LifeStyle Wales Issue 8 - Festive Edition

Festive Edition 24

Complimentary Copy

.co.uk

NERVES OF STEELE

LEADING THE WAY

Boutique business owner has been set a challenge of raising £20,000 for Hope Rescue

Dr Ros’ new revolutionary clinic aims to help optimise people’s health and well-being

SPECIAL TREAT

ALL THE TRIMMINGS

Lavish your loved-ones in festive opulence within Swansea’s Number One Hotel

Thank Krunchie for helping us to make the perfect gravy for our Christmas Day dinner

FESTIVE SPARKLE

From festive afternoon teas and wreath making, to the perfect party venue and gift ideas - we’ve got you covered this issue!

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

W

HELLO

elcome to the Festive Edition of LifeStyle Wales. From decadent afternoon teas and luscious wreath making, to finding the perfect party venue and great gift ideas for your loved ones - we’ve got you covered!

Featured: SAFE AS HOUSES - P13

An invaluable addition to any property, ensuring your home, your family and you stay safe

First up, within our most popular section, we chat to Leanne Davies of Gower Coast Kitchens about the importance of collaborating with other highly-skilled Welsh professionals - team work makes the dream work!

For those who love house plants, Plant + Pot owner Harry Thorpe teaches us ways on how to look after them, as well as showcasing the many workshops on offer from his wonderful store - check it out on pages 20 and 21.

If you’re thinking about starting your own business in 2025, we chat to a wonderful couple - Morgan Wilce and Wiktoria Folga about their journey into entrepreneurship as we feature both their businesses - Birchwood Motors and Esthete Studio.

Feeling lucky this December? Why not bet on Wales’ most decorated athlete Lauren Price - The Lucky One, as she defends both her WBA titles on December 14th against Colombia’s undefeated contender Bexcy Mateus in Liverpool - not to be missed!

MEET THE TEAM Managing Director - Donna Goodall Email: donna@lifestylewales.co.uk Mob: 07482 312 435 Tel: 029 2089 4831

To get you in the Christmas Spirit, we pay a visit to the Sherman Theatre for a sneak peek of this year’s festive show. Their hilarious adaptation of Dickens’ uplifting classic story has Ebbie Scrooge being taught the most valuable lesson of all by three very interesting ghosts.

If you’re looking for somewhere new to celebrate Christmas this December, why not lavish your loved-ones in festive opulence at Swansea’s Number One Boutique Hotel? Morgans Hotel has a whole host of yuletide events happening throughout December discover more on page 53.

This is just a taste of what’s available within our Festive Edition, all that’s left for you to do now is to simply turn the page and enjoy!

Nadolig Llawen - Mike On behalf of the LifeStyle Wales team we would like to wish our readers a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year !

Media Sales Director - Cathy Parsons Email: cathy@lifestylewales.co.uk Mob: 07977 967 777 Tel: 029 2089 4831

Finally, thank you to all of our advertisers and contributors for your input and support in making this edition the luxury read that it is - we look forward to working with you in 2025.

Best Wishes - Donna Published by DMG Publications Ltd. Cardiff CF24 2SA

Editorial & Design - Michael Williams Email: michael@lifestylewales.co.uk Tel: 029 2089 4831

Cover Image: Adobe Stock

Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher.

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of the contents, the publisher cannot accept any responsibility for errors or omissions. Some images may be used for illustration purposes only, please contact the advertiser for exact specifications. No infringement of copyright is intended.

MISER GETS WISER - P45

Morden twist on Dicken’s classic tale.

ADULTS ONLY - P34

Get ready to party at Techniquest this December as the last After Hours event of the year goes live.

IT’S GOOD TO BE HOME - P43

Reasons to choose Live-in Care for your loved one, from personalised support to greater independence.

THE FINER THINGS - P46

Your tattoo experience should be comfortable and set in stylish surroundings.

BLOK OUT YOUR DIARY - P54 Celebrate with our festive Afternoon Tea, festive Sunday Lunch, group dining at Blok.

FESTIVE FEASTING - P56

This wonderful catering business is renowned for its exuberant platter displays.

CONTENTS

NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS - P58 Fabulous venue for Christmas Parties and to see in 2025.

A NEW SPACE - P9

A Sanctuary of Danish Design at Cardiff Gate’s furniture store.

GET CREATIVE - P17

Instead of spending thousands on a new kitchen, save money with replacement doors and worktops.

BOTANY PLANTS TODAY - P20

We pay a visit to the only independent indoor house plant store in central Cardiff.

PICTURE PERFECT - P24

A fine selection of unique Christmas gifts that can be enjoyed for a lifetime.

GIVE A DOG A HOME - P29

Cardiff Dogs Home needs help in finding forever homes for the loveable animals in their care.

LADY LUCK - P32

Lauren Price MBE (OLY) to Defend World Titles on December 14th in Liverpool..

FINDING MY HAPPY PLACE - P22

Exclusive Home Fragrance and Beauty Collection with Fearne Cotton

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Your Christmas shopping all wrapped up...

Give an experience to remember and turn your gift into something special!

Afternoon Tea | Spa Treatment | Golf Lesson | Overnight Stay Round of Golf | Sunday Lunch | Afternoon Tea & Distillery Tour

01443 667800 | www.valeresort.com/gifts Vale Resort, Hensol Park, Hensol, Vale of Glamorgan, CF72 8JY

LW.10.24

Pamper Day | A La Carte Dinner | Monetary Vouchers and More...

Pure happiness from Denmark

Visit our DESIGNER SOFAS store and discover our huge selection of SOFAS, DINING, and ACCESSORIES UP TO 5 YEARS Interest Free Credit 02920 735901 info@designersofascardiff.co.uk DESIGNER SOFAS Cardiff Gate Retail Park, Dering Road, Cardiff, CF23 8NL

NEW SPACE T A Sanctuary of Danish Design in Cardiff

his December, Robert and Roger Mynett - visionaries who previously introduced Natuzzi to Wales - are set to unveil their newest venture, Nest Space.

Teaming up with Simon Lichtenberg, founder and CEO of Trayton Group, the Mynett brothers are now the sole UK distributors of this refined Danish furniture concept, bringing authentic Scandinavian craftsmanship and design directly to Cardiff.

At Nest, Danish design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating living spaces that resonate with calm and comfort. This exclusive furniture collection seamlessly merges elegance with functional beauty, inspired by the Danish philosophy of “hygge”—an idea of warmth and well-being.

In every room, from living to dining, the clean lines, minimalist appeal, and luxurious materials transform homes into tranquil retreats. These pieces invite you to linger, to relax, and to rediscover the joy of being at home.

Nest will welcome guests to its Cardiff Bay showroom on Havannah Street (next to St. David’s hotel) by appointment, offering an intimate boutique environment for a personalised experience. For those eager to explore, the Cardiff Gate Retail Park showroom, located within the Designer Sofas store, opens on Boxing Day. This dual-location strategy enables us to showcase the two collections of Nest and Serene.

Nest’s commitment to sustainability and safety in the home is woven into every piece. Crafted from natural materials - leathers, woods, and stones - Nest furniture promises low-emission products, zero formaldehyde, and carbon-neutral manufacturing.

The ergonomic engineering and use of high-resilience foam, premium fibres, and feather-filled cushions ensure that comfort is paramount, while timeless Danish aesthetics make each piece a lasting addition to any home.

In collaboration with the Trayton Group, one of the world’s foremost luxury furniture brands, Nest exemplifies a unique fusion of Nordic design and global reach. This partnership guarantees that every piece adheres to the highest standards, making Nest a true ambassador of quality and style.

As Nest prepares to redefine luxury living in Wales, it invites you to experience not just furniture but an elevated lifestyle —one crafted with care, beauty, and the spirit of “hygge.”

Nest Space at Cardiff Bay (by appointment) Havannah Street, Cardiff CF10 5SF 07528 538832 Nest Space at Designer Sofas, Cardiff Gate Retail Park, Pontprennau, Cardiff CF23 8NL 029 2073 5901

DREAM TEAM Julia James of Jasmine Interiors with Leanne Davies of Gower Coast Kitchens

ACHIEVING MORE

stablished on the Gower Peninsular in 2018 by husband and wife team Rob and Leanne Davies, Gower Coast Kitchens are specialists when it comes to designing bespoke kitchens for their clients.

MADE IN BRITAIN Rangemaster cooker by Brisco Williams, Penllergaer 01792 892 357

The couple have won numerous awards for their design-conscious kitchens, and they are proud of their achievements - one simply has to read the highly-rated customer reviews to encapsulate GCK’s all-round high standards.

Ultimately, GCK specialises in interiors, collaborating with Welsh interior designers, as well as many national and international designer brands.

LifeStyle Wales recently caught up with Leanne. Whilst visiting client Karen Wilson’s lovely home during her design appointment, GCK were tasked with creating a quirky modern open plan kitchen with island, whilst maximising the flow of natural light into the room from the large South-facing windows.

Karen fell in love with the chic contrast of navy blue and pretty rose pink colours, selecting a sleek timber shaker, and trading handles for a simple handleless rail in brushed brass. This warms up the cool tone of the navy blue, and provides a more sophisticated feel.

GCKs dream team Rob and Steven, lowered the window sill, and replaced the window, to enable a flush integrated sill and work surface, whilst also boosting the natural light in the room.

Karen said: “The fantastic fitters just got on with the job, cleaned up after themselves, and ate lots of Welsh cakes - with a bit of a competition to find the best ones!”

CHIC CONTRAST Hartforth blue & dry rose, with brass finishes and natural timber accents, luxurious quartz by Granite Worktops, Crofty 01792 850 241

Images by Raul Rucarean of www.raphotography.org.uk

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Highly skilled professionals work together to create truly magnificent kitchens

“The finished result is stunning Rob and Leanne made the whole process so easy. A big thank you to them and all involved in making my new kitchen a reality.”

GCK’s Design Director, Leanne Davies, told LifeStyle Wales: “We did have a few challenges to overcome.”

“The position of a supporting pillar in the centre of the room was a little daunting, since part of our design brief was to create a good sized island, with lots of storage as well as plenty of seating.

“The pillar was incorporated into the island, making the most of the available space. What is actually now a kind of peninsular, looks great, and retains the more spacious feel of an island.

“Other exquisite features include a bespoke breakfast cabinet with bi-folding doors, ambient LED lighting, and luxurious quartz work surfaces, providing Karen with a truly unique, functional, and beautiful kitchen.”

One factor that seems to enable GCK to continue to create such wonderful kitchens for their clients, is that they work very closely with other articulate specialists, and only work with those held in paralleled high esteem, for their skill, quality, and care.

One such specialist is interior designer Julia James of Jasmine Interiors, who worked closely on this project with Leanne and Karen.

Julia has great skill in creating thoughtfully designed kitchens, and is incredibly talented in styling, especially for the all important finishing touches - the perfect décor, artworks, and accessories.

Leanne added: “It is only by working with so many talented individuals, that we can provide such a high level of quality and service. We are all specialists in our field, and we simply couldn’t do what we do without collaborating with firms like Jasmine Interiors.”

“We realise that designing and installing a new kitchen is a very important project for anyone to undertake, which is why we believe that your furniture should bring you joy and inspiration - it should be an expression of you and your lifestyle, in function, practicality and style.

“We genuinely love what we do, and so devoting time and care to each project is really important to us.”

So, if you’re looking to renovate your kitchen in 2025, why not give Leanne and Rob a call? Alternatively, visit one of their showrooms or book a consultation online.

Brisco Williams Showroom Penllergaer Road, Swansea SA4 9GG gowercoastkitchens.co.uk info@gowercoastkitchens.co.uk 07974 760996 01792 851778

UNIQUE STYLE Selected décor by Leaf Interiors, Pyle, Bridgend 01656 745 021

HAPPY CLIENT Karen Wilson enjoying her beautiful new kitchen.

FROM ONLY

£995 FITTED

Designed by you. Expertly installed by Vale Composite Doors.

Our HomeView Door Designer offers a simple to follow step by step process, enabling you to construct your ideal composite door and see how it looks on your home. We can offer you a custom quote, based on your exact specifications.

Call us on 01446 310 103 or 01443 504 004

www.valecompositedoors.co.uk

SAFE AS HOUSES

An invaluable addition to any property, ensuring your home, your family and you stay safe

V

ale Glazing provide a first class building and installation service using the highest quality PVCu and aluminum products on the market.

Products include windows, conservatories, orangeries, sun rooms, tiled roof extensions, porches and doors all available with a free design visit to ensure our products not only meet, but exceed your expectations.

During the winter, when nights are darker, crime is more rampant. Theft is often cited as a stand out reason for homeowners to move property, so it’s important that you get a door design that protects you from potential intruders.

The Secured by Design (SBD) scheme has been put in place as an initiative to ‘design out crime’, responding to modern statistics and techniques to ensure cutting-edge protection.

Secured by Design composite doors offer a standard of protection that ensures the property they are installed into are 75% less likely to be burgled, showing a reduction of 25% in criminal damage.

SBD doors are glazed with 4mm toughened safety glass, either double or triple glazed. This glazing design meets BSEN1279 standards for complete door protection.

These doors are renowned for their strength and security, a 48mm thick cross-bonded veneered laminated solid timber core delivers unrivalled strength and dimensional stability and is a natural choice for high security, providing our customers with peace of mind.

Many composite doors on the market utilise a traditional ‘stile and rail’ internal subframe, which offers inferior performance when compared to the solid LVL core. This is important to note when you are looking for a new door for your home.

The team at Vale Composite Doors understand the importance of feeling safe in your home, which is why they only offer the most secured designs that will not only protect, but compliment the aesthetic of your home too.

Why not have a go at designing your own dream composite door using their exciting HomeView Door Designer? Simply upload an external photograph of the door you wish to replace and add your chosen design to the image. This is a great way to see what the finished product could look like.

Visit valecompositedoors.co.uk to find out more.

Vale of Glamorgan 01446 310 103 Rhondda Cynon Taf 01443 504 004

RESET AND RECHARGE Enjoy and treat yourself to a much needed break in 2025 with nickybrightholidays.com

Waterfall Country Escape

A

Ynys Arms

The Old Stables

n intimate venue suited to all your needs from celebrations, gatherings, coaching seminars, business meetings, crew filming, weddings and extended large families.

Licensed Wedding Venue - Entire private hire of the property which is enclosed within a large private garden over looking fields.

Our venue offers accommodation sleeping up to 26 people.

The venue includes breakout areas, dining area, lounge, kitchen, outdoor undercover patio, outdoor play area, BBQ area, bicycle storage, pet kennels, WiFi, 75” SKY Sports TV and ample free parking.

Ynysmeudwy Road, Pontardawe, Swansea SA8 4QJ

O

nce a working Welsh pub, now the perfect place for families and groups to hire.

Set in the Welsh mountains on the edge of the “Bannau Brycheiniog” National Park know as the Brecon Beacons. A short drive away and you’ll discover “Henryd Waterfalls” - the highest waterfalls in South Wales.

Our venue offers four open plan self contained apartments on the first floor, large kitchen, bar, lounge and restaurant.

Outdoor activities can be found all around you, from walking, cycling, mountain biking, off roading, Zipworld, Dan yr Ogof Showcaves, the Monkey Sanctuary, Walters Motorsport Area, Bike Park Wales, Henryd waterfalls, and not forgetting Pen-y-Fan “Bannau Brycheiniog” Brecon Beacons.

T

he Old Stables is a beautiful luxury cottage facing south over looking green fields. Every detail of the property has been carefully thought through with only you our guest in mind.

When you enter the property, you will notice a hammock covers an open space in the above ceiling, a great relaxation place.

Take time out to read, sleep, listen to music, watch TV or gaze at the dark skies, which Illuminate the stars.

Pembroke is a peaceful, tranquil paradise with millions of years worth of history for you to explore.

“The Old Stables” is within a 10 minute walk of Pembroke Castle, with a shorter walk in to town. You will find independent retailers, bars and a night club.

After a day of adventures you can return to your venue and enjoy a relaxing evening with a BBQ or a quiet beer relaxing around the log fire..

When you enter the cottage you will feel instantly at home, everything you require for your stay is awaiting you - wine fridge, dishwasher, Kadai, BBQ, fire-pit along with a beautiful bath tub to soak away the journey west.

38 Station Road, Coelbren, Neath Valley, Powys SA10 9PN

Grove Hill, Pembroke, Pembrokeshire SA71 5PT

GET CREATIVE Save money with replacement doors and worktops

K

itchen Creations is a family run business that has been providing unrivalled high-quality service to homeowners of South Wales for almost 20 years.

During that time they have built-up a sterling reputation for their reliability, quality installation, and customer focused service.

Director Lee Annetts told Lifestyle Wales: “We offer a seamless service, from our initial consultation about your requirements, to design, planning, and installation.”

“We can do as much or as little as you wish to suit your individual needs and budget.

“If you would like a complete change, we can design your dream kitchen incorporating your ideas while completely managing the whole process to your total satisfaction.

“If the cost of a full kitchen re-fit is too daunting, why not transform your kitchen by simply upgrading your kitchen doors, drawer fronts and other accessories - you could save thousands and end up with a kitchen that looks completely brand new.

“We have an extensive range of kitchen doors available in many different styles ranging from vinyl and acrylics to handmade solid wood painted doors in a range of colours.

“There are hundreds of colour and style combinations to choose from – the hardest part of the process will be choosing your favourite!

“Once you’ve decided on your style and colour, let us do the rest.

Most of our kitchen refits can be done in just a couple of days, so you won’t have to wait too long until your old kitchen becomes your new dream kitchen.

“But, if you are looking to give the room a completely new overhaul, then we can match your new kitchen worktops with matching splash-backs as well as cupboard doors and drawers, as well as many other kitchen accessories that you may need depending on your lifestyle.”

Kitchen Creations works with the best local suppliers including Aspire, to provide products to give you the perfect kitchen facelift, whether you’re looking for a more modern, minimalist feel or something more traditional such as a country-style kitchen.

Rest assured, Kitchen Creations will make sure that your new-look kitchen will be installed without all of the hassle that a full re-fit comes with.

Lee added: “With many successful kitchen refurbishments under our belts, we can always offer advice on the type of work surface that you could choose.

“Ultimately, the choice is yours, so if you’re after a laminate worktop or even something in granite or Quartz we can be of service.

“You’ll be amazed at the range of colours and styles to choose from – too many for us to show here – so give us a call and we can arrange a home visit, to discuss your needs and the witness first-hand the many options available.”

Piccadilly Square, 1A Mill Rd, Caerphilly CF83 3FD 029 2117 5000 mykitchencreations.co.uk info@mykitchencreations.co.uk Facebook: @kitchencreationswales

DRIVEN AMBITION

Morgan Wilce

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Quality used cars for sale in Cardiff

n the space of a few years, young entrepreneur Morgan Wilce has done what most teenagers dream about - built-up a successful multi-million pound business. Birchwood Motors was born from a passion of cars, which must run in his blood as his grandfather Lionel Wilce also ran a car dealership in the 1960s.

Morgan told LifeStyle Wales: “The year was 1967 and my grandfather ‘Pops’ had taken his first steps into the world of cars, starting exactly where anyone would in Cardiff at the time, City Road.

“Beginning his journey as a mechanic and working his way through the ranks, he became owner of his own showroom located in the heart of the road of a thousand cars. Called ‘General Motors’, he seemed to think using the name of a popular American manufacturer at the time might generate some attention, and it certainly did.

“He would work tirelessly day and night trying his up-most to be the best, not the biggest, not the cheapest, but the best.

“It was his passion, and everyone who knew him could agree on one thing, he achieved his goal.

“My journey began in much of the same way, I started as a Saturday boy cleaning cars at a local dealership where I endeavoured to learn the trade, I tried to get involved in all aspects of the business learning skills such as cleaning, photography, selling and the art of buying a good car.

“Working alongside my studies I decided this was the path for me and so, at age just 14, I bought my first car from an advertisement I had seen in a newsagent window. I sold it from the house in a matter of days and instantly I was hooked, it sparked a passion which I still carry on to this day.

“I’ve spent the following years working harder and harder to try and grow my own business Birchwood Motors into what it is today and like Pops, I don’t desire to be the biggest, I don’t desire to be the cheapest, but I DO desire to be the best.

“We are open six days a week from 9am until 6pm Monday to Saturday, and from 10am until 5pm on Sunday. Appointments can also be arranged for daytimes or evenings to suit your personal requirements.”

Morgan has more than 50 cars in stock at one time, ranging from 4x4 Range Rovers and Porsche Sports Cars, to Volkswagen Hatchbacks and Volvo Estates. If there’s something in particular that you’re after, Morgan and his team can also try and source what you’re looking for in your price range.

Lionel Wilce

Plus, there are multiple finance options available, with prices starting from as little as £110 per month to help spread the cost - helping you to spend more on your family and the things that you love.

Morgan added: “We promise to be better and cheaper than anyone else - if you find an identical vehicle that’s better and cheaper than us, we will price match plus £100 (terms and conditions apply).”

The Filling Station, Penarth Road, CF11 8TW 029 2120 2902 birchwoodmotors.co.uk sales@birchwoodmotors.co.uk Facebook: @birchwoodmotorscardiff Instagram: @birchwoodmotors

HELP FOR CARDIFF TENANTS

We chat to a lady who needed help finding a rental property in Cardiff

W

hen it comes to renting a property it can be quite daunting, as there are many things to consider. Director of Capital Apartments, Jason Griffin, is no stranger when it comes to letting properties, as he has more than three decades worth of experience as a landlord.

His business, which is located in the Welsh capital, offers residential property management and luxury serviced accommodation exclusively to Cardiff home owners, but, not only does he help the people who own the properties, but also the tenants who rent them.

Jason said, “There are two sides to property management, which is why my team and I do our very best to keep both parties involved, happy - we do all the hard work and problem solve on a daily basis - this is what we do best.”

HAPPY TENANT Helen Donaldson required a spacious garden for her dog .

One such client, Helen Donaldson of Mountain Ash, wanted to move her family back to Cardiff to be closer to her family and friends.

Helen’s mother saw an online advert for Capital Apartments on social media, and forwarded on Jason’s contact details.

Helen told LifeStyle Wales: “When I spoke to Jason on the phone I gave him very specific criteria, which initially I thought may be quite a task. We knew we wanted to be close to the Whitchurch area as it would be easier for us to access family, plus we had to have garden space for our dog, a driveway as we have two cars and a minimum of three bedrooms. A garage was a big bonus too if at all possible and we had a budget in mind that we didn’t really want to exceed.

“I was really surprised how quickly Jason found a home for us. I think we were quite lucky, some may call it fate, as the property in question hadn’t been listed long - we were the first to view it and knew it was the perfect house for us.

“We bought new furniture for the property and had planned for it to arrive the week we were due to move in. I was then notified it was being delivered a week early. Having no space at our old house, I messaged Jason and asked if it was possible to have the furniture delivered to the new house. Jason replied confirming it wasn’t an issue. We were so relieved as not sure what we would have done if that had not been possible.

“Since moving in we’ve settled really well, and are more than happy. We’ve noticed a difference in our lives already, simply by not having to travel so far to see family and friends.

“Overall, it’s a very streamlined process, communication has been second to none, we know that we can contact Jason and his team at anytime for anything. The contracts were easy to read and we have peace of mind that if there are any future issues, we know they will be dealt with quickly and efficiently.”

So, if you’re looking to rent a property in Cardiff or are a home owner looking to lease in the Welsh capital, why not contact Jason and his team today? capitalapartment.com stay@acapitalapartment.com 029 2047 1512

PERFECT HOUSE The property ticked all of Helen’s boxes.

HERE TO HELP Capital Apartments team members.

BOTANY

PLANTS

TODAY We pay a visit to the only independent indoor house plant store in central Cardiff

N

estled in the Royal Arcade of central Cardiff, Plant+Pot is an independent house plant shop dedicated to nurturing a love for greenery.

Offering a delightful selection of quality plants, pots, soils, and accessories, Plant+Pot is a haven for house-plant enthusiasts of all levels.

Led by Harry Thope, who took over the business in January, the shop not only provides expert advice and guidance but also hosts engaging plant-based wellness workshops designed for individuals, schools, community groups, and businesses.

Harry told LifeStyle Wales: “Over the past 9 months I have seen the business grow massively - we have gone from just providing retail services to high street customers, to providing project work to offices, universities, shops, bars, cafés and restaurants.

“We have also started up a re-potting and care service, which is available both in store and home visits, a workshop series for both individuals and corporate events, as well as offering plant rental services for events and much more!

“This year we actually re-potted all of Charlotte Church’s 50+ plants!

Which ranged from little cacti all the way up to a few huge monsteras and ficuses! She was incredibly lovely throughout, keeping us topped up with cups of tea. She was ecstatic when we were all finished with the quality and speed of the service as well as the sensitivity and attention to detail in the build up and organisation of the work itself.

“Since taking over, General Store Manager Rhian has been indispensable, as she has been the backbone of the business for many years. Rhian has an encyclopaedic knowledge when it comes to plants and she is always more than happy to help and advise customers with their needs. The rest of our extended team, from in store, to workshops and travelling fairs all share the same love for plants and belief in the positivity they can bring everyone in their day to day lives!

“Ultimately our main purpose is to provide expert advice and services in a friendly, local manner. Hopefully we have created communal space for all types of plant lovers in South Wales! Being an ethical and sustainable business, we are always striving to find locally sourced, made and manufactured products for our amazing customers!

“We currently source all our stock from suppliers over in Bristol however we are currently taking further steps to look even closer, here in south Wales. We are looking for local ceramicists, growers and other plant-related businesses to collaborate with. All our packaging is recyclable and we want our products to be the same.

“At the moment we are striving to become registered as a BCorp. For us this is really important because it demonstrates the high levels of service but the way in which we deliver it. BCorps are all carefully and strictly screened to make sure they are doing business in the most ethical way, for people, planet and profit.

Harry Thorpe

TERRIUM BUILDING Whether you’re a plant enthusiast or just starting to explore the wonders of nature, this workshop offers an exciting opportunity to learn about the amazing plants we live with every day.

BOOK YOUR WORKSHOP

“Aside from this we look to reduce, reuse and recycle as much as we can in terms of things that come through the store - so you’ll often find washed and re-used nursery pots and other items going for a discounted price on our shelves.

“Our most popular plants bought by our customers throughout the year include snake plants, pothos, ZZ plants, and peace lilies, as these are generally the most easiest ones to care for. Naturally we get a lot of people interested in our giant, shiny monsteras and birds of paradise too - quite the statement piece!

“For the festive season, we have plenty of lovely plant gift ideas including the string of hearts for that someone special, money trees for good fortune, and of course we will be getting in the Christmas poinsettias to bring a burst of red to the house or office. We are also offering a Christmas gift wrapping service in-store, which we can do while you wait or collect later whilst you continue to shop in the capital.

“At the moment we have several group offers on for our workshops too, including our wreath making Christmas workshop. The wreath making workshops are available every Thursday and Saturday up until 21st December. However if you are a group of four or more, we are more than happy to discuss a group booking on other days throughout December, if you want to drop us an email or DM on Instagram!

As well as this, if you would like to book this as a corporate/office event we can come to you if there are more than 8 of you!

“For Christmas gifts, shoppers can visit the store all the way up to lunchtime on Christmas eve. We also do deliveries, within south Wales and Bristol, for orders of £60 or more.

“Just a polite reminder to everyone that we are always at the end of a phone call or just around the corner (if you’re in Cardiff) for all your indoor plant needs, whether you’re looking for something new or simply want to share your passion, our friendly team will always be there.

“On behalf of the Plant + Pot team, we wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy new year!”

So, whether you’re looking to deepen your knowledge about plant care or seeking a unique team-building experience this festive season, Plant+Pot has something for everyone, from fun group activities to romantic date nights.

Pop into the store within Royal Arcade today to find out more and be sure to follow their social media pages to keep up to date with the latest news and workshops available.

7 Royal Arcade, Cardiff CF10 1AE 029 2132 2525 plantandpotshop.co.uk info@plantandpotshop.co.uk Instagram: @plantandpot_uk

FINDING MY HAPPY PLACE Exclusive Home Fragrance and Beauty Collection with Fearne Cotton

Poppies

Paddling

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&S is delighted to announce the launch of a new and exclusive collection with Fearne Cotton as she extends her Happy Place brand into Home Fragrance & Beauty.

Fearne Cotton is a Sunday Times best-selling author, and one of the best-known and most popular broadcasters in the UK. She is also the founder of the wellbeing brand, Happy Place.

The brand was launched following the success of Fearne’s #1 best-seller, Happy, which was the first of a series of personal development titles that explore happiness, depression, anxiety and our inner critic.

Her best-selling success also inspired her podcast, Happy Place, which launched in 2018 and has had over 120 million downloads to date.

Bubbles

Celebrating the simple joys of everyday life and experiences, the new Happy Place range, exclusively at M&S features 18 beautifully created, perfectly giftable pieces, including dainty 60g votive candles, 100ml diffusers with natural rattan reeds, 180g single wick, and 500g three wick delicately scented candles, helping to design personal sanctuaries at home.

All set to encourage serene unwinding and wellbeing across beauty, customers can also discover calming bedtime and bath soak sets, including a selection of soft eye masks, bath salts, pillow sprays, hand creams and body washes.

Focusing on the creation of revitalising, refreshing spaces and the importance of meaningful connection and awareness, the collection is inspired by all things that bring us joy. Influenced by experiences that create light and happiness, the gorgeous scents encompass four wonderful experiences, available across the range of Happy Place products.

‘Poppies’ is the scent of a vibrant spring, with notes of green leaves, sandalwood, sparkling grapefruit and juicy pears. A seaside serenity is created in ‘Paddling’, through scent of sea salt, seaweed and a zesty citrus burst. ‘Marshmallows’ is the picture of warmth, fire and happiness, a fireside aroma grounded in the delicious scent of fluffy marshmallows. Finally, unwind with ‘Bubble’, relaxing into indulgent notes of lavender, geranium, rose and eucalyptus.

Happy Place inspires us to approach every experience with an open mind and to take the time to connect with our own hearts and mind.

Pieces are thoughtfully created, with home products helping you to build calming, balanced spaces for reflection and connection, and beauty products to revitalise and restore you for each day.

Find your Happy Place with M&S and Fearne Cotton exclusively this winter.

Visit marksandspencer.com to view the full range.

Mashmallows

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PICTURE PERFECT A fine selection of unique Christmas gifts that can be enjoyed for a lifetime

uro Gallery within Kingsway Shopping Centre gives you the chance to do just that, by offering a wide range of services that includes beautiful pieces of original artwork from Welsh and British artists, as well as a comprehensive list of printing and framing services.

Director, Jordan Zanchi-Jones and his team pride themselves on the ability to offer a wide variety of unique art to decorate your home or the home of a loved one. They are specialists at transforming bare walls into beautiful spaces full of vibrancy and colour.

Ultimately, their aim is to supply customers with a selection of work not available anywhere else and unique to Newport, with an emphasis on providing a carefully curated portfolio of talented local and European artists’ work.

Alongside their gallery, they provide a professional printing service dedicated to local artists, photographers and anyone looking to print out their own memories.

From Fine Art reproductions to quality giclee canvas prints, rest assured that your prints are meticulously analysed and carefully prepared from start to finish – prints are of exceptional quality, specially coated to protect against damage, and at an affordable price to suit all budgets.

Aside from the gallery and printing service, they have a dedicated team of professionals who offer a fantastic range of services including picture/memorabilia framing, graphic design and damaged photo restoration.

With many styles, subjects, colours and designs to choose from, this friendly team can easily help to find the right piece for the walls of your home.

Jordan told Lifestyle Wales: “I opened this gallery in 2021, just after the pandemic had started to ease. My goal has always been to provide the community of Newport with access to unique artwork and services they may not find elsewhere on the high street or large department stores.”

“Since then, the business has grown into a well-established hub for art enthusiasts and artists alike. I’ve always loved our range of what we call ‘Luxury Modern Art’, which are artworks hand-painted in oils incorporating incredibly vibrant, contemporary designs from talents across the world. Yet, it has always been our aim to work closely with local artists and photographers, offering a space to discuss how to best present, frame and sell their work.”

“We have built good relationships with some very talented artists here, including Christopher Langley, Olga Matveuik, Sarah Darling and Justin Brown. Paintings from these artists, among many others, are proudly displayed within our gallery - offering a diverse choice of styles, mediums and palettes.

If you’re stuck for Christmas gift ideas, we have a fabulous selection of new artwork this December, including depictions of the Newport Transporter Bridge, vibrant prints of Tenby and Welsh-themed cards and art calendars for 2025 “ “As a result of developing our customer base in Newport, our services have dramatically increased in popularity, including the canvas printing but especially the framing service.”

“A popular choice for a Christmas Gift this year is definitely our Sports Shirt framing service. We already handle orders for sports clubs, bars and restaurants, as well as local schools, but this year we are certainly seeing a rise in orders for Christmas since showcasing a framed Newport County FC shirt in our window” “We’ve framed shirts for dads from their glory days, shirts of Premier League legends, shirts belonging to loved ones, as well as international rugby stars - both past and present.”

“The frames can really take centre stage inside a man cave!”

“We can help to create a beautiful display for your wall using any treasured items you may have. For sports shirts, this may be adding additional photographs, brochures and match tickets. However, it doesn’t just stop at shirts - we can frame all types of sporting memorabilia, for example medals and awards, martial arts gear and sporting equipment too. Just pop in for a chat with our experts and see what we can do!

“Another great gift idea for our customers during the festive season is our photo restoration service. Clients bring in damaged old photos of family members and pets, which we then scan and put back together for them.

“The sheer amazement and wonder in their faces when they see their old photos whole again is truly incredible, knowing how much it means to them brings us immense joy – great care and pride goes into restoring the images to what they once were.

“Once the photos have been repaired, clients then have the option to do as they wish as their images have been digitised to a high resolution for print, which leads on to our second most popular service at Christmas – canvas printing.

“We offer sizes to complement your requirements, whether that be a small gift or a large centrepiece for the wall.

“Plus, there are options for long, panoramic prints that are perfect for above beds or sofas.

“There’s a full list of the sizes we offer and prices on our website, and if you can’t see the size you’re looking for, we can also print to custom sizes – simply bring your image into the store and we’ll do the rest!”

Pop in store today to see what Jordan and his team can do for you.

Unit 32, Kingsway Shopping Centre, Newport NP20 1ED 01633 848979 eurogallery.co.uk eurogalleryuk@gmail.com Facebook: @eurogalleryprinting

Mae cyrsiau rhan-amser ar gael gyda'r nos, yn ystod y dydd ac ar-lein.

Part-time courses available in the evening, daytime and online.

Ewch ati i ddysgu rhagor, cyflawni eich dyheadau, rhoi hwb i'ch CV a gwneud ffrindiau newydd y gwanwyn hwn.

Improve your knowledge, achieve your ambitions, boost your CV and make new friends this spring.

Rydyn ni hefyd yn cynnig Llwybrau at radd ym Mhrifysgol Caerdydd.

We also provide Pathways to a degree at Cardiff University.

Does dim angen cymwysterau blaenorol arnoch chi i astudio'r rhan fwyaf o'n cyrsiau.

You don't need previous qualifications to study most of our courses.

www.caerdydd.ac.uk/dysgu ffôn: 029 2087 0000

www.cardiff.ac.uk/learn tel: 029 2087 0000

CRYSIAU RHAN AMSER PART-TIME I OEDOLION COURSES FOR ADULTS Dychwelwch i’r ystafell ddosbarth yn 2025 - gallech chi newid eich bywyd!

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ae Dysgu Gydol Oes ym Mhrifysgol Caerdydd yn rhoi croeso cynnes i oedolion sy’n dysgu. Does dim angen cymwysterau blaenorol, dim ond diddordeb mewn

Mae ein cyrsiau byr a rhan-amser (ar-lein neu wyneb yn wyneb) yn berffaith i roi hwb i’ch CV, ennill credydau tuag at gymhwyster neu i gadw’ch meddwl yn fywiog. Rydyn ni’n cynnig amrywiaeth eang o bynciau sy’n dechrau trwy gydol y gwanwyn ac yn annog y rhai sydd heb fod mewn addysg ers tro i deimlo’n hyderus a theimlo bod ganddyn nhw’r gallu i ddysgu.

Gallwch chi ddysgu er mwynhad neu symud ymlaen i astudio ymhellach (neu’r ddau!) gan ein bod ni hefyd yn cynnig Llwybrau at radd i’ch helpu chi i gael mynediad at astudiaethau israddedig. Byddwch chi’n derbyn cefnogaeth ac anogaeth ar bob cam o’r ffordd.

Efallai y bydd stori Emily yn eich annog chi i ddilyn eich breuddwydion: “Roedd y Llwybr yn hynod hyblyg ac yn hygyrch i mi. Allwn i ddim fforddio cwtogi fy oriau gwaith ac roedd yn rhyddhad dod o hyd i ddosbarth oedd yn cael ei gynnal gyda’r nos. Doedd e ddim wedi effeithi ar fy ngwaith felly roedd yn berffaith! Ar ben hynny, roedd y llwyth gwaith yn gyson ac yn gytbwys a doeddwn i byth yn teimlo fy mod i’n methu ymdopi. Doeddwn i ddim wedi bod mewn ystafell ddosbarth ers rhai blynyddoedd, ond fe wnaeth y tiwtoriaid yn ein cefnogi a chynnig help a chyngor i ni. Fe wnes i wir fwynhau’r Llwybr ac mae wedi bod yn braf gweld eraill yn symud ymlaen i wneud gradd israddedig hefyd. Byddwn i’n annog unrhyw un sydd mewn sefyllfa debyg i mi i gofrestru!”

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Return to the classroom in 2025 - you could change your life!

ifelong Learning at Cardiff University provides a warm welcome to adult learners. You do not need previous qualifications, just an interest in a subject.

Our short and part-time courses (online or in-person) are perfect to boost your CV, earn credits towards a qualification or to keep your mind active. We provide a wide variety of subjects starting throughout the spring and encourage those who have been away from education for a while to feel confident and empowered to learn.

You can learn for enjoyment or to progress to further study (or both!) as we also offer Pathways to a degree to help you access undergraduate studies. You will receive support and encouragement at ever y step of the way.

Emily’s story may encourage you to follow your dreams: “The Pathway was incredibly flexible and accessible for me. I could not afford to cut back on my work hours and it was a relief to find a class running in the evening. My work was not affected so it was perfect! Additionally, the workload was steady and balanced and I never felt overwhelmed. I had not been in a classroom for a good few years, but the tutors really supported us and provided help and advice. I genuinely enjoyed the Pathway and it has been nice to watch others also progress onto an undergraduate degree. I would urge anybody who is in a similar situation to me to enrol!”

Graddiodd Emily gyda gradd mewn nyrsio oedolion o Brifysgol Caerdydd yn 2023.

Emily graduated with a degree in adult nursing from Cardiff University in 2023.

www.cardiff.ac.uk/cy/part-time-courses-for-adults 029 2087 0000 learn@caerdydd.ac.uk

www.cardiff.ac.uk/learn 029 2087 0000 learn@cardiff.ac.uk

A WORLD

OF WONDER Light Up the Festive Season at Techniquest

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inter days can be short and dark, but Techniquest has a feast of fun inside that will brighten things up dramatically!

Get ready for some ‘lightbulb moments’ and discover a host of fascinating science facts, exploring two floors of curious contraptions, perplexing puzzles and digital gateways to a world of amazement.

Bring science to life at the touch of your hand, with more than 100 interactive exhibits: steer an underwater ROV, create digital fireworks, race a friend on the rocket launch, generate electricity and light up some bulbs with your own energy, make plasma trails and coloured shadows in the low-light zone, test out gravity on the giant silver slide, or feel the full force of a hurricane — the choice is yours.

On top of all that, live science show Ice, Ice Maybe is back in the Science Theatre, and both Star Tours and the 360° film We Are Guardians will be running in the Planetarium.

After selling out last year, the annual Kids’ Christmas Party is back for two dates instead of just one, to cope with demand. Starting at 5.30pm on Saturday 7 and Saturday 14 December, they’re both complete with Santa walkaround and Christmas music and crafts, as well as the chance to catch a wintry live science show as part of the deal.

There’s also the option to upgrade your ticket and snuggle down for a family film in the Science Theatre, for the full festive experience: choose from either The Muppet Christmas Carol or Arthur Christmas, depending on which date you book.

Holiday sessions tend to fill up quickly, so be sure to book ahead online so you don’t miss out! For details and to make your booking, visit techniquest.org.

LIGHTBULB MOMENTS BRIGHTEN UP WINTER DAYS WITH US! y 100+ HANDS-ON EXHIBITS y LIVE SCIENCE SHOWS y KLA LAB WORKSHOPS y STAR TOURS IN THE PLANETARIUM OPEN 10am - 5pm EVERY WEEKEND and across the holidays* * we’re closed on 24, 25, 26 Dec and 1 Jan

Book now

techniquest.org

GIVE A DOG A HOME D

Cardiff Dogs Home needs help in finding forever homes for the loveable animals in their care

ogs boarding at Cardiff Dogs Home have been there for many, many months and they’ll stay there too, being well looked after and cared for, until the team can find them the right match with a suitable new owner.

1. Research breeds, age, and size to see what dog might best suit your lifestyle.

2. Decide on the dog that you are interested in re-homing.

3. Complete an Application form online.

There are several steps you can take if you are interested in re-homing a dog:

If they think you are a good match, they’ll contact you to discuss more about your application. The team will then make two appointments for you to meet.

Hi, I’m Cassius!

Hi, I’m Pamela!

assius, the lovable and adventurous 4 year old Bulldog, is a sweet and strong boy who loves to explore and go on long adventures.

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With a goofy personality and a knack for making people laugh, he would thrive in a family home.

We would expect Pamela to take some time to get know her new humans. Once she has established trust, Pamela will hold on to it.

He could potentially live with a neutered female dog of similar size and energy.

Pamela is a fast learner and will excel at everything that she is challenged with.

While he requires training classes to improve his socialisation skills, he’s already mastered the “sit” command and will proudly hold his paw up for treats.

She has the sweetest temperament and the biggest Staffie smile. She is an athletic girl and does enjoy a good adventure. Pamela will need to work on her dog socialisation manners, she is working hard with consistent support.

I need an active home, and I don’t like to be left alone.

love.

his beautiful lady is Pamela, she is Staffie Labrador mix. She’s a sensitive girl who wants nothing more than

I would need my new owner to take me to training classes.

Pamela has a playful nature, she likes a bit of rough and tumble. Pamela will use noise as an expression in play.

I need an owner who is home most of the time.

She will require humans who are well associated with the staffie breed.

I prefer to live with adults only, I may be suitable to live with older children.

What’s most important is finding a human who can provide stability and companionship.

Pamela is best suited to a quiet home with someone around most of the time to ensure she receives the necessary training and where she is able to settle down at her own pace.

Cassius will benefit from someone home most of the time due to his past abandonment.

Based on Pamela’s energetic rough play she is suitable for a home with humans 18+.

If these introductions go well, they will re-home the dog with you permanently.

Visit the Cardiff Dogs Home website for more information about re-homing a dog. Below are three of the dogs in their care that are looking for a new home. cardiffdogshome.co.uk 029 2071 1243

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Hi, I’m Missy! his pretty girl is Missy, she is a pocket bully breed and is approximately three years old.

Missy has settled in fast and showed us that she is just a sweet baby who wants to be a lapdog. Any excuse for a cuddle and she’s there!

Missy has started treatment on her ears as she arrived with an untreated ear infection that was causing her discomfort and she is healing well.

Poor Missy has clearly not had the best life and has had one too many litters in the past, she has missed out on a proper family and deserves to forget her awful past. She could potentially live with a male dog who is neutered and calm.

Missy could potentially live with children 14+ who are dog savvy and who are able to follow instructions.We would be happy to introduce resident felines.

All introductions will be carried out at our centre and her criteria may change depending upon how they pan out.

Missy would benefit from training classes to work on her dog socialisation skills and general support.

NERVES OF STEELE

Boutique business owner has been set a challenge of raising £20,000 for local charity

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tarting from humble beginnings of working from her home, styling ladies from her shed in her back garden, Nicola Steele has grown her business over the past four years to be a highly sought after boutique, celebrating her anniversary on October 1st.

Venetia Steele is all about empowering ladies who are 40 plus, especially for those who may have lost their identity raising a family, always putting others first. Nicola and her fabulous team have put the sparkle back in so many women’s lives, showing them that they can look and feel fabulous at any age.

Her social media videos are watched by people all over the world, with Nicola having tens of thousands of followers on her social media pages.

Her positive can-do attitude has struck a chord with her followers, as she showcases her fabulous clothes and accessories on a daily basis, with handy tips on how to outfit build with pieces already in your wardrobe.

Since starting her new business in 2020 after being made redundant as an area manager for Sue Ryder Palliative Care, Nicola is no stranger when it comes to helping charities, and she has put on fashion shows and also ridden a zip wire at Penrhyn Quarry to raise much needed funds.

On November 14th, Nicola held an extra special fundraiser event at her fabulous boutique in Bridgend for her chosen charity, Hope Rescue.

The evening involved a night filled to bursting with fun and fashion, which included extra special guests Lorna Griffiths from Art of the Fairy Tale - a specialist fantasy portrait photographer, and Nicola Griffiths of Love Your Look - a colour analyst who was there to help guests find their perfect colour palette when choosing outfits from the store. Visitors were also treated to the wonderful musical talents of Ogmore Vale Male Voice Choir, being serenaded whilst they shopped.

The social event of the year was put on in aid of raising funds for Hope Rescue, which owner Nicola is very passionate about. At the event, guests were asked to donate generously and bring with them a shoebox filled with lots of doggy treats for the canines that are being cared for by Hope Rescue.

Nicola is currently running a competition for the best styled doggy treat box, where the winner can either win a £25 gift voucher to spend within her boutique or opt to donate £50 to Hope Rescue on behalf of Venetia Steele. Boxes can be donated to the store in the lead-up to Christmas, with the winner being announced on Monday, December 23.

Community and Events Fundraiser Rachel Lewis told LifeStyle Wales: “Hope Rescue is the leading dog welfare charity that saves the lives of strays, abandoned and unwanted dogs in South Wales.”

“Since 2005, our team has given a second chance to thousands of dogs that need a new start, from our dedicated facilities in Rhondda Cynon Taf. We commit to take all the stray dogs from six Local Authorities in South Wales - Merthyr Tydfil, Torfaen, Blaenau Gwent, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Bridgend and the western half of the Vale of Glamorgan - irrespective of their age, breed, or medical condition.

“We help the most vulnerable dogs in our local communities, working closely with Local Authorities across South Wales to support them with their stray dogs and dogs seized from low welfare or illegal breeders.

“We prepare dogs for their second chance at a happy life, taking time to assess their needs and find the perfect home. We also provide valuable support to pet owners in crisis who need to re-home their pets.

“We recently launched a new community programme, Hope in the Community which will focus on providing support to dog owners across South Wales including community outreach days, one-to-one support for dog owners struggling with their pet’s welfare and own wellbeing and supporting professionals and members of community organisations to respond to the needs of dog owners and develop good practice on dog related issues affecting communities.

“Hope Rescue actively campaigns for improvements to animal welfare legislation and enforcement, and provides support and advice to the public on responsible dog ownership.

“Nicola is a massive supporter of Hope Rescue and we are so grateful to her and her clients for their ongoing support to help the most vulnerable dogs in our community in the heartbreaking animal welfare crisis.

“This fabulous event raised £800 for the charity, with the amount going a long way in helping to look after the vulnerable dogs within our care this winter as our heating costs alone is £1,000 a month.

“On behalf of Hope Rescue we would like to say a huge thank you to the wonderful ladies and gentlemen who attended the evening, giving so generously to this very worthy cause, and an extra special thank you to Nicola and her team for putting on the event - their help is truly appreciated.”

After recently learning that the charity needs £40k per month to look after homeless dogs nationwide, Nicola has set herself the task of raising £20k for the charity for 2025.

Over the course of the next twelve months, the Venetia Steele team will be hosting lots of fundraising events, with Hope Rescue’s Rachel Lewis setting owner Nicola extra special challenges and tasks to complete, which are inspired by the 80s TV Series, Challenge Anneka.

Nicola said: “I have no idea what Rachel and the Hope Rescue team will have me doing over the next twelve months, but I’m ready for the challenge to help these poor vulnerable dogs.

“The £20k target has been set, as Hope Rescue celebrates it’s 20th anniversary next year.

“Obviously I will try my very best, but I will be counting on my wonderful clients and followers on social media for their continued support!

“Keep your eyes peeled in the New Year for my very first challenge - I can’t wait!”

30-32 Caroline St, Bridgend CF31 1DQ 07886 124 857 venetiasteele.co@gmail.com Facebook: @venetiasteeleboutique TikTok: @venetiasteele

LADY LUCK Lauren Price MBE (OLY) to Defend World Titles on December 14th in Liverpool

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lympic gold medallist and reigning WBA Welterweight World Champion Lauren Price MBE will defend her world titles for the first time against Colombia’s undefeated contender Bexcy Mateus on Saturday, December 14th.

The fight, live on Sky Sports, will take place at the Exhibition Centre Liverpool on a night stacked with top-tier boxing talent.

Lauren shares the card with Natasha Jonas, who will be fighting to unify the IBF and WBC welterweight world titles against Ivana Habazin.

Should both British champions emerge victorious, it sets the stage for an epic unification clash in March 2025—a potential ‘Battle of Britain’ showdown that could determine the undisputed queen of the welterweight division.

Earlier this year, Lauren cemented her place in the history books by defeating Jessica McCaskill, a former undisputed champion, to claim the WBA crown. With that victory, Lauren not only became the first Welsh female world boxing champion but also maintained her undefeated professional record, showcasing the precision, power, and composure that have defined her illustrious career.

Lauren Price MBE is a trailblazer in the world of boxing. An Olympic gold medallist in 2021 and current WBA, IBO and Ring Magazine Welterweight World Champion she continues to inspire the next generation with her unmatched dedication and success.

From her historic Olympic triumph to her rise as Wales’s first female boxing world champion, Lauren remains one of the most celebrated and decorated athletes in the sport today.

Lauren Price told LifeStyle Wales:“I’m excited to defend my belts and finish what’s been a huge year for me.”

“I respect Mateus, but I’m here to prove I’m the best in the division. I won’t let anything stand in my way as I aim for undisputed status in 2025. Liverpool, December 14th – let’s end the year with another unforgettable night!”

Bexcy Mateus, the WBA’s No. 5 ranked contender, will present a tough challenge for Lauren. Fighting outside of her native Colombia for the first time, Mateus boasts a fearsome knockout record, having won six of her seven professional fights by stoppage.

BOX XER Founder and CEO, Ben Shalom, highlighted the stakes: “It’s a huge night for the women’s welterweight division.

If Natasha and Lauren both win on December 14, we’ll be set for a massive unification bout next year—a fight that will define British boxing in 2025.”

Date: Saturday, December 14, 2024 Venue: Exhibition Centre Liverpool Opponent: Bexcy Mateus Live On: Sky Sports Follow Lauren Price: Official Website:www.laurenprice.cymru Instagram: @laurenprice Merchandise: theluckyone.cymru

ADULTS

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Fun for all ages at Techniquest this winter alling all over-18s: get ready to party at Techniquest this December as the last After Hours event of the year goes live, thanks to ongoing support from Admiral.

On Thursday 12 December from 7pm, the whole of the science discovery centre will be taken over by adults, without a child in sight: so everyone gets the chance to be a big kid again and enjoy all of the hands-on exhibits for themselves.

Brace against the force of a hurricane, feel the earth move under your feet on the earthquake simulator, experience the triumph of gravity over friction on the enormous silver slide, and discover a host of fascinating science facts along the way that will stand you in good stead for any pub quiz or game of trivial pursuits you might get into over the festive season!

Complete with a welcome drink on arrival and Star Tours in the Planetarium for those quick off the mark to book, tickets are just £15 each.

Check out the website at techniquest.org to find out more.

Celebrate the season with friends and enjoy all the fun of Techniquest without a child in sight! plus

Welcome drink, pay-bar, food station, Star Tours, Live Science Show and more…

THU 12 DECEMBER 7pm / Tickets £15

SUPPORTED BY

Book now

techniquest.org

REDEFINING WELLNESS - DR ROS’S CLINIC DESIGNED

FOR OPTIMISING YOUR HEALTH AND WELLNESS NEEDS Dr Ros told LifeStyle Wales: “The national health service is under immense pressure, with resources stretched to its limit. Often people feel rushed, at the GP’s, and GP’s are unable to address patient issues in the broader sense.”

“A patient’s needs are not just addressing a single symptom, its part of a bigger story that has been brewing for a long time; that means evaluating the patient from a completely different perspective; that’s where a unique consulation process (optimization) and supportive programme (WHiL) comes into play.

“This isn’t a one-size fits all operation, as each and everyone of us is very different with our own genetic make-up, which is why my years’ of experience as a medical professional is indispensable when helping people with their individual problems.

“I’m offering a free 15 minute consultation - you’d be hard pressed to get to see your local GP for 10 minutes. Such is the pressure on the NHS and GP’s in particular.

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Meet Dr Ros Jabar

r. Ros Jabar is a GMC-registered doctor renowned for her holistic approach to health and well-being. Balancing her roles between the Endocrine unit at the University Hospital of Wales and her private practice at Ros Medics, Dr. Ros combines decades of experience in medicine and pharmacy to offer unparalleled care to her patients.

With her unique background as both a Consultant Pharmacist and a doctor, Dr. Ros brings a wealth of knowledge to her practice. Her attention to detail, grounded approach, and dedication to innovation have earned her a reputation as one of the most respected and sought-after Health and wellness doctors in Wales.

The Optimisation Clinic In December, Dr. Ros will launch her groundbreaking Optimisation Clinic at Ros Medics and her supportive WHiL programme designed to help people take back their health—the first of its kind in Wales.

The Optimisation clinic is designed to provide bespoke health consultations that address a range of issues, affecting everyone of all ages, from hormonal and weight imbalances to nutrition and lifestyle changes. Every consultation is tailored to the patient’s unique genetic makeup and health needs.

“From the 15min FREE consultation, patients can book a full consultation for a complete health review, with a view to making changes to their life in days.”

Why It Matters The need for services like the Health Optimisation Clinic has never been greater. Many of the problems that my patients have are due to lots of small issues that have combined to create a noticeable symptom.

This is not a fault, we have so many technological changes that have occurred in just a couple of decades; these have had profound effects on our bodies of which we have been ignorant about. What we once thought was safe and beneficial we now know to be untrue.

Low fat products are not safe, processed foods are proving to have links to chronic health issues and our advances in tech, though useful in many fields are detrimental to our health. This is just the tip of the iceberg.

Chronic stress has developed from the once useful, and still very useful, fight or flight response, that removed us from imminent danger. The constant upregulation of stress hormones that are imposed on us in modern day living, such as the boss’s email or a utility bill that needs paying has an incredibly detrimental effect on the body and mind. As we know the mind is a powerful tool for healing.

Acquiring knowledge through the WHiL programme is another way to navigate positive health in todays climate.

Continued →

HERE TO HELP Consultations are always carried out with your requirements and needs in mind.

Dr Ros will work with you to make a personalised treatment plan bespoke to you.

BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION HERE

FEELING UNWELL Stress symptoms may be affecting your health, even though you might not know it.

I saw Dr Ros speak at an event around International Women’s Day last year and thought about getting in touch for some advice. As soon as I did I felt so much less down and Dr Ros offered immediate comfort and a very clear path forward.

One thing we worked on in particular was managing my blood sugar and building my meals around how my body responds to them. This wasn’t just about the food I was eating but also moving after a meal and keeping up my steps throughout the day. The two went in hand brilliantly and meant I lost nearly two stone over the course of the summer months.

I was able to build essential habits, after I followed Dr Ros’s WHiL program, and now I won’t let my daily walks slip. I have a brilliant handle on the foods that work best for me along with far looser trousers!”

Patient Stories Dr Ros has been trialing the service to a select few over the past 18 months. LifeStyle Wales spoke to three of her patients. Here’s what they had to say: Ruth, 41, Cardiff – Overcoming Exhaustion “As a Mum of two young children I found myself perpetually exhausted.

I often felt physically sick from tiredness and was performing badly in all areas of life. Another friend recommended I contact Dr Ros who, beyond running a very successful aesthetics clinic, is a hormone and endocrinology expert too.

Dr Ros’s, used her WHiL program to start me off. I couldn’t believe how easy it was. Her first principle of the program was to get a better handle on my circadian rhythm. This involved ultimately ‘rewiring’ my nervous system to better sync with light and dark and to get a better handle on my natural sleep and wake cycles.

I did this, with the help of Dr Ros, the rest of the principles combined movement, breath work, hydration, nutrition and combating procrastination and developing good habit. I focused on my circadian rhythm principle, it transformed my sleep cycles and left me so much more rested. I had bags more energy and felt like myself. Dr Ros’s added supplements have helped me further and now I am much better at both work and home.

Jocelyn, 47, Penarth – Managing Weight “Once I hit my 40s it was like a switch flipped overnight and I found it absolutely impossible to maintain a healthy weight and felt like I was gaining pounds week on week. My clothes were tight and my mood was low but I genuinely didn’t feel like I was eating foods that were bad for me.

Michael, 28, Pontcanna – Reducing Anxiety “Following an extremely stressful period at work that resulted in a redundancy, I became very anxious and felt like I had no one to turn to. I went to my local GP but it seemed like medication I wasn’t necessarily comfortable with taking was my only option. I looked into possible private therapy but that came at a high cost I wasn’t in a position to afford. I researched further options online and came across Dr Ros, listed as an expert I could turn to.

In just one session Dr Ros helped me better understand the stress response, why I was getting anxious and fully explained ‘fight or flight’. I’d heard of this before but not fully understood it until Dr Ros broke it down for me more clearly.

Having covered the what and the why in the first session, the second session supported me with how to deal with my anxiety through a series of breathing techniques, one of which included box breathing.

I still use this now and am far better able to manage my stress and avoid crippling panic attacks that were really disrupting my life. I’d massively recommend that anyone with stress-related health conditions explores a session with Dr Ros as it truly has changed my life in ways I couldn’t have imagined.”

If you’re dealing with unresolved health issues, now is the time to act. Book your free 15-minute consultation with Dr. Ros using the details below and start your journey toward better health.

8 Cathedral Rd, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9LJ rosmedics.co.uk info@rosmedics.co.uk 07854 056 626 Facebook: @RosMedicsAesthetics Instagram: @rosmedics

COMPASSION Tovey Bros. have been serving the people of South Wales and surrounding areas since 1860

F

rom birthdays, to weddings, christenings and anniversaries, we plan our life events to reflect who we are. Why should our final send-off be any different?

With a SimplyCremation plan from Golden Charter you can say goodbye your own way, with a practical, lower cost alternative to a traditional funeral.

A simple, dignified and local cremation Direct cremation provides a way to make arrangements in advance for a simple, unattended cremation, without the ceremony or expense associated with a traditional funeral.

This type of ‘cremation-only’ plan is becoming really popular with customers who don’t want a traditional funeral service or procession, but do want to make their wishes known. And it could be the perfect choice if you want to take care of things your own way, on your own terms.

When you’re thinking about something as important as your funeral, it makes sense to talk to the experts. As a local independently owned funeral director, we understand what’s important to families in our community. It’s why we look after our customers in a genuine way, taking the time to understand your needs and helping you plan ahead in a way that suits you exactly.

As dedicated and experienced professionals with a friendly touch, we’re here to help you through what may be the most difficult of times.

We cater to your specific needs and can meet you at a time most convenient for you, either at our offices or your home.

Allow our family to look after yours. toveybros.co.uk 01633 266848

Your funeral, your way We can help you say goodbye, your way, with a simple, dignified and local direct cremation.

With a SimplyCremation plan from Golden Charter you can say goodbye your own way, with a practical, lower cost alternative to a traditional funeral.

To find out more, call now or visit our website.

Act now for one less thing to worry about. Plans available to buy online.

www.toveybros.co.uk

H Tovey & J Tovey trading as Tovey Bros Funeral Directors is an appointed representative of Golden Charter Limited trading as Golden Charter Funeral Plans which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN:965279).

Proud to offer funeral plans by

GC-LIFT 32289 - 0424

01633 266848

A NEW HOME

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Extensive refurbishments to transform the former doctors’ surgery at Monmouth House into a funeral home have now been completed ovey Bros is pleased to share the news that our family business has expanded with the recent opening of new premises in Usk.

The new office is conveniently located near the main town car park in Usk but there will also be some parking available on site. Reception is staffed by two locally-based employees, Diane Richards and Jayne Hancock, who are supported by our existing team of funeral directors from our main offices in Newport’s Cardiff Road.

Features include a wood panelled chapel, specially commissioned from Andrew Williams of Quails Interiors, where relatives can pay their last respects to loved ones.

James Tovey told LifeStyle Wales: “We are delighted to have purchased this well-situated building in Maryport Street which previously operated as a GP surgery.”

“For many years we have looked after families in the Usk and surrounding areas and felt there was a need for a local provision to serve the community.”

The official opening was carried out by Kay Peacock, The Mayor of Usk, supported by Tony Kear, Chair of Usk Businesses, Shops and Events.

In attendance were Ross Hickton, First Vice President of National Society of Allied Independent Funeral Directors and Barry Pritchard, Immediate Past President of National Association of Funeral Directors.

The chapel was blessed by Reverend Sally Ingle-Gillis, Ministry Area Leader for The Heart of Monmouthshire.

Tovey Bros, which was first established in 1860, is one of Wales’ oldest family funeral directors and is owned by father and son, Humphrey and James Tovey, the fifth and sixth generations of the family to work in the business.

The date of the official opening marked the 60th anniversary of Humphrey joining the family business. Humphrey’s granddaughter, Emily, is now the seventh generation to be involved.

James added: “We are committed to continuing the hard work carried out by previous generations of our family, ably assisted by our many dedicated and caring staff members who themselves have often worked with us for decades.

“Caring for the deceased and their bereaved families is a privilege and we are honoured to be able to bring this service to Usk and to support local families in their hour of need.” toveybros.co.uk

DIGESTIVE HEALTH P

Research-backed high-strength friendly bacteria for everyday use for adults

ro-Ven Biotics is a research-led brand, supported by more than 30 years of research and development into the gut microbiome and the use of probiotics to support it’s composition and function.

Its flagship product, For Adults - 25 Billion, contains their Lab4 friendly bacteria blend and has been used by thousands of people for more than a decade to support their digestive and immune health.

The importance of our microbiome Our digestive system (gut) is central to supporting our health – it contains more than 70% of the body’s immune system and 10 times more bacteria than we have cells in our whole body, known as the gut microbiome.

The gut microbiome is a highly complex and dynamic community of microorganisms, most of which are bacteria. More than 1,000 different species/strains of bacteria have been identified with enough frequency to be considered a ‘normal’ part of the human microbiome.

The overall relationship of the microbiome to our body is both favourable and beneficial, supporting the function of many aspects of physiology, including immune and digestive function. There are, however, some species and strains that may have negative attributes under certain circumstances, potentially producing toxins and acting as opportunistic pathogens, and one of the primary functions of our favourable bacteria is to help exclude and/or inhibit these pathogenic species from causing harm.

Maintaining a balance of all species of bacteria is key to supporting the health of the microbiome and helping to prevent the overgrowth of the potentially pathogenic bacteria strains. An imbalance of bacteria is known as dysbiosis and can lead to symptoms such as bloating, gas, digestive discomfort, diarrhoea and constipation.

Pro-Ven 25 Billion for Adults • • • • •

Research-backed high-strength friendly bacteria for everyday use for adults 25 billion multi-strain Lab4 friendly bacteria per two capsules Proven to survive stomach and bile acids Contains prebiotic FOS fibre - food for the friendly bacteria Vitamins and minerals for digestive and immune support

The stresses of our modern lifestyles have been shown to have an impact on a balanced microbiome – including a diet high in sugar and processed food, excessive alcohol intake, lack of or too much exercise, illness and infections (especially food poisoning), and medications (particularly antibiotics).

Conversely, friendly bacteria (both from foods and supplements) have been shown to help support the balance of the favourable strains, particularly Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which are susceptible to the effects of the above stressors.

Multi-strain high-strength live bacteria ProVen Biotics Adult Acidophilus & Bifidus – 25 Billion is a highstrength friendly bacteria supplement for everyday use for adults aged 16+. Supported by a unique body of UK and international clinical research, the Lab4 live bacteria in ProVen For Adults 25 Billion is the most comprehensively studied group of friendly bacteria in the UK. Each capsule contains 12.5 billion friendly bacteria along with key nutrients to provide additional support for digestion (calcium) and immunity (vitamins C and D, zinc and selenium).

Visit provenbiotics.uk to find out more - there’s an expert on hand to answer your questions via online chat who are there to help find the right probiotic for you.

£17.95 for 30 capsules • 2 capsules per day

Pro-Ven with Digestive Enzymes Comprehensive support for digestion • For everyday use alongside meals • 25 billion friendly bacteria per two capsules • Contains a full spectrum of digestive enzymes and calcium1 to support digestion Calcium contributes to the normal function of digestive enzymes

1

provenbiotics.uk

07734 908367

Available from

Chloe Hutton - Supervisor Lynne Churchill - Director Nicola Mills - Hub Coordinator and Live-In Care Mentor

CARING PARTNERSHIP

B

Bluebird Care is now a part of the Boots Hub, which aims to help simplify your health journey

luebird Care has been providing high-quality care for over 20 years, and by partnering with the Boots Health Hub, who are committed to offering personalised support service, they can now reach more people who urgently need their services.

To commemorate the partnership, Bluebird Care Cardiff and The Vale attended the Boots store at Cardiff’s Queen Street to speak to the local community at an Over 60’s event, which took place on October 16.

Bluebird Care Director Lynne Churchill said: “We received a very warm welcome from the Boots team and enjoyed connecting with members of the local community to discuss care services and how they can access our support if needed.

“We also had the chance to speak with the Boots team about career opportunities in care, as some of their friends already work in the field.

“Additionally, we met a few elderly individuals who were interested in planning for their future care needs.

“We had fun and created a good atmosphere to promote the benefits of planning for your care journey.

“We also held a raffle to raise funds for ‘Forget Me Not’ which was received very well and many people entered.

“All in all a great day was had by everyone and I think we left with a lasting impression.”

Bluebird Care has been helping people live in the comfort of their homes since 2004 - that’s two decades of learning from the needs of people like you, to get our home care service just right.

Its home care services provide the flexibility you need to maintain your everyday independence and regular reviews of your needs help keep it that way.This kind and compassionate team can help you with everything from household chores to personal care and daily support for complex conditions, or simply popping-in for a good old chat!

Due to the exciting collaboration, Bluebird Care now has a dedicated page on the Boots Health Hub website which has millions of website visitors every month.

You can find the Bluebird Care page within the Boots Health Hub along with other helpful information that’s been reviewed by healthcare professionals at www.boots.com/healthhub

IT’S GOOD TO BE HOME

L

The benefits of specialised Live-In Care

ive-in Care lets people stay in the place they love best - their home. So if your dad’s not able to move around the house the way he once did, or your aunt’s recovering from a big surgery, or someone you love needs support to go about their day, Bluebird Care can help.

Director Lynne Churchill told LifesStyle Wales: “At heart, Live-in Care is about home. It’s about ensuring that your loved ones can remain in the place where they are happiest; where every room is filled with cherished memories and every corner brings its own kind of joy.

“That’s what Live-in Care is designed to do. To help your loved ones live the life they want, in the place where they feel best.”

“With a Live-in Carer, there’s no need to leave behind the familiar just because personal care needs have changed. Highly trained Care Experts will live with your loved one, providing the everyday care and support they need right in their own home.

“This support can be customised to fit your needs, whether it’s 12 hours a day, with a two-hour personal break for the Live-in Carer, or 24 hours a day with coverage from two different Care Experts. The choice is yours. What remains constant is a commitment to helping your loved one live a safe and fulfilling life at home.

“All our Care Experts are not only highly professional but also genuinely compassionate. They bring a combination of empathy and reliability, ensuring your loved one can live life on their own terms, with dignity, comfort, and peace of mind.

“Along with respecting your loved one’s privacy, they’ll always give them the time and attention they need. Which isn’t always the case in busy care home environments.”

“There are so many reasons to choose Live-in Care for your loved one. If it’s not the personalised support, it’s the greater independence.

And if it’s not the familiar surroundings, it’s the chance to regain their confidence and feel good about themselves.

“Whatever your needs, we can tailor a plan to meet them.

Perhaps your loved one is looking for everyday companionship.

Or maybe they need help with things like getting dressed in the morning. Maybe they want someone by their side for seven hours straight. Or maybe they prefer to split those hours up, some earlier in the day, some later.

“Whatever you need, let us know and we’ll take care of the rest.”

If you think someone special in your life could benefit from Live-in Care, simply contact the Bluebird Care team using the details below: bluebirdcare.co.uk/vale-of-glamorgan bluebirdcare.co.uk/Cardiff 02922 671497 Facebook: @BluebirdCareCSTV

HHHH “Brims with an irresistible festive charm” THE GUARDIAN

A Sherman Theatre production Cynhyrchiad Theatr y Sherman

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

By / Gan Gary Owen Directed by / Cyfarwyddwyd gan Joe Murphy

22 Nov / Tach 2024 – 4 Jan / Ion 2025

7+

£16 – £29

The Christmas show with a big, big heart is back Mae’r sioe Nadolig gyda chalon fawr yn ôl

SHERMANTHEATRE.CO.UK 029 2064 6900

Children and Under 25s HALF PRICE Plant a Dan 25 HANNER PRIS

2024 cast includes / Cast 2024 yn cynnwys Hannah McPake & Keiron Self

Sherman Cymru Productions Ltd | Registered Charity Number / Rhif Elusen Cofrestredig 1118364

Images / Lluniau Richard Hubert Smith

MISER GETS WISER Experience the full joy of Christmas with this hilarious adaptation of Dickens’ uplifting story

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ehearsals have started for Sherman Theatre’s production of A Christmas Carol (23 Nov 2024-4 Jan 2025); the return of the hit 2021 festive show for everyone aged 7 plus adapted

by Gary Owen.

Hannah McPake reprises the role of Ebbie Scrooge in this acclaimed Christmas treat by one of Wales’ greatest playwrights and writer of the Sherman’s recent hits Iphigenia yn Sblot and Romeo & Julie.

Keiron Self also returns to the production as Jacob Marley/Mr Fezziwig/The Ghost of Christmas Future, in what will be his 10th Sherman Theatre Christmas show.

The cast also includes Oliver Hoare, writer and performer in Dance to the Bone (Neon Candle, Ceriann Williams & Sherman Theatre), Owen Alun who wowed audiences in Sherman Theatre’s Peter Pan last year, Catrin Mai Edwards who recently performed in Taking Flight Theatre Company’s You’ve Got Dragons, Emily Ivana Hawkins who performed in the O.G. Prince of Wales script-in-hand concert performance last month and Oliver Wood (A Night in the Clink, Papertrail & Sherman Theatre; Before I Leave, NTW).

Cardiff, 1843. Money is all Scrooge has. She has lots of it. It’s all she has ever had but it’s never made her happy. But on Christmas Eve she will meet three ghosts who will teach her the most important lesson of all. By Christmas morning she will have learned how to live for the first time.

Experience the full joy of Christmas with this hilarious and heartfelt adaptation of Dickens’ uplifting story, performed by an exceptional cast of actor-musicians.

Joining Director Joe Murphy in the creative team are Composer Lucy Rivers, Musical Director Barnaby Southgate, Designer Hayley Grindle, Sound Designer & Sound Operator Josh Bowles and Lighting Designer Andy Pike. The original sound design is by Ian Barnard.

Over the past four decades, Christmas productions made at Sherman Theatre have introduced generations of children from across south Wales to the magic of theatre – always with a twist.

This year, the company is producing A Christmas Carol alongside a brand new production of Little Red Riding Hood (in English) and Yr Hugan Fach Goch (in Welsh), supported by Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru, which will be performed at the Sherman Theatre and also tour south Wales.

Find out more at www.shermantheatre.co.uk

THE FINER

THINGS

Your tattoo experience should be comfortable and set in stylish surroundings

E Wiktoria Folga

sthete Studio specialises in contemporary fine line, dainty tattoos with an emphasis on making its clientele comfortable and relaxed for a truly unforgettable experience.

It is the brainchild of Wiktoria Folga, who decided to take the plunge and open her own tattoo studio n Cardiff Bay, after one of her drawings went viral on TikTok. Wiktoria told LifeStyle Wales: “I’ve always been a creative person from an early age I always had a pencil or crayon in my hand - making images in school to take pride of place on the fridge, as well as making everyone’s birthday cards with extra special love and care.

“My bedroom walls were covered in things I’d made for fun and my mind would always be wondering about what I could create next with pen and paper.

“In 2020 at the age of 15, I realised that I should actually utilise my hobby and turn it into a business after posting a TikTok video of myself drawing a snake with florals tattoo on my leg with a pen.

“The short video went viral and has since had more that 1.2million views, which is absolutely crazy!

“Lots of viewers commented on how much they loved my drawing and gladly stating that they would have it as a real tattoo.

“Over the following weeks I had hundreds of messages from people asking how much it would cost and what my date availability was for a tattoo session.

“This really opened my eyes as a young artist, as my dream of actually doing the thing I love for a living could potentially turn into a reality.

“I quickly set about learning how to become a tattoo artist but had to wait another three years until I was 18 to become fully qualified.

“Over the next three years I perfected my skill as an artist. I started to sell my designs on Etsy, and amassed a substantial following on social media.

“The more I posted my artwork online, the more I became in demand for custom pieces. Clients would message me with their ideas and inspiration in the hopes of making their visions a reality.

“There’s something magical about seeing your work light up a person’s face - art can evoke very powerful emotions and changes ones mood and well-being.

“The moment I turned 18, I could finally put all my hard work into practice. After registering and gaining the necessary qualifications needed, I finally opened Esthete Studio last year in 2023. The rest, as they say, is history!”

“I set about creating a safe, aesthetically pleasing space in which I would like to visit as a customer, because not everyone feels comfortable walking into a typically dark, intimidating Tattoo studio, especially for a cute little tattoo.”

Wiktoria made her studio to be welcoming, light, with a relaxing atmosphere in the hopes of creating a safe space that would put her clients’ minds at ease. Esthete is a far reach from the typical gothic stylings of a traditional tattoo studio, opting for more of a neutral calming demeanour.

Since opening, her fine line style has become highly sought after, with her tiny tattoos being incredibly popular with people who are looking for an alternative to more traditional types of tattoos.

Wiktoria added: “Small tattoos are delicate, and can be very intimate due to their size, meaning that they are not as noticeable as large scale tattoos.

“Recently, I’ve been getting a lot of requests for heartfelt short messages, which have been personally hand written by their loved ones.

“I also get a lot of enquiries from groups of friends wanting to do something to commemorate their friendship using a small icon or symbol. A well-known example of this is the cast of Peter Jackson’s Fellowship of the Ring getting the word nine written in Tolkien’s elvish tattooed on their bodies - a fab memento to remember their time making the iconic movie.

“As always, getting a tattoo is a big decision, but that doesn’t mean that the tattoo has to be big - for some it has more to do with the meaning and symbolism of the tattoo, and for others it can be simply for the love of the artwork - everyone is welcome in my studio.”

A tattoo with Wiktoria at Esthete Studio is by appointment only, with a small deposit required at the time of booking. Tiny Tattoos are priced at £40 for one, £75 for two, and £100 for three. Prices for custom tattoos vary on the artwork - call for more details.

Not only does Wiktoria offer tattooing, but also piercing too, with pricing starting from £20 for lobes. Don’t forget to pick up your loyalty piercing card to collect stamps to get your fourth piercing for free.

With the festive season upon us, why not treat your loved one to a unique piece of body art this Christmas? A gift voucher for Esthete Studio can be made out for any amount and would make for the perfect gift for any tattoo or piercings lover.

For more information and to see more examples of Wiktoria’s artwork, simply follow her social media pages or visit her official website using the details below.

Cambrian Building, Mt. Stuart Square, Cardiff CF10 5FL esthetestudio.co.uk enquiries@esthetestudio.co.uk Instagram: @esthete__studio Facebook: @wfolgatattoo TikTok: @esthete.studio

A VENUE FOR ANY OCCASION

S

Grade II listed building in the heart of Swansea makes for the perfect desination to celebrate

pecial occasions deserve special settings, and with its elegant style, Morgans Hotel certainly fits the bill. Whatever you’re celebrating, the team will help make your event as memorable as possible!

The Atrium, which is adjoined to the Banqueting Hall, offers a chance for up to 40 friends and family to enjoy a wedding breakfast beneath the stars and boasts a private bar serving a wide range of beers, wines, spirits, cocktails and soft drinks.

There’s a range of function spaces available, catering for everything from corporate meetings to large engagement parties, birthday events and wedding celebrations.

Exuding luxury and comfort, its bar areas offers you and your guests the opportunity to lounge between the important aspects of your wedding day.

For smaller dos, The Sir Galahad meeting room can seat up to 40 people in an intimate setting, whilst The Georgian Swansea’s bar lounge is an elegant venue for parties of up to 70, whilst larger parties can be held in Morgans’ stunning Banqueting Hall, which can comfortably accommodate around 100 guests.

Sumptuous leather sofas lend themselves to pure relaxation, whilst the fully stocked bar allows your guests to indulge in their personal preferences throughout the celebrations. With space to accommodate acoustic singers and solo entertainers, Morgans Bar is the perfect place to slowly unwind both before and after your marriage vows.

For weddings, Morgans offers several options. The Sir Galahad Suite is licensed for intimate ceremonies of up to 40 guests. The suite allows you to celebrate your big day with the most important people in your lives with a feeling of warmth and closeness. The private suite is adorned with historical features and natural daylight floods through the original sash windows, illuminating the most intricate details of brides’ gowns and décor.

Alternatively, the Banqueting Hall is licensed for larger wedding ceremonies of up to 110 loved ones and fits even more for an evening reception. Family and friends will love the decadent architecture, while you will adore having the space to chat and mingle with guests before, of course, taking to the dance floor!

Just a few steps away from Morgans Bar, you’ll find the luxurious Champagne Bar, which oozes decadence. Here you can truly indulge yourself within this glamorous space as this private bar offers a selection of the finest champagnes, personally selected shots, or a bespoke cocktail menu.

Experienced mixologists can help you create the drinks menu of your dreams to perfectly compliment your special day and give your guests a true reflection of the happy couple.

With two stunning Bridal Suites on offer, Morgans provides exactly what you need to relax both before and after your big day. Spacious suites allow plenty of room for hair stylists and make up artists to create their magic, and your whole wedding party to enjoy that first look moment.

Sumptuous bed linens adorn your super king beds, and complimentary mini bars give you an opportunity to treat yourselves into the evening.

Large showers and separate bath tubs allow plenty of relaxation time to soak in pure indulgence.

With an additional 40 guest bedrooms across the main hotel and Townhouse, Morgans can accommodate your whole wedding party, family and friends, allowing you to continue the celebrations into the following day with stunning, local breakfasts.

No wedding is complete without a lavish feast, and its chefs know how to put together a menu that will give your guests something to talk about for years to come. Renowned for fine dining experiences, Morgans is the ideal venue to indulge in your favourite flavours.

Whet your appetite with a selection of fine canapés, sample local specialties in your wedding breakfast and continue the feast into the evening with one of our extravagant buffets. Speak to your personal Wedding Coordinator about the bespoke menu options available to you.

Celebrate into the evening with up to 200 of your friends and family - have your whole day under one roof. Allow your guests room to scatter throughout our fantastic venue, and out on to The Deck under twinkling lights and evening skies.

Dance the night away with a resident DJ with tailored music packages to suit your personal tastes. Sink into splendid late night snack buffets before retiring to the bar as your celebrations wind down.

Its dedicated wedding coordinators are there for you through each step of your wedding planning journey, helping you to achieve the wedding of your dreams at Morgans.

Set a date in your diary for Sunday 9th of February, as Morgans Hotel will be showcasing an extra special wedding fayre - taking bookings for 2026, with select dates available for 2025.

Opulent interiors await you and your wedding guests at Morgans Hotel, with highly trained, professional staff on hand to care for your every wish! Call today to make an appointment or download a wedding brochure from the official website.

Morgans Hotel, Somerset Place, Swansea SA1 1RR reception@themorganscollection.co.uk morganshotel.co.uk 01792 484848

*Winner of Best Overall Wedding Venue in Wales 2023 *Winner of Best Boutique Wedding Venue in South Wales 2019 & 2022 *The Welsh National Wedding Awards 2024 - Boutique Wedding Venue of the Year (Finalist) *The 7th Welsh Wedding Awards 2025 - Wedding Coordinator of the Year (Finalist)

WINTER WEDDINGS Beau, beautiful, this is how every bride should look and feel on the most special day of their life

N

atalie Mace is an award winning, qualified, experienced make-up artist and hairdresser, who specialises in making brides look and feel beautiful on their wedding day.

Based in Rumney, Cardiff, Natalie offers a mobile wedding hair service for your convenience, covering the breadth of South Wales at numerous wedding locations via easy access to the M4 corridor.

Natalie told LifeStyle Wales: “I have been surrounded by makeup for as long as I can remember.

“My mother is also a makeup artist, so it was only natural for me to follow in her footsteps.

“I hold a diploma in Theatrical and Media Makeup and also a NVQ level 1 and 2 in Hair Dressing.

“I graduated with a merit for a Foundation Degree in Performing Arts Technology, gaining new skills all the time.

“I am multi award winning for Best Wedding Hair in South and West Wales. and I have over 10 years’ experience, which includes hair and makeup for Film, TV, Theatre, Music Videos, National News Paper and numerous Fashion shows.

“Over the years my love for bridal hair has grown, feeling that I have found my niche and no longer offer makeup personally, but I work with many amazing artists and will happily give you my personal recommendations.

“I am always looking to improve and have recently trained with the very talented Lena Bogucharskaya.

“I’ve already been very fortunate to work with some wonderful brides this year, and my diary is quickly beginning to fill for 2025.”

So, if you’re a bride who wants to look their very best on your big day, why not give Natalie a call?

If you would like a quote or to book a consultation, please get in touch using the details below: 07854 533170 beaubridalmakeup.co.uk natalie123215@hotmail.co.uk

Photo: www.huwanddale.co.uk

A

Fairytale WEDDING VENUE

In a 17th Century Castle exclusively† yours for the day!

YOUR DREAM WEDDING AT HENSOL CASTLE There are many wedding venues in South Wales - but only one in a Grade 1 listed castle. Think majestic turrets, sweeping staircases and gothic towers (perfect for photo opportunities!).

Our gorgeous Grade I listed building is nestled in picturesque grounds and steeped in history. We’re easy to reach too! Perfectly placed, in a stunning countryside setting, yet just off the M4.

If you’ve always dreamed of a fairytale wedding venue where you will feel like royalty, Hensol Castle is waiting for you.

www.hensolcastle.com | 01443 665803 Hensol Castle Park, Hensol, Vale of Glamorgan, CF72 8JX †Terms and conditions apply.

WITH OUR COMPLIMENTS... 

Exclusive† use of Hensol Castle



Complimentary bedroom for the happy couple



15 complimentary bedrooms for guests



Complimentary Hensol Castle Gin miniature favours



Complimentary white dance floor and light-up love letters



Complimentary chiavari chairs

TIS’ THE SEASON

Hotel has plenty to celebrate this Christmas

N

estled in the stunning Welsh countryside, the Vale Resort is the ultimate destination to make your Christmas and New Year celebrations magical. From lively party nights with sumptuous three-course meals to elegant afternoon teas in the beautiful Hensol Castle, there really is something for everyone to enjoy.

This year, the Vale Resort’s Christmas parties, starting at £49 per person, are the perfect opportunity for a celebratory get-together with friends, family, or colleagues looking for a bit of festive fun and magic to create some cherished memories.

Back by popular demand, the Gin’gle Bell Ball at Hensol Castle promises to be an unforgettable evening with dancing until the small hours, and the New Year’s Eve Gala is the biggest party in the festive line-up.

New for 2024 is our Mamma Mia Party Night where you will be merrily singing “Thank You For the Music” all the way home or to one of our luxury bedrooms, as well as our Dirty Grease Party Night, where you will have the ‘time of your life’ singing along to the famous tunes from two of the most iconic musicals in history.

For those looking to sit back, relax and indulge on the big day itself, the Vale Resort has two offerings for Christmas Day: • Family Christmas Day Lunch - £99 per adult, £48 per child under 12’s, children aged 2 and under are free Includes: A gin cocktail on arrival for the adults, followed by a traditional five-course carvery buffet luncheon featuring all the trimmings. For the little ones, after dinner festive elves will be dropping by with presents from Santa himself.

• Christmas Day Lunch - £115 pp (aged 16 and over only) Includes: Designed for those aged 16 and over, this five-course Christmas lunch is provided in a quiet and intimate surrounding, with a gin cocktail on arrival for those old enough.

Those looking for a quieter festive feast rather than a glitzy night of partying can book on to the Vale Resort’s family buffet Sunday lunches, complete with all the trimmings, classic Christmas music and activities to keep the younger ones entertained. A three-course carvery meal costs £42 per adult and £20 per child (3-12 years), whilst under 2s eat free. Christmas Day family lunches are also available to book.

Stephanie Metson, Marketing Manager at Vale Resort, said: “Our aim at Vale Resort is to create memorable experiences for our guests during the festive season. Whether you are attending one of our lively party nights, a sophisticated gala dinner or a cosy afternoon tea, we promise exceptional service and an unforgettable atmosphere. We look forward to welcoming you and celebrating this special time of year together.”

More information about Christmas 2024 at Vale Resort can be found at www.valeresort.com

SPECIAL

TREAT

Lavish loved-ones in festive opulence at Swansea’s Number One Hotel

W

ow. That’s what guests say as they walk through the grand doors at Morgans Hotel in Swansea this Christmas - the city’s number one rated hotel on TripAdvisor and a Visit Wales accredited 4-star boutique hotel.

Part of The Morgans Collection, Morgans Hotel began life as the head office for the Harbour Trust. Retaining many of its original features, Morgans is a powerful reminder of Swansea’s rich maritime history.

In designing the independent hotel, management had two ideas in mind - luxury and fun! And whilst the hotel’s architecture, function rooms and bedrooms ooze elegance, there’s also plenty of opportunity to let your hair down during the festive period - with a lively bar and lounge area, excellent function spaces for private Christmas parties and events.

From Afternoon Tea for One (£23.95) or Two (£47.90), to a Sunday Stay with Breakfast for Two (half price, from just £90) or an Overnight Stay with Breakfast for Two (from £180), there’s something for every budget – and every experience is sure to be a luxurious one!

Plus, Morgans Hotel has partnered with the Swansea.com stadium to offer exclusive VIP experiences for select Swansea City football matches this season – the perfect Christmas gift for the Swans fans in your life! Packages include 2 VIP tickets to a match of your choice*, a one-course buffet lunch, a bed and breakfast stay at Morgans Hotel or The Georgian Swansea and more.

For the past two decades the Morgan’s Hotel has taken part with Swansea’s annual Christmas Lights Switch-On and Festive Parade, which this year falls on Sunday, November 17th - the entirety of the Hotel’s exterior covered in thousands upon thousands of Christmas lights - a sight to behold no matter your age!

Christmas is always a special time of the year, with its festive private party dates selling out quickly - there is still some date availabilty but please check on the website or by calling the hotel reception directly.

Packages start from £40 per person with a minimum of 20 guests.

Why not surprise your loved ones this Christmas with a voucher for an experience or relaxing getaway at Swansea’s number one hotel in 2025?

To find out more about the Christmas events and to reserve a table for the Festive Afternoon teas, simply contact using the details below: Morgans Hotel, Somerset Place, Swansea SA1 1RR reception@themorganscollection.co.uk morganshotel.co.uk 01792 484848

BLOK OUT YOUR DIARY

S

A unique spa hotel tucked away in the rolling hills of Pontyclun

et in the surroundings of a beautiful 18th century manor house, Lanelay Hall Hotel & Spa makes the perfect setting for your festive celebrations.

Celebrate with our festive Afternoon Tea, festive Sunday Lunch, group dining in BLOK, and private parties with family, friends or colleagues in the beautifully decorated surroundings of our restored function suites.

Add in sumptuous dining experiences and lively entertainment and you have everything you need to create everlasting Christmas memories with those dearest to you.

Festive Sunday Lunch Our festive lunches are the perfect way to get everyone into the Christmas spirit. Round up your nearest and dearest for a cosy afternoon by our roaring fires.

Enjoy three courses with with all of your favourite trimmings, roasties, pigs in blankets, brussels sprouts, dressed carrots and braised red cabbage. Available throughout December.

Christmas Day Lunch Set in the surroundings of a beautiful 18th century manor house, Lanelay Hall Hotel & Spa makes the perfect setting for your festive celebrations. Join us in our brand new restaurant BLOK for what promises to be an extra special Christmas Day. Enjoy a 5-course decadent menu in beautiful surroundings.

New Years Day Lunch Start your year with a luxurious New Year’s Day Lunch at BLOK. Nestled within the stunning 18th-century Lanelay Hall Hotel & Spa, our restaurant offers the perfect blend of elegance and warmth for your celebration. Indulge in a carefully curated fourcourse menu, crafted to set the tone for a delightful year ahead.

Join us for a memorable dining experience in a setting as special as the occasion.

Festive Afternoon Tea Indulge yourself in festive luxury here at Lanelay Hall Hotel & Spa and enjoy our Christmas Afternoon Tea. Join us for a selection of sandwiches scones and seasonal sweet treats throughout December.

The Art of Gift Giving Stuck for present ideas this year? We have a range of different vouchers and experiences to surprise and delight your loved ones with. You’ll be able to find one perfectly tailored to your recipient, from spa days to bed and breakfast. Discover more below.

Visit the Christmas page on their website for all the details.

Lanelay Road, Talbot Green, Pontyclun CF72 9LA 01443 558 309 lanelayhall.co.uk reservations@lanelayhall.co.uk

FESTIVE

FEASTING This wonderful catering business is renowned for its exuberant platter displays

B

espoke Posh Platters is a luxury grazing company based in Cardiff, and is the brainchild of Lisa Hardy. Lisa’s popular business prides itself on creating the perfect set-up for any event or occasion.

Since its inception, Lisa has built-up a sterling reputation for her creativity and artistic flair, being well-known throughout the Welsh capital for curating the ultimate show stopping displays that are assured to stand out from the crowd. ​ Lisa told LifeStyle Wales: “Our grazing table displays always catch people’s attention, especially when we post our pictures online.

“Our displays are literally a feast for the eyes, and we ensure that our Bespoke Posh Platters taste as good as they look. We achieve this by using the very best local produce and Welsh suppliers that are readily available here in Cardiff.

“We also recognise that it’s not a one size fits all service, therefore we work closely with our clients to ensure that we capture every detail to create our signature bespoke displays tailored to them.

“We therefore work on the basis that each grazing table is tailored to our client’s individual specification, and therefore grazing tables are priced accordingly.

“We can incorporate any particular dietary request, whether that be vegetarian, vegan, or halal for example.

“Whatever the occasion, whether it be a birthday celebration, christening, wedding, hen party, baby shower or reveal, we can create the perfect set-up for you and your guests to enjoy.

“A popular option for those looking to graze on something whilst getting married are our Bridal Breakfasts. We can deliver a variety of specialist breakfast grazing boxes or create a dazzling grazing table set-up at your wedding venue.

“Our bridal breakfasts are the perfect way to start your very special day and will be dressed with fresh flowers/foliage to match your colour theme.

“We can also provide fresh juices on request and tailor any of the above to suit.

For more details about the list of services Lisa provides, please visit her official website.

To see more examples of the impressive food displays, be sure to like and follow the Bespoke Posh Platters social media pages on Facebook and Instagram.

07792 281884 bespokeposhplatters.com bespoke_posh_platters@yahoo.com

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS

Your Trusted Independent Wine Merchant

20

Established in 2004, we take pride in providing the finest wines and spirits to the trade, restaurants, and bars across Wales. Discover a curated selection of wines, including Organic, Biodynamic, Vegetarian, and Vegan options. Quality that stands the test of time.

Wine and Food Pairing Specialists

In-House Design & Printing

Corporate Gift Packages

NEW YEAR

CELEBRATIONS

F

Private venue for Christmas Parties and to see in the New Year

or those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the busy town and city centres this December, hiring your very own public-house with guest rooms may be a better option.

The Ynys - a former public house in Swansea, is one such venue, and is owned by Entrepreneur Nicky Bright of Nicky Bright Holidays and Nicky Bright Interiors.

Nicky told LifeStyle Wales: “Since originally transforming The Ynysmeudwy Arms into a venue that can be hired for special occasions and short breaks away with larger family and friends groups, it has since struck a chord with people who just want to mingle with family and friends.

“In the past, hiring a function room at a venue would be the norm for celebrations, but then you’re at the mercy of having to deal with strangers and other guests visiting the bar or Lounge. Sometimes venues even double or triple book, due to having more than one function room. For some that may be fine, but for others, we offer a venue that’s exclusively yours.

“We focus on the experience and minute detail from the moment your event starts, ensuring you and your guests can relax to enjoy the festive celebrations. With the wide range of expertise and contacts we have, we’ll try our very best to obtain the things you desire for your Christmas Party.

“Christmas Parties can be quite expensive, which is why we have very competitive rates that are accessible to all.

“The Ynys not only allows you to bring your own beer and wine, but also offers on-site accommodation sleeping 26 guests, a beer garden, as well as free parking for you and your guests.

“The Ynys also has a fully working industrial size kitchen, so it’s not a problem for entertaining larger groups with a delicious festive feast!

“Obviously the venue will be dressed for the festive season - with table dressing, along with any other extras such as evening entertainment, available at an extra cost.

“Please do not hesitate to contact me to discuss what your perfect Christmas Party would be, as I’ll try my very best to make this a reality for you.” nickybrightholidays.com hello@nickybrightholidays.com 02920 001 480

Celebrate

Christmasus! with

If you’re out doing a bit of festive shopping, watching a pantomime at a theatre with the family, or dancing the night away with your friends at your favourite nightclub, Giovanni’s Cardiff offers three incredible dining destinations to celebrate Christmas.

New - Late Supper Club Eat, drink, and dance, every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9pm at Giovanni’s in the Bay. Enjoy Cocktails, tapas, and entertainment every weekend throughout December.

New Year Celebrations See in 2025 with family and friends the Italian way at all three Giovanni’s Restaurants.

Fabulous food, exquisite wine, and great company - it’s the only way to count down to midnight!

The Bay 029 2049 5480 inthebay@giovanniscardiff.co.uk 339 Lloyd George Ave, Cardiff, CF10 4QH The Hayes 029 2022 0077 onthehayes@giovanniscardiff.co.uk 38 The Hayes, Cardiff, CF10 1AJ

Park Place 029 2022 6299 inparkplace@giovanniscardiff.co.uk 8 Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3DP