Style of the city Magazine Issue 21

Gethin Jones X Clogau

The story behind the Welsh jewellery brand with Gethin Jones as its leading ambassador

We appreciate that the dentist is not everyone’s favourite place to be. At Fusion, we will help you through every step of the process with care and understanding.

FOUNDER & EDITOR – IN – CHIEF

Rosie Harris

EDITORIAL & COMMUNICATIONS

Ellie Frances

DESIGNER

Samuel Phipps

FASHION EDITOR

Karine Laudort

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Paula Burns

Polly James

Karine Laudort

Sophie & Hannah Pycroft

Sarah Stephens

Style of the City Magazine, Castle Court, 6 Cathedral Road, Cardiff, CF11 9LJ

Call: 02920 647640

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES: info@marcarmedia.com

Brighter Days Ahead

It can be said a little wishful thinking goes a long way, and oh, have we wished for sunshine these last few months! With pleasure and something to cheer you up, we bring our 21st edition to you, showcasing Gethin Jones and luxury jewellery brand Clogau as our front cover feature story. Over many a coffee whilst working from home, Gethin provides a familiar face to breakfast television, having carved himself out as an incredible presenter for BBC Morning Live. We get acquainted with his role as a leading ambassador for Clogau Jewellery, a family-run luxury Welsh brand. The Clogau story is an inspiration, a one-of-a-kind business phenomenon. You can read the full feature on p9.

Cowbridge is becoming one of our favourite shopping haunts; the beautiful buildings and gorgeous independent brands are so chic. In every issue of Style of the city we will give you, the reader, an insight on the best places to shop and visit in our newest section of Style of the city, all about Cowbridge, p69

Our beauty columnists, Sophie and Hannah Pycroft, aka The Spectrum Sisters, share their knowledge of beauty and business on p26, and travel writer Sarah Stephens provides some holiday inspiration on p80. Polly James keeps us updated on her parenting journey on p86, along with much more content and Style for you to indulge in with this edition.

As the kids get ready to return to school, we hope you have enjoyed spending time with your loved ones. Time is moving so fast that we can hardly believe that soon Mariah Carey will start belting out that much-loved tune, but let's not go there just yet! So, take a cosy break and enjoy your little dose of Style.

We hope you enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed putting it together. x

Rosie Harris

FOUNDER & EDITOR – IN – CHIEF

www.styleofthecitymag.co.uk

LEGAL DISCLAIMER:

Style of the City Magazine does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the quality, accuracy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information, product or service represented within our magazine.

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@styleofthecitymag

@SOTCMag

CONTENTS AUTUMN 2023

Health & Wellness

Features

P9 GETHIN JONES X CLOGAU

We get familiar with luxury Welsh jewellery brand Clogau and their leading ambassador, Gethin Jones.

P18 SHOP LOCAL, SHOP LUXURY

Local luxury fashion store Jon Ian, share this season ‘must haves.’

P53 WEDDING GUIDE

Everything you need to make your special day perfect

Hair & Beauty

P24 BEAUTY ADVANCE SKIN & LASER CLINIC

40 years in business, sharing the latest technologies for you

P26 BEAUTY & BUSINESS

The Spectrum girls share the business of beauty in their latest column

P28 THE SKIN GIRL

Empowering women to look and feel their best

P45 FUSION DENTISTRY

Award winning dentistry practice. Offering same-day dental implants

P48 ST JOSEPH’S HOSPITAL

Understanding the signs of prostate cancer

Culture & Lifestyle

P32 NATHANIEL CARS

A closer look at one of Wales’s leading car showroom brand.

P38 AMBER VISTA

The newest retail and residential development in Lakeside

P40 SPOTLIGHT ON RHIAN REES

Founder of Wild & Fabulous Flowers, shares her story

Travel

P80 TRAVEL COLUMN

Sarah Stephens shares her latest travel inspiration for you

P82 LA VIDA TRAVEL

All the best travel deals from local agent La Vida Travel

Treasuring stories of love since 1840

Designed to carry a lifetime of emotion, engagement rings encapsulate the beginning of forever for every individual tale of romance.

Carrying with them memories of joy and celebration for years to come, each exquisite piece from Laings is composed by our craftspeople with the world’s finest metals and gemstones, representative of centuries of expertise.

A classic and timeless design that will never go out of style, the solitaire engagement ring features a single diamond or gemstone set into a ring. It exudes undeniable elegance and sophistication showcasing the true splendour of a diamond. Despite the simplicity of the design, there are limitless possibilities when it comes to picking the perfect piece. The solitaire can be crafted in a range of metals and a beautiful array of settings to suit any individual style. A design which transcends trends and creates a lasting look of understated luxury, the single-stone ring is the perfect way to make an elegant statement. With a sparkling history, the halo can be traced back as early as the Georgian era. A halo-style engagement ring features a vibrant circle of smaller diamonds framing the centre stone.

The style is amongst the most popular with brides-to-be due to its dazzling appearance. The halo can be partnered with diamond shoulders for a magical and striking look or a plain band for a simple and refined feel.

The three stone, or trilogy ring, is the perfect symbol of your journey together representing your past, present, and future. This style features a trio of spectacular diamonds or gemstones beautifully presented side-by-side. With the ability to mix the shape of stones and add a touch of colour, the three-stone ring is a versatile piece, great for those looking for something a little different. A truly romantic choice filled with sentiment that is unique to you.

A beautiful diamond engagement ring from Laings acts as lifelong symbol of love and unity, as you take the next steps on your journey together. Each ring is as unique as your own love story. Whether you are looking for understated elegance or something more striking, at Laings, we can help you to find the perfect ring to make the ultimate declaration of love. Start your journey with Laings in our Cardiff showroom or online at Laingsuk.com.

The ALL-NEW MG4 XPower

Available to order at

Gethin Jones X Clogau COVER FEATURE

Clogau

The jewellery brand steeped in Welsh culture continues to expand, with Gethin Jones as its leading ambassador.

GETHIN JONES X CLOGAU

Clogau is a company with deep roots in Wales, and the award-winning jewellery firm founded in 1989 has built its brand on the rare Welsh gold contained in every piece. However, as the recent launch of its Bristol Boutique makes clear, Clogau’s ambitions stretch far beyond the principality.

Hundreds of eager jewellery-lovers beat a path to The Mall at Cribbs Causeway for the store’s opening event on August 7, lured by the promise of a closer look at Clogau’s beautiful jewellery and the chance to meet long-standing brand ambassador, TV presenter and Welsh heartthrob Gethin Jones.

As well as helping out with the ribbon-cutting duties and posing for selfies with his fans, Gethin was keen to sing Clogau’s praises. Speaking at the ceremony, the Morning Live star said: “It's a privilege to be a part of Clogau’s continued growth and I’m sure the brand will find great success in Bristol. It's also wonderful to be able to share Wales’s incredible heritage with a new audience over the border.”

Clogau Managing Director Ben Roberts added: "Our eight-year relationship with Gethin is a great fit. We have become personal friends as well during this time; we are both of similar age and have a lot in common but he’s far better looking than me – so good-looking that he models the watches!”

“Bricks and mortar stores have played a crucial role in our brand's story"

The Bristol store is Clogau’s fourth outside of Wales – joining boutiques in Shrewsbury and Chester and a store in the Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet village – and there’s no sign of the brand slowing down its recent expansion.

Ben said: “Bricks and mortar stores have played a crucial role in our brand's story, as they allow us to bring to life the rich history of our products that goes beyond what it is possible to convey online. We choose prime locations close to the border as a stepping stone to England.”

“Bristol shoppers can expect a high-quality experience. Our knowledgeable and friendly team will be on hand to help customers on every step of their shopping experience, from sharing their expert knowledge to styling and helping choose the right piece for someone special.”

jewellery’s creation that elevates the brand above its rivals. With collections based on Welsh myths and legends, the extraordinary beauty of the landscape, and a link to royalty dating back over 110 years, there’s a deep well of inspiration to draw from.

Bristol shoppers can experience the full range of jewellery, watches and accessories at Clogau Boutique, Bristol, Unit 136 The Mall at Cribbs Causeway, Bristol, BS34 5DG. Visit clogau.co.uk/ pages/store-locator to find your nearest Clogau store, including Cardiff, Cwmbran and Swansea.

Welsh culture and history are at the heart of everything Clogau does, and it is the unique storytelling behind the

The story of Clogau gold

On the outskirts of a small North Wales town, Clogau Mine director Mr Goodman was enjoying a mid-afternoon paned, or cuppa, when his red-faced foreman burst into the office holding a rock – a rock that would forever change the lives of everyone connected to the mine. Mining at the site had been well-established for centuries, but the operation had, until that day in 1854, yielded only copper. And while the ore in the foreman’s calloused hands had a distinctive rose hue, this was definitely not copper…

From the chance discovery in 1854 until the 1911 closure of the Clogau St David’s Gold Mine, as it came to be called, around 2.5 tonnes of gold were extracted. At this time, a significant quantity of gold was gifted to the British Royal Family, and at the investiture of Edward as Prince of Wales that summer, the regalia used in the ceremony was crafted using Welsh gold It was employed again at the 1969 investiture of Prince Charles. Beginning in 1923 with the wedding ring of Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, later Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, many members of the Royal Family have used Clogau mine gold to craft their wedding bands, including Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Diana and Princess Catherine.

In 1988, local businessman Bill Roberts chanced upon the abandoned mine and hatched a plan to reopen it as a tourist attraction. The Snowdonia National Park Authority denied permission for the scheme, and for the second time fate conspired to alter the course of Clogau’s history.

Bill assembled a prospecting crew of three in the hope that the mine contained undiscovered gold – and he was right. A few years of small-scale mining followed, and it was around this time that Bill’s son Ben, now Clogau’s Managing Director, began visiting the Clogau St David’s gold mine with his siblings under the supervision of longtime site caretaker Jack Williams. Ben’s love affair with gold began with those first adventures in the Clogau mine.

Ben said: “When I first visited the mine with my father, I saw the gold in its raw form. I was struck by the pale roseyellow tone, unlike anything I had seen or have seen since; a result of the copper that had previously been mined there giving this rose colour to the mine ore.

In 1992 the first jewellery appeared from the newly formed brand Clogau Gold of Wales Limited. Just like modern-day Clogau jewellery, every piece contained rare Welsh gold from the Clogau mine, and it quickly captured the public’s imagination.

The Clogau St David’s mine closed for the second time in the late 1990s as the gold became increasingly difficult to extract. With no other gold mining taking place at that time, Welsh gold became one of the rarest and most desirable golds in the world. From humble beginnings, Clogau now employs around 130 people at its North Wales Head Office and 15 stores across Wales and England who are dedicated to telling the story of the brand and its beautiful jewellery.

For more information on the story of Welsh gold, and to browse Clogau’s full range, visit www.clogau.co.uk.

Shoe

New

New

Barbicore

Let’s bring on bright pinks, sparkles, and playful patterns for this Summer.

By: Karine Laudort

Scamp & Dude Magenta With Hot Pink Floral Leopard Headband £12

Accessorize Pink Grab handle clutch £35

Threadbare Women's Hot Pink Tie Waist Linen Blend Shorts £25.99

River Island Pink Ruffle Pearl Mule £59

Rebecca Rhoades Oakleigh Mini Pink Dress £195

Monsoon £60

LBN Jewellery £550

Primark Barbie Mink hoddie £15

Matalan Et Vous Pink Linen Blend Suit Blazer £32

Primark Barbie Mink Barbie Mink flare bottom £15

Oliver Bonas

Fushia Pink Crossover Fur Slippers £28

Zone Meru Women's Pink Lace Up Canavs £7.99

Oliver Bonas Pink Button Through Lapel Jumpsuit 89.50

Everyday Tie Shoulder Textures Mini Dress –Pink £22

Look Bright Pink Textured V Front Bikini Bottoms £10.99

Look Bright Pink Textured Underwired Bikini Top £19.99

COBALT BLUE

The cobalt blue trend is taking the fashion world by storm. Whether through a casual crop top, a cobalt blue manicure, lingerie, formal wear, a monochromatic outfit, outerwear, or eye makeup, there are various ways to infuse that colour in your wardrobe

By: Karine Laudort

New Look Wide leg trousers £27.99

Lipsy Slash neck Jumper £32

TK MAXX Blue Knee-high boots £179.99

Primark Strappy block heels £14

Joe Browns Mini suede bag - £49

Rebecca Rhodes Freya Frill jumpsuit £195

Homesense Embellished court heels £39.99

Monsoon Midi dress (£75 reduced to) £52.50

Scamp & Dude Blue & Black Leopard Weekender Bag £70

Accessorize Chunky resign hoops £12

F&F One piece swimsuit £19

Roman Originals Cotton blend culotte jumpsuit £42

Deichmann UK Satin platform heels £29.99

Tk Maxx Linen dress £24.99

V By Very Shaped Enhancing Square Neck Tie Waist Swimsuit £19

Fringes

This year's fringe fashion trend takes a modern and luxurious approach. Fringes are not limited to just accessories such as bags but also extend to skirts, jackets & dresses. To pull off the fringe trend this year, go light, go leather, go long and shy away from colours or metallics.

By Karine Laudort

TK Maxx Black and pink ombre fringe dress £69.99

Oliver Bonas Crystal waterfall Drop Earring £22

Belissh Sequin fringe mini-dress powder pink £89.00

Roman Natural bardot fringe jumper £36

Russell & Bromley Fringe Mule Sandal £55

Pherahs Posh Star Bag £200

Accessorize Cream fringe beaded handheld £40

Next Mint Velvet Sequin Fringe T-Shirt £79

New Look Black satin jacquard fringe min-skirt £29.99 River Island Pink fringe wrap midi dress £45

Primark Graphic Fringe Tshirt £7

NastyGal Metallic Tiered Fringe Jacket £134.25

Mango Metallic fringed pants £109

Warehouse Rainbow Beaded Fringe Shift Dress £223.20

Menswear

By Karine Laudort

TX Maxx Turquoise Orange Trainers £29.99

John Lewis & Partners Amazfit Fitness Smart Watch £149

Regatta Brooklyn Double Strap Khaki Sandals £22

Dune London Mens Bradlay brown loafers £95

Marks & Spencer Utility Borg Lined Jacket £69

Neem London Merino Hazel T-Shirt £89

Barbour Fullfort Overshirt RRP £89.95

Fatface Organic Cotton Pique Polo Shirt £35

Threadbare Luxe Men's Navy Jersey Short Sleeve Shirt £21.99

The Brief by Bennett Winch Canvas Briefcase in Olive £750.00

Abercrombie & Fitch Linen blend Shirt in Navy Blue £60

Ralph Lauren Hampton Straight Jean £139.00

Opticiandirect.co.uk Lanvin LNV610S shades £160

DSQUARED2 Patch Baseball Cap £155.00

Hugo Boss Slim Fit suit water-repellent fabric £545

LOCAL LUXURY SHOPPING AT JON IAN COWBRIDGE

Serafini 'Malibu' Trainer jonian.shop £279.95

Dea Kudibal 'Celestina' Dress jonian.shop £459.95

Harris Wharf London 'Military' Coat jonian.shop £650

Harris Wharf London 'Sherlock' Blazer jonian.shop £460

Essentiel Antwerp 'Etoile' Jumper jonian.shop £229.95

Baum Und Pferdgarten 'Amayra' Dress jonian.shop £249.95

WWW.JONIAN.SHOP

Essentiel Antwerp 'Entry' Trousers jonian.shop £269.95

BRGN Chelsea Boot 'Geri' New Black jonian.shop £249.95

Essentiel Antwerp 'Ezillion' ShirT jonian.shop £249.95

Baum Und Pferdgarten 'Crissa' Jumper jonian.shop £289.95

Dea Kudibal 'Sallina' NS Dress jonian.shop £209.95

Essentiel Antwerp 'Earlier' Jacket jonian.shop £299.95

Dea Kudibal 'Minna' Jacket jonian.shop £329.95

Baum Und Pferdgarten 'Cassandra' Top jonian.shop £219.95

Baum Und Pferdgarten 'Cabery' Trousers jonian.shop £229.95

PINKTASTIC

Dea Kudibal Pink Suit 'Elinor' Jacket £289.95

Rihanna Trousers £209.95

Essentiel Antwerp 'Egeria' Jumper £249.95

Dea Kudibal 'Cadence' Blouse £249.95

Kennel & Schmenger ‘Shazney’ £259.95

Alias Mae 'Mina' Sandal £179.95

Essentiel Antwerp 'Deedee' Bag £169.95

QUOTE 'STYLE OF THE CITY'

To receive a complimentary luxury Olaplex conditioning treatment at Josh Lee Hair on your first visit

The Painless & Needlefree 'Celebrity'

Muscle Facelift RF Skin Tightening

EMFACE the new breakthrough technology available at Beauty

What is EMFACE?

EMFACE is the first and only needle-free, hands-free procedure that simultaneously treats facial skin and muscles in a 20-minute session. EMFACE utilises the simultaneous application of Synchronised RF and HIFES™ technologies to affect facial skin, muscles, and connective tissue. The result is less wrinkles, more lift, naturally and without needles.

Advance Skin & Laser Clinic Book

Beauty Advance Skin & Laser Clinic

Over 40 years in business, dedicated to getting only the best results for their clients

The specialist laser and skin clinic, Beauty Advance, is nestled in the beautiful and historic Morgan Arcade in Cardiff City Centre. The founder, Daniela (a full member of the Health Inspectorate Wales), has been in business for over 40 years, an incredible milestone for any brand, ensuring only the best technologies are implemented currently, the only clinic in Wales offering “Soprano Titanium Lasers”.

Technology continues to be at the helm of Beauty Advance. And with many decades of experience, ‘going with the times’ has been crucial in creating a solid database of clients.

Like many industries, the last ten years have seen a dramatic shift in spending habits within the beauty field, with more people investing in long-term results, thus seeing a need for more

dynamic treatments for more prolonged effects. This continues to encourage Daniela and her team. Now a leader in providing BTL Emsella in Cardiff (a revolutionary new technique designed to target specific symptoms associated with incontinence), adding to their portfolio of innovative treatments. Run like a family, with Daniela and daughter India at the forefront; their ethos is to provide not only the highest quality of care to all patients but to really understand and improve how clients feel about themselves. Mental health, thankfully, is a much more talked about subject; how people see themselves primarily through the lens of social media can sometimes evoke anxiety and pressure. The team at BA, are on hand to encourage and support all of their clients in achieving their desired results. With such a loyal client base, Daniela, since starting her business, has seldom needed to advertise her brand, relying on word of mouth. Recently, she has felt a need to emphasise her clinic and many years of knowledge, especially those new to beauty treatments.

What is BTL Emsella?

This is a revolutionary new technique designed to target the specific symptoms associated with incontinence. The team at BA have had massive success over the past few months and now wishes to invite women across Cardiff and the Vale to come forward and try this simple and non-invasive treatment.

A number of different factors can cause incontinence. It can be due to childbirth, menopause or the normal ageing process. Do you suffer from urine leakage during coughing, sneezing or during sports activities or frequently visit the bathroom? If so, you could be suffering from an incontinence issue. Daily incontinence

“The Chair”… Sat on by Daniela herself

can impact everyday life and can create feelings of frustration and embarrassment. Other women struggle with symptoms that impact their intimacy and affect their sexual confidence, causing yet more embarrassment. The team at BA have a treatment that can reduce these symptoms and bring back your daily confidence to improve your health and lifestyle in just 6 sessions.

What does it involve?

When a woman's pelvic muscles are unable to support pelvic functions (due to childbirth, menopause or other injuries), the muscles need reconditioning and tightening. The BTL Emsella produces electromagnetic energy to cause pelvic floor muscle stimulation. A single session brings thousands of Kegel-like contractions, which help you train your muscles without any exercises or effort from you. The treatment is completely non-invasive, so there is no surgery or needles, and you can even remain fully clothed! A session lasts for only 28 minutes, and you can sit and fully relax during the procedure. This new fantastic technology can deliver fast and efficient results in a completely non-invasive way. The treatment is not only cheaper than traditional and alternative methods, it is also much safer.

“Before, I was getting up 4-5 times a night to go to the bathroom. It seems like it's still improving. Even in the past few weeks, I have not had to get up at all some nights. It's awesome!”

“I sneeze, I can jump rope, I run…..I can do all kinds of exercises and competitions, and I can now do them with much more confidence than before. It's freeing….very freeing, just to do what you want to do again."

Who are BTL?

BTL is a worldwide medical and aesthetic equipment manufacturer with employees across over 53 countries. They have revolutionised the non-invasive treatment industry of body shaping, skin tightening, cellulite and other medical aesthetic treatments.

To Book your treatment session or to learn more, please visit Beauty Advance at www.beautyadvance.com or our social media. @ beautyadvancelaserclinic

@beautyadvancelaserclinic /BeautyAdvanceLaser

Call and Book your FREE TASTER SESSION for the EMSELLA

Beauty & Business with the SPECTRUM GIRLS

Hi everyone

Thank you for picking up this issue of Style of the City; it's that time of year when seasons are changing, and perhaps you're thinking about doing something different too. We've taken a different approach to this issue, and the aim is to give you that spark of inspiration you might need to take the first step towards something new for yourself. With Style of the City being an independent female-led business, we decided to share some insight into how we started Spectrum and what we've learned along the way.

How did Spectrum start? Was it planned out?

We were unemployable; that's the accidental starting point for Spectrum nearly ten years ago for myself and my sister Hannah. I rarely made it through probation for any job and handed my notice in less than 24 hours on more than one occasion. Without realising it, I was an entrepreneur desperate to work for myself. Hannah held steady jobs in TV production and felt like she was being told what to do rather than given the freedom to do a better job herself, which is infuriating for any naturally entrepreneurial person. So we quit and started freelancing instead, working for ourselves as the perfect chaotic mix of ambition, creativity and stubbornness it takes to start a business.

Did you always want to have your own business?

We're very close, so working together was our dream but running a business wasn't. We both have a creative rather than a business background, so you could say we didn't have a clue, but then you could say we were doing what we're good at, which I think is the natural starting point for any business even if you don't quite know what the end goal is. Before Spectrum, as freelancers, we created everything brands needed for marketing, including photoshoots, graphics and even basic websites for e-commerce; when independent brands were starting to see success online and before social media was a business itself, we were selling products, just not our own. We chose makeup brushes as we noticed a gap we could fill in product and marketing, so we took a risk to start Spectrum. Nearly a decade later, we've learned a few things we hope will inspire other would-be entrepreneurs.

Top 5 pieces of advice you now know that you wish you could have heard five years ago

I wish someone told us to take a break. Sometimes you forget to take a moment to step back and appreciate your achievements. It's also essential to do only some things at a time. We've said no to opportunities when the timing hasn't been right because we wouldn't want to do half a job, but other business opportunities have come around when the timing is better, so that would be our version of trust in the process. Your brand identity is key, who you are, what you do and why. There are so many products out there, so having consistency and integrity in your brand will give you longevity. That being said, innovation is equally important, especially when everything moves so quickly, so try and stay ahead of trends rather than follow them. Finally, be social on social media. Followers are great for numbers, but communities are where you can test ideas, ask for feedback and keep your product or brand evolving. It's about more than just follower count; influencers have arguably lost some influence. People value honesty and personality, so try to be yourself on social media rather than portray a persona.

For any women planning on starting a business, what would you say are the first five key steps they need to consider?

The first five things to consider should make you really think about starting your own business, and if it's right for you, if you answer yes to all of them, then certainly go for it; otherwise think it through a little longer.

Do you absolutely love your product, brand or service - if you don't, you won't love your business.

Do you embody that brand - if you do, it makes it far easier to make it part of your everyday life rather than just 'work'.

Do you want to get rich quickly - If you do, you may not want to start your own business; it's certainly a long game!

Do you have the motivation to get through difficult days - you'll often be exhausted, but you still need to keep going.

Do you have a good support network - If you're faced with running a business alone, it can be lonely. You need a good group of family and friends who you can rely on for a pick me up and to cheerlead you through the tough times.

Finally, how do you measure success?

I don't think success has anything to do with numbers, it's more about how you feel. If you're doing something you love every day and get that sense of satisfaction, that is success. Whether that's running your own business, creating a beautiful and happy home for your family, or just putting together a really great outfit, I've learned success is in the small daily wins that we often overlook, so take this as a sign not to try and measure success, but to feel it instead.

The Skin Girl®

Empowering Women: The Skin GirlYour Haven for Aesthetics, Menopause Awareness, Celebrating Women & Embracing Change.

In today's fast-paced world, we continuously evolve, break barriers, and embrace every stage of life with grace and confidence. As we celebrate this journey of womanhood, one company stands out as a beacon of empowerment - "The Skin Girl®." More than just a beauty haven, this remarkable establishment is on a mission to promote aesthetic treatments and menopause awareness, empowering women to embrace their bodies and embrace the changes that come with age.

Redefining Beauty Standards

"The Skin Girl®" is not your typical aesthetics clinic; it's a sanctuary where beauty is redefined to encompass the unique essence of every woman. Founder Rachael Corrigan envisioned a place where women could receive market leading aesthetic treatments while also gaining a deeper understanding of their bodies and health during the various stages of life.

The company's philosophy centres around the belief that true beauty is found in self-confidence, self-awareness, and self-acceptance. Rachael has assembled a team of skilled professionals who share their passion for promoting women's health, inside and out. Their commitment to fostering a supportive and caring environment has earned "The Skin Girl®" a loyal and diverse clientele.

Aesthetics Treatments Tailored to Individuality

From the moment you step into "The Skin Girl®," you're greeted with warmth and respect. The team understands that each woman's needs and desires are unique, and that's why they offer a wide range of aesthetic treatments tailored to individuality. Whether it's anti-ageing injectables, non-invasive facial rejuvenation, skin tightening procedures, or body contouring, the expert practitioners at "The Skin Girl®" craft personalized treatment plans that cater to every woman's distinct goals.

"The Skin Girl" craft personalized treatment plans that cater to every woman's distinct goals

Founder Rachael Corrigan

Importantly, the clinic takes a holistic approach, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and self-care habits alongside aesthetic treatments, and we believe that glowing skin comes from nourishing both the body and soul, empowering women to make well-informed decisions about their well-being.

Menopause AwarenessBreaking the Silence

Menopause, a natural phase in every woman's life, often remains shrouded in silence and misunderstanding. "The Skin Girl®" is determined to change that. With a strong focus on menopause awareness, the clinic aims to educate women about the physical and emotional changes they may experience during this transition.

We are thrilled to announce our upcoming event to help women on their menopause journey. The event being held on September 28th at our clinic location in Cardiff,with leading menopause specialist Dr Watermayer, who will be offering an open Q & A.

A great opportunity for women to gain excellent knowledge on hormonal balance. Whether you're concerned about a change in weight, hair loss, excessive sweating and state of mind, this event is for you.

Not Just for women

Hair loss is a sensitive topic for women but also, notably, men. Our PRP treatments are designed for both men and women, with treatments involving follicle stimulation, perfect pre and post hair transplant treatment or for anyone wanting to maximize their results.

We are thrilled to share the outstanding results we have achieved through our Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) treatments. With a commitment to delivering the highest quality care and innovative solutions, our PRP therapies have consistently yielded remarkable outcomes.

Our team of skilled professionals have harnessed the power of PRP to accelerate healing, promote tissue regeneration, and enhance the overall wellbeing of our patients. The exceptional success we've experienced, coupled with the positive feedback from our satisfied clients, reinforces our dedication to remaining at the forefront of medical

advancements and providing unparalleled results through our PRP treatments.

Conclusion

"The Skin Girl®" is more than just a company; it's a movement that celebrates womanhood, promotes aesthetic treatments tailored to individuality, and breaks the silence surrounding menopause. The Skin Girl has created a safe haven where women can embrace their beauty, gain knowledge about their bodies, and find strength in their unique journey.

As we continue to evolve as a society, it is companies like "The Skin Girl®" that remind us of the importance of empowering women, promoting self-awareness, and fostering a community of support. Let us celebrate and support this remarkable establishment that seeks to uplift and empower women in their pursuit of holistic well-being.

Quote Style of the city to receive 50% off an aquapure facial | www.theskingirl.co.uk

Aesthetics Treatments Tailored to Individuality

To find out more head to www.theskingirl.co.uk

Instagram @theskingirl.co.uk

Miss Great Britain Leading the way in pageantry since 1945

Miss Great Britain is the oldest and most prestigious pageant in the UK.

Pageants have enjoyed a well-deserved resurgence in recent years, and Miss Great Britain is 'the' competition to be a part of.

Launched in 1945, the competition celebrates its 78th Birthday this year, and we look to celebrate in style at the forthcoming Grand Final.

The final will be an evening of glamour and entertainment celebrating the achievements and shared goals of the 75 grand Finalists. Forty ladies will battle to be crowned Miss Great Britain 2023, and 35 ladies will be competing for the coveted titles of Ms Great Britain & Ms Great Britain Classic.

Miss Great Britain celebrates the accomplishments of each of their finalists, including their all-important charity endeavours and publicity successes. The evening serves not only to crown a new Miss Great Britain and our more recent titles of Ms Great Britain & Ms Great Britain Classic, but to applaud each individual contestant.

An expert panel of judges will be charged with the difficult task of selecting the winner at the Final. The audience will enjoy a spectacular catwalk-style stage show featuring all 75 national finalists, live entertainment and a delicious 3-course meal.

The contest began in the summer of 1945 under the name “Bathing Beauty Queen" and was organised by various seaside resorts into the 1950s and early 1960s. Across the 60's and 70's, the pageant industry, in general, hit a new high with the introduction of televised finals and big cash prizes.

Due to this increase in popularity, in recent years, more and more pageant systems have been introduced across the UK, with Miss Great Britain still remaining one of the biggest and best in the industry.

The modern-day Miss Great Britain competition has been built upon an extensive history of successful pageants and has helped launch the careers of many women who entered.

The competition has evolved into much more than a 'Beauty Pageant'. We look for a lady who embodies all a modern woman should: Strength, intelligence, ambition, integrity and compassion.

Now in its 78th year, Miss Great Britain and the brand is still strong and growing all of the time. Constantly evolving & empowering everything a modern-day "beauty pageant" should be. We don't restrict on background, career, age or marital status, and we attract thousands of applicants each year. The live final features over 70 of the UK's most motivated ladies who are supported every step of the way by us as their directors and of course, their loyal family and friends.

Be sure to check out our monthly blog written by our official Pageant Historian & Author, Sally-Anne Fawcett, to learn all about the history of Miss Great Britain!

Jaz & Lee Cuggy are the official Welsh Regional Directors sending not one but three representatives from South Wales. Jaz & Lee held their regional Final at Chepstow Racecourse on 22nd July 2023, where a panel of judges elected Lydia Evans, Catrin Harries and Emma Powell. The three winners will head to Miss Great Britain this October to compete for the prestigious title with expenses paid for.

Next Summer, three lucky winners will be crowned, all gaining direct entry into the Miss Great Britain National Final. Miss Cardiff 2024, Miss Newport 2024 & Miss Swansea 2024. Entrants must be aged between 18 - 30 and can be married and/or have children. Applications for 2024 are open.

Please email: applicationsmissgbwales@aol.com Follow our Instagram: @misssouthwalesgb

Nathaniel Cars

You've probably heard the radio jingle, the distinct Welsh voice imploring us, with passion, to get our hands on an MG. So, what is the buzz surrounding Nathaniel Cars? Style of the city went to their Bridgend showroom to find out.

Nathaniel Cars is a family-run business dating back over 40 years. Founder Wayne Griffiths is still managing director and has a very active role in the day-to-day operations. However, for the last 23 years, Wayne has been joined by his son Nathan who has just as much passion for the business and shares the same ethos of giving customers a different 'car-buying' experience. Nathan says, "At Nathaniel, we don't go out of our way to be different; we're simply just different!"

From the moment you walk into their Bridgend showroom, you can immediately feel that difference. It's relaxed, friendly and welcoming. There's even a husky too! Nala is Nathans's dog who accompanies him daily to work and can be found roaming the business looking for tummy tickles from customers and staff alike. "By having Nala here, we wanted our customers to have a more homely feel and also make them aware that we're dog friendly. This is important for our customers because customers will often need to see if their dog is comfortable in the boot of a car. We say bring your dogs along and let them try it; It’s also important from an after-sales perspective as our customers can bring their dog in whilst having their car serviced or MOT booked with ourselves"

Nathan states "We have over 70 courtesy cars across our Bridgend, Cardiff and Cwmbran showrooms to always keep our customers mobile. We also give free MOTs for life on all new and used cars sold. When someone trusts Nathaniel Cars for their purchase, we say ‘welcome’ instead of thanking them as we want them to be part of our Nathaniel Cars family.

Walking around the showroom, I was also amazed to see the amount of choice at the business with hundreds of pristine used cars on offer from Fiat 500s to Range Rover, Mercedes and Mazda. They also have a wide selection of new vehicles, including Fiat, Abarth, MG and even new Fiat vans. The MG range shines tall, "It's MG that's impacted our business over the last few years in a truly incredible way." Says Nathan, "We've gone from the one site just here in Bridgend to two additional locations in Penarth Rd Cardiff and recently in Cwmbran also covering Newport; There is even a new dealership opening early next year in Swansea. We're proud that we have an amazing team of 160 people compared to just 60 seven years ago and sell over 5000 cars and vans a year; The brand MG, is the UK's fastest-growing car brand and currently sits in 11th place out of forty different manufacturers. This is down to a combination of a fantastic 7-year warranty, immense value for money and a decent offering of both petrol and electric cars."

Nathan was very excited to show me the new MG convertible sports car that's coming early next year, which was impressive, not to mention it's fully electric, is an all-wheel drive range of circa 300 miles and a 0-60 mph of just 2 seconds!

It's easy to see why Nathaniel has lots to be excited about in the coming years; I highly recommend visiting one of their dealerships to see for yourself.

" We've gone from the one site just here in Bridgend to two additional locations in Penarth Rd Cardiff and recently in Cwmbran"

It's good to be Holm…

Holm House has a fabulous 'new look' and a NEW menu; it's a must-visit if you want to see out the summer in style…

China with each mouthful lovingly prepared from scratch, it’s an ‘Insta moment’ waiting to happen… What’s more; you can enjoy Holm’s great food in revamped surroundings. The lounge spaces and restaurant have been refurbished and offer coastal luxury at its finest. 'The Nest', a private dining space offering exclusively tailored menus and seating up to 12 guests, has recently been unveiled too; its rich navy and gold décor scheme creates the perfect setting for special occasions. However, the jewel in Holm’s crown is still the terrace and picturesque garden, arguably the largest al-fresco dining space in Cardiff and The Vale. Making it a popular destination to enjoy the new menus or simply a cocktail or two in late summer/early Autumn.

Much of the menu is inspired by the coastal setting, with plentiful fish and seafood options to choose from. The Crab and Crayfish linguine with a creamy lobster bisque is pure decadent comfort food, whilst the Pan Fried Fillet of Hake offers a lighter option. For the meat eaters, the Welsh Rack of Lamb with a Minted Pea Puree & Red Wine Jus is simply delicious. Vegetarian and vegan options are also good, with salads, pasta and several starters to choose from.

Holm’s Afternoon Tea and Sunday Lunch offering have become something of an institution too. The setting lends itself perfectly to the tradition of Afternoon Tea. Presented beautifully on vintage

The service is attentive and polite without being too formal or stuffy, and the wine menu is pretty impressive, with a great selection of good reds and whites. For the rule breakers that drink Provence Rose come rain or shine, expect to find your favourite bottle of Whispering Angel on the menu.

'The Nest', a private dining space offering exclusively tailored menus and seating up to 12 guests

THE UK’S ONLY DISTILLERY IN A 17TH CENTURYCASTLE

Style of the city visited Hensol Castle's incredible gin-making experience.

Gin making just got fabulous, and we can vouch for it!

On a beautiful afternoon, just outside Cardiff, we tried out their gin-making experience. In the heart of the Vale of Glamorgan lies the breathtaking Hensol Castle. Steeped in history, this incredible location creates a backdrop of a distinct chic and elegant ambience.,

The attraction, awarded a 2022 TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award, has become a firm favourite to many, and we can see why.

This is for you if you want something fun-filled to enjoy with friends or loved ones. We enjoyed three hours of touring and tasting, which you get for just £99 for one person or £150 for two. It was fantastic learning about all the flavours and how they work together. And the best part? You get to take your own 70CL hand-crafted bottle of gin home with you!

A huge thank you to our guide, Clemmie; we loved the whole experience.

Here is what you can expect:

Visitors will be treated to a story-filled guided journey of the distillery, learning all about the history of Hensol Castle, the origins of gin, the wonders of botanicals and the distilling process, but always making sure there's still plenty of time left for the all-important gin tasting!

EXPERIENCE INCLUDES:

Arrival gin and tonic

Guided tour of the distillery

Visit the botanical room

Tutored gin-tasting Gin and tonic in the bar only £25 per person

As a Style of the City reader, we'd like to offer you £5 off a Tour and Tasting Experience using code STYLE5 in the booking process.

Amber Vista

A new chapter for Lakeside

Something special is stirring beside the rippling waters of Roath Park Lake, and Cardiff’s independent businesses have the chance to be part of it.

AMBER VISTA

Nestled just a stone’s throw from Roath Park in leafy Lakeside, Clearwater Parade has housed a variety of independent businesses over the years.

First built in the 1960s, the area has most recently been home to popular local café Waterloo Tea, alongside an independent collective of pop-up businesses selling a wide range of goods and services, from doughnuts and chicken wings to houseplants, vintage clothes and bike repairs.

Now Clearwater Parade is about to undergo an ambitious, high-end transformation in the form of Amber Vista: a new destination where the local community can eat, drink, shop and socialise in the heart of Cyncoed, one of Cardiff’s most appealing suburbs.

Opportunities for independents

Amber Vista will comprise of nine high-quality retail spaces and 27 luxurious apartments, ideally placed amongst Lakeside’s desirable mix of green spaces and nearby thoroughfares for shopping and dining

Four of Amber Vista’s retail units have already agreed tenancies with some of Cardiff’s best known independent businesses.

The remaining five units offer an ideal opportunity for any new or growing independent business that wants to benefit from Lakeside’s excellent location, community and transport links (with easy access to the M4 and Heath Hospital).

A vibrant destination

Clearwater Parade recently proved itself to be the perfect home for a varied selection of Cardiffbased businesses. Cardiff Dough & Co, The Dropbar Workshop, The Elephants Ear, Indie Superstore and Wing Stack all enjoyed short-term residencies in 2021, providing a vibrant destination for the local community to eat, shop and enjoy free time on the outskirts of the city.

Amber Vista is set to be an even more attractive proposition: a thoughtfully planned transformation with covered walkways, sustainable materials and attractive architectural touches, bringing new life to this popular part of Lakeside and Cyncoed.

The project is being managed by Silver Crescent Developments, in partnership with Principality Building Society. With previous successful redevelopment projects including

Noya Falls in Maindy, Pen Y Garth Mansion in Penarth and Arbour Edge in Heath, Silver Crescent’s mission is to provide exceptional homes for people and businesses, fostering a sense of community spirit and local wellbeing for neighbourhoods around Cardiff.

Be a part of it

The remaining five retail units at Amber Vista won’t be available for long. With growing interest from independents around the city, as well as nationals, Silver Crescent is now taking applications for tenancies from local businesses who wish to be part of this vibrant community. ambervista.co.uk

Spotlight on Rhian Rees

Founder of Wild & Fabulous Flowers, Rhian Rees, shares her incredible story of how her love and passion for flowers have cemented her as one of Wales’ leading and soughtafter florists based in a castle!

“Will you marry me?" asked my husband-to-be. "Yes, but only if I can renovate the gardens". This is how my love of the gardens at Llandough Castle began (and my life with my husband, of course!)

We are still working on them some 12 years later, and we will no doubt continue to do so until we are too old or leave the house for the next chapter in its history to begin.

My earliest memories of loving gardening go back to being in my grandfather's allotment, picking and eating fresh peas until my stomach hurt. I asked my father to grow me sweet peas, but he grew me flowers, not vegetables, and I was not impressed. The scent of tomatoes in my father's greenhouse is one of my favourite smells, along with cigars! Gardening has always been my solace when times are tough; after my parents both died when I was 18, I had my first house and garden, and I spent all of my spare time gardening, digging, choosing plants and creating my own space, which helped me to get through the

grieving process. It still helps me now, and being outside in a garden is so therapeutic; it is one of the reasons we open the gardens for charity.

when we were able to open during the pandemic, it was the first time that families had been allowed to see each other outside; friends and families stayed for the afternoon, chatting and laughing; it really was a wonderful sight.

I feel very lucky and blessed to be in this position, and it means so much to me that we can raise money for worthwhile charities, such as Macmillan, whose incredible nurses helped us as a family when my father died of cancer.

Designing has always been my passion. I started in fashion, and had my own boutique in Cardiff; then when I had tiny children, I job-shared in an interior design shop. After a few years and a divorce, I decided to make a career out of my hobby, and so I went back to university at the age of 38 with two small children and as a single mum. I loved it, leading me to work full-time at a landscape architecture company and eventually run my own design practice.

And then I met my husband (well, he actually bought me in a fundraising auction as the prize was for me to cook at a dinner party, but that is another story); we arranged to meet for a cup of tea and never looked back. He is patient and allows me free rein when designing and planting the gardens. We now have an Italian-inspired potager garden, formal croquet lawns with borders and clipped castellated yew hedging, a wildlife pond, and a woodland garden. We are re-wilding part of our woodland lawn. We have planted over 45,000 snowdrops and 150,000 Spring bulbs. It has been backbreaking at times, and we couldn't do it without the help of David, our wonderful gardener and May, his dog, who is definitely in charge of us all.

Alongside my love of gardens, I have always had a passion for flowers and flower arranging, but whilst working full time and bringing up my boys, I never had time to explore it properly.

The pandemic, although a truly difficult time for many, allowed me to do what I had always loved. I started creating wedding flowers for couples desperate to get married no matter how small a wedding they had. It was a wonderful experience and totally addictive. I now run the floral business 'Wild and Fabulous Flowers". We operate as a sustainable florist, never using green floral foam and sourcing local flowers where possible. We are very diverse, and I love creating large floral installations as much as small bunches of flowers. We worked with Dyffryn Gardens to design and install their Christmas displays and pop-up events, such as the Blossom Tree.

It is always an honour to be chosen as someone's wedding florist, and we make every effort for the flowers to be perfect on the day. We do a limited number of weddings a year to ensure we have the time to concentrate fully on our floral displays on a special day. Our floral style is very much based on my design experience; colours, shapes, textures and scents are so important to us.

We are now bringing the flowers and the gardens together by holding floral workshops at Llandough Castle. These are held monthly and use seasonal flowers. In November, we host Christmas wreath workshops, which are hugely popular and fun.

Hen parties can also be held in the garden or original Victorian Orangery. You can make floral headbands with your friends whilst sipping fizz and nibbling on a canape. It is an excellent alternative to a traditional night out.

Our future plans are to grow the floral business and sell a curated collection of our favourite things, including our range of candles in conjunction with Thornbush Hill. They are made up of all of my favourite garden scents, and we have found the most beautiful containers that can be re-purposed as vases or plant pots once the candle has been burnt. We will also be selling gorgeous linens and vases. It will be fascinating to see it grow, just like the gardens at the Castle.

If you would like to be on our mailing list for events at Llandough Castle, then please email wildandfabulousflowers@gmail.com

The gardens will be opening for the National Garden Scheme next Spring. We will be announcing the date in October. We hope to open as a pop-up as part of the Snowdrop Festival in February.

Mariepalbom Photography

Enhance your lunchtime with The Ivy Asia Cardiff’s lunch stacks

The Ivy Asia Cardiff has launched a new Lunch Stack menu designed to spice up lunchtimes in the city centre.

The Lunch Stacks menu is available Monday-Friday from 11.30 am-4.30 pm.

Opening last autumn, The Ivy Asia is a glamorous destination restaurant serving incredible Asian-inspired dishes for lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, plus exotic cocktails and live entertainment late into the night. Located on the Hayes in St David’s Shopping Centre, it offers everyone who visits an experience they'll remember forever.

The perfect way to enhance your lunchtime, whether you’re catching up with friends, having a business meeting or looking for a quick bite, the new Lunch Stack menu features a selection of hand-picked dishes designed to showcase the flavours of the season.

For £22.50 per person, guests can enjoy a selection of the restaurant's favourite dishes, including Spicy Salmon & Avocado Rolls, Mushroom Gyozas and Spiced Peanut Chicken, where every bite is full of opulent Asian-inspired flavours.

The venue suits several occasions, date nights, celebratory dinners, lunch with friends – or you could even pop in for a quick cocktail at the bar on a day out shopping.

Fitted with elegant yet vibrant interiors, including The Ivy Asia’s signature green onyx flooring and large cherry trees, the Instagram-worthy space includes a DJ booth, beautiful terrace, and a sushi bar, where dishes and delights will be prepared before guests’ very eyes.

To book a table, visit www.theivyasia.com

IMAGINE IF YOU COULD WALK AWAY WITH A BEAUTIFUL NEW SMILE ON THE SAME DAY...

At Fusion Dentistry, you can. Their highly experienced team has decades of experience in creating beautiful smiles in South Wales – not just for patients who want to make a cosmetic improvement but for those who never thought they could have new teeth.

Have you previously been told you are not a suitable candidate for dental implants? At Fusion, they have yet to see a patient that they cannot help.

AWARD WINNING TEAM

Mike Fuse, a leading clinical dental technician, has over 20 years experience in the dental industry – creating teeth and dentures for thousands of patients. Mike graduated from the Royal College of Surgeons of England with a diploma in Clinical Dental Technology which enables him to treat patients directly.

‘’It is clear to me that far too many people suffer discomfort and pain from sore gums and decayed teeth. Even the best made dentures are a poor substitute for natural teeth. Dentistry is about making the whole person look and feel better and this is the reason I created Fusion where everything is under one roof and we can provide patients with same day teeth’’

SAME DAY TEETH

If you suffer with missing or loose teeth or struggle with wobbly, uncomfortable dentures then same day teeth could be the perfect solution for you. Same day dental implant solutions at Fusion mean you are never left without teeth. Unlike other implant treatments, which require you to wear temporary dentures for many months, same day teeth uses technology that allows you to leave the practice with your new smile.

Fusion’s relaxing, home-from-home setting will put you at ease and with finance solutions available, they make it easy to spread the cost of your treatment.

What are you waiting for? Go to fusiondentistry.co.uk to book or call 02920214304

‘’I am passionate about the best products and giving people the smile they have always dreamed of. We are about giving people teeth for life that leave them feeling self assured and with the confidence to show their new smile,’’

Mike says.‘’Fusion offers a relaxed environment and we use state of the art materials, CAD/CAM and 3D printing systems, the latest bio engineering techniques plus meticulous planning and attention to details. The result is that we can fully restore a smile with teeth in a single day with precision placement of dental implants and new arches of teeth.’’ Mike has assembled a team of the best dental professionals for Fusion, including Dr Guy McLellan who is doubly qualified in dentistry and medicine and has over 25 years experience working with dental implants. “Our team all have extensive knowledge in dental implants and experience working with nervous patients and will ensure that your treatment journey is seamless and tailored specifically for your needs.”

Fusion was the most affordable quote I had compared to the others for the complex treatment that I needed. But amazingly, they were so high standard (I have been to a few dentists over the years!) When they showed me around their clinic & laboratory, all in one building, it was beautiful , clean and the staff were always friendly and courteous. I didn’t have any pain after the operation which was a big surprise. Now I have beautiful teeth and I don’t feel ashamed anymore. Their aftercare is excellent too. I would recommend Fusion with a big, confident smile! I am so happy – thank you Fusion!

Mike Fuse

Starting his career as a dental technician before retraining clinically Mike Fuse is in the unique position to be able to oversee and advise on all aspects of our patients journey and treatment at Fusion Dentistry. Ensuring that all patients achieve the outstanding smile they expect and deserve.

With a passion for providing exceptional dental implant treatments to the underserved community in South Wales, Mike Fuse set up Fusion Dentistry - a leading dental clinic with its own dental laboratory that has helped thousands of patients achieve full mouth dental implants and optimal oral health.

As a true pioneer in his field, Mike Fuse has assembled a team of multidisciplinary experts who share his vision of delivering outstanding patient care and customer service. His commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements has enabled him to

offer cutting-edge treatments using the latest digital scanning and CAD/ CAM technology.

Mike Fuse's work has been widely recognised and celebrated, earning him numerous awards and accolades in the dental industry. Patients and colleagues alike commend his unwavering dedication to excellence, as well as his friendly and approachable demeanour.

At Fusion Dentistry, Mike Fuse and his team of experts offer our patients the highest quality dental implant treatments available. Whether you are looking to restore your smile, improve your oral health, or simply enhance your overall well-being, you can trust Mike Fuse and the team at Fusion Dentistry to provide exceptional care and outstanding results

Questions:

How long have you been in dentistry? And why did you get into it? Over 25 years. I got into it as the cad/cam digital side of dentistry was just beginning and it was very exciting to bring that to life. We were the first clinic in Wales to take on digital dentistry and it still excites me to have the latest technology and advances that enables us to provide 5* treatment options for all patients

Why are you passionate about dentistry in particular?

Dentistry has been in my family for many years, my dad was a dental

technician. I travelled for years around the UK with Guy delivering exceptional implant treatments for so many patients and quickly discovered there wasn’t a clinic like Fusion in south wales. So in 2015 the idea of Fusion was born and we brought the same day teeth concept to Cardiff!

Why is Fusion different?

Fusion is just what our name suggests - it’s a Fusion of experts in their field that come together as a team to provide the very best treatment options for patients. We are unlike other dental practices offering lots of different treatments. We have chosen to only provide dental implant and cosmetic smile makeovers treatments meaning we are doing many of these cases each week to an amazing standard. We are also different as we have everything under one roof, including a dental laboratory meaning all our teeth are made on site an a smile makeover really be completed in 1 day?

Yes! Our main treatment is an option called All on 4 where all teeth are replaced using dental implants. The implants are placed in the morning and the teeth are fitted in the afternoon - it really is amazing!

Fun fact:

I really enjoying cycling and have done many charity bike rides including charity rides with our dental implant company - Straumann.

Dr Guy

McLellan BDS FDS RCS (Eng) MBBS Dental Implant surgeon.

He is doubly qualified in dentistry and medicine and a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. He has over 20 years’

hospital experience including training in ENT and plastic surgery and held an Honorary Consultant post in Oral Implantology at Charing Cross Hospital.

His experience in implants dates back to 1994 and includes intra and extra-oral implants to retain facial cosmetics/reconstruction following facial cancer surgery as a member of the Cranio-Facial team at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.

In private practice he limits his practice to surgical implantology and augmentation procedures including complex intra-oral grafting and the use of extra maxillary implants (zygomatic and pterygoid implants)

He is a mentor for several implant companies and is actively involved in Implant education. He is a member of the Association of Dental Implantology

Questions:

How long have you practised dentistry and why did you get into it? 30 years qualified since 1993. One of my parents good friends was a dentist and he was an inspiration to me as a child

Why are you passionate about dentistry in particular? Huge difference you can make to patients lives, transforming patients lives & still getting enjoyment out of patients reaction when they see their new smile (especially when they cry!)

Fezaan Gatrad

Having qualified as a dentist in 2010 from King College London, Dr Fezaan Gatrad has taken great pleasure in caring for his patients. Immediately after his foundation year of training and obtaining his Diploma of Membership of the Joint Dental Faculties of England (MJDF RCS), he was accepted to The University of Warwick, completing a Diploma in Implant Dentistry in 2014.

In 2016 he graduated with a Master in Clinical Dentistry with distinction from BPP University, having received the outstanding achievement award while studying Implant Dentistry (MClinDent Implant).

More recently, in 2018, Fezaan completed an Advanced Surgical Masters in Bone Regeneration under internationally famous and highly respected Professor Istvan Urban. The new techniques and skills

What is the most rewarding part of your job? Changing lives, giving patients fixed teeth in 1 day it’s truly amazing the difference we make. At Fusion, we’re so passionate about providing 5* treatment and customer service, it’s a great team to be a part of

Highlight of your career so far?

Graduating as a medical doctor at Southwark cathedral

Top tips: Healthy diet, vitamins, exercise - look after yourself!

What should they ask?: How experienced is the surgeon? How many implants placed? For how long? Do they do any teachingnationally or internationally?

Best advice ever given or received?: Treat every patient as if their a member of your family

Motto: Dare quarm acciptre - to give us better than to receive

developed have enabled Dr Gatrad to treat some of the most complex of cases, patients who in the past may not have been suitable for implant treatment.

Dr Gatrad has a passion for Implant Dentistry and is a firm believer in bettering yourself through research and education. His quest to acquire new knowledge and learn the latest technique will only continue to enhance his capabilities as a clinician.

Dr Gatrad has dedicated most of his career to Implant dentistry and achieving the best possible clinical outcomes in restoring people’s confidence and smiles through his work. He prides himself on providing excellent care and maintaining longterm relationships with his patients.

Questions

How long have you practised dentistry, and why did you get into it? I have been practicing dentistry for 13 years, having grown up in a family of dentists, teeth were often a topic of discussion at the dinner table (sad.. I know) however the apple never falls to far from the tree and dentistry certainly has become more then just a vocation in my life. Why are you passionate about dentistry in particular? My clinical

work is now solely focused on dental implant treatment. This is where my passion lays, it definitely makes coming to work every day, enjoyable and exciting.

Can you give us some real-life examples of common dental problems you deal with?

People with missing teeth, people with no teeth, people with failing teeth, have the knowledge and the expertise to help them is truly rewarding

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Highlight of your career so far? Placing my first zygomatic implants ( now one of many)

What should clients look for in a competitive market like dentistry? What questions should they be asking? Who is doing my surgery? what is their experience? Who are the team they are working with, what happens if there are complications? Can i trust these people to do their best for me?

The best advice you've ever given/ received? Actually words from Mike Fuse - we all work for the patient and deleiving the best for them, everything should be focused on that, nothing else matters

Let’s Talk About Prostate Health

How to spot if your male friend or partner is suffering with symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate

Men’s health is a topic of great importance and becoming more frequently spoken about day-today. Spotting changes in someone else’s lifestyle isn’t always easy, but there are things we can keep an eye on to help support the men in our lives. We spoke with Consultant Urological Surgeon at St Joseph’s Hospital, Mr Adam Cox, who has a subspecialist interest in treating diseases of the prostate, about how to spot signs and symptoms of an enlarged prostate, and what to do next.

“Men and those born biologically male have a prostate. It grows to about the size of a walnut in their 20s and then by their 40s it can start to grow or enlarge, which may cause problems when passing urine.” The prostate is located inside the pelvis, just below the bladder and in front of the back passage. This can’t be seen or physically examined from outside the body due to its positioning, which highlights the need to watch for signs of change in daily routine.

“ The symptoms of an enlarged prostate (called benign prostate enlargement, BPE) are very common in men over 50. Studies have reported that approximately half of men aged 51 to 60 have BPE, which jumps to 70% among men aged 60 to 69 and around 80% in men over 70 years.”

Why a man’s prostate grows, to what size, and how quickly it grows is due to their genetics, family history, and the hormonal changes that occur in the ageing male.

While some men who have BPE do not experience disabling symptoms, for many it causes problems with urination. These can include any combination of the following:

• Increased frequency of urination

• Increased urge to urinate that is difficult to put off

• Urge incontinence, or the involuntary loss of urine

• Increased frequency of urination at night which disrupts sleep

• Bedwetting

• Urinary hesitancy, or difficulty starting urination

• Weak urinary stream

• Need to strain muscles to begin the flow of urine

• Urinary stream that starts and stops one or more times

• Inability to completely empty bladder of urine

• Flow of urine slows to a dribble toward end of urination

“In some cases, BPE can lead to acute urinary retention, the painful inability to urinate accompanied by swelling in the lower abdomen due to a full bladder, or chronic urine retention, the failure to empty the bladder fully but maintained ability to pass urine. Chronic urine retention can lead to bladder stone formation, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and damage to the kidneys if not treated promptly.”

Early detection, diagnosis and treatment of prostate problems is key to improving the quality of life for those affected and their loved ones.

"Most men suffering with BPE tend to accept its symptoms as a normal part of ageing, usually either reluctant to seek advice if they feel embarrassed about their symptoms or fearful of an intimate clinical examination. They may be unaware that there is help available to help improve their quality of life and therefore hesitate to be seen.”

Fortunately, there are effective ways to treat the symptoms of BPE that usually begin with lifestyle changes, progressing to medication prescribed by doctors and lastly surgical interventions

“Lifestyle changes recommended for men with symptoms of BPE include weight loss, reduction of caffeine, alcohol, and fizzy/energy drinks and limiting drinks before bed.”

If after 4-6 weeks of adopting these lifestyle modifications, there is no clear improvement, patients should see their GP, according to Mr Cox. Patients suffering with bothersome urinary symptoms and any of the following symptoms should see their GP urgently to rule out more serious health concerns:

• Visible blood in the urine with/without passage of clots

• Lower abdominal pain

• Bedwetting

• Loss of appetite or weight loss

• Unrelenting pain, especially back pain with/ without pins and needles or weakness in one or both legs

• Swollen leg(s)

“Medication to reduce the size of the prostate and relax your bladder may be recommended by your GP if BPE symptoms are sufficiently bothersome or severe. After a medical assessment, their GP may wish to refer onto a Consultant Urologist. Surgery is usually only recommended for moderate to severe symptoms that have not responded to medicine, urine retention that doesn’t improve with medication, or urine retention that causes kidney damage, recurrent UTIs or bladder stone formation.”

It is well known how difficult it is for some men to talk about their health. “If you are someone who is close to a man you recognise or suspect as having bothersome urinary symptoms due to BPE, you may be worried about bringing it up in conversation for fear of causing embarrassment, or you may be concerned about having misread the signs. When discussing personal or intimate functions with loved ones, you should explain that you have their best interests at heart and that it’s much better to get symptoms checked out as early as possible.” Supporting loved ones can be done is a series of ways; attending appointments, providing transport, encouraging them to speak to men of a similar age about their symptoms or simply showing you are there for support when needed.

Support for those affected by BPE can be found at Prostate Cymru or Prostate Cancer

UK. Mr Adam Cox holds clinics at St Joseph’s Hospital. For more information, please visit www. stjosephshospital.co.uk, call on 01633 820 300 or email hello@stjosephshospital.co.uk

There are effective ways to treat the symptoms of BPE that usually begin with lifestyle changes

Banishing the stigma of hearing aids!

Let’s be real; talking about hearing loss is not exactly a conversation starter; we’ve all felt embarrassed or awkward at some point when it comes to our ears. Ear wax? Gross! Hearing problems? We pretend they don’t exist. Taking care of your hearing is just as important as taking care of your physical health and wellbeing.

Marina Storina of Clear Hearing Solution is leading the way in addressing the old-fashioned stigma and attitude towards hearing loss and taking ear health seriously. She has made it her goal in life to promote the benefits of good hearing and to address this often forgotten and neglected condition that can heavily impact our daily lives.

"Our world is becoming more mentally and emotionally draining by the day, so it is vital that you have good hearing to stay healthy," says Marina. During her detailed research study Marina was shocked to discover how many people over the age of 50 have a hearing problem, but they choose to ignore it. Most of us will visit the optician to get new glasses, but not enough emphasis is placed on hearing loss and visiting a specialised hearing clinic. If hearing loss is not addressed, it could lead to a higher risk of dementia in later life.

We all need to feel connected and closer to our loved ones. Having good hearing increases communication, which in turn increases personal connections. Investing in hearing care now can not only prevent ear-related problems but can maintain a better quality of life. Living a long life is great but wouldn’t it be better if it were joyous too!

A recent UK study found that by using digital hearing aids to assist hearing loss significantly reduces the risk of dementia and also reduces the risk of conditions such as anxiety and depression.

What is on offer?

Marina has been working in the audiology industry for 20 years and she has seen how technology has developed and improved dramatically. The clinic offers not only the expertise on the newest technology but also offers a full detailed assessment of your audio health.

Hearing aids – discrete stylish gadgets

The newest hearing aids are so discrete that you will hardly notice you are wearing it. It is just the same as putting on your watch or putting on your glasses. Hearing aids now have the benefits of using artificial intelligence and are so technologically advanced with magnificent acoustical parameters. Marina wants to encourage people to start placing more importance on their hearing accessories as well as their smart phones, glasses and smart watches. So, what are you waiting for?? Impress your family and friends by investing in a stylish AI inspired device which not only brings you closer to the world generally but will improve your all round mental and emotional health leading to a more joyful life.

So, if you have loved ones or are experiencing any symptoms of hearing loss please seek advice from Marina and her team at Clear Hearing Solution

www.clearhearingsolution.com

info@clearhearingsolution.com

01446 688450

Peterstone Lakes

A Wedding Venue of Dreams

Choosing the right venue for your wedding can be daunting and stressful. You have been dreaming of this day since forever and the pressure is on to make it as perfect as possible. The wedding team at Peterstone Lakes have made it their mission to ensure your special days runs as smoothly, stress-free and most importantly, is a truly magical day enjoyed by all.

Set in acres of greenery on the cusp of Cardiff and Newport lies the picturesque, newly renovated wedding venue, Peterstone Lakes. The Welsh venue comes completed with two function rooms and a large courtyard, all of which being licenced for ceremonies as well as being perfect for wedding parties.

So, what makes this wedding venue truly special? The venue not only boasts beautiful indoor rooms and surrounding countryside views, but there are

also picturesque lakes situated within the grounds which are perfect for photo opportunities. You may even request little trips around the venue on their golf buggies to make your day a little bit different?

Both function rooms include fully licensed bars which are manned by friendly staff. There is a huge array of beverages to choose from and a large selection of champagnes. Bar staff are included within the package and will stay with your guests until 1am.

The Crystal Suite Holds up to 220 guests

Purpose built, the newly refurbished ‘Crystal Suite’ allows you to host your civil ceremony, wedding breakfast, and evening reception all under one roof with a capacity of 220 guests. With stunning chandeliers, which truly sparkle and shine, hence the name ‘crystal’ and boasting panoramic views of the rolling countryside and pristine golf course. Guests can enjoy the views whatever the weather. Accompanied by their large firepit to warm up your wedding evening, this space is perfect for that indoor-outdoor feel. The grounds and terrace provide amble opportunities for photographs that you’ll cherish forever.

The Wedding Food

The most important part of any celebration is of course the food! At Peterstone Lakes, food is their speciality. Their highly trained dedicated chefs offer custom made and bespoke dishes to suit every taste and need, with every dish achieving the ‘WOW’ factor that your guests will love. There are plenty of food tastings during the preparation stage to ensure you make the perfect choice, and with only the best suppliers sourced for the venue, you can be sure that your food choices are in safe hands. Intrigued? Then pop along to the venue and enjoy one of their Sunday lunches, which are served on a weekly basis all year round.

The Team

The friendly team at Peterstone Lakes have made it their mission to make your day truly unforgettable. They will welcome you and take you on a tour of the venue and grounds so you can see what this venue can offer. The wedding coordinators are always on hand to help and assist the wedding party during the planning, preparation and on the big day itself. Check out their 5star reviews.

For a peaceful and tranquil setting for your wedding, a bespoke offering with fantastic photo opportunities and gorgeous food and drink, then look no further than Peterstone Lakes.

For an initial no obligation chat, get in touch with their team and start your incredible journey today.

www.peterstonelakes.com

The Fairways Suite Holds up to 75 guests

For smaller, more intimate weddings, you can choose to say your vows in the ‘Fairways,’ with capacity for 75 guests to enjoy your ceremony with you. With access to a brand-new, refurbished balcony, you and your guests can soak up the stunning views of the immaculate golf course, gardens and distance fields.

&

Josh Navidi Ellé Holley

Share Their Special Day with Style of the City

Suppliers

Venue: Sant Ffraed House

Photographer: Lauren Amelia Photography

Florist:

Hilarys Floral Design

Dress designer: Riki Dalal Official

How did you first meet?

We met in Dirty Martini Cardiff on my birthday. It was the first time we’d ever met. Josh’s brother is the most funny and sassiest person you’ll ever meet, and he came over to my group of friends, dancing to Beyonce. He introduced me to Josh there and then, and the rest is history.

Dress shop: Eva Ashley Bridal

Videographer: Fine Rolling Media

Hair:

Navidi Hair Company

Make Up:

Makeup by Charl T

Cake:

How long were you together before you proposed? How did you propose?

We were together for 4 years before he proposed.

We were in Santorini. Josh had just come back from the Lions tour and had to go to Jersey to quarantine for 10 days. I hadn’t seen him for a few months.

Once he came home, we flew to Santorini, and he proposed the first night we were there. We were

The Vale Cake Boutique

Stationary: Pretty Haus Prints

2nd Day photographer: Yony Photography

Venue styling: KB Event Styling

Rings: Diamond Centre Wales

chilling all day and then I went to get ready. He’d ordered a bottle of champagne, and suggested we went to watch the sunset.

I was in full on holiday mode, taking my time getting ready and Josh was panicking that he didn’t want to miss the sunset, he was trying to politely rush me along. He’d set his phone up, took a photo and as I turned around, there he was on one knee.

Where did you get married?

Sant Ffraed House

What attracted you to the venue?

It was just gorgeous. We were initially looking abroad, and a friend messaged to say a new venue was opening, Sant Ffraed House. We were invited to the soft launch, so it was our opportunity to visit the venue before anyone else. I had my heart set on going aboard, but Josh was considering the UK after hearing about Sant Ffraed House. When we walked in, we were both blown away. We were stood during champagne reception and the venue was full of people and we just imagined all those people being our family and friends and it just felt right. We made the decision there and then, Sant Ffraed House was where we were going to get married.

What was your wedding theme?

Minimal, modern, and classic. We wanted something timeless so when we look back, we’re still going to love everything we had.

What did you wear? Tell us about your gown…

I booked an appointment with my mum first and we went to Eva Ashley. I tried on a load of dresses, and I didn’t really have anything in mind that I wanted. I just wanted to try a load on and see what I liked and didn’t like. I tried on the Riki Dalal and I loved it!

The second time I took my bridesmaids with me to try on the dress again, they all cried so I knew it was the one. Whilst we were there, I asked them to be my bridesmaids. It was getting closer to the date, and everything was happening in Ukraine and my dress was stuck over there, the team did everything possible, so I wasn’t stressed. The team from Riki Dalah went to Poland to get the dresses out. I couldn’t allow myself to feel stressed because of everything that was going on, but everything arrived, and it was perfect.

How did your dress make you feel?

I felt amazing, it was everything I could have dreamt of. Everyone compliment the dress and Josh loved it which was the main thing.

My dad burst into tears, and I’ve never seen him cry. It was the dress of dreams.

What was your first dance song?

Iris - Goo Goo Dolls.

How did you entertain your guests?

We had Soul Lotta Funk as our band and then we had a DJ in the night.

How did you feel on the day?

I felt all the emotions; amazing and emotional and everything I coud have ever dreamed of - It sounds so cheesy but it’s true! It was the most incredible day, with the most incredible people. To be able to marry the love of my life with everyone I love there, you can never recreate that.

What’s your top tip to future couples getting married?

Don’t let it overwhelm you. All couples planning a wedding can get a little overwhelmed and it’s so easy to get caught up in stressful moments. Sit back and say ‘we’re planning this because we’re going to have the best day of our lives’, remember why you’re doing it. Soak in the planning time, and enjoy every moment, stay grounded in that, and absorb every moment together.

Jaz Cuggy Luxury UK & Destination Glam Makeup Artist

Make your Wedding Day Spectacular with Jaz Cuggy

Weddings can be extremely daunting, especially with many brides eager to look their very best. You're in the right place if you're looking for someone who truly cares about your bridal makeup. Jaz aims to make every bride feel flawless; with so much detail to scrutinise, makeup should be the last thing to keep you up at night. So, whatever style you envisage, Jaz will remove your worries and turn them into a seamless and effortless process, giving you the Look you have always dreamed of.

Looking for a makeup artist for your wedding? Jaz Cuggy's mission is to deliver an unforgettable glam experience from the first email until your big “I dos’."

Jaz started her makeup journey in 2019. Following her mother's footsteps as a professional makeup artist, Jaz took an intensive course in Manchester, allowing herself to be educated with the best makeup skills available, certified & insured. Jaz started working in a small town in Wales, and from there, whilst expanding her client base, is now a freelance makeup artist specialising in destination weddings and photoshoots across the UK and beyond.

A Brand You Can Trust

Makeup artists are usually one of the first people that brides come into contact with, and with such an intimate task on a momentous day, it's crucial to ensure you hire a makeup artsist you can trust. Jaz prides herself on creating a relaxing, calming atmosphere, encouraging brides-to-be, complete control, but also there to help with expert knowledge and advice. Boosting confidence and fulfilment as you lead up to that special day. From the moment you book to the morning of your wedding, Jaz will be on hand throughout it all with support and advice.

With many years of experience in different makeup styles, Jaz's portfolio has covered bridal, pageantry, photo shoots and model portfolios.

This experience adds to Jaz's brand's ethos of a no "one size fits all" approach; everyone is different, and Jaz can offer an array of bespoke bridal packages in fitting with preference.

WEDDINGS

Booking a Luxury Destination Wedding?

There are common concerns for Brides opting for destination weddings. Using someone new abroad for your makeup requirements with minimal contact can be very stressful. Jaz Cuggy offers Destination Wedding packages, ensuring every detail is handled.

Why Book By Jaz Cuggy for your Destination Wedding?

A UK trial can be offered to perfect your dream bridal look.

Flawless glam applied using top-quality products.

Jaz on hand the whole day of your wedding for yourself and guests' makeup to be touched up when required, especially in some heat! No risks taken

Jaz is commonly known as a Luxury Destination Makeup Artist, having travelled to multiple countries to work for brands and for Brides, including Spain, Italy, Ireland, Malta and Orlando.

How can you book By Jaz Cuggy for your wedding?

Email Jaz on Jazcuggy@aol.com with the following details:

Stay All Day Powder Lady Package

The Powder Lady Package consists of your MUA, aka Jaz, staying after the duration of your ceremony up until the first dance. The perks of booking the Stay All Day Powder Lady Package include:

Flawless Look all day Long, Powdering when needed, not having to worry about your lips after eating (Jaz has you covered!); maybe you wish to intensify your makeup throughout the evening to get more glamorous. Your bridal party and guests can also have access to Jaz for the duration of the wedding. This is not only limited to the above but help with hairstyle changes throughout the evening or simply removing your veil ready for you to party. If you feel you may only need Jaz for part of the day & would prefer to book by the hour, this is also possible.

Full Name, Wedding Date, Contact Details, Number for Makeup, Venue Location & Jaz will be in touch or haven’t booked yet? Email Jaz and you will be forwarded a brochure.

Jaz can be followed on instagram at @ ByJazCuggy

Jaz prides herself by creating honest connections and keeping in touch throughout the time of booking up until the big day.

WEDDINGS

What now? Breathe...

I have previously talked about the biggest decision you will make when planning your wedding, and that is choosing your dream wedding venue.

While there are many things you need to consider, such as your budget and what you would like to do throughout your day, there are a number of questions to be asked when you start to look at the finer detail.

of the room, you may need a PA system for the speeches. You will most definitely need a system to play music for your ceremony (if this is being held at the venue), so be sure to check what format your music needs to be supplied in. You would be amazed at how many brides are in a state of panic when they are asked for digital recordings.

• When can you access the venue? The answer to this question will have a huge impact on your set up process. It either means that you have to arrange set up to take place in the early hours of your wedding day, or you can go in the day before. The latter is preferable, but is less likely during busy wedding season

So I have a list of questions that I am always armed with, and a process of analysis which helps me to narrow down the great and the not so great venue offerings. To go through them all would be impossible in one article, but here are four questions and the considerations behind them which will help you make better decisions:

• How many functions rooms are available and will you have access to them all? Having exclusive use of a venue is brilliant, but remember; the more separate spaces you have, the more guests will wonder. This will reduce the atmosphere in your main space. If you are aware of this, you can make prior arrangements to manage it. On the flip side if you are only limited to one main function room, you will need to consider turnaround times from ceremony to wedding breakfast, to evening party. Also the timing of any deliveries between them all.

• Is there a PA system, and more importantly would you need one? Depending on the size

• When do you have to collect all your items after the wedding? When you are filled with the glow of the day before, it's a heavy thought to think about all the clear up / pick ups. Venues will have a policy requiring pick ups to be carried out by a certain time in order that they can arrange subsequent events / weddings. Things get even more challenging if you have booked a blank canvas and have to clear everything up before you leave on the night of your wedding.

Asking the right questions is imperative to planning a wedding and what you do with the answers isn't always straight forward. Take your time and process what you are being told. Think about how if will affect you personally and how you can minimise the stress any restrictions will cause.

I have gone into this in a lot more detail my Ultimate Guide to Starting your Wedding Plans which you can download from the shop on my web site www.paulaburns.net. I've collated all the questions in a handy Venue Fact Sheet which you can print out for each venue you visit. I have also included space on the sheet for you to fill in the answers.

Until next time, enjoy your planning and................ don't forget to breathe x

As a wedding planner, I make it my duty to understand every aspect of a venue, because the last thing I want is any surprises for my couples.

Award winning Wedding Planner and venue stylist Paula Burns, helps you to take the anxiety out of your planning.

Say ‘I Do’ at Holm

Holm House offers an idyllic location for your special day. The award winning boutique hotel boasts everything you could dream of for a chic and sophisticated wedding day experience. You and your lucky guests will enjoy several stylish reception spaces, transformed to host your ceremony (fully licenced), wedding breakfast and evening celebration. 12 luxurious bedrooms including a honeymoon suite plus a picturesque garden and terrace with stunning views of Penarth Pier and beyond.

With its homely relaxing feel and stunning feature fire-place, Holm Houses’ newly refurbished lounge space sets the perfect scene for intimate ceremonies of up to 40 guests. For larger weddings the restaurant will be transformed into a ‘chapel style’ set up, offering spectacular views of the stunning gardens and the sea. There are also several nearby churches and places of worship if you’re planning a religious ceremony.

Food and drink wise, you will be spoilt for choice. Holm can host up to 85 for the wedding breakfast and 120 for the evening reception, whilst their stunning new private dining room, The Nest, is perfect for intimate celebrations of up to 12 guests. Much of the menu’s inspiration is derived from the coastal setting. In addition to the wedding breakfast, Holm offers several delicious

canapé and evening buffet options as well as a fully stocked bar boasting fine wines and a fabulous cocktail menu. You will even be invited to a complimentary food and wine tasting, allowing you to carefully select your all-important wedding menu…

After dark, Holm House will be transformed into a party setting with ample space for a dancefloor, DJ or band. The venue lends itself to creating a real ‘house party’ vibe. Guests can tear up the dancefloor, prop up the bar or enjoy a chat and the romantic scenery of the garden terrace at night. The perfect end. To the perfect day.

Visit

Pleser

The Luxury Welsh Bridal Boutique

Pleser was established 33 years ago by Mrs Marian Williams, who with experience in bridalwear, was intrigued by the beautiful Victorian shop she passed on her way to work –little dreaming that one day it would become the fairytale establishment of her dreams. After a few years, Marian‘s daughter Eiriol and Llinos joined their entrepreneurial mum, whom Llinos has described, as a” huge inspiration“.

A “one stop bridal experience”, Pleser is an exquisite family run bridal and occasion wear boutique that has been referred to as “the jewel in the crown” for Pontarddulais.

From the grandeur of a cathedral wedding to the informality of an overseas beach wedding, and everything in between, Pleser is the place to come - staff are more than ready to advise customers about costumes for all kinds of weddings.

The Covid pandemic proved an interruption to many peoples’ wedding plans, but onwards and upwards, as Pleser moves forward into the future, customers can be assured that quality and personal service will remain at the forefront of all that they offer.

Pleser staff pride themselves on going above and beyond what their excited customers expect and this is why they would recommend appointments.

Come to Pleser to experience an unique, modern, Welsh, family atmosphere which will guarantee that guests at the wedding will swoon, “Oh! Where did you get your gorgeous clothes?”

For us ,there can only be one answer, “Pleser!”

The Bridal labels we stock are

Jesus Peiro

Rosa Clara

Rosa Clara Couture

Rembo Styling

Marylise

Carta Branca

Occassion Wear

Felt Campo

Teresa Ripoll

John Charles

Rosa Clara Cocktail.... and many others

Lucky couple WIN the wedding of their dreams!

One lucky couple scooped a dream wedding worth over £15,000. Nicky and Alisha from Swansea were overwrought with emotion when it was unveiled that they beat off 12,000 couples to become the inaugural winners of, Win a Wedding, by luxury wedding specialist group, The Oldwalls Collection.

Win a Wedding was launched last month and open to newly engaged couples as well as couples who had already booked a wedding at two of the groups popular venues, Oldwalls Gower and Fairyhill. Over 12,000 nominations were received from across South Wales and beyond and over 25,000 votes were cast for the final four couples, Alisha and Nicky, Sarah and Sian, Lyndsey and Michael and Beth and Aaron.

Alisha and Nicky, originally set the date for 20th December 2024 at Oldwalls Gower over a year ago and will now be in credit for their dream day.

Alisha Said: "We are still on cloud 9, it hasn’t quite sunk in that we literally received a cheque for £15,000!"

When I first walked into Oldwalls last year I just knew it was ‘the one’ just like Nicky was ‘my one’. This prize is lifechanging. It will allow us to reallocate some of the wedding budget to invest in another round of IVF fertility treatment, who knows, ALL of our dreams may even come true…”

The lovely couple won with a landslide of + 12,000 votes, thanks to their unique canvassing efforts and support from their local community.

Nicky said: “Me and my best mate just decided to go for it, X Factor style! He made some banners in work, and we went out on a Saturday afternoon and literally pinned them to bridges, we pestered our friends and family on social media and we even had the support of local businesses who launched competitions on our behalf to encourage their customers to vote for us! It’s been a whirlwind few weeks and on behalf of Alisha and I, we want to thank everyone who voted for us and also send love to our fellow finalists who were so gracious last night.”

The Oldwalls Collection are renowned for taking care of every little detail and the amazing prize is inspired by their all-inclusive 2024 Whirlwind Package. Everything from the exclusive use of Oldwalls Gower or Fairyhill, the lavish 5 course wedding breakfast, evening buffet, champagne toast, centerpieces, wedding car, evening entertainment and even the chair drapes are taken care of.

Commercial director, Shakira Obaid said: “We wanted to do something bold to inject some love and magic back in the air, the cost-of-living crisis and everything else going on in the world right now has hit many couples hard. Having the ultimate celebration of love and unity to look forward to can provide much needed hope and excitement for the future. We knew it was a very generous prize, but we never expected over 12,000 entries. All four final couples were incredible and deserved winners, but we want to extend an extra special congratulations to Alisha and Nicky who went to great lengths to gain votes, we are so proud to award you the prize and we cannot wait to embark on the next chapter of your wedding planning journey.”

Wild and Fabulous Flowers

The perfect florist for your special day

Wild and Fabulous Flowers is a florist based outside Cowbridge at Llandough Castle.

Rhian Rees is the florist, and having trained with The Bath Flower School, The White Horse Flower Company, Sabine Darrell and Moyses Stevens, she has honed her own unique style. Rhian's background has always been design-led, from starting in fashion to returning to university as a commercial landscape designer. Rhian first worked full-time for a landscape architect and then started her practice which specialised in new build care homes with sensory gardens.

Having always loved floristry, Rhian had the opportunity during the pandemic, to create florals for small weddings. It was a wonderful experience to be able to help couples have bespoke flowers for their weddings in such difficult circumstances. From this, she has grown her business to encompass all aspects of floristry, from small bouquets, events, large installations and sustainable farewell flowers. Wild and Fabulous Flowers hold floral workshops throughout the year, from vases for British Flowers Week to handtied bouquets and the very popular Christmas Wreath workshops. Alternatively, if you cannot

The florals that Rhian and her team create are influenced by her knowledge of designing with plants and flowers. Texture, size, shape, colour and scent are crucial in all floral designs, whether creating a tablescape of bud vases right through to large installations, such as arches, columns, church entrances or large marquees.

Its values are to work sustainably, never using green floral foam, which is full of toxic chemicals that go straight into landfills. Only sustainable methods are used; in season, flowers are sourced from local flower farmers wherever possible.

Wedding florals are Rhian's passion and love. Rhian works closely with her couples to ensure their florals are perfect for them on the day. Weddings are limited to ensure that each one is given a very personal touch and not rushed in any way; each one is bespoke with colour palettes, flowers and styling explicitly chosen for the individual wedding; they can even scent your wedding with candles and fragrances chosen to compliment your flowers.

Rhian offers an initial Zoom call and encourages couples to meet in person and chat about their wishes over a cup of tea. Creating a good relationship with a florist is vital. Trust is so important as a wedding florist will need to decide on the availability and species of flowers that are the most suitable for your day.

Rhian and her team also hold floral hen parties at her home at Llandough Castle, making either floral headbands or flower crowns with lovely glasses of fizz to sip and delicious canapés to nibble. They can organise anything from afternoon tea to a private chef. They are an excellent alternative to a traditional night out. If the weather is favourable, they are held in the garden or the original Victorian Orangery.

If you are interested in chatting with Rhian about your wedding flowers or would like to receive her newsletter about floral workshops, then please email her

wildandfabulousflowers@gmail.com

Insta @wild.and.fabulous.flowers

Website www.wildandfabulousflowers.com

COWBRIDGE

Our newest section of Style of the city, as we explore Cowbridge and all of its hidden gems

Thornbush Hill

The local Cowbridge store focused on optimising your selfcare routine

If you’re about to settle into a comfy chair, cup of coffee at the ready and magazine in hand, whether you are in the hairdressers or at home, we’d love to take this opportunity to introduce you to our independent, family run business. Thornbush Hill® is based in the glorious old market town of Cowbridge (just next to Harry’s bar and restaurant!).

We are artisan, small batch makers of plant-based candles, natural solid soap bars, home fragrances and bath preparations and are proudly entering our seventh year of trading. From the moment you step off the busy high street and into our sanctuary, our job is to help you slow the mind, soothe the soul and enable you to browse our wares in peace, at your own pace. Having recently been awarded ‘Retailer of the year’ at the Vale business awards, we like to think that we are wonderfully different to the big brands, fiercely independent and proud to be part of the Welsh Assembly governments green growth pledge. Our products are designed and made for good. Good for your skin, your mind, the planet and our dear fourlegged friends.

We never wanted to be ‘just another candle brand’. From the start, Thornbush Hill has always been about creating opportunities to slow down and take stock of your day.

We believe that in modernday life our brains and bodies can become overloaded with information, both positive and negative news and noise. Constant stimulation and information from so many digital sources and of course the inevitable comparisons we make with other folks on social media. Even the strongest amongst us can feel the weight from time to time, and so we want to encourage everyone to step back. After all it’s the small habits in your day that can make a huge impact on your emotional and physical health in a very short space of time. Therefore our ‘why’ is to give our amazing community of customers an opportunity in their day to light their candle or run that bath.. step away from the phone, the washing up and the list making. Drop those shoulders and encourage

Our biggest drive and purpose is our ‘why’; One Small Moment ®

yourself to breathe deeply and slowly. Think about all the wonderful little interactions you’ve had that day, a smiley barista whilst you got your morning coffee, the dog living its best life hanging it’s head out of the car window that you passed on the dual carriageway, the Canadian geese that flew over your garden in a perfect V, or someone you love giving you that massive bear hug when you saw them.

It’s the basics and sometimes the most mundane daily routines that can give our busy lives so much fulfilment. We believe that practicing these daily thoughts can help aid a grateful mindset naturally and give us that much needed lift at times when life can be a bit challenging.

Using your Thornbush Hill product is your daily reminder to take One Small Moment to feel soothed, grounded, grateful and rested.

We're always at the end of a phone, email, message or our sanctuary HQ if you ever need a chat, beagle cuddle or cup of something warming.

If you’re a little far away to visit our wonderful website enables you to shop 24 hours a day and we ship nationwide.

As our beautiful little brand continues to grow, we hope to care and nourish it like the family member it really is.

See you soon and much love, Team TBH

Bathrooms of Cowbridge

Where Luxury and Style Go Hand in Hand

Bathrooms of Cowbridge is a bespoke bathroom design studio in the heart of the Vale of Glamorgan. Through our comprehensive design service, we create luxury bathrooms to suit a range of styles and budgets.

Our experienced team of designers will work with our clients to make their dream bathroom a reality. We love that no two projects are the same and delighting our customers with the finished result is our motivator. We believe bathrooms should be a place to relax and unwind and through careful planning we create spaces that are not only visually stunning but also utilises each space to its full potential.

The Bathrooms of Cowbridge team have been working in the industry for over 10 years and client appreciation is the main motive for doing what they love. We want our designs to withstand time and be enjoyed for many years to come. All the products we supply are of the highest quality and are carefully selected to suit unique styles and trends. It’s important for us to gain repport with our customers and understand their lifestyle and how they want to

use the space. Some customers provide us with inspiration from social media, Pinterest and magazines and others need more guidance to understand what would work in their space. The journey of bathroom design starts with an initial consultation at our showroom, we discuss the client’s brief and requirements. We create a ‘wish list’ for each client which aids our design

lifestyle and requirements for their new bathroom space, from this we can create a bespoke design that is perfectly suited to the clients style and current home environment.

If you are not exactly sure of what you are looking for or struggle to visualise your new space, we can help using our 3D design software to bring our designs to life and provide you with a realistic representation of your new bathroom space. We like to support our customers every step of the way during the design journey and want our clients to enjoy the process of creating their dream bathroom. We work with selected suppliers to cater to a diverse range of styles.

team in creating a custom-made design to achieve the client's brief. Each bathroom we create is unique and contains carefully selected products from our most trusted suppliers. We are passionate about our designs surprising and delighting the client with the hidden potential of their space. We then provide a free home measure survey and produce accurate plans of the bathroom space. The Site survey gives us the perfect opportunity to evaluate the customers

Our aim is that all our bathroom design projects provide a space for people to totally relax and indulge for many years to come. We will advise all our customers on current market trends and to ensure we can supply a bathroom that looks stunning but will stand the test of time. We select sustainability sourced materials where possible and work with many suppliers that are sustainably accredited.

Get familiar with Cowbridge's’ newest high street resident, where bathrooms are all the range

Current Design Trends 2023:

Earthy Tones

Colours with warm undertones such as neutrals, soft greens, gentle peaches and dusky pinks have proven popular. These earthy tones act as the perfect colour scheme to match with soft textured materials including limestone, terracotta and wood finishes.

Opulence

Timeless, luxurious, and elegant spaces using materials such as marble and brass fittings. Ornate furniture with detailed edges and classic elements. Lighting is particularly important in capturing opulence in a space from the choice of pendant lights and glamorous bathroom vanity wall light fittings.

Organic Shapes

Soft lines and smooth curves help to make a space feel more inviting and provide a sense of sanctuary in your own home. Furniture pieces with soft flowing lines and rounded edges work to create this relaxing environment.

Biophilic Design

Spaces with a connection to nature and our environment that incorporate plants, botanical tiles, floral wallpaper and ‘living artificial moss wall’s. These key design features have grown in popularity due to the relationship between the calming effect of being out in nature and relaxation.

Industrial

Influences from architecture and the building industry inspire our homes from exposed brick, pipework and using trade-grade materials such as concrete and steel. Materials that ‘don’t look too perfect’ have remained popular as they gain interest and personality as they age and grow with the property.

Monochrome

Matt black fixtures matched with bright, crisp white ceramics remains a popular choice as it provides a modern, sleek and sophisticated space.

We offer full-installation using our highly skilled in-house team or work with contractors on a supply-only basis. Our bathroom projects are all managed by our talented team and our attention to detail maintains our high reputation and drives recommendations.

Bathrooms have evolved from being functional spaces to one that is indulgent and offers a sense of sanctuary for its user. Bathrooms are used daily and one of the first and last areas of the home you visit. To fall in love with your bathroom again, contact one of our friendly designers and we will help you throughout your journey to acquiring your dream bathroom.

www.bathroomsofcowbridge.com

Staycation with Style at The Bear Hotel Cowbridge

Discover the Enchanting Bear Hotel: Your Gateway to Unforgettable Experiences

Picture this: a place where heritage meets innovation, warm smiles greet you like old friends, and every moment is crafted with love and care. Welcome to The Bear Hotel, a cherished gem within the Town & Country Collective. Here, we're more than just a hotel; we're your partner in making memories, a culinary haven, a cosy retreat, and a hub for life's celebrations.

The Bear Hotel: A Place Where Stories

Unfold

Step into The Bear Hotel, and you're stepping into a world where history comes alive. Nestled within the heart of the Town & Country Collective, The Bear boasts a legacy that spans generations. From its humble beginnings, The Bear has transformed into a vibrant hub where tales are woven, laughter echoes, and bonds are strengthened.

Culinary Magic: A Feast for Your Senses

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a culinary journey that dances across flavours and cultures. Our kitchen is more than just a workspace; it's a symphony of passion and creativity. Led by seasoned chefs, we craft dishes that marry tradition with innovation, taking your palate on a delightful adventure.

Whether you're craving hearty Welsh classics or exploring international cuisines, our menu is

a tapestry of choices. Every dish is a labour of love, using locally sourced ingredients to ensure freshness and flavour. And as part of the Town & Country Collective, our commitment to authenticity and attentiveness is the secret ingredient in every bite.

A Night to Remember: Dreamy Retreats Await

When the sun sets, and the stars take centre stage, find your sanctuary in our cosy rooms. Each space is designed with your comfort in mind – a blend of modern amenities and classic charm. Sink into plush beds, unwind in stylish surroundings, and let the ambience of The Bear weave its magic around you.

More than a Venue: Your Special Moments, Our Expertise

Searching for the perfect spot to host an event that lingers in memory? Look no further. The Bear Hotel isn't just a place; it's an experience that elevates your gatherings. From intimate family celebrations to grand affairs, our dedicated team ensures every detail is flawlessly executed. We're not just event planners but memory-makers, orchestrating moments that stay etched in your heart.

Why Choose The Bear Hotel?

1. Heartfelt Hospitality: At The Bear, we're not just hosts; we're friends you haven't met yet. Warm Welsh hospitality is our backbone, and your comfort is our priority.

2. Culinary Bliss: Our menus aren't just a list of dishes; they're a journey through flavours, a celebration of taste, and a testament to our dedication to culinary excellence.

3 Memories to Treasure: Whether you're here for a night, a meal, or an event, your experience with us is a chapter in your personal storybook. We ensure it's a chapter worth revisiting.

4. Heritage with a Twist: The Bear Hotel seamlessly weaves tradition and innovation. Our historical roots are enriched with modern amenities and a pulse of creativity.

5. Events with Flair: Planning an event is a breeze with our expert team. We bring your vision to life, creating an atmosphere that's both enchanting and unforgettable.

6. Your Home Away from Home: The Bear isn't just a hotel; it's a haven. A place where you can unwind, celebrate, and create cherished memories, all wrapped in the warmth of genuine care.

So, whether you're seeking a culinary adventure, a cosy escape, a place to celebrate life's milestones, or a chance to be a part of history, The Bear Hotel opens its arms wide to welcome you. Come experience the magic that happens when legacy meets ambition, where every visit is a journey worth taking. We can't wait to share in your story at The Bear Hotel, where every guest is family and every moment is a cherished memory.

www.townandcountrycollective.co.uk

Step into The Bear Hotel, and you're stepping into a world where history comes alive.

Y Bont Faen Dental Centre

Cowbridge

Nurturing Wellness, One Spectacular Smile at a Time

In the heart of the Cowbridge community lies a dental practice unlike any other – Y Bont Faen Dental Centre. More than just a dental practice, we are a familyowned business driven by a deep-rooted commitment to creating a lasting legacy of wellness. Our mission is simple yet profound: to empower and nurture our patients and their families, instilling confidence in their health, appearance, and smiles that radiate with life.

At Y Bont Faen Dental Centre, we believe the path to true wellness begins with patience and education. We understand that each individual's journey is unique, and we take the time to listen, understand, and address every patient's specific needs and concerns. Through open communication and a genuine partnership, we empower our patients to take charge of their oral health, making informed decisions that will positively impact their overall well-being.

Disease Treatments, Facial Aesthetics – Botulinum Toxin and Fillers, and Implants, our team is unwavering in the pursuit of excellence.

What truly sets Y Bont Faen Dental Centre apart is our genuine commitment to patient care. Every member of our team is driven by the shared goal of providing exceptional dental treatments and an experience grounded in compassion and empathy. We understand that dental visits can sometimes evoke anxiety, and our soothing environment is designed to put you at ease, fostering a sense of comfort from the moment you walk through our doors.

Smiles for Life"

Central to our philosophy is our holistic approach to dental care. We recognize that oral health is intricately connected to one's overall health. Our team of dedicated professionals is passionate about educating our patients on this vital interrelation. By fostering an understanding of the profound impact oral health can have on the body, we empower individuals to make choices that lead to healthier lives.

"Spectacular Smiles for Life" is more than just a tagline; it's a promise we wholeheartedly embrace. We view smiles as a gateway to self-confidence and happiness, and we are dedicated to ensuring that every patient leaves our practice with a smile that reflects their inner radiance. Through a comprehensive range of dental treatments, including: General Family Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Teeth Whitening, Teeth Straightening with Braces and Invisalign™, Veneers, Root Canal Treatment, White Fillings, Bridges, Gum

As a family-owned business, we take immense pride in our role as a pillar of support within your own family and the community. We see our patients as an extension of our family, and this connection fuels our dedication to enhancing their well-being. Through community outreach, educational initiatives, and a personalized touch, we aim to create a positive ripple effect that reaches far beyond our clinic walls.

Y Bont Faen Dental Centre is more than just a dental practice; your journey with us is guided by a profound sense of purpose – to transform lives, one spectacular smile at a time. Join us in building a legacy of lasting wellness, where health and happiness intertwine to create a brighter future for all.

"Spectacular

TRAVEL GUIDE

Welcome to the Neighbourhood Little Sister!

Style of the city gets familiar with London’s must sought after restaurant, and it’s most newest addition.

Located in the heart of London’s Soho, family-run Italian restaurant 40 Dean Street has been captivating diners for nearly 15 years, with the likes of Brad Pitt, Rupert Everett and members of the royal family among its devotees.

Ihad the pleasure of eating there some time ago – and can agree with Brad that their chicken salad is without equal. I was therefore delighted to learn that this beloved mainstay has a new addition to the family - 64 Old Compton Street.

So, when I found myself in the capital a few weeks back, I was eager to try 40’s new sibling for myself.

As I walked down one of the area’s most fashionable thoroughfares, it wasn’t difficult to spot the restaurant thanks to its bold red facade. The interior is half hidden from the street by a café curtain, making it intimate and a little decadent, not unlike Soho itself.

At first glance, the two restaurants, located just minutes from each other, are both characterised by their menu of thoughtfully crafted, purse-friendly dishes. However, where 40 has a pretty extensive menu, 64’s is much more succinct.

The highlight here really does have to be the homemade pasta selection. My pappardelle beef ragu was rich and indulgent – just the thing to brighten the mood on a rainy and decidedly chilly summer’s day. Although the dish was substantial, I couldn’t resist a side order of some devilishly moreish piadina bread with Parma ham, mozzarella, rocket and pesto. The pizzas smelt divine too, but I had no option but to save those for another visit.

As I was contemplating whether or not I could fit in some pistachio tiramisu, I espied owner Nima Safaei.

Nima, who gave up a career as a pharmacist to open 40 Dean Street in 2009 – and who still lives above the restaurant – is something of a local legend. Not only does he run a thriving business, but he’s friends with all his neighbours, a contributor to local charities and above all determined that this most charming and iconic of areas does not succumb to relentless gentrification.

Although obviously a very busy man, he was gracious enough to stop by my table for a quick chat. I asked him if he thought that opening two restaurants so close to one another might be a risk, but he tells me that although the two have much in common – competitive price points, authentic ingredients, generous portions and a joyful welcome – they are quite different in personality. As he explains,

What made him decide to open a new restaurant now?

“Since 2009, the wonderful people of Soho have taken 40 Dean Street to their hearts, and many treat it like an extension of their home, office or hotel. But we were having to turn too many people away, so opening 64 Old Compton Street literally round the corner felt like the perfect solution.”

So, will there be a third Safaei outpost to savour on my next visit to London? “Absolutely not,” he laughs. “I think what we have now will do just fine.”

64oldcomptonstreet.com

64 Old Compton Street, Soho, London W1D 4UQ

“40 is the urbane older brother who’s been around for a while and knows where the party’s at, while 64 is the cool little sister who’s new on the scene but intends to make her presence felt.”

Explore Iceland in a Once in a Lifetime Trip

Travel writer Sarah Stephens takes us on her Icelandic adventure.

Ask most people to name a destination or experience on their bucket list, and they will probably say visiting Iceland (we're not talking about the supermarket here!) or seeing the Northern Lights.

I'm fortunate enough to have visited Iceland six times now, and I still haven't exhausted everything there is to see or do there, which is a surprise because it isn't that large a place. Well, mass-wise, it is approximately the size of Wales. Still, it has a total population smaller than Cardiff, which is why the country is so friendly because most people know each other, especially in the capital city, home to just 35% of the population.

The country's landscape is breathtaking and very different from anywhere we're used to in Britain because of the sparseness and lack of trees (more extensive than a meter), meaning you can see for miles and miles. It's also very windy, and when I visited for the first time, I suddenly understood why an Icelandic work colleague laughed at the concept of me taking an umbrella in case of rain.

Iceland's landscape is so awe-inspiring you can see why it was used to film Winterfell in the hit drama Game of Thrones, and it has been used in many Hollywood blockbuster films, including James Bond.

The Golden Circle is the most famous tourist trail in the country and is popular because of its proximity to the

capital city Reykjavik; in a day, you can comfortably drive the loop or circle to take in the glacial landscape, Gullfoss waterfall, a geyser named Strokkur and Thingvellir, the birthplace of democracy where the US and Eurasian tectonic plates meet (you can actually see them!). When you visit, you can see why the Vikings felt the place had a unique, powerful energy, so they chose it as the location for their parliament to convene once or twice a year, where leaders would travel especially to meet with the chieftains. The Game of Thrones directors also chose this to be Winterfell, and you can clearly see why.

Those who have heard about Iceland may have read about the famed Blue Lagoon, which now has a gorgeous spa hotel and some fantastic restaurants. This amazing lagoon was created with the wastewater from the nearby hydroelectric plant and is a tremendous example of how sustainable and eco Iceland as a country is.

There are approximately 200 geothermal pools and spa lagoons in Iceland because it sits on an active volcanic landscape, so there are multiple geysers and hot water springs beneath the surface that locals will channel into pools and make swimmable by cooling the water with cold water. As a result, most small villages and towns have their own heated swimming pools that locals congregate in sometimes daily before or after work; it's

of Thrones

almost a ritual. The six most famous and popular spas and geothermal pools for visitors within 50 miles of Reykjavik are -

1. Blue Lagoon - famous around the world for its milky blue waters and its close proximity to the airport means it is a favourite stop for international visitors

2. Brand new Sky Lagoon - is right near the city centre of Reykjavik and by the sea, giving it incredible views. It's the number one lagoon featured on Instagram at the moment.

3. The (now not so) Secret Lagoon is the oldest geothermal swimming pool in Iceland, dates back to the 19th century,

4. Hvammsvik Hot Springs are the newest geothermal pool in Iceland, about a 50-minute drive from the city centre; the springs are situated in the ocean, meaning that they disappear entirely at high tide only to reemerge once sea levels fall, offering a unique and memorable experience.

5. Fontana Geothermal Baths are just over an hour's drive from the capital and have been open since 1929 and have multiple hot pools, natural steam baths (where steam rises into them from beneath the ground), lake swimming, saunas and mud treatments are available.

6. Hljomskalagardur Wading Pool is only 30 cm deep and situated in the public park with the same name in Reykjavik city centre and is only open during the summer months.

Most people who visit Iceland have a desire to see the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis, and you are far more likely to see these between November and April; however, this isn't guaranteed, and they have been known to occasionally appear in the height of summer too. So if you decide to visit Iceland, be sure to book a few other more predictable highlights into your trip, like the spas, a trip onto a glacier and the Golden Circle route.

I have designed many very different bespoke trips to Iceland for clients now, so if I can help you to create your perfect Iceland experience, then feel free to drop me a line!

Is Iceland on your bucket list?

If so I can help you with this or with another exciting trip please drop me a line on 07919 886488 or @sarahstephensescapes

Iceland's landscape is so awe-inspiring you can see why it was used to film Winterfell in the hit drama Game

Get your Sunshine Fix this year with La Vida Travel

Tired

02920 777666 cardiff@lavidatravel.co.uk

Deal 1: Caribbean Dream

• 14-night Caribbean Cruise

• Return flights to Barbados included

• Departing 9th December 2023 - 14 nights.

• Sailing on P&O's brand-new ship - Arvia

Visiting:

• Tortola, Virgin Islands, British

• La Romana, Dominican Republic

• St Maarten, Saint Maarten

• Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda

• Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis

• Fort de France, Martinique

• Castries, Saint Lucia

• Bridgetown, Barbados

• Full board - All transfers included

Inside cabin: £1199 per person

Balcony cabin: £1499 per person

Look

Deal 2: Christmas Feels

Amsterdam Christmas MarketsExplore everything Amsterdam has to offer with the best of the Christmas markets.

• Staying in the 4* Leonardo Rembrantpark

• Departing on the 13th December 2023 - 3 nights

• Staying in a Queen room - Room only

• Total cost: £285 per person

Book today for only £60 per person

Deal

3:

Beautiful Barbados

Stunning SoCo Hotel, Barbados

• For as little as £1,299 PER PERSON based on a 7-night stay on the beautiful island of Barbados, this is an absolute steal!

• Barbados Adults-Only All-Inc Beachfront Escape Inc. Soco Room With Ocean Views

• 7 Nights All Inclusive at The SoCo Hotel

• Stay in a SoCo Room with Spectacular Ocean Views

• Return Flights, Transfers & Luggage Included

• Full board - All transfers included

Departing from London Gatwick

From £1,299pp

If a week isn't long enough for you to soak up the sun, why not extend your stay?

10 Nights from £1,729pp

11 Nights from £1,889pp

14 Nights from £2,269pp

Deal 4: Magical Maldives

Experience ‘The Maldives Of The Med’ 2024

• Experience ‘The Maldives of the Med’ & Book a Stay at the Highly Sought after 5* Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa –an Indulgent Haven with an Exclusive feel.

• 5* Stella Island Resort & Spa, Analipsi Crete

• 7 Nights Luxury Pool View Room, Half Board

• Transfers & Checked in Bags Included

• Departing from London Gatwick on the 11th April 2024

• Upgrade to Overwater Bungalow from £59pp per night

• Situated on the coastal resort on Analipsi with only a 15-minute walk to the closest beach- the Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa has a lagoon-style outdoor pool and a spa which stretches around the entire resort.

Only £959 per person

*Prices are live & subject to change - (Can you put this at the bottom for all deals please.)

La Vida Travel was named Wales’s Top Agency as part of the TTG Top 50 Travel Agencies 2023: an annual power-list of the nation’s best agents by industry bible, Travel Trade Gazette.

Cwtch Childcarewhere happy children make happy families

Putting your children into a nursery or childcare setting is one of the most important decisions you will make; here at Cwtch Childcare, we are devoted in offering only the best environment, creating a wonderful and nurturing experience, a ‘home from home’ for your little ones.

At Cwtch Childcare we believe children should be able to choose and take charge of their play and learning. We believe that their development should be through exploring the world around them using natural and real-life materials to develop and explore their curiosity and imagination.

Promoting independence, developing problem solving skills, allowing adventurous play to be taken in a safe environment and allowing imaginations to grow is what Cwtch do. We believe that this is fundamental to the health, wellbeing and learning of every child no matter what their ability.

Cwtch are committed to promoting the natural environment, sustainability and doing our bit for the environment. Our settings are modern, focused on allowing children to explore in a home-to-home environment, with plenty of reallife equipment.

We believe that children's development should be through exploring the world around them independently using natural and real-life materials to develop and explore their curiosity and imagination.

Cwtch has provided a wonderful nurturing environment for our daughter. I was anxious about my first child starting nursery, but she settled really well as t he staff have such a wonderful way of putting both parent and child at ease. We are very impressed at the way in which the nursery keeps us informed of her progress and are always available to answer any questions that we have.

Francesca, parent

Locations:

West of Cardiff - Pentrebane, Fairwater and Canton

Age:

Baby to 11 years - nursery, wrap around, holiday, before and after school clubs

cwtchchildcare.co.uk/ 07954646097

info@cwtchchildcare.co.uk

Main ethos's - Play, curiosity and imagination, Adventurous learning, healthy eating and the environment (more info on webpage: cwtchchildcare.co.uk

Parent Testimonial

And that’s a wrap on summer, 2023!!

It feels weird to even suggest that summer is almost gone this year because I feel like I haven’t been able to really relish it yet with any lazy days dipping my feet in the kids paddling pool. Maybe that’s because the weather has been shocking. I remember last August the intense heatwave whilst being pregnant and giving birth to Trav. The contrast on his birthday was hilarious. We were at a splash pad trying to dodge the showers. Hahah. Even though I felt weather wise we finished Summer a few months ago, we still managed a few sunny trips to the caravan, and I remember we had one boiling hot day at Legoland which was great fun, but I think because I complained so much of the heat- that was the universe telling me: ‘thats ya lot Pol’ and since then it’s just been a bit rubbish! Haha. This summer has been crazy though, as much as it’s been busy and hectic, we have made fantastic memories with friends and family. Travis turned 1 and is walking. He is the most smiley baby and loves pizza and chicken nuggets. He is a very busy boy; I love seeing him come on and getting stuck in with the family. Work has been ongoing, and I’ve had new opportunities, the juggle with kids never gets easier but you learn to keep moving and stay a little calmer when things get tough because you do eventually make it through the day. I always tell myself a parent superpower

is ‘just making it work- we find a way to make it happen’ not exactly inspiring words to live by but simple and effective for a busy working mum. That and some brilliant grandparents.

Indy graduated from her nursery school last month and had a proper ceremony. It was so cute. We practised her songs for weeks and when it came to it, she was standing there looking

Parenting columnist Polly James keeps us updated on all her mothering milestones.

around the room aimlessly, typical! Indy has the concentration of her mother. The next chapter is ‘proper’ school. She starts five mornings a week from September. Starting School is daunting, exciting, emotional, and I’m not even talking about Indy here. It’s a big logistical change to a routine you’ve probably had for a few years now, and a new prospect for your child and you as a parent. For me though, I’m just happy that Indy is so excited and that’s makes it easier for me. I have far too much uniform for her and all the red accessories to go with it.

FAMILY & EDUCATION

I love living these milestones with kids, I feel so grateful they are thriving and healthy. Bring on the homework!

family trips in every way.

Welcome WONDERFOLD!

An Evening with Julien Macdonald

On Wednesday, the 5th of July, Style of the city hosted a glamorous evening, celebrating the incredible career of Julien Macdonald via a luxury event in the heart of Cowbridge.

During the luxury event, sponsored by Clogau Jewellery, Nathaniel Cars and Beauty Advance Skin & Laser Clinic, Julien Macdonald shared

his story in front of his mother, two sisters and the many in attendance, including ITV weather presenter Ruth Wignall. Macdonald detailed his, at times, emotional story, delving into his escape from the factories of Merthyr Tydfil to gaining an incredible scholarship at the prestigious Royal College of Art.

SOCIAL BUTTERFLIES

Hosted by BBC Morning Live and QVC presenter Justine Jones, the event was a real homecoming, celebrating Julien Macdonald's phenomenal career.

Macdonald revealed how his refusal to follow in his father's footsteps by working at the local washing machine factory led to a college tutor realising his talent for fashion design before he fell in love with the craft of knitwear while studying fashion textiles at the University of Brighton. During the event, Macdonald revealed how a boy hailing from the valleys of Merthyr managed to capture the attention of world-renowned fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld. It was a fantastic event that raised money for charity 2Wish.

SOCIAL BUTTERFLIES

Photography Yolanda Kingdon