish fingers.

Calculate exactly how many calories you will save by ditching the booze – odds are you’ll be shocked by how many you can save.

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laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk

@LawsDx

PLAN A HOLIDAY

Planning a holiday is the perfect way to motivate yourself during dry January. Putting all the money you’ve saved on booze into a ‘holiday piggy bank’ will be a visible inspiration to keep going, along with your shrinking waistline of course. Win, win!

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RECRUIT A PARTNER IN CRIME

Your driathlon will be about a million times easier if you have a least one of your friends on board the good ship sensible. You’ll have a sober partner in crime to go out with and look suitably smug while your other friends are being drunken idiots around you.

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GET DRUNK ON LOVE

Replace visiting your old friend alcohol with seeing real actual people that you care about. Arrange to go and see that old friend you’ve been meaning to visit, visit you parents, or make time for your partner. Booking a romantic city break is the perfect idea as it takes you away for a weekend of relaxation, and no pressure to go to the pub with your friends.

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TRY A NEW TYPE OF EXERCISE

Taking up a new exercise for the month will boost your levels of

serotonin plus giving you something else to focus on.

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THINK POSITIVE

Don’t picture your month of sobriety as something negative. Think of it as something great you are achieving purely for yourself. Rather than focusing on denying yourself alcohol, envision your success and how happy you will be at the end of the month when you have reached your goal.

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TELL EVERYONE

By telling everyone you are never drinking ever again (well, for January) will increase your chances of success. Why? Because your feelings of shame will be increased by about 98 per cent if your friends or family catch you clutching a sneaky gin and tonic when you shouldn’t be.

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CUT BACK, DON’T CUT OUT

If all else fails, simply cut back on your alcohol intake and set yourself an achievable goal per week. This will be much more easy to sustain and will certainly alleviate any January blues.

There are also plenty of other ways to put goodness into your body, by upping your intake of fruit and vegetables and drinking more water.

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

ASK

DR. CHARLOTTE

1. Work towards getting a healthy Body Mass Index I know how hard this is as I am the classic yo-yo dieter. I doubt there is any diet out there I have not tried. But this year I am definitely going to find a lifelong solution……..

So what do the experts say we should do?

• Adopt a sensible approach following a healthy diet where essentially your kcal intake is less than what you expend every day.

• Are you eating when really you are thirsty. I am definitely guilty of this so aim for 2.5 litres a day

Small changes, big difference?

Swansea Life GP Charlotte Jones offers up her bright ideas to recharge you for January 2017

Yes, it’s time for New Year, New You, the annual January event which involves that small matter of tweaking your Old You into becoming someone else entirely.

Still, do not despair. There is help out there to get you through this difficult time. I am going to commit myself too for this year! So here, hopefully, are some hints to help you along the way too….

• Look at what sort of diet will suit you. Can you do it on your own or do you need a slimming group. Everyone is different. Instead of just jumping in, take time to find out what is right for you.

• Why not rope in your family or a good friend to support you and keep a log of your achievement.

• Some people take photos of how they look at start and on journey along the way to aid motivation.

• Set realistic goals and reward yourself with little treats along the way. It really can help.

2. Take regular exercise • If you haven’t exercised for a long time then build yourself up slowly.

• There are lots of different ways to exercise from running / jogging / walking the dog to classes ranging from Aqua Aerobics, Nordic walking through to hot yoga or Zumba.

• There is a national exercise programme that links with local gyms which your GP surgery can refer you too if you fall into one of the categories. This offers reduced price sessions in various exercise modalities.

• The key is to find something that interests and enthuses you.

3. Keep alcohol within recommended limits.

• It is so easy at the end of a hard day to reach for a glass or two. We all do it from time to time. But the key is moderation and think before you drink. The daily limit is maximum

3-4 units a day for men and 2-3 units for women.

• If you are worried about your alcohol intake then you can contact DAN (Wales’ Drugs & Alcohol helpline – dan247.org.uk or free-phone 0808 808 2234) or Alcoholics Anonymous. Locally, there are a number of agencies that can help as well including WGCADA. (www.wgcada.org or phone 01792 472519). Your GP can assist too.

4. Stop smoking • Everybody knows that smoking is bad for your health and can lead to severe life limiting conditions. However, many forget just how hard it is to give up something that you enjoy.

• So what can you do? Some people can just go cold turkey but most need some form of help.

Nicotine replacement therapy is available on the NHS. GPs and most pharmacies can offer this to you.

ASH Cymru, Stop Smoking Wales & NHS Direct wales provide excellent resources and support to anyone giving up and cover areas that may help you but are not currently available on the NHS. But most importantly, find time to focus on you and the above may well be easier than we think…..

I hope 2017 brings happiness and good health to you all.

76 | www.swansealife.co.uk

x1 Dr Charlotte.indd 1

15/12/2016 11:29

ENJOY SOME

ME TIME IN 2017

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TIME RELAX TO

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THE OLD MILL FOUNDATION HOLISTIC CANCER SUPPORT CENTRE Main centre at Meyricks Mill, Hendy Road, Penclawdd SA4 3XE. Open Monday - Friday 10-4pm

Have you or anyone you are close to been diagnosed with cancer?

Then this is the place for you.

The Old Mill Foundation is a cancer support centre situated in Penclawdd and Llandybie. Our aim at The Mill is to provide physical and emotional support to those on a cancer journey. We do this through a range of holistic therapies, manual lymphatic drainage, counselling, homeopathy, meditation, lifestyle, or just a cuppa and a chat.

We offer all this free of charge so it is available for everybody to access, however donations are always appreciated. We are growing by the day due to the ever increasing need in the community and are always grateful for any financial support to keep our doors open, so if you fancy putting on a fundraiser for The Mill we would be delighted. Maybe you are a business and could sponsor some of our treatments?

We are also constantly on the look out for more volunteers to help us along. We are in need of holistic therapists, homeopaths, reception staff, admin workers. If you have a couple of hours a week and think you could help keep this amazing charity ticking along then give us a call or pop in for a chat.

Also at Llandybie Memorial Hall Tuesdays 10-5pm Woodfield Rd, Llandybie, Ammanford, SA18 3UR We offer physical and emotional support to adults affected by cancer.

We also offer this service to carers of people with cancer as we know that caring for a loved one can be a difficult and stressful time, and carers often need just as much support.

We provide therapies such as: Massage, Reflexology, Reiki, Hypnotherapy, Homeopathy, Shiatsu, Counselling and Nutrition Advice So if you have had a cancer diagnosis or are caring for someone who has, why not ring for an appointment.

01792-851553 (Penclawdd Mon-Fri 10-4pm)

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12/16/2016 12:53:00 PM

HEALTH & WELLBEING

A

P RO B L E M

S H A R E D

Swansea Life’s columnist and trained counsellor FIONA CAINE offers her perspective on family dramas, emotional issues and dysfunctional relationships.

WHAT’S WRONG WITH ME?

better relationships than you’re having now.

I seem to have one disastrous relationship after another and I don’t know what’s wrong with me.

SHE’S USELESS WITH MONEY

I keep going with other people’s partners; I don’t know why, but I really mess things up.

When I was 17, I slept with my sister’s boyfriend - even though I knew they were planning to get married, then, a year ago, I slept with a friend’s fiance.

He was staying the night at my place after he missed his train home.

Why I did it, I don’t know, and I feel so guilty about it.

I know I’m going to be in trouble again soon because I’m babysitting for a friend when she goes to college twice a week.

Her husband runs me home and although we’ve not made love, it feels like it’s just a matter of time.

Why do I always end up in impossible relationships?

F. S. FIONA SAYS: TAKE CONTROL Is it perhaps because you can’t imagine yourself deserving anything better?

If you didn’t have such a low opinion of yourself perhaps you wouldn’t keep falling for these, frankly lousy men, who, I think, are just using you for sex.

You CAN take control of this situation you know and, as a first step, I think you should stop babysitting for your friend.

It may be hard for her to find anyone else so she can go to college, but her marriage is more important. This should give her husband less opportunity to make advances and not put you in the position of having to resist. That should help with the immediate issue, but I think you need to seek help about developing your own confidence and self-esteem.

Talk to your doctor or contact Relate (www. relate.org.uk) as they will help you to structure

My 28-year-old niece has a poorly paid job working for a large charity. She’s kind and caring and keeps in touch with us, but she’s really reckless with her money. I’ve helped her out on several occasions when she has run up large debts and can’t pay her rent etc. as her parents can’t afford to do so.

You may need to be firm and tell her you won’t help her financially any more in order to get her to face up to the reality of her situation.

I DIDN’T WANT TO TOUCH HIM My boyfriend and I have just split up because although I loved him, I couldn’t respond to him physically.

I know she doesn’t earn a lot, but she spends at least £50 a month on scratch cards! She believes that sooner or later she’s going to have a big win and her problems will be solved.

He was my first boyfriend and we waited for two years before making love for the first time, but when we did, I found I just couldn’t get involved. I never enjoyed touching him or kissing him and sometimes he’d simply stop because he wasn’t getting a reaction from me.

What she doesn’t see, though, is that if she didn’t spend this amount each month, she’d be able to live within her means. I’ve tried to tell her I won’t bail her out, but I do feel sorry for her and she’s such a lovely girl.

He is upset by what has happened as I think he felt we would soon get married and have children. I’ve always been reserved, but what worries me now is that, if I couldn’t show my feelings to him, perhaps I’ll never be able to.

Surely she could stop if she wanted to?

A. J.

Does this mean I’ll never be able to have a close relationship?

FIONA SAYS: SHE NEEDS TO SEEK SUPPORT

E. R. FIONA SAYS: KNOW YOUR OWN MIND

Your niece is old enough now to know her own mind and you are right in thinking she could give up this gambling, if she wanted to.

You say this was your first relationship, but perhaps although you liked him, you never really loved your boyfriend.

However, gambling is addictive and many people find it impossible to stop. Even if she were to stop, do you think she’d be able to suddenly start budgeting sensibly?

It’s clear his expectations of this relationship were considerably more advanced than yours.

He was ready to settle down and it’s clear you were not - at least, not with him.

There are two problems here; her gambling addiction and her attitude to money. To help with the gambling I suggest you contact GamAnon (gamanon.org.uk) it will help you to help and understand her.

Although this parting hurts now, it was probably for the best. Had you married and had children, it would have been very hard to break up without hurting even more people, including yourself. Please don’t see this relationship important though it was - as the prototype for all your future loves or relationships.

To help her start taking responsibility for her finances, I suggest she looks at a debt counselling website such as www.stepchange. org - she may not be in debt now, but were it not for you, she would be.

StepChange has a step-by-step support programme that could help her, and you could make any further support from you conditional on her taking part in the programme.

Instead, learn from it; you know that you’re reserved and perhaps slow to show your feelings, so be wary of relationships with people who seem to want instant commitment.

In time, I am sure you will find a sharing and caring relationship that is right for you.

You can write to Fiona via Swansea Life or email her at help@askfiona.net All letters are treated in complete confidence. Fiona regrets that she cannot enter into personal correspondence or pass letters on to other readers.

www.swansealife.co.uk | 83

x1 - AgonySLJAN17.indd 1

16/12/2016 10:54

H E A LT H & B E A U T Y

THE GROVE CLINIC

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The Grove Skin Clinic is the creation of Jodie Grove Advanced Aesthetic Nurse prescriber.

Here at Sam’s for beauty we are proud to introduce our new CACI synergy system.

HotpodYoga classes offer a“reallife”approach to hot yoga in a completely otherworldly setting.

Refreshing and impactful, the classes have roots in vinyasa flow and are grounded firmly in reality - whether you’re there to work off a hangover, clear an over-stimulated mind or open-up an office-bound body, HotpodYoga delivers - guaranteeing to leave you with a (slightly sweaty) smile on your face as you emerge from the pod.

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We are experts in our field of Skin Health, Aesthetics and Advanced beauty based in Gowerton, Swansea offering a variety of treatments to address many skin concerns including lip fillers, anti-wrinkle injections, skin peels, medical needling, prescription facials (Environ), IPL Laser Hair Removal along with a range of beauty treatments.

Finalist in the prestigious London aesthetic awards two years in a row and commended in the category for Best Clinic in Wales.

The Grove Clinic 91 Sterry Rd, Gowerton, Swansea SA4 3BN Tel: 01792 447630 www.thegroveskinclinic.co.uk

JanAdPlan.indd 84

The treatment delivers visible and corrective results without the need for surgery or invasive procedures.

The CACI synergy system uses Mircocurrent to tone, lift and re educate the muscles back to their original position. If you are not a fan of needles then this treatment is for you. Also CACI synergy uses S.P.E.D Mircocurrent technology, dual action technology using high brilliance LED Light therapy simultaneous CACI Mircocurrent for enhanced skin treatment results.

Sam’s for beauty is the only salon in West Wales to have the new CACI synergy system.

Book now for a free demo. Other treatments also avaialble.

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Over 32 classes a week to choose from spreading all the way across from Port Talbot to Haverfordwest, check out the schedule at www.hotpodyoga.com or get in touch with Ana on 07401999134 to chat over how you start your Yoga Journey.

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JanAdPlan.indd 85

12/16/2016 12:53:45 PM

HEALTH & WELLBEING

HOW TO DROP THOSE EXTRA CHRISTMAS POUNDS BY JANUARY A bite of a mince pie here, an extra helping of pudding there... It all seemed so innocent at the time. But if you were caught out by a calorific Christmas extravaganza, there is a way out. PETER SLEE has been to meet super healthy Lindsay Piper ..

INDSAY Piper used to feast on a diet of pizza, sandwiches and crisps.

She was, by her own admission, a little overweight and didn’t always feel at the top of her game.

But just look at her now.

For the 40-year-old has lost four stone and transformed into a bikini model, winning her first ever competition in Port Talbot last summer and, last month, going on to become a British champion too.

Not bad for somebody who saw the pounds pile on in the months after her Little Nation designer kids’ store which she ran in Swansea for six years, closed.

A pound here, a pound there. Three stones later and she was as fed up as it was possible to be.

She is not alone. For it might be worth bearing in mind that any extra helpings you had in December could still be clinging to your thighs and tummy in March.

L

A study has found that extra pounds we pile on over the festive period will take a depressing three months to shift. According to one survey, three quarters of those polled admit they over-indulge with abandon at Christmas, knowing they will suffer the consequences later as their waistbands begin to bulge.

For Lindsay, the weeks and months after her store closed were to be life changing.

“For the first time in my life I was without a job and I gained weight,” she says.

“Over the years I have done a lot of volunteer work with disability sport, so I reflected on what I enjoyed doing the most and in 2013 I took the big step of returning to higher education as a mature student and I enrolled in Neath Port Talbot Group of Colleges where I completed a foundation degree in sports coaching and performance at Llandarcy Academy of Sport.

“In 2015 I continued in my studies and topped up this qualification to a BSc in sport coaching and performance at the University of South Wales.

86 | www.swansealife.co.uk

DPS x1 Lindsey Piper_SLJAN2017.indd 1

16/12/2016 10:55

Aft er

Before...

“In July I graduated with a first-class honours. “ It was while she was regularly journeying to and from university that she spotted the One to One Gym in Treforest, signed up and hired coach Simon Lewis, who worked specifically with bodybuilding.

“He provided me with a tailored diet and training plan and I have stuck to it religiously since then, training five times a week in total and losing four stone.

“As I had made such remarkable improvements in my physique, Simon suggested that I should enter a bodybuilding competition, so we aimed for a bikini competition organised by UK Ultimate Physiques that was held in the Princess Royal Theatre.

“I didn’t tell my family and friends until the last minute of what I had been working for. They were very shocked to see my transformation on the stage! I entered for the experience and to give a little early birthday present to myself but I never in my wildest dreams expected to win.

“However I did.”

Last month, Lindsay walked off with a British title to round off a remarkable year.

It’s all about moderation, she says.

Any post-Christmas diet plan needs to be sensible and balanced because crash diets don’t work and quick fixes won’t last.

“I hope others will be inspired by what has happened to me,” she adds.

“Especially women nearing the big 40 as I am.

“Age for me, is nothing but a number! Fit at 40 was my mission! I think I nailed it ahead of schedule.. by five months to be exact! “

www.swansealife.co.uk | 87

DPS x1 Lindsey Piper_SLJAN2017.indd 2

16/12/2016 10:55

HEALTH & WELLBEING

BURN OFF THE CALORIES THE EASY WAY • Get a pedometer: The average person can burn 400 calories a day by walking 10,000 steps - that’s about the same as one portion of Christmas pudding with a dash of cream. If you have a sedentary lifestyle, you may be surprised by how few steps you manage in a day - an office worker averages under 3,000. A pedometer will show you just how many you are managing - and encourage you to move more.

• Get dancing: Just one and a half hours of energetic disco dancing burns off 450 calories. So hit the dancefloor hard in January and remember to ask for a slimline tonic with that gin.

• Hit the sales: A reasonably paced shopping trip - that means pounding the High Street, trying on clothes and carrying bags, not sipping coffee on a shopping precinct bench - burns up to 180 calories an hour. The more you buy, the heavier your bags become and the more you burn (that’s cash, as well as weight!). I

LINDSAY’S TOP TIPS TO A HEALTHIER 2017...

• Join in the childrens’ games: Assembling toys, bending, getting up and down, picking up children - it all adds up. An hour of light child’s play burns around 120 calories an hour.

• Eat at regular intervals • Never skip breakfast - try opting for wholegrain oats (or a gluten free alternative) as they are packed full of antioxidants, they can lower cholesterol levels and contain the all important fibre beta-glucagon • Try to ensure that you have an even balance of protein, carbohydrates and vegetables in every meal (in addition to your breakfast!); 3-4 times a day!

• When you are hungry much on fruit!

(Sparingly due to the sugar content!)

• If you can, invest in a coach! I’m lucky to have a great coach who not only trains with me, but provides a healthy balanced nutrition plan according to my height and weight.

88 | www.swansealife.co.uk

DPS x1 Lindsey Piper_SLJAN2017.indd 3

16/12/2016 10:55

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Food & drink

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15/12/2016 17:03

FOOD & DRINK

DIVINE DINING THE first couple of months of any year is a thrilling time for foodies. Not least because it’s when it is far easier to make dinner reservations, due to so many people in leisurewear labouring under the assumption that a five-day juice diet will be the answer to all their problems. So PETER SLEE has grabbed himself a place – and a dream dinner- at the Machynys Brasserie in Llanelli

IN A NUTSHELL

olive twists was also on the mark.

Contemporary dishes, comfort food and drinks in lux surroundings.

My main of courgette, pea and ricotta risotto with a mint oil was my winner of the meal though with the individual components complementing each other well.

WHO GOES? A real mix. Yes, you’ll see people with trendy specs, beards and Macbook Airs in the lounge enjoying a drink or two but also families, golfers, couples, friends as well as pals who are enjoying a relaxing spa day on the building’s ground floor and want to sample its restaurant at the same time.

It is huge with views to die for over a manicured golf course and the Millennium Coastal Path but still feels pretty intimate for all that: the restaurant is a combination of contemporary class and chattery clatter. Enjoy a cocktail in a squishy sofa in the bar area with its huge and welcoming fireplace before sitting down in the main arena.

“

The atmosphere is laidback with friendly un-uniformed staff, making it perfect for groups and couples out on the town.

A side too for me of French fries served with a terrific mayo. Basic pleasures, but pleasures all the same.

THEIR HIGHLIGHT IS

SIMPLICITY COMBINED

WITH ATTENTION

“

THE ROOM

Across the table, a slow cooked breast of lamb with roast moroccan spiced vegetable quinoa proved impossible to resist.

TO DETAIL. IT’S

INTERIOR IS COMFORTABLE AND A BIT FUNKY WITHOUT

BEING CLICHED

But of course, there’s more to Machynys’ success than that.

Their highlight is simplicity combined with attention to detail. Its interior is comfortable and a bit funky without being clichéd.

WHAT ARE THEY COOKING Starters with sophisticated flavour pairings include moules mariniere with rosemary focaccia, blackened swordfish with pak choi and sesame and Per Las beignets with roasted peach and rocket.

For mains there’s everything from prime fillet to confit pork belly, lemon sole paupiette to venison wellington.

Determined to eat some veg well, it’s not just those leisurewear -wearing people who can claim the prize - we love the muscular French beans with garlic and shallot butter and the rocket and parmesan salad too.

DESSERTS These were predictably rib-sticking and not for the weak-willed: a deep wedge of peanut butter cheesecake with a banana parfait and a glazed lemon tart with blackberry sorbet both achieved the fine balance between sweetness and chewiness.

SERVICE

Urbane, stylish and friendly, the staff successfully occupy that tricky territory that lies between over-familiarity and deference. Table staff in particular, were faultless.

THE VERDICT The food here comes in an obviously crowd-pleasing format.

Machynys delivers excellence and high quality in its food and a cosy yet cool vibe.

No big fuss, no massive formality: just an array of flavours, techniques, seasonings and saucing coupled with good service that works and works well.

MENU MUST-ORDERS Mrs S’s starter of a bowl of moules mariniere were cooked to perfection, bursting with flavour, spanking fresh and as evocative as any we’ve had on a harbour front.

Machynys Peninsula Golf Club and Premier Spa, Nicklaus Avenue, SA15 2DG

My goats cheese with roasted red pepper canneloni and kalamta

Tel: 01554 744888

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FOOD & DRINK

Healthy eating needn’t be torture....

Carmarthen’s Lisa Fearn has just published her first recipe book.

The bilingual Blas/Taste contains more than 90 family-friendly recipes just right for a new year start. PETER SLEE has been to meet her.

LISA Fearn makes no bones about it.

farmhouse and learnt the country ways.”

When it comes to her inspiration , it is all about her love of the outdoors, gardening and cooking.

Then, when her youngest reached school age, she took stock of what she knew and her business idea became a reality teaching children how to grow and cook their own food.

It is how the mum-of-five lives her life. It is what makes her happy.

“But never ever did I plan on getting caught up in the world of food,” she says.

“I enjoyed food and I certainly appreciated good food and loved to cook. But it was mere fluke and family circumstances that drew me to cooking and teaching and opening up my own cookery and gardening school.

“It followed on the arrival of our fifth and final child. We relocated to Carmarthen, my hometown.

“We bought ourselves a smallholding and raised our young family with an appreciation of the countryside around us. We dabbled in chickens and ducks, geese, goats and pigs, renovated our

The result? The Pumpkin Patch in Felin-wen, Carmarthenshire.

“Within months the school was fully booked, and I started sharing our family-friendly recipes with people,” says Lisa, a columnist with the Carmarthen Journal and a regular on Radio Wales and Radio Cymru.

Now her book Blas/Taste is full of her favourite ‘go to’ recipes at Allt y Gog Farm.

“They are the recipes that I hope my children will use when they leave home – mum’s favourites,” she adds.

“No fuss; easy meals and snacks that flavour the seasons and the year’s celebrations with the family. “

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Want to try some of Lisa’s favourite recipes?

Here are three perfect for a healthy new year start to life.....

WATERCRESS SOUP

I love the fact that this soup with its wonderful peppery taste is so beneficial for the body.

• 1 tsp butter • 1 large onion • 1 large potato • 1 bag of watercress • 400ml of chicken or vegetable stock • 300ml milk • A drop of crème fraîche cream to serve Prepare all the vegetables – wash and chop the onion, peel and chop the potato.

Melt a little butter in a pan, add the oil and sweat or gently fry the onion for a few minutes until soft but not browned. Add the potato and the stock, season with salt and plenty of pepper and bring to the boil.

Cook the potato for about 10 minutes until soft, then add the bag of watercress to the pan.

Remove from the heat and allow to cool a little before blending.

Once the mixture is smooth, add a little milk to form a creamy consistency. Taste to check the seasoning, add salt and ground black pepper if needed.

You can add a swirl of cream or crème fraîche to the soup in the bowl. You will be amazed how delicious this soup is.

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FOOD & DRINK

MINESTRONE SOUP This is a lovely all-round warmer, I always feel well fed after eating a bowlful of minestrone.

• 400g can chopped plum tomatoes • 100g smoked lardons or bacon • 1 litre chicken stock pieces • 400g can cannellini beans, rinsed • 2 carrots, roughly chopped and drained • 2 sticks celery, sliced • 50g spaghetti in short lengths or • 1 onion, roughly chopped other pasta • 2 garlic cloves, crushed • Salt and freshly ground black • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary pepper • 1 tsp dried thyme • 25g Parmesan or similar hard cheese, grated • 1 tbsp tomato puree

Put a large frying pan over a low heat, add the bacon and cook for 10 minutes until crisp and golden.

Transfer onto a plate.

Tip the carrots, celery and onion into the bacon fat and fry for two minutes before adding the garlic, herbs and tomato puree.

Cook for a minute, add the tomatoes and most of the stock. Bring to the boil. Cover with the lid, then cook until the vegetables are tender.

Stir the beans and pasta into the soup, adding the rest of the stock if it looks too thick. Cook for 20 minutes until the pasta is tender.

Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then serve in bowls with plenty of Parmesan.

CHICKEN CACCIATORE Cacciatore means hunter in Italian. In cuisine, alla cacciatora refers to a meal prepared hunter-style – made with tomatoes, onions, herbs, peppers and usually wine.

Cacciatore can also be made with rabbit meat.

• 1 chicken, jointed, or use the equivalent

• bottle of red wine or whatever you have leftover

amount of chicken pieces – you can choose

• Flour, for dusting

to use chicken breast or thigh/leg meat

• A handful of green or black olives, stoned

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper • 2 bay leaves • 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme, or you can use both herbs

• Olive oil

• 2 tins 400g of plum tomatoes, or fresh tomatoes are great if you have a glut of them in the greenhouse

• 3 cloves of garlic Preheat the oven to 200C / 400F / Gas 6 You can leave this stage out: but it’s good if you can start this dish by marinating the chicken in the wine and the herbs and 1 crushed clove of garlic for at least an hour before you start. If you prepare the chicken marinade the night before, please don’t forget to place the chicken in a sealed container in the fridge overnight.

Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade until later, and pat the meat dry with kitchen paper.

Now dust the chicken pieces with flour.

This is easily done by placing the chicken and the flour into a large plastic bag and shaking them together.

Add a good few spoonfuls of olive oil to

a large pan, then fry the chicken pieces until nicely tanned. Put to one side.

Place the pan back on the heat and add the remaining garlic. Gently fry the garlic, then add olives, tomatoes and the browned chicken pieces.

Add the wine marinade and mix well.

Bring to the boil and cover with a lid.

Bake in the oven for 1. hours. If your pans have plastic handles don’t forget to transfer to an ovenproof dish before baking.

When cooked, skim off any excess oil.

Then stir, taste and add a little salt and pepper if necessary.

Remove the bay leaves and rosemary sprigs and serve with a salad.

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Best places to Eat GORSENION

The Riverside Inn 1 High St, Gorseinon, Swansea SA4 4BX (opp. ATS Tyres) 01792 896037

Graham and Corrine Craig would like to thank all our customers for their support over the last year & wish everyone a Happy New Year.

We are a Family friendly Grill house and restaurant serving freshly home cooked meals and freshly made deserts to die for!

Book early for Sunday Lunches, Birthday parties & any special occasions. We offer a friendly service, a Children’s play area and lots more. £5 Lunchtime menu. 10% OAP discount. TC’s apply. Visit our website for a virtual tour before booking. Book now for a romantic Valentine’s Day in a lovely atmosphere.

SWANSEA

New I Chi Ban NEW I CHI BAN Sushi 206 High Street, Swansea SA1 1NQ 5FM t 'BDFCPPL OFXJDIJCBOTXBOTFB

Welcome to the newly refurbished Japanese Restaurant in High St, Swansea. The New I Chi Ban is the only Japanese restaurant in Swansea City Centre.

Sit and relax during lunchtime or in the evening with a range of meals to choose from and as little as ÂŁ7.99 look at our menus on our Facebook.

Open: Tue – Thurs 12- 2pm 5-10.30pm 'SJ o 4BU QN t 4VO o QN Closed Mon’s except Bank Holidays.

Take away service available TC’s apply. Free Wi-Fi PONTLLIW

The Buck Inn Swansea Rd, Pontlliw, SA4 9EF t XXX UIFCVDLJOOTB DP VL

Welcome to The Buck Inn in Pontlliw, a friendly pub & restaurant located just off the M4.

Priding ourselves on offering a great customer experience!

We are a food orientated environment also offering real ales & a carefully chosen range of wines & beers.

We are the only place that offers authentic Caribbean food and also serving a delicious range of traditional foods.

Book now for your special occasions including Valentine’s Day.Look at our menus online.

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Swansea’s newest Mediterranean & Greek restaurant 82 The Kingsway, Swansea SA1 5JH | Tel: 01792 654738 | www.fornorestaurant.co.uk Open Tuesday - Sunday 11am - 10pm | Closed Monday

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FOOD & DRINK

n a h t i w s e u l B y r a u n a J e h t t Bea t s o o B y g Ener Comfort food cravings are rife at this time of year, but that doesn’t mean your energy bills have to soar.

LAURA DAVIES dishes up the 10 most energy efficient winter-warmers laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk

1. JACKET SPUDS Cook a jacket potato in the microwave for 10 minutes, rather than a whole hour in the oven, and save around 32p. With the average large jacket potato costing 25p, this saving can actually be more than the price of the potato itself!

2. BEANS ON TOAST Heat baked beans in the microwave rather than on the hob, then let the heat of the beans melt the cheese instead of putting it under the grill. Tuck into beans on toast with this method once a week over the winter months, and you could save 36p.

3. PUMPKIN PIE Save energy (and precious time) by swapping fresh pumpkin for a handy can of pumpkin puree - the perfect consistency for pie filling.

It might be tempting to use fresh pumpkin for this autumn classic, however, avoid using the hob to boil the pumpkin and save 21p when cooking three pies - plenty for celebrating with family and friends.

4. MAC CHEESE Although macaroni cheese is traditionally made with a white sauce or roux, there are great recipes for a one-pot mac ‘n’ cheese boil the pasta in milk and allow the starch to

@LawsDx

thicken the milk into a sauce, then add cheese.

By keeping all the ingredients in one pan on the hob and using five-minute quick-cook pasta, you can save 24p per four servings.

Simply dig in once it’s ready on the hob and skip the oven, and you’ll save a further 11p on top.

5. CHILLI CON CARNE Keep the cold at bay with a warming chilli con carne and save 36p by cooking rice in a microwave steamer rather than on the hob for your weekly chilli night during the winter - there’s much less chance of burning the bottom too!

by cutting into smaller pieces.

8. SOUP Use a lid to trap heat when making soup. It maintains the same level of boiling without having the hob turned up as high, and can save up to 3 per cent in energy costs per pot.

To save even more energy, try making simple soups in the microwave, such as a warming chicken noodle soup - this can save up to 50p for a family serving, versus making it on the hob.

9. ROAST DINNER

Let the meat thaw in the fridge overnight so it’s ready to cook the next day and pop the potatoes in the microwave until they’re soft enough to mash - without using the hob, you can save £1.20 on your winter supply of shepherd’s pie.

Pre-boil potatoes before roasting them. Or better still, pop them in the microwave for five minutes before crisping up in the oven and cut energy costs by 75per cent. Cooking a roast chicken in a pressure cooker takes around half the time compared to in an oven, and it’s especially good for extra succulence.

If you like it crispy, simply put it in the oven for around 15 minutes at the end.

7. CASSEROLE

10. HOT CHOC

Whether you’re using beef, lamb or pork, cook casserole in a slow cooker over several hours, rather than in the oven. Not only is the meat guaranteed to be melt-in-the-mouth tender, but you’ll also be saving 40p. Help the meat to cook even more quickly and use less energy

Hot chocolate is a low cost and energyefficient way to warm up on a cold winter night. Using hot chocolate powder and boiling only the water you need in the kettle can cost as little as 1p in energy. If you like it milky, boiling milk on the hob will cost just 2p.

6. SHEPHERD’S PIE

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The ‘Marina Triangle’ The waterfront development has always been renowned for its restaurant, bars and nightlife around SA1 with little attention to the area surrounding the stunning marina itself. Fast forward to 2016 and the Marina has suddenly got more interesting all thanks to Quay 3, That Place and The Lounge.

njecting some sparkle back into this special part of the SA1 development the 3 stylish venues all offer something different and have been dubbed the new ‘triangle’.

atmosphere with fantastic cocktails what’s more a gourmet

With the venues being walking distance of each other you can even make a full night of it, why not start with dinner in Quay3 followed by drinks in That Place or The Lounge?

also be hired for exclusive functions. Lastly Quay3 needs

That Place, focuses on casual food such as tapas and homemade burgers as well as offering a lively bar

Head down toTrawler Rd to check out the venues for yourself this new year, we promise you won’t be disappointed.

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takeaway service has recently launched! The ‘newest kid on the block’, The Lounge, offers a sophisticated space for drinks, the perfect environment for afternoon tea and can no introduction, since opening last year it has fast become one of the most popular restaurants in Swansea offering the finest seafood and classic British dishes.

www.quaythree.co.uk | www.that-place.co.uk

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Celebrate the New Year in the heart of the marina

The lounge by Quay 3 An afternoon tea lounge by day and a sophisticated cocktail and gin bar by night.

Perfect for private parties, meetings, conferences and special events. www.quaythree.co.uk

Quay 3 Stylish restaurant serving classic British and modern European dishes, created using the finest locally sourced produce. www.quaythree.co.uk

That Place Eat. Drink. Play. Repeat. Signature cocktails, real food and cool environment, booth bookings available, casual dining and bar. www.that-place.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK

COFFEE CULTURE...

Chain coffee shops are opening at the rate of 10 or so a week.

The numbers are booming like never before. But as Swansea food blogger Nathan Lloyd has been finding out, there are some brilliant independent brands right on our doorstep Coffee isn’t exactly the first thing you think of when someone says ‘Swansea’.

But actually, the city has a rich history with coffee and cafe culture reaching back to the late 1800s. South Wales saw an influx of Italian immigrants looking for work in the South Wales mines. They quickly saw a gap in the market for small cafés, ice cream parlours and fish and chip shops to the extent that they sprang up all over South Wales. It’s said that for every colliery there was at least one ‘Bracchi’ cafe – named after one of the families that made their name during the period.

Swansea’s cafe culture has always been strong. But with an influx of new blood onto the scene it is going from strength to strength. From the traditional to the new, young blood. So yes, now really is a good time to be a coffee lover in Swansea. Here are my picks for the top five best cafes in Swansea, in no particular order.

#1 COFFEE PUNKS Situated halfway along The Kingsway, what was once Swansea’s premier drag racing strip, Coffee Punks is a recent addition to the city’s coffee scene. With its exposed wood, concrete and metal interior this place offers a focused menu of reasonably

priced coffees with a variety of cake options.

A variety of vegan cakes are supplied by Naturally Kind Food plus some of their food is supplied by Ultracomida, a Spanish/ Welsh delicatessen based in Narberth and Aberystwyth.

On evenings and weekends they’re often open for events like record sales, they even sell Chemex and their own mugs! Don’t expect Pumpkin Spice Lattes but do expect pour overs, flat whites and a killer espresso.

#2 CINEMA & CO Another relative newbie, this one’s also very central, situated at the top end of High St, nr the castle. Cinema & Co ( pictured right) is

a cafe and cinema combined. It sounds like one of those pie in the sky ideas you have in the shower – “Wouldn’t it be amazing if…?” – but never get around to doing. I can guarantee it’s as awesome in reality as it is in your imagination.

With a similar smart industrial aesthetic as Coffee Punks, C&C offers another spartan menu of drinks over which you can choose whether or not you want to come back later and watch The Breakfast Club or Stand

By Me. Out back, in the cinema part, the seats have been converted from packing crates but are actually incredibly cosy and comfortable. At the bag is a well stocked fridge of craft beers, perfect for avoiding the inevitable autumn showers.

#3 LA PARMIGIANA This one’s a little off the beaten track but it’s around the corner from Joe’s and The Westbourne, just up from St Helen’s Road.

Blink and you miss it, La Parm is a Deli, Cafe and Restaurant all built into the downstairs of an old Fish and Chip shop.

Francesca, the owner and primo barista/chef, holds

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court to a cross section of old school Swansea locals. It’s super friendly, the coffee is Italian (vis a vis, superlative) and you’ll end up coming away with an armful of deli meats, cheeses, pesto you’ve never heard of and a booking for the restaurant.

#4 THE KARDOMAH Now, here’s the place to go to sample a real slice of local history. Situated just across the road from the market, the Kardomah has been a hotspot for the older generations to pit stop for a coffee after a long Saturday of hitting the M&S sales, for generations.

Actually on its second site (the first one was bombed during the Blitz) the cafe’s history has links to a group of Swansea based bohemian poets known affectionately as the Kardomah Gang – a group that included among its members Swansea’s most famous literary son, Dylan Thomas.

The decor of the Kardomah screams the 1950s and hasn’t changed much – mirrors give a sense of space but the wood panelling and the Oriental aesthetic give the place its character. If you like the coffee you can even take a bag of beans home.

#5 SQUARE PEG COFFEE This one’s situated in Sketty, not far from the heartland ofuniversity life, on the other side of Singleton Park. Square Peg is quickly becoming a real student hub with a strong and lively atmosphere. It regularly has live performances and evening events from talks to acoustic sets. It prides itself on the fact it donates its profits to charity and provides jobs and training for people who “need help to get started in life”.

Serving a wide range of drinks (including a variety of teas!), you’ll turn up early one morning to work on an essay, stick around for a slice of Lemon Drizzle Cake before ending up having lunch there too.

“

THE CITY HAS A RICH

HISTORY WITH

COFFEE

“

AND CAFE

CULTURE REACHING BACK TO

THE LATE1800’S

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

Rhone Valley Wine IN THE COLD, GREY MONTHS OF 2017, NOW IS THE TIME TO INJECT A LITTLE COLOUR INTO OUR LIVES. AND WHAT BETTER PLACE TO START THAN WITH THE MEDICINAL BENEFITS OF A GLASS OF RHONE VALLEY WINE?

T

his key wine producing region in the South East of France stretches from Lyon to the Mediterranean, and produces some delightful full bodied, flavoursome winter warmers that will see you through the bleak month of January.

95% of Rhone wine emanates from the South- with its Mediterranean climate and mild winters, this region produces an easy going style thanks to the low tannin grape, Grenache. The North produces the noble Syrah grape (known as Shiraz in other parts of the world) and is often blended with one or more white varieties (Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne)

Cotes-du-Rhone, M. Chapoutier £8.75 A superb wine with rich aromas of dark fruit, earthy minerals and spice. Soft and round on the palate with smooth tannins, rich blackberry and cherry fruit, hints of liquorice and a substantial finish..

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It is well documented that moderate wine consumption is good for our health and well being. Compounds within red wine keep blood vessels healthy, and a substance called resveratrol in the skin of red grapes is believed to arrest the aging process.

So now is the time to marry those full bodied, rich red wines with something more robust than a salad, despite those well intended New Years resolutions! Think strong flavoured game and stews with fluffy dumplings, beef chilli, pork chops and Seville Blood orange tart for dessert. Team these nutritious, hearty meals with some Rhone Valley sunshine courtesy of ND John Wine Merchants!

Rasteau Les Banquettes Escarpees on offer at £9.95

Chateauneuf du Pape, Les Galets Roules £15.95

Smooth, rich and supple, a classic from the newest appellation in the southern Rhone.

A great youthful mouthful of Châteauneuf - Provencal garrigue aromas lead to a palate of sweet cherry flavours - Châteauneuf-duPape for the modern wine drinker.

Brimming with red and black fruits, underpinned by spice and mocha and the tannins smoothed out by careful oak aging, this is powerful, rich and supple with a savoury and very characterful finish.

This wine derives its name from the large rounded pebbles (galets roulés) associated with the famous vineyards of the area. The stones cover the clay and chalk soils and naturally keep the vine yields low.

12/16/2016 12:57:50 PM

FOOD & DRINK HOUSE & HOME

New drinks for a

NEW YEAR! PETER SLEE pulls the cork on the best whites and reds for January... peter.slee@swwmedia.co.uk

JANUARY means many things to many people, but there’s one thing we can all agree on: the good intentions we set out on from the 1st of the month can pretty soon evaporate. So from a fizz to celebrate a birthday or anniversary this month, to a glass of white and red to toast the triumphant effort that goes into clearing the house after all the festivities are done, here are some favourites....

Andre Vannier Chablis 2015, France (£8.99, Aldi, Gorseinon) The wise men at Aldi have sourced this top-value Chablis that looks the part and tastes just as promising. A pure, pale lemon hue with floral and citrus aromas that lead to a refreshing, minerally palate withexcellent depth and concentration.

Domaine Roger Luquet Le Pavillon 2014, Maconnais-Villages, France (£12.99, www.laithwaites.co.uk) Pure, scented and bright, there’s

@PeterSlee56

a sense of power to this pale gold chardonnay from Macon, in the far south of Burgundy.

Scents of peach and honeysuckle give way to creamy peach and apricot flavours, tinged by an underlying mineral note and a honeyed richness on the finish.

du-Pape signals a special occasion and this brambly fruit beauty is a gift at the price. With youthful intensity, it’s still loaded with sweet berry fruits and spicy highlights. Ripe and full bodied, it’s a perfect match with any Christmas leftovers you still have in the freezer.

Villiera Traditional Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc 2016, Stellenbosch, South Africa (£12, Marks & Spencer, Pontarddulais Road retail park) An exciting white if you like a bit more tinsel on the texture, this chenin blanc is aromatic and buttery smooth with concentrated citrusy fruits, spice and honey, enhanced by apple, tropical fruits and vanilla aromas from time spent in oak.

Polished with a seductive richness to give plain chicken in particular an extra lift.

Beronia Reserva Rioja 2011, Spain (£12, Waitrose, Cowbridge) A crowd pleaser if you don’t want to venture out of your comfort zone, this Rioja has all the classic mellow black cherry fruits, liquorice, cloves, spice accents and sweet oaky vanilla that glides along on a velvety smooth palate. Perfectly balanced, it’s a top dropfor January.

Extra Special Chateauneuf-duPape 2015, France (£12, Asda, Llansamlet) A classic, a bottle of Chateauneuf-

Finest Trilogy Malbec 2014, Argentina (£10, Tesco, Llansamlet and Swansea) Dark and brooding, this malbec offers plush aromas of cherry and plum with oak driven tones of chocolate which follow through and are backed by more ripe plums, exotic spice, black pepper and vanilla. If you’re a malbec fan, you can’t go wrong with this.

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Monday-Saturday 12noon-2.30pm 2 courses ÂŁ12.95 3 courses ÂŁ15.95

Call now to book your viewing 15th January, 11.30am - 3.30pm - NORTON HOUSE HOTEL WEDDING OPEN DAY

Come and visit our refurbished wedding venue with lots of wedding suppliers onsite to offer you what you need for a perfect wedding.

14th February - ST VALENTINE’S DAY

Enjoy a 5-course meal, drink on arrival and live background music on the most romantic day of the year. ÂŁ60 per couple.

1st March - ST DAVID’S DAY

4-course traditional Welsh menu; enjoy the taste of Wales on this festive day, served lunch and dinner, ÂŁ25pp.

26th March -MOTHER’S DAY

Treat one of the most important people in your life to a special 3-course lunch with a present for all the mothers and live background music. Two sittings: 12noon and 2.30pm. Adults ÂŁ25pp, children under 12 ÂŁ12.50.

Sunday 16th April - EASTER SUNDAY

3-course traditional Sunday lunch. Easter eggs for all the children and live background music. Two sittings: 12noon and 2.30pm. Adults ÂŁ19pp, children under 12 ÂŁ11.50.

Saturday 6th May - NORTON HOUSE HOTEL CHARITY NIGHT Raising money for this year’s nominated charity, Cancer Research UK. 4-course meal, OLYH HQWHUWDLQPHQW '- UDIÍH DQG DXFWLRQ 2QO\ d SS

Sunday 18th June - FATHER’S DAY

No washing up for fathers on this day! 3-course traditional Sunday lunch, gifts for all the fathers and live background music. Two sittings: 12noon and 2.30pm. Adults ÂŁ19pp, children under 12 ÂŁ11.50.

Thursday 17th November - BEAUJOLAIS DAY

Norton Road, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 5TQ enquiries@nortonhousehotel.co.uk

JanAdPlan.indd 111

>Ä‚ĆŒĹ?Äž Ć?ĞůĞÄ?Ć&#x;ŽŜ ŽĨ Ć?ĞĂĨŽŽĚ and entrĂŠes available.

Sunday lunches Sunday 12noon-2.30pm 2 courses ÂŁ14.95 3 courses ÂŁ16.95

Early Bird

Monday-Sunday 5pm-7pm 2 courses ÂŁ14.95 3 courses ÂŁ17.95

Ă€ la carte

Monday-Sunday 12pm-2.30pm and 5pm-9pm

Afternoon teas Available daily, advanced bookings required.

Our Garden Room is available for Ä‚ĹŻĹŻ ĞǀĞŜƚĆ? ĂŜĚ ĨƾŜÄ?Ć&#x;ŽŜĆ? Ͳ Ĺ?ĚĞĂů Ä¨Ĺ˝ĆŒ Ä‚ĹŻĹŻ ĨĂžĹ?ůLJ͕ Ä?ĞůĞÄ?ĆŒÄ‚Ć&#x;ŽŜĆ? ĂŜĚ Ç ÄžÄšÄšĹ?ĹśĹ?Ć?͘

01792 404 891 www.nortonhousehotel.co.uk /Nortonhousemumbles @nortonhousemumb

12/16/2016 3:11:08 PM

FOOD & DRINK

Good Gold as

P I C K

O F

T H E

C R O P

Home cooking with Sian Day

Deliciously simple recipes for the new year...

PETER SLEE pops the cork on the best bubbles for New Year’s entertaining.....

It wouldn’t be New Year without sparkle and it’s hard to resist the brightness of a glass of bubbly.

With its golden highlights, flick of shimmer and exceptional purity, champagne and sparkling wine are the wines for celebrations, and we drink more fizz at Christmas and New Year than at any other time of the year.

So much so, Sainsbury’s are predicting its biggest ever sales fest with tills being ringing with £5,000 spent on sparkling wine every minute. The ever increasing popularity of prosecco has sparked an interest in customers trying alternative sparkling wines with a bigger range than ever to suit everyone’s fizz tastes. Want to get a head start on popping the corks? Here are some great-value bubbles that won’t break the bank...

To cheer on the winegrowers and picking crews, here are a bunch of wines from previous vintages that are drinking beautifully and pay tribute to their talent, and the challenge of producing a healthy crop.

Sainbsury’s Cremant de Loire, Taste the Difference, France (£11, buy 6 and save 25% Sainsbury’s, Sketty)

To help meet demand for all the fizz pouring opportunities throughout the night, Sainsbury’s have launched their own cremant, a French sparkle made in the champagne style. The grapes may be different (depending on the region) and this polished sparkler from Saumur is made predominantly from chenin blanc with a top up of chardonnay. Offering crisp apple freshness and a good measure of fruitiness to get the party off to a flying start.

Champagne Veuve Monsigny Brut Limited Edition, France (£9.99, Aldi, Gorseinon and Swansea) To celebrate the British athletes’ success in the 2016 Olympics, Aldi are launching a celebratory bottle of its award-winning Monsigny champagne which has been dressed in a Union Jack. The official supermarket partner of Team GB, Aldi has extended this commitment to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, and we can only hope they continue to fly the flag and lead the best bargain bubbles team with this famous bestseller.

Cava Prestige Brut, Spain (£10, Marks & Spencer, Pontarddulais Road Retail Park)

The classic party fizz that’s back in favour, cracking open a bottle of cava is a smart move if you’re planning to serve appetizers that need a refreshing, dry sparkler with crisp acidity to act as a foil to all those salty snacks. Made with two traditional cava grapes, macabeo and parellada, the apple blossom, pear and green herb flavours combine to offer a refreshing and aromatic wine.

Chicken miso soup Well,it’s the new year and January tends to set us on a healthy path at least for the first couple of weeks anyway. So here is a recipe that will keep you on that path or at least help pave the way for a healthy new start to the new year!

• Chilli to taste • 2 tbsp lime juice • Bunch of watercress • Spring onions • Soy sauce

Miso is a super healthy Japanese fermented soya bean type wholefood that is really nutritious and has many health benefits as it has digestive enzymes in it perfect for detoxing all that rich Christmas fayre that we tend to scoff in December!

I mean, when would you ever eat pastry encrusted alcohol laden suet filled fruit morsels sprinkled with sugar? Yes, you’ve got it, at Christmas!

Start by heating a little oil in a large saucepan and gently cook the crushed garlic, ginger and chilli for a minute then add 3 pints of boiling water. Add in the miso lime juice and noodles and turn off the heat.

You dont want to cook out all the goodness from the miso or have soggy noodles so ensure you don’t boil them up.

YOU WILL NEED... serves 4

Divide the broth between four deep soup bowls ladling up equal quantities of noodles in each bowl

• Miso paste – available in most supermarkets • 2 chicken breasts grilled • 200g rice noodles • 1tsp fresh grated ginger • 2 cloves garlic crushed

METHOD

Meanwhile grill the chicken or pan fry then slice diagonally.

Then place the grilled chicken on top and sprinkle over the watercress and sliced spring onions and a generous splash of soy sauce.

Douzo meshiargare!

FOLLOW SIAN’S DELICIOUS RECIPES on her blog page, siandaydream.wordpress.com, Facebook or Tweet her @SianDay 112 | www.swansealife.co.uk

SianDay_SLJAN17.indd 1

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   



           

             

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                            

            



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JANUARY SALE NOW ON DOUBLE PART EXCHANGE ON YOUR OLD SUITE    

GENUINE ITALIAN LEATHER UP TO HALF NORMAL PRICE

3 YEARS

INTEREST FREE CREDIT

     FANTASTIC COLLECTION FAST NEXT DAY DELIVERY AVAILABLE

E.G. Cash price £1200. Deposit £120. Balance £1080.26. Monthly payments of £30. Total payable £1200. Interest nil. 0% APR

Leather Sofa Company S U P E R S T O R E Leather & Fabric Sofas 995 Carmarthen Road, Fforestfach, Swansea, SA5 4AE | Tel: 01792 586611

www.leathersofacompanyuk.com ALSO AT: 4 Beaufort Rd, Plasmarl, Swansea, SA6 8JG | Tel: 01792 771759

JanAdPlan.indd 114

12/16/2016 12:58:25 PM

House & home

DREAM HOME (page 116) THROUGH THE KEYHOLE (page 123) LESLEY TAYLOR (page 137) INKY BLUES (page 152)

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

HouseAndHome_SLJAN17.indd 1

16/12/2016 10:44

HOUSE & HOME

Scandi-inspired home leaves family great memories Eryl and Alun Davies love their light and spacious six bedroom home with Danish furniture and will miss its location. Swansea Life’s CHRIS CAMPBELL discovers more...

116 | www.swansealife.co.uk

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16/12/2016 10:57

WE’VE ALWAYS

LIKED STYLE SCANDINAVIAN

E

RYL Davies and her husband Alun’s time in Scandinavia has had an influence on the interior of their family home in South West Wales.

The four bedroom house, 90 Henfaes Road in Tonna, is spacious and light and includes furniture and household items from Denmark.

The couple lived there for a couple of years before moving to their new build home, by Neath, in 2004.

Eryl says it is the layout, convenience and garden that makes the property stand out.

“It’s been a lovely family home,” she says.

“Even though it’s a big house, it’s easy to maintain and the garden is easy to look after too. You can just about see the Brecon Beacons. We will miss the garden area and sitting out with lovely views.”

Eryl attributes the property’s clean interior to a style the pair enjoyed in Denmark.

“We always liked Scandinavian style,” she says. “The use of light, the white walls, the versatility of the property come from that.

We have Danish furniture and there is an uncluttered feel here.

“It’s also a very warm house and really well insulated. It’s set off the road and very private.”

The kitchen is one of the couple’s favourite parts of the house and they have enjoyed many social gatherings there.

There is also a bathroom with a beautifully fitted Sottini suite. This includes twin bowl ceramic wash hand basins on a cherry wood vanity unit with a marble top. Also, a freestanding bath on a chrome stand. There is spotlighting and a heated towel rail.

The central island is a nice touch and means those cooking can socialise with guests in the sitting area at the other end of the space.

Eryl also likes the versatility of the lower floor.

This has its own kitchen, a sitting room, reception room, gym, bedroom, shower room and lobby area. It could be used as a separate annexe for perhaps an elderly family member, but the Davies’ have made use of it in several different ways.

When their two children, who grew up in the property, were younger there was a playroom. Then when they were in their teens that room became a sleepover den. In the summer, the couple open doors out on to the garden and use the kitchen there to help prep for barbecues.

Another big plus for the family, has been the property’s location. It is a walk away from Neath and a five minute drive from the M4.

The house is set over three floors. On the ground floor there is an impressive entrance hallway, a living room, a dining room - perfect for family meals - the kitchen/breakfast room and a cloakroom.

The living room has French doors to a Juliette balcony to the back.

The upper floor has five bedrooms and an en suite shower room. This has a three piece suite, a double shower cubicle with a ‘raindrop’ style shower, a high-gloss walnut colour vanity unit and Karndean flooring.

Outside, there is ample parking to the front on a brick driveway. There is a single detached garage and side steps down to an enclosed, well presented back garden area. Here, there is a full width patio with steps down to the lawn and decked area, bordered by extensive trees and shrubs.

Eryl adds: “It is so convenient and there is a real village feel. There’s a canal nearby and Gnoll park is really close.

“We really will miss the location and easy access to so many places.”

Property: 90 Henfaes Road, Neath Price: £469,950 Bedrooms: 6 Agent: Astleys Residential. 01639 645407

www.swansealife.co.uk | 117

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BRY DEL COURT MURTON

11 SHERBOURNE COURT BLACKPILL

Regionally 18 offices throughout the region

Occupying a sizeable plot with generous gardens. This split level four bedroomed family home is generous and versatile and could easily accommodate an extended family. There is ample parking and integral double garage. Within in excellent school catchments.

EPC - C Offers Over £700,000

Detached house in an exclusive, gated development. The imposing house is finished to a very high standard and briefly comprises: fitted kitchen/breakfast room, 3 receptions, utility and cloakroom.

With 5 double bedrooms, dressing room and 3 bath/shower rooms. Enclosed garden, driveway and double garage. EPC C Offers Over £850,000

Nationally 225 offices across Great Britain

Internationally Plus 75 offices globally

5000 professional associates all around the world

110 NEWTON ROAD MUMBLES

HAREPITTS RHOSSILI

A breath taking castellated property which was built in 1870.

This imposing building is set within approx. An acre and delicately eclipses Underhill Park in Mumbles. This epic property houses very generous, versatile space of 9 beds, 5 reception rooms & a wealth of character. Wonderfully positioned in the heart of Mumbles. EPC exempt Asking Price £1,000,000

This property is set in an incredibly unique and spectacular location!

Harepitts is perched on the verge of the brow overlooking the entirety of Rhossili bay. You will be in complete awe of the views from the property. Briefly comprising 2 receptions, kitchen, WC, 4 bedrooms (1 with en-suite) 2 family bathrooms and a loft room.

EPC F Asking Price £800,000

THE ORCHARD BARN MURTON

THE FORGE GOWER

A beautiful detached stone barn conversion in the desirable Gower village of Murton. The barn has a wealth of character twinned with a superb amount of private gardens. Briefly comprising a lounge, kitchen/diner, family bathroom, 2 double beds a master bed with en-suite and a potential 4th large bedroom currently used as a snug/office. Ample parking. EPC F Asking Price £795,000

A barn conversion in idyllic countryside located in the heart of The Gower. Giving 3 bedrooms all with en-suite, a 4th bedroom/ study, sizeable living areas & abundance of outdoor space. 2 Barns with planning permission for 2 one bed apartments. There is also a unique chance via separate negotiations to buy/rent up to 9 acres of additional land. EPC E OIRO £699,950

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

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SOLD

Regionally 18 offices throughout the region

Nationally 225 offices across Great Britain

Internationally Plus 75 offices globally

SOLD STC

THE ORCHARD PERRISWOOD

THE BRACKENS SWANSEA

Situated in an idyllic rural setting, enjoying impressive country views with an excellent degree of privacy and within close proximity to the beach at Oxwich. The Orchard is aptly named and has the pleasure of charming gardens which are planted with an array of mature trees, shrubs and flower beds. Briefly comprising: Entrance hall, open plan kitchen/dining room, lounge which benefits from a cosy log burning fire with doors to the conservatory and both of these rooms enjoy lovely country views and easy access onto the garden. Utility and cloakroom. 4 bedrooms, study, 1 en-suite and shower room. Due to the generous footprint the house layout could be altered to suit a variety of family needs. Also benefitting from double garage and ample parking. EPC D

This attractive family home is situated to enjoy impressive sea views with spectacular vistas of Three Cliffs Bay and the surrounding Gower coastline stretching out in front of you. Set in a prominent position with good size gardens and direct access onto Cefn Bryn adding to the charming idyll this property benefits from. EPC E

£525,000

£465,000

SOLD

SOLD

5000 professional associates all around the world

CLYNE MAYALS SWANSEA

FFINANT CARMARTHEN

Clyne Mayals, a beautiful period property in need of careful renovation and up grading to restore this spacious property to an ideal family home. Enjoying a private south facing aspect with sea glimpses and set in approximately 0.83 acres, it enjoys large level formal lawns with an abundance of mature trees, shrubs and pretty secret gardens. EPC G

An impressive and privately located country house situated to enjoy country views. Set in approx 50 acres with 25 acres of woodland, established gardens, two lakes with lakeside decked terrace. The main dwelling offers an open plan kitchen/family room with separate preparation kitchen, four reception rooms and four double bedrooms. There is a detached two storey studio/ office which could suit a variety of purposes. EPC F

£800,000

£1,200,000

SOLD STC

      

         

ALLT Y CHAM FARM PONTARDAWE Allt-y-Cham Farm offers a unique opportunity to purchase a superior farmhouse with two equally impressive barn conversions that are currently used as successful holiday lets. Originally one very generous home, with living quarters, leisure wing and adjoining annex, currently split into a generous main family home and two, three bedroomed, five-star holiday retreats. This versatile property could easily be converted back to one dwelling if required. The vendors have thoughtfully renovated the property using a clever blend of contemporary and traditional décor complimenting the stunning original features. With generous grounds and impressive views. EPC:C,D & D

  

£849,950

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

JanAdPlan.indd 119

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HOUSE & HOME

BRIGHT

Storage Tins, £24, Debenhams, Swansea

DESIGNER LOOK Blue table, £99, TK Maxx, Parc Morfa

REGAL

RV Astley Lucena Distressed Bronze Leaf Finish Mirror, £453, Houseology.com

HOW TO ADD THE

WOW FACTOR!

SOFT KNIT

Heart of House Knitted seating Pod, £38.99, Argos, Swansea

If it’s a quick makeover you are after, add a piece or two that really will make a statement.

PETER SLEE has been hunting down some of the best.... peter.slee@swwmedia.co.uk

@PeterSlee56

COLOUR CRUSH

Aquamarine speckled hurricane vase, £50, House of Fraser, Cardiff

COMFY

Jasper chair, £395, Furniture Village, Cardiff

FRUITY

Pineapple Lamp , £85, Laura Ashley, Swansea 121 | www.swansealife.co.uk

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15/12/2016 11:43

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12/16/2016 12:59:13 PM

HOUSE & HOME

TRANQUIL LIVING John and Allison Rewbridge have had the best of both worlds living in an historic stone barn conversion, which is full of character, for almost a decade. Swansea Life’s CHRIS CAMPBELL finds out more…

THROUGH THE KEYHOLE

www.swansealife.co.uk | 123

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OHN Rewbridge and his wife Allison were immediately taken by this Gower home steeped in character and history due to its appearance and countryside location.

The old meets new family property,The Orchard Barn in Murton, has hundreds of years of history and can be found in a great spot, behind a village green, for those who love countryside walks and the beach.

It’s just the lifestyle the couple wanted and they like nothing more than to take a stroll with their Cavalier Kings Charles Spaniel.

John and Allison have lived at the stone barn conversion for eight years and love the fact it is close to a main road yet feels like it is in the middle of the countryside.

The detached bungalow, which combines original features with modern comforts, is just five minutes from local amenities and walking distance from nearby beaches.

A gastro pub is also just a few minutes’ walk away and, at Christmas, John and Allison strolled across the road to the garden centre to buy a tree.

John says: “It’s the perfect spot. It was the prettiness of the property that first attracted us to it. We’re surrounded by fields at the back

J

and side. There’s just one property next to us and we share a side road. We’re a hundred yards from the main road, but we feel like we’re out in the country. It’s the tranquillity and character of the place. I don’t think it can be replaced.

“There are all sorts of facilities close by too – a doctors’ surgery, tennis courts, shops, you name it.”

The bungalow started as a Gower long house 300 years ago and has been converted over the years.

John says the country-style kitchen is the heart of the property and is great for entertaining. There is plenty of room in the open plan kitchen for cooking and for a large number to sit down and enjoy.

He says: “The kitchen is the busy, sociable hub of the home, where family and friends gather round the table for informal, chatty meals.

“The windows frame pretty garden views and the slit windows and brace and ledge doors give great character to this modern kitchen. It is a room you enjoy spending time in.”

Entering through a quirky stable door, there is a light and spacious hallway with exposed stone and a large back window to the garden.

The sitting room is a tranquil place all year round but John says it is “particularly fabulous” at this time of the year. The room takes on a

124 | www.swansealife.co.uk

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HOUSE & HOME

traditional Dickensian atmosphere. There is a large stone fireplace with a wooden beam mantelpiece and a multi fuel burning stove.

There are exposed stone walls and wooden beams too. The garden can be enjoyed through patio doors here, which slide open directly on to the patio area.

In the middle of the barn, is the family bathroom. Next along are the two double bedrooms with windows looking out to the back garden.

The generous master bedroom has three windows with garden views and a view across the common, plus an en suite shower room.

The fourth bedroom is currently used as a study/lounge but could also be used as a snug/office. It has a tiled floor with white washed stone walls and a large window with side aspect views.

Outside, there have been many barbecues in the large and secure garden. It has been perfect for children’s garden games and cows even pop their heads over from the bordering field.

John says a very large wooden pavilion in the garden is ideal for storing garden machinery but also for keeping a cold beer in the fridge, ready for the thirsty gardener.

There is a considerable gated, gravelled driveway offering parking for several cars and a stone built attached garage including a wood store coordinating the original barn conversion.

From the barn, the couple can walk to the sandy beaches of Caswell and Langland Bay. Sought after Bishopston schools are in the Murton catchment area and Swansea is just a short drive away.

John adds: “We love the versatility here and will take away many happy memories. The four bedrooms are adaptable spaces and currently one acts as a study, where the doors to the patio make a sunny spot for a coffee break. The master bedroom suite has three windows and it is a pleasure to wake up in a room flooded with natural light.”

Property: The Orchard Barn, Murton Price: £795,000 Bedrooms: 3/4 Agent: Fine & Country Swansea.

01792 367301 www.swansealife.co.uk | 125

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FOUR OF OUR EXCLUSIVE PROPERTIES FOR SALE Meadow Bank, Llandarcy

£105,000

Abernethy Quay, Maritime Quarter

Bay are proud to present for sale this stylish, top (second) floor, two bedroom apartment situated within the popular village of Llandarcy. Located close to J43 M4 and the Glamorgan health club, the property comprises double bedrooms, master with fitted wardrobe and second bedroom with ample walk-in wardrobe space. Modern family bathroom. Open-plan, light-filled living room area and adjoining kitchen with integrated appliances.. The property benefits from allocated parking and views over Llandarcy sports academy and surrounding hillside. EPC - B84.

Aurora, Maritime Quarter

£244,950 Bay are pleased to present for sale this executive quality, two bedroom apartment, which is situated on the 7th floor of the Aurora development. The apartment boasts uninterrupted views over Swansea Bay from the lounge balcony and master bedroom.

Corner positioned, taking advantage of the seafront location, the property comprises a light-filled lounge leading to a corner balcony with dual aspect views over Swansea Bay and the Marina, SA1 Waterfront and surrounding hillside. Fitted kitchen with integrated appliances, master bedroom with en-suite shower room, second double bedroom and family bathroom. Underfloor heating and underground allocated parking. Lift access. EPC - D62

£107,500 Bay are proud to present for sale this super one bedroom apartment, offering unique Marina views towards the lock gates and surrounding hillside. The property briefly comprises a double-sized bedroom, spacious living room area with bay window and views over the boat moorings, modern fitted kitchen and family bathroom. The property benefits from gas central heating and double glazing throughout. The property has a long proven rental potential and is perfect for investment or residential use. Viewing is highly recommended! EPC - C75

Slade Road, Newton

£339,500 An established 3 Bedroom Semi Detached House in the popular West Swansea suburb of Newton a short walk from Newton school and within the Bishopston catchment area. The vibrant village of Mumbles with its cafe culture and boutique shopping lies only a mile away while The Gower Peninsular is easily accessible.This extended family home enjoys deceptively spacious accommodation requiring works of further improvement and updating.

Outside there are gardens and rear parking via The Orchard. EPC - F35

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12/16/2016 12:59:27 PM

HOUSE & HOME

EASY WAYS TO

COUNTRY

Antler table lamp, £60, Next, Parc Morfa

LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE peter.slee@swwmedia.co.uk

@PeterSlee56

INDUSTRIAL Gabriella pendant , £80, House of Fraser, Cardiff ANIMAL STYLE Terrier Table Lamp, £35, Lorraineathome.com

SCANDI STYLE Wooden Lamp, £30, Sainsbury’s, Swansea

GRAND Globe Lamp, £15, George at Home, Swansea

SIMPLE Felicity table lamp, £24.99, Argos, Pontarddulais Road Retail Park

127 | www.swansealife.co.uk

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12/16/2016 12:59:43 PM

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12/16/2016 12:59:54 PM

HOUSE & HOME

BE YOUR OWN

INTERIOR DESIGNER Love the homes you see in Swansea Life but need a bit of help to transform your own interior spaces this January? Then we are here to help. All great looks start with brilliant which are just what we have for you here. So grab yourself a paintbrush, take inspiration...and off you go! peter.slee@swwmedia.co.uk

@PeterSlee56

Tealights Metal Edge Number Throw £19.99, Set of4 Photo n 3D tio o era Ge gen tal Re Me oal .99 £2 Charc t Glass Trinket Dish Prin l ica tan Bo 99 Holders £9.

Dunelm, Swansea Frame from £5.99, all,

Cotton waffle stripe bed set from £40, crushed velvet cushion £16, Green velvet throw, from £35; Parisian headboard in glitz pewter from £199; all Next, Parc Morfa

Antelope Head £99, Amber chair in Nyanga Tan £599, Zebra Cushion £25, Antelope Dinner Candle Holder £25, Banded Hurricane £29.50, Marigold Teal Coffee Sugar Tins (set of 3) £12.50, Tall Afia Vase £39.50, Short Hammered Vase £19.50, Conran Farley Coffee Table £22; all, M&S, Swansea

Brass Finish Large Savoy Wall Clock, £90. Laura Ashley, Pontarddulais Road Retail Park

, Accent chair, £1098 DFS, Llansamlet

Brookshire display cabinet, £699. Next, Parc Morfa and Swansea

130 | www.swansealife.co.uk

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12/16/2016 1:00:08 PM

Start the new year with an exciting new look for your home, courtesy of Glamorgan Tiles

sale 3rd

january

from

50% tiles off kitchens up to

up to

25% off

ex-display

&

bathrooms bathrooms

31 Ystrad Road, Fforestfach, Swansea, SA5 4BT. 01792 588554 | enquiries@glamorgantiles.co.uk

www.glamorgantiles.co.uk Terms and conditions apply. Sale starts 3rd January 2017

JanAdPlan.indd 132

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HOUSE & HOME

...and relax A luxury bathroom offers the ultimate antidote to fastpaced modern life; we daydream about a long soak in bubble-bath-filled free-standing bathtub when we get home from a busy day at work. PETER SLEE has been checking out some design winners in Swansea.. peter.slee@swwmedia.co.uk

LANGLAND, £1,595,000

@PeterSlee56

F you ever wondered how important a quality bathroom is to a home consider that the average person spends 18 months of their life in there.

Yes, a beautiful kitchen is important and a comfortable living room may be crucial. But it is the bathroom where most of us actually start and finish the day. And when it comes to investing in upgrading or renovating your bathroom it is money very well spent.

“Giving your bathroom a makeover can dramatically increase the value of your home,” says Dawsons’ Senior Partner Chris Hope in Swansea.

“Because taking extra time to renovate the bathroom will allow you to recoup most, if not all of the money that you invest in the renovation once it comes to sell. “It’s all about ending up with a room that is that much more attractive and functional as well as being that much more hygienic.”

I

Still not convinced? Then take a look at these five stunning bathrooms that have each put added value to a Swansea property.

639 GOWER ROAD, £680,000

Langland, St Annes is for sale with Fine & Country for £1,595,000 A bespoke and lifestyle designed customised property in Langland. This truly idyllic location with picturesque sea view provides tranquil living with the sound of the waves crashing onto the golden sandy beach .

Set over three floors with six double bedrooms and vast living space the property welcomes family living with the additional enjoyment of an indoor swimming pool. The master bedroom has an en suite bathroom with Teuco freestanding bath, walk in shower with waterfall shower providing a beautiful space to relax.

639 Gower Road, Upper Killay is for sale with Fine & Country for £680,000 This perfect, five-bedroom family home on the fringes of Gower is set behind a gated entrance with an excellent degree of privacy.

The beautifully presented traditional feel family home offers light, airy, spacious and versatile accommodation with a welcoming and family feel.

Deceptively spacious the property sits within a generous plot providing ample parking, garage and drive through driveway with secure telecom entry system.

The spacious family bathroom includes stone tiled encased inset bath and a walk in shower area with glass enclosure and waterfall shower. The room is finished with stone tiled walls and floor.

HAWTHORN COTTAGE, £589,950

Hawthorn Cottage, Fairwood is for sale with Fine & Country for £589,950 This delightful four-bedroom cottage looks like it has been a part of the surrounding countryside for a 100years. But Hawthorn Cottage was built approximately 14 years ago and has been cleverly renovated by the current vendor who has captured the essence of a traditional cottage with beamed ceilings and country kitchen melding beautifully with today’s modern luxuries.

His family bathroom is particularly impressive. It contains a double glazed frosted window to the side, wood floor, panelled bath with shower attachment, towel radiator, pine vanity unit with two stand-alone oblong sinks and pillar taps. It also has half tiled walls, a dado rail, low level WC extractor fan and beamed ceiling. www.swansealife.co.uk

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HOUSE & HOME

58 HENDREFOILAN ROAD, £475,000

25 HENDRE MAWR CLOSE, £324,95

58 Hendrefoilan Road, Sketty is for sale with Dawsons for £475,000 This is an impressively spacious and traditional detached property which has been fully renovated and modernised to a high standard. Situated on a large plot in Sketty, it offers easy access to SingletonHospital, Swansea University and the sea front.

The family bathroom consists of a stylish white four piece suite comprising low level WC, wash hand basin with stainless steel mixer tap and vanity unit, step in sliding glass shower cubicle with stainless steel mixer shower over with hand held attachment. It also offers up a set-in bath with stainless steel centre mixer tap and hand held shower attachment, inset ceiling spotlights, hardwood double glazed Velux window to rear, extractor fan, uPVC double glazed obscured glass window to rear, neutral ceramic wall tiles with stunning 3D feature border tiles, wall mounted chrome towel radiator and neutral, ceramic multi ton floor tiles.

25 Hendre Mawr Close, Tycoch is for sale with Dawsons for £324,950 A spacious, detached bungalow, built in 2002, with a ground floor lounge, dining room, study/bedroom, utility room, kitchen/breakfast room, large family bathroom, master bedroom with dressing area and en suite shower room. To the first floor are two further bedrooms and cloakroom.

The property benefits from a galleried landing, gas central heating, double glazing, large single garage with electric door and block paved large parking area to the front. There is an enclosed rear garden with level, enclosed paved patio area and with one step down to further lawned area.

The family bathroom comprises of a bath, pedestal wash hand basin, low level WC and double shower, airing cupboard with radiator inside, half tiled walls with decorative border, two stainless steel radiators, coving to ceiling, spotlights, ceramic tiled floor, uPVC double glazed window to side, built in mirror with lights, extractor fan, panelled door.

TOP TIPS...

From a buyer’s perspective, the master bathroom is almost as important as the kitchen. It’s also the most challenging room in the house to upgrade, requiring the skills of many different tradespeople.

However, several tricks can help you affordably create an inviting look that tugs at buyers’ heartstrings and purse strings. *With time and money at a premium, the key to a bathroom upgrade is making the most of the existing shell. Save as much of the existing bathroom as you can. A quick update of sinks and even the toilet itself as well as the lighting can work wonders.

Brighten up the space with new mirrors, towel racks, and storage for an entirely

refreshed look.

• If your bathroom is currently a reflection of your personality, this can make it difficult for a buyer to visualise themselves living in your home. Clear out any clutter and non-essential personal belongings, leaving a neutral yet inviting ambience behind. Try to think of the functional neutrality of a hotel, and try to create this same atmosphere at home for inspections.

• Because it’s used so frequently, the bathroom can quickly become one of the dirtiest areas of your home. You’ll want to get rid of mildew, soap scum, lime scale, and surface stains. To accomplish this, you may need to purchase some specialised

bathroom cleaning products such as grout cleaner and mould remove. Grout cleaner loosens deep-seated dirt and helps keep your grouting cleaner for longer periods of time, whilst mould remover will also help prevent any future mould growth.

Pay special attention to water stains on chrome fittings or mirrors, which will need a special polish.

• Even if your bathroom is naturally small, there are a few ways to create the illusion of more space. You can install a large mirror on one side of the room, for example.

This will open up the room and make the space look twice as big. Another option is to give the bathroom a fresh coat of paint in a light, neutral colour.

134 | www.swansealife.co.uk

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JANUARY

SALE NOW ON UP TO

F F O 45%

UP TO

EX YS A L P S I D

*

F F O % 25

RRPs

TED * SELEC

*

NLY

LINES O

01792 586160

Unit 12, Cwmdu ind Est, Carmarthen Road, Swansea www.tilerackbathroomcentre.co.uk

TILE RACK& BATHROOMS INC JanAdPlan.indd 135

12/16/2016 3:55:45 PM

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DON’T MISS OUR JANUARY SALE! JanAdPlan.indd 136

12/16/2016 1:00:33 PM

HOUSE & HOME

1.

L E S L E Y

TA Y LO R

CHANGE IS COMING Interior designer Lesley Taylor on how the New year is the perfect opportunity for change

3.

“

“

2.

4.

THE SWINGING

SIXTIES ARE SET TO TAKE CENTRE STAGE THANKS TO THE RE-EMERGENCE

OF GEOMETRICS

x2 rl- Lesley Taylor- Homes_SLJAN17.indd 1

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5.

Whether you want to get fitter, learn something new or change career, new year serves as the perfect excuse to give it a go. But for me, one of the most exciting thing about the new year is choosing which home projects I want to get stuck into. I love nothing more than applying new looks to my home, and this year is no exception thanks to the stunning trends that are already emerging. And even if you don’t have any major decorating projects planned this year, you may soon change your mind thanks to these inspiring crazes.

Chipping away The industrial look is a trend that shows no signs of abating. But this year we’re going to see a move away from raw concrete towards chipboard and cork. Chipboard is a material usually associated with kitchen cupboards; but this year it’s going to be everywhere.

The Baked Tile Company has just launched its Chipboard range, which has all the style of the chipboard trend combined with the practicality of a porcelain tile. These tiles can be used on both walls and floors to stunning effect, and because they are made with porcelain and not wood, they are durable, hard-wearing and easy to clean.

They can be used to define a practical workspace in the home or add texture and interest to a living area.

Like chipboard, big things are also predicted for cork. And not only is it super stylish, especially in a study where important documents can be pinned into it, it is also massively warming and adds texture.

Don’t be surprised to find whole walls clad in cork, as well as a plethora of cork accessories hitting the marketplace.

Green idol Denim Drift might have been Dulux’s Colour of the Year 2017, and while there is little doubt blue will remain a popular shade in the coming months, there is another colour that has everyone talking this year.

Green; glorious, beautiful, luscious green. It all stems from the passion of bringing the outside in, think back to the Hygge craze and introducing natural resources like wood into the home. This year us Brits will be inspired by our own gardens and bringing the botanicals indoors.

To complement our desire for all things natural – green feature walls and accessories are going to be huge, adding depth and interest to our living spaces.

Metric matters Some trends like to pay homage to the past and this year it’s the swinging sixties that are set to take centre stage thanks to the reemergence of geometrics. Geometrics are abstract patterns created by other shapes, lines or curves. Already popular in wallcoverings and flooring, this year the geometric craze will hit furniture too with stunning standalone pieces that embody the trend, think coffee tables with angular legs and light fittings with intricate pattern detailing.

1. Adopt the geometric look one step at a time. Try introducing new light fixtures, such as this one available at the Taylors Etc showroom 2. The geometric trend can be found in standalone pieces of furniture, these are from a selection at the Taylors Etc showroom 3. Embrace nature by bringing pot plants into the home 4. Use rhombus-shaped tiles to create abstract shapes. Tiles from the Creative Geometrics range from The Baked Tile Company 5. The Chipboard collection from The Baked Tile Company embodies industrial chic.

Go to www.bakedtiles.co.uk

Interior Designer and member of the BIID, Lesley Taylor is the Design Director of Taylor’s Etc based in Cardiff.

02920 358 400 www.taylors etc.co.uk

138 | www.swansealife.co.uk

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HOUSE & HOME

SNOW BUSINESS It might look pretty, but snow can be troublesome for homeowners. LAURA DAVIES reveals her top tips for weather-proofing your home laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk

BRICKS AND MORTAR

Check your roof for broken tiles and damaged bricks. Get these fixed now, before snow gets in the cracks and causes more trouble and leaks.

@LawsDx

If they do freeze, thaw them out with a hairdryer.

PLAN AHEAD

CHECK THE GUTTERS

Clean out gutters, so ice doesn’t collect and form in them.

Drain and disconnect hoses, and loop and hang them neatly so you don’t trip over them covered in snow. Clear the lawn of debris and garden toys/tools to prevent them becoming obstacles too.

SALTY SUPPLIES

ESSENTIAL TOOL

Stock up on salt or sand for use on paths and outside steps (don’t use it on lawns or flowerbeds though, as plants don’t like it).

DON’T FORGET THE GARDEN Bring pot plants inside and mulch outdoor plants and trees that don’t appreciate the frost.

PREPARE PIPES

Insulate water pipes and taps, inside and out, to keep them warm and prevent them from freezing as temperatures drop.

Invest in a snow shovel and keep it close at hand, in the porch, or inside the shed or garage door, so it’s ready at the first sign of snow.

LOFTY HEIGHTS

Check the insulation and ventilation in your loft. If it’s too warm up there, when it snows, the snow can melt on the roof, which can cause issues because of how heavy it is, and then trickle down and reform as ‘ice dams’ in your guttering, causing blockages.

CLEAR DRAINS

Make sure outside drains are clear, if they’re blocked now before snow, they’ll certainly overflow and become blocked when winter hits.

CUT BACK TREES

Get any overhanging branches that, when covered in snow, may affect your property, lopped off. Same goes for excess leaves, which will all happily collect snow.

PLAY IT SAFE

If you’re going to be lighting fires and candles indoors, make sure you install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, and that existing ones are working.

STAY WARM

Keep the heating on for at least an hour a day to keep water running through the pipes, and the house warm against the freezing weather outside.

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HOUSE & HOME

LATE WINTER INTEREST SEASON With JOSEPH ATKIN, Head Gardener at Aberglasney Gardens in Carmarthenshire.

Hydrangea aspera

January can be a great time of year in the garden despite it being mid winter.

The longest days have passed and the very first stirrings of spring are happening underground. The main stars of January are the snowdrop and Hellebore which are often accompanied by Witch hazel. Although these plants are excellent and make a wonderful combination there are some others that are also great for January.

The three plants below are not the first things you would think of for January but they are certainly good doers at Aberglasney.

Malus ‘Gorgeous’

Parrotia Persica

This is an ornamental crab apple that has wonderful red fruit from midsummer right through to the following spring. They really show up in the poor light and look great in the frost, with blossom in the spring and fine autumn colour this is an excellent plant for many seasons. We grow this small tree in a bulb meadow with species roses and between all the plants there is nearly always something to see. Like many other crab apples it is excellent in a small garden and very ornamental however I am told the fruit are not much good for jam and so on.

• Height = 3m • Spread = 3m • Position/Aspect = Any except deep shade • Soil = Any except water logged • Pest and diseases = fire blight is a problem if you have it in the area • Style = Formal, informal, specimen tree, shrub border or even an avenue

The Persian Iron Wood tree is well known in gardens mainly for its stately habit and wonderful autumn colour. For us it is one of the very best autumn colours in the garden but what often get missed are the scarlet red flowers similar to those of a Witch hazel. These flowers appear on bare stems in January. If it snows they look especially good next to their dark branches and Parrotia are great trees to under plant with winter bulbs so you can have a really good January display. Today there are also different forms of the plant that will fill the type of space you have with some being spreading and some being bolt upright whihc can be extra handy in a small garden.

• Height = 15m after about 50 years • Spread = depends on form but up to 5m • Position/Aspect = Any except deep shade • Soil = Any except waterlogged • Pest and diseases = No real problems • Style = Specimen lawn tree, woodland, street tree, mixed border

Eranthis Hymalis Winter aconites have been a garden favourite for many years with their little sprays of yellow flowers that really glow in winter light.

This bulb should be treated like a Cyclamen or snowdrop and drifted under trees especially in half shade and dry shade. They generally come into flower about a week after the snowdrops but always in January.

We find they make excellent partners for the other early flowering bulbs and being yellow is very handy as very few others are. They also last for a good few years and if you are lucky they will seed around over time.

• Height = 10cm • Spread = 5cm • Position/Aspect = Sun or shade • Soil = dry but happy in poor soil • Pest and diseases = No real problems • Style= Woodland, long grass, under planting conifers or very big drifts for impact

144 | www.swansealife.co.uk

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VICTORIA WADE’S GARDEN Victoria Wade is a garden designer from Killay who picked up Gold at the RHS 2015 show in Cardiff www.victoriawade.co.uk

@WadeLandscapes

Creating a succulent garden...

Whether you want to create an indoor or outdoor display, there is a funky succulent for you.

The easiest way to grow succulent plants is in a container. Choose a relatively shallow pot with good drainage or you could even use a funky vintage container- I’ve seen some gorgeous displays in old tea pots! You just need to make sure that there is a hole in the bottom for drainage.

“

“

Succulent gardens are so popular at the moment- and it is easy to see why. They are some of the easiest plants that you can grow, indoors or out, and they come in a huge range of shapes, sizes, colours and textures. They are also really easy to care for, requiring hardly any watering or maintenance- they are the ultimate low maintenance plants!

WHETHER YOU WANT TO

CREATE AN INDOOR OR OUTDOOR DISPLAY, THERE

IS A FUNKY SUCCULENT FOR YOU

The roots of succulents are relatively shallow so they will be happy in a shallow bowl or a small container. There are a huge variety of indoor or outdoor succulentswhichever you choose just make sure that the plants you select for your pot all have the same light and temperature requirements.

My favourite succulents to grow are Sempervivums, commonly known as ‘houseleeks’ or ‘hen and chicks’.

Sempervivums are succulent, alpine plants that grow in the wild between rocks in mountainous regions- they are fully hardy outdoors in the UK, come in loads of different colours, and are very easy to grow. You can buy them at all good garden

x1 Victoria Wade.HH_SLJAN17.indd 1

centres- look for them in the alpine section.

Fill the bottom third of your chosen container with something free draining -such as gravel, small stones or broken pots. Depending on the size of the drainage hole you may need to put a small scrap of weed membrane or something similar to stop the gravel and compost from escaping.

You can buy specialist compost designed for cacti and succulents, but I just use multi-purpose peat free compost with a bit of grit or sand mixed in to improve the drainage.

Group several different varieties of sempervivums together in your chosen pot, top up with compost, and place in a sunny, outdoor location for an easy and long lasting display.

A layer of grit added to the surface of the compost further aids drainage and is an attractive way to finish off the pot.

Planting up a small collection of succulents is a perfect way to get into gardening- as long as you have good drainage and the pot is in a sunny spot it is difficult to go wrong- so if ‘get in to gardening’ is one of your new year’s resolutions then why not give it a go!

16/12/2016 10:59

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HOUSE & HOME

INKY BLUES Rich, inky blue colours will be hugely popular this year as homeowners look to become more experimental in their colour pairings. indigo is versatile and is a perfect accompaniment to brighter hues such as mustards, corals or copper accents. Think delicate China patterns and bold geometrics to complete the trend. LAURA DAVIES looks at 7 ways to update your home for the New Year and some products that will be hitting stores this year.

Loft Geo Mix Print Cushion Tea1, £15, M&S, Swansea

laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk

@LawsDx

Mix and match your colours

Inky blue can be the focal point of any theme that you choose. Whether you prefer a strong, punchy vibe, or a softer look that uses whites and muted pinks, you’ll find that blue complements almost any colour.

Let your creative juices flow!

Use wallpaper in unexpected places

It’s not just for your walls! You can add a new dimension to your room by applying wallpaper to the back of some shelves or even to each step on a flight of stairs. Customisation will continue to be a big interior design trend in 2017.

Upcycle old wooden furniture

Get some chalk paint and set about revamping some of your old wooden furnishings. This is a cost-effective way of creating quirky furniture that fits in perfectly with your new colour scheme.

Blue glass, £5, Debenhams, Swansea

Floral Coral Sherpa, £15, Matalan, Parc Cwmdu

152 | www.swansealife.co.uk

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13/12/2016 12:07

Cushion, £28, Debenhams, Swansea

Declutter (with some third-party help)

Expert “declutterers will tell you that you should only keep things that you truly love or need. Call in a friend and get a fresh perspective on what you should hold on to and what you should throw. A tidy, streamlined home can really improve your mind-set.

Switch up your accessories as the seasons change

Our moods can change with the seasons and this should be reflected in your home. Whether you introduce a new rug or different pieces of wall art, you can drastically change the look of your room with some clever accessorising.

Vase £32, Debenhams, Swansea

Streamline your rooms - is everything where it should be?

Too many people simply “make do” when redesigning their homes.

How about setting yourself a New Year’s resolution to ensure that you’re making the absolute most of your space? Sometimes, a simple reshuffle and repositioning of furniture can make a world of difference.

Get those odd jobs done – the fine details matter!

Speaking of New Year’s resolutions; it’s time to finish off your redecorating projects by getting those little jobs done. From hemming your curtains to realigning those photo frames, the fine details count and you can relax knowing that your room is 100 per cent complete. It’ll only niggle you otherwise!

Blue Velvet Chair with Metal Sides, £129.99, Homesense, Parc Fforestfach

Lea Chandelier £179, Dorset Mirror £149, Georgia Sofa in Blue Floral Jacquard £1399, Bug Vase £29.50, Small Padstow Vase £17.50, Leah Urn £35, Iris Pressed Glass Vase £15, Lace Embroidered Cushion £35, Mirrored Birds Cushion £24, Mimosa Embroidered Cushion £29.50, M&S, Swansea

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HOUSE & HOME

PERK UP YOUR POINSETTIA Want to keep your Christmas poinsettia looking bushy and beautiful well into the new year? PETER SLEE knows just how to do it peter.slee@swwmedia.co.uk

HERE’S hoping you had a lovely Christmas, filled with family, rest, perhaps too much pudding and some lovely presents.

Of the latter I can safely bet that a fair number of you either received or gave a poinsettia. That is because we buy a lot of them and do so almost exclusively for Christmas presents or decorations.

Last year we bought over seven million of them. In fact, nationally, the houseplant market is falling, although poinsettia sales, thanks to their association with Christmas, are steadily increasing year on year with 80 per cent snapped up in the final shopping weekend.

Yet so often poinsettias wilt before the Christmas guests start arriving. So, how do you keep them going?

1. Make sure you buy a healthy plant whose roots are not spilling out through the base of the pot. Check where it is located when you buy it because plants that have been stood outdoors a long time may fail. Unwrap them as soon as you get them home.

2. Poinsettias are only really comfortable in warmth, which makes them ideal for the centrally heated home. But do not put them right next to a radiator. The ambient heat of a living room will suit them fine. If direct sunlight hits the plant, reposition it.

They do not like big fluctuations in temperatures – a range of 16°C-22°C is ideal – so keep them where the average temperature is steady, avoiding draughts, cold windows or even very bright spots that can get very hot in the middle of the day.

@PeterSlee56

3. They like plenty of water, but do not keep them moist. Let the compost dry out before giving them a soak, watering the pot with a saucer beneath it and leaving it to stand for half an hour or so before removing the saucer and letting the excess water drain from the pot.

4. Mist the leaves frequently as poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima), which are native to Mexico and Central America, need moist air.

5. If your poinsettia starts to wilt and is as dry as a bone, soak the rootball in warm water, which may revive it.

6. If you want to try to stimulate fresh growth for next Christmas, cut the plant down to about 10cm (4in) in March and keep it in a cool (10°C-15°C ), light place.

Do not water.

It may well lose its leaves, which is fine, as it needs a dormant phase. A cold frame or porch would be ideal.

Repot it in fresh compost in June, water well and keep warm – the same conditions as indoor cucumbers or melons would be ideal. To make the leaves turn red in time for Christmas – which, after all, is the whole point of poinsettias – you must convince the plant that the days are getting shorter by putting it in complete darkness for 14 hours each night from mid-September. After eight weeks bring it into the light, water well and keep warm, and the new leaves should turn red in the weeks before Christmas.

154 | www.swansealife.co.uk

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15/12/2016 16:41

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HOUSE & HOME

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COSY COLOUR This flat matt 2.5L Vintage Duck Egg paint is £12 at Wilko in Morriston

BRIGHT IDEA Blue Mason Jar Tealight Holder, £8.95, Dotcomgiftshop

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Put a modern spin on a country-cottage scheme... peter.slee@swwmedia.co.uk

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MIRROR APPEAL Fleur chest, £475, Next, Swansea

COMFORTABLE Hartford sofa, £995.00, Furniture Village, Cardiff BEAUTIFUL BREW Daisy Teapot, £19.50, M&S, Parc Trostre and Parc Fforestfach

162 | www.swansealife.co.uk

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Great escapes

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GREAT ESCAPES

A RECIPE FOR SUCCESS Cruising is the Marmite of the travel world, loved by most who have tried it, dismissed by many who haven’t. PETER SLEE gives it a go... peter.slee@swwmedia.co.uk

T was the fulfilment of every wannabee baker’s dream: standing alongside one of Europe’s very best pâtissier and celebrity chefs and having him confirm all was well with my tart!

Yes, really!

Eric Lanyard no less was with me and a group of 10 others as we ploughed across a mill pond Mediterranean Sea on board P&O’s Britannia.

Only innate modesty prevents me from reporting what my performance received in terms of a thumbs up from the great man himself. Oh go on then! It was a 9/10. It was truly a moment that a confirmed landlubber will not readily forget. I certainly never will!

The Masterclass hosted by Mr Lanyard is one of a series regularly held on board this floating town. Its socalled ‘ Food Heroes’ also sees the likes of such foodie greats as James Martin, Marco Pierre White and Atul Kochhar setting taste buds tingling ( at a price) when they set sail on board every now and again too. In short, a stellar culinary line-up designed to put the va-va voom into on-board dining.

So yes, needless to say, food at one level or another plays a very big role in life at sea. And there’s an element of truth that it is always ‘food-o’clock’ on board. Bar the “starvation hour” between breakfast and lunch, meal times can

I

@PeterSlee56

morph into one long food fest (lunch, ice creams, afternoon tea, pizzas, the cocktail hour with canapés, dinner, midnight buffet). Worried about your waistline? Then show a little restraint: no one told you to visit the buffet three times after all. There are also light and healthy alternatives and as an occasional veggie, I can also report Britannia offered up some of the best such food I have had in a long, long time.

There are also on-deck promenades, jogging tracks and gyms to counteract overeating . And would it really be a holiday if you came back a few pounds lighter?

Britannia offers a choice of 13 different places to eat - from fine dining in its signature restaurants to healthy snacks in its supermarket-style “Grab & Go” outlets. It’s all there ensuring that whatever you fancy, you’ll find it somewhere. If you want to fill your boots at the buffet, as many do, you can.

We preferred to graze – whether on a charcuterie board and a solitary scoop of pomegranate ice cream from the Market

Café or an early-evening tapas-style plate washed down with a glass of velvet devil merlot or sparkling ice cuvée, in the Atrium’s Glass House, one of our favourite stopping-off points on board where for a supplementary charge of a few pounds, you can dine like a king. We did!

So other than food, what else is life at sea all about?

Plenty actually. And it’s why up to two million Brits will take a cruise this year.

What makes it so popular? Access, for one. Stick a pin into any blue area on a world map, or locate any glistening ribbon of river, and the chances are you can get there by cruise ship. Anyone for the White Sea, the Lena, the Sava or the Drava? Precisely.

New ports, itineraries and destinations, coupled with innovations on board, continue to fire interest among regular and first-time cruisers alike, and the sheer diversity of itineraries and themes – wine, astrology, am-dram, photography, yoga or dance offered

FACTFILE

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Departing from and returning to Southampton ports of call are Cadiz, Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Rome, Naples, Cagliari and Gibraltar.

To book, visit www.pocruises.com, call 0843 373 0111 Link: http://www.pocruises.com/b710/

172 | www.swansealife.co.uk

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AT SEA?

STILL NOT CONVINCED? This myth-buster may help you make up your mind.

ILL GET SEASICK The vagaries of the sea can never be underestimated: the Atlantic can be a millpond in October and the Aegean can turn gale-force in August. But while it’s true that bad weather can strike at any time, modern-day technologies and stabilisers flanking the hull make it very unlikely that you will lose more than a couple of days to seasickness on board a mid-size or resort ship. In our 12-night trip on board the Britannia, the seas barely ever reached more than a slight ripple.

2. I’LL B E SURROUNDED BY PENSIONERS The average age of cruisers is 55.6 years, but there’s no rule that says your hair has to be the same hue as the sea. Increasing value for money and cruises of shorter duration are luring younger holidaymakers, including generations of families and children. Today, cruising is more about surf pools and chilled-out pampering than travel rugs and deck quoits.

3. I’LL BE STUCK WITH PEOPLE AT DINNER I DON’T WANT TO SPEAK TO..

by the various lines means that finding a cruise that suits you has never been easier.

Certain destinations, such as Alaska, lend themselves to a seafaring experience; others can be reached only by ship. And it’s hard to beat a cruise if you want a first taste of the islands of the Caribbean.

Our holiday took in half a dozen or so stops offs including Lisbon, Gibralter, Palma, Cadiz and Barcelona. We loved each of them for different reasons.

For all her luxe decor, artisanal foods, fantastical art, wagyu beef, suites with White Company toiletries, opulent spa and state-of-the-art anti-ageing treatments, Britannia is still a stonkingly large moving hotel at sea.

And it is the ports it calls in at most of her passengers climb on board for in the first place.

Before first setting sail last year, P&O asked 20,000 cruise passengers what they wanted from a new ship. Single cabins with balconies, more dining venues and more varied entertainments, came the response. Better shopping and a bigger spa.

All are borne out on this £473 million ship and the ship’s nooks, crannies and multiple venues absorb passengers well.

We loved all that it offered up.

And yes, sad to say, that included the pound or three extra we added to our girth during the break.

It was worth it surely. And hey, would a holiday really be a holiday if you came back a few pounds lighter? I reckon not!

These perceptions deter many who would otherwise happily try a cruise. The truth, however, is that most of the larger lines offer more flexible and informal dining options than they used to, and open-seating policies in their main restaurants. If you’re worried, check before booking. As for dress, yes, most lines rule out shorts, flip-flops or T-shirts in their white linen restaurants, but that’s true of many restaurants ashore. And its altogether more relaxed at any of their cafeteria-style eateries where anything goes really.

4. I WON’T SPEND ENOUGH TIME IN PORT It’s worth noting that mid-sized and resort-sized ships can’t dock in smaller ports and have to decant thousands of passengers, but whatever the ship, the fear of being holed up on board is unfounded: it’s not uncommon to be ashore every day. If destination is the key driver for your holiday, you must pick a ship that spends adequate time in your chosen ports. Some ports of call are little more than a cursory stop; at others the ship might stay three hours, or the best part of a day.

5.I’LL GET LOST Few hotels west of Beijing are as large as the largest liners; the world’s biggest ship rises to 17 decks. If you’re the sort who loses the car in the supermarket car park, accept that you’ll spend a chunk of your day mimicking a Pac-Man in the ship’s corridors, or simply choose a small or mid-size vessel.

There are few landmarks once you hit the corridors of a large liner (though paying attention to the art work can help) and multiple staircases, lifts and physical features that prevent you from physically crossing from one bit of the ship to the other can at times prove unfathomable. But there are maps on every deck and cabin stewards wandering around. So no need to worry.

6. I’LL GET BORED Very unlikely. The cookery school we joined in on Britannia was just one of a string of things we could have been involved with.

The buzzword in cruising is “enrichment,” with cerebral diversions at every turn. There are opportunities to learn fencing, improve your photography skills, learn Spanish or the piano, immerse yourself in yoga or join the cast of The Archers in a drama class.

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GREAT ESCAPES

WHERE SHOULD I GO ON HOLIDAY Looking for a city break to beat the January blues? A survey has ranked the top European destinations to go to based on travellers priorities. LAURA DAVIES takes a look at the best city breaks.

Barcelona takes the top spot when it comes choosing the best city break.

The Spanish city ranked the best out of a survey of 100 European cities Prague and was based on five categories: public transport, accommodation, food and drink, nightlife and day activities.

Berlin

The findings were in collaboration with HomeToGo and GoEuro, the website and app for comparing and booking rail, coach and air travel across Europe.

Following closely behind Barcelona, was Prague, Berlin, Madrid and in fifth place, London.

laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk

@LawsDx

BEST CITIES FOR NIGHTLIFE

Night owls should head to Berlin next year, as the city was given a 5/5 rating

by GoEuro. This is followed closely by Krakow (4.9 rating), Barcelona (4.8 rating), Kiev (4.7 rating) and Madrid (4.6 rating).

The Spaniards clearly love a big boogie, as four of their cities (Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia and Seville) have made it on to

GoEuro’s list of the top 10 best cities for nightlife.

BEST CITIES FOR DAY ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES

Perhaps unsurprisingly, due to its abundance of attractions and shopping opportunities, London grabs the top spot with London a 5/5 rating. Cities that closely follow in ranking include Paris (4.9 rating), Rome (4.8 rating), Prague (4.7 rating) and Barcelona (4.6 rating). For travellers looking to experience eastern European culture, Moscow, Istanbul and St Petersburg have been ranked as three of Europe’s top 10 best cities for keeping busy with attractions and activities.

Other UK destinations to feature within the ranking included Edinburgh in 35th place, Leeds in 54th place, Manchester in 58th place, Glasgow in 72nd, Liverpool in 77th place, Cardiff in 82nd place, Bristol in 84th place and Birmingham in 86th place.

The study also broke down the top cities to visit depending on traveller’s priorities - whether it be nightlife, accommodation, attractions or cuisine.

Barcelona

174 | www.swansealife.co.uk

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Budapest DreamWorks Lights

IN 2017?

BEST CITIES FOR GREAT VALUE ACCOMMODATION

For short city breaks, most travellers don’t want to fork out a fortune on a place to stay. Those after great value accommodation in Europe should head to Kiev, Zagreb, Budapest or Siena as all four cities have been ranked as the top destinations for best value accommodation, with 5/5 ratings.

Cities that follow closely behind include Sarajevo (4.9 rating), Coimbra (4.9 rating), Pilsen (4.6 rating), Riga (4.5), Sofia (4.5 rating) and Bucharest (4.3 rating).

BEST CITIES FOR FOOD AND DRINK

Spain is the winner in this category, with Barcelona and Madrid ranking as Europe’s top two cities for food and drink (5/5 rating). Travellers seeking Budapest gastronomical delights should also consider booking holidays next year to Paris, Rome, Istanbul or Berlin as these cities have been ranked within the top 10 best cities for food and drink.

BEST CITIES FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Transport often comes as an unexpected cost when planning a city break. For travellers on a budget, Bucharest and Sofia have been ranked as two of the best cities for affordable public transport, followed closely by Kiev, Sarajevo, Gdansk and Wrocław. For example, in Bucharest, the average taxi rate is 55p per kilometre and a one-way ticket on Kiev’s public transport costs just 0.14p per journey. For the music fans, head to Kiev next May, as the Eurovision Song Festival is being hosted in the city on the May 13, 2017.

Sienna

WEEKEND GETAWAYS Hotel Ibis Styles, Liverpool Chris Peregrine samples some Mersey hospitality…

THE HOTEL This trendy Beatles-themed hotel is a five minute walk from the Cavern Club and the world famous Mathew Street where John, Paul George and Ringo honed the sound that would create Beatlemania around the world.

The hotel has sleek rooms with complimentary Wi-Fi, flat screen TVs and tea and coffee facilities. There is also a restaurant, a hip bar lounge and kids’ play area. It makes an ideal base from which to explore the city, helped by a more than adequate continental breakfast. Children under 15 stay for free.

WHERE TO EAT? Maray, 91 Bold Street, Liverpool, L1 4HF Maray is named after La Marais, a bohemian district in Paris and the independent restaurant in the heart of the ropewalks area of Liverpool serves Middle Eastern-inspired food but there are many flavours from all over the world that make up their curated menu. We popped in there Sunday lunchtime, but there was nothing along the lines of beef and Yorkshire pudding on offer. Instead, we were invited to dip into the veg dishes, which include duck egg, artichoke and tender stem broccoli, all with lovely accompaniments, the fish section, which includes octopus, cured cod, scallops and crab, and the meat options, including lamb kofta, smoked duck and buttermilk chicken thighs.

Viva Brazil, 36 Castle Street, L2 0NR The night before we had enjoyed the novel Viva Brazil, an award winning, authentic, Brazilian-style steakhouse offering a lively dining experience.

The troop of passadors - meat carvers - move from table to table, offering 16 select cuts of beef, lamb, pork, chicken and sausages, all slowly roasted over a charcoal barbecue and expertly carved at the table. You can tick off as many as you can manage with an extensive salad bar as back-up. Children under 10 years old eat free with a paying adult.

WHERE TO GO? DreamWorks Lights runs at St George’s Hall until January 15. It is a stunning walk through lantern experience for all ages. Film favourites from Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and Madagascar are transformed into huge illuminated figures in the Grand Hall of the iconic Grade I-listed building. Tickets to Dreamworks cost from £8.00. http://dreamworkslights.com/.

Until January 2 Albert Dock will be transformed during the hours of darkness into a canvas for the most spectacular 4D projection mapping spectacular, in collaboration with immersive technology specialists Crucial FX and National Museums Liverpool. Albert Dock is home to the Maritime Museum, Tate Liverpool and a short walk from the Museum of Liverpool, which have free entry. There you will also find the award-winning The Beatles Story, the world’s largest permanent exhibition purely devoted to the lives and times of The Beatles.

• Hotel Ibis Styles, 67 Dale Street, Liverpool, L2 2HJ. • Double rooms from £55.

• www.ibis.com/Liverpool www.swansealife.co.uk | 175

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NORWEGIAN EPIC  21 APR ‘17                       

10NT MEDITERRANEAN DELIGHTS

COSTA PACIFICA  APRIL - MAY ‘17           

8NT LUXURY VOYAGE TO BARCELONA

CUNARD QUEEN VICTORIA  22 JUN ‘17           

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9NT MEDITERRANEAN MARVELS

MSC ORCHESTRA  29 MAY ‘17            

FREEDOM  4 OCT ‘17              

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COSTA LUMINOSA  19 JUL ‘17         

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Out

& about

RICHIE HAMMOND (page 180) WALK OF THE MONTH (page 184) MY SWANSEA (page 186)

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OUT & ABOUT The Swansea Devil

S N A P S H OTS O F

SWA N S E A B AY Tranquil beaches. Hidden corners. Unexpected views.

Join photographer RICHARD HAMMOND as he explores some of Swansea and Gower’s coast and countryside. This month he visits Swansea City Centre...

“

M

Y devil will be able to leer and laugh, for at some time in the future he will see St. Mary’s burn to the ground.”

Happy New Year. I’ve a slightly disturbing but true story this month. It is about a Swansea Church, a man spurned and a Devil. In the late 19th Century it was decided that St Mary’s Church (which now stands opposite the Quadrant entrance in Whitewalls) was to be redesigned and rebuilt. A tender was issued and interested architects submitted their designs with Arthur Blomfield being successful. One of the architects “a local man” who was unsuccessful was more than a little displeased. In fact, he was

The Glyn Vivian Art Gallery

so bitter about the decision he bought a row of terraced houses opposite the Church. demolished them and erected a building there instead which was used as a brewery.

On that building (here’s the disturbing part) he had a figure of a Devil made and placed it so that it faced St Marys. He then proclaimed “My devil will be able to leer and laugh, for at some time in the future he will see St. Mary’s burn to the ground”. The Devil stood there watching St Mary’s for over 50 years until a night in 1941 when the Germans attacked Swansea and it caught fire. Incredubly though, he building that the Devil sat on was not touched by the attack nor subsequent attacks and the Devil did indeed watch the church burn to the ground!

The Old Swansea Police Station

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The Impressive SA1 Development

Ye Olde Wine Shoppe, Union Street

Over 10 years pass when in the 1950’s a massive clean-up of the area begins. The rebuild of St Mary’s is a priority and our Devil watches as the Church rises from the ashes and is rebuilt using the original Blomfield designs. In 1962, the disgraced Devil is removed and his watch post demolished. No one seems to know what happened to him from there until he was traced by a Swansea historian “a local man” to a Garage in Gloucester. He returned the Devil to Swansea who was positioned once more to watch over St Mary’s in the Quadrant’s Whitewall entrance.

Today, after being removed due to his controversial past then being reinstated following a campaign by the Evening Post he once more sits watching St Mary’s but now almost hidden away from us high in the glass roof of Whitewalls entrance to the Quadrant. Now, as a Swansea Firefighter of 30 years I ask myself is this sensible? Is it just a bit of fun him being there, almost a novelty attraction or with his past and objective are we tempting fate too much? I’ll let you decide. But just remember, he is there as a curse from a scorned man, watching St Mary’s 24 hours a day 365 days of the year.

Watching and waiting and let’s not forget, if you’re walking along Whitewalls ……. he’s watching you too!

SWANSEA BLITZ

By the time it ended 230 people had been killed and 7,000 lost their homes. Some 1,273 high explosive bombs and 56,000 Incendiary bombs were estimated to have been dropped. Over the three nights an area measuring approximately 41 acres was targeted with 857 properties destroyed.

This is an account by my Uncle Robert Hammond who grew up in

“

“

What happened to Swansea in the 1940s? It’s the Second World War and Swansea is identified by Germany as an important target because of her manufacturing capacity and huge coal exports from the docks (now the impressive SA1 area). In 1940 the German air force “the Luftwaffe” start attacking Swansea, firstly with one or two planes until on February 19 1942 three nights of intense bombing begin. Swansea fights back with cannon fire from guns similar to the one which sits opposite Sainsbury’s. But large parts of Townhill and Manselton are destroyed and the city (then town) centre is engulfed in huge fires that devastate it.

MY DEVIL WILL BE

ABLE TO LEER AND LAUGH, FOR AT SOME TIME IN

THE FUTURE HE WILL

SEE ST MARY’S BURN TO THE

GROUND

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OUT & ABOUT 2nd World War Gun presented to the City

“

“

SWANSEA WAS DEVEASTED

THE TOWN HAD FELT THE POWER OF NAZI

GERMANY

AND HAD FARED

BADLY

my grandfather’s butchers shop on the junction of Townhill Road and Mayhill Road, Townhill: – “75 years ago during the 3-night blitz the Luftwaffe dropped both incendiary and high explosive bombs.

On the first night an incendiary bomb landed on my father’s shop in Mayhill, crashed through the roof and landed in what would become my bedroom. A firewatcher, too young to be in the army, saw the incendiary go through the roof and rushed to deal with it by getting there just in time to put it in a bucket of sand. Having done that, he mounted his bike and started cycling to another incident.

After travelling about 50 yards he received a direct hit from a high explosive bomb and was blown to pieces. An unnamed and forgotten Swansea hero of the blitz.”

Swansea was devastated. The town had felt the power of Nazi Germany and had fared badly. To raise morale following the blitz, King George V1 and the Queen as well as the Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, visited the town. But the bombing didn’t end there with the last recorded attack being February 16, 1943.

The Royal Building

Morgans Hotel

Tony Paultyn

So which landmark buildings are left from that terrible time? Well we have The Castle there since 1107 and the old Castle Cinema close by. The Railway Station opened in 1850 and the Dylan Thomas Centre Formerly the City’s Guildhall, which was originally built in 1825. Ye Olde Wine shoppe No 10 on Union Street with its famous Bear and close by The Grand Theatre, opened on the July 26, 1897,

by Opera Diva Madame Adelina Patti. Swansea Museum, Morgans Hotel and the row of buildings which include The Queens pub all survived as did the Royal building on Princess Way (1924). The BBC building on Alexandra Road which was built for the Swansea Poor Law Union in the 1890s and taken over by the BBC in 1936.

This building was destroyed by the Nazis but rebuilt by 1952 and is next to the excellent Glyn Vivian Art Gallery which opened in July 1911 and has recently re-opened following extensive refurbishment with impressive new exhibits. Two other notable Swansea buildings built after the war but worth mentioning are the old Police Station on Orchard St with its impressive façade from Pleasant Street (now used by Gwalia) and Plantasia (unmissable).

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The Plantasia Building

Dan’s quick photography tip

Always always always clean your lens before you start shooting. It will keep your images free of particles that might show up in background highlights and other parts of an image.

A sunrise or sunset shot can be ruined by these particles so like your conscious keep your lens clean

The Old Castle Cinema

There are many talented buskers in Swansea Centre singers,’ musicians, jugglers and more. But one who really impressed me is Dylan Brickley, a 21-year-old student from Cork in Ireland who studies in Swansea Met. Dylan plays many of Swansea Pubs and venues but enjoys busking as well. I watched Dylan outside the Quadrant entrance opposite St Mary’s church (Under the Devil) and have to say he is excellent. Dylan is in his final year studying marketing management and after he gets his degree want to progress his music carer he is definitely one to look out for on ourSaturday night TVs in the future. I have to give a special mention to Swansea’s favourite street vender Paul the balloon man. Paul has been selling balloons in Oxford Street for years and is an unmissable site. A true gent and long may he continue.

Time for wine

The Cross Keys is a traditional Swansea Pub on St Marys Street opposite the Church that serves good food and drink. You can get a burger and a pint for £5.50, Fish and Chips for £7 or a 15oz Rump Steak for £12.95. You can even have 2 Meals for £10 Monday to Friday 11am - 4pm. The atmosphere is good, the staff will serve you quickly at the bar and there’s the beer garden in the summer. For a night out with your friends you really can’t go wrong.

On Oxford Street we have Bouchon De Rossi. Do you want a treat? Then this is the place to come. This chic little restaurant describes itself as a relaxed venue with sleek decor featuring southern French bistro classics with seasonal specials. The reviews are always excellent too. The menu is great with the chef’s specials a must. Keep a bit of room for his special desserts too. Staff are just great, says Swansea’s Kerrie Davies.

Chefs suggestions include Gressingham Duck breast whole grain mustard veloute, salsify chips at £19.50 or Herb crusted cannon of Lambred wine with a rosemary reduction, again £19.50. The wine list, as you’d expect, is excellent with service to match.

So Ugly and Lovely Swansea City Centre is certainly not boring. Yes it could do with a few more of the big name shops and it could do with a little more interesting architecture, but what a history what a past and I’ll bet you walk along Whitewalls just a little quicker from on now you know there’s a little Devil watching you

NEXT TIME...

We ll be in Limeslade and Bracelet Bays popping into the romantic Castellamare for valentine’s day and discovering a few secrets from the Coastguards I’ ll see you then Richie.

Did you know?

A compact and bijou studio flat can be yours in Portland House on the Kingsway for £69,950 or if you prefer Castle Street a slightly bigger flat for £75,995? No? Okay what about a three bed end of terrace in Spring Terrace Sandfields for £139,000 or final offer a swanky 2-bedroom apartment in the Excelsior building, Princess Way for £149,950 Curtesy of rightmove

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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.

This month, he takes in the views on a short city walk.

Start/Finish location .............. 360 Café (on Promenade) Distance ...................................... 3 miles (2 hours) Level .............................................Easy Parking ......................................... AT 360 (Pay & Display)

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Upcoming walks

A Short City Walk...

Yes! It’s that time again to make your New Year’s resolution. By February many of us may have forgotten what we promised ourselves.

But if it’s to do something that you can enjoy every week, then maybe, just maybe, we can hold our resolve! Enjoyable walking and socialising is something we can do all year around, even during the cold of winter.

It’s great to see just how many agree with me and do come walking in all seasons. You can see the evidence of that from the photos on our website and the videos I’ve uploaded to YouTube. Today I’m going to write about a short city walk but check our website for all the great walks we’ll be doing in the Winter countryside.

We’ll have a longer walk through the some of our Swansea parks on Saturday January 14 so try out today’s walk yourself or come along and see how much better it is with a group of sociable walkers. Starting at 360 café on the seafront, walk onto the beach (you can stay on the prom if you like) and walk towards Mumbles. After a short distance, rejoin the prom and cross at the Brynmill Lane lights to enter Singleton Park. The stark, leafless trees provide a winter backdrop to the walk as we ascend the main path to the summit. Continue along the main path to take a second right between hedges on a tarmacadam path that eventually leads to the Swiss Chalet. If it’s cold enough, there may be some ice on the pond. After the chalet, bear left on the main path and visit first the Gorsedd circle then continue left to the gate into the walled garden. After warming up a bit in the greenhouses, it is time again to brave the cold and wander through the gardens to the lower entrance.

Descend the path to a junction and turn right along the path you came up. Once you are between the hedges, look for the gate straight ahead into the gardens. Passing into these rhododendron gardens, turn left to explore this peaceful area before leaving by the east gate. Go straight across the main path you originally ascended to follow a path across the grass towards Brynmill. Here you can turn right to pick up the path alongside the stream that returns you to Oystermouth Road. Cross to the promenade and follow this back towards the city centre and 360.

Andrew Morgan

JANUARY...

SAT 03 Melincourt (6 miles) • Moderate, meet 10.15am, Francis St. WED 07 Old Swansea (8 miles) • Moderate meet 10.00am Swansea: Maritime Quarter: Aurora Point SAT 10 Gower AONB (11 miles) • Moderate meet 9.30am Scurlage: Doctors’ Surgery SUN 01 Llangyfelach (8 miles) • Moderate meet 9.30am Penllergaer Forestry Car Park TUE 03 Park Wood to Pwlldu Bay (9 miles) •Moderate, meet 10.00am Parkmill: Green Cwm/Park Wood car park SAT 07 Gowerton (5 miles) • Easy/Moderate, meet 11.00am Gowerton car park off B4295 SUN 08 Lower Neath Valley (11 miles) • Moderate meet 9.30am Neath: Cadoxton: Opposite Halfords MON 09 Penclawdd of Yesteryear(4 miles) • Easy meet 10.00am Penclawdd: Sea front car park WED 11Promenade 1(7 miles) • Easy, meet 10.00am Swansea: Blackpill: Mumbai Restaurant SAT 14 Swansea Beach and Parks (4 miles) • Easy meet 11.00am, Francis St. WED 18 Llys Cwm (6 miles) • Moderate, meet 10.15am, Go Outdoors CP SAT 21 Gowerton to Penclawdd (6 miles) • Easy meet 11.00am Gowerton car park off B4295 SUN 22 Margam (10 miles) • Moderate, meet 9.00am, Francis St. WED 25 Promenade 2 (8 miles) • Moderate, meet 10.00am Swansea: Blackpill: Mumbai Restaurant

Transport: Traveline: www.traveline-cymru.info 0871 200 22 33 or BayTrans: www.baytrans.org.uk/

SAT 28 Slade and Oxwich Point (5 miles) • Moderate meet 11.00am Oxwich: Beach car park

Visit our website: www.swansearamblers.org.uk

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OUT & ABOUT

M Y

S W A N S E A KEVI N

THO MAS

Tell us about you…

I oversee the running of the business which includes both our retail shops and our workshop in Crynant. We also sell online and supply about 130 shops throughout the UK with our Welsh slate products, handmade soap and candles so whether I’m mucking in at the workshop cutting slate and pouring candles, in the office designing new product ranges, or at the stores behind the counter, there’s literally always something for me to do!

Where do you call home?

I’m from Glynneath and apart from my seven years time spent in the Royal Engineers, I have lived there all of my life. It’s a close-knit community where everyone knows everyone else. The stereotypical Welsh village, really!

Tell us about your shops...

Having started the retail side of our business in Neath Indoor Market, we opened our first permanent store in 2013 on Angel Street, Neath. Alongside our own handcrafted products, we stock a number of Welsh-made gifts and homeware including Welsh blankets, Welsh-language tinware, beauty products and food and drink. Our second store opened in April 2016 in Swansea city centre.

Why Swansea?

In early 2016, we decided to open a “pop-up-shop” in the Swansea Quadrant and completely by chance, I came across

say that we only stock Welsh-made items and we believe our customers appreciate it when they come to see what’s on offer.

There’s a wealth of quality items being produced in Wales, yet so often we end up buying imported goods. We want to do our bit to turn things around!

Kevin Thomas is a director at Handmade in Wales Home and giftware company Valley Mill which has branches in Swansea and Neath and supplies scores of craft stores across the UK from its workshops in Crynant

an empty property in Union Street. It almost seemed like fate! It was a natural progression to open a store in Swansea, so after some enquiries and a lot of hard work during the shop-fit, we moved in.

The feedback from Swansea shoppers has been overwhelming. Lots of people have asked if we’re part of a national chain which of course we’re not! We just really wanted to create a store that was a little bit different from the norm. We’re proud to

Aside from your own shop, which Swansea shop is your favourite and why?

I like to pop to Derricks Music when I get the chance; it’s a legendary store in the city and whether you’re looking for something specific or you’re just there for a browse, you’ll always find yourself getting lost amongst the records!

And your favourite Swansea café?

I’d have to say Brewstone in Uplands. I’ve been there a couple of times now and just love the décor. The first time I visited, it was absolutely pouring down and it offered a really homely warmth. We ended up staying a good while, enjoying coffees and a hearty breakfast. When we finally left, the sun was shining and our bellies were full. Perfect!

Which is your favourite restaurant?

If it’s a special occasion, I like to visit the Grape and Olive. On a summer evening, you literally can’t beat that view! When I’m in the mood for a more lively evening, I tend to go to Las Iguanas. We’ve actually booked to have a meal there to kick-start this year’s company Christmas party! After a busy twelve months, we’re all really

Brewstone in Uplands

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Kevin Thomas in his shop Valley Mill

looking forward to it.

On a (rare) day off, how would you spend it in Swansea?

Whenever we see even a glint of sun in Glynneath you can be pretty sure of a nice day in Swansea, so I would generally take my boy for a day out down to Mumbles then finish off at Swansea Marina. There’s nothing better than a walk around along the water or a trip to the beach followed by a bite to eat at The Swigg. In the run up to Christmas, we will definitely be wrapping up and visiting Winter Wonderland.

If a friend of yours wanted to spend a weekend in Swansea, what would you tell them to include in their itinerary?

It would definitely depend on the weather!

Luckily, rain or shine, there would be something to keep them occupied! In fair weather they could visit Swansea’s independent quarter to check out the shops and the indoor market before a trip to the beach or walk around the marina. If the weather was bad, I’d tell them to visit the Waterfront Museum and if they were feeling energetic, maybe a dip in the pool at LC2!

What would you do as Mayor of Swansea for the day?

I would make it my business to visit the independent stores in the city and on the outskirts. There’s no doubt about it, being an independent trader is tough - but I believe that each of us is playing a very important role in encouraging people into the City Centre. A little bit of recognition and

acknowledgement goes a long way, so I’d definitely want to meet the people behind the shop-fronts and let them know I had their best interests at heart.

If you could buy any building in Swansea, which would it be and why?

If money were no object, I’d buy the Palace Theatre in High Street. There aren’t many historical buildings in Swansea and I think it’s such a shame to see this one in such a state of disrepair. The theatre opened in 1888 and it its glory days, it hosted the likes of Charlie Chaplain, Lillie Langtry and Laurel and Hardy.

Sir Anthony Hopkins is said to have made his professional debut there! I’m a bit of a film enthusiast and it would be fantastic to sympathetically restore it - a grand Victorian theatre, a place to showcase arts, plays and films.

How would you like Swansea to look in 10 years’ time?

I want it to be able to compete with Cardiff.

The University has just overtaken Cardiff to become the best-ranked in Wales. It would be fantastic if in the next 10 years, we saw Swansea as a city improve too. Geographically, it’s in a fabulous location – a stone’s throw away from some of the best beaches in the UK. With the right investment and guidance, there’s no reason why it can’t become the go-to tourist destination in Wales. The work being done to the high street leading up to the train station is a very good start and I for one am really looking forward to seeing how that looks in the next couple of years. *Charlotte Rogers

The Grape and Olive

The stunning views from The Grape & Olive

Las Iguanas

The sail bridge

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15/12/2016 10:51

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Motoring

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12/16/2016 1:07:48 PM

MOTORING

First drive:

BMW 5 Series

The new BMW 5 Series has a lot of expectation riding on it. The outgoing car was immensely popular, so has the new one done enough to eclipse this? DARREN CASSEY finds out

WHAT’S NEW? According to BMW, the 5 Series is the car most people associate the brand with - more so than even the iconic 3 Series. So when it’s time for a new generation of the car that everyone in the premium executive segment has to beat, it’s a pretty big deal. With this in mind, it’s no surprise to see BMW has overhauled the outgoing car without changing its character much at all. The exterior styling is now more taut and muscular, while the technology on display in the cabin is second to none. The bits you can’t see are totally new, too. The chassis has been renewed and the extensive use of lightweight materials contributes to an overall weight saving of 100kg. The front axle is a new double-wishbone set-up, coupled with a five-link system at the rear that helps give the kind of ride that rivals can only dream of matching.

LOOKS AND IMAGE It’s a case of evolution rather than revolution in the looks department, but the minor changes that have been made turn the old car’s bland styling into something altogether more purposeful.

The narrow headlights combine with more pronounced creases along the car’s profile to give a muscular appearance. Inside, the interior is more functional than luxurious, but there’s no denying the quality. The new touchscreen protrudes tablet-like from the dashboard and helps to declutter the centre console by moving more functions into its maze of menus.

Few cars ride quite as sumptuously as this 5 Series.

But most impressive of all is the fact this doesn’t translate to the kind of wallowy cornering ability

more commonly seen in fishing boats in a rough sea. The large leather chairs - a pricey optional extra - are instantly comfortable, and with a wide range of movement from them and the steering wheel, finding a driving position is easy. It all means that even after a four-hour stint behind the wheel, we arrived at our destination feeling fresh.

BEHIND THE WHEEL For such a big car, the BMW 5 Series doesn’t half handle well, and that’s all down to improvements in the chassis. The car’s 100kg lighter than before thanks to the extensive use of lightweight materials, while a new double-wishbone front axle has been tuned to find the balance between driving dynamics and comfort - we reckon the engineers have nailed it.

The 5 Series’ bread and butter is devouring motorway miles, and here it excels. The ride quality is unparalleled and means that however many hours a driver has to stare out the windscreen, they’ll feel relaxed at their destination.

FACTS AT A GLANCE Model: BMW 5 Series Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel Transmission: Eight-speed automatic Performance: 0-60mph: 5.2s, top speed: 155mph Power: 258bhp, 620Nm Economy: 56.6mpg Emissions: 132g/km optional extras including automatic, four-zone air conditioning (£695), a brilliant head-up display (£995) and ‘comfort seats’ (£1,705). The base 5 Series is hardly spartan, but buyers will have to tick a lot of boxes for the full experience of technology and comfort.

Parking is made easy thanks to a suite of driver assists that use the central touchscreen to give both a bird’s-eye view of the car’s surroundings and a nifty rear-view camera.

The new infotainment system is one of the best on the market. The touchscreen is as responsive and easy to use as any dedicated tablet, while the widescreen display means a lot of information can be displayed without it getting too cluttered.

VALUE FOR MONEY

WHO WOULD BUY ONE?

The best goodies in the 5 Series are optional extras. It packs better standard kit than before, including a fully digital instrument display, LED headlights and widescreen navigation, which makes it competitive with rivals in this segment.

With the new 5 Series, BMW is targeting businessmen and women who spend much of their lives on the road. It can appeal to those who simply want safety, security and a relaxing drive, as well as those who want a little more dynamic capability from time to time.

However, our car came with a long list of

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       

               

• Part exchange welcome • Over 50 years experience • Tailored deals to suit your needs • Finance • Low deposit • Large selection of pre-owned caravans • Up to 10 years to pay • Undercover awning gallery • Accessory supermarket

           

 

         

 

 BLANK SINGLEJames.indd 1

©LW

10/20/2016 4:34:08 PM

what’s on

CALENDAR OF EVENTS (page 194) WHAT’S COMING UP (page 196) BIG INTERVIEW (page 198)

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Got something to tell us about, for inclusion in the What’s On section?

Please contact Mark Rees...

THIS JANUARY...

01792 545529 @reviewwales

SUNDAY

MONDAY

SLEEPING BEAUTY

WATERFRONT WINTERLAND

50 WONDERS OF NATURE IN WELSH MUSEUMS

MARY POPPINS

CHEEKY MONKEY PLAY CLUB

SWANSEA GRAND THEATRE, UNTIL JANUARY 8

MUSEUM PARK, UNTIL JANUARY 8

SWANSEA MUSEUM, UNTIL JANUARY 12

WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE, CARDIFF, 7.30PM

ST NICHOLAS CHURCH, POWYS AVENUE, TOWNHILL,3.30PM

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

FINAL DAY! LEONARDO DA VINCI

JACK WHITEHALL

50 WONDERS OF NATURE

TEN DRAWINGS AT THE GLYNN VIVIAN

ST DAVID’S HALL, CARDIFF, 8PM

SWANSEA MUSEUM, UNTIL JANUARY 12

1 6

COMEDY CLUB

2

7

BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR

FFWRNES, LLANELLI, 8PM

SWANSEA GRAND THEATRE, 10AM

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

TUESDAY

mark.rees@swwmedia.co.uk

3 8

WEDNESDAY

4

THURSDAY

5

9 10 FRIDAY

11 12

DICK WHITTINGTON

13

PONTARDAWE ARTS CENTRE, 2PM

THE PRINCESS ROYAL THEATRE, PORT TALBOT, UNTIL JANUARY 22

PONTARDAWE ARTS CENTRE, 7.30PM

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

THE SPOKEN WORD

PUSS IN BOOTS

WHEN DAI BECAME TOMMY

FFWRNES, LLANELLI, 3PM

GWYN HALL, FINAL DAY

NATIONAL WATERFRONT MUSEUM, UNTIL JANUARY 29

MISCASTING

FILM CLUB: I, DANIEL BLAKE

TUESDAY

14 15 16 17 MILES JUPP

SWANSEA GRAND THEATRE, 8PM

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WHAT’S ON

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

18 19 ROBINSON CRUSOE AND THE CARIBBEAN PIRATES

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

THE ROY ORBISON STORY

FFWRNES, LLANELLI, 7PM

SWANSEA GRAND THEATRE, 7.30PM

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

SCRIPT SLAM HEATS

THE COLOUR OF SAYING - GLENYS COUR

SUNDAY

20 21 22

RUMOURS OF FLEETWOOD MAC SWANSEA GRAND THEATRE, 8PM

A TALK ON NELSON: HIS LIFE AND LEGACY

LOVE MUSIC WITH BRONWEN LEWIS

NATIONAL WATERFRONT MUSEUM, 11AM

NATIONAL WATERFRONT MUSEUM, 2PM, FREE ENTRY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

24 25 26

23 SISTER ACT

OXFORD MODEL CARD

SWANSEA GRAND THEATRE, UNTIL JANUARY 28

FRIDAY

NATIONAL WATERFRONT MUSEUM, UNTIL JANUARY 29

SATURDAY

27 28 THE KARROTS

THE PRINCESS ROYAL THEATRE, PORT TALBOT, 7.30PM

MONDAY

30

WNO: LA BOHEME

WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE, CARDIFF, 7.15PM

PONTARDAWE ARTS CENTRE, 7.30PM

GLYNN VIVIAN ART GALLERY, UNTILFEBRUARY 5

SUNDAY

29

JANUARY WEEKEND FUN

WWT LLANELLI WETLANDS CENTRE, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY

TUESDAY

31

THE ROD STEWART STORY

ROH LIVE - IL TROVATORE

ST DAVID’S HALL, CARDIFF, 7.30PM

TALIESIN ARTS CENTRE, 7.15PM

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WHAT’S ON

1

SISTER ACT

Where: Swansea Grand Theatre When: Monday, January 23 – Saturday, January 28, 7.30pm with 2.30pm

matinees on Wednesday and Saturday. Please note: Alexandra Burke will not be performing at the matinee performances.

An all-new production of the Broadway and West End smash hit musical comedy heads to Swansea this January. Starring Alexandra Burke of The X Factor fame and directed and choreographed by Strictly’s Craig Revel Horwood, Sister Act is ased on the movie starring Whoopi Goldberg and Maggie Smith and features original music by eight-time Oscar winner Alan Menken.

2

WELSH NATIONAL OPERA’S LOVE’S POISONED CHALICE

Where: Wales Millennium Centre When: Starts Saturday, January 28 with La bohème

Two classic Puccini operas and a hidden opera gem make up WNO’s spring season, which promises to take audiences on a journey of love, passion, heartbreak and tragedy through some of opera’s greatest tear jerking music. Opening the season will be the much-loved La bohème in a production which WNO first staged in 2012 to high praise from both critics and audiences. Telling the tragic love story of Mimi and Rodolfo, this production transports audiences to the streets of bohemian Paris.

Other operas in the season will be the equally iconic Madame Butterfly, and a new production of Swiss composer Frank Martin’s Le Vin herbé.

3

PUSS IN BOOTS

Where: Gwyn Hall, Neath When: Friday, January 6 - Sunday, January 15

Christmas might be over…but that’s no reason to stop the panto fun!

Join Puss and his owner who are off to London (via Neath’s Gwyn Hall) to make their fortune. But out to thwart then is the evil Queen Rat – will she spoil their plans? This year’s offering promises to bring us a “spectacular underwater scene, along with modern pop tunes and colourful costumes”.

Sounds like the perfect panto!

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THIS JANUARY, WHY NOT...

MARK REES rounds up a selection of this month’s best new book reviews.

Rasmus: A Television Tale by PJ Vanston is

available now in paperback from Matador priced £8.99 Swansea’s PJ Vanston is the author of several books, including A Cat Called Dog, and as a songwriter, he was responsible for writing the charity song Come on Wales for the European Football Championships 2016. His latest novel, Rasmus: A Television Tale, is described as a “pitch-dark satire and a gloriously cynical swipe at a television industry that perhaps well deserves it”. In this dark tale of wrecked morality, a visionary reality TV producer leads the public and his own competition to a point of corruption they never dreamed possible. Along the way, pets stampede, celebrities are eaten, and the world erupts in violence.

London Calling by Helen Carey is available

now in paperback from Headline priced £6.99.

...win tickets to meet Joanna Trollope?

WHAT: Joanna Trollope WHERE: Langland Bay Golf Club WHEN: Tuesday, February 28, 12-12.30pm Joanna Trollope, the author of nineteen bestselling novels including The Rector’s Wife, Marrying the Mistress and Daughters in Law, is coming to Swansea- and we’ve got a pair of tickets to give away for the event.

The novelist, who was appointed an OBE in 1996, will be talking about her new book City of Friends at a literary lunch hosted by Cover to Cover Bookshop, Mumbles, on Tuesday, February 28, at Langland Bay Golf Club.

The get-together will include a glass of bubbly on arrival, a two-course buffet lunch, tea/coffee, plus a signed copy of Joanna Trollope’s latest book.

Tickets cost £28, but for your chance to win a pair, answer the question below and email your answer to: mark.rees@swwmedia.co.uk

Written by Pembrokeshire’s Helen Carey , London Calling is an irresistible, romantic and nostalgic novel about a resilient community of friends and neighbours in Clapham, south London, during the Second World War, where It will take more than Hitler’s Luftwaffe to break the spirit of the residents of Lavender Road. If courage and resilience could win wars, the conflict would already be over. It’s not all harmony, though.

Nurse Molly Coogan and would-be actress Jen Carter certainly don’t see eye to eye. Molly, despite hating the discipline of wartime hospital life, is unimpressed by Jen’s prima donna ways.

Jen, unaware of Molly’s secret heartache, can’t resist taking her own frustrations out on Molly.

Tywydd Mawr - Extreme Weather in Wales by Iestyn Hughes is available now in

hardcover from Y Lolfa priced £14.99

Through photography, author Iestyn Hughes explores the effects of rain, wind, and snow in Wales over the years. “I was motivated to compile this book following the terrific storms of 2013/2014 which thrust Aberystwyth into the media spotlight,” he says the author.

“Having always been someone who took a peculiar delight in storm watching, I hung around and documented much of this exceptional period with my camera, and having placed some photographs on the web, I was inundated with requests for images.”

Q: Which of Jane Austen’s novels did Joanna Trollope rewrite as part of The Austen Project in 2013?

Standard SWWMedia terms and conditions apply.

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WHAT’S ON

THE BIG interview

“It’s not magic – it’s psychic” Diane Lazarus is on her way to Llanelli for a relaxed evening of ‘psychic consultation’ with her fans.

She talks to MARK REES mark.rees@swwmedia.co.uk

WHEN it comes to communicating with those who have passed over from this life and onto the next, Diane Lazarus is probably Swansea’s most famous practitioner.

But don’t call her a medium. And she doesn’t really like to use the word ghost, either.

“Other psychics, those who have done TV, call themselves mediums,” she tells when we meet up, noting that she prefers to be called a psychic consultant and clairvoyant.

“I don’t like the word ghosts, either – I like to use the word energy.”

Diane will be visiting Llanelli’s Parc y Scarlets on January 28, and there’ll be a chance for her fans to pop along for a relaxed evening with the winner of Channel 5’s Britain’s Psychic Challenge.

“It will be a great, intimate show,” says Diane, who points out that the set-up of the event will allow her to speak to more people individually than her other shows.

“I couldn’t do anything like it at, say, my shows at Swansea Grand Theatre, where there are a thousand people watching.

“With this kind of show, I make the effort to go to every single table, because some people might have a burning question that they want to ask, like ‘Am I going to have a baby?

Will I get that job?’

“Some people bring objects along, like false teeth, to do a reading with. I’ll try anything, but people who bring along jewellery should bear in mind that it might have been worn by the daughter, or the granddaughter, since.”

And just how difficult is it trying to fit so many readings into a single evening?

“It is a challenge, because you never know what to expect,” she admits.

“I might go to a table to speak to one person, and that can lead to two, and two can lead to three.

“I’ll have a big screen there, so everybody will be able to see what is happening at each table, and the person I go to will be speaking on the microphone.

“So if you’re a bit shy, it’s best not to attend!” she says with a chuckle.

But it while it might not be great for shy people, she does encourage anyone who might be a little bit sceptical about the whole thing to come along – so she can win them over.

“Do I get sceptics watching? Absolutely!” she laughs.

“There’s usually a wife who has dragged their husband along, and they usually end up being the person that I pick on.

“I was in the West Midlands recently, and I said to one man, ‘I’ve got to talk to you. There’s a guy next to you right now who worked on scaffolding with you’.

“He didn’t believe me and had no idea what I was talking about. But in the interval, he phoned his mother, and she reminded him of his mate who did used to work with him, who had died 25 years ago. When he came back, he admitted

that he knew who it was.

“I know they think, ‘How did she get that information?’ But it’s not magic, it’s psychic.”

Diane explains that the information she gets doesn’t only come in the form of voices – she can also see and even smell the energy.

“They don’t just come along and say ‘Hi, my name is Martha, and this is how I passed over’,” she says.

“I described it like Catchphrase. Sometime it might be the smell of perfume, and I can be quite specific with what I get. Everyone is different, everyone is an individual, and they can be quite shy.

“If somebody committed suicide, or died traumatically, they might take time to communicate. And I still get shocked with some of it, even after 30 years.”

Away from the stage, Diane says that her skills have allowed her to help families with illnesses, and gives an example where she provided support to friend before the doctors had found the reason.

“If somebody’s relation is in a coma, they’ll ask me, ‘are they going to pull through?’” she says.

“The surgeons might say ‘This person is never going to walk again’, and I tell them yes they will – but they have to wait six to nine months to find out.”

Diane has also been showcasing herself on TV recently.

“I’ve just been on Tokyo TV with Sally Morgan,” she says of her newfound love of appearing on the box.

“I’d been offered loads of TV in the past, but that was when my son was young. I didn’t want to live out of a suitcase then, but now that he’s grown up and gone to university, I’m doing a series for American TV. It will be going out all around the world, and I’ve signed an exclusive contract for two years. We’re in the process of making it, and they tell me it should be on TV early 2017.”

And it is these kinds of psychic challenges that she believes allows her to prove any doubters wrong.

“I won the UK Psychic Challenge, and I went up against the winner of the US Psychic Challenge.”

“When I did the psychic challenges there were psychologists there, and I said at the beginning, if I can prove that there is psychic ability, that I can do something with the other side of my brain, will you believe it?”

And that’s exactly what she set out to do.

“I found a body in a forest before the sniffer dog could. So they said, ‘If she does it again I’ll believe’. And I did – I found a boy on the beach. Afterwards they said, ‘There’s something in this’.

“That’s what I love, a new challenge, and everyone has to love their job.

“The show has a big heart and people love it so they return.”

Diane Lazarus will be at Llanelli’s Parc y Scarlets on Saturday, January 28, 7.45pm until 10.30pm. Tickets cost £15, phone 0871 871 8088 to book.

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“

“

IT’S A CHALLENGE

BECAUSE YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT TO

EXPECT

Mamm Mia! will be at Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff, from October 11 to November 13.

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Social diary

WEDDED BLISS (page 202) LADIES WHO LUNCH (page 204) DIAMOND BRIGHT (from page 214)

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SOCIAL DIARY • WEDDING

WEDDING WHAT The marriage of Kelly and Chris Jones WHERE? at Murton Methodist Church followed by a reception at the Oxwich Bay Hotel in Gower Photography ©Purecreations Photography

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SOCIAL DIARY • LADIES’ LUNCH WHAT: A Ladies’ lunch WHERE: Morgans Hotel, Swansea TELL ME MORE: The event was held to raise money for Swansea’s Maggie’s Cancer Care Charity

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SOCIAL DIARY • CELEBRATORY BALL

CELEBRATORY BALL WHAT? Cruise Nation hosted a glitzy black-tie ‘History in the Making’ event to celebrate a number of exciting new partnerships and developments as a result of the company’s rapid expansion. WHERE? Margam Orangery TELL ME MORE? The event was attended by 160 guests including the Cruise Nation team, business partners, regional and national press and Cruise Nation customers. The event saw the announcement of additional plans for 2017 including a walk-in interactive cruise store which will be based at Cruise Nation’s new office location in Swansea, in-resort representatives for excursions and transfers, the development of a dedicated online TV channel and a global expansion programme which will see online booking become available throughout Europe and the rest of the world.

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SOCIAL DIARY • WEDDING

WEDDING WHAT The wedding of Ameera-Michelle and Bradley Elliott WHERE? Swansea’s Norton House Hotel Photography ©Purecreations Photography

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SOCIAL DIARY • CHRISTMAS PARTY WHAT? A celebration for ABMU’s vital army of volunteers to thank them for their efforts throughout the year. WHERE? Aberavon Beach Hotel TELL ME MORE... : Around 160 of the health trust’s 420 volunteers aged from 17 to 93 joined in the event organised by volunteer co-ordinators Julia Griffiths and Glenda Phillips and administrative assistant Josephine Jones.

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SOCIAL DIARY • CROESO LOUNGE

WHAT? VIP launch party for the opening of the new Croeso Lounge WHERE? Mumbles TELL ME MORE... Loungers has spent £610,000 transforming the site which forms part of the multi-million pound Oyster Wharf seafront development

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SOCIAL DIARY • FESTIVE LUNCH

A FESTIVE LUNCH WITH CHRIS COLEMAN WHERE? Marriott Hotel, Swansea TELL ME MORE... The event, compered by Kevin Johns, saw the Wales football manager relive Wales’ historic 2016 Euro campaign

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SOCIAL DIARY â&#x20AC;¢ WINTER BALL

WHAT? Paul Ridd Foundation 2016 Winter Ball. WHERE? Aberavon Beach Hotel, Port Talbot TELL ME MORE... The Foundation was created to support adults with a learning disability and their families and carers when needing secondary care.

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SOCIAL DIARY â&#x20AC;¢ NEW STORE OPENING

WHAT? The launch of the new Stephen Hughes Diamond Centre store. WHERE? The Quadrant Shopping Centre, Swansea TELL ME MORE... Cerys Matthews was among the guests at the VIP opening

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SOCIAL DIARY â&#x20AC;˘ BUSINESS LUNCH

WHAT? A dinner dance organized by Swansea-based architectural aluminium manufacturing and installation company AB Glass WHERE? Liberty Stadium TELL ME MORE... The company celebrated 25 years in business, marking the occasion with an event for its staff and supply chain partners.

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SOCIAL DIARY â&#x20AC;˘ BUSINESS LUNCH

WHAT? A dinner dance organized by Swansea-based architectural aluminium manufacturing and installation company AB Glass WHERE? Liberty Stadium TELL ME MORE... The company celebrated 25 years in business, marking the occasion with an event for its staff and supply chain partners.

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SOCIAL DIARY • WEDDING

WEDDING OF HANNAH AND MARK BROOKS WHERE? St. Samlet’s Church TELL ME MORE... The wedding of Hannah and Mark Brooks at St. Samlet’s Church, Llansamlet followed by a reception at Manor Park in Clydach PHOTOGRAPHY... willmasonjonesphotography.com

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SOCIAL DIARY â&#x20AC;¢ FUND RAISING LUNCH

MACMILLAN FUND RAISING LUNCH WHAT: MacMillan Fund Raising Lunch & Fashion Show. WHERE: Marriot Hotel, Swansea

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SOCIAL DIARY • CHARITY EVENING

CHARITY EVENING WHERE? Café TwoCann, SA1 TELL ME MORE... The event was staged to help raise funds for the Multiple Sclerosis Society

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SOCIAL DIARY â&#x20AC;˘ VIP launch party

WHAT? VIP launch party WHERE? Fairyhill, , Reynoldston TELL ME MORE... New owners, Oldwalls, have transformed the downstairs areas of the Grade 2 listed iconic property placing Fairyhill on the map as one of the most luxurious country house hotels in Wales. The event attracted a string of famous faces including composer Sir Karl Jenkins and Swanseaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Alan Curtis and Leon Britton

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SOCIAL DIARY • EXHIBITION OPENING

OPENING OF GLENYS COUR’S EXHIBITION “THE COLOUR OF SAYING” WHERE? Glyn Vivian Art Gallery TELL ME MORE... A major exhibition which celebrates the life and work of much loved Swansea artist, designer, teacher and mentor, Glenys Cour

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SOCIAL DIARY â&#x20AC;¢ CHRISTMAS PARTIES. 2016

CHRISTMAS PARTIES 2016 WHERE? Wind Street TELL ME MORE... Thousands get together to celebrate Christmas in style

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

                             

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Tforme you

REAL LIFE WEDDING (page 230) EDDIE’S DIARY (page 228) YOUR BABY PICS! (page 234) OUR FAVOURITE THINGS (page 240)

Stradey Park Hotel, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, SA15 4HA (01554) 758171 • myddfaispa@stradeyparkhotel.com

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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...

N

OW the New Year is upon us, it’s natural to reflect on the last year and consider what has been changed or achieved.

Throughout this year, some of Swansea’s finest people have been fundraising for Mellon Educate and their Building Blitz project in Cape Town, South Africa.

Year on year, the numbers of people from Swansea have been increasing to volunteer on the week of a lifetime, to build a school in some of South Africa’s poorest and most dangerous townships. Thanks to Making Swansea Proud, set up by my good friends Andrew Thomas and Brad Wood, people from all over Swansea have been given the opportunity to join the forces and support Mellon Educate in their 10 year mission to educate 100,000 children from some of the most deprived neighbourhoods in the world.

As a charity, Mellon Educate has achieved an enormous amount to date – with the thanks of 25,000 volunteers from across Ireland, England and Wales. Since 2002, the Niall Mellon Township Trust and Mellon Educate charity has built over 25,000 homes for 125,000 of South Africa’s poorest families and has currently built 10 schools for 12,700 children.

The involvement of my friend Andrew Thomas has been instrumental, in both the charity over the last 10 years and connecting the people of Swansea to the charity’s cause. Several of Swansea’s bravest have been for 8, 9 or 10 Building Blitz’s,

Volunteer Amber Davies & Niall Melon

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“

“

TIME FOR YOU

WHEN WE GIVE, WE CAN GIVE GREATLY

AND WHAT CAN BE

ACHIEVED CAN CHANGE LIVES AND COMMUNITIES

with individuals from local businesses and the University of Wales all joining the army of Welsh representatives, to lay the foundations of an exciting future for learners!

This year’s Blitz was hugely successful, with 270 volunteers across the three countries, building 11 classrooms, two playgrounds and two libraries in just seven days! As part of this team, 10 people from Swansea were able to attend due to a hugely successful fundraising event held at Morgan’s Hotel. Martin Morgan, a previous Building Blitz volunteer, kindly allowed Making Swansea Proud to have the hotel as a venue and provided a beautiful three-course meal.

(Thanks Martin!) The evening was filled with live music from Rosalie Deighton, a luxury auction, Raffle and some excellent music and comedy, all compared by my mate Kev Johns. The total raised for the evening was over £30,000, which helped a large number of Swansea locals attend the trip and will support future volunteers wishing to join Mellon Educate in their quest to provide a quality education for children who need our help.

The power of the collective is never a surprise. When we give, we can give greatly and what can be achieved can change lives and communities. What is impressive, is how year on year, people from Swansea step out of their own lives and communities to see those who are living in life threatening conditions, through no choice of their own.

Where we are born and the communities we are part of is largely, luck. In Wales, we know what community means and how it can maintain a sense of togetherness support and aspiration. In Swansea, we are seeing some of the greatest changes of our time, with investment and opportunities growing year on year. Perhaps this is why we are so keen to share the world of opportunity and be a part

of a global community, which our children ad their children can all share freely, openly and positively.

At the end of a very strange 2016, and as we head into 2017, whatever your perceptive of recent times and decisions, one thing is certain and that is when we want to speak up or make a heard choice, we do.

As part of Making Swansea Proud, hopefully, some great decision making will mean that children, not unlike our own, receive not simply a gift next Christmas, but the knowledge that someone is coming and hope and joy is alive and well.

Happy New Year

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REAL LIFE WEDDING Keri-Anne Jenkins and Adam Jenkins Keri-Anne Jenkins, 37, a civil servant, and Adam Jenkins, 34, working in Steel Industry, are from Neath and tied the knot on The Yacht London. Swansea Life’s JESS HAMMETT speaks with the bride…

How did the proposal happen?

We were on a weekend break in London, and I thought that we were meeting Adam’s friend for a coffee. We were waiting for him to arrive, and then a duo started setting up to play. Adam said he had seen them before and they were good, so we stopped to listen. They started playing songs I liked, and I didn’t realise that we were being filmed secretly. Towards the end of one song, Adam said he would buy a CD. He picked it up and handed it to me, and on the front there was a picture of myself and Adam on holiday in Iceland. I realised, looked up, and the two singers turned around with ‘Marry Me?’ written on their t-shirts. Adam had planned it all through a company called The Proposers. I was really surprised! I didn’t expect anything, especially as we were just going to London. He had kept it all secret!

Did you have an engagement photo shoot?

Our photographer met us at our wedding venue about six months before we got married, and we had an engagement shoot in

London. We didn’t want to have a lot of posed photographs on the day, so we thought that this was a perfect idea. We had photographs by all the landmarks: Big Ben, the Underground, a red bus, and a phone box. I had arranged for half a dozen heart shaped balloons to be delivered to the hotel, and Adam had to carry them around London! Everyone was looking at us, it was really fun!

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

We got married on The Yacht London, which is on Victoria Embankment on The Thames. With the proposal in London we thought we would have a unique wedding there. We found the wedding venue online, and when we went to look at it and met with the event manager, we loved it. We booked straight away, and didn’t really look anywhere else.

How would you describe your wedding theme?

We chose a theme of ‘travel’ as we love travelling. Adam chose London Paddington

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for the proposal for this reason. We bought different decorations all related to travel. Our cake was a world map. A spin was put on the guestbook, and we asked our guests to help us plan our next adventure. We had a bucket and asked guests to write their messages and put them in miniature bottles, to make a bucket list. We also had suitcases and globes decorating the room. The table plan was a world map, and each was a city that we had visited together. The top table was the London table.

Tell us about your wedding dress…

I went to Allison Jayne Bridal for a browse, and I wasn’t expecting to buy anything. My mother and I had been to the National Wedding Show in Birmingham, and I realised that I didn’t have a clue about what I wanted! When I walked into Allison Jayne, I saw a dress on the mannequin and I thought that it looked stunning. I knew it was the one straight away!

Tell us about your beauty prep on the day – did you have a hairdresser or makeup

artist?

I had booked my hairdresser for our engagement shoot in London, and when I met her I decided that I wanted her to do my hair for the big day! I did my own makeup.

bridal suite! But we did have a pre-wedding function in the Hotel we stayed in. A lot of the guests didn’t know each other, so it was a great opportunity for them to meet everyone before the big day.

Did you have bridesmaids?

I had three flower girls, and my sister as a bridesmaid.

Did you have a honeymoon?

We went to Venice for a week to relax! We hadn’t been there before, and we thought it would be romantic. It was amazing. We went on a gondola, had some lovely Italian food, and visited some islands. We had a lovely apartment overlooking one of the canals.

Were you nervous on the day?

Because so much organising went into the day, I felt fine! We got married at 12pm, and we were up very early. Everything was very relaxed and we were able to enjoy it.

What was your favourite moment of the day?

Definitely getting everyone together. It was nice to get family and friends in one place, especially those who came from abroad. It was also great seeing all the plans come to life.

Did you stay together the night before?

No, we stayed in different rooms, I had the

In hindsight is there anything you would have done differently? Any advice for brides to be?

I wouldn’t do anything different! It was exactly what we wanted. My advice would be that if you’re planning a wedding, write plenty of lists to make sure you cover everything. If you can’t do it all, bring in a wedding planner. Also try to get advice off other brides and grooms. • Check out Adam Jenkins’ proposal video on line at www.swansealife.co.uk www.swansealife.co.uk | 231

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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@swwmedia.co.uk

Name:Sophie; Age: 7; Breed: Pug; Likes: Walkies and cuddles; Dislikes: Hates being brushed!

Owners: Adey family; From: Skewen

Name: Blue; Age: 7; Breed: Chinchilla ; Likes: Chin scratches and fluffy dressing gowns. ; Dislikes: His tail being touched and going back in his cage. ; Owner: Nicole Butler; From: Port Talbot

Name: Pebbles; Age: 1 1/2; Breed: French Bulldog Likes: chewing anything and everything she can get hold of; Dislikes: other dogs sneaking up on her Owners: Chantal Barallon From: Swansea

Name: Buddy; Age: 7; Breed: Jack Russell Likes: Walks with his Bampi and treats; Dislikes: The neighbour’s dog; Owner: Lee Le’Avett-Williams From: Swansea

Name: Maisie; Age: 2; Breed: Beagle; Likes: Chewing absolutely anything and having a good cwtch ; Dislikes: When brother Charlie gets the attention ; Owners: The Dyment-Jones family; From: Pontardawe

Name: Charlie; Age: 14 months old; Breed: Chocolate Lab; Likes: Having his belly scratched and eating absolutely anything and everything. Dislikes: Dislikes being told off; Owners: The Dyment-Jones family From: Pontardawe

Name: Woody; Age: 5; Breed: British short-haired Likes: Food and sleep; Dislikes: Other cats Owners: Kate, Marc and Ollie ; From: West Cross

Name: Ralphy; Age: 2 and a half; Breed: German Spitz; Likes: His ball, a blow-dry and cheese; Dislikes: Missing out on anything!; Owner: David and Laura Evans From: West Cross

Name : Yogi; Age: 1; Breed: Eurasier; Likes: Being the boss and stomping in muddy puddles; Dislikes: Hose pipes; Owner: David and Laura Evans; From: West Cross

Bridge Street, Neath,West Glamorgan. SA11 1RP Tel: 01639 641111 • www.zoarsark.co.uk

d opping ma You’ll go h dies goo over the r your fo we’ve got ds n furry frie

es to from hors e ,w hamsters rfect Pur have the Supplies

TAIL WAGGING our offers in re sto Pet Super

Pet Superstore • Horse & Country Centre • Pond & Garden Centre

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CHALLENGE YOURSELF & DO SOMETHING AMAZING IN 2017!

RAISE FUNDS FOR A WORTHY CAUSE & JUMP FOR FREE WITH A CHARITY TANDEM SKYDIVE.

CAMERA OPTIONS AVAILABLE. GIVE A GIFT TO BE REMEMBERED. TANDEM SKYDIVE VOUCHERS VALID FOR A YEAR

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.

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Hello gorgeous!

Name: Oscar George Spooner Born: August 16, 2016 Parents: Kirsty Isaac and Lee Spooner From: Neath

Name: James Wilton, Born: September 23, 2013 Parents: Emily and Steve Wilton From: Newton

Name: Evan Andrew Jones Born: July 25, 2014 Parents: Emma Shaddick and Jonathan Jones From: Neath

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Name: Scarlett Gregg, Born: August 23, 2016 Parents: Carl and Caroline Gregg From: Gorseinon

Name: Amara Faye, Born: December 7, 2014 Mum: Pippa Merrell, From: Swansea

Name: Oliver Legg, Born: March 2015 Parents: Peter Legg and Rebecca Reynolds.

From: Brynhyfryd

Meet Swansea Lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new arrivals and toddlers...

Name: Nevaeh-Rose Godfrey-Collins Born: August 31, 2013, Parents: Chloe Collins and Patrick Godfrey, From: Port Tennant

Name: Joshuah Brian Christopher Howell Born: September 24, 2016, Parents: Dean Howell and Laura Rees , From: Coelbren

Name: Zac Zajac , Born: June 21, 2016 Parents: Kirsty Lewis and Kristian Zajac From: Penlan

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d love to see your new arrivals. Send your pictures along with details to laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk

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s e u l b y b Ba ond and b ey

3

of the best

NIGHTLIGHTS Infantino Light-Up Sail Away Slumber Pal Whale

The first months after a new baby’s arrival can be far from idyllic. LAURA DAVIES looks into the complex emotions new mums may feel laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk

After nine months of expectation, finally having a new bundle of joy is far from plain sailing for many new mums.

Exhausted and not at their best physically, new research shows more than two in three mothers have experienced some form of negative feeling in the first month after the arrival of their new baby.

Nearly half said they felt lonely, while 41 per cent believed they’d lost their identity, and 20 per cent said they felt “abandoned” It’s hardly surprising, says Sarah McMullen, head of knowledge at the NCT parents’ support charity.

“We know isolation is a real problem for many new mums they’ve left work and might not be able to see their friends, and they’re stuck in the house in those early weeks.

“It’s such a huge adjustment going from a vibrant work and/or social life to suddenly being at home on your own and having a new baby to look after.”

BREAST IS BEST? While most women – 80 per cent - want to breastfeed, many struggle for reasons including pain, infection, and perceived poor milk production. McMullen says many women don’t get the support they need for breastfeeding, “so many stop before eight weeks, which is before they want to. That causes a lot of anguish for new mums.”

She says the right support means many women can successfully work through their breastfeeding issues, but often such support isn’t forthcoming.

As a result, they end up feeling awful about the whole thing,” she warns.

@LawsDx

POSTNATAL DEPRESSION

beautifully. It can be a real challenge.”

Around one in 10 women experience mental health problems during pregnancy or after the birth, and more than half of new mums said they weren’t emotionally prepared for the impact of parenthood.

BOUNCING BACK

“Many say they’re worried about their mental health, or they’re feeling isolated, down or anxious,” McMullen says.

She says it’s hard for mums to recognise whether what they’re feeling is a normal part of having a baby, or whether they need to talk to somebody about it.

“One of the messages we really want to get across is that if these feelings start to interfere with daily life, it’s really important that mums talk to somebody - be that a friend or family member, a health visitor or their GP.” She explains that often mums don’t seek the help they need because they’re worried what people might think. “A lot of mums don’t dare admit that they’re struggling. They may feel terrible, but they think they’re uniquely failing as a mum, and they don’t want to be open because they’re worried their baby’s going to be taken away. So they don’t access the help they need until they reach crisis point.”

GROUP THERAPY McMullen advises new mums to go to antenatal groups to meet other mums at the same stage, and talk about the challenges they’re facing.

But she points out that for some, it’s not as easy as it sounds. “For women who are really struggling and may have mental health issues, turning up to some groups can be really daunting - they think all the other mums look like they’re coping

The research, which was carried out by the makers of the nappy care ointment Bepanthen to mark the launch of its new mum support website www.10thmonth.co.uk, found half of new mums felt the need to “bounce back” within just two months of giving birth. Almost one in 10 felt the pressure to be physically fit in just a couple of days post-birth. A lot of women expect to get back to feeling how they did before pregnancy quite quickly, and feel bad they don’t,” says McMullen.

“They compare themselves to other women they see, perhaps not realising how many of those women might be feeling exactly like they are inside, and finding new motherhood really challenging.

Perhaps if people were a bit more open about the challenges, mums could stop feeling like they’re the only ones who feel that way.”

HELP’S AT HAND McMullen stresses mums should make sure they get as much help as possible, generally from family and friends. Indeed, the research found more than a third of new mums said they appreciated their friends and family popping over to see how they were doing. Be realistic about what to expect in this period, which we call the adjustment and investment period.

“It’s very challenging and can seem all-consuming, but be open about how you’re finding it, and there’s nothing wrong with asking for help.

A whale that lights up with calm colours, with a touch sensor. Made of soft and supple material, Whale also plays melodies and nature sounds to soothe children.

Suitable from three months. £29.99, Toys R Us, Swansea Zazu Lou the Owl Nightlight

Cute owl nightlight with three settings, powered either by battery or mains electricity.

Leave Lou on, or set a timer to gently fade and switch off the light after your child falls asleep. A voice-activated sound sensor will automatically switch the light on should children wake in the night.

Suitable from 10 months. £29.99, www.cheekyrascals. co.uk.

Rabbit Nightlight A reclining bunny that will lull children to sleep as it changes colour. Batteryoperated, not a toy.

Suitable from birth. £2, Flying Tiger, Swansea

• New mothers can get support by ringing the NCT helpline on 0300 330 0700. www.swansealife.co.uk www.swansealife.co.uk || 287 235

TIME FOR YOU

! s u o l u b a f g n i l e e F h e photograp d u n c ti a m ra rd MCMAHON has posed fo A d S o o O R tw s g a in E i ll a eJ en te Mum-of-thre mastectomy. She has be e surgery ... le v b ti u c o u d tr a s n g o in c sed re follow why she refu

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T’S been well over two years now. But photographer Jai Eastwood feels more confident than ever.

It was April 2014 that she was diagnosed with invasive lobular breast cancer after noticing a ridge on her left breast. Jai – married to survey company director Richard, 54 – had gone to her GP thinking it was nothing. So she was horrified to learn – after a number of mammograms and ultrasounds – she had several small tumours, measuring 5cm in total, in her left breast.

She underwent a double mastectomy. But she refused re-constructive surgery.

Now, two years on, she has posed for topless shots – and says she has never felt so sassy.

“I feel so attractive and feminine,” says the mum-of-three from Pontardawe in the Swansea Valley.

“I felt like a boy for the first year after my surgery with no hair and no boobs.

But now I feel fabulous.

“And I want other women to see what they might look like if they don’t have reconstruction and not to fear it.”

This is despite a cruel stranger asking Jai if she was in the right bathroom in a restaurant.

“She asked me what I was doing in the ladies, but I just turned to her and said, ‘It’s cancer, you miserable woman’,’” Jai, previously a 34B cup, recalls.

Following the cancer diagnosis in her left breast, medics said her right one was also presenting in a similar way and advised both were removed.

She had a six -hour surgery at Singleton Hospital, Swansea, to remove both her breasts, before having four months of chemotherapy. Jai turned down radiotherapy.

Doctors offered her the chance to have her breasts reconstructed at the same

I

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time as the mastectomy, but she also declined.

For her, it was an easy decision to make and she had the full support of her husband and her three children.

“I told the doctor to just get rid of the cancer – and remove the breasts,” Jai adds.

“That’s all you can do when you get this diagnosis.”

Jai, while not critical of people who opt to have their breasts reconstructed, decided the surgery was not for her.

“It would be a constant reminder of what I had lost, you can’t pretend these breasts are yours,” she says.

She had previously researched the reconstruction and learnt that, because of her small size, she would need them to be made from pigs’ skin – something she was uncomfortable with.

For four days, she locked herself away, while she researched what was going to happen – even putting a sign on the bedroom door, asking Richard to leave tea and sandwiches outside and not to knock.

“I needed to work out who I was going to become, who are the role models and what a double mastectomy is,” she said.

While Jai was certain of what she wanted, it was other people who were questioning her choice to have a flat chest.

“I told everyone I wasn’t having reconstructive surgery, but people still asked me why,” Jai says.

“One friend even asked me what size my new breasts would be. It made me feel so angry, as if losing my boobs was losing my femininity.”

Jai requested that the surgeon made her scars as neat and flat as possible, with no lumps and bumps.

And when she finally came to terms with her new look she realised her body had been transformed. She and husband Richard also found solace in Maggie’s, a cancer care support charity with a centre in the grounds of Singleton.

She adds: “In the flesh, they’re not pretty, it’s not something I wish I had, but I still feel great.

“And I don’t hide it. When I wear a vest, my ribs stick out further than my concave chest. But I straighten my back, broaden my smile and we are back on track!”

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10 Money Saving tips With most office workers spending an estimated £2,340 a year on lunch and coffee throughout the day, it’s no wonder we are often left counting the pennies a few days before pay day. Why not make it a New Year’s resolution to start thinking about your finances better even if it’s just during the working week.

LAURA DAVIES looks at some money saving tips which will help you stop splashing the cash laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk

COFFEE

A coffee on your way in to work, one mid morning and already your coffee bill is topping around £5 a day. Over a working week that’s £25 you’ve wasted. Over a year that totals £1,300. Instead, invest in a flask and take your coffee in with you. If your office has tea and coffee making facilities, make the most of them instead.

BREAKFAST

Grabbing your breakfast on the way in to work may seem like a great way to save time in the morning, but spending £3.50 on a bacon roll each day will soon add up, to the tune of £17.50 a week. It’s worth getting up 20 minutes earlier to save £910 a year.

LUNCH

Popping out for a sandwich? Expect to shell out around £4 for a basic meal deal, which tots up to £1,040 in a year. Instead, why not make yourself a packed lunch and bring it in.

Leftovers from the night before are always a good choice or a nice healthy salad or home-made soup.

SNACKS

A chocolate bar to get you through that mid-afternoon lull could be costing you – both cash and calories. Buying it from the

@LawsDx

office vending machine will certainly ramp up the cost. To cut back on that spend, take in fruit, cereal bars or nuts. You’ll have your snack at hand without being tempted by calorific treats.

JOURNEY INTO WORK

If you drive to work alone, why not see if your colleagues want to car share? If you live within walking distance but normally take the bus, try getting up a little earlier, lace up your trainers and power walk into work. Great exercise and it’s free.

WATER

That bottle of fancy water will be costing you over a pound a day. Instead invest in a nice water bottle and fill it up from the tap or the office water filter.

YOUR LUNCH BREAK

instead of heading to a bar or restaurant. You could even theme your lunches – maybe Greek one week, Italian the next and French the week after.

BOOK / CLOTHES SWAPS

Why not set up a swap circle with some work colleagues? You could swap books, accessories, clothes, household items – anything you’re tired of or finished with. By swapping the items, you get something new to take home too.

THE 10-SECOND RULE

If you do get tempted by a bit of lunch time browsing, employ the 10-second rule.

When you have an item in your hand, leave it for 10-seconds then ask yourself if you really need it. Nine times out of ten you’ll change your mind and put it back on the shelf.

If you work close to town it’s far too tempting to pop in for a quick browse over lunchtime and treat yourself to one or two things. Why not use that hour to catch up on a bit of reading, catch up on your calls, or learn a language.

MEETING MATES FOR LUNCH

If you’re meeting up with friends for lunch, each take something yummy and share it all

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STYLISH ADDITIONS Chic metallic pieces are on-trend and bronze or copper will help bring warmth to the room. We love this espresso coffee maker which would look stylish in the kitchen.

Le’xpress 10 Cup Stainless Steel Copper Effect 600ml Espresso Coffee Maker, £45, Home by JD Williams, www.jdwilliams.co.uk

WRAP UP If you have not bought your winter coat then look no further. We love this gorgeous pink coat from Next which is perfect for all the pink ladies out there!

Coat, Next, Parc Morfa

BAG IT There’s always an excuse for a new bag and this month even more so with this gorgeous bag.

Loxford Tassel Cross Body Bag, £45, Laura Ashley, Pontarddulais Road Retail Park

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NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS

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If you make a New Year’s Resolution write it down in this journal or make a bucket list and tick them off as you do each one. This could change your life!

Get Organised Goals Journal, £8, Paperchase, Cardiff

240 | www.swansealife.co.uk

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EMBROIDERY What is not to love about these boots! The embroidery trend continues into spring and look great on a pair of boots.

Eternal Love Boot, £55, Asos.com

PUR-FECT Cath Kidston’s feline fashion collection will have cat lovers purring with delight. From £6 socks, to a pair of gorgeous kitty knits, there’s something ‘fur’ everyone...

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SWANSEA LIFE’S

WISH LIST!

GET MOTIVATED

Get the New Year off to an active start with a motivational slogan gym T-shirt. Getting fit will never feel as good.

Red Herring Active, £16, Debenhams, Swansea

Laura Davies’ pick of this month’s most wanted... laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk

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@LawsDx

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HAPPY HEARTH It’s hard to beat snuggling in front of an open fire and, let’s be real; curling up in front of a central heating radiator doesn’t really cut it! Jo Malone has come to the rescue with an Incense & Embers Home Candle, £42, Jo Malone, Cardiff

LASH LIFT We love Max Factor’s new False Lash Epic Mascara in Black, £11.99, which was the hero product used backstage on supermodels including Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner and Alessandra Ambrosio. Eyelashes were fanned outwards to create a winged effect. Get the look by heading to Boots, Swansea

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WE LOVE

Mirror, mirror on the wall, M&S has it all... For plush and quirky mirrors Marks is your go-to shop this season. We love this Loft Oval Mirror, £59, M&S, Swansea

www.swansealife.co.uk | 241

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NEXT MONTH IN SWANSEA LIFE

Beauty update.......herald the new month with the season’s must-have colours...

Romantic recipes for Valentine’s Day from the region’s best chefs

Find your perfect home in Swansea

Oh my love, my darling… ..Ghost the Musical is on its way to Swansea OUT JANUARY 31st!

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ESCAPE THE ORDINARY Escape the hustle of everyday life at Mulberry House.

No ordinary cottage.

Book now.

oldwallsgower.com | T: 01792 391468 | E: enquiries@oldwallsgower.com

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Discover the

Diamond Bouquet V ISI T US IN STOR E TO V IE W T HE W HOL E COL L EC T ION

5 Queens Arcade, Quadrant Shopping Centre, Swansea, SA1 3QW | 01792 462999

stephenhughesfinediamonds.com

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