Swansea Life February 2019

a w ar d - w i n n i n g M A G A Z IN E

SWA NSE A

LIFE

342 ideas

FEBRUARY 2019 £2.95

to get in the mood for

Valentine’s

love air is in the

Bumper wedding section

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Contents...

F E B RUA RY

2 01 9

SWANSEA

FASHION

LIFE Editor Laura Davies | 01792 545523 @LawsDx | laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk PUBLISHER Lisa Cameron | lisa.cameron@mediawales.co.uk Photography Adrian White, Jonathan Myers, Hoosh Arabi, Robert Melen Contributors Lara Johnson & Dom Capel, Lesley Taylor, Sian Day, Joseph Atkin, Andrew Morgan, Dr. Charlotte Jones, Chris Howells, James Richards, Marc White, Daniel Turner and Chris Peregrine

10. TIME TO SIZZLE Get ready to dazzle with our gorgeous lingerie picks 16. FIT AND FAB Make sure you look fashionable in and out of the gym

18

18. LOVE HEARTS Outfits for your Valentine’s date night

HAIR & BEAUTY 29. BEAUTY NEWS What’s new in beauty in February 30. BEAUTY REFRESH How to look after your make-up

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

Swansea Life is part of Trinity Mirror North West & North Wales Ltd, a subsidiary company of Reach PLC, which is a member of IPSO, the Independent Press Standards Organisation. We adhere to the Editors’ Code Of Practice as enforced by IPSO, who are contactable for advice at Independent Press Standards Organisation, Gate House, 1 Farringdon Street, London. EC4M 7LG. Website: http://www,ipso.co.uk Telephone: 0300 123 2220; email advice@ipso.co.uk If you have a complaint concerning a potential breach of the Code of Practice, we will deal with your complaint directly or IPSO can refer your complaint to us. Please go to https://www.reachplc.com/ how-to-complain where you can view our Complaints Policy and Procedure. A “How To Complain” pack is also available by writing to the Legal and Compliance Department, Reach PLC, One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5AP.

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

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

4 SWANSEA LIFE

40. TIME TO GLOW Skin-boosting saviours

40

& 50 HEALTH WELLBEING

46. FOOD BENEFITS Why herbs and spices can be good for you 49. FEEL THE HIT Is your coffee bad for you?

50. BUMP EXERCISES How to keep fit while pregnant

WHAT’S ON

BRIDE

152. DIARY DATES Best events this February

53. I DO Emma and Sam’s dream day at Oxwich Hotel, Gower

144. DIRTY DANCING We speak to stars of the hit show..

57. WE LOVE This month’s bridal inspiration

156. HIGHLIGHTS The best shows to book now

57 141

154

OUT & ABOUT

SOCIAL DIARY

141. WALKIES A leisurely walk with Andrew Morgan

158. LAUNCH Book launch VIP event 160. PARTY TIME Dani Dee School of Dance celebrate

142. DISCOVER LONDON See London in a whole new light 144. LUXURY LONDON A weekend break in the Big Smoke

HOUSE & HOME

82

78. HOME SWEET HOME A dream home in Hendy 82. CORAL The 2019 colour of the year trend

158 MOTORING SOCIAL 146. NEW CAR? 2DIARY 1 Cars to watch out for in 2019

164. CHRISTMAS IN 2019 Oil 4 Wales hold their annual post Christmas party

146

214. HEAD Phphphp hphp hphp hphp 221. HEAD Phphphp hphp hphp hphp phphphphphphp

117. LEAF The print that is not going anywhere in home decor

226. HEAD Phphphp hphp hphp hphp phphphphphphp

69

TIME FOR YOU

FOOD & DRINK

168. EDDIE Businessman Eddie’s month

64. FOOD REVIEW We head to the Beaufort Arms in Kittle

169. GIFT GUIDE Valentine’s Day buys for your loved one (or even yourself)

69. WE LOVE Tempting treats for Valentine’s Day 72. ST DAVID’s DAY RECIPES Delicious recipes for March 1

169

173. OH BABY Products and essentials for your baby 176. LEGAL ADVICE Tips from the team at Peter Lynn

SWANSEA LIFE 5

E D I TO R’ S L E T TE R

Welcome...

At last, the January blues are behind us and we can now enter February with a bit of a spring in our step. It has always, in my opinion, been the month when we can start to enjoy ourselves once again, after a month where we have been detoxing after Christmas indulgences and trying to stick to resolutions, which we generally deny ourselves of anything “fun.”

If January is the month of the New Year, New Me mantra, February is definitely the month of love. Yes, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner folks! This month, I will definitely be celebrating with more than a soppy card and a romantic love token. I will be introducing my first child into the world - I already feel my heart is going to burst with love and he hasn’t even arrived yet. I don’t think I will ever have a better Valentine’s Day present (hoping he arrives on time!)

So with Valentine’s in mind, this magazine focuses on love. Inside there is a four-page gift guide for him and her to make present buying that little bit easier, a lingerie fashion feature as well as date-night fashion and beauty buys. We also offer a sneak peak into the new season fashion trends and home buys.

Inside, we celebrate St David’s Day on March 1 with delicious recipes made using leeks, as well as Valentine’s food and drink and all the essential kitchen buys required to make the best pancakes on Shrove Tuesday. So it is fair to say expect a month of eating!

Don’t miss our bumper bridal section either with more real-life wedding stories and inspiration as well as all our regular features - all with the new season in mind.

As I write this, there’s exactly three weeks to go until my due day and one day left in work before maternity leave. So, it’s with a heavy heart that I say this is my last time editing Swansea Life magazine for a while. Thank you to all our regular advertisers, contributors and contacts, many of whom have become good friends and supporters. It has certainly been a blast and I look forward to working with you again soon. Further thanks to all our readers - this magazine wouldn’t be what it is without your loyal support every month.

So, there you go. Time to put this baby to bed and welcome a new one into the world.

Let’s raise a toast to good times, new beginnings and parenthood!

DEBBIE ROBERTS

Advertising Manager 01792 545626 debbie.roberts@trinitymirror.com

LAURA DAVIES

EDITOR

01792 545523 laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk @LawsDx Find us on Facebook @SwanseaLife

SANDRA EVANS ON THE COVER: Getty Images

6 SWANSEA LIFE

EDITORIAL DESIGNER sandra.evans@trinitymirror.com

Swansea lives OUR PICK OF THE MONTH’S BEST PARTY GET-TOGETHERS (FOM PAGE 158)

ROWBERRY’S

FASHION 158

BOOK LAUNCH

SHOW AT

SWANSEA MARRIOTT HOTEL IN AID OF

160

Dani Dee Dance School PARTY

THURSDAY 4th APRIL, 2019, 12.30pm

164

Oil 4 Wal es Party

TICKETS £25 includes glass of champagne on arrival and a 3 course lunch

166

Posita no Italia n resta ura nt la unch

7 swansealife.co.uk

Tickets available at Rowberry’s Port Tennant, Tel: 01792 651028 or contact arukswansea@gmail.com

BRIAN BROWN SALON MODELLING & MANAGEMENT AGENCY

01792 301901

1 BELLEVUE WAY • SWANSEA • SA1 5BZ

FASHION

check mate

FA S H I O N F L A S H W I T H L AU R A D AV I ES @LawsDx

new launch

laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk

ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE ...AND JEWELLERY We love the new Valentine’s collections at Pandora that celebrate love in all its forms.

Let a symbol of love reach you or your lucky target, and you can be love’s champion.

From arrow earrings, heart charms to personalised bracelets, head to your Swansea store.

Asymmetric Hearts of Love Charm, £65, Pandora, Swansea.

Sparkling Arrows Stud Earrings, £40, Pandora, Swansea Path to Love Pendant Charm, £50, Pandora, Swansea

Prepare to say goodbye to the midi because the mini’s back. The Sixties staple has taken the catwalk by storm and they’re already filtering down on to the high street.

We love this mustard yellow corduroy skirt, £17.99, New Look, Swansea

We love a bit of emerald green to add a pop of colour to our wardrobes. Plus with St Patricks day on March 17 why not go out dressed for the Irish celebration.

Bracelet, £16, River Island, Swansea

Spot Cami, £18, Next, Morfa Retail Park and Swansea

Marina Dress, £199, Hobbs, John Lewis, Cardiff

SHOELUST Take a look at these heels.

Can I say any more?

Padded Green Jacket, £20, Matalan, Parc Cwmdu

Milkshake, £90, Dune, Cardiff

Woven Green Block Heels, £42, Miss Selfridge, Swansea

We love this check belted wrap dress which can be worn to work or even out for drinks. It is also available in red - perfect for a hot date.

Grey Check Belted Wrap Dress, £65, River Island, Swansea

I heart

this heart print shirt dress which is perfect for Valentine’s and beyond.

Shirt dresses are so on trend this season and can be worn closed or open with jeans and a top underneath..

Red Revere Shirt Dress, £48, Next, Swansea and Morfa Retail Park

lounging

green with envy

mini buy

Coat, £28, Shirt, £18, Trousers £20, Boots, £30, in stores and at tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk

You are Loved Bracelet, £60, Pandora, Swansea

Patterned Trousers, £15, Matalan, Parc Cwmdu and Morriston

Sainsbury’s in-store fashion brand Tu has launched its spring/ summer campaign, and it’s making us think sunnier days already!. Packed with rainbow brights, punchy prints and pretty pastels, make sure you add the latest trends to your basket next time you do your weekly shop.

Sparkling Arrows Ring, £60, Pandora, Swansea

V by Very Shirred Waist Midi Dress, £45, Very.co.uk

Hands up if you love nothing better than throwing on your comfy PJs after a day at work? A step up from PJs, loungewear sets are soft, comfy and oh-so-easy to wear.Why not invest in a ‘twosie”. No longer are they available in a palette of beiges, greys and whites - bright colours and animal prints mean these sets are totally on trend.

Boux Avenue Leopard Twosie, £40, Boux Avenue, Cardiff

SWANSEA LIFE 9

FASHION

B by Ted Baker Bra, £28, Hipster, £14, Debenhams, Swansea

Pour Moi Opulence Bra, £27.95, Briefs, £14.95, Suspender Belt, £19.95, Madame Foner, Swansea

Blue Floral Underwire Lace Bra, £16, Lace Knickers, £7, M&Co, Cardiff

Blossom Padded Wireless Bra, £10, Briefs, £5 F&F at Tesco, Parc Fforestfach and Llansamlet

Amy Lace Under Wired Padded Balcony, £18, Brazilian Midi Brief, £10 Simplybe.co.uk

Brazilian Set Blue, £7, Matalan, Parc Cwmdu

what lies beneath Set pulses racing this Valentine’s Day with some new lingerie. LAURA DAVIES picks out some sizzlers. laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk

Reger by Janet Reger Body, £28, Debenhams, Swansea

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@LawsDx

Pink and Black Lace Satin Bra, £12.99, Thong, £5.99, New Look, Swansea

Red Heart Bralet, £19.99, Briefs, £4.99, New Look, Swansea

Push Up Bra, £12.99, Briefs £5.99, New Look, Swansea

Figleaves Chantelle Festivite Red Plunge Bra and Brief, £84, Figleaves.com

Collection Bra, £22.50 and Knickers, £10, M&S, Swansea and Parc Trostre

£16.99, New Look, Swansea

Embroidery Balcony, £9, and Brazillian, £4.50, George at Asda, Llanelli and Gorseinon

Ochre Daisy Non Padded Lace Bralette, £14, Knickers, £7, Next, Swansea

Figleaves Lepel Fiore Red Body, £38, Figleaves.com

No.1 Jenny Packham Bra, £28, Brazilian, £14, Debenhams, Swansea

SWANSEA LIFE 11

FASHION J by Jasper Conran Earrings, £12, Debenhams, Swansea

Cariad Locket, £189, Clogau Gold, Swansea Quadrant

all you need is

Love Looking for a Valentine’s gift?

Then jewellery is a no brainer.

LAURA DAVIES rounds up some pieces whether its a gift for yourself or a loved one laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk

@LawsDx

Michael Kors Custom Kors 14ct Gold Plated Love Charm, £59, Goldsmiths, Cardiff

Heart Bracelet, £16, River Island, Swansea

Hearts of Love Necklace, £60, Pandora, Swansea

Arrow of Love Pendant Charm, £65, Pandora, Swansea

laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk

V by Very Monochrome Hoops, £10, Very.co.uk

Personalised Silver Necklace With Rose Gold Ring, £19.99, Gettingpersonal.co.uk

@LawsDx

Silver Plated Heart Padlock Keyring, £60, Links of London, Cardiff

Hope Sterling Silver & Grey Pearl Open Cuff Bracelet, £160, Links of London, Cardiff

Love Chain & Beaded Heart Outline Drop Earring, £18, Oliver Bonas, Cardiff M&S Collection Earrings, £15, M&S, Swansea

Silver Forever Heart Ring, £18, Oliver Bonas, Cardiff

12 SWANSEA LIFE

Revere 9ct Gold 0.25ct Diamond Cluster Stud Earrings, £199.99, Argos, Swansea

V by Laura Vann Sabrina Baguette Cubic Zirconia Ring, Silver Gold, £89, John Lewis, Cardiff

Swarovski Lovely Necklace, White, Rose Gold Plating, £89, Swarovski, Cardiff

Dressed to impress this prom 1 0 2 - 1 0 4 E ve r s l e y R o a d | S ke t t y Swansea | SA2 9DB Te l : 0 7 5 0 8 8 5 9 0 2 4 w w w. 1 0 2 c o u t u re . c o m

FASHION 1

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5

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1. J by Jasper Conran, Top, £39, 6 Skirt, £59 2. Studio by Preen Dress, £69 3. H! by Henry Holland Jumper, £35 4.Star by Julien Macdonald Blazer, £69 5. Red Herring Dress, £35 6. J by Jasper Conran Mac, £69 8 7. Principles Skirt, £35 8. Principles Earrings, £10 9. Red Herring Trousers, £32 9 10. Nine by Savannah Miller Top, £39 11. Faith Boots, £49 12. J by Jasper Conran Bag, £69

HIGH STREET HOTTEST

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LAURA DAVIES shops this season’s High Street styles laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk

@LawsDx

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1. Animal Print Shift Midi Dress, £45 2. Dress, £15 3. T-Shirt, £6.50 4. Blazer, £79 5. Jumper, £17.50 6. Coat, £79 7. Collection Jumpsuit, £55 8. Per Una Blouse, £35 9. Collection Court Heel, £45 10. Bag, £29.50

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1. Stripe Crepe Trousers, £35, Jacket, £65 2. Floral Print Dress, £42 3. Curly Coatigan, £48 4. Animal Print Top, £30 5. Stripe Jumpsuit, £45 6. Ochre Daisy Non Padded Lace Bralette, £14, Knickers, £7 7. Citrus Print Shirt, £28 8. Check Slim Suit Trousers, £35 9. Bucket Bag, £36 10. Geo Pleat Skirt, £42 11. Lace up Boots, £67

1. Top, £32; Bag, £26, Shoulder Bag, £25, Skirt, £32, Sunglasses, £14 2. Dress, £36 3.Top, £24 5 4.Shirt, £34 5. Earrings, £12 6. Blazer, £60 7. Top, £28 8. Denim Dress, £38 9. Jumper, £34 10. Bag, £34 11. Mule, £35 12. Top, £34

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1. Orange Floral Maxi, £38 6 2. Rust Suit Blazer, £38 3. Mint Green Blazer, £35 4. Blue Floral Maxi Dress, £48 5. Lemon Denim Jacket, £30 6. Pastel Blue Suit Jacket, £38 7. Baby Blue Flare Suit Trousrs, £25 8. Tan Boiler Suit, £42 9. Rust Plisse Cami, £20 10. Yellow Bag, £22 11. Bucket Bag, £22

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SWANSEA LIFE 15

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FASHION

Multi Coloured Leopard Print Gym Bra Top, £12; Brown Leopard Print Gym Leggings, £20, Dorothy Perkins, Swansea

Souluxe Slogan Gym Vest, £8, Matalan, Parc Cwmdu

Souluxe Basic Half Zip, £10, Matalan, Morriston Graphic Print T Shirt, £8, George at Asda, Gorseinon and Parc Trostre

Fitted Vest, £14, M&S, Swansea

&

FIT

FAB

If you have already started to break your New Year’s resolution to keep fit, then give yourself a motivational boost with some new gymwear. LAURA DAVIES picks out some activewear from the high street laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk

F&F at Tesco Triangle Print Sports Bra, £12, Tesco, Llansamlet and Parc Trostre

@LawsDx

George Fitness Watch, Pink, £20, George at Asda, Llansamlet

Quick Dry Short Sleeve Sport Top, £16, M&S, Swansea

Souluxe Knot Gym T-Shirt, £7, Knitted Gym Trainers, £16, Souluxe Smudge Panel Leggings, £14, Matalan, Morriston and Parc Cwmdu

Quick Dry Long Sleeve Jacket, £25, M&S, Parc Trostre and Swansea

F&F at Tesco Leopard Print Leggings, £16, Tesco, Parc Fforestfach

No Pain No Champagne Sports Vest, £8.99, New Look, Swansea

Boohoo Fit Premium Back Strap Detail Bra, £14; Fit Premium Colourblock Leggings, £13.50 (were £18); Chunky Dad Trainers, £13 (were £25), Boohoo.com Dare 2B X Julien Macdonald Women’s Exacting Fitness Leggings Mono Floral White, £45, Dare 2B. DP Active Black Slogan Hoodie, £24, Dorothy Perkins, Swansea

Collection Trainer, £35, M&S, Swansea

16 SWANSEA LIFE

Light Grey Leopard Print Sports Bra, £12.99, New Look, Parc Trostre and Morfa Retail Park

This season it’s all about bold and bright statement suits. And how striking is this royal blue offering by Star by Julien Macdonald. Ditch the black and grey formal work attire and go for colour for a fashionable, stylish look.

Blazer, £69, Trousers, £39, Bag, £59, Debenhams, Swansea

GO WEST Turning to the Wild West for inspiration, the cowboy boot remains a seasonal staple. Featuring soft leather and mockcroc textures, and available in pink and camel colours, Dune’s Priotry boots offer a fresh transition into spring.

Priotry, £145 each, Dune, Cardiff

SUITS YOU

THIS MONTH

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

@LawsDx

GIVE ME

SUNSHINE GO BRIGHT!

LOVE HEART

Sunshine Breton Top, £40, Cath Kidston, Cardiff

MINT

Stripe Midi Skirt, £59.50, Oliver Bonas, Cardiff

If you are not a fan of animal print then you better go back into hibernation this season as it’s going to be huge! With more animal prints thrown into the mix from snake to zebra print, I am afraid you won’t be able to escape it.

You can’t beat a traditional leopard print dress and this one ticks all the boxes.

Leopard Print Dress, £38 , Oasis at Debenhams, Swansea

You can’t wrong with a Breton top and this one with a rainbow logo on it is one of our season’s faves. Throw it on with a pair of jeans and boots for a casual yet stylish look.

Earn your fashion stripes with this colourful rainbow skirt which will go with almost any top in your wardrobe. Bonus!

LEOPARD PRINT

FASHION FASHION

How cute is this heartprint jumper that would look great to wear on Valentine’s day but also beyond. Striped Heart Jumper, £28, M&Co, Cardiff

How dreamy is this pastel coloured coatigan in one of our favourite sweet colours mint. Perfect for in between seasons and an instant pick me up from the cold, dreary weather until the warmer spring weather arrives.

Curly Coatigan, £48, Next, Morfa Retail Park

SADDLE UP

LOAFER

GREEN

GODDESS

These loafers are on top of my wishlist this month. Not only are they easy to throw on but the print looks very designer-ish. For £35 you can’t leave them on the shelf.

Shoes, £35, River Island, Swansea

In the girliest of shades, we love this sweet treat. Arm candy at its best.

Norton Circle Bag, £20, Accessorize, Swansea

Get ready to celebrate St Patrick’s Day next month with a bit of emerald green. This trench coat is the ideal throw-over.

Green Trench Coat, £28, George at Asda, Llansamlet and Parc Trostre SWANSEA LIFE 17

lo e the look of

Soft and romantic pinks mixed with bold and striking reds, as well as warm sunset tones and corals, creates a perfect romantic outfit both day and night.

LAURA DAVIES rounds up some hot looks. laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk

18 SWANSEA LIFE

@LawsDx

Cosy Boat Neck Sweater, £16, Red High Waisted Trousers, £42, Next, Swansea, Parc Trostre and Morfa Retail Park

SWANSEA LIFE 19

Red Tie Belt Blouse, £38, Textured Drop Earrings, £6, Red Wide Trousers, £45, Next, Morfa Retail Park

20 SWANSEA LIFE

J by Jasper Conran Dress, £65, Debenhams, Swansea

SWANSEA LIFE 21

MW by Matthew Williamson Top, £35, Trousers, £59, Headband, £10, Earrings, £12, Faith Sandals, £39, Debenhams, Swansea

22 SWANSEA LIFE

Dress, £89, M&Co, Cardiff

SWANSEA LIFE 23

Studio by Preen Dress, £69, Debenhams, Swansea

FASHION

Say What Tassel Pouch, £22, Oliver Bonas, Cardiff Rollneck Sweater, £18, Next, Swansea and Parc Trostre

Edie Dress, £299, Hobbs at John Lewis, Cardiff

laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk

@LawsDx

Pink Linen Horn Button Midi Dress, £42, Miss Selfridge, Swansea

Round Pink Bag, £129.99, TK Maxx, Parc Trostre and Morfa Retail Park

24 SWANSEA LIFE

Look pretty in pink this Valentine’s Day with LAURA DAVIES’ pick of pinks

Pure Collection Blouson, £34, Sleeve Sweater in Flamingo Pink, £99, Purecollection.com

Principles Jacket, £49, Debenhams, Swansea Faith Boots, £59, Debenhams, Swansea

Pink Ankle Grazer Trousers, £45, M&S, Swansea

Rever Collar Coat, £88, Next, Morfa Retail Park

PRETTY IN

Nine by Savannah Miller Bra, £22, Thong, £9, Debenhams, Swansea

Pink Jumper, £20, F&F at Tesco, Parc Fforestfach

Bright Pink Neon Crossbody Bag, £12.99, New Look, Swansea and Parc Trostre

Guiltt, £75, Dune, Cardiff

Bronte Utility Dress, £60, Monsoon, Parc Trostre

Shoes, £45, River Island, Swansea and Parc Fforestfach

Lipsy at Next, Morfa Retail Park

SWANSEA LIFE 25

Sausage Dog Fleece, £10, M&Co, Cardiff

FASHION

Indi Spot Jersey Tee, £14, White Stuff, Cardiff

Pink Knitted Dress, £25, Mamas and Papas, Cardiff

Fur Backpack, £12, Matalan, Morriston and

Rainbow Print Mac, £12, George at Asda, Parc Trostre and Llansamlet

Girls Sunglasses, £6, River Island, Swansea

Girls Top, £33, River Island, Swansea

M&S, Swansea

LAURA DAVIES looks at what’s hot this season for children

RI Baby Jumper and Trousers, £25, Riverisland. co.uk

Baby Boy Dino T-Shirt, £7, M&Co, Cardiff

Rocket Rucksack, £10, Matalan, Parc Cwmdu

Zup up Top, £5, George at Asda, Gorseinon and Llanelli

@LawsDx

Tractor Shirt, £7, M&Co, Cardiff

26 SWANSEA LIFE

Pink Knitted Dress, £25, Mamas and Papas, Cardiff

Alfie Stripe Polo Tee, £16, White Stuff, Cardiff

laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk

Multi Hello Slogan Crew (3mths-6yrs) £11-12, Next, Swansea and Morfa Retail Park

Long Sleeve Top (3mths-7yrs) £5-7, Next, Swansea and Parc Trostre

Mermaid ; Pink Swimsuit, £9 0, Swimsuit, £1 ff M&Co, Cardi

Baby Girl Pom Pom Daisy Jeggings, £6, M&Co Cardiff

Rainbow Stripe Sweatshirt (3mths-7yrs) £10-12, Next, Swansea

BEAUTY NEWS

PERFECT PAIRS

W I T H L AU R A D AV I ES laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk

@LawsDx

PART ONE

PREVAGE PROGRESSIVE RENEWAL TREATMENT Jo Malone London is in the mood for romance this Valentine’s Day. The British fragrance house is playing matchmaker with some of its most-loved scents.

Meet the Jo Malone London power couples: The New Romantics, Seaside Crush and A Fruity Fling.

These fragrant duos are designed to be worn together, layered on the skin they create an irresistible and unique scent. A Fruity Fling is a match made in heaven. English Pear & Freesia and Nectarine Blossom & Honey are a deliciously golden pair with a mellow edge. Seaside Crush offers a combination of zesty citrus notes with a breath of seaside air: Lime Basil & Mandarin and Wood Sage & Sea Salt make a dynamic duo. Embrace a floral flirtation with The New Romantics: Peony & Blush Suede and Wild Bluebell create a charming and softly sensual scent.

See your skin transform week after week. PREVAGE Progressive Renewal Treatment redefines skincare peels with a powerful four week resurfacing regimen that gently exfoliates surface skin cells and enhances natural cell turnover.

Featuring our newest breakthrough in peel technology, Polyhydroxy Acid, freshly mixed with powerful antioxidant, Idebenone, the PREVAGE Progressive Renewal Treatment helps jumpstart skin renewal and protect newly-revealed skin cells from environmental aggressors. Skin is fresh, glowing, and evenly toned.

flawless

PREVAGE Progressive Renewal Treatment, £170, ElizabethArden.com

New this month is Laura Mercier’s Flawless Lumière Radiance-Perfecting Foundation, which delivers a perfectly luminous finish that looks flawless in any light. The weightless medium to full coverage formula looks and feels like a second skin and improves the skin’s natural luminosity over time for lasting radiance. It hydrates, visibly smoothes, and softens skin as well as providing 15 hours of moisturization. Available in 30 shades.

Jo Malone London power couples: The New Romantics, Seaside Crush and A Fruity Fling, £94 each, £188 for the pair, Jo Malone, Cardiff

calling all mermaids

Barry M’s best-selling Under the Sea Nail Paint shades will be available in four new shades from February 27, to keep you glistening from every angle. With its colour-shifting, two-toned formula, each shade has a unique combination of colour and shimmer to keep your nail game strong!

Barry M Under the Sea Collection, £3.99 each, Boots and Superdrug, Swansea

Laura Mercier Flawless Lumière Radiance Perfecting Foundation, £36, John Lewis, Cardiff

Extra-Firming Phyto-Serum and Extra-Firming Eye

h,

HAIR & BEAUTY

Introducing two new targeted serums to put the spring back into your skin. Clarins launches two new targeted expert products to the Extra-Firming range: Extra Firming Phyto-Serum and ExtraFirming Eye, for instant and long term lift effects specifically created for women in their 40s.

Extra-Firming Phyto-Serum 50ml, £75, is the new expert anti-wrinkle, firming serum offers a double visible lift effect for both instant and long-term lift results. skin. The gel serum formula forms a tightening net on the skin’s surface to lift and firm, leaving skin visibly younger looking and facial contours redefined. The second addition - Extra-Firming Eye 15ml, £41, firms and smoothes eye contour lines with the new complete, ultra-sensorial eye contour care designed by Clarins to combine the smoothing effect of a serum with the comfort of a balm. Targeting wrinkles, under-eye puffiness and dark circles linked to ageing, it works to restore brightness and firmness by reviving the eyes and the surrounding contour.

Turn back the clock Sisleya L’Integral Anti-Wrinkle Concentrated Serum is the latest addition to its incredible range of Sisleya L’Integral Serum’s, which target behavioural ageing. The serum has a visible, instant anti-wrinkle effect on the entire face and after two months, shows a significant reduction in all types of wrinkles (dehydration, expression and ageing lines), diminishing their appearance, length and depth. Wrinkles are visibly plumped from within, the features are smoother and the face appears lifted and perceptibly younger.

Ultra-lightweight, fresh and non-greasy, it is delicately scented with essential oils of Lavender and Marjoram and leaves skin matte and velvety with a pleasant bare-skin sensation. The serum should be applied morning and night to the face and neck after the Essential Skin Care Lotion. It can also be combined with other Sisleÿa L’Intégral Anti-Âge products for optimum anti-wrinkle results.

Sisleya L’Integral AntiWrinkle Concentrated Serum 30ml, £350, Sisley-paris.com

TRAVEL-READY PERFUMES

We love Jo Malone’s new sleek, travelready palette, which is designed to effortlessly encase two solid perfumes for scent on-the-go. Presented in a protective pouch and perfectly sized to slip into a pocket or a small bag with room to spare, you can fill your palette with two Jo Malone London scents from a selection of ten of the brand’s most-loved, to create their own irresistible pair. The new solid perfume formula has a light, smooth texture containing pure beeswax, and ensures a rich scent when applied to the skin.

Swirl the smooth formula onto wrists, neck, décolletage, even the ends of your hair. Wear solo, or layer together to create a compelling combination.

Fragrance Combining Palette, £24; Solid Perfume - Cologne, £14 and Solid Perfume - Cologne Intense, Jo Malone, Cardiff

Available March 17 at Clarins, Boots and Debenhams stores, Swansea

SWANSEA LIFE 27

HAIR & BEAUTY

BEAUTY NEWS W I T H L AU R A D AV I ES

NARS Super Radiant Booster, £25, John Lewis, Cardiff

To mark the first anniversary of its Body Pleasures collection, Kilian presents the White Tea Hand Cream, gorgeously scented, quick to absorb and silky on the skin.

The collection already features shower gels and body lotions in six of Kilian’s most iconic scents.

White Tea Hand Cream, £42, Bykilian.co.uk - Out March 4

ROSES ARE RED

This month, L’Occitane launches a modern, elegant and utterly feminine new fragrance; Rose Eau de Toilette. The brand’s new scent can be personalised according to your mood with its collection of three fragranced waters.

Rose EDT 50ml, £59, 90ml, £79, Rose EDP, 50ml, £46, L’Occitane, Cardiff

@LawsDx

PART TWO

FEED YOUR SKIN

Nourish from the outside-in with the new additions to Elemis’ vitamin-packed Pre-Biotic Superfood Skincare Range. Rich in antioxidants, omega fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, Superfoods feed the skin with nourishment for pure skin vitality, while Pre-Biotics protect and maintain the skin’s delicate microbiome.

NEW: Superfood Kefir Tea Mist, £26, 100ml - A 4-in 1 treatment mist to tone, prime, set makeup and get an on-the-go splash of hydration.

Superfood Blackcurrant Jelly Exfoliator, £28, 50ml - a gentle facial scrub, jam-packed with anti-oxidant rich fruit extracts, black tea extract and Glycerin, leaving the complexion smoother, softer and hydrated.

radiance SERUM...

Revitalise and soothe skin with this ultra-light, fast-absorbing face serum. Enriched with anti-inflammatory apricot oil, brightening papaya and soothing tea tree oil, it will leave skin feeling soft and supple for perfect makeup application.

Use to moisturise and prime skin and use as an enriching night treatment.

Or add some drops to your foundation for a dewy, radiant finish.

Barry M Nymph Radiance Serum Beauty Elixir, £7.99, Superdrug, Swansea

How gorgeous is this new lip and eye collection from Laura Mercier. The Velour Lip Powder Collection, £25, is Superfood Berry Boost Mask, £30, 75ml - A purifying mask with available in two shades, and is a limitedBrazilian Purple Clay and an omega-rich Superberry Complex edition creamy matte lip powder trio balances the T Zone and helps mattify skin. with a metallic sheen that comes with a Superfood Vital Veggie Mask, £30, 75ml - Get a shot of green goodness moisturizing base balm to prep the lips. with this treatment mask that nourishes, smoothes and brightens.

There are also four Velour Extremne Available at Elemis.com Matte Lipsticks , £22.50, which are seductive and ultra-matte, delivering intense single-stroke coverage and long-lasting, creamy comfort. In terms of eyes, there are two new With the new GHD Glide you can roll out shades of the Caviar of bed and have beautiful smooth locks Stick Eye Colours in in no time. Simply glide the hot brush Matte (Ginger and through dry hair to smooth waves and Cashmere) and two create sleekness with an airy texture. The new shades in Duo ceramic technology with ioniser heats Chrome (Rush and the brush uniformly to the optimum Beam) - both are 185C styling temperature for guaranteed creamy eyeshadow healthier looking hair. The ioniser restores sticks with 12-hour wear that balance back in the hair to eliminate are crease-resistant and transfer frizz so that hair is perfectly smooth and resistant, £24 each. glossy. It is great for shaping your hair into a modern style really simply and quickly.

GHD GLIDE

GHD Glide, £125, ghdhair.com

WELOVE Kilian’s Good Girl Gone Bad popular fragrance has gone extreme. The scent has been reworked to create a more extreme version of the original fragrance. Bottles and boxes are adorned with black and gold finishes, allowing a new clutch design with gold tone details.

Kilian Good Girl Gone Bad Extreme, 50ml refillable spray, £235, Bykilian.co.uk

Shades of Paris & New York

Recharge your complexion with a radiance-boosting lineup designed to reveal your skin at its absolute best.

Featuring the new, NARS Limited-Edition Super Radiant Booster amplifies skin illumination with a pearlescent glow and lightweight, layerable texture. Use it to intensify the radiant effect of NARS’ cult-classic complexion essentials—the high coverage, longwearing Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation, fan-favourite Sheer Glow Foundation, and bestselling, multi-purpose Radiant Creamy Concealer.

WHITE TEA

RADIANCE REPOWERED

laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk

John Lewis, Cardiff

MINERAL MOISTURE MASK L’Occitane launches a new and super hydrating face mask, the Aqua Reotier Mineral Moisture Mask. With a high concentration of mineral-rich Reotier water, it can be used in two ways: as an overnight mask to replenish your skin while you sleep, or as a fast-acting hydration shot for a quick hydration fix. The lineup consists of four hydrating formulas – a cream, gel, mist and essence – and one cleanser. This range is a delightful splash of moisture for the skin!

From £15-£32, L’Occitane, Cardiff

SWANSEA LIFE 29

HAIR & BEAUTY

7

Ways to Revitalise Beauty Products

LAURA DAVIES looks at how beauty products can be refreshed and revived from cool storage to clever rehydration, that could also save money and enhance their eco-friendly credentials. laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk

@LawsDx

■ Rehydrate dry products The lifespan of an expensive foundation can be extended by mixing in a drop or two of face lotion or alcohol-free toner, which will turn it into more of a tinted moisturiser but still give reasonable coverage. Adding a small amount of saline solution could, meanwhile, revive dried gel liners, mascaras or creams.

Dried out crumbled powder and lipstick can also be repurposed into coloured lip balms by mixing them with some petroleum jelly in a new container.

■ Fix snapped lipstick Working safely and minding fingers, use a match, candle or lighter to heat both the end of a broken off half of lipstick and the top of the tube it came from, so that they begin to melt slightly and soften. At this point, press the two sections together for a few moments until they cool and firm up, to become a single solid lipstick again.

■ Repurpose interesting products

■ Use hot water If mascara is starting to run out, tightly secure the cap and place it into a bowl of warm water for a couple of minutes. The heat softens the dry mascara in the bottle, allowing beauty fans to use up every last drop before a new purchase is necessary. This trick should also work for refreshing nail varnish that has gone gloopy or has a lid that has stiffened up too much.

■ Store make-up wisely Pencils need to be kept in a cool, dry place as they may start to melt in warm locations, such as near radiators or in a steam-filled bathroom.

Nail polish, lipstick and perfume could also see their shelf life shortened by warm air, so even consider utilising the fridge for any particularly precious products. Also make sure all lids are screwed on tightly, caps are secured firmly and any portable items aren’t roughly thrown or dropped in handbags or backpacks.

30 SWANSEA LIFE

If there’s a colour or two on an eye shadow pallet that are never destined to be worn, mix them in a separate container with a clear top coat to create a vibrant nail polish. Other ways to reuse scraps from make-up bags include mixing the final drops of a bottle of perfume into an unscented body lotion.

■ Keep everything clean Cleaning make-up brushes regularly, between weekly and monthly, can extend their life and help make the most of beauty collections. Rub through the bristles with a soft, conditioning baby shampoo or dish detergent and olive oil to revitalise dirty fashion tools. Reinvigorate dulling eye shadow with a touch of rubbing alcohol and the bud of a cotton swab to remove residue.

A fine brush and rubbing alcohol could also be used gently to clean remaining mascara, shadow and

glue from fake eye lashes, allowing them to be reused.

■ Don’t waste anything Cut open tubes and containers to scrape out and use every last bit of product stuck inside rather than buying a replacement immediately.

Use a brush to scrape out any lipstick left behind in solid plastic applicators that can’t be sliced. To refresh powdered make-up products, lightly press packaging tape against it to remove the strange, hard film that can develop on top. Crushed or crumbled powder, such as blushers, foundations or eye shadows, can be preserved by pressing a few drops of rubbing alcohol into them. Mixing a little castor oil into dry mascara could make it last and even stay on a little longer, though it may dilute the strength.

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HAIR & BEAUTY

Makeover!

W ITH

L ARA

JOHNSON

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

Colour statement Model: Sarhanna Occupation: Student and model Lives: Swansea

Sarhanna says...

I like my hair long so I didn’t want it cut, but I wanted a look that I could wear out to a charity ball that is classic but also all up. I am also fed up with my colour which I feel is a bit dull. I want my hair to look healthy and shiny and not one all over colour

Lara Johnson Lifestyle says...

Savannah has never had a salon colour before and was a little nervous about the outcome. We decided the saying, ‘less is more’ would be perfect in Savannah’s case. We performed our consolation with our colour identification programme and worked with Savannah’s natural skin tones to see which colours and techniques worked best. We decided to enhance Savannah’s look by working with three different colours from the Wella Illumina professional colour range. We used slightly warmer tones around her face and hairline and then scattered the same colour through the crown. The rest of her hair was then worked in sections with a glossing technique applied in between to add shine and lustre to the natural hair. We then dressed Savannah’s hair into a classic chignon but gently softened it with soft pieces from the perimeter to bring the classic look up to date.

32 SWANSEA LIFE

After...

Before...

Step by step...

Ropeplait updo A dressing that combines a combination of plaits into a soft romantic shape that is perfect for a Valentines evening. It can be detailed and intricate, or soft and romantic Difficulty level: Medium I Ideal hair length: Mid length to long hair Assistance needed? Yes What you need • Brush • Hairband • Grips or pins • Hairspray

After...

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2

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4

Before...

1

Take a section from the low crow to below your ear on each side to create a triangular sections and clip them back.

Make a low ponytail at the nape of the neck. Divide into two sections and pass one over the other twisting as you go to create a ropeplait. Secure it with a band a couple of centimetres from the end.

2 3

Twist the ropeplait around the base of the ponytail secure into place with grips

4

When you reach the end of your section continue with a three stranded plait securing with a band at the end. Do the same with the other side.

5

Drop the top sections and part on one side. Plait the hair against the head using either a French or Dutch plait technique

5

Wrap the plaited sections across one another and pin into place. If your hair is long, wrap around and secure underneath

SWANSEA LIFE 33

HAIR & BEAUTY

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

best resort spa in Wales The Vale Resort named best resort spa in Wales for second year running he Vale Spa at the Vale Resort in Hensol has been named Wales’ best resort spa for the second year running by an international awards body that recognises excellence in tourism – and has also earned itself a coveted place in the first edition of Lonely Planet’s Wellness Escapes book.

The spa at the four-star hotel and leisure venue, in the Vale of Glamorgan, was named Wales’ Best Resort Spa 2018 at the 4th annual World Spa Awards, held at the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, in the southern Dhaalu Atoll.

The resort was also named Wales’ Best Golf Hotel 2018 at the 5th annual World Golf Awards, held at La Manga Club, Spain. The resort won both titles in 2017, too.

T

The ceremony was organised by the World Travel Awards to recognise the best in travel and leisure, which have been described by the Wall Street Journal as the ‘Oscars of the travel industry’.

Votes are cast by professionals working within the spa industry and by members of the public.

The Lonely Planet Wellness Escapes guide is a round-up of wellness holiday hotspots from around the world. Divided into five chapters, including Active, Calm, Healthy, Indulged and Inspired, the book features reviews of almost 200 leading destinations from across the globe – from yoga retreats in India to Buddhist meditation temples in Korea.

Stephanie Metson, marketing manager at the Vale Resort, said: “We are delighted to retain our titles from the World Travel Awards, which are regarded as a benchmark of quality in our industry - it’s a credit to the entire team that

we find ourselves celebrating double success again 12 months later.

“It’s also truly humbling to be featured in a global list of the best places to experience total wellbeing and relaxation as part of the Lonely Planet Wellness Escapes guide.

“We believe our spa, which is Wales’ largest, offers a warm welcome and access to plenty of bespoke relaxation spaces, in addition to indulgent treatments, and that sets us apart from other hotels with spa facilities.

“We’ve also invested £500,000 upgrading our bedrooms, demonstrating our commitment to quality across the resort.”

www.valeresort.com | 01443 667800 | Hensol Park, Hensol CF72 8JY 34 SWANSEA LIFE

SKIN PERSONALISATION

, Anti-Ageginagnd Nourishinrful Colou

We love the new custom-blend hydrator from Clinique, which is made specifically for your skin type and skin concern so that you can hydrate and treat straight away. Simply choose your hydration base from Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly, Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion or Dramatically Different Oil-Free gel, then choose your active cartridge based on your primary skin concern. With five to choose from including Irritation, Pores and Uneven Texture, Uneven Skin Tone, Fatigue, and Lines and Wrinkles, insert your chosen cartridge concentrate into the hydration base to create your own custom-blend hydration system.

Top Mascara

Clinique iD: Dramatically Different Moisturizer + Active Cartridge Concentrate, £36, Boots and Debenhams, Swansea Glossier's first mascara was three years in the making - and it was worth the wait. The jet black microfibre formula and fine-toothed wand combined to deliver unparalleled separation and absolutely no clumping, with fans hailing it the perfect everyday mascara.

HAIR & BEAUTY

BEAT THE WINTER BLUES WITH AN UPLIFTING BEAUTY REGIME

The new Lavera Beautiful Lips Brilliant Care Q10 lipsticks are your lips’ new best friend this winter. All four colours are cruelty-free, certified natural and organic by NATRUE, and free from parabens, phthalates, parraffinium or petrochemicals. Blurring the line between makeup and beauty, these new nourishing lip colours with Q10 are an anti-ageing and moisturising treat for your lips, while also providing a touch of colour and shine for instant va-va-voom. Each lip colour, which includes Oriental Rose, Light Hazel, Strawberry Pink and Red Cherry, contains a blend of moisturising natural ingredients, such as sweet almond oil, shea butter and aloe vera, to keep your lips cared for and soft all winter long.

Kick start your day with a selection of uplifting beauty products guaranteed to leave you feeling fresh and rejuvenated for the day ahead. We love Green People’s, uplifting, Vitamin Shower Gel, £13.00 (200ml) a luxurious detoxifying body wash packed full of vitamin rich Avocado, uplifting Mandarin and Bergamot. This 100 per cent certified organic wash offers natural cleansing and nourishment. You’ll step out the shower feeling thoroughly rejuvenated and refreshed. www. greenpeople.co.uk.

£12.90 each, available at Whole Foods Stores and Laverauk.co.uk

THIS MONTH

WE LOVE LAURA DAVIES rounds up the latest news, trends and best buys for your shopping basket this month laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk

L’OCCITANE x Rifle Paper

Due to its success last year, L’Occitane launches another collaboration with luxury stationery company Rifle Paper Co. The Shea Butter Hand Cream 150ml, £21, Shea Butter Rose Hand Cream 30ml, £8, and the Shea Butter Ultra Rich Body Cream 100ml, £22, have all been designed with limited edition prints- the perfect products to nourish skin during the winter months!

L’Occitane, Cardiff

Glossier Lash Slick, £14, Glossier.com

WINTER HAIR HYDRATION Winter can often be tough on your hair with cold winds and high central heating, leaving your locks in need of some serious tlc. Add some hydration back into your hair with Andrew Barton’s Treatment Masks that will work to restore moisture giving hair softness, shine and bounce.

@LawsDx

Green People’s Vitamin Shower Gel, £13 (200ml) www.greenpeople.co.uk.

lip-tastic

We love Avon’s latest triumph, a felt-tip pen style lip colour which comes with a fine end for lining and a thick end for filling in lips with extra long-lasting matte colour. In eight shades and at just £9, this is a beauty bargain that every lippie lover should own.

Avon Mark 2 in 1 Lip Tattoo Give Me Heat, £9, Avon.co.uk

Indulge this Valentine’s Day Romance is in the air this month and Crabtree & Evelyn have the perfect gifts to set hearts aflutter this Valentine’s Day with their gorgeous Rosewater & Pink Peppercorn products. The indulgent range is enriched with vitamins, shea butter and a heady scent of rose, giving skin a healthy dollop of softness - sure to make your Valentine feel special on the most dreamy day of the year.

Products include Rosewater & Pink Peppercorn Hydrating Body Scrub - £24/220g, Rosewater & Pink Peppercorn Hydrating 60 Second Fix For Hands - £30/100g, Rosewater & Pink Peppercorn Hydrating Body Cream - £28/250ml and Rosewater & Pink Peppercorn Hydrating Body Gel £5/50ml, Crabtree-evelyn.com/uk/en

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Andrew Barton SOS Hair Repair Treatment Mask, £5 and No Weight Hydrate Treatment Mask, also £5, available at Asda, Gorseinon, Llanelli and Llansamlet SWANSEA LIFE 35

HAIR & BEAUTY Lush Sleepy Body Lotion,

Neom Perfect Night’s Sleep Body Oil, £35, Neomorganics.com

£15.95, Lush, Swansea Designed to evoke the same sensation that a cup of hot cocoa brings on a cold night, this body lotion is infused with creamy oat milk, sweet tonka and that all-important lavender. Fans love the soothing scent and say it really has a soporific effect, as well as being an excellent body moisturiser.

Slather your body with this oil after your evening shower or bath and not only will you go to bed with supersoft skin, you’ll be able breathe in the Neom Tranquillity fragrance, a blend of lavender, sweet basil and jasmine, which is found in every product in the brand’s sleep range.

Temple Spa Repose Aromatherapy Resting Cream, £40, TempleSpa.com A luxurious night cream that moisturises and delivers antioxidants (for fighting the signs of ageing), this so-called ‘spa in a jar’ is infused with chamomile, frankincense and lavender, all of which are intended to calm your mind and make it easier to fall asleep.

relax& unwind

As it’s the month of love, why not give yourself a bit of “me” time and pamper yourself with one of these lavender aromatic aids to help you unwind

Lush Twilight Bath Bomb, £3.95 each, Lush, Swansea

Neal’s Yard Lavender Bath Salts, £14.50, John Lewis, Cardiff Neal’s Yard’s new range of bath salts help to soften your skin and soothe your muscles and your mind. Pour a generous helping of the lavender-infused sea salt crystals into a warm bath to unleash the relaxing floral fragrance.

This Works Sleep Power Recharge Mask, £32, Thisworks.com

Manuka Doctor

This Works insomnia-busting pillow spray is the stuff of legend, so you know that its sleep skincare range is going to be good too. This mask promises the benefits of a full eight hours’ sleep in just 20 minutes, using AHAs, kaolin clay and hyaluronic acid to brighten, detoxify and moisturise. It also contains some of the same ingredients as the famed pillow spray, so use it at night to reap similar benefits.

Overnight Lavender

36 SWANSEA LIFE

Mask, £24.99, Allbeauty.com Teaming manuka honey with hyaluronic acid and lavender, this is a gel mask that you apply before you go to bed, allowing the active ingredients to soak in and work their magic, while the scent helps you drift off to sleep.

Another fan favourite from the slumber specialists at Lush, the Twilight bath bomb contains a similar scent blend, with the addition of benzoin resinoid, which has a warm vanillaesque quality. Sit back and relax in the tub as the pink and violet bomb dissolves and the dreamy aroma is released.

FREE

ORTHODONTIC CONSULTATION IN FEBRUARY NORMALLY WORTH £99

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LEAVE IT TO THE PROFESSIONALS, WITH SPECIALIST ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT FROM £27.30 PER MONTH*

DENTAL IMPLANTS • ORTHODONTICS FAMILY AND COSMETIC DENTISTRY Contact us today to arrange your first consultation: Woods Dental, 65 Walter Rd, Uplands, Swansea, SA1 4PT E: info@woodsdental.co.uk T: 01792 476 714 www.woodsdental.co.uk

*Finance 9.9% APR over 5 yrs subject to approval, terms and conditions.

HAIR & BEAUTY

REAL WOMEN, WINNING LOOKS W ITH

C H R I S

H O W E L LS

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

Marlyn was looking for a bronzed glowing look that reflected her outdoorsy lifestyle but still had some sophistication.

Starting with Skincare, The Pellum Vero range from ex EastEnders beauty Michelle Collins is incredible. I started with the serum, eye cream and day cream. The set also contains a gorgeous oil cleanser and highly effective night cream. I used a Korean Beauty Primer from TouchinSol called Feels Like Honey Moon to give a gorgeous glow, followed by Laura Mercier Candle Glow Foundation buffed in using the Flat Topped Foundation Brush. Next I used a touch of By Terry Click Concealer to the under eye area and Marlyn’s face was set with By Terry Hyaluronic Setting Powder using the Powder Brush. Using the All Over Shadow Brush I applied By Terry Stylo Blackstar in Copper Crush to the eyelid and blended it out. Then I applied the Stylo Blackstar in Tasty Truffle to the lash edge and blended it into the lid using the Smudge/Detail Brush. Using the Pencil Brush I smudged the Tasty Truffle cream under the bottom lashes and a sweep of a black kohl pencil in the waterline. Lashings of By Terry Lash Expert Mascara finished the look on curled lashes. For the brows I used Eylure Brow Trio in Blonde and applied the powder and wax with the Brow Brush. Then I applied the bronzer from Charlotte Tilbury’s Filmstar Bronze and Glow to the cheekbones, temples and bridge of the nose with the Angled Powder Brush. Then I used the highlight side to the highpoints of the face with the fan brush. A sweep of Nars Orgasm Blush to the apples of the cheeks finished off the complexion.

On Marlyn’s lips I applied Laura Mercier sheer lip colour in Courtisane with the lip brush.

This gorgeous look was completed using The Complete Makeup Brush Collection

by Walford Richards Designs. Subscribe to www.walfordrichardsdesigns.co.uk for exclusive offers and discounts.

before 38 SWANSEA LIFE

after

WINTER Vs YOUR SKIN During the winter months we turn the heating on, wrap up warm... but do we look after our skin?

The elements take their toll on our skin in winter just as much as any other time. Harsh cold winds, central heating, dry the skin causing damage and fine wrinkles.

It is essential to look after your skin, our advise is to have a good daily skin regime and also monthly treatments.

HydraFacial

Latest generation of skin resurfacing technology. Combing six treatments in one: Cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, hydration and antioxidant protection.

Crystal Clear Microdermabrasion

A non-invasive deep ex-foliation of the skin using a fine flow of microscopic crystals to gently remove old, dead skin cells layer by layer to successfully treat a wide range of skin problems such as open pores, wrinkles, acne, scarring, blackheads & milia

Chemical Skin Peel

A chemical peel is a technique used to improve and smooth the texture of the skin. Facial skin is mostly treated, and scarring can be improved. Chemical peels are intended to remove the outermost layers of the skin

Non Surgical FaceLift

Thermotherapy (warming the skin/ opens pores), Microdermabrasion to clear our pores / treat fine lines, ultra sound, Bio-lift to tone & firm facial contours, LED light therapy to boost collagen, and finished with cryotherapy to close the pores and lock in products.

C

Skin Specific Facial

I

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EL

Cleanse, tone, mask & moisturise with facial massage and products tailored to your skin type.

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HAIR & BEAUTY

GET

skin

When the summer holidays feel a lifetime away, sunlight feels like a very rare luxury, our skin can start to look dull and neglected. Perk up your complexion with these skin-boosting saviours

1

1

Sheet Mask

Aromatherapy Associates Hydrosol Sheet Mask, £42 for 4, Aromatherapyassociates.com Pop on an Aromatherapy Associates Hydrosol Sheet Mask, £42 for 4, for just 10 minutes and let its powerful blend of essentials oils and plumping actives deliver intense hydration, firmness and radiance.

2

Collagen pills

Ingenious Beauty Ultimate Collagen+ Second Generation, £42.99 for 90 capsules, Ingeniousbeauty.com Face creams often contain collagen and hyaluronic acid but Ingenious Beauty Ultimate Collagen+ Second Generation, gives you a daily dose of those all-important actives so they get to work from the inside out, promising fewer wrinkles and more even skin.

3

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Skin supplement Neal’s Yard Remedies Organic

Berry Blend - Radiance, £15.40 was £22, Nealsyardremedies.com

Packed full of pomegranate, goji berries and chai seeds, Neal’s Yard Remedies Organic Berry Blend - Radiance is high in vitamin C, which helps protect your skin cells against stressors. Mix one scoop daily with water or a smoothie to reap the radiant benefits.

4

Vitamin C cleanser Fresh Vitamin Nectar Vitamin C Glow Powder, £32 for 12 sachets, Fresh.com

2

Give lacklustre skin the boot with Fresh Vitamin Nectar Vitamin C Glow Powder, which is activated with a teaspoon of water to create an exfoliating, brightening foam cleanser.

4

5

Cleansing brush Foreo Luna Fofo, £79, Spacenk.com Upgrade your cleansing brush with the Foreo Luna Fofo, £79, Space NK, which connects to a mobile app to read your hydration levels and prepare a personalised daily routine.

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Night Cream MooGoo Natural Night Time Face Cream, £23.90, moogooskincare.co.uk

Combining hyaluronic and lactic acids, MooGoo Natural Night Time Face Cream not only moisturises but also chemically exfoliates and promotes collagen production, all while you slumber.

7

Chemical exfoliant DCL Multi-Action Penta Peel pads, £58 for 50, Cultbeauty.co.uk

7

Infused with a blend of five exfoliating acids, DCL Multi-Action Penta Peel pads Cult Beauty, are powerful enough to dislodge dead skin cells but gentle enough to be used every day after cleansing.

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8

Face scrub Scrubd Energising Face Scrub, £24, Scrubd.com Formulated with volcanic rock, the peppermint scented Energising Face Scrub from men’s grooming brand Scrubd, sloughs off the dead skin cells that can lead to dullness and spots.

Gary and Sue Photography

ONE RESORT TWO UNIQUE VENUES Both

Philip Warren Photography

exclusively yours for the day

ONLY

£1000* VENUE HIRE MON-WED HENSOL CASTLE

Philip Warren Photography

HENSOL CASTLE Voted

Romantic Wedding Venue of the Year

Choose your wedding at Hensol Castle and be prepared to be royally spoiled. Hensol Castle will be exclusively yours for the day, so you and your guests can enjoy exclusive use of its rooms and grounds without any interruption, so you really can be king and queen of the castle.

FACTS n

Exclusively yours• for the day

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Grade 1 listed castle

n

Set in 650 acres of countryside

n

Serpentine lake with a jetty

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Licensed for civil ceremonies

n

From 80 to 180 guests

n

Idyllic photographic setting

n

Selection of menus and drinks packages

Nick Murray Photography

FREE

FREE

FREE

FREE

20% OFF

Bedroom for Bride & Groom

Anniversary dinner for Bride & Groom

One month Health & Racquets membership+

Round of golf for Groom & three friends^

Vale Spa for Bride prior to wedding†

01443 665803 | www.hensolcastle.com Hensol Castle Park, Hensol, Vale of Glamorgan, CF72 8JX *Terms & conditions apply, new bookings only, valid on 2019/20 weddings, minimum 80 guests day & 120 evening. + For bride and groom only. ^Handicap certificate required. †One month prior to wedding.

FULLY INCLUSIVE PACKAGE FROM

£69

‡

PP

VALE RESORT

Rachel Lambert Photography

VALE RESORT

A

Picture Perfect Setting to say I do!

Our setting is as diverse as it is beautiful. The rugged Welsh landscape is perfect for those dramatic romantic images, while the four-star luxury surroundings of the hotel serve up plenty of inspiration for old-school Hollywood glamour.

FACTS n

Exclusively yours - one wedding per venue

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Set in 650 acres of countryside

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Luxury 4* accommodation

n

Licensed for civil ceremonies

n

From 10 to 400 guests

n

Idyllic photographic setting

n

Selection of menus and drinks packages

n

Plenty of FREE parking

Simon Glass at Wedding Films 4K

FREE

FREE

FREE

FREE

20% OFF

Bedroom for Bride & Groom

Anniversary dinner for Bride & Groom

One month Health & Racquets membership+

Round of golf for Groom & three friends^

Vale Spa for Bride prior to wedding†

01443 665803 | www.valeresort.com Hensol Park, Hensol, Vale of Glamorgan, CF72 8JY ‡Additional £500 venue charge for Saturday weddings. Excludes ceremony room hire. +For bride and groom only. ^Handicap certificate required. †One month prior to wedding.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

FO O D B E N E F ITS

Herbs &Spices Whether eaten at your desk or sprinkled on your porridge, these nutrient-loaded seeds should be your go-to healthy snack.

1

laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk

4

They can help you to concentrate

Struggling to focus at your desk?

Research has shown that almonds can help. A recent study published in the British Journal of Nutrition that investigated the 'post-lunch cognitive crash' (when our memory and attention starts to dip in the afternoon) found that eating a high-fat lunch with almonds resulted in significantly smaller declines in memory scores, compared to a high-carb lunch without almonds.

This is because almonds are packed with nutrients that are important for brain health, including vitamin E, folate and unsaturated fatty acids, and L-carnitine - which has been found to have brain-boosting, neuroprotective benefits.

2

They're good for your heart

The high fat content in almonds can seem alarming on first glance, but don't panic; they're mainly mono- and polyunsaturated, aka the kinds that benefit your heart. Almonds contain linoleic acid, an important fatty acid which contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of coronary heart disease.

46 SWANSEA LIFE

@LawsDx

They can help you to lose weight

Planning to shed a few pounds?

A 2014 study published in the European Journal of Nutrition found that a mid-morning, 42g snack of almonds, compared to no snack, helped to control appetite and resulted in a reduced calorie intake for participants, for lunch and dinner. Rather than skipping a snack, keeping a pot of almonds by your desk may curb hunger pangs later in the day.

3

They're great for your skin

Forget expensive moisturisers and sheet masks. Almonds are secretly the healthiest and cheapest way to get an A-lister glow. They are high in zinc and riboflavin, and a source of niacin, which all contribute to the maintenance of normal nails and skin. They’re are also rich in vitamin E, which can help to protect cells from the oxidative stress caused by pollution, UV rays from the sun, cigarette smoke and other environmental factors - all of which contribute to the skin ageing process.

5

They'll give you energy

Almonds make a great alternative to caffeine-loaded drinks, like tea and coffee. As natural energy-boosters, they come loaded with good nutrition that will power you through a long shift at the office.

Almonds are a source of energising plant protein. There are around 6g per 28g portion. As well as optimising brain function with proteins, they also contain a potent mix of fibre and healthy fats to help you to stay focused, no matter what the day may bring.

DENTAL IMPLANTS • ORTHODONTICS FAMILY AND COSMETIC DENTISTRY Contact us today to arrange your first consultation: Woods Dental, 65 Walter Rd, Uplands, Swansea, SA1 4PT E: info@woodsdental.co.uk T:01792 476 714 www.woodsdental.co.uk

HEALTH & WELLBEING

ASK

DR. CHARLOTTE

“It Started With A Kiss…”

I love Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss” – such a beautiful painting. Kissing is the theme of this month’s article given Valentine’s Day is looming.

Whilst it is widely reported that kissing can be good for your health with medical experts believing it to affect many brain hormones for the better leading to: • reduced stress and anxiety, • increased happiness • improved immune systems • reduced blood pressure • lower pain perception

Important things to know with glandular fever •

As your spleen can be swollen in this illness, you should avoid contact sports or sports where you are at a risk of falling as that could damage the spleen.

•

Avoid alcohol.

•

Limit risk of spreading the infection by: washing your hands regularly and don’t kiss others or share items such as towels / cups / cutlery (as it is spread by being in your saliva and can be present for many weeks before you get symptoms)! However risk of passing it on is generally thought to be low.

However as many of you know, there is a relatively common illness glandular fever which many call “the kissing disease”.

What is glandular fever?

Glandular fever, or infectious mononucleosis to give it its formal name, is an infection due to a virus called Epstein-Barr. It is often linked with a sore throat.

This month Sketty GP and Swansea Life doctor Charlotte Jones, focusses on kissing

Other symptoms can include: • ongoing tonsillitis or very sore throat + difficulty swallowing + difficulty breathing • high temperature or going hot & cold • severe fatigue and tiredness • enlarged glands to neck • tummy pain + enlarged spleen in abdomen (the spleen) Glandular fever is often diagnosed based on the symptoms and examination findings along with a positive blood test for the virus.

How is it treated?

As it is a virus, antibiotics won’t work as they are only for bacterial infections.

Treatment involves the usual measures for a virus i.e. resting, ensuring taking plenty of fluids and easing joint aches and pains with paracetomol and / or ibuprofen. You can then gradually increase your exercise levels when you start feeling better. **Nb avoid ibuprofen if you are pregnancy OR have / have had a peptic ulcer OR if you have asthma and ibuprofen has worsened your asthma control (ibuprofencan affect up to 20% of asthmatics)**

48 SWANSEA LIFE

How long does it take to recover?

Most patient’s recover really well within the month but a few have lingering symptoms. In addition there are some known complications that can affect patients with glandular fever: •

Persistent fatigue for some months and / or chronic fatigue syndrome

•

Breathing problems from very enlarged tonsils or secondary bacterial lung infections (e.g. pneumonia)

•

Spread of the infection to the brain causing encephalitis or meningitis (inflamed lining of the brain), Bells Palsy or Guillain Barre syndrome

•

Anaemia or reduced white cells in the blood which can make you more prone to getting infections

•

Rupture of the swollen spleen requiring emergency surgery – this is very rare but if you have severe pain to the left side of your upper abdomen you should attend your main Emergency Department.

The good news is that if you have had it once, you are unlikely to get it again as having it once should give you lifelong immunity.

Did you know? “Basorexia” – is the overwhelming desire to kiss

HEALTH & WELLBEING

IS YOUR BODY TAKING THE HIT? Coffee may be your ‘hit me-up’ drink, but have you ever stopped to consider the nutritional value of your favourite shop-bought hot drink? LAURA DAVIES looks at the amount of calories and sugar in drinks bought from five national coffee shops laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk

@LawsDx

The hot drinks with the lowest amount of sugar 4g of sugar

Costa

Starbucks

Pret a manger

Greggs

Caffe Nero

94 10

129 11.4

92 8.8

90 7.9

65 5.2

105 10.6

143 12.7

118 11.3

111 11

78 6.4

208 23.2

234 22.7

256 35.5

219 30

398 33.9

187 21.5

220 20.5

185 23.4

233 30

305 19

Cappuccino calories sugar

Latte calories sugar

Hot Chocolate calories sugar

Mocha calories sugar

* The research has selcted the regular cup size offered by the retailers selected in the study (12oz). It must be noted that while ‘regular’ was chosen, the measurement is approx and Starbucks measure their hot drinks in fl oz.

SWANSEA LIFE 49

5

HEALTH & WELLBEING

SAFE EXERCISES YOU CAN DO WHILE PREGNANT Studies have shown that remaining fit and active whilst pregnant can have very real benefits for both mother and baby LAURA DAVIES looks at six safe exercises you can do while pregnant. @LawsDx

laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk

1

Indoor cycling – road-cycling is best

avoided when pregnant, especially as you enter the final few months. It may not be as exciting but using an indoor bicycle places less strain on the feet, ankles and legs, and allows the user to set their own pace and level of resistance.

2

Swimming

- the ideal exercise for women at any stage of pregnancy, swimming provides a fullbody workout and can be carried out solo or with a friend. It can be done at any pace or intensity. If you want to wear yourself out then you can, however, if you just want a leisurely paddle then you can do that too.

3

Weightlifting - perfectly safe

so long as you do not put your body under too much strain. Rather than developing strength with a low reps-high weight approach, you will want to opt for high reps-low weight and thereby focus on toning.

4

Walking – no gym

membership required. As it is possible to set your own pace while walking, making it ideal for any trimester, and you can easily map out different routes to help keep things interesting day-after-day.

5

Prenatal yoga

– if stiffness and joint pain is a problem, yoga could be your saviour. Incorporating various stretches, techniques and movements, yoga helps to keep the body limber and supple while encouraging deep relaxation, meditative breathing and mental focus.

6

Aqua aerobics –

it incorporates many exercises and activities commonly carried out in gyms, albeit adapted for being carried out in a pool. The benefit of aqua aerobics is it places less strain on the body’s joints but moving through water provides additional resistance, making exercise effective but not strenuous.

50 SWANSEA LIFE

4

FOODS AND DRINKS TO BEAT FATIGUE DURING PREGNANCY

A woman’s body undergoes numerous changes throughout the course of her pregnancy, any one of which would be enough to tire anybody out. LAURA DAVIES looks at foods and drinks that can help mums-to -be beat fatigue:

1. Water - During pregnancy, moisture can

be drawn away from the skin and other areas of the body and redirected to the amniotic sac if a sufficient amount of water is not consumed. In addition to fatigue, this can lead to headaches and dry skin.

2. Sweet almonds

- packed full of monosaturated fats, sweet almonds are perfect for replenishing energy stores that have become depleted. Known to reduce cholesterol and be rich in Vitamin B2, Vitamin E, dietary fibre, sweet almonds are a fantastic choice for women irrelevant of whether they are pregnant or not.

3. Bananas

- rich in Calcium, Potassium, Fibre and Vitamin B6, bananas are a veritable treasure trove of nutrients essential for both pregnant women and their growing baby. Capable of maintaining the body’s blood sugar and cholesterol levels, bananas are incredibly filling and will help to control food cravings and prevent overeating.

4. Quinoa – it’s been consumed by humans

for around 4,000 years and is certainly a lot more than just another trendy fad. Wheat-free and twice as rich in protein as rice, quinoa’s nutritional profile and versatility are primarily responsible for its popularity in recent years, as is the fact that it can be easily digested by the body.

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

ASK D E A N

Dean Boyce is the Clinical Lead for Plastic Surgery at The Welsh Centre for Plastic Surgery & Burns.

He is a Council Member and Chairman of Education and Training for the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgeons. He has been a consultant at Swansea’s Sancta Maria Hospital for 14 years.

Worried Your BMI May Bar You From Surgery?

A Swansea-Based Clinician Shares Some Advice

Dean Boyce sheds light on the issue of patients being denied surgery due to their Body Mass Index (BMI) – and how people can best prepare for procedures.

might be directly related to the condition that needs surgical treatment. Painful varicose veins, or worn knee joints may make it impossible to exercise effectively. These cases are nuanced

The issue of NHS patients being denied surgery because of their Body Mass Index (BMI) has been the focus of media attention recently and it is making potential patients anxious.

Weight restrictions have been put in place for elective surgeries including breast reductions and removal of excess skin after weight loss, as well as on non-cosmetic surgeries like knee and hip replacements and varicose vein surgery.

For aesthetic procedures, restrictions have been imposed in Wales on people whose BMI is over 25 - BMI is calculated by dividing someone’s weight by their height squared. However, these restrictions may not be applicable for many patients seeking treatment privately at Sancta Maria Hospital.

The BMI index is a useful tool, but it cannot take an individual’s body composition into account.

Many ‘superfit’ athletes with high muscle mass and little body fat will have a high BMI. However, it is important to take steps well in advance of a procedure, to aid successful recovery and lower the risk of complications. Similarly, it is wise to become more active and give up smoking. The fitter the patient, the smoother their recovery process is likely to be.

One complex issue we see in the course of our clinical work is body contouring, removing excess skin from patients who have experienced weight loss. This is a popular procedure at HMT Sancta Maria and it can have a significant positive impact upon quality of life. Extreme weight gain or weight loss bring complex underlying emotions. It makes sense for clinicians to support someone on this emotional journey.

And the emotional impact of removing excess loose skin can be significant.

Clearly, there are sound reasons why some people may struggle to reduce their BMI that

01 7 9 2

So, when faced with a patient who may have some way to go to bring their weight down to below the 25 BMI mark, it makes little sense to bar them from surgery on what may be a technicality. The weight of the excess skin and subcutaneous tissue itself is often significant, and it sees many such patients turned away by NHS hospitals.

All clinicians have a legal and moral responsibility to advise and treat patients in the patient’s best interests. There can be complex circumstances that must be considered on a case by case basis.

If you have concerns about how your BMI might affect your ability to undergo surgery, you should speak to your surgeon.

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FA L L I N LOV E W I T H C E LT I C MANOR

P L A N Y O U R D R E A M W E D D I N G AT C E LT I C - M A N O R . C O M R E Q U E S T A B R O C H U R E O R A R R A N G E A N A P P O I N T M E N T TO V I S I T O N 0 1 6 3 3 4 1 0 2 5 2

BRIDE

Emma & Samuel Webb Newlyweds Emma and Samuel Webb tell LAURA DAVIES about their dream beach wedding at Oxwich Bay Hotel laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk

The couple: Emma is a 28-year-old primary school teacher and Sam, 30, is a quality assurance manager.

The couple live in Cockett, Swansea, with their two children, Darcie, three, and Freddie, 20 months.

Tell us about the proposal...

Darcie was the star of the proposal. It was my first Mother’s Day on March 6, 2016 and Darcie was only six weeks old. We had been out all day for a walk to Penllergare Woods and enjoyed a nice lunch. After a busy day out and about, we came home, and Sam took her upstairs to get changed for bed. He called me upstairs after a couple of minutes because “he couldn’t find something.” When I went upstairs Sam was down on one knee and Darcie was wearing a baby grow that said ‘Mummy - will you marry Daddy?’ with a red heart balloon attached to her ankle. It was certainly emotional and a moment I will never forget.

@LawsDx

Where did you get married and how did you choose the venue?

We got married in Murton Methodist Church, which had been my church growing up. Our two children have recently been christened there as well. We had our reception at Oxwich Bay Hotel. We viewed a couple of other venues but the service we received from the Oxwich Bay Hotel from day one stood out from all of the rest. They were very accommodating and helped make our dream wedding a reality. A special thank you to Emma Pickard, our personal wedding planner.

Growing up, we both loved going to Oxwich with our families and spent many summer days there. We have lots of happy childhood memories being on the beaches in Gower so it felt fitting to get married at a beach location.

Did you have a wedding theme? Did it reflect you as a couple?

The majority of the wedding colour scheme

was Ivory/blush pink, with elements of silver and rose gold. We wanted to incorporate a theme that was a little bit different but something that was a reflection of us not only as a couple, but as a family. We wanted the children to be involved as much as they could and influence our special day. We decided ‘board games’ represented our family, so went with it. We enjoy playing all different sorts of games on the weekend and in our spare time and thought it would be a fun theme. With 13 children coming to the wedding, we thought it would also help to entertain them. It was subtle and not bright and in your face (except our cake!). Our table names were named after board games and our place names were made from scrabble letters. Along with a guest book, we had Jenga pieces for guests to write messages on and they built a Jenga tower as they wrote on them. In the welcome area, we had a variety of board games for our guests to play (young and old!). Our youngest guest being 12 weeks and our oldest guest 94!

SWANSEA LIFE 53

BRIDE

Tell us about your wedding dress and about dress shopping..

I found wedding dress shopping completely overwhelming and I never knew that so many dress types and styles existed! I went in to the wedding dress shopping experience with a very clear idea in my head of what I was looking for but the one I bought was nothing like I’d imagined. I tried on more than 40 dresses in a variety of styles until I came across “the one.” Despite the sample dress being two sizes, too small, I didn’t want to try on anything else. I knew the A-Line Ronald Joyce dress was the one. The train was tulle with intricate lace designs sewn in. The staff at Rowberry’s were amazing and attentive from the offset. The communication was brilliant and every time they heard from the designers, I would receive a phone call. I am so glad I chose the dress I did, I felt amazing all day and it was really comfortable.

How many bridesmaids did you have and how did you decide on their dresses?

I had four bridesmaids: Jodie was my maid of honour, then Holly, Amy and Sophie. We have all been friends since primary and comprehensive school.

We also had Sam’s niece Millie as a bridesmaid and Darcie as a flower girl. We tried on lots of different dresses and initially had two different styles.

However, we finally decided that they would all be dressed the same. It was the perfect colour match to our theme, and I liked the intricate beading detail at the top of the dress.

Tell us about your big day..

IWhere do I start?! It really was the most perfect day from beginning to end. We had a lovely morning getting ready at my mum’s house, and I felt surprisingly relaxed. Farhana Ali MUA, Jodie Locks hairdressing , Paul Harries videography and

54 SWANSEA LIFE

Roz and Kirsty Photography all contributed to a fun and relaxed atmosphere. The wedding ceremony itself was beautiful and I found it to be completely magical, but some parts were a slight blur! One of my fondest memories of the day is walking down the aisle to A Thousand Years, which was played by our harpist Nia Sian Davies. I can’t wait to see our wedding video which captures all the highlights of our day. After the church, Sam and I went to Three Cliffs to have our photographs taken and then on the dunes in Oxwich. After that, we met our bridal party and groomsmen on the slip on the hotel side of the beach for some more formal photographs and some “Vogue” shots!

We felt really lucky to have guests who had travelled from Australia, Japan and other parts of the world.

The wedding breakfast was absolutely delicious, and the children were amazing throughout! Our speeches were held in between our main course and dessert. Before we knew it, it was time for the evening guests to arrive and we partied long into the next morning. There were so many elements to our special day but having our two children share it with us was definitely the best part.

Did you have a cake and what was it like?

AMAZING! Having known Amelia for about five years and having a number of cakes made for me in the past, there was no question about who was doing our wedding cake. We wanted the ‘board game’ theme to be subtle in the wedding, however, I wanted the cake to be the one thing that stood out.

I wanted it to be bold with a pop of colour and that is exactly what it was. I gave Amelia some pictures of cakes I had seen on Pinterest and the games that we wanted to be included on the cake. She had free reign on the design and how she incorporated 14 board games into the cake was nothing short of Wow! Our cake toppers were pictures of Sam

and I, which was from the Guess Who board game. The cake was extremely well received

by Sam and I and by our guests. It fed 120 and included vanilla, chocolate and a salted caramel flavoured tier. They were all delicious!

The photos of this cake do not do it justice, the amount of time that must have gone into this cake is commendable. We can not recommend Amelia’s Dream Bakes highly enough.

Did you do any wedding DIY yourself?

We didn’t do a lot ourselves due to having two young children and both working full time. I’m lucky to have had Rebecca Caddy from Quaint Hearted Weddings who took many worries away and blew us away with her creativity in all our stationary both in the wedding process, invitations and on the day, our table plan etc.

We also worked closely with Coast Creations to have favours after our church service rather than at the reception. All our guests had a ‘savoury’ and a ‘sweet’ bag to collect on their way out of the church. The ‘savoury’ bags contained a pasty, sausage roll and a pork pie, and the ‘sweet’ bags contained a shortbread biscuit, a mini muffin and some fudge. It was something a bit different and was well received by our hungry and travelled guests! I also wanted toiletry baskets in the ladies and gents toilets. Coast Creations set this up and it was a great way for our guests to freshen up. We also enjoyed making gift bags and personalised items for our bridal party and groomsmen and personalised activity boxes for all our younger guests.

Did you have any personal touches, or sentimental touches?

We wanted the wedding day to be a celebration but also wanted to remember those who

couldn’t be with us. We had a beautiful white ladder with past and present family photos on as you arrived at the marquee. Our favours were close to both our hearts also. We had flower pin badges for the female guests to raise awareness for the Alzheimer’s Society and football pin badges for the male guests to raise awareness for the Cancer Research charity. The children had little teddy bears or wrist bands for the same charities. Donations were made to both charities on the guests behalf.

What were your wedding highlights?

Emma: “It’s really hard to pick a favourite part as there were so many highlights but I really enjoyed the evening as I felt totally relaxed and danced (and sang!) all night.”

Sam: “The whole day was great but I’d probably have to say the reception, as Emma, myself and the children were altogether.”

Did you have a wedding photographer/ videographer?

From the moment we got engaged, we were both very clear who we wanted to have as our photographers and videographers (providing they were available as they’re amazing and book up well in advance!) Booking almost three years in advance meant they were both available - we were thrilled! We loved Roz and Kirsty’s natural and fun approach to photography. Their unique ‘all in’ wedding package was also a winner and once we had seen an album from another wedding, we knew we didn’t need to look elsewhere. We had seen quite a few of Paul’s wedding videos on social media and he had covered other friends weddings and was a cut above the rest. Our first meeting with Roz, Kirsty

and Paul, was so relaxed and they were amazing with Darcie, a newborn at the time. By the time the wedding came around, they felt like friends and made everyone feel so relaxed.

Did you have a first dance? Was there any entertainment?

Our first dance was Frankie and the Valleys ‘Can’t take my eyes off you.’ We had a quick dance on our own before our children and family and friends joined in. We had Moose Band Wales play until 10pm and then we had the Oxwich Bay resident DJ until 1am. It was lovely having a mixture of entertainment throughout the evening. We also had a photo booth in the evening, although the less said about that the better!

Did you go on honeymoon?

As we have two young children, we didn’t want to have too much time away on our own, so we have booked a family holiday in August to Mallorca. However, we did go to St Ives and stayed in the luxurious Carbis Bay Hotel for two nights after the wedding. We came home on Halloween and then the four of us stayed in a caravan in Newquay that weekend. It was lovely to enjoy time just the two of us but also to have quality time as a family.

Wedding Suppliers • • •

Venue: Oxwich Bay Hotel Dress: Rowberry’s Bridal Bridesmaid Dresses: Little Mistress @ Debenhams • Flowers: Eve Francesca Designs • Groom / Ushers: Men’s Formal Hire Wales • Cake: Amelia’s Dream Bakes • Hair: Jodie Locks • MUA: Farhana Ali • Photos: Roz and Kirsty Photography • Video: Paul Harries Videography • Stationary: Quaint Hearted Weddings -

by Rebecca Caddy • Decor: Quaint Hearted Weddings -

by Rebecca Caddy • Band: Moose Band Wales • Canapés, confetti and toiletry baskets: Coast Creations • Harpist: Nia Sian Davies We would both like to thank everyone who contributed in some way to our perfect day.

A huge thank you to our families and friends for the love and support they have shown us throughout the whole wedding process. It really was one of the best day of our lives and one we will never forget.

SWANSEA LIFE 55

Upcoming Events Enzaoni Trunk Show 16th & 17th February

Bridal Fayre with JR Events Brangwyn Hall 24th February

Spring/Summer Fashion Show Langland Golf Club March 14th

Sophia Tolli Trunk Show 23rd & 24th March

Spring/Summer Fashion Show April 4th Marriot Hotel

ROWBERRY

SwanSea’S Premier FaShion & Bridal Boutique 152 - 154 Port Tennant Road Swansea, SA1 8JQ

Tel 01792 651028

Rowberrybridalandfashion

Rowberryswansea

@Rowberrybridalandfashion

BRIDE

MATCHING OUTFITS Look stylish while getting ready with your maids on wedding day morning. They also make lovely gifts for your bridal party and will look great in your wedding prep shots.

Bride/ Team Bride Satin Short Set, £16, Matalan, Parc Cwmdu, Morriston

WEDDINGMILESTONE Getting married? Document the build up to the big day with our bridal milestone cards. The set contains heart-shaped floral cards for you to take a snap with! Milestones include the likes of ‘No more stress, I found the dress’, ‘Bride Tribe’ and ‘1 Week Until the Wedding’.

Bridal First Moments Cards, £8.50, Paperchase, Cardiff

THIS MONTH

WE LOVE ARMCANDY

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

@LawsDx

NEW SHOP If you are a new bride-to-be why not head to new bridal shop, With Love Adele X in Llandeilo, which has some stunning designs and bespoke dresses. Owner Georgina opened last November and named the shop in memory of her sister Adele who died suddenly from a heart attack, aged 49 in October 2017. With Love Adele X Boutique offers a range of Bridal and Evening wear, as well as unique catwalk pieces. She decided to do a photo-shoot using beautiful equines to show the concept and alternative wedding ideas to brides. Georgina said: “Thanks to the wonderful team that came together to make this photo shoot possible” Pictures: Diunar Photography

Toast Hand-beaded, Monsoon’s Isla bridal pouch will sparkle through your ceremony. This special piece features an ‘I do!’ slogan and slinky tassel charm and fastens with a smooth top zip making it a standout piece on your big day.

STEP OUT!

Personalised Message Box, £19.99, Gettingpersonal.co.uk

We love this champagne glass, which make a lovely gift for the bride and groom featuring the words “Life Would be Less Bubbly Without You” they say everything without breaking the bank.

Sainsbury’s Champagne Glass, £6, Sainsbury’s, Swansea

WEDDING SAVINGS Save towards your special occasion with this personalised message box.

The pink and grey design can be personalised with two names and a message of your choice.

the couple

Dune London has extended its current bridal offering by unveiling a beautiful 16-piece ivory satin footwear collection alongside a range of matching clutch bags and accessories.

Featuring new designs for SS19, its signature shoes have been reworked in luxury ivory satin to include a full range of heel heights and silhouettes; from high heel platforms to midheel courts and flat sandals, the collection aims to suit both traditional and modern, trend-led bridal looks.

Footwear prices range from £99 - £250 and accessories £20 - £175, available exclusively online at www.dunelondon.com now

PRETTY MAIDS

FOR YOU, MUM..

We love this floral Mother of the Bride pouch which makes a perfect gift for your mum. Ideal to put her make-up or wedding bits and bobs in, show her you care by heading to Paperchase.

Mother of the Bride Pouch, £10, Paperchase, Cardiff

Once again Lipsy has delivered with their latest collection of bridesmaids dresses.

And this year, they are better than ever with stunning detail and embellishment in a variety of styles and colours. I haven’t seen these in stores or online yet but here is a sneak picture peak.

Lipsy at Next.co.uk

SWANSEA LIFE 57

YOuR PIcTuRe PeRFecT WeddInG Venue

SILVER PACKAGES

GOLD PACKAGES

£3900

£6500

40 DAY GUESTS 70 EVENING GUESTS

40 DAY GUESTS 70 EVENING GUESTS Incudes

Incudes • Ceremony Room Hire • Red Carpet • Cake Stand • Cake Knife • Arrival Drinks For All Your Guests • Canapes • 3 Course Wedding Breakfast • Half A Bottle Of Wine Per Person During The Wedding Breakfast

• Sparkling Wine For The Toast • Evening Finger Buffet • Our Resident Dj • 10 Of Our Bedrooms Bed And Breakfast • Chair Covers And Bows • Additional Day Guests £49 Per Person Additional Evening Guests £15 Per Person Additional Rooms £95 Bed And Breakfast

• Ceremony Room Hire • Red Carpets • Cake Stand • Cake Knife • Arrival Drinks • Canapés • 3 Course Wedding Breakfast • Half A Bottle Of Wine Per Person During The Wedding Breakfast • Sparkling Wine For The Toast • Evening Buffet-Hog Roast

• Our Resident Dj • All The Rooms And Apartments Bed And Breakfast- This Includes 17 Rooms And 4 Apartments • Brunch / Breakfast The Morning After The Wedding For All The Guests Staying • Chair Covers And Bows • Additional Day Guests £69 Per Person Additional Evening Guests £20 Per Person

Wedding Packages from £27.50 Per Person For all our available packages contact The Norton House Hotel today

call

01792 404891

click

www.nortonhousehotel.co.uk Enquiries@nortonhousehotel.co.uk

connect /facebook /instagram

ExclusivE • Romantic • uniquE Nestled within over 850 acres of stunning parkland 01639 883553 • orangery@npt.gov.uk • www.margamorangery.com The Orangery at Margam Country Park, Port Talbot, SA13 2TJ Photograph Credit: Lloyd Jones Photography

BRIDE

Gemma & Christopher Hilde Despite having to postpone her big day so her sisters could walk alongside her down the aisle, Carmarthenshire bride Gemma Hilde (Davies) wouldn’t have changed her wedding to Chris Hilde for the world. LAURA DAVIES finds out more about their special day. laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk

The couple: Gemma Claire Hilde (nee Davies) 28, works for Carmarthenshire Council and Christopher William Hilde, 27, works for Tesco.

Where did you meet and tell us about the proposal?

We met while we were both studying at Glamorgan University ….Chris had planned the proposal and booked the Honeymoon Suite at the Cawdor Hotel in Llandeilo. He wined and dined me first, then got down on one knee in the middle of the restaurant to propose. Obviously I said yes!

Where did you get married and why did you chose the venue?

I chose Felinfoel Church as it is our local church and my grandad is buried there.

Reverend Huw Mosford conducted our ceremony with humour and joked that he was flabbergasted that both Chris and I actually both turned up on time for the first time ever!

Our neighbour and friend Maddie Ellery sang a selection of our favourite songs to entertain the guests while we signed the register.

Our wedding breakfast was held at Oxwich Bay Hotel in Gower. As soon as we saw the venue we knew it was the place we wanted to celebrate our special day. It was the beautiful marquee overlooking the beach that won us over.

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@LawsDx

How did you make your wedding personal to you? And did you have any DIY touches?

For months we prepared for the wedding and collected shells and pebbles from the beach, which we painted and decorated with our guests names as place names. Chris’s uncle made a doughnut wall which I decorated while my granny and grandad made light up bottles for each table. We had homemade Welsh cakes and flapjacks that my mother made for when our guests arrived at the Oxwich Bay Hotel. I made a personalised order of service and menus for each guest and our confetti was also homemade. We collected flowers and slowly dried the petals on a low heat. The order of the day was created by painting a wooden pallet. All the flowers for the church were arranged by my mother and Granny from hand picked flowers from my Grandparents garden. We lost our first baby during early pregnancy and we buried our little one under our lily bush in the garden. A lily from that bush was added to each posie to remember our lost child and simply tied with white ribbon on each pew end.

When did you know you had found “the dress” and what style did you go for?

I had always dreamt of having a strapless gown to get married in. As soon as I tried on the dress I knew it was the one. My veil was decorated with swarovski crystals and topped with a tiara.

What about your bridesmaids and groomsmen?

I chose my sisters to be my bridesmaids and thought it would make the wedding planning much easier but it didn’t turn out that way.

Our big day was originally planned for March 11, but a few weeks before my sister, Shauna broke her ankle while playing rugby for Swansea University. With a lengthy hospital stay and two surgeries on the cards we decided to delay our wedding so she could walk down the aisle. My other sister, Becki was late having her baby - my niece Maggie was just 13 days old when we got married.

It was a matter of any dress that would fit them both, at the end! Our daughter Faith was a flower girl and we had Amelie, Olivia and Farrah as glamorous assistants.

The groomsmen consisted of Best Man, Matthew, who is a school friend of Chris, both our dads and and twin brothers Alex and Jack, aged nine and Tom, 7. Dyfed Menswear had the pleasure of dressing them.

Tell us about your cake?

The theme for the wedding cake was the Great Wedding Bake Off. We have many bakers in the family who supplied a number of cakes from Cheesecakes, Lemon Drizzle, Victoria Sponge and beautiful cup cakes, to mention a few.

What was the theme of the wedding?

It was very much a family wedding with 14 young children attending. We had a bouncy castle at the venue, a face painter, a photobooth, a sweet cart and doughnut wall to ensure energy levels were maintained. All the children were given a balloon and bubbles to play with.The evening started with a junior disco and there were sparklers when it got dark. Dylan, 4, said, “It’s the best day of my life!”

Tell us about the flowers A talented family friend prepared the flowers for the bridal party and decorated the tables, table plan and Welcome sign which greatly added to our personalised feel.

SWANSEA LIFE 61

BRIDE

We had a floral arch with over 2,000 roses as you entered the Marquee which really set the scene. As it was supposed to have been a winter wedding, we had fairy lights everywhere to help create a romantic ambience.

What are you glad that you invested in?

Our best investment without doubt was our photographer, Jonathan Cundy Photography and Steve Ratcliffe films for capturing the whole day for us. They were both outstanding and we were delighted with their results.

What would you change?

The only thing we would change was to get married earlier than 1pm. Luckily, it was the only thing we had to sacrifice by changing our date. We originally had planned the wedding for midday. It was the fastest day of our lives but also one of the best! *Jonathan Cundy Photography

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Thanks to: • • • • •

Jonathan Cundy Photography (photography) The Oxwich Bay Hotel (reception) Steve Ratcliffe Films (video) Rev Huw Mosford in Felinfoel Church White Orchid Bridal with a special thanks to Tina (dress, veil, tiara) • Dyfed Menswear (mens suits) • Nikki Lee (flowers) • Manor House Flowers (flower arch) • Cariad Confectionary (sweet cart) • Ultrabooth Events (love letters and light up heart) • Strike a pose Photobooth Wales (Photobooth) • Wayne Hilde (bouncy castle) • Signature Style (hair) • Sophie Bey (make up) • Madison Ellery (church singer) • Donna Grey (face painting) • Starlit Events (DJ) And most importantly, a special thanks to Amanda and Gareth Davies for their massive generosity and for all their help and support.

Your Wedding, your hotel ‘Exclusive Wedding’

Book an and the whole hotel will be yours for you and your guests to relax and enjoy.

Stradey Park Hotel, Llanelli, SA15 4HA | T: 01554 758171 E: weddings@stradeyparkhotel.com | www.stradeyparkhotel.com Photograph courtesy of Oliver J Photography

FOOD & DRINK

A Little Slice of Food Heaven Rob Dalling finds attention to detail and much to delight at The Beaufort Arms in Kittle

W

ho doesn’t love a trip to Gower?

Surrounded by outstanding views, some of the best walking paths in Britain, amazing history and beaches among the best in the world, it’s a place everyone in Swansea rightly adores. You’ll be familiar with Oystermouth Castle, its Iron Age hill forts and its pristine sands.

But one of its real foodie treasures sits quietly in the middle of Kittle.

I am of course talking about the Beaufort Arms which as well as great food, also serves up some real charm in a combo which will impress you from the outset.

Heading along for an evening meal, myself and my dining partner were greeted by courteous and attentive staff.

Once guided to our tables, the first thing I was impressed by was its decor. It is cosy, with open fireplaces and dimly-lit lights adding to the homely atmosphere. The well-arranged tables have tea lights ( and yes, they were lit!) adding to the atmosphere of the evening. In the background, some music to nicely set the mood.

rocket salad and coleslaw (£5.25). My partner also thoroughly enjoyed the crispy duck salad, which was beautifully presented and came with plum sauce, rocket, spinach, spring onion, carrot, cucumber and coriander in a honey mustard dressing (£6.50).

On to mains and as a steak lover, it was hard to look past their selection of 28-day matured cuts. I went for the sirloin steak (£17.95) which was perhaps one of the tastiest I’ve had for some time. The chips which came with it were also nicely crunchy on the outside with a fluffy interior and left you wanting more.

Another great option on the menu was the panroasted lamb rump, which came with potato gratin, a minted pea puree and an exactly-right red wine jus (£16.95), which tasted delicious and went down very well.

“a place you can imagine calling in at on a warm summers night”

Time for a drink, and if you’re a beer lover, you’ll be delighted to learn it serves a nice range of Brains craft beers. I went for the Barry Island IPA (£2.95) which was a refreshing way to start the evening with a smooth malt taste and citrus hop flavours. There are four different types to try,. But if it’s not your bag, there’s plenty of cocktails, cider, wine, champagne and soft drinks to choose from.

The food menu if packed full of options, from freshly prepared grills and all your favourite pub classics, together with mouth-watering sharers, starters and and sitting alongside a mound of

You’ll feel full after the mains, but of course, there’s always room for dessert, isn’t there? I had to try the Beaufort’s very own recipe of sticky toffee and date pudding, which complete with toffee sauce and custard (£5.25) was a lovely treat which I made quick work of. The Panettone bread and butter pudding (£5.25) is also a great choice.

So, a thoroughly enjoyable night out with excellent service from the friendly staff. It is a lovely restaurant in a fine location where attention to detail matters and somewhere you will not regret trying in one of Swansea’s most beautiful locations. Equipped with a spacious beer garden outside, the Beaufort is a place you can imagine calling in at on a warm summers night as well as a venue you could very happily have a sit down meal or a quick pint in its adjoining pub. I look forward to returning very soon!

Beaufort Arms | 18 Pennard Road, Kittle, Swansea, SA3 3JG | 01792 234447

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SWANSEA LIFE 65

The Colliers Arms SWANSEA ENTERPRISE PARK CURRIES

Ham & Parsley Sauce

£6.99

Colliers Mighty Stack

All served with chips, rice, naan bread and a chutney tub

Corned Beef Pie

£6.99

BBQ Chicken Burger

£6.95

Vegetarian Lasagne v

£7.25

Spicy Five Bean Burger v

£6.95

The Breakfast Burger

£7.50

Chicken Tikka Masala (Mild) Chicken Jalfrezi (Hot)

SUMMER LIGHT OPTIONS

Chicken Korma (Mild)

STARTERS & SHARERS

Chinese Chicken Curry (Mild) Vegetarian Jalfrezi (Medium)

Crispy Garlic Mushrooms v

£2.99

Fish Cakes

£3.20

Beef Madras

BBQ Chicken wings

£3.95

Light Summer Mex

£4.95

£7.95 or 2 for £14.00 Monday to Friday

Combo Sharer

£5.25

½ Rack of Ribs

£5.25

Kebab Sticks

£3.95

Prawn Cocktail

£4.95

SIDES Garlic Bread (3 slices) v Cheesy Garlic Bread (3 slices) Bowl of Chips Onion rings Coleslaw Bowl of Salad Bread Roll

£1.99 £2.60 £1.95 £1.95 £1.95 £1.95 85p

Lamb Rojan Josh

FROM OUR SUMMER SIZZLING CHAR GRILL All served with a choice of homemade chips, jacket potato, or mashed potato, onion rings, sliced mushroom and a ½ grilled tomato with peas & salad

All served with homemade chips, jacket or mashed potato Freshly Battered Cod £7.95 Breaded Plaice £7.95 Deep Fried Scampi £7.50 Haddock fish cakes £7.50 Battered Haddock £7.50

All served with a choice of homemade chips, mashed or jacket potato & with peas and mixed salad

Tuna & Mayo

£4.35

Chicken & Mayo

£4.35

Coleslaw

£4.10

Cheese & Beans

£4.25

Our famous Roast of the Day with seasonal vegetables, mashed potato, roast potatoes, stuffing and a Yorkshire pudding topped with our Colliers famous homemade gravy

Chinese Chicken Curry

£4.40

Pork

£7.95

Prawn Mayo

£4.95

Beef

£7.95

Coronation Chicken

£4.95

Chicken

£7.95

Chicken Teryaki

£4.95

Vegetarian Option (Nut Roast) v

£7.95

SALAD DISHES

DESSERTS

All served with mashed or jacket potato

£3.50 each or 2 for £6.00

£9.25

Chocolate Lumpy Bumpy

8oz Sirloin Steak

£9.95

Pork

£7.25

Toffee Apple Fudge Cake

8oz Rib Eye steak

£9.99

Ham

£7.25

Chicken

£7.25

Rhubarb & Strawberry Cheesecake g

Kebab Chicken Stick (2 Chicken Sticks)

£7.50

Chocolate Fudge Cake

Coronation Chicken

£7.25

Treacle Pudding

Prawn Mayo

£7.99

Ticco Limoncello Bombe

16oz T-Bone

£16.95

Steak Supreme

£11.35

Mixed Grill

£14.50

Pork Chops

£9.95

D-Cut Gammon Surf & Turf Add a sauce for only

£15.69 £8.15 £11.25 £1.95

• Red & Wine Shallot Sauce • Dianne Sauce • Pepper Sauce • Stilton & Mushroom

PUB CLASSICS

CHICKEN DISHES

All served with a mixed salad

£7.25

Colliers Mega Grill Platter

FISH DISHES

ROAST DINNERS

Jacket Potatoes

Beef

8oz Rump Steak

£8.95

Served with chips, mashed potato or jacket and salad where appropriate Steak & Ale Pie

£7.25

Beef Lasagne

£7.25

Ice Cream Sundae

Belgian Waffle Stack

BAKED BAGUETTES Choice of white or brown baguette, all served with salad Chicken Teryaki

£4.50

Coronation Chicken

£4.50

Tuna & Mayo

£4.35

Cajun Chicken & Melted Cheese

£4.45

Rump Steak, Onion & Cheese Melt

BEVERAGES Served in a large mug Black Coffee

£1.50

White Coffee

£1.50

Latte

£2.00

Cappuccino

£2.00

£6.95

Espresso/Chocolate

£2.95

Mochaccino

£2.95

Ham & Cheese

£4.10

Hot Chocolate

£1.95

Bacon & Cheese

£4.10

Tea

£1.50

Prawn Mayonnaise

£4.95

Reggae Reggae Chicken

£7.60

Liver & Onions

£6.99

Chicken & Ribs

£8.50

Ham & Eggs

£6.99

BBQ Smothered Chicken

£7.60

Full Rack of Ribs

£7.95

Cajun Chicken

£7.50

Faggots & Peas

£6.99

Simply Chicken Breast

£6.55

£7.99

Sweet Chilli chicken

£7.60

Homemade Chilli Con Carne

Simply Beef or Chicken Burger

Chicken Kebab Skewers

£7.75

Sausages & Mash

£6.99

Ultimate Burger

£6.95

Tex Mex Chicken

£7.95

Brunch

£7.25

Hawaiian Chicken Burger

£6.95

Chicken Teryaki

£7.60

Chicken & Ham Pie

£6.99

Japanese Twist Burger

£7.25

2 for £12

BURGERS All served with homemade chips and salad, ¼ burgers all served in a gourmet bun £6.50

Monday-Friday, except Bank Holidays All products with Miner symbol, meals served from 12pm until 8.30pm

v = Suitable for Vegetarians g = Gluten Free

Food Served: Monday - Saturday, 12:00pm - 8:30pm | Sunday Lunch: 12:00pm - 5:30pm

The Colliers Arms

SERVING GREAT FOOD ALL DAY EVERY DAY! 2 MEALS FOR £12 MONDAY - FRIDAY 12-8.30pm

Look for the Miner symbol

(excluding Bank Holidays)

SUNDAY LUNCH 12-5.30pm

Tune in to KEVIN THE LANDLORD on RADIO TIRCOED 106.5 FM and online for the best variety of hits and the chance to win a meal for four

Tuesday 8pm - 10pm Saturday 2pm - 5pm

The Colliers Arms is a fantastic family pub in Swansea Enterprise Park with a great reputation for their home cooked meals.

There is a huge choice on the menu including all the pub classics.

Curries, steaks and superb roast dinners with all the trimmings are on the menu and more. The Colliers pride themselves on their food and good sized portions, this is the main reason for attracting custom through the doors time and time again at the Colliers so if you’ve not tried us yet you’re missing out!

FOOD SERVED 7 DAYS A WEEK...

THAT’S WHAT WE’RE FAMOUS FOR!

s l a e m d e k o o c e m o h f Extensive menu o

Jersey Road, Swansea Enterprise Park

Tel: 01792 798340

Advertising Feature

Best places to Eat

Restaurant Guide Two great places to eat and drink

SWANSEA

The Smiths Arms 51-52 Neath Road, Hafod, SA1 2HR • Tel: 01792 466776

Family friendly pub serving food daily.

Curry & Pint night every Thursday 5-8pm.

Serving for food MondayWednesday 12-3pm & 5-8pm, Thursday & Friday 12-8pm, Saturday 11.306pm.

Free newly refurbished function room for parties.

Car park at rear of building.

Sunday carvery 12-4pm.

Choice of 3 meats £6.45.

Book now for Christmas.

Prices: 1 course £9.95, 2 courses 12.95, 3 courses £15.95.

SWANSEA

Justin’s Catering The Mill Tea Rooms, Gower Heritage Centre, Parkmill, Swansea SA3 2EH • Tel: 01792 371206 • www.gowerheritagecentre.co.uk

New to the Tea Rooms Sunday Lunch.

Children (5-12 years) 2 course £8.95 or 3 course £9.95.

Adults 2 course £12.95 or 3 course £14.95.

Under 5 eat FREE! Take Away simply bring your own plate along and leave the rest to us.

FOOD & DRINK Taste the Difference Blackfriars Pomegranate & Rose Gin, £16, Sainsbury’s, Swansea Distilled using ten different botanicals, and blended with aromatic pomegranate and rose flavour to create a delicate fruity and floral taste, this drink tastes as good as it looks.

Serve with elderflower tonic and a few drops of pomegranate juice to impress your Valentine.

M&S Valentini Cocktail, £10, 50cl, M&S, Swansea and Pontarddulais Road Retail Park A rum-based cranberry cocktail with orange peel and lime juice. Serve over ice for a refreshing romantic tipple

Valentine’s Fresh Cream Palmier, £2, Morrisons, Parc Pemberton

Cupids Cocktails 180g, £6, M&S, Parc Trostre and Swansea A selection of cocktail inspired chocolates including; Cupid’s Kiss (raspberry, vodka and coconut), Romeo & Juliet (gin, mint, lemon and rose), Amore (prosecco, lemon and ginger) and Azteca (rum, lime, and chilli)

DINE IN FOR 2

This year Tesco has a Valentine’s Day meal deal for £20, allowing a choice of: Any starter, any 2 mains, any side, any dessert, any half bottle of Champagne, bottle of Prosecco, wine or box of chocolates. Foods include: Starters • Finest Caramelised Red Onion & Camembert Sharing Bread (Vg) • Finest Slow Roast Tomato and Mozzarella Tartlets (Vg) • Finest British Chicken Liver Parfait with a Sloe Gin and Cranberry Glaze • Finest Continental Platter Mains • Finest Lamb Shank with Roasted Vegetables • Finest Lobster Mac & Cheese • Finest Chicken in Champagne sauce • Finest Sirloin Steak with Diane Butter • Finest Seabass with Roasted Shallot and Caper Butter • Finest Beef Wellington Finest Flat Iron Steak in cracked black pepper sauce • Finest Goats’ Cheese Tart with Maple Roasted Butternut and Caramelised Onion (Vg)

THIS MONTH

WE L VE VALENTINE’s S PECIAL

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

@LawsDx

Pukka Organic Love Herbal Tea Bags x20 - £2.50, Sainsbury’s, Swansea Nothing says ‘I love you’ like a well-made mug of tea – and what better way to say it than with a heart-warming cup of organic rose, chamomile & lavender flavours. Show you care with this ultimate calming cuppa.

Valentine’s Fresh Cream Palmier, £1.50, Morrisons, Parc Pemberton and Morfa Retail Park

Sides • Finest Potato Dauphinoise (Vg) • Finest Triple Cook Chips with Goose Fat • Finest Caramelised Onion and Cheddar Rosti Hearts (Vg) • Finest Green Vegetable Selection Petit Pois and Chantenay Carrots (Ve) • Finest Green Vegetables Trio (Ve) Desserts • Finest Coconut, Mango and Passion Fruit Desserts (Vg) • Finest Passion Fruit and Raspberry Cheesecake Slices (Vg) • Finest 6 Salted Caramel and Belgian Chocolate Profiteroles (Vg) • Finest Chocolate Brownie Heart (Ve) • Finest Belgian Chocolate Tarts (Vg) Drinks/Alternatives • Finest Prosecco Valdobbiadene Docg 75Cl • Finest Cahors Malbec 75Cl • Finest Monteforte Pinot Grigio 75Cl • Finest Premier Cru Non-Vintage Champagne 37.5Cl • Oriel Coteaux Provence Rose Wine 75Cl • Finest Belgian Chocolate Selection 200g

by Sainsbury’s Cake Decorations Red & Pink Heart Confetti, £10, Sainsbury’s, Swansea Sprinkle the joy this Valentine’s Day with some deliciously decorated baked goods – made with love! This gorgeous edible confetti will give any cake that show-stopping look.

WE L VE Barefoot Wine’s Pink Pinot Grigio – a drier styled rosé, featuring notes of tasty tart apple and peach and raspberry.

This wine is sure to add a touch of romance to your celebrations with loved ones and comes with an affordable price tag of just £6.99, available at selected supermarkets.

SWANSEA LIFE 69

THE AUTHENTIC TASTE OF TURKEY Weddings-Birthdays-Graduation-Engagements-Events

Taking bookings for Valentine’s Day

Follow us on Facebook for exclusive offers and discounts 21 High Street | Swansea | SA1 1LF T: 01792 650444 | www.swanseaturkishkitchen.com turkishkitchen1 swansea_turkishkitchen

FOOD & DRINK

Vegan Delights This month, we look at some delicious vegan foods that you can pick up at the supermarket laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk

@LawsDx

Home cooking with Sian Day

A deliciously simple recipe for February..

Curried Cauli Pasty (150g) £1.50, Tesco, Parc Fforestfach A flaky puff pastry pasty packed with roasted turmeric cauliflower, diced potato and chunky veg. A Wicked vegan alternative to a British favourite.

Valentine’s Mini Victoria Sponge Cakes

Cauliflower Popcorn £3, M&S, Swansea Part of the new M&S Plant Kitchen range which includes more than 60 vegan and vegetarian friendly meals.

This is a vegan take on popular popcorn chicken and features mini cauliflower florets coated in light batter and paired with a spicy tomato Buffalo dip.

Co-op Well & Good Carrot, Butternut Squash & Ginger Souper Soup, £1.30, Co-op, Llanellli A soup-er way to embrace Veganuary.

This is a delicious and warming soup that’s full of flavour, vegan friendly, and low in fat at 175 calories per serving

Meat Free Butcher Quarter Pounders, £2.49 for a pack of two, Aldi, Carmarthen Road and Gorseinon Made from soya protein, these are made to look, taste and even bleed just like a regular burger, due to the inclusion of natural beetroot within the patties.

Sainsbury’s Love Your Veg Shroomdogs, £2.50, Sainsbury’s, Swansea Check out Sainsbury’s Love Your Veg Shroomdogs which are pleasingly peppery (rather than porky) and make delicious dupes for chorizo and Cumberland sausages.

GOSH! Beetroot Burgers with a hint of mint, £2.50,available at Lidl, Morrisons and Sainsburys, Swansea One of the top customer favourites from the Gosh! vegan range. Each burger is just 196kcals and can be served with grilled halloumi and zesty lime dressing for a tasty meal.

Get the Barry White music streaming and turn on the love, I mean the oven and sweeten up your sweetheart’s day with these little treats. Valentine’s Day is here again so pause the post-Christmas diet for one night only and allow your taste buds to experience a sugar rush. These are quick and easy to make and the kids will love helping too.

You will need: A cupcake tin and 12 paper cases ■

■

Set the oven to 160d

ingredients ■ 225g self raising flour ■ 225g soft margarine (stork) ■ 225g castor sugar ■ 1 tsp vanilla extract ■ 3 eggs for the filling ■ 220mls double cream ■ Strawberry jam method Place the cake ingredients into a bowl and using a handheld mixer beat together using the all in one method. There is no need to combine the butter and sugar first - adding in gradual amounts of flour and egg comes out just as good, I promise.

Dollop a dessert spoon full of mixture into the cases making sure they are nice and full, about three quarters of the way up the case so they rise nicely but don’t spill over while baking.

Bake in the centre of a preheated oven for approximately 12-15 mins until risen and golden.

Allow to cool completely Whisk the double cream when ready to serve.

Slice the top off the cakes using a serrated knife and fill with a little jam and a little cream place the lid on and dust with icing sugar. Serve with some fresh raspberries and some sweet lips.

Bellissimo!

FOLLOW SIAN’S DELICIOUS RECIPES on her blog page siandaydream.wordpress.com or Tweet her @SianDay SWANSEA LIFE 71

FOOD & DRINK

k e le

TAKE A

THIS ST DAVID’S DAY! Celebrate St David’s Day on March 1 with LAURA DAVIES’ round up of delicious leek recipes. laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk

@LawsDx

Chicken, Leek & Brioche Crumble A creamy savoury crumble simple to prepare and perfect for an everyday family meal. You can prepare this in advance and chill until you are ready to cook making it the ideal fuss free evening option.

Using Brioche gives the bake a rich buttery flavour but you could use any quality bread. Make this gluten free by using an artisan style gluten free loaf instead of brioche.

Serves 4 - Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes Ingredients

■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

175g brioche loaf or gluten free bread Handful of fresh parsley 3tbsp cornflour Sea Salt and black pepper 400g chicken breast cut into strips 1tbsp olive oil About 3 leeks 500g, finely sliced or shredded in a food processor 1/2 onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed 100ml white wine 125ml half fat creme fraiche or Greek yogurt 100g grated cheese

Method: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Preheat the oven to 200°C, gas 6.

Place the brioche and parsley in a food processor and pulse to form a coarse crumble texture.

Place the cornflour on a plate and season with salt and pepper.

Dust the chicken in the cornflour.

Add the olive oil to a large saute pan. Fry the chicken on each side until lightly golden, about 5 minutes. Remove from the pan and place on a plate.

Add the leeks, onion and garlic to the pan and cook very gently for 5 minutes until the leeks are soft. Return the chicken to the pan. Pour in the white wine and creme fraiche and simmer for 5 minutes.

Spoon the mixture into a baking dish. Scatter the crumble over the leeks and top with the grated cheese. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes until bubbling.

Turkey, Feta & Leek Burgers With Herby Yogurt Dressing Turkey mince is an excellent source of lean protein.

These flavoursome burgers combine shredded leeks with salty feta and capers to create a delicious moist burger. Bake in the oven for a healthy option. Drizzled with a herby yogurt dressing these are a a delicious family friendly meal and perfect for sharing with friends. Serve the burgers in a gluten free bun for a gluten free option.

Makes 4 burgers Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes

72 SWANSEA LIFE

w

ed k isit r at ee , v fo re L n k c h tio .u es es ia o ip ip Britis c s.c rec o k s ec e e *R Th Ass le u o by ers ish ci t li w ri de ro w.b re w mo

G

Leek & Tofu Noodle Bowl

2.

Combine the tamari, vinegar and mirin in a shallow bowl and stir to mix. Place the tofu in the marinade and turn to coat. Leave to absorb the flavours for about 30 mins or more.

3.

Scatter the cornflour over a plate. Remove the tofu from the marinade, reserving the marinade, and roll in the cornflour to coat all sides. Heat a wide frying pan over a medium-high and add enough oil to cover the base of the pan. Fry the tofu, using tongs to turn, until dark golden and crisp all over. Drain on kitchen paper.

Soft boil the eggs. Heat a medium sized saucepan to a rolling boil. Use a slotted spoon to gently place the eggs in the water. Cook for 5-6 minutes and immediately transfer to a bowl of cold water to prevent further cooking. Let cool until they are able to be handled and peel. Place 1 litre of water in a medium saucepan with the reserved marinade and bring to the boil. Add the reserved mushroom liquid, dried mushrooms, shredded leeks, ginger, pak choy, mushrooms, and noodles and return to the boil. Simmer until the vegetables are just tender, about 3-4 mins. Turn off the heat and stir in the miso paste, beansprouts and spring onions.

4.

Halve the eggs. Divide between 4 bowls and place the tofu cubes and eggs on top. Scatter with chopped nuts and coriander leaves and a little sliced chilli if wished.

5.

4. Add the light soy sauce, the toasted sesame oil and sugar and cook for five minutes until the liquid has almost evaporated. The chicken should have a dark brown, slightly sticky shine. Add the basil leaves and toss through to wilt, then take off the heat and serve immediately..

This healthy light soup is full of fresh seasonal flavours with a punchy kick and plenty of protein to keep you energised.

Serves 4 - Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 15 minutes

Ingredients ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

15g/½oz dried wild mushrooms, such as porcini or shittake 2 tbsp tamari soy sauce 2 tbsp rice vinegar 1 tbsp mirin 350g firm tofu, drained, patted dry and cut into 8 cubes Cornflour for dusting olive oil or coconut oil for frying 1 litre boiling water 1/2 tsp fresh grated ginger 200g straight to the wok rice noodles 100g shittake mushrooms, thinly sliced 1 leek shredded 2 pak choi, roots trimmed, leaves separated and washed large handful of fresh beansprouts 2tbsp white miso paste 2 spring onions, trimmed, very thinly sliced 50g roasted cashew nuts, roughly chopped Sliced red chilli, to serve (optional) Fresh coriander leaves to serve 4 Eggs, free range

Method 1.

Put the dried mushrooms in a jug and cover with a little boiling water. Allow to soak for 15 minutes then drain (reserve liquid) and chop finely.

Ingredients

■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

1 leek, roughly chopped 400g turkey mince 100g feta cheese, cut into chunks 1tbsp chopped fresh parsley 1tbsp capers, drained ½ lemon, zest only 1 egg yolk Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Dressing

■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

150g natural yoghurt Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard Handful of parsley leaves, finely chopped Handful of mint leaves, finely chopped Handful of dill leaves, finely chopped

■■

Juice of 1/2 lemon

process briefly until well combined.

Using damp hands, shape the mixture into 4 large burgers. Place on a greased baking tray and chill for 30 minutes.

When you are ready to cook preheat the oven to 190C, gas mark 5. Place the burgers on a tray and bake for 1520 minutes until golden and cooked through.

To serve • • • • • •

Burger buns or gluten free rolls Grated raw beetroot or coleslaw Sliced tomato Lettuce leaves3 eggs, beaten 250ml creme fraiche 3 tbsp finely grated parmesan

Method 1.

To make the dressing simply mix all the ingredients together. Season to taste.

Chill until required. For the burgers, place the leeks in a food processor and process until finely chopped. All the remaining burger ingredients, and

2.

To serve cut the burger buns in half, place some lettuce on the bun followed by the burger. then add some grated beetroot and tomato. Finally, drizzle over a little of the dressing and top with the burger bun. Accompany with salad and coleslaw.

SWANSEA LIFE 73

FOOD & DRINK

Castellamare PETER SLEE reviews Castellamare: ‘ Some of the best food I have eaten in months....’ peter.slee@trinitymirror.com

M

umbles is ­— let’s be frank — its own microclimate. All roads to SA3 could be blocked by the military, but The Civilised People’s Republic of Mumbles would muddle along drinking ‘honesty box’ homebrewed prosecco and very rare steak with fries for at least six weeks.

Longer probably!

I was reminded of this fact while eating a plate of fried chicken at a chain restaurant just down the road in Swansea itself last week. I was suddenly filled with shame.

Why? Well, firstly because it wasn’t very good and, secondly, because I was reminded by my dining companion that this column has maybe been neglecting some of this city’s great neighbourhood restaurants, many of long standing.

I’m sorry. It’s just too easy to be seduced by the whistles and bells of the glitzy, heavily publicised openings we have had of late . ‘We have robot butlers! And imported Murano artisan chandeliers! And a chef who won three stars!’ says the press release, and off I trot, panting.

What I can occasionally find are legions of directionless staff and armies of managers wobbling about managing nothing. We can sit plaintively for aeons begging passing flounderers for drinks, menus, love. And often it’s not even terribly busy.

Meanwhile, wondrous local angels serving up satisfying, rustic-style portions of Haddock fillet with Gower crushed potatoes or spicy chicken with Italian sausages and fresh spinach pasta or wild mushroom and garden pea risotto are roundly ignored.

So here I am checking one of them out.

Of course, in reality, good neighbourhood restaurants that we can slink to in a jumper and jeans and be fed a good dish of something, are what we all dream 74 swansealife.co.uk

@PeterSlee56

of having in our postcode (SA3 or otherwise!).

We are busy, we often come home to a desolate fridge bearing half a jar of pesto and penicillin, some Babybels and a gently melting cucumber. At this point, Nigella would mutter something about ‘last-minute supper’ and begin snipping emergency, frozen, something or other out of the freezer on to a bed of windblown acorns. I, however, either eat Primula squeezy cheese on slightly stale oatcakes, lashings of peanut butter on soft white bread or my local neighbourhood restaurants prop me up.

So I really wish Castellamare was a little closer to my house, I’d be in there three times a week when my supply of squeezy cheese runs out.

There’s something quite rare about a really good homespun, independent Italian. But this is what it is.

It’s a pretty little restaurant too, standing nobly on a cliffside spot with wonderful views of Bracelet Bay and Mumbles lighthouse in front of it and with huge unobstructed windows so one can sit with a glass of wine and a plate of whatever takes your fancy surveying all life that passes by.

We are here on a Saturday night, and boy, it is super busy. We’ve booked ahead and are pleased we have done so.

In we go and immediately get the idea these people love to cook and love to be hospitable and are doing the best, moment by moment, that they can.

One of my dining partners orders a bowl of pasta gamberoni, which I would have avoided as typical pasta portions in many restaurants, however much one pays, are usually a measly pocket of stodge sat in a clear sauce, which should be served with a Sudoku to work on while everyone else eats their dinner. Here it is different and served up in a big, healthy, school dinner-style portion of remarkable pasta in a bright sunset-coloured tomato sauce.

Elsewhere on our table, panfried haddock fillet on those Gower crushed potatoes with a lemon and caper butter sauce is judged a huge winner as is my vegetarian pea risotto with black truffle and parmesan shavings. Wow, some of the best food I have eaten in recent months!

Our table waiter is ace and knows what he is doing which helps too.

Castellamare is one of those restaurants I will now dish out as a dinner tip nigh-on continuously. First, by listing its many plus points: ‘excellent but not up itself’ and then ‘modern without attempting hipness’.

caramel ice cream with a shot of fresh expresso to pour over it . By this point, semi-supposing myself to be on holiday and not out on a cold February night in Mumbles, I finished dinner with a Limoncello.

All in all, a crowd-pleasing formula that should be everywhere, but is actually rarer than hen’s teeth.

We left the place fatter, happier and smiling as did the legions of other diners also out that night here.

Simple things, brilliantly done.

It really matters!

For years now, it has remained elegantly busy, largely due to the reliably fine standard of its food and a chipper front-ofhouse who know how do things properly.

I hesitate, when explaining its ethos, to use the much-strewn foodie term ‘fresh and seasonal’. But in Castellmare’s head chef Marius Castelany’s case, it is roaringly true. A simple antipasti starter of bruschetta with onion and basil might be followed by fillet of salmon with a mixed leaf and rocket salad.

The wine list is good too.

Pictures: Adrian White www.adrianwhitephotography.co.uk

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Castellamare Bracelet Bay | Mumbles | Swansea SA3 4 Tel: 01792 369 408 Email: info@castellamare.co.uk

We very nearly split a raspberry pavlova; so simple, so dietdestroying, but instead went with an intense Affogatto - salted

swansealife.co.uk 75

www.pablack.co.uk

01600 717 040

black

black

www.pablack.co.uk

www.pablack.co.uk

Prestige homes from Peter Alan Ltd

Heol Y Bwlch, Llanelli

Henfaes Road, Tonna

• 4 bedroom detached property • Indoor heated swimming pool • Spacious reception areas • Combination of modern and traditional decor • Character features • Generous garden with stable / outbuilding • EPC - D

• 4 story detached with potential for 8 bedrooms • Family bathroom, Two en suites and shower room.

• Set within generous plot • Mature landscaped gardens to front and rear • Views of the Neath Valley.

• Gated driveway and Integral garage • EPC - C

Gorseinon 01792 894422 £500,000 Bethany Lane, West Cross,

Neath 01639 635115 Eaton Crescent,

£550,000

£350,000

For sale with pa black Swansea 01792 641481

Church Park, Swansea

Sawel Court, Swansea

Pitton, Gower, Swansea

• 4 bedroom end of Terrace • Set over 3 floors • Annes, VersatileMumbles, accommodation St • Off road parking • Sea side location • Sea and Church views • EPC - D

• Five Bedroom Detached • Indoor heated swimming pool • Large family kitchen Dylans View, Uplands, • Generous plot • Triple garage and converted workshop • Excellent access to M4 • EPC - D

• Three double bedroom former farmhouse • One bedroom self contained annex •Gower South Gower Peninsular with countryside views Road, Sketty, • Generous sun filled gardens • Gated access onto block paved drive • Potential for B+B (subject to any consents required)

Swansea 01792

For sale with pa black Swansea 641481 01792 641481

Cardiff Monmouth Penarth Porthcawl Newport

£525,000 £320,000

Gorseinon 01792

£475,000

For sale with pa black Swansea 894422 01792 641481

£450,000

Gorseinon 01792

£450,000

For sale with pa black Swansea 894422 01792 641481

Delivering exceptional service for exceptional homes

£395,000

©LW

For sale with pa black Swansea 01792 641481

OIEO £500,000

COASTAL LIVING ON YOUR DOORSTEP AT THE LINKS The Links at Rest Bay, Porthcawl comprises bespoke studios, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments. The first phase of thirty-five homes are situated within the Victorian Grade-II listed building, surrounded by landscaped gardens. Phase two will offer a collection of carefully-designed new build properties in the adjacent grounds.

The new homes overlook South Wales’ top surfing beach, offer magnificent panoramic sea views and are positioned next to the award-winning Royal Porthcawl Golf Club.

Prices from £200,000 - £750,000 MARKETING SUITE OPEN DAILY 10AM - 5PM REST BAY, PORTHCAWL CF36 3UP For further information contact: 01656771600 porthcawl@peteralan.co.uk Computer generated image shown for illustrative purposes only. Prices correct at time of print.

HOUSE & HOME

through the keyhole

Ideal Home for Entertaining

Party like it’s 2019 at this Carmarthenshire property which has a swimming pool and huge party room

F

rom the outside, this detached property in Hendy looks like your average spacious former farmhouse. But step inside Hendy House, Sawel Court, and you will discover something of a surprise.

The Grecian-style pillared front porch hints that the current owners like to be distinctive but there’s no suggestion of the bouncing party pad inside awaiting any visitor. For there are two surprising and seriously sociable spaces where the current owners have hosted some memorable parties.

Firstly there’s a 37ft games room complete with bar and a New York skyline mural along one wall, to set the party scene. This room can easily accommodate a snooker table, bar area, football table and a sizeable chill-out zone around a large TV, and there is also ample wall space in this room for a cinema screen.

78 SWANSEA LIFE

The house is a party mecca for all seasons, as it has a log burner ideal for winter parties and French doors to the garden deck for summer parties to spill out into the sunlight. It’s not a surprise to learn that the current owners have hosted some eventful parties in this room. Hidden from the road, it’s a disguised den just waiting to welcome a new owner and all their friends.

And if that wasn’t enough, there’s also an indoor heated swimming pool where your guests can enjoy a dip before the party begins.

So what about the rest of the house?

Off the entrance hall there is a stylish formal dining room which can easily seat eight people, fantastic for a dinner party. The lounge has comfortable interior design aiming to provide a relaxing room to snuggle up on the sofa and watch the latest movie blockbuster.

Moving into the contemporary kitchen, there’s enough space for any party guests that like to hang-out near the wine cooler.

The home has five bedrooms, with the mastersuite boasting an ensuite and a walk-in dressing area bigger than a couple of the other bedrooms. So there’s plenty of space for party-goers to crash and sleep-off the previous night’s festivities and enjoy a refreshing ‘morning after the night before’ shower.

Sawel Court is for sale for offers in the region of £475,000 with estate agent pablack, Gorseinon.

Call 01792 894422 to book a viewing

SWANSEA LIFE 79

coast and country in perfect harmony coast and country in coast and country in perfect harmony perfect harmony

DEVELOPMENT OF 5 HOMES OF 3 STYLES (4 AND 5 BEDS)

DEVELOPMENT OF 5 HOMES OF 3 STYLES (4 AND 5 BEDS) DEVELOPMENT OF 5 HOMES OF 3 STYLES (4 AND 5 BEDS)

G N I N I A M E ONLY 2 R LIMITED AVAILABILITY PRICES FROM £550,000

MULTIPLE AWARD WINNING CLEWS HOMES

LIMITED AVAILABILITY LIMITED PRICES FROM AVAILABILITY £550,000 PRICES FROM £550,000

MULTIPLE AWARD MULTIPLE WINNING AWARD CLEWS HOMES WINNING CLEWS HOMES

01792 653100 tim.kostromin@dawsonsproperty.co.uk

01792 653100 01792 653100

tim.kostromin@dawsonsproperty.co.uk tim.kostromin@dawsonsproperty.co.uk

Waterstone Homes returns to Swansea with stunning new houses

F

ADVERTISING FEATURE

OLLOWING the success of Waterstone Homes’ first residential development in Swansea, we spoke with Clare Brown, the company’s Field Sales Manager, about the housebuilder’s brand-new luxury development coming to the beautiful suburb of Killay.

WHY HAVE YOU DECIDED TO BUILD YOUR NEXT DEVELOPMENT IN SWANSEA? Our new development comes off the back of our previous Swansea scheme, Howells’ Reach, in 2016. This original development proved to be one of our most popular schemes to date, selling out within just six months, which is testament to the strength of the property market in Swansea. Since then, we have always wanted to make a return to the area.

Swansea is a prime sought-after location with everything you could possibly want and need. From fantastic shopping and dining, stunning countryside, great transport links and good schools, universities and employment opportunities, it’s got it all, which is why we chose to build here once again.

WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT? ‘Copper Beeches’

is made up of nine 4-bedroom private residential family homes, incorporating a mix of semi-detached and detached properties.

There are five house types in total, all of which have spacious, modern open-plan living and private drives and garages. With just nine properties on site, the homes are large with ample outdoor space.

They are not piled on top of each other – there’s room to breathe.

The development is set in the sought-after suburb, Killay, on the cusp of the Gower and Swansea city itself.

Thanks to its location on the city’s outskirts, with its tree-lined streets and surrounding woodland, Copper Beeches has a relaxed, village feel with easily accessible local amenities including numerous bars and restaurants. And with the M4 as well as the train station being only 15 minutes away, it also provides easy access to West Wales and London,

offering buyers the best of both worlds.

We’ve also worked to make the development more affordable, with lower starting prices than our first city development.

WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE HOMES? We have taken care to ensure that the new homes fit in with and complement the local neighbourhood. Part of our strategy is to adopt design elements of other houses in the area into our own properties.

With a mix of Victorian, pre-70s and self-build homes, there was a lot to consider and a specific period was difficult to define, so we chose to go for simplified style that would stand the test of time. Our aim is always to build homes with quality and longevity in mind, which is why we opt for timeless designs and high-end materials that will fit in their setting not just today, but in the future.

HOW DO THE HOMES COMPARE TO OTHER NEW BUILD PROPERTIES IN THE AREA? There is a high level of quality and prestige associated with the Waterstone brand and

we pride ourselves on providing highspecification homes with superior finishes.

The homes at Killay are designed for modern day living, offering open plan and cutting-edge kitchens compared to many new build competitors.

They have also been designed with family life and functionality firmly in mind.

Our homes also hold their value on the property market very well. House prices at our first Swansea scheme at Howells’ Reach have already risen by 5% so buying one of our new properties at Killay could be a real investment.

WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT THE WATERSTONE HOMES CLIENT SERVICE? We offer a very personalised service and are committed to helping buyers make their home perfect, with several customisable options available for every home.

We also offer partexchange.

WHAT’S HAPPENING ON SITE NOW? Building work has now commenced on site and drainage systems are currently being installed, following the demolition of the original building.

The homes are due to be completed and available late autumn and prices will range from £389,995 to £669,995.

As the development is so exclusive, we will not have a sales office on site. We have just started offering private appointments and two of the homes have already been reserved off plan.

Brochures are available on request and can be downloaded from the website. We are also working on a virtual reality experience for the development, which will enable customers to take a virtual walkthrough of the properties. With two properties reserved, we only have seven homes available.

Number One | Waterton Park | Bridgend | CF31 3PH | T: 01656 644 440 | www.waterstonehomes.com

HOUSE & HOME

PANTONE Colour of the Year 2019 has been announced as - Living Coral. This fits perfectly with the aquatic theme which is poised to be a huge trend this year. Think warm, peachy coral themed around the tropical reefs, summer days and sunsets. LAURA DAVIES picks out some of her favourites. laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk

@LawsDx

PANTONE Colour of the Year 2019:

LIVING [ CORAL [

Wisteria Wallpaper Coral

By Pearl Lowe, £129, Woodchipandmagnolia.co.u​k

Lagoon Coral embroidered Cushion, £24.99, Arthouse.com

Bronte by Moon Merino Lambswool Parquet Throw Blanket, £56.95, Hurnandhurn.com

Cushion, £59, Clarissahulse.com

82 SWANSEA LIFE

Big Love Ice Cream Bowl and Spoon Set by Miriam Mirri for Alessi, £32, Alessi.com

Upholstered Curve Wall Mirror, £89, Oliver Bonas, Cardiff

Iumi Hektor Pendant Lamp, £125, Vivalagoon.com

Interiors by Shalini Misra, Shalinimisra.com

Pina Colada Pink Mix Drum Lampshade, £95-£145, Penelopehope.com

Coral Eames Style Dining Armchair, £55, Danetti.com Shabby Coffee Table by Timothy Oulton, £2,700, Timothyoulton.com

Vintage Coral Plastic Cutlery Set, £4.99, Candleandcake.co.uk

Sofas And Stuff Grassington Sofa in Tango Velvet Flamingo, £2,128 Sofasandstuff.com

Mediterreaneo Fruit Bowl, £45, Alessi.com Hadley Table Light, £35, Debenhams, Swansea MW by Matthew Williamson Pressed Glass Tumbler, £5, Debenhams, Swansea

ardiff nas, C r Bo ive l ,O 55 £1 r o

Roun dR ain bo w

M irr

Lulu Small Pouffe, Raspberry and Coral, £179, Made.com

Mimi Dining Chair by Timothy Oulton, £305, Timothyoulton.com

SWANSEA LIFE 83

Regionally 18 offices throughout the region Nationally 225 offices across Great Britain

BWLCH Y GWYNT, MACHYNYS, LLANELLI

3 SOUTHEND VILLAS, MUMBLES, SWANSEA

Phenomenal sea views & close to Machynys Golf course - perfect for anyone who enjoys an outdoor lifestyle. Offering accommodation over 3 floors including 3 receptions, 5 beds & 4 baths. Stunning outdoor decked area with hot tub & sea views. EPC B

Magnificent views, situation on the water's edge of Mumbles Bay. This Georgian listed building houses 3 apartments, No 3 is on the top floor, has private access & parking for 2 cars at the rear. You have 2 receptions, fitted kitchen, separate utility, 3 beds & 3 baths. EPC Exempt.

Offers Over £525,000

Asking Price £495,000

RYELANDS, BISHOPSTON, SWANSEA

OAKDALE, SOUTHGATE, SWANSEA

With it's prominent, prestigious stature & handsome exterior, Ryelands has been a striking local spectacle in Bishopston since 1905. Providing original features & magnificent size rooms made up of 5 receptions, 5 beds & 3 baths. South facing gardens & ample parking. EPC D

Oakdale is an absolute joy of a family home which is tucked away in a very popular coastal village and perfectly private. Generous accommodation comprising 4 receptions, large kitchen/ diner, utility, 4 bedrooms all with en-suites and triple garage. Copious private gardens. EPC D

Offers Over £800,000

Offers In The Region Of £1,250,000

HAWTHORNE COTTAGE, FAIRWOOD, SWANSEA

GLENSIDE, PARKMILL, GOWER, SWANSEA

This cottage has bags of charm and character, only built approx 15 years ago and cleverly renovated capturing the essence of a traditional cottage. Comprising: Kitchen/ breakfast room, utility, 3 receptions & 4 bedrooms & family bathroom. EPC D

A spacious detached family home set among mature woodland, peaceful surroundings & Gower on your doorstep. 5 receptions, utility, 5 beds, 1 ensuite & family bathroom. Ample outside space with level lawns & patio areas & detached double garage with ample parking. EPC E

Asking Price £549,950

Offers Over £575,000

Internationally Plus 75 offices globally 5000 professional associates all around the world

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

5 CHURCH LANE, BISHOPSTON, SWANSEA

THE PADDOCK, DYFFRYN, NEATH

A charming Georgian home, with a peaceful country setting located in the glorious Bishopston Valley. Boasting bags of character, 3 receptions, kitchen/breakfast rm, utility, 4 beds with 1 en-suite & family bathroom. Glorious country garden, summer house & outbuildings. EPC F

Sat in glorious grounds & heavenly countryside surroundings is this fabulous Art Deco period property. A spacious detached family home with generous living spaces, 4 beds, detached garage, beautiful gardens & a paddock. With Dyffryn Woods on your doorstep. EPC E

Asking Price £575,000

Asking Price £750,000

Regionally 18 offices throughout the region Nationally 225 offices across Great Britain Internationally Plus 75 offices globally 5000 professional associates all around the world

REMBRANDT COURT, SKETTY, SWANSEA

SEAWINDS, MUMBLES, GOWER, SWANSEA

Exceptional room sizes & impressive regal character of the property, this beautiful ground floor apartment is presented with elegance & presents 3 beds, 1 reception & 2 bathrooms. Beautiful communal grounds & located close to the amenities in Sketty. EPC D

With very impressive panorama and close proximity to Mumbles, Seawinds offers you a lovely detached family home arranged over 3 floors with, 4 receptions, 4 beds, 2 baths and double detached garage with room above. There is also an outdoor pool & entertainment areas. EPC D

Offers Over £595,000

Asking Price £995,000

HEATON RISE, SKETTY, SWANSEA

THE FERNS, FERRYSIDE, CARMARTHENSHIRE

Situated to enjoy impressive sea views this house offers versatile accommodation briefly comprising: kitchen/breakfast room, 3 receptions, 4 beds & 2 bath/shower rooms.

Generous front & rear gardens with a swimming pool, detached garage & workshop. EPC D

Spectacular waterside panoramas from almost every room & gardens of this 6 bed detached family home. 5 receptions, 3 bathrooms, fitted kitchen with AGA & utility. A short walk from beaches & amenities. Beautifully landscaped gardens & detached garage. EPC E

Offers Over £900,000

Offers Over £550,000

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

Dawsons all things property

‘Y loc ‘Your local awardour winning Estate Agent’

We wo We won We also won

Our Sales & Lettin Our Sales & Lettings Relocation Agent Network’s (RAN) teams are celebra teams are celebrating prestigious ‘Best Agent South Wales’ their achievement their achievements after regional award for the 3rd consecutive year. winning both gold winning both gold and silver in The annual prize gives the winning Network member the title of the Estate Agents ‘Best Agent in the South Wales Region’ and is awarded on a the Estate Agents Awards (EA Masters) in October 2018 p satisfaction, business number of strict criteria including customer in October 2018 placing us within the top innovation and a proven record of helping relocating buyers move 0.1% of estate ag in and out of the local area.

0.1% of estate agents throughout the UK. Ricky Purdy, our lettings director commented: “The judging of this prestigious accolade takes place over a 12 month period, involves in-depth research, many statistics and mystery shops”.

Richard Tucker, Relocation Agent Network’s Managing Director said, “Congratulations to all the team at Dawsons for a thoroughly well-deserved win.”

Jo Summerfield Talbot, our sales director commented: “These are attributed to the awards awards are attributed to the sheer hard work and outstanding customer service all our tea customer service all our team members display by always going that extra mile helping and that extra mile helping and supporting our clients through their journey”. journey”.

Dawsons recently acted Dawsons recently acted jointly with well known businesses further interest letting of th Savills in and the Savills in the letting of Matrix the well known still presentedOne itself even after the deals building, in S Matrix One building, inEnterprise Swansea were agreed.

Park.

Enterprise Park.

With the Swansea Bay City Region The Grade Adealoffice space o The Grade A office spacec. offered Tenants of £500 million aiming to sqft transform the 30,000 of useable sp c. 30,000 sqft of useableEnterprise space with the region into a digital super-hub, building on Park attracting n Enterprise Park attractinginternational national and the strengths of the local universities,companies there alik international companies alike.

Over two is no better time to relocate your tech were agreed lettings deals lettings deals were agreed for a combined business to Swansea.

Speak to one of our 25,000 sqft and this indicat 25,000 sqft and this indicates that demand Surveyors in our Commercial Department for high quality office space for high quality office space within Swansea today on 01792 (option 3) forBoth tailored is present. lettings we is present. Both lettings were agreed with advice on your next property acquisition.

Auctioneers | Commercial | Estate agents | Land & new homes Property management | Residential lettings | Surveyors | Valuers If you would like to If you would like to benefit from our award winning services please call into one of our local branches or visit our website:

www.dawsonsproperty.co.uk

b

HOUSE & HOME

Orange Velvet Pouf, £89.99, Homesense, Parc Fforestfach

Cube Table Lamp, £28, Next, Parc Trostre and Morfa Retail Park

Jonathan Adler Master Cleanse Glasses, £128 for four, uk.jonathanadler.com

Aruba Nesting Side Table, £119, Very.co.uk

THIS MONTH

WE LOVE LAURA DAVIES rounds up some of her favourite products this month Mimi Chair in Savio Ochre, £299, M&S, Swansea

@LawsDx

Emerson Pendant, £70, Debenhams, Swansea

George Home Pack of 2 Pink Vases, £7, George Home, Parc Trostre

Birgion Table Lamp, £42, Dunelm, Pontarddulais Road Retail Park

Yellow and Pink Sequin Cushion, £15, Riverisland.com

laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk

Drip Reactive Urn Vase, £19.50, M&S, Swansea

You Glow Girl Wall Mirror, £75, Oliver Bonas, Cardiff

Nomu Decanter, £28, Oliver Bonas, Cardiff

Pastel Minimal Wood Clock, £19, TK Maxx, Parc Trostre

Julien Macdonald Pink Ombre Flute, £8, Debenhams, Swansea Sequin Laundry Bag, £24, Next, Swansea and Parc Trostre

SWANSEA LIFE 87

Swansea

Nantyffin North, SA7 9RF  01792 343 645

Cardiff

Cardiff Gate, CF23 8NL  029 2060 1861

Newport

East Retail Park, NP20 2NW  01633 740 386

Kitchen price is for kitchen units, cook’s table, range cooker & extractor, quartz & solid oak worktops, sink, tap and handles.

Price checked on 21/12/2018 Interest f ree credit provided subject to application and status. Minimum spend – £5,000 for f ive years (Inf inity Plus kitchens only). Total kitchen price £11,739.49, 10% deposit of £1173.95 and then 60 monthly payments of £176.09 at 0% APR. Total amount payable £11,739.49. Interest f ree credit is available on all kitchen projects and Wren Installation services.

Full details are available at wrenkitchens.com/f inance

HOUSE & HOME

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Get the look: ultra contemporary urban living If you live in a city apartment, it’s all about making the most of the space you have.

This is particularly true of your kitchen -a space that you probably use more than any other.

To get the most from urban living, create a kitchen space that is flexible, comfortable and always adapts to your needs. Wren Kitchens has made this task a lot easier with a huge selection of striking contemporary styles to choose from and a planning process that makes it easier for you tomake the most of your available space.

to large floor-to-ceiling tower units.They’re both clever ways of making sure your kitchen integrates perfectly into your busy citylife.

■ Perfect planning

The sleek ultra-modern look is the perfect fit for manycity apartments. Wren’s beautiful Infinity Plus Milano Ultra kitchen is a stunning example of what can be achieved with this approach. This kitchen is all about smooth lines, with no unnecessary handles to distract the eye. Add an extra dimension with accents of copper from the profiles, minimalist lights and a bold splashback.

Wren’s kitchen designers can help you in the all-importantearly stages, beginning with the layout which is critical to get right. Design concepts like the ‘kitchen triangle’ (thinking about the most used part of your kitchen and how you’ll move between them) are important in any kitchen, but particularly in an apartment where space is at a premium.

Wren’s kitchen designers will help you to decide the layout that best fits your space, and then make sure that the kitchen works with the life you lead.

Being smart with the units you choose is key, and you’ll find a versatile range at Wren.

A midway unit, for example, fits between a wall and a base unit, turning dead space into additional storage space. Built-in wine racks look good and Wren has options the right size and shape for every home -from a cheeky little two-tier slotted into an island

■ Pick your style So, you’ve got the space sorted but, for many city dwellers, choosing your kitchen is also about injecting a bit of urban style and glamour into your home -and there are plenty of options at Wren Kitchens.

If sleek and ultra-modern isn’t your thing, then the on-trend industrial look might well

be. Think exposed bricks and beams and lots of steel and warm metallics. Wren Kitchens’ J-Pull range fits this look perfectly. It’s handleless, so you’re creating a kitchen that is all about clean and seamless lines. The J-Pull Gloss is a perfect example of how you can create light, bright and contemporary space that contrasts perfectly with the exposed brickwork for that industrial feel.

A warm metallic splash back brings out the warmth of the bricks, and the handleless units give it a clean, modern look.

■ Make your mark Another affordable option for an urban kitchen is Wren’s contemporary Autograph range. It’s simple and unfussy, but you can tweak the look to fit your tastes by mixing things up with the finish, handles and accessories you choose. Use Wren’s Autograph Gloss kitchen as the perfect foundation to create a great layout, using a light colour palette and bold, statement flooring to lift even the smallest space. With some clever planning, you can seamlessly combine both the cooking and the living areas together.

Smart, contemporary and stylish, Wren’s kitchens offer countless solutions for creating the space you need in your urban home. Wren will help with the planning –but the look will always be uniquely yours.

Wren hasa vast range of kitchens to choose from. To take a look at them head to your local Wren Kitchens showroom, or go online at wrenkitchens.com 90 SWANSEA LIFE

Quality made truly affordable

Wood burning stoves, gas & electric fires, fireplace surrounds, range cookers large selection on display

Gorseinon Road, Gorseinon, Swansea, SA4 9GG Tel: 01792 892357 | www.brisco.co.uk

From traditional to sleek and contemporary styles...

Over 70 fires & 35 fireplaces on display.

Knowledgable staff, ready to assist you to find the perfect fire for your home

HOUSE & HOME

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L E S L E Y

TAY LO R

Go Boutique Chic for the Ultimate Valentine’s Night In Everything you need if you want to give your other half the Valentine’s night of their dreams – all from the comfort of your own home

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A meal in your favourite restaurant followed by a romantic movie before a night in a boutique hotel might sound like the ultimate Valentine’s Day.

Right now there are some beautiful tableware collections on the market, all at different price points, making Valentine’s the ideal excuse to indulge.

But those who prefer to spend February 14 in the comfort of their own home shouldn’t miss out either; and I’m here to tell you how you can add a touch of boutique chic to the humblest of homes.

If you really want to push the boat out, new champagne flutes (with the obligatory bottle of champagne of course) and cutlery will also add that extra something to your Valentine’s dinner. And don’t forget the finishing touches, great quality napkins, statement serve-ware and a stunning centrepiece.

Let’s start with the smell. Yes, that’s right, set the tone of your romantic night in with a fragrance. Most boutique hotels pride themselves on their scent so you should too.

1. Some statement bedding will give your bedroom the boutique hotel feel 2. Looking for the perfect scented candle? Neom Organics London, neomorganics.com have a stunning collection. Also available from EDIT Home & Design

Candles are a fabulous way to fill the home with a beautiful aroma, plus, their flickering flames are proven to be a relaxation aid. A scented candle, such as the Scent to Make You Happy candle from Neom Organics, makes a wonderful Valentine’s gift as well as home fragrance.

3. Don’t forget the finishing touches if you’re serving up a sumptuous home-cooked meal 4. Toast yourself and all your hardwork

4

What’s more, candlelight will add to the ambience and help create a beautiful atmosphere on this most romantic of days.

When it comes to dinner, whether you want to whip up a homemade threecourse extravaganza or simply order your favourite takeaway, it’s all about the presentation.

4 94 SWANSEA LIFE

3

You wouldn’t be happy if a restaurant served your Valentine’s meal on chipped crockery with mis-matched cutlery so why do it at home?

And so to bed.

Think luxurious bedding, a sumptuous throw and the best pillows your budget will allow for your bedroom makeover. A vase of fresh flowers, a scent diffuser and artisan toiletries will add to the boutique hotel feel.

But don’t worry about the notebook and desk pen!

Lesley Taylor is the author of 10 interior design books and has appeared on a range of network TV shows, including This Morning, giving inspirational advice on home styling. For more information on her work, head to lesleytaylor.co.uk

sale winter

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Ends Sunday 24th February

Mwyndy Cross, Llantrisant, Cardiff, CF72 8PN Tel: 01443 222929

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sale winter

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Mwyndy Cross, Llantrisant, Cardiff, CF72 8PN Tel: 01443 222929

www.arthurllewellynjenkins.co.uk

HOUSE & HOME

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TIMELESS

NEUTRALS

5

LAURA DAVIES looks at neutral home decor for a cool, calm and collected scheme that will not date laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk

@LawsDx

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1. Rattan Easy Fit Pendant, £39.99, Very.co.uk

7. Capri Large Table Lamp, £59, M&S, Swansea

2. Large Cream Chevron Tufted Stool, £150, Riverisland.co.uk

8. Cinnabar Woven Throw, £30, Dunelm, Parc Pemberton and Pontarddulais Road Retail Park

3. Set of 3 Origami Vases, £12, George at Asda, Parc Trostre and Llansamlet 4. Savanna Small Cream Patterned Candle, £12, Debenhams, Swansea 5. 3 Tier Wooden Storage Unit, £28, Sainsbury’s, Swansea

11 100 SWANSEA LIFE

6. Cream Vase, £9.99, Homesense, Parc Fforestfach

9. Framed Artwork, £23.99, Homesense, Parc Fforestfach 10. Sequin Laundry Bag, £24, Next, Morfa Retail Park 11. Decorative Lantern, £19.99, Very.co.uk 12. Speckled Faux Fur Cushion, £25, M&S, Swansea and Parc Trostre

12

Celebrating 30 Celebrating 30years YEARS makingdream dream homes a reality making homes a reality

Gorseinon Road, Swansea SA4 9GG Tel: 01792 893121 | www.homestoreinteriors.co.uk

Homestores Interiors is celebrating 30 years of great service. We provide a great range of quality furniture to homes all across South Wales.

At our Gorseinon showroom you will find a superb choice of suites, dining furniture, beds, bedroom furniture, carpets and rugs. We have knowledgeable staff on hand to advise you on our ranges and what would complement your home. We pride ourselves on exceptional service to ensure customer satisfaction.

Come visit our showroom to see our what we offer.

There's plenty of free parking, free coffee whilst you browse and free careful delivery with all purchases.

Superb choice of quality upholstery and dining ranges from leading brands

Beautiful bedrooms

Gorseinon Road, Swansea SA4 9GG Tel: 01792 893121 | www.homestoreinteriors.co.uk

HOUSE & HOME

k n i h t k pin

Pink Ceiling Pendant, £29.99, Very.co.uk

It’s the month of love... flutter your eyelashes at LAURA DAVIES’ pink home buys laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk

Wilko Embossed Tin Jug Pink, £5, Wilko, Swansea and Parc Trostre

@LawsDx

Michelle Keegan Pouffe, £129.99, Chair, £229, Table, £199, Rug, from £59.99, Table Lamp, £59.99, Glassware, £19.99, Dish, £9.99, Very.co.uk

Pineapple Ornament, £6.99, George Home at Asda, Llanelli and Llansamlet

Julien Macdonald Pink Ombre Wine Glass, £8, Debenhams, Swansea

Pastel Pink Desk Lamp, £14.99, TK Maxx, Parc Trostre

Pale Pink Pouf, £99.99, Homesense, Parc Fforestfach

106 SWANSEA LIFE

Brooke Cushion, £12, Dunelm, Pontarddulais Retail Park

Cin nab ar M on elam bert ine Tray , £5, Dunelm, Parc Pem

Ceramic Lamp Dusky Pink, £5, Wilko, Swansea

Michelle Keegan Light £69.99, Headboard, £309, Vase, £24.99, Radio, £99.99, Table, £119, Duvet Cover Sets, from £49, Cushions, from £19.99, Very.co.uk

Metal Frame Table Lamp, £65, Oliver Bonas, Cardiff

George Home Pink Taper Holder, £4, George at Asda, Llansamlet

Faux Fur Throw Pink, £16, George Home, Parc Trostre

Faux Suede Trunk, £34.99, Very.co.uk

Valerie Button Back Sofa in Pink, £799.99, Argos, Swansea and Parc Pemberton

John Lewis & Partners Emma Bridgewater Pink Hearts Towel, from £3.50, John Lewis, Cardiff

A La Velvet Box With Beaded Palmtree, £43.50, Printerandtailor.com

SWANSEA LIFE 101

NEW PLACES NEW SPACES

SPACE FITTING FURNITURE HAS EVOLVED NEW DESIGN STUDIO OPENING JANUARY 2019 WWW.SPACES-DESIGN.CO.UK TEL-02920 756840

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HOUSE & HOME

John Lewis & Partners Livia Ceiling Shade, 40cm, £40, John Lewis, Cardiff

1

2

Blue hues

3

4

From pale ice blue to deep indigo, blue decor is having a moment. LAURA DAVIES looks at some home interiors laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk

@LawsDx

5 1. Retro Skandi Cirkel Knit Cushion, £30, Debenhams, Swansea.

2. Velvet Stool Blue, £285, Oliver Bonas, Cardiff 3. Valentina Mini Bowl, £8, Oliver Bonas, Cardiff

6

4. Tarina Teapot, £35, Oliver Bonas, Cardiff 5. Drip Reactive Vase, £25, M&S, Parc Trostre 6. Abigail Ahern Throw, £80, Debenhams, Swansea 7. Blue Knitted Cushion 30x40cm, £12, Sainsbury’s, Swansea 8. Mid Wooden Planter, £22.99, Very.co.uk 9. Blue Tapered Glass Tumbler, £4, M&S, Parc Trostre and Swansea

7

8

10. Plumpton Extra Large Scatter Back Sofa in Aqua Clean Navy, £1,799,00, M&S, Swansea

9 10 SWANSEA LIFE 110

Improve Your Home with Leekes

Home Experts FOR

120 YEARS 1897 – 2017

Leekes Cross Hands, Business Parc, Carms. SA14 6RB Leekes Llantrisant, Cowbridge Road, RCT. CF72 8XU Tel: 0800 038 3050 | Online: leekes.co.uk/kitchens

Beautiful Bathrooms From a practical family bathroom to a luxurious en-suite, find the right one for you from our wide collection of Leading Brand bathrooms. Make a design appointment and let our experts help you to create a beautiful new room perfect for your needs.

9.2/10 rating on

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Extensive in store displays of up 50 bathrooms to suit all spaces, styles and budgets Expert advice from our experienced and knowledgeable bathroom designers FREE 3D professional design and planning service using the latest software FREE pre-fit survey with an independent approved installer

Extensive selection of finishing touches such as tiles and flooring

Home Experts FOR

120 YEARS 1897 – 2017

We are thrilled with our new room, it makes our small bathroom look like one in a smart 5 star hotel.

Leekes Cross Hands, Business Parc, Carms. SA14 6RB Leekes Llantrisant, Cowbridge Road, RCT. CF72 8XU

Tel: 0800 038 3050 | Online: leekes.co.uk †Terms and conditions apply. ‡As checked on 25/01/2019.

Mr & Mrs Scott

Quality Kitchens Create the perfect space for cooking, dining and entertaining.

Our studios showcase a wide range of solid wood, gloss and painted finishes to suit every home. Make an appointment with one of our designers and let them help you design your new kitchen.

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Extensive in store displays of up 40 kitchens to suit all spaces, styles and budgets Expert advice from our experienced and knowledgeable kitchens designers FREE 3D professional design and planning service using the latest software FREE pre-fit survey with an independent approved installer

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Our kitchen has turned out beautifully and exactly how we imagined it to be. From start to finish Leekes have been great and we cannot recommend them highly enough. We will certainly continue to shop with them, knowing their quality of craftsmanship and customer service are second to none.

Kel & Abi

Book your FREE consultation at kitchens.leekes.co.uk or call 0800 038 3050

Home Experts FOR

120 YEARS 1897 – 2017

Leekes Cross Hands, Business Parc, Carms. SA14 6RB Leekes Llantrisant, Cowbridge Road, RCT. CF72 8XU

Tel: 0800 038 3050 | Online: leekes.co.uk †Terms and conditions apply. ‡As checked on 25/01/2019.

For the sleep you’ve always dreamed of....

Swansea’s Number One Sleep Destination, let us provide you with the perfect night’s sleep guaranteed or we’ll refund all your money back, in full

WHY NOT COME AND VIEW OUR HUGE RANGE OF BEDS...

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HOUSE & HOME

Ch Palm ind P Riv i Ru rint er g, £ Sw Isla 35 an nd, , sea

Painted Plant Pot, £4.99, TK Maxx, Parc Trostre

Rainforest Leaf Platter, £8.50, Sainsbury’s, Swansea

scape, ti App Land Cosmo Mul ansea Sw s, m ha £18, Deben

Le £2 af Pri 1, S nt ain Do sbu ub ry’ le D s, S uv wa et, nse a

turn over a new

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Watercolour Leaves Mug, £5, M&S, Swansea

Bring the outdoors inside this season, with the pattern that is going to huge this year leaf print. LAURA DAVIES rounds up a selection. laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk

@LawsDx

Stoneware Leaf Dish, Small, £19.50, Amara.com

J by Jasper Conran Navy Leaf Print ‘Madison’ Towels, £11-£32, Debenhams, Swansea

John Lewis, Cardiff

George Home Tapestry Palm, £6.99, George at Asda, Parc Trostre

Cocoon Framed Art Print, £24.99, Very.co.uk

Print & Stitch Absract Leaf Cushion in Blue Mix, £25, M&S, Parc Trostre

Ginko Leaf Salad Servers, £28, Oliver Bonas, Cardiff

SWANSEA LIFE 117

Advertising Feature

We’ve moved to Portland Street !!

S

wansea Building Society has opened its new Swansea city centre branch at 1-4 Portland Street, Swansea (opposite HSBC and next to Barclays). The new branch is the Society’s flagship branch with improved facilities for its disabled and hard of hearing customers along with additional meeting rooms for increased privacy. The new office continues the Society’s theme of opening not closing branches and complements its three other branches located in Mumbles, Carmarthen and Cowbridge.

The Society’s existing premises on 11-12 Cradock Street will remain the company’s head office and become an administration centre with no direct customer access.

The new branch will continue to be managed by Jane Parker who along with her well established team are looking forward to meeting new and existing customers in the Swansea area to let them know about the Society’s range of competitive savings products and the Society’s personal, tailored and flexible approach to mortgage lending.

Alun Williams, chief executive of Swansea Building Society, said: “We are extremely pleased to welcome new and existing customers to our new Swansea city centre branch. This had been a central project for the Society during 2018 and we are thrilled to be starting 2019 with this new branch. Our aim is to make our products and services as conveniently accessible to our customers as possible and show that we are a financial institution dedicated to opening branches, not closing them. We have certainly achieved this with our new retail location and look forward to seeing the branch prosper in line with the redevelopment of the city of Swansea.”

The Society was established in 1923 and is one of only three remaining mutual building societies in Wales and the only one with its headquarters in South West Wales. As of December 31, 2018, it had total assets in excess of £300 million.

www.swansea-bs.co.uk

big bed sale

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HOUSE & HOME

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GARDENTRENDS

Last year it was all about greening up the urban landscape, cacti craziness and working out how to reduce plastics in gardening - but what’s going to be trending this year? We look at what’s going to be ‘growing’ in popularity over the next 12 months

1. Go tropical

5. Zone in with low walling

7. Accessorise with shrubs

People are going for a big, lush feel to their gardens, depending on where they are living. If they’re further south, they can do that in their gardens, while in the north, they can plant in pots and pull them into sheltered places. Big, dramatic plants - such as cordylines, canna lilies and hardy palms - are going to be on-trend, and richly-coloured foliage bedding plants, such as coleus with amazing leaf patterns, will give gardens that wow factor. People are wanting to experiment with something new, and the younger generation is interested in the challenge of growing something regarded as a bit more tropical.

Creating ‘rooms’ or divisions within an outdoor space has become a trend in its own right, adding structure and a sense of complexity to any garden. Low walls can define and act as boundaries to certain spaces, or they can double up as seating. They provide structure and height, zoning different sections for various uses, and if they’re subtly lit, can show off form and structure.

Shrubs are so versatile, providing subtle layering, screening and colour. Cornus (dogwood) is a great species for 2019, which naturally adds character and a splash of a winter palette through their stem colour.

Philadelphus (mock orange) is a great choice for fragrance, while Daphne ‘Darjeeling’ is a great choice for the winter season. Gardeners should be lighting up shrubs to add a different dimension, showing off-stem details, but also helping to illuminate the surrounding perennials that are positioned under the skirting of the shrub.

2. Boost urban spaces Living walls are still popular for those who have little space and need to grow plants vertically. They’re really easy to install and you can buy self-watering units. You can use them outside on balconies or to green garage walls. Put outside lights above them to add emphasis, and grow herbs in them, which you can add to barbecued foods and salads in summer. Self-watering containers and window boxes will continue to gain popularity in 2019, particularly for gardeners with little time, and if we continue to have hot, dry summers.

3. Set the mood with smart lighting Use carefully-positioned lighting to pull your focus on to a specific area within your garden like turning a tree into a prominent feature. Use colour to transform the ambience of your outdoor space for any occasion, whether it’s a warm white light for a cosy evening, or some bright tones to accentuate a feature.

4. Keep upcycling One trend that we saw last year was upcycling people taking an item such as a chest of drawers that they’d painted, and then opening the drawers at various levels and planting it up. That’s set to continue. There is also a trend for upcycled enamelled containers used for planting things like chillis.

6. Create Nordic calm This is where the garden is a lot more calming. It’s green, with glossy foliage and is mainly evergreens, so it’s quite tidy with clean lines. It works really well for people who don’t have much time, as it’s lowmaintenance. White hydrangeas could be added for cool colour. Large-leafed plants such as Fatsia japonica and lush green ferns work really well in these schemes. You can bring the look indoors too, with ferns and white orchids, which create a calming space and a feeling of wellbeing.

8. Make waves with the coastal look This is going to continue to be popular, because of everybody’s love for succulents. Grasses, succulents and eucalyptus will be the on-point plants for a coastal look. Those glaucous blue shades look great for these schemes, and there’s a great new shrub called Senecio ‘Angel Wings’ which is silvery, with very large leaves - it looks great with the blue of eucalyptus and cortaderias pampas grass, to form the coastal look.

9. Take cacti outdoors So, while the majority of cacti will remain indoors, Dobbies Garden Centres is introducing some hardy prickly pears (opuntias) which you can grow outdoors.

10. Make space for an adult hideaway Create an outdoor hideaway to inspire you to spend more time in your garden, whatever the weather or time of day. Think of this outdoor structure in the same way you would consider styling your living room or kitchen; this could be carrying on a theme from the interior of your home. Add some personality with a touch of colour. Leaving the structure untouched, of course, provides a more rustic and natural feeling, whereas painting the wood in a more calming colour will create a cool, understated look.

SWANSEA LIFE 120

TIMELESS

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FOOD & DRINK

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Tala Drury Lane Dry Cook’s Measure, £8, Sainsbury’s, Swansea

George Home Bunny Double Oven Glove, £4, George Home, Parc Trostre

La Petite Rose Flour Shaker, £5.95, Rexlondon.com

getflipping!

Don’t flip out! There is still plenty of time to get your laura.davies@trinitymirror.com @LawsDx pancake essentials for Shrove Tuesday on March 5.

Whisk, mix and flip the perfect pancakes with LAURA DAVIES’ pick of must-have products

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126 SWANSEA LIFE

Joseph Joseph Nest Mixing Bowl Set, 4 Piece, Multicolour, £24, John Lewis, Cardiff

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Cherry Apron, £22, Cath Kidston, Cardiff

@LawsDx

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, £8 s, ea on ns po wa g S s, S rin m su ha ea en M eb D

laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk

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Citrus Juicer, £9.99, Lakeland, Parc Trostre

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HOUSE & HOME

Hydrangea aspera

the beginning of spring With Joseph Atkin, Head Gardener at Aberglasney Gardens in Carmarthenshire It may sound optimistic but we at Aberglasney consider January and February to be the beginning of spring regardless of the weather. Late winter brings the first Snowdrop’s, Hellebores, Witch Hazel’s and even early flowering Narcissus. However, this period has much more to offer than just the much-loved winter stalwarts.

Daphne bholua ‘Jacqueline Postill There are certain plants that are the absolute crème de la crème and this Daphne is certainly one of them. A combination of exquisite perfume over a six-week period in midwinter is one of the most valuable qualities a plant can have. The perfume is also strong and hits you from quite a distance during the day and night. Unlike many winter scented shrubs which provide scent in a more intermittent fashion this Daphne is very reliable. It carries itself with an understated tidiness and the blooms are far showier than other Daphne. Our plants have happily grown away on a sheltered wall and always flower. Although the group has a reputation for being a little tender ours came through the twenty eleven winter fine in a sheltered spot coping with temperatures of minus seventeen.

■ Height = 2 meters ■ Spread = 1 meter ■ Position/Aspect = sunny sheltered ■ Soil = Any fertile seems fine for us ■ Pest and diseases = No real problems in the ground ■ Style = Pot, winter garden, mixed border,

sensory garden or even a hedge

Corylus avellana ‘Red Zelernut’

Daphne odora ‘Alba’ Another wonderful Daphne with an equally good scent is D. odora ‘Alba’ this pant is far more compact and much more suitable for a small garden or pot culture. The low spreading shape make it an excellent plant for next to the front door or similar. Ours is less than a meter in height and spread and has flowered every year for at least eight years. Grown primarily for its scent the neat evergreen foliage that is a good foil for other plants often gets overlooked. We have also found that it grows well underneath large conifers mixed with snowdrops and Cyclamen to make a wonderful winter and spring display.

■ Height = 1m maximum ■ Spread = 1m maximum ■ Position/Aspect = Sheltered but will take shade ■ Soil = Ours is happy in very poor dry

conditions so I doubt it is very fussy.

■ Pest and diseases = No problems in the ground ■ Style = Pot, by the path or front door, winter

garden, small garden, mixed border, sensory garden

133 SWANSEA LIFE

Sometimes you discover plants that really surprise you and one is this selected form of the common Hazel nut. The large catkins are a reddish pink in January and last well into March which are soon followed by purple red foliage.

Essentially this is a purple red Hazel nut which may not sound too exciting, but it is a wonderful garden shrub. The combination of early interest and ornamental foliage coupled with the toughness of a hazel tree make this a real find for a winter garden. The nuts are also pinkish red which children find fascinating.

■ Height = 3 meters but manageable ■ Spread = 2 meters ■ Position/Aspect = Any ■ Soil = Any except waterlogged ■ Pest and diseases = No problems ■ Style = Mixed border, shrub border, winter garden

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Discover Swansea’s best kept interior design secret...

...and watch your home blossom this spring

Get the latest EDIT !

Not only does EDIT’s exquisite showroom in the heart of Mumbles, offer a treasure trove of beautiful home furnishings, their team also provides expert interior design services! We sat down with two of the team to find out more...

We agree, it’s gorgeous!

Thanks for sharing Rebecca!

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So many! One of my recent favourites was installed last summer. Our client wasn’t afraid to embrace colour and feature wall tiles in her bathroom – the before and after pics are amazing! We’re lucky to be stockists of Baked Tiles and we used their products as a feature, complimented by a striking green paint colour on the walls. It was a real stunner!

te

Sounds great! So, do you have any favourite bathrooms that will live in the memory?

Af

Absolutely. By coming to EDIT, you’ll make sure that your budget is used in the best possible way. We know all the tips and tricks to make a bathroom look fantastic, without blowing the budget. And our years of experience in design and installation ensure you get attention for detail that’s second to none.

ki

es

How do you go about designing a new bathroom? What’s the process that you follow?

So you’d really recommend working with a specialist bathroom designer?

At

D

Since 2006! I love all things interior design, so I am so lucky to have a job where I can work with products I truly love.

We tailor our service to each individual client, making site visits, taking measurements and finding out exactly what they want. We talk about style preferences, how the room is used and budget – then we go away and work our magic to come up with a bathroom with the wow factor! We’re also project manage the installation, so the client doesn’t need to worry about a thing.

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Hi Rebecca! How long have you been designing bathrooms for?

Re

EDIT Home + Design are well known for their exceptional bathrooms, so we sat down with Head of Bathroom Design, Rebecca Atkinson, to find out more.

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Brilliant bathrooms

Inspiring interiors Hello Jacqueline, thanks for chatting with us!

What is it you love about being an interior designer?

I love that every day is different. Our clients have different tastes and budgets, but we always aim to treat each one with the same attention to detail. I love building those relationships, developing designs and then seeing schemes come together – from initial colour planning all the way through to adding those final touches.

And what would you say is unique about the service EDIT offers?

All of us at EDIT have a passion for interior design. We’re a friendly, approachable bunch and welcome anyone in for a browse…and a cup of tea or coffee! We offer free, on-thespot advice, as well as providing interior design services for much larger projects too – whatever you need, we’ll come up with the solution!

Put the kettle on then! But does the size of the project matter?

Not at all – there’s no interior project too big or too small for us. In fact, for me, the fun part of being a designer is being able to show the potential of any room, whatever the size.

Thanks Jacqueline! Before you go, can you let us in on a secret? What trends do you think will be popular this year?

Yes! Splashes of colour are pushing through the greys of the last few years – subtle natural tones but colour none the less!

Thank you Jacqueline!

Interior Designer

Jacqueline Turpin

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OUT & ABOUT

A N D R E W

M O R G A N ’ S

SWANSEA BAY WALK Join andrew morgan as he leads us on a Swansea Bay walk.

Start/Finish location ......... Parkmill: Gower Heritage Centre Distance ..................................... Morning - 4 miles (2 hours) ...............................................................Afternoon - 3 miles (1-2 hours)

Level ............................................. Easy/Moderate Parking ........................................ Heritage Centre Car Park (Charge)

FEBRUARY 2019

The Three Cliffs Love may be in the air this month but those who have discovered the joys of walking go on to develop a deep love of the countryside all year around. The best way to see it is in the company and safety of a group so if you are thinking of beginning walking, Swansea Ramblers provide walks that cater for most tastes.

On Sunday 10th February we have another of our occasional short morning walks followed by a short afternoon walk where you can either join us just for the morning, (leaving your afternoon free for other things) or just come along in the afternoon for the second half of the walk - or you can even do both walks to enjoy a full day out.

The 4 mile morning walk starts at 10am (more details on our website) and the afternoon 3 mile walk will begin on or just after 12.30pm. If you can’t make it on the day, here are the possible routes our leader may decide to use.

Starting outside the Heritage Centre, ascend the single track road (occasional traffic) until a gate on the right provides access into the broad expanse of Green Cwm. A wide dirt track takes you past a large pile of stones which is actually a rare (in Wales) example of a burial chamber in a style usually found the other side of the Bristol Channel. Continuing along the broad track, you eventually come to a cross roads where you turn left and follow the ascending forestry track for some time. This emerges onto

Upcoming Walks Sat 02

Gowerton Circular (5 miles) Moderate meet 11.00am Gowerton car park off B4295

Sun 03 Penwyllt and Fan Gyhirych (9 miles) Strenuous

meet 9.00am Francis St Wed 06 Oxwich (9 miles) Moderate

meet 10.00am Oxwich: Beach Car Park Sat 09

the base of Cefn Bryn. Turn left and follow the track until you emerge into a more open area with views to Three Cliffs Bay. Don’t turn right and downhill but go straight on to descend and meet the road by the National Trust car park and the church. Continue down to carefully cross the busy main road into the single track lane.

Turn right at the road junction before the caravan park. This lane descends to the stepping stones in Three Cliffs Bay but instead of crossing them, continue upstream along a newly restored path. Entering woodland, turn right and cross a large footbridge then go left.

After a short distance, cross a small footbridge to the main road. Cross and turn left, going past Shepherds shop to the start.

Depending on the speed of the morning walkers, the afternoon walk will start on or just after its scheduled time of 12.30pm. I won’t describe that in detail but it will visit Pennard Castle for the incredible view to Three Cliffs Bay and is well worth doing in addition to the morning walk. Do come along to do the morning walk, the afternoon walk or do both of them. You will be very welcome.

Transport: Traveline: www.traveline-cymru.info • 0871 200 22 33 or BayTrans: www.baytrans.org.uk/ Visit our website: www.swansearamblers.org.uk

Fforest, near Pontarddulais (6 miles) Moderate meet 11.00am Fforest: Bird in Hand pub

Sun 10 Parkmill a.m. (Penmaen, Parc le Breos)

(4 miles) Easy/Moderate meet 10.00am

Parkmill by Gower Heritage Centre Sun 10 Parkmill p.m. (Pennard) (3 miles)

Easy/Moderate meet 12.30am

Parkmill by Gower Heritage Centre Sun 10 South Gower (11 miles) Strenuous

meet 10.00am Kittle: Beaufort Inn Mon 11 Glyncorrwg (3 miles) Easy meet 10.00am

Glyncorrwg: near post office Tue 12

Green Cwm to Rhossili (Bring Bus Pass) (10 miles) Moderate meet 9.30am Parkmill: Park Wood Car Park

Sat 16

Alltwen (6 miles) Easy/Moderate meet 11.00amPontardawe: Tesco’s

Sun 17 Beacons Way & Sarn Helen (10 miles)

Strenuous meet 9.00am Francis St Wed 20 Mynydd Dinas (7 miles) Moderate

meet 10.00am Outside Blaenbaglan school Sat 23

Cefn Bryn (6 miles) Moderate meet 11.00am Reynoldston: On road near King Arthur

Sun 24 Pontrhydyfen (11 miles) Strenuous

meet 9.00am Francis St Tue 26

Gowerton by Torch Light (3 miles) Moderate meet 7.00pm Gowerton car park off B4295

Wed 27 Kilvey Hill (7 miles) Easy/Moderate

meet 10.00am Outside the Queens Hotel

SWANSEA LIFE 141

OUT & ABOUT

Champagne on double-decker buses and pints with the mob:

see london in a whole new light An innovative new city break specialist is offering tourists the chance to sample some of London’s most unusual experiences.

S

tanding by the kerb, a menacing figure strokes the knuckleduster on his tattooed left hand, his eyebrows furrowing as he glances in my direction.

“You lookin’ fer me?” he asks in a low, gravelly voice, sending rivers of sweat down the back of my neck.

“That’s the whole point,” says MakeMyDay founder and awardwinning travel writer Nick Boulos, who has personally handpicked and tried and tested each experience.

“It’s rare as adults to be truly surprised. I want to inject that childlike sense of fun and exploration back into peoples’ lives, while also offering urban adventures most people don’t even know are possible.”

Under any other circumstances, I’d quickly scuttle away, but today I have to stay put, because this hardnosed mobster is the very person I’ve planned to meet.

Packages start from £69 and the options are impressive everything from walking, cycling and food tours, to helicopter trips and horse rides.

My path to Mickey Goldtooth had been paved some 48 hours earlier, when, like something out of John le Carre novel, a rather strange but exciting email landed in my inbox. It instructed me to present myself at 10am on a street corner in London’s Liverpool Street and look for the man with a black suit and gold teeth. That was pretty much it.

I’ve opted for the Silver package, and after completing a short questionnaire on my likes and dislikes, any health considerations, physical limitations and phobias, it’s time to expect the unexpected.

The ‘Top Secret Dossier’ - cleverly designed to resembled classified government papers - is all part of the capital’s newest tourism experience. These Mystery Days, masterminded by city break specialists MakeMyDay, are the first of their kind and promise surprise and intrigue at every turn.

I’d signed up to the service with no idea what to expect.

142 SWANSEA LIFE

My first urban adventure is a mobster tour of the East End, led by two real life gangsters, including Mickey. Together, we tour the streets of Bethnal Green and Whitechapel and enter a world few see.

Over a drink in The Blind Beggar pub, where Ronnie Kray famously murdered George Cornell in 1966, Mickey rummages in his pocket and produces a frayed black and white picture.

“That’s me, that is,” he says, pointing proudly to the toddler sat on the knee of man - a man who happens to be Ronnie Kray himself.

What follows is two fascinating and, at times, hilarious hours filled with tales of London’s murky underworld, famous figures like Eric the Red, and first-hand accounts of a life spent on the fringes of society.

It certainly gives me a lot to think about as I make my way to the next mysterious appointment. The instructions in the dossier are a little baffling, simply telling me to head to Victoria Coach Station.

But it soon becomes clear. While weary travellers around me battle with suitcases to board National Express coaches to Doncaster and Dundee, I breeze through and hop aboard my majestic chariot - an original red Routemaster bus.

These iconic double-deckers first took to the streets of London in the 1950s, and now only a handful continue to operate. But this isn’t just any old bus ride. Somewhere along Buckingham Palace Road, my city tour with a difference takes a rather indulgent turn as champagne afternoon tea is served.

Sat on the top deck, with London’s most famous landmarks on show in all their glory, I nibble on delicate sandwiches and sweet macaroons, all washed down with flutes filled with bubbles.

Fortunately, my final surprise of the day provides an opportunity to walk off some of the excess. A short Tube ride takes me to St. Paul’s, where a small group has gathered by the turnstiles. I gingerly join them, intrigued as to what the next mini adventure will entail.

“You are about to discover the best, most beautiful, historic and cosy pubs this great city has to offer,” announces local enthusiast Vic, a man who has suffered greatly for his art by drinking in more than 40 nearby establishments, in order to select the best five.

With real theatrical flair, Vic brings the past vividly to life as we stroll between gin palaces and blink-and-miss-them Victorian pubs, which could almost be lifted straight out of a Dickens book.

But it isn’t only the pubs that are a revelation; delicious and rare beverages, from vanilla-infused gin to chocolate stout and floral ales (half pints, of course), have been stocked exclusively for the tour.

Strolling down a lantern-lit alley, half expecting Mickey Goldtooth to suddenly emerge from the shadows, I reach my final spot.

The door of discreet drinking den Ye Olde Mitre creaks as I venture inside.

The first pint was pulled here in 1546 for the servants of the Bishop of Ely, although the clientele has changed somewhat over the centuries.

Something peculiar catches my eye in the corner of the room and Vic steps in to explain. “That’s the petrified remains of a cherry tree that someone quite famous once danced around,” he smirks.

“It’s said that Queen Elizabeth I got drunk in here and got a little carried away...”

If only tree trunks could talk. I stare at the block of wood, amazed that such discoveries and pieces of history are hidden in such plain sight. In the space of 24 hours I’ve learned to see my city in a whole new light. And that is the biggest surprise of all.

London like never before Nick Boulos, founder of MakeMyDay, picks his favourite London experiences with a difference...

1. Penny for your thoughts Thrilling, and just a tad terrifying, a ride around the capital on a penny-farthing certainly beats a 'Boris' bike. Under the expert guidance of the country's leading enthusiast of these iconic bikes - they were all the rage in the late 1800s - this is a rare opportunity to experience one of London's most novel modes of transport.

The experience starts with a nice and gentle training session in one of London's prettiest squares, before a quick pedal down Piccadilly to Trafalgar Square, causing heads to turn all the way.

2. Fake news!

You'll split your sides on this rib-tickling riverside walking tour from the steps of St. Paul's Cathedral to the South Bank. Led by a professional comedian, there are gags and tall tales a plenty as you explore landmarks, secret side streets and some of the city's most eclectic architecture. Prepare to laugh out loud but don't believe a single word of it - every fact and anecdote is a big, fat lie.

3. Icons London is home to some of the most renowned cultural institutions in the world, but visiting them can often be daunting and overwhelming. MakeMyDay's series of in-depth tours, to places such as the Tower of London and the British Museum, are led by experts and certified guides. Why not tour The National Gallery with a jobbing artist who will help you create your own version of one of its most famous pieces? Or alternatively enjoy an exclusive peek at Westminster Abbey.

4. Go forage It may be home to more than eight million people, but London still has its wild and untamed corners. This grassroots experience takes you to a hushed oasis, a stone's throw from the hustle and bustle, where a forager reveals the array of edible plants and herbs that grow in the heart of the city. With some expert help, you'll pick your own salad with ingredients you never even knew existed.

Think everything from wild rocket and edible nettles, to black mulberries and sweet chestnuts.

SWANSEA LIFE 143

OUT & ABOUT

“spectacular views of london’s skyline” LAURA DAVIES visits the newly refurbished luxurious Royal Lancaster hotel in central London laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk

@LawsDx

N

o visit to London would be complete without taking in the city’s incredible skyline and the Royal Lancaster offers just that - all from the comfort of your room.

Situated on the edge of Hyde Park, my luxurious 18-floor room offers breathtaking views over the grassy park, the Shard, the Millennium Eye and Big Ben. It is a spectacular site whether it’s in the day when you are just waking up or in the night when everything is all lit up.

I have stayed at the Royal Lancaster Hotel on several occasions before and is has always impressed. The prestigious hotel has had a £80 million makeover and has been transformed both internally and externally - I am more than impressed by the result. It feels more opulent and luxurious and much more quirky and modern but still retains a retro vibe.

The lobby area feels a little like walking into a private members club with almost every surface shining to the point of near transparency but the soothing colour palette of sage green and caramels is a nice counterbalance and adds some warmth. Think retro with lots of gleaming marble, glass, bronze and velvet furnishings.

One reason I love this hotel is its fantastic location. It is convenient which is always an advantage when staying in London. A short stroll west takes you to quaint and cultured Notting Hill and Holland Park while if you go east you will find yourself on Oxford Street and Marble Arch. Amble south through the park and you’ll find yourself

144 SWANSEA LIFE

in Knightsbridge and Kensington. Paddington Train Station is a 15 minute walk away and right next to the hotel is Lancaster Gate tube station.

The Royal Lancaster has a rich and celebrated history which the refurbishment reflects. Michael Caine was filmed here for The Italian Job, and the rooms have model car minis in them and are quite retro. It also famously hosted the after-party for The Beatles’ Yellow Submarine film premiere, which The Beatles’ attended in the Yellow Submarine Nightclub. Mohammed Ali, Princess Diana and countless other royals have also attended events here.

Check in is easy and we are shown to our room by the staff. Our room, on the top floor, is bright and luxurious with a designer feel and there are little touches to match. We’re in a large Executive Double which features huge windows overlooking the iconic city skyline (stretching from Wembley Stadium to the Shard) and the edge of Hyde Park. At night, it’s particularly impressive when the lights are twinkling against an inky sky. The marble bathrooms come with rain showers and White Company toiletries and there is a smart TV as well as a smart-phone that guests can take out and about with them. In-room spa treatments are available and there is a 24/7 gym although we didnt take advantage of it on this occasion. This stay is all about chilling out and having a good time.

The Royal Lancaster has two great restaurants - the Nipa Thai serves an extensive, authentic Thai menu in plush surroundings, while the Island Grill allows for a more laid-back dinner with tasty dishes from burgers and salads through to steaks. On this occasion, I am trying the Nipa Thai restaurant, which boasts an all-female kitchen, and has been given the seal of approval by the Thai government. The 55-seat restaurant features a teak-panelled interior with traditional Thai furnishings, and ornate decorations crafted in Thailand and offers unrivalled views of Hyde Park. The food is outstanding and it is no wonder it is renowned for being one of London’s best Thai establishments. A reservation is a must.

If you can’t get into Nipa Thai, Island Grill is a great alternative offering delicious meals at a reasonable price. Although not as ornate as Nipa Thai in decor it is very pleasant and less formal than its Thai restaurant.

Equally good, the next morning, is the hotel’s breakfast which serves everything you can possibly wish for from a selection of cereals and pastries to smoked salmon, fruit and yoghurts as well as cooked options such as smashed avocado or a full English breakfast. Since it’s beeen renovated it is now much larger and light and airy - which was needed to accommodate the hotel’s guests. There is even honeycomb from the hotel’s roof beehive to try which is delicious…

I can not praise this hotel enough, if you are looking for luxury and comfort, friendly service in close proximity to all of London’s attractions, then this is for the place for you.

Royal Lancaster London, Lancaster Terrace, London W2 2TY | Tel: 020 7551 6000 | www.royallancaster.com SWANSEA LIFE 145

MOTORING

21

CARS TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN 2019

Set to be a year of stand-out new arrivals, the motoring team spins through the models to keep an eye out for in the coming 12 months.

The last few years have marked a real change in the motoring scene - and it’s no longer enough for a new car to simply be more powerful, more efficient or safer than its predecessor. Instead, the industry as a whole is looking to ever more sophisticated electrified and autonomous vehicles, a trend clearly shown in the cars we’re expecting to see in 2019. That’s not to say the entire motoring scene is that of a blank, batterypowered box; there’s plenty of exotic and evocative metal being launched over the next 12 months too.

Here, we’ve rounded up a healthy mix of both camps...

1

BMW M8

BMW’s new 8 Series marks the return of a badge last seen in the Nineties, and already comes with the option of a 530bhp 4.4-litre V8 engine. But it wouldn’t be a true BMW without a hardcore M variant, so we’re expecting to see a new M8 arrive with a highlytuned engine outputting close to 600bhp.

4

7

5

8

Porsche Taycan

Porsche’s first all-electric model will be the Taycan - not a Liam Neeson movie, but a super-saloon designed to rival the Tesla Model S. Performance, as you’d expect from Porsche, will be ample with more than 600bhp on tap and four-wheel drive. Whether it can topple Elon Musk’s might machines remains to be seen, though.

Ferrari 488 Pista Spider

Ferrari’s hardcore 488 Pista arrived to critical acclaim in 2018, and the Italian supercar manufacturer is hoping that by lopping its roof off to create this - the 488 Pista Spider - it’ll extend its popularity even further. It matches the hard-top’s performance too; Ferrari claims 0-60mph in 2.6 seconds, and flat-out it’ll do 211mph.

We’ve already had a taste of the Volvo S60 in its estate sibling, the V60, but this sleek saloon marks a big change for Volvo, as it’s set to be the brand’s first car in decades with no diesel option. Instead, petrols and plug-in hybrids will fill the gap - combined, of course, with Volvo’s trademark class-leading safety kit.

Jaguar’s big F-Pace SUV is getting the SVR treatment, which sees a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 plonked under the bonnet - giving it a hefty 176mph top speed. It’s also been given a more aggressive styling kit, with big vents, air intakes and alloy wheels befitting an SVR model. Billed as Jaguar’s ‘ultimate performance SUV’, the F-Pace SVR is likely to cause quite a fuss when it arrives.

DS has already experienced some success in the SUV segment, with its large, luxurious DS7 Crossback, and it’s hoping that some of its desirability will trickle down to the upcoming DS3 Crossback. It enters into an extremely competitive segment, taking on the likes of the Audi Q2 in the compact SUV market. There’s likely to be petrol and diesel-powered offerings to begin with - an all-electric version is due to arrive later on.

3

Volvo S60

9

2

This adorable electric hatchback was the surprise star of the Frankfurt Motor Show, demonstrating to the world that it’s possible to inject a dose of personality to electric motoring. Expect to see the show concept toned down a little for production when it arrives late in 2019 - but if Honda knows what’s good for it, it’ll retain as much of that cheeky character as possible.

There are few cars set to arrive in 2019 with as much expectation upon them as the Ford Focus ST. Not least because the regular Focus has gone down so well across the board - it’s already assumed that an ST version will be very good indeed.

Rumours suggest it’ll be powered by 2.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine, too.

Jaguar F-Pace SVR

DS3 Crossback

Honda Urban EV

Ford Focus ST

10

Tesla Model 3

6

Citroen C5 Aircross

Citroen’s last big SUV was the C-Crosser - a hideous rebadging of the Mitsubishi Outlander - but the C5 Aircross will be based on the same underpinnings as the excellent Peugeot 3008, and fitted with the quirky design features that are Citroen’s hallmark.

For a large number of people, the arrival of Tesla’s Model 3 will be an occasion slightly more important than the second coming of Jesus. The American brand’s ‘affordable’ model is set to start at around the same price as a comparable compact executive car, but is pure-electric and offers in excess of 200 miles of range with seriously strong performance.

Ford focus st

146 SWANSEA LIFE

Tesla Model 3

11

Range Rover Evoque

The Evoque’s been a massive hit for Land Rover, and the brand’s hoping to recreate that success in the new model by changing, well, as little as possible. Actually, that’s a little unfair - while the tried-andtested styling remains in place, the Evoque rides on a new, lighter platform and will be fitted with a range of upgraded engines as well as groundbreaking kit such as an invisible bonnet. No, we’re not joking.

12

Lexus UX

Premium, hybrid and SUV are three very popular words, so combining them all into one package should be a shortcut to big sales, right? The Lexus UX certainly hopes so. It’s set to sit under the NX and RX in Lexus’ SUV range, and will mix the brand’s trademark hybrid powertrains and rock-solid build quality.

13

McLaren 720S Spider

McLaren’s regular 720S has gone down as one of the very greatest supercars of all time, and this - the 720S Spider - is designed to offer the same experience, albeit one with a little more breeze. Packing 710bhp, the Spider weighs just 49kg more than the hardtop, meaning it’s still capable of hitting 200mph with the roof down.

14

Mercedes-AMG One

The partnership between Mercedes and AMG has already produced some fantastic results, but the all-new One is likely to be one of its fastest. Incredibly, it uses the same engine as that found in Mercedes’ Formula 1 race cars, linked to an electric motor for added shove. It’s capable of producing over 1,000bhp, and features an amazing 11,000rpm red line - only just down from the 13,500rpm limit on Lewis Hamilton’s race car.

15

Polestar 1

It feels like a long time now since Volvo’s performance arm, Polestar, split off to develop its own line of electrified sports models. The Polestar 1 is the first of the breed and could arrive in 2019. The 592bhp model looks for all the world like a coupe version of Volvo’s handsome S90, and uses a pair of electric motors and a 2.0-litre petrol engine.

16

Porsche 911

Though it may not be a revolutionary advance in terms of styling over the old car, this is, in fact, the allnew Porsche 911. However, though its looks play quite close to those of the car it replaces, the mechanicals have been extensively overhauled. The engine has been updated, while the gearbox is all-new. Inside, there’s little to tie the new 911 with the old one; pretty much everything is new, with a large central touchscreen now dominating the cabin. The buttons either side of the switchgear area have been brought up to date, too.

20

Toyota Supra

There were murmurs of disappointment when it was announced that the successor to the iconic Toyota Supra would utilise BMW technology, but as we grow closer to the car’s release, it seems these concerns are quickly drifting away. It’ll initially be powered by a straightsix engine, linked to the rear wheels via a ZF automatic gearbox. Though we’ve seen multiple camouflage cars, we’ll have to wait until the Detroit Motor Show to see just what the Supra looks like.

21

Jeep Wrangler

17

Jeep has officially beaten Land Rover to the punch with this one, releasing an updated, new-for-2019 version of its iconic Wrangler long before the Brits could manage to pull together a new Defender. The little Jeep’s off-road prowess remains, as does its traditional rough-and-tumble image - it’s the only new car we can think of with a folding windscreen and removable doors.

Aston Martin Valkyrie

Much like the Mercedes-AMG One, the Aston Martin Valkyrie is a shot at the very pinnacle of motoring development. It too uses a hybridised powertrain, with a 6.5-litre V12 engine linked to electric motors. It’ll push out north of 1,000bhp, yet it comes with windscreen wipers. All-carbon bodywork means it is exceptionally light too.

s

Citroen C5 Aircros

18

Mazda 3

The Mazda 3 looks every inch the modern family hatchback, but has one big advancement going for it that’s so far unique. It’s called SCCI or Spark Controlled Compression Ignition, and it essentially gives most of the advantages of a petrol engine with diesel-like fuel economy. It’s a truly special unit, and one we can’t wait to try on the road.

DS3 Crossback

19

Mini EV

It’s almost a crime this hasn’t been done yet - the perky and fun Mini was surely crying out for a proper electric version right from the start. It’s likely to use a similar powertrain to the BMW i3, so expect good performance and decent range wrapped up in a bodyshell that’s the cutest of the cute.

Volvo S60 SWANSEA LIFE 147

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IS A HYBRID CAR RIGHT FOR ME? An interesting halfway house between full electrification and traditional engines, Tom Wiltshire takes a look at whether hybrids are the solution.

So, you want to switch out of your petrol or diesel car? There are plenty of good reasons for this - perhaps you’re worried about the environmental impact you’re having, or want to take advantage of tax benefits for low emissions vehicles. Maybe you simply want to save some dosh at the pumps.

However, full-electric cars aren’t yet suitable for every driver, so a hybrid might seem like the answer - merging combustion technology with electrification to give, in theory, the advantages of both.

But is a hybrid car the right choice for you?

Here are some key points to consider...

■ Types of hybrid

First, you need to establish what type of hybrid you’re looking for.

Firstly, there’s a mild hybrid. These use very small electric motors and battery packs exclusively to aid the engine, and never drive the wheels directly. Often, they’re virtually indistinguishable from driving a standard combustion-engined car, and manufacturers may not even signal that the system is there.

Next, there’s the traditional or parallel hybrid - the original, popularised by the Toyota Prius in the late-Nineties. These use a larger battery pack and electric motor and are capable of travelling for a few miles on electric power alone. Often, the cars will set off on electricity, with the engine cutting in over a certain speed or throttle load. They can’t be plugged in, and gain all of their electric power from brake regeneration and engine power - earning them the somewhat-misleading nickname of a selfcharging hybrid.

Plug-in hybrids are, as the name suggests, hybrid cars you can plug in to a socket or outlet. These use bigger battery packs and electric motors still and are usually capable of travelling at least 20 miles without using the combustion engine at all. The aim is that they be driven mainly on electric power, with the combustion engine cutting in for longer journeys or under heavy load.

Finally, there are range-extending electric vehicles. These are essentially electric cars with a combustion engine added to act as a generator, and are becoming increasingly rare despite their on-paper advantages.

What’s your mileage?

High-mileage users would still benefit from a diesel over a hybrid car in most situations. The fact is, the electric motors on most hybrid cars don’t provide much, if any assistance over a certain

150 SWANSEA LIFE

speed. This means that on a motorway cruise, a hybrid car reverts to being a petrol vehicle - but one burdened with the weight of a battery and electric motor. This is especially true of plug-in hybrids, which often shock motorists by posting enormous fuel economy figures when the battery is charged - then immediately dropping to substandard levels when running on combustion alone. That’s not to say a high-mileage driver wouldn’t see the cost benefits of a hybrid compared to, say, a standard petrol car - but motorway users will still favour diesel.

■ Where do you drive?

The benefits of a hybrid system are most keenly felt around town. Here, the electric motor can take the brunt of pulling away and low-speed work - where a combustion engine is at its most polluting - with the engine cutting in only when necessary.

Thanks to the electric motor’s instant torque, hybrids are particularly nippy off the line, and their acceleration - at least up to 30mph or so - may surprise a few more performanceoriented cars. If you take it gently, most hybrids will remain a full EV at these speeds, too, allowing for silent, relaxed, and somewhat eerie progress through crowded city centres.

It’s actually a lot of fun.

Those same factors make hybrids a little less enjoyable on faster roads, though. Excluding performance hybrids such as the Honda NSX, most mainstream hybrid cars will use a CVT gearbox - these don’t respond well to heavy feet and will make faster progress downright uncomfortable as the revs spiral. The weight of a battery pack and motor often means hybrid handling is a bit ponderous, while the ultraefficient low rolling resistance tyres don’t offer the last word in grip.

■ Where do you live?

If you’re buying a plug-in hybrid or rangeextending electric car, having somewhere to charge it at home is critical. These cars benefit most from regular charging, allowing owners to make the most of the electric-only range before switching on the combustion engine.

Most of these vehicles, with ranges of around 30 miles on battery power alone, will easily cover a regular commute without ever switching on their engines - and that’s a recipe for some serious cost savings.

If you own a standard hybrid - one without a plug - then you’ve nothing to worry about.

These cars don’t require charging and can be treated as a normal petrol or diesel vehicle.

You can happily run one even without a garage, driveway or other home charging point.

■ Worried about the environment?

There are a few environmental concerns surrounding hybrid vehicles. On long runs, a diesel will be both more efficient and emit less carbon dioxide, while the energy required to make batteries and mine the rare earth metals that make them up does contribute significantly to their environmental footprint.

However, when it comes to local emissions and air pollution, even a comparatively dirty hybrid will usually run rings around an equivalent diesel. A Toyota Prius, for example, emits just 78g/km of carbon dioxide under official testing - that’s miles below even the cleanest diesel car of comparable size. The ability to run on electricity alone at low speeds also helps with particulate emissions.

■ Are hybrid cars reliable?

In a word, yes. Hybrids have proven to outlast even the manufacturer’s wildest expectations in terms of longevity, and even the very oldest Toyota Prius and Honda Insight models from the Nineties can still be going strong well into 2018.

If looked after, a hybrid’s battery pack will last the lifetime of the vehicle with no ill effects.

There are also benefits to having that electric motor, with regenerative braking reducing wear on brakes and tyres, aiding maintenance costs.

Just be sure you have the car serviced by a garage that knows what it’s doing.

■ How much do you have to spend?

Hybrids do command a cost premium over their combustion-engined brethren, due to the added complication of adding the electric motor and battery systems. Many drivers will soon see the benefit, though - after all, there’s a reason virtually every private hire driver in London uses a Toyota Prius.

For example, the hybrid Toyota Prius comes in from £24,245. For that money, you could opt for a rather plush Volkswagen Golf fitted with a 1.5-litre, 148bhp petrol engine, in swanky R-Line trim. So choose carefully when thinking of the cost benefits, and decide whether your mileage will be sufficient to make the most of it.

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http://dc3-otxapp-07:8280/MMWSI/MMWSI?action=GetAssetData&user=SandraEvans&service=Drag_To_Application&db= WHAT’S ON 2Vzc2lvbmlkIjoicUFXUkx6MzZzQks0Vkh6alhyRTZnc3AxLmRjMS1vdHhzcmNoLXUwMV9VQVRfOTM4MCIsImFwcG sInByb3BlcnRpZXMiOnsiaGl0bGlzdE5hbWUiOiJTRUFSQ0hfUkVTVUxUU181MCIsInNlbGVjdGlvbiI6WyJUUk1STU1H HJhUGFyYW1zIjp7fSwic291cmNlS2V5IjoiVFJNUk1NR0xQSUNUMDAwMTYyNDM5NjYwIn0%3D Got something to tell us about, for inclusion in the What’s On section?

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THIS FEBRUARY

01792 545523 @LawsDX

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Comedy at Tino’s

Lou Lou’s Vintage Fair

Snowdrop Weekend

Boyzone

tino’s, Swansea, 7.30pm

Brangwyn Hall, 11am

National Botanical Garden of Wales, 10am-4.30pm

Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff,

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

Film Club: The Heiress

Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom

BBC National Orchestra of Wales: Bolero: Viva Espana

Circus of Horrors

Pontardawe Arts Centre, 7.30pm

Swansea Grand Theatre, 10am, 1pm and 4.30pm

St David’s Hall, Cardiff, 6.30pm

Swansea Grand Theatre, 7.30pm

1

5

2

6

SUNDAY

3

7

SATURDAY

Swansea Pre-loved Vintage Kilo National Waterfront Museum, 10am

12 Professor Green The Globe, Cardiff, 7pm

152 SWANSEA LIFE

4

FRIDAY

8

SUNDAY

MONDAY

Llanelli Half Marathon

Welsh Snooker Open

Parc Y Scarlets

Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff, 7pm

10 11

9

TUESDAY

MONDAY

WEDNESDAY

13

THURSDAY

14

Swansea Women’s Business Club

Our House, Sir Harry Secombe Trust

Village Hotel Club, 11.30am

Swansea Grand Theatre, 7pm

=jSuite&r=1537278295526&id=TRMRMMGLPICT000162439660&j=eyJzcmNwYW5lbGlkIjo1MCwic G5hbWUiOiJDSFAiLCJzb3VyY2UiOiJoaXRsaXN0IiwidHlwZSI6ImFzc2V0IiwiYWN0aW9uIjoibGluayIHTFBJQ1QwMDAxNjI0Mzk2NjAiXSwibWV0YUtleSI6ZmFsc2UsInNoaWZ0S2V5IjpmYWxzZX0sImV4dFRIDAY

15 Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea University, 7.30pm

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

Whitney: Queen of the Night

Zodiac Run

Dirty Dancing

Ffwrnes Theatre, 7.30pm

Margam Country Park, 9.30am

Swansea Grand Theatre, 7.30pm plus other times, runs until Feb 23

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

Wind in the Willows

Concerts and Cakes

Gwyn Hall, Neath, until February 23

Ffwrnes Theatre, 1pm

16 17 18 19 20 THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Torch Theatre Presents Grav

Swansea Bay Business Awards

Pontardawe Arts Centre, 7.30pm

Brangwyn Hall, 6.45pm

SATURDAY

23

21 22

Pirate Week

Gower Heritage Centre, 10am - 5.30pm until March 3

MONDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

25 26

24

Half Term Fun, Castle Tours, Hillfort Walk and Model Boats

Under the Sea Afternoon Tea

Stradey Park Hotel and Spa, Llanelli, 2pm - 5pm

Margam Park, 10am

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

Think Floyd

Jason Donovan

Swansea Grand Theatre, 7.30pm

Gwyn Hall, Neath, 7.30pm

Welsh National Wedding Fayre Brangwyn Hall, 11am

27 28 SWANSEA LIFE 153

WHAT’S ON

Dirty Dancing!

Dirty Dancing is back! Seen by millions across the globe, this worldwide smash hit returns to Swansea Grand Theatre this month.

We speak to the show’s leading characters, Kira Malou, “Baby”, Michael O’Reilly, “Johnny” and Simone Covele, “Penny.”

How does it feel taking on such iconic roles?

What’s your approach in terms of bringing a fresh take to the characters?

Michael: Once you get over the fact that it’s quite a daunting role to take on because it’s so wellknown it’s just really exciting. Everyone is so familiar with the show and they’re so familiar with the characters that you’re just excited to do it justice, you’re ready to put in the work and bring it to life.

Simone: I agree. It’s so exciting. Being able to play such an iconic role in a show that brings the movie to life on stage is an amazing privilege.

Kira: It is really exciting but of course there’s also a lot of pressure to do the characters justice because they are so well-known and so iconic.

Kira: I don’t want to stray too far from what Jennifer Grey did in the film because I personally feel the choices she makes are things I’d do as well. Although I’m being a bit bolder with the choices so when she’s being sexy, I want people to be able to see that “Baby” can be really sexy, fiery and smart - to really show the depths to her.

Michael: It’s about ‘How would I behave if I was in the same situations?’ That frees you up to bring something of yourself to the role, to put elements of yourself into the portrayal.

Simone: It’s about thinking ‘What would I do in this situation?’ whilst thinking about Penny and

154 SWANSEA LIFE

the era in which the story is set, namely 1963. It’s such a different time to now and what she goes through is quite heavy so to think ‘How would I feel if I was in that time and that situation?’ is a great help because in real life I have a very different personality to her.

In what ways can you relate to your characters? And in what ways are they completely different?

Simone: The big red flag for me is what Penny goes through. She’s in quite a sticky situation and has to make some big decisions. I feel she’s quite isolated and that’s a struggle for me to understand because I’ve never really been isolated myself or had to make massive decisions that would

have such a major effect on my life. But I love the fieriness of her, although it’s hard being mean to Kira on stage when we get on so well, I can relate to her passion for dance.

Kira: I’m not proud to say it but I’m not like Baby in terms of education. She knows a lot about politics and what goes on in the world but I feel I’m not in touch with that side of myself as much.

But I do feel quite similar to her in that I remember when I was 17 and the first time I fell in love and doing so much to be close to that person - things I’d never think to do on a regular basis just to be with someone. I also relate to the closeness she feels with her family.

Michael: Obviously Johnny in the show is a dancer and I trained in dance myself so that’s kind of the hook I latch onto. We come from a similar background, with the training everyone has to go through, but fortunately I haven’t gone through the serious, crippling financial situation Johnny has been through or the unexplained relationship with his dad and the fact his mum is never mentioned.

That’s a whole grey area that we don’t even know about and it’s a part of the character that I have to work to understand.

Can you recall when you first saw the film and the impact it had on you?

Kira: I vividly remember watching it on videotape because my mum had it and I remember watching the dance scenes in the staff quarters and I was like ‘Oh my God!’ So I knew exactly how Baby feels when she goes to the resort. It was mesmerising.

Michael: I remember my mum watching it when I was really young and being like ‘That’s not my type of film’ as I went off to play sports or whatever. Then I revisited it when I got into the dance industry more and I was like ‘Actually, it’s a really cool film’. The more time I spent in rehearsals looking through the script, which is the same as the film, we talked a lot about it being about bravery and becoming the person you want to be, regardless of your situation and people telling you you can’t. That’s very inspiring and I think that’s why it has done so well.

Simone: When I saw it I was like ‘I just want to be a part of this, to just be in there’ especially with scenes like Do You Love Me? where they’re just having a party and I remember

watching the Mambo and thinking ‘My goodness, I want to do that!’ and now I get to do it.

Michael and Kira, how much pressure is there to get the legendary lift right?

Kira: It’s a huge pressure because everyone is waiting for that lift. It’s so iconic to the film, isn’t it?

But when it comes to recreating it, I trust Michael.

I trust that even if I fall he’ll have my back, but touch wood nothing’s gone wrong yet.

Michael: The fun bit is when we do the lift in the water, which is done by visual effects. That’s fun because it’s where you get to mess it up and go wrong.

What other challenges does the show present for you physically?

Kira: I’m a trained dancer, but I have to appear like I’m not. I have to reverse everything I’ve been taught and make it look bad, without making it look like I’m trying to be bad.

Simone: The Mambo is quite challenging. It sort of comes out of nowhere and is really explosive and fast-paced.

Michael: It’s a very dance-heavy show, as you’d expect, but I don’t think I realised quite how dance-heavy it is until we started rehearsals. There are a few numbers back to back and you’re dripping with sweat, like ‘Oh man, we’ve got to go on for the next number’ before you’ve even got into the next costume. Physically it’s a tough show but that’s why we do it - we love that challenge.

The music is a massive part of the Dirty Dancing experience. Do you have a favourite song from the show?

Kira: Hungry Eyes. I love that song and always have. Before I even auditioned for the show it was my alarm in the morning!

Michael: For me it’s (I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life. It was a massive hit and it’s such a popular song.But it’s my favourite because it comes right at the end of the show. It’s such a climactic moment where everyone is on stage dancing together and there’s a moment where Johnny comes through the crowd so there’s a real connection with the audience.

Simone: Mine’s Do You Love Me? Love the routine, love the song, and it feels free where it’s like a party scene with your mates. It’s really raw and fun.

What are you all most looking forward to about taking the show on tour?

Kira: I love connecting with different audiences in different venues. We get excited moving around the country so we’re buzzing on stage and the audience feeds off that.

Michael: I think we’re really lucky to take the show on tour because we get an opening night every week. It also means you get to perform for a huge range of people and the fact you’re travelling together makes you a stronger company.

Simone: It keeps it exciting because you’re not within the same four walls for a long time. It feels new each time and for me, being from Australia, getting to travel the UK is awesome.

Dirty Dancing is at Swansea Grand Theatre from February 18-23 SWANSEA LIFE 155

WHAT’S ON

WHATS ON: HIGHLIGHTS THE FULL MONTY WHERE: Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff WHEN: March 11 – 16 The Full Monty is one of the most acclaimed British films ever and the stage play has become one of the most phenomenal theatrical productions ever. The show is about six-out-of-work, impoverished steelworkers from Sheffield with nothing to lose, who took the world by storm. Based on his smash hit film and adapted for the stage by Oscar-winning writer Simon Beaufoy, this hilarious and heartfelt production features Gary Lucy who has made the part of Gaz his own, and an all-star cast of Andrew Dunn, Louis Emerick, Joe Gill, Kai Owen and James Redmond as well as songs by Donna Summer, Hot Chocolate and Tom Jones.

Whitney - Queen of the Night WHERE: Swansea Grand Theatre WHEN : March 23, 7.30pm A stunning celebration of the music and life of one of the greatest singers of our time. This award winning production features a sensational line-up of musicians and artistes, and together with a powerhouse and breath-taking performance in the spirit of Whitney, deliver a show that exceeds expectation on every level.

Taking us on a magical rollercoaster ride through three decades of classic hit’s that include, I Wanna Dance With Somebody, One Moment In Time, I’m Every Woman, My Love is Your Love, So Emotional Baby, Run to You, Saving All My Love, I will Always Love You, and many more, this show beautifully remembers the most highly awarded female artist in the world.

Russell Kane: The Fast And The Curious 2019 Tour. 14+ WHERE: Swansea Grand Theatre WHEN: March 15, 8pm He’s back. The keenly-awaited brand new tour show is here. Packing more energy than a Duracell factory, Russell’s RS Turbo laugh engine will motor through love, family and life once again proving that the fast and the curious amongst us, see more stuff, and get more done. Multi-award winning comedian, presenter, actor, author and scriptwriter Russell Kane is best known for BBC Three’s Stupid Man, Smart Phone and the host of three series of BBC Three’s Live At The Electric. Other TV appearances include BBC One’s Live At The Apollo, BBC Three’s Unzipped, ITV2’s Celebrity Juice and I’m A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here Now.

Fame - The definitive 30th anniversary tour.

WHERE: Swansea Grand Theatre WHEN : April 1 - April 6 Based on the 1980 phenomenal pop culture film of the same name, Fame The Musical is the international smash hit sensation following the lives of students at New York’s High School For The Performing Arts as they navigate their way through the highs and lows, the romances and the heartbreaks and the ultimate elation of life.

This bittersweet but uplifting triumph of a show explores the issues that confront many young people today: prejudice, identity, pride, literacy, sexuality, substance abuse and perseverance.

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ONE FOR THE KIDS: BING LIVE!

WHERE: Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot WHEN: March 24 and 25 Minor Entertainment presents the CBeebies favourite on stage in Bing Live!Premiere UK Tour in 2018 – Bing Goes to the Theatre Calling all “Bingsters”! Bing and his friends are going on tour in the first ever Bing stage show! Join Bing, Sula, Coco and Pando as they learn how to tell stories by pretending, dressingup and singing songs. Flop and Amma are there to help, but in this magical world of make-believe things don’t always go according to plan. The CBeebies favourites are brought to life in a brand new stage production full of fun, laughter, music and magical puppetry. Bing Live! is the perfect first theatre trip for pre-schoolers and their families.

Essential Entertainment at the Gwyn Hall...

Tickets are now available for the following shows at the GWYN HALL in February and March 2019...

Thursday 28th February

Jason Donovan and his Amazing Midlife Crisis Tour

Friday 8th March

Islands in the Stream – Enjoy the songs of Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers

Wednesday 13th March

Joe Longthorne 50th Anniversary Tour

Friday 15th March

Jethro The Count of Cornwall

Saturday 23rd March

Walk Like A Man – A Superb tribute to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons

Thursday 28th March

The Fureys – Legends of Irish Music & Song

Saturday 30th March

Rod Woodward – Award Winning Welsh Comedian

16+

Orchard Street | Neath | SA11 1DU | Tel: 0300 365 6677 | www.gwynhall.com

|

SOCIAL DIARY • BOOK LAUNCH

BOOK LAUNCH WHere: Dragon Hotel, Swansea Tell Me More: Swansea author and multi-award winning transformation coach, Joy Ogeh-Hutfield, launched her 4th book Reflections of the Soul, with an evening of inspirational poetry.

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SOCIAL DIARY • PARTY

Dani Dee Dance School PARTY WHere: Dani Dee Studio Tell Me More: Dani Dee Dance School held its Christmas party at its Swansea studio. Pictures: Hoosh Arabi

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SOCIAL DIARY • West Wales Business Awards

West Wales Business Awards WHere: Stradey Park Hotel, Llanelli Tell Me More: The West Wales Business Awards 2019. celebrating the success of some of the region’s leading businesses. The principal sponsor was the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. Category sponsors were: Securahome, Merlin’s Walk, Red Kite Law, LTC Mobility, Nuwave, Morgan La Roche, Homestore Interiors, JCP Solicitors and Coleg Sir Gar. Pictures: Hoosh Arabi

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SOCIAL DIARY • PARTY

Oil 4 Wales Party WHere: Towers Hotel and Spa Tell Me More: Oil 4 Wales, Wales’s leading oil provider, held their annual belated Christmas Party last month at the Towers Hotel Spa. Pictures: Hoosh Arabi

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SOCIAL DIARY • launch PARTY

Positano Italian restaurant launch WHere: Positano Italian restaurant in Swansea’s SA1 Tell Me More: A VIP launch attended by local businesses, Press and friends and family for the opening of the waterfront eaterie in the J shed in King’s Road headed up by Leon Hogan and Jenna Grove. Pictures by Jonathan Myers.

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TIME FOR YOU

BY INVITATION W I T H

E D D I E

W H I T N E Y

Swansea businessman Eddie Whitney keeps us up to date with his charity work and social diary...

Hopes & Dreams have many hopes and dreams for the coming year, the biggest dream is that we return to a simpler time, one in which we put the needs of the family and our children at the forefront.

is not wealth or celebrity but being able to have the things in life we all desire, health, happiness and a strong set of family values.

I

These days we are measured by likes, followers and how many hits we have on YouTube instead of how much we have done for others. We will ultimately be judged by the good we do and not our bank balance.

I aim to make changes in my life in the year to come, to spend more time doing the things I love and being with the people that make me happy, I will try to make a difference to the lives of those who need our help and ignore the negative and ignorant background noise that we all seem to focus on in this social media crazy age.

A time when community was strong and we cared about and looked out for each other, friends, neighbours and family.

We would spend long summer days at the beaches around Swansea, my favourite being Three Cliffs close to my home in Southgate, the long walk down to the beach and the even longer walk home uphill after an exhausting day having fun in the sun.

We would play games with everyone on the beach, young and old alike, share our food and drinks, see old friends and make new ones, some that last a lifetime other just ships that pass in the night.

Pennard Carnival was the highlight of the year in our village, a true community event, every business and group would join together and work day and night to make this a celebration to be talked about all year round.

Families and friends joining together for the good of the community.

The rest of the year we would perform in the Abbey Players Amateur Dramatic Society.

We would make the sets, costumes and props, ane would sell thousands of tickets by spreading the word and involving all the local artists and craftsmen from the Swansea area.

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Pantomime would run from November until March selling out the Grand theatre every night. I miss the days when a visit to the theatre was a special event full of magic and excitement for the whole family. We live in a world of instant gratification and have lost the innocence of days gone by.

We are bombarded with fake news, trolling on the internet and everybody thinking they can become an instant success just by becoming a celebrity with no substance. Working hard to achieve your goals and ambitions seems to be a thing of the past.

We need to find a life balance where our hard work brings the rewards it deserves, this

I wish you all the happiness you desire, and may all your dreams come true.

Eddie x

SWA NSE A

LIFE

Valentine’s Gift Guide LAURA DAVIES rounds up Valentine’s gifts for the love of your life laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk

@LawsDx

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TIME FOR YOU Talking Tables Decadent Garden Pink Flower Pom Poms, £13.99, Talkingtables.co.uk

Heart Garland, £1, Poundland.co.uk

SWA NSE A

LIFE

Silver Forever Heart Ring, £18, Oliver Bonas, Cardiff

Valentine’s Gift Guide

Straight From The Heart Chocolates, Box of 35, 100g, £40, Hotel Chocolat, Cardiff

LAURA DAVIES rounds up Valentine’s gifts for the love of your life laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk

Reger by Janet Reger Bra, £24, Thong, £12.50, Debenhams, Swansea

@LawsDx

Talking Tables Party Illuminations ‘Love’ Neon Light, £65, Talkingtables.co.uk

Love Potion Trinket Dish £9.50, Oliver Bonas, Cardiff Guylian Belgian Chocolates, £4, Guylian.com Knicker Blocker Glorious Gift, £12.95, Lush, Swansea

Tom Ford Beau De Jour (Male Fragrance)-50ml £162 , John Lewis, Cardiff

Wild About You Candle, £8, Riverisland.co.uk

The Valentine’s Cheese & Wine Hamper, £41.50, Cuckooland.co.uk Macaroon, £65, Office, Swansea

Red Trench Coat, £70, Next, Swansea and Morfa Retail Park

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Google Home Mini HandsFree Smart Speaker, Chalk, £49, Curry’s, Morfa Retail Park

Metal Light Heart, £14.99, Very.co.uk

Flip Sequin Heart Cushion, £12, M&Co, Cardiff

Piccadilly Sweet Parade ‘Love Heart’ Sweet Jar, 180g, £5, John Lewis, Cardiff

Set of 3 Fan Hearts, £1, Poundland.co.uk

First Love Bulb, £25, Oliver Bonas, Cardiff

George Home Light Box, £3, George at Asda, Parc Trostre Talking Tables Party Illuminations Heart Neon Light, £65, Talkingtables.co.uk

Orla Kiely Gold Plated Charm Bracelet, £130, Orlakiely.com

George Home Trivia Game, £2, George at Asda, Llansamlet and Llanelli

Trollbeads Valentine Beads, £85, Trollbeads, Trollbeads.com

George Home Heart Cookie Cutters, £1, George at Asda, Llansamlet and Gorseinon

Valentine’s Crackers, £6, Sainsbury’s, Swansea

Bobbi Brown Haute Nude Eyeshadow Palette, £39.50, Debenhams, Swansea

Grow Your Own Boyfriend £1 Poundland, Swansea

Phone Charger Compact, £29.99, Emmabridgewater.co.uk

Fitbit Charge 3, Health and Fitness Tracker, Black, £199.99, John Lewis, Cardiff

Personalised Silver Couple Key Ring Mr & Mrs, £11.99, Gettingpersonal.co.uk

Envela, £50, Dune, Cardiff

Heart Print Cushion, £20, River Island, Swansea

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TIME FOR YOU Medium Tin Love Chocolates, £35, Biscuiteersbaking.co.uk

Blush Cross Body Quilted Bag, £29.99, TK Maxx, Parc Trostre

Heart Print Jumper, £28, M&Co, Cardiff

Neon Wall Light, £7, Tiger Stores, Swansea

Orla Kiely Sterling Silver Open Stem Necklace, £98, Orlakiely.com

Edinburgh Gin Raspberry Liqueur, 50cl, £18, Tesco, Parc Fforestfach

Soap and Glory The Righteous Butter Tin, £11, Boots, Swansea MW by Matthew Williamson Coloured Frame 5x7, £18, Debenhams, Swansea

Anna G. Corkscrew and Alessandro M. Corkscrew by Alessandro Mendini, £32 and £29, Alessi.com

Love Faux Fur Hot Water Bottle, £24, Oliver Bonas, Cardiff

Racing Green Printed Bike Conversational Pink, £28, Debenhams, Swansea

Red Glitter Tea Lights x6, £3, Paperchase at Next, Morfa Retail Park

Big Love Set of Four Tea Spoons in Stainless Steel, with PVD Coating, Golden Pink by Miriam Mirri, £21, Alessi.com

Pink and White Silk Bow Tie, £5.99, TK Maxx, Morfa Retail Park

Engraved Wooden Photo Frame Lasting Love Heart, £16.99, Gettingpersonal.co.uk

B by Ted Baker Dressing Gown, £42, Debenhams, Swansea

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Emma Bridgewater Mug, £14.95, Emmabridgewater.co.uk

Love Hearts 4 in a Row, £4, Tiger Stores, Swansea

Climbing Blossom Silicone Travel Cup, £14, Cath Kidston, Cardiff 2 Heart Shaped Silicone Egg Rings, £5, Dunelm, Parc Pemberton

Apology Pad, £1, Poundland, Swansea

Raspberry Champagne Truffles, £15, Royal Opera House shop, Shop.roh.org.uk

John Lewis & Partners Le Creuset Cast Iron Heart Casserole, Cerise, £160, John Lewis, Cardiff

Rose Lights, £1, Poundland, Swansea

TIME FOR YOU

Sebra Cotbed and Junior in Pink, £725, Nubie.co.uk

Wilko Inflatable Baby Extra Large Elephant Print Roller, £5, Wilko, Swansea Muslin, £10, JoJo Maman and Parc Trostre Bébé, Cardiff

OH BABY

Crochet Pull Along Dino, £40, Nubie.co.uk

LAURA DAVIES rounds up newborn essentials, gifts and keepsakes for your little ones laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk

@LawsDx

Offspring Travel Toy Lion Spiral, £19, Mamas and Papas, Cardiff

Wilko Baby Turtle Plush, £5, Wilko, Swansea

Bunny Knitted Romper, £25, Mamas and Papas, Cardiff

Bunny Hat and Mitts, £12, Mamas and Papas, Cardiff

Tommee Tippee Advanced Anti-Colic Complete Feeding Set, £84.99, Mothercare, Parc Tawe

Newborn Baby Gift Set, £39.99.

Cuddledry.com My 1st Years Grey Star Tall Storage Bag, £40, www. my1styears.com

Grey Spot Print Folding Changing Mat, £12, JoJo Maman Bébé, Cardiff

Colours A Finger Trail Adventure, £6.99, Matchstickmonkey.com

My 1st Years Blue Elephant Push Along, £18, www.my1styears.com

My 1st Years Personalised Unicorn Rocker, £100, www.my1styears.com Bashful Bunny Blankie, £16.50, JoJo Maman Bébé, Cardiff

Purepotions Chamomile Baby Oil 200ml, £11.99, 100% Natural Lavender Nappy Salve 50ml, £8.99, Holland and Barrett, Swansea and Purepotions.co.uk

Nuna Leaf Grow, £200, Sena Aire, £180, Nuna ZAZZ, £200, Nuna.eu/uk

Aqua Scale Baby Bath & Scales, £69.99, John Lewis, Cardiff SWANSEA LIFE 173

Sixth Form Open Evening Thursday 7th February

Whole School Open Morning Friday 8th March

Book your place today to find out more about our high achieving school 60.9% A* & A at A-Level in 2018, which places us in the Top 30 of all co-ed independent schools UK-wide U

Credit: The Sunday Times

01554 820325

admissions@stmikes.co.uk

www.stmikes.co.uk

Help Maggie’s help people with cancer

kitchen table day

Friday 29 March

or a day that works for you.

Gather around your kitchen table and raise money for people with cancer.

Register online for your free fundraising pack. maggiescentres.org/kitchentableday Maggie Keswick Jencks Cancer Caring Centres Trust (Maggie’s) is a registered charity, No.SC024414

TIME FOR YOU

ASK

PETER LYNN & PARTNERS

Are you a police officer thinking about divorce?

Don’t overlook one of your biggest assets -your pension

Police officers are ranked among the top 10 jobs in the UK for pension benefits.This is particularly true if you have served for more than 20 yearsand are in the 1987 Pension Scheme.

The 1987 scheme provides a pension at two thirds of a pensionable salary on retirement and completion of 30 years of service.

Under that scheme, a police officer earning £32,000 a year on retirement at 60 would receive around £21,000 a year in pension or be able to take a maximum cash sum of around £100,000 and a reduced pension of around £16,000, for example.

While that may be good news for your upcoming retirement, it also means that your pension is one of your biggest assets.

So, when it comes to thinking about divorce or dissolving a civil partnership, it’s vital that you protect your pension rights just as you would any other asset.

Catrin Stephens - Divorce Specialist for Uniformed Sector talks this month about police officers and their pension

It’s important that once you reach an agreement on the division of assets, that you obtain an order from the court to ensure no further claims against your pension can be made.

How can the court deal with police pensions in divorce cases?

There are three ways a court can deal with pensions in divorces and civil partnership dissolutions...

• Pension sharing –Your spouse or partner is given a share of your pension pot which legally becomes their money.It can be transferred within the Police pension scheme into a new fund in your spouse’s name.

• Pension offsetting–The value of your pension is offset against other assets, such as your home, in a clean break settlement.

It’s important that this is done fairly, so we recommend that you receive expert advice before agreeing to this.

• Pension attachment –A form of maintenance payment from your pension pot to your former spouse or partner. This is done using a pension attachment order and your former spouse receives payments when you are drawing them.

What do I need to do to protect my police pension?

Ensure that you know the details of your pension scheme and how much it could be worth. Check with an Independent Financial Adviser or the Pension Advisory Service.Get good legal representation, lawyers just like Peter Lynn &Partners, who understand the importance of factoring your police pension into your divorce negotiationsfrom the outset.

Ask your lawyers if they have dealt with divorce or civil partnership dissolutions involving pension assets before, and look for an experienced, empathetic team who will understand that this is a difficult and traumatic time for you.

Why choose Peter Lynn & Partners?

We have an experienced divorce team who have handled complex cases and cases involving the emergency services and armed forces personnel.

Our team often advises on pensions, asset splitting, investments, property, and financial orders and settlements.

For more informationand to arrange a free initial meeting, call 01792 450010 or email Divorce@plandp.co.uk

For expert advice on divorce or any family law matter, call 01792 450010 or email Divorce@plandp.co.uk to arrange a free initial meeting.

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Linda, Pledger Cardiff

Duncan, Researcher Cardiff

I pledge to leave a gift in my Will to enable more progress in the future

to keep being curious and save more lives

Pledge right now to leave a gift in your Will to Cancer Research UK and together we will beat cancer for future generations For more info visit cruk.org/pledge

Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666) and the Isle of Man (1103)

Together we will beat cancer

NEXT MONTH IN SWANSEA LIFE

Mother’s Day Gift Guide Spring Fashion Trends Get Ready for Easter New Season Beauty Real Weddings Seasonal Home Updates DON’T MISS! OUT MARCH 11

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