Swansea Life June 2018

SWA NSE A

LIFE WIN JUNE 2018 £2.95

sunshine

ready u The Ultimate

Swimwear Guide u Sizzling BBQ Treats u Al Fresco Dining

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£500

summer wardrobe at NEXT FATHER’S

DAY

Gift

Guide

summer 9 771750 843018

9 771750 843018

06

06

a w a r d - w i nn i n g M AGA Z I N E

Fashion and home trends to lift your mood

Shot in Fairyhill’s 24-acre Gower garden

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

Oldwalls, a collection of luxury wedding venues oldwallscollection.com

Contents...

J U N E

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SWA NSE A

FASHION

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

Swansea Life, Urban Village, High Street, Swansea, SA1 1NW @swansealife Email: laura.davies@trinitymirror.com www.swansealife.co.uk

10. DIVE IN Sizzling swimwear from bikinis to swimsuits 16. BEACH VIBES Cool shoreline fashion looks

10 HAIR & BEAUTY 35. SUN FACTOR Make sure your protected with SPF 50. NATURAL FOUNDATIONS Is yours free from harsh preservatives?

HEALTH & WELLBEING

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

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

EC4M 7LG. Website: http://www,ipso.co.ukTelephone: 0300 123 2220; email advice@ipso.co.uk

52. A-Z HEALTH GUIDE Tips and tricks for summer

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

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33. BEAUTY NEWS What’s new for June

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

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

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

23. WIN £500 A new summer wardrobe from Next

56. BEST ADVICE Sketty GP Dr Charlotte on starting a family

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57. OUTSIDE FIT Lose weight and stay fit by gardening

BRIDE 59. ROMANTIC NUPTIALS The wedding of Ffion and Darren Owen

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WHAT’S ON 148. DIARY DATES Your guide to the best events this June

65. WE LOVE Bridal products we want!

151. CONCERT FUN The Killers and Ed Sheeran perform

68. WEDDING BELLES Gowns without blowing the budget

140

152. INTERVIEW We speak to Ruth Jones about her new book

OUT & ABOUT

SOCIAL DIARY

137. GET WALKING Join columnist Andrew Morgan on a summer walk

158. BALL Lord Mayor of Swansea’s Ball 161. BOULES Charity fancy dress match

138. STRATFORD A weekend away in Shakespeare territory 140. SWISS TRAVEL A trip to Basel

HOUSE & HOME

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93. BRIGHTS! Make your home colourful for summer

158 MOTORING SOCIAL 143. SEVEN SEATERS DIARY Cars perfect for a growing

164. COMMUNITY Gorseinon Council’s end of year grant’s dinner

143

family 214. HEAD Phphphp hphp hphp hphp

104. BLUE HUES Rival the colours of the sea and sky with blue home decor

147. DRIVE TIME 221. HEAD Testing the Toyota Land Cruiser Phphphp hphp hphp hphp phphphphphphp

128. OUTDOOR SPACE Columnist Vic Wade talks summer gardens

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151

226. HEAD Phphphp hphp hphp hphp phphphphphphp

FOOD & DRINK

TIME FOR YOU

70. RESTAURANT REVIEW We head to Waunarlwydd’s The Grill House

168. FOR DAD Father’s Day Gift Guide 173. OH BABY Products and essentials for your baby

73. WE LOVE Our favourite foods this month 85. BBQ READY Foods you want on your barbie

173

175. GET READY… For this year’s Swansea Life Awards!

swansealife.co.uk 5

E D I TO R’ S L E T TE R

Welcome...

There’s definitely a different buzz in the office at the moment - and it’s called summer!

It’s funny the effect a few days of sun can have on us, isn’t it? And we have, so far, been very blessed with the glorious weather in Swansea bay.

As I write, the sun is shining, the summer clothes (and open toe sandals) are out, and plans are being made for after-work activities and drinks! Not to mention holidays!

Add the longer, lighter days into the mix and even the regular 9-5 feels a little cheerier.

It’s this type of weather that really makes you appreciate what Swansea has to offer. Whether it’s a walk along Swansea promenade or a picnic at one of Gower’s picture-postcard beaches not to mention dining al fresco or having a few glasses of bubbly by the sea. So this month, we make no apologies for celebrating the best the bay has to offer and look forward to the long, warm days ahead.

Whatever you’re up to, this issue is packed with everything you need to enjoy these glorious days. Off to the beach? Check out our sizzling swimwear guide, beachwear, stunning sandals and don’t forget your SPF - we show you the best lotions are to suit you!

MARK REES

Of course, when the sun comes out, so does the barbecue. Inside, we have some fantastic foods to throw on the barbie as well as some tropical must-have buys for your home and garden.

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

After eating al fresco, why not burn off the calories by doing a spot of gardening. Did you know you can lose up to 200 calories by mowing the lawn for 30 mins? Look inside to see why gardening can be just as good as the gym - plus you can even catch a tan!

As well as our regular features, don’t forget it’s Father’s Day on June 17, so take your pick of presents from our special gift guide and give your dad a day he won’t forget!

Enjoy the sun, and enjoy the read!

AWA RD -WI N N I N G MA G A ZI N E

SWA NSE A

LIFE WIN

DEBBIE ROBERTS

Advertising Manager 01792 545626 debbie.roberts@trinitymirror.com

JUNE 2018 £2.95

SUNSHINE

READY u The Ultimate

Swimwear Guide

u Sizzling BBQ Treats u Al Fresco Dining

Find us on Facebook @SwanseaLife

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HERE COMES

FATHER’S

DAY

Gift

Guide

SUMMER 9 771750 843018

EDITOR 06

01792 545523 laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk @LawsDx

NEW N SEASOOKS LO

9 771750 843018

LAURA DAVIES

TY BEAU

£500

summer wardrobe at NEXT

Fashion and home trends to lift your mood

COVER IMAGE: Black Swimsuit, £28, Sunglasses, £8, Dorothy Perkins, Swansea www.dorothyperkins.com

SANDRA EVANS

EDITORIAL DESIGNER sandra.evans@trinitymirror.com

Swansea lives OUR PICK OF THE MONTHS BEST PARTY GET-TOGETHERS (FOM PAGE 156)

Quality made truly affordable Quality made truly affordable

156

LULLABY TRUST BALL

158

LORD MAYOR’S SUMMER HONOURS BALL

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ULTRA BALLROOM

164

GORSEINON TOWN COUNCIL GRANT AWARDS DINNER 2018

Quali a

Visit our showroom to view our our toview viewour our vastVisit displays of wood burning stoves, Visit ourshowroom showroom to vast displays of wood burning stoves, gas &ofelectric fires & stoves, vast displays wood burning gas & electric fires & gasVisit & electric fires &surrounds fireplace surrounds fireplace our showroom to view our fireplace surrounds vast displays of wood burning stoves, gas & electric fires & fireplace surrounds

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Tel: Tel: 01792 01792 892357 892357 | | www.brisco.co.uk www.brisco.co.uk

Gorseinon Road, Gorseinon, Swansea, SA4 9GG

Tel: 01792 892357 | www.brisco.co.uk 7 swansealife.co.uk

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

FASHION

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

laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk

AU NATUREL

Mix natural fabrics and subdued hues for a look that’s easy, breezy and chic. Stick to a pale palette of white, cream, grey, beige or khaki. Keep accessories minimal the basket bag is still ruling Instagram as summer’s top choice of arm candy - and when it comes to footwear, try styles in raffia or wicker, like a fail-safe espadrille.

Camel Striped Tie Front Slip Dress, £28, Miss Selfridge, Swansea

No matter what she wears Michelle Keegan never fails to impress. And her gorgeous, lemon strapless gown by Suzanne Neville at the BAFTAs was no exception. The actress radiated glamour in this year’s most trendiest colour. You can get a similar look by heading to Debut at Debenhams. We love this Debut Yellow chiffon ‘Sara’ Strapless Dress, £79, Debenhams. Swansea

CATCH OF THE DAY:

get the look

F&F Striped Linen V by Very Paperbag Blend Culotte Wrap Midi Skirt, Jumpsuit, £25, £32, Very.co.uk Tesco, Llansamlet and Parc Fforestfach Gold Tone Geometric Wood Effect Drop Earrings, £8.50, Next, Morfa Retail Park and Parc Trostre

Olivia Straw Large Circle Bag, £44, Accessorize, Swansea

LOBSTER

Kurt Geiger Lobster Loafer, £163, Littlewoods.com

Get your claws out - this season’s must-have print has arrived.

Fabienne Chapot Lobster Print Blouse, £120, and Trousers, £125, House of Fraser, Cardiff

GREEN WITH

ENVY

Metallic Frayed Trim Mule, £65, Dune, Cardiff

We love this soft rose gold plated snake chain, which holds a gorgeous Swarovski cushion-cut, Indian sapphire coloured stone, as well as a matching ring which offers a sophisticated modern twist on a classic cocktail ring. Adore Cushion Stone Slider Bracelet, £55, Adore Cushion Stone Ring, £49, WatchShop.com

LOVE! LAURA GILLINGS x HENRY HOLLAND Sainsbury’s Tu has partnered with Graduate Fashion Week’s winner Laura Gillings who has created a 16-piece collection that features tailored trousers and coordinating jackets, shirts, dresses, skirts and T-shirts in monochrome shades as well as orange, dark green and lilac. The Bath Spa University student was mentored by London -based designer Henry Holland and the womenswear collection, ‘The Hype of the Stripe’, takes inspiration from bold and unabashed 1960’s tailoring and The Rolling Stones. Available on Tu.co.uk from May 29.

Bobby Lobster Canvas Shopper Bag, £26, Topshop, Swansea

rainbow bright I am totally in love with rainbow stripes and motifs this season. This jumper is perfect for throwing over an outfit when the evenings get a little nippy and goes with any colour.

Rainbow Stripe Jumper, £32, Simplybe.co.uk

Elegantly Waisted This River Island belt has a definite hint of Gucci about it, but is just £14.

River Island, Swansea

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FASHION

Adelaide Sling, £46, Boux Avenue, Cardiff

Bikini, £34.99, River Island, Swansea

Animal Print Bikini Set, £34, Top Shop, Swansea

Black Floral Mesh Bikini, £20, Tesco, Parc Fforestfach

Swimsuit, £28, Asos.com

Jewelled Bikini Top, £24, Bottoms, £16, Asos.com

Bird Of Paradise Printed Swimsuit, £35, Accessorize, Swansea

Blue Embroidered Swimsuit, £16, George at Asda, Llansamlet and Parc Trostre

Bikini, £36, River Island, Parc Fforestfach

Floral Embroidered Swimsuit, Black Floral Mesh Bikini, £40, Top Shop, Swansea £20, Tesco, Parc Fforestfach

Floral Swimsuit, £34.99, River Island, Swansea

MAKE A Dive into summer with LAURA DAVIES’ round up of sizzling swimwear laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk

High Neck Strappy Bikini Set, £35, Very.co.uk

Botanical Print Reversible Bikini Top, £20, Bottoms £16, M&Co, Cardiff

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@LawsDx

Bonnie Fun Spot Halter Bikini Top, £24.95, Bottoms, £19.95 Joules, Mumbles

M&S Collection Swimsuit, M&S Collection Swimsuit, £29.50, M&S, Parc Trostre £25, M&S, Swansea and Swansea

J by Jasper Conran Swimsuit, £28 , Debenhams, Swansea

Leopard Print Bikini Top, £16, Bottoms, £12, Dorothy Perkins, Swansea

Lanzarote Spot, £46, Boux Avenue, Cardiff

M&S Collection Top, £16; Bottoms, £14, M&S, Swansea and Parc Trostre

Love by Julien Macdonald SS18 Stud Detail Swimsuit, £18, Matalan, Morriston

Mix Leaf Print Cupped Swimsuit, £35, White Stuff, Cardiff

Navy Cross Swimsuit, £49, House of Fraser, Cardiff

MW by Matthew Williamson, Top £26, Bottoms, £20, Debenhams, Swansea

Pink Ruffle Swimsuit, £18, Tesco, Llansamlet and Parc Fforestfach

Navy Printed Bikini Top, £18, Bottoms, £16, M&Co, Cardiff

Animal Print Bikini Top £12.99, Bottoms £9.99, New Look, Swansea

Pink Mesh Swimsuit, £24.99, New Look, Swansea and Parc Fforestfach

M&S Collection Top £25; Bottoms, £14; M&S, Swansea

Pink Flamingo High-Waisted Bikini, £20, Tesco, Llansamlet and Parc Fforestfach

MW by Matthew Williamson Swimsuit, £45 , Debenhams, Parc Trostre

Myleene Klass Crochet Bardot Bikini Top, £37, Littlewoods.com

One Shoulder Swimsuit, £35, Simplybe.co.uk

Bikini Top, £22, Briefs, £16, Next, Swansea

Sporty Halter Bikini Top, £24, Briefs, £14, Simplybe.co.uk

Bikini Top, £14, Bottoms, £12, Red Herring Debenhams, Swansea

South Beach Swimsuit, £42, Littlewoods.com

Swimsuit, £34.99, River Island, Parc Trostre

Nicole Strappy Bikini Top, £30 and Brief, £18, House of Fraser, Cardiff

Floral Swimsuit, £34.99, River Island, Swansea

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ASTKOUR U

RD A REWARD C

ABO

MUMBLES

Clever Clothes at Sensible Prices

We look forward to showing you our Spring/Summer Collections

Try on our Fabulous Range of Trousers, Capri’s, Crops and Jackets from

Robell

516 MUMBLES ROAD, MUMBLES • Tel 01792 366133

With summer holidays being planned and wardrobes being updated, Kate Spade New York has added new fun timepieces to her watch collection. While there are more than 10 new timepieces in the new range at WatchShop.com,these are two of our favourites - perfect for creating a summer tropical feel.

THIS MONTH

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

SHAPEUP

Kate Spade New York Park Row Flamingos Watch, £149; Kate Spade New York Varick Hay Sunshine watch, £199, WatchShop.com

CATWALKCOPIES

We have totally fallen in love with River Island’s newest occasionwear collection which has literally just dropped. Glamour and sophistication are heightened with delicate lace, floral broderie and intricate tassel details, making up the eightpiece collection.

River Island, Swansea

GET TROPICAL WITH KATE SPADE

@LawsDx

With the new activewear collection from F&F, there’s nothing stopping you from standing out from the crowd and shaping up in style. With tropical prints galore, super cool slogan tees and timeless monochrome sets, all under £20, it’s both functional and fashionable.

CELEB COLLABORATION We have been in love with Caroline Flack’s style for longer than we can remember, so when we found out she was co-designing her own collection for River Island, we kind of did a little excited dance around the office. The 19-piece summer wardrobe capsule collection includes clothing and accessories, perfect for a sunshine getaway.

Pictured: Very Michelle Keegan Striped Exaggerated Sleeve Dress, £90, Very.co.uk.

RAINBOW RAIN

It couldn’t be easier to replicate Michelle Keegan’s sassy and stylish look with her own affordable collection for Very.

Featuring striking stripes, hot tropical prints and fun polka dots, this collection shouts summer!

LINGERIE TU

OCCASIONWEAR

FASHION FASHION

Tu at Sainsbury’s has launched its first lingerie collection, which includes bras in sizes 34DD to 40G. (Hurray!)

Called DD+, the 20-style range features lingerie sets specially designed to support and flatter, thanks to wider straps, strong wires and firm wing mesh. Bright colours, floral trims and embroidery make these bras - which come in padded, non-padded, longline and sports bras - as pretty as they are practical, and there are a variety of high-waisted and bikini briefs to match.

Prices start at £5 for briefs and range from £5 to £16 for bras, Sainsbury’s, Swansea

How gorgeous is the highly anticipated all new ‘Rainbow Rain’ baby clothing collection from LoveKeepCreate in support of Tommy’s? Designed using bold, bright and beautiful motifs and colours, the range aims to recognise and cherish ‘rainbow babies’, a term used to describe a baby born following a miscarriage, still birth or infant loss – representing hope and joy like a dazzling rainbow following a dark storm. Made from 100 per cent organic jersey cotton, the collection includes stylish long-sleeved babygrows, super-snug leggings, cute dresses, practical dribble bibs and gorgeous gift sets for that thoughtful newborn baby present. Ranging from newborn through to 24 months of age, 50p from every item will be donated to the UK’s leading baby charity.

White Rainbow Clouds Sleepsuit, £22, Hat, £8, www.LoveKeepCreate.co.uk

Citrus CRUSH

Just looking at these quirky, zesty sandals makes us want to down tools and head off for cocktails in the sun.

Make a statement with limes, £67, from Katy Perry at Littlewoods.com swansealife.co.uk 13

FASHION 1

HIGH STREET HOTTEST

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1. Top, £28; Shorts, £25; Sandals, £35 2. Lace Insert Asymmetric Layered Midi Dress, £65 3.Pink Shorts, £25, Blazer, £52 7 4. Multi Coloured Bead Cross Body Bag, £28 5. Earrings, £15 6. Wrap Kimono, £48 7. Colourblock Maxi Dress, £55 8. Trousers, £25 9. Heels, £35 10. Midi Dress, £120 11. Skirt, £55 10 12. Wedges, £40

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

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1. Red Sun Dress, £20 2. Floral Wrap Dress, £20 3. Girlfriend Blazer, £25 4. Embroidered Kimono Top, £22 5. Orange Stripe Jumpsuit, £20 6. Palm Print Kimono, £20 7. Floral Trousers, £16 8. Palm Print Swimsuit, £18 9. Blue Bardot Top, £16 10. Pink Lace Cold Shoulder Top, £18 11. Gingham 8 Shoes, £12.50

@LawsDx

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1. Top, £28; Trousers, £26 2. Dress, £45 3. Necklace, £14 4. Dress, £35 5. Halter Neck Top, £28 6. Bardot Top, £20 7. Blouse, £28 8. Top, £26 9. Trousers, £26 10. Print Jumpsuit, £40 11. Crossbody Bag, £19 12. Wedge, £35 11

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1. Ashley Handle Tote, £49.50 and Fantasy Silk Dress, £125 5 2. Block Print Tunic Dress, £69.50 3. Ambra Circle Necklace, £29.50 4. Utility Orange Mini Skirt, £49.50 5. Catching Wide Leg Culottes, £59.50 6. Raw Metallic Stripe Top, £45 7. Aylin Oversized Ring Bag, £99.50 8. Line Dot Cami, £35 9. Abstract Print Scarf, £29.50 7 10. Fusion Metallic Skirt, £65 11. Libby Metallic Clutch, £29.50

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4 1. Frill Wrap Dress, £45 2. Tie Neck Blouse, £38 3. Tassel Sleeve Top, £28 4. Top Handle Tote Bag, £38 5. Bardot Scuba Bodycon Dress, £35 6. Tie Waist Shirt 6 Dress, £65 7. Paper Bag Tie Detail Cigarette Trouser, £30 8. Check Wrap Skirt, £30 9. High Neck Strappy 9 Bikini Set, £35 10. V by Very Tassel Pointed Mule, £35 11. Colourblock Sandal, £32 12. Cropped Kickflare Jeans with Pearl Detail, £32

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beach vibes Whether it’s a fun day out at the seaside or after dinner summer strolls along the shore, LAURA DAVIES rounds up a variety of beach looks, whatever the occasion laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk

16 swansealife.co.uk

@LawsDx

Cropped Jumpsuit, ÂŁ28, Tesco, Llansamlet and Parc Fforestfach

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Dress £13, Sunglasses £4, Hoops £1, Primark, Swansea

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M&S Collection Top, £29.50, Per Una Trousers, £29.50, M&S, Swansea

Tropical Shift Dress, £35, Hat, £8, Dorothy Perkins, Swansea

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Dress, £25, Basket Bag, £18, Sunglasses, £8, Dorothy Perkins, Swansea

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Monsoon, Parc Trostre

Pink Collar Top, £32, High Waist Shorts, £22, Red Pom Floppy Hat, £20, Next, Morfa Retail Park, Swansea

swansealife.co.uk 21

FASHION FASHION

Anekka Cat Eye Sunglasses, £55, Oliver Bonas, Cardiff Anekka Cat Eye Sunglasses, £55, Oliver Bonas, Cardiff

Karen Millen Rose Gold Aviator Sunglasses, £80, Littlewoods.co.uk Karen Millen Rose Gold Aviator Sunglasses, £80, Littlewoods.co.uk

Sunglasses, £16, River Island, Parc Trostre Sunglasses, £16, River Island, Parc Trostre

STYLISH

shades

Lipsy Tortoise Shell Cat Eye Sunglasses, £20, Lipsy.co.uk Lipsy Tortoise Shell Cat Eye Sunglasses, £20, Lipsy.co.uk

Coloured Metal Inlay Square Sunglasses, £25, John Lewis, Cardiff Coloured Metal Inlay Square Sunglasses, £25, John Lewis, Cardiff

Very Exclusive Chloe Carlina Sunglasses, £260, Very.co.uk Very Exclusive Chloe Carlina Sunglasses, £260, Very.co.uk

Zoe Sunglasses, £65, Hobbs John Lewis,£65, Cardiff ZoeatSunglasses, Hobbs at John Lewis, Cardiff

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Ina Colour Preppy Round Sunglasses, £24, Oliver Ina Colour PreppyBonas, RoundCardiff Sunglasses, £24, Oliver Bonas, Cardiff

Pink Cat Eye Sunglasses, £8Pink , Dorothy Perkins, Swansea Cat Eye Sunglasses, £8 , Dorothy Perkins, Swansea

Pink Sunglasses, £8.99, New Look, Swansea and£8.99, Parc Trostre Pink Sunglasses, New Look, Swansea and Parc Trostre

Point Polly Cat Eye Sunglasses, £18, TopCat Shop, Point Polly EyeSwansea Sunglasses, £18, Top Shop, Swansea

Pink Heels, £36, River Island, Parc Fforestfach Pink Heels, £36, River Island, Parc Fforestfach

Glastonbury Glasses, £30, Dune, Cardiff Glastonbury Glasses, £30, Dune, Cardiff

27 on Junnee 27 y a D s e s u s J l Sungla Day on Nationnaal Sunglasses Natio Celebrate National Sunglasses Celebrate Day on JuneNational 27, (as ifSunglasses we@LawsDx need an laura.davies@trinitymirror.com Day on June (as if we need an laura.davies@trinitymirror.com @LawsDx excuse!) with27,LAURA DAVIES’ excuse!) with LAURA DAVIES’ round up of hot shades round up of hot shades laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk

@LawsDx

laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk

@LawsDx

Sunglasses, £16, River Island, Swansea Sunglasses, £16, River Island, Swansea

J by Jasper Conran Bag, £55, Swansea J byDebenhams, Jasper Conran Bag, £55, Debenhams, Swansea

Tom Ford Elise-02 Cat’s Eye Sunglasses, £3Elise-02 10, John Cat’s Lewis,Eye Cardiff Tom Ford Sunglasses, £310, John Lewis, Cardiff

Versace VE4348 Polarised Cat’s Eye Sunglasses, £193, Polarised John Lewis, Cardiff Versace VE4348 Cat’s Eye Sunglasses, £193, John Lewis, Cardiff

Premium Acetate Aviator Sunglasses, £35, Top Shop, Swansea Premium Acetate Aviator Sunglasses, £35, Top Shop, Swansea

Women’s Grayton Round Sunglasses, £144,Grayton MichaelRound Kors, Cardiff Women’s Sunglasses, £144, Michael Kors, Cardiff

PA L M B A N D S U I T £ 2 2 | S T R I P E S W I M S U I T £ 1 0 | B L A C K F L O P P Y H AT £ 1 6

DRESSING IN STYLE FOR THE BEACH

A L L

A V A I L A B L E

A T

N E X T . C O . U K

N E X T. C O . U K AT AVA I L A B L E A L L

SUMMERTIME BLUES FOR MOTHER’S DAY

N AV Y B O AT T W O P I E C E £ 1 5 - £ 1 7 | N AV Y B E A C H T R E K K E R S A N D A L S £ 7 - £ 8 | B L A C K AV I AT O R S T Y L E S U N G L A S S E S £ 6 - £ 7 NAVY TRIM TRIANGLE BIKINI TOP £ 1 8 | NAVY TRIM HIGH LEGGED BRIEFS £ 1 2 B L U E T E N C E L S H I R T D R E S S £ 1 7 | M E TA L L I C W E AV E S A N D A L S £ 2 8

S U M M E R

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JUST LIKE ME N AT U R A L TA S S E L S T R AW H AT £ 1 0 - £ 1 2 | B L A C K M E TA L F L O W E R S U N G L A S S E S £ 7 | B L A C K H E L L O S W I M S U I T £ 1 1 - £ 1 4 W H I T E S T R A P P Y S A N D A L S £ 1 5 - £ 1 8 | N AT U R A L S T R AW U N I C O R N B A G £ 1 2 | B L A C K F L O P P Y H AT £ 1 6 MONOCHROME STRIPED 2 IN 1 BIKINI TOP £20 | BLACK HIGH SHINE HIGH LEG BRIEFS £10 | WHITE WEDGES £40

S U M M E R

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BEACH READY

P I N E A P P L E P R I N T PA D U N D E R W I R E B R A £ 1 2 | P I N E A P P L E P R I N T H I G H WA I S T B I K I N I £ 1 6 | M U LT I E M B R O I D E R E D T O E S A N D A L S £ 3 8 N AT U R A L S T R AW B A G T O T E £ 3 2 | P I N E A P P L E P R I N T P L AY S U I T £ 1 8 - £ 2 3 | P I N K C R O S S B O D Y S T R AW B A G £ 1 4 R O S E G O L D C AT P E E P T O E S A N D A L S £ 1 8 - £ 2 2

N E X T. C O . U K AT AVA I L A B L E A L L N E U T R A L P O M H AT £ 9 - £ 1 1 | M I D B L U E D E N I M J A C K E T £ 1 6 - £ 2 1 | B L U E S T R I P E D R E S S £ 2 2 - £ 2 5 | G O L D E M B E L L I S H E D F L O W E R S A N D A L S £ 2 5 - £ 3 1 M I D B L U E D E N I M J A C K E T £ 3 2 | W H I T E T I E R E D P O M D R E S S £ 4 5 | G O L D W E AV E L E AT H E R S L I N G B A C K S £ 3 2

W H I T E S H I R T £ 2 4 | PA L M B A N D S U I T £ 2 2 | S T R I P E S W I M S U I T £ 1 0 | M O N O S T R I P E P L AY S U I T £ 1 2 BOYS STRIPE TOP £8 | BOYS STRIPE SHORTS £6

COMPETITION

WIN £500 TO SPEND AT NEX T

SWANSE A LIFE HAS TE AMED UP WITH NE X T TO GIVE ONE LUCK Y RE ADER THE CHANCE TO WIN A £5 0 0 SPEND IN ITS SWANSE A AND CARMARTHENSHIRE STORES TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE OF WINNING, ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS

TELL US WHY YOU ARE NEX T’S BIGGEST FAN..

SEND YOUR ANSWERS, WITH YOUR DETAILS AND A DAY TIME TELEPHONE NUMBER TO L AUR A DAVIES, SWANSE A LIFE / SOUTH WALES E VENING POST, 2 20 HIGH SREET, SWANSE A , SA1 1NW OR EMAIL L AUR A.DAVIES@WALESONLINE.CO.UK ALL ENTRIES SHOULD ARRIVE BY NOON ON JUNE 21, 2018. *NORM A L WA L ES ONL INE RUL ES A PPLY

FASHION

Embellished & Fringed

Embellished Sandal, £10, Primark, Swansea

Faith Embellished Sliders, £49, Debenhams, Swansea

Laiwu Sandal, £70, Dune, Cardiff

Floral Sliders, £30, River Island, Parc Trostre & Swansea

Leather Beaded Sandal, £12, Matalan, Morriston

V by Very Embellished Slider, £32, Very.co.uk

Lace Up Espadrille, £14, Matalan, Parc Cwmdu

Pom Pom Espadrilles, £28, Next, Swansea

Espadrilles

Bella Ruffle Espadrilles, £125, Michael Kors, Cardiff

Leonie Striped Espadrilles, £30, John Lewis, Cardiff

Lucky, £52, Office, Swansea

Espadrille Pumps, £45, Top Shop, Swansea

Flat Forms

Chunky Sole Flatform, £18, Matalan, Morriston and Parc Cwmdu

Mambo, £39, Office, Swansea

Faith Sandal,£49, Debenhams, Swansea

Lissy, £80, Dune, Cardiff

Tan Embellished Espadrille Flatform Sandals, £24.99, New Look

Navy Flatform, £14.99, TK Maxx, Morfa Retail Park

r e m Sum SANDALS

Sun’s out, so feet out! LAURA DAVIES looks at a selection of summer shoes to wow! laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk

@LawsDx

Mules

Carvela Koo Studded Mule Sandals, £99, John Lewis, Cardiff

Double Bow Mules, £45, Next, Morfa Retail Park

Loupe £80, Dune, Cardiff

Metallic Double Strap Block Heel Mule Sandal, £15, Dorothy Perkins, Swansea

Red Athena Low Block Mule, £18, Simplybe.co.uk

Tan Mule Heel, £10, Primark, Swansea

White Double Buckle Slider, £12.99, New Look, Parc Trostre

Slider, £60, Dune, Cardiff

M&S Collection Sandals, £29.50, M&S, Swansea

Tia Two Band Embellished Sandal £45, Monsoon, Parc Trostre

Wedges, £55, River Island, Swansea

Very Exclusive Sorel Red Wedge, £130, Very.co.uk

Sliders

Carvela Kath NP Embellished Sliderm, £125, Littlewoods.com

Fresh Woven Sliders, £36, Top Shop, Swansea

Esther Embroidered Slide £39, Monsoon, Swansea

V by Very Sequin Slider, £25, Very.co.uk

Strappy

Fever Strappy Sandals, £45, Floral Wrap Up Sandal, £19, Top Shop, Swansea George at Asda, Parc Trostre and Llansamlet

Mustard Double Strap Sandals, £19.99, New Look, Swansea

Lake Sandals, £70, Dune, Cardiff

Gingham Rafia Wedge Heels, £30, Dorothy Perkins, Swansea

Marmalade, £49, Office, Swansea

Wedges

Black And White Stripe Espadrille Wedges, £25, Miss Selfridge, Swansea

Fife Guava, £120, Yull.co.uk

swansealife.co.uk 29

Pink Rainbow Clouds Dress, £25; Leggings, £16, www.LoveKeepCreate.co.uk

Tie Dye Pom Pom Playsuit, £15, M&Co, Cardiff

Dress, £16, Sainsbury’s, Swansea

Unicorn Tee, £6, F&F at Asda, Llansamlet and Llanelli

J by Jasper Conran Floral Sandals, £22-£28, Debenhams, Swansea

Skirt, £20, M&S, Parc Trostre and Swansea

Flaurette Skirt, from £32, Monsoon, Parc Trostre Little Ice Cream Kids Frill Swimsuit, £16, Cath Kidston, Cardiff

RJR.John Rocha Floral Dress, £35 £43, Debenhams, Swansea

FASHION

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

Short Sleeve Shirt, £14, River Island, Swansea

LAURA DAVIES looks at whats hot this summer for children

30 swansealife.co.uk

J by Jasper Conran Sliders, £10-£16, Debenhams, Swansea

Sleepsuit, £22, Hat, £8, www.LoveKeepCreate.co.uk

Dino Tee, £2, F&F at Tesco, Parc Trostre

Blue T-Shirt with Logo, £10, River Island, Parc Fforestfach

Baker by Ted Baker Boys’ Green Car Applique T-Shirt, £16, Debenhams, Swansea

Shirt, £7, Sainsbury’s, Swansea

Crocodile Kids Swimming Trunks, £14, Cath Kidston, Cardiff

@LawsDx

Newborn Baby Charlie Shirt and Bowtie Romper, £22, Monsoon, Parc Trostre

Car Print Shirt, £10, M&Co, Cardiff

laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk

CELEBRATE

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Photo: www.justinharrisphotography.co.uk

BRIAN BROWN SALON MODELLING & MANAGEMENT AGENCY

01792 301901

1 BELLEVUE WAY • SWANSEA • SA1 5BZ

www.briandbrown.co.uk

HOLOGRAPHIC

HAIR & BEAUTY

BEAUTY NEWS BAKED!

Buxom’s bestselling glosses are now available in holographic, prismatic top coat shades. Infused with smooth, prismatic pearls that create the illusion of fuller lips and provide a sexy, supernatural sheen minus gritty glitter, Holographic Full-On Plumping Lip Polish Top Coats take your lips and the holographic makeup trend to an entirely new level in a single swipe, £15, Debenhams, Swansea.

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

@LawsDx

OH HONEY!

Introducing Oh Honey! Organic Manuka and Almond Body Wash in joyful honey bear bottles.

This gentle and organic, SLS, SLES, MIT and Paraben-Free body wash is delicately fragranced with essential oils of Beeswax and Manuka, added to by a dash of almond essence. £14.50 , andreagarland.co.uk

Baked pigments are the ultimate in luxe finishes! Vibrant and rich, apply the longlasting powder over makeup, directly to the cheekbones, brow bones and cupid’s bow, for a stunning glow. Shades can be worn individually or blended together for a beautifully highlighted complexion.

LIP DELIGHT:

BUILD THE TENSION

A BALM THAT TRANSFORMS INTO OIL AND COLOUR THAT REPAIRS THE LIPS

Molton Brown’s new Vetiver & Grapefruit Collection smells gorgeous! The scent is an innovative reconstruction of a classic cologne, building tension with nuanced vetiver and unexpected, piercing grapefruit. The brand has collaborated with rising designer Peter Tarka, a specialist in pioneering 3D imagery. Peter has used abstract shapes and materials to display the ever-present suspense within the fragrance in stunning detail; taking cues from the two lead ingredients, both conflicting and working in harmony.

The collection includes a Bath and Shower Gel, £20; Body Lotion, £25; and Deodorant, £20.

Molton Brown, Cardiff

As comfortable as a balm, as sensorial as an oil...Phyto-Lip Delight gives you a quick and easy beauty pick-me-up every day with no need for a mirror. The melt-in texture changes to oil upon contact with the lips for a delicately luminous effect. This beautifying balm provides all lips – even the most sensitive – with softness and hydration. It is available in three, subtle, delicate, pastel shades - Cool, Pretty and Sweet - and encased in a gorgeous golden bottle with Sisley’s “S” logo with a window to show the shade.

Barry M Baked Tri Blend Highlighter, £6.49, Superdrug, Swansea

Sisley Phyto-Lip Delight 6ml, £37 each, www.sisley-paris.co.uk

FIRST BATH AND BODY COLLECTION

If you are fan of Kilian’s fragrances then you will be super excited to hear that the luxury brand is this month launching its first Bath and Body Collection in five of its iconic scents - Love, Don’t be Shy, Straight to Heaven White Cristal, Moonlight in Heaven, Good Girl Gone Bad, Intoxicated.

To commemorate this landmark development and just in time for summer limited edition hair and body oil will be available in each of the five scents.

Formulated upon a base of apricot kernel oil, renowned for its superb antioxidant properties, this oil is at once protective, nourishing and revitalising for bodies that plan to meet the summer sun well-scented.

Kilian hair and Body Oil, £90, www.bykilian.co.uk

NEW ELEMIS X LILY AND LIONEL LUXURY TRAVEL COLLECTIONS FOR HER & HIM Luxury British fashion brand Lily and Lionel, established by creative director Alice Stone, are renowned for their creative, unique prints. With a similar brand philosophy and British heritage, ELEMIS and Lily and Lionel have collaborated to produce the perfect travel bags for both men and women.

With summer finally here, these luxury travel collections are fitting for holiday essentials providing a selection of products to uphold your beauty regimes whilst on the move. Containing some of the ELEMIS heroes such as Pro-Collagen Marine Cream and Frangipani Body Oil, the Women’s collection exudes British Beauty. The Luxury Travel Collection for Him contains all the essentials for an active adventurer including the Sharp Shower Body Wash and Daily Moisture Boost, ideal for gifting to someone or simply for yourself.

Sisley Phyto-Lip Delight 6ml, £37 each , www.sisley-paris.co.uk

LIMITED EDITION For the first time, Sisley is revisiting its legendary Ecological Compound bottle with a limited edition, designed by artist Elzbieta Radziwill. The painter has composed a poetic floral tribute with the box and glass bottle scattered with bright flowers and butterflies to emulate a delicate, joyful watercolour.

The best-selling cream, which was founded in the 1980s, can be used on its own or to prime skin for other products. Its fluid, lightweight, fresh and comfortable texture leaves skin suppler and more toned.

Ecological Compound Limited Edition, 125ml, £158 , www.sisley-paris.co.uk

NAIL CRUSH Don’t go anywhere without your ultimate girl crush nail shades this summer. Barry M’s You Go Girl and Boy Bye are just two gorgeous limited edition nail paints! £3.99 each, launching in Superdrug, Swansea and Parc Trostre on June 20.

FOR HER: £65 worth £121, FOR HIM: £45 worth £66, Monks Spa at Machynys, Llanelli or Elemis.com

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HAIR & BEAUTY

e d i gu

sun protection 1

All-day formulas

Sun creams that promise all-day protection can be very effective - but only if you apply them correctly.

Do it first thing, do it indoors and apply plenty.

Applying sunscreen when you’re already in the sun increases evaporation, thereby reducing protection. Put it on at least 15 minutes before you go out and look for easy-tomiss bits around shoulder straps and your clothing.

Get a good coverage and let it sink in.

Riemann P20 Continuous Spray SPF 30, £19.99, Boots, Swansea Ultrasun Sports Transparent Sun Protection Spray SPF 30, £24.99, John Lewis, Cardiff

2

SPF sprays

Say goodbye to chalky creams and hello to see-through sprays that make application a doddle. Just be sure to give the bottle a very thorough shake before you spritz, to ensure the SPF ingredients are dispersed throughout the liquid.

Dior Bronze Beautifying Protective Milky Mist Sublime Glow SPF 30, £29.50, John Lewis, Cardiff Garnier Ambre Solaire UV Water Clear Sun Cream Spray SPF 30, £8, Boots, Parc Trostre and Morfa Retail Park

3

Make-up mixes

Skip one step in your morning routine by choosing a foundation or BB cream that has in-built high-factor protection. Bioderma’s new factor 50 Aquafluid comes in two skin-enhancing varieties, while BareMinerals’ much-loved Complexion Rescue with SPF 30 is available in 16 shades.

Bioderma Photoderm MAX Tinted Aquafluid Golden SPF 50+, £13.20, FeelUnique.com

Whether you’re jetting off to the tropics or staycationing at home, sun protection is essential in summer, but doesn’t it sometimes feel like a hassle? Use these suncare short-cuts and quick tricks to take the stress out of SPF...

5

Skincare solutions

If you’re a beauty buff who wants ultraeffective skincare alongside SPF, the latest face-only sunscreens will certainly float your boat. With anti-ageing, acne and pollutionfighting formulas, these day creams really mean business.

Eucerin Sun Oil Control Face Protection SPF 50, £12, Boots, Swansea Ultrasun Daily Face Fluid SPF 50+, £28, John Lewis, Cardiff

BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream SPF 30, £28, Debenhams, Swansea

4 Waterproof wonders

Water-resistant sunscreen isn’t only needed by the pool or seaside, sunbathers sweat can hamper the efficacy of your SPF. So if, for example, you’re a regular runner in summer, you need to be properly protected.

Shiseido has just revamped its suncare collection, so that all products use its clever WetForce Technology to form a waterrepellent barrier when your skin comes into contact with moisture.

Shiseido WetForce Expert Sun Aging Protection Lotion Plus SPF 50+, £33, Escentual.com

Filorga UV Bronze Face Anti-Ageing Sun Fluid SPF 50, £25, FeelUnique.com

6 Tan-tastic New from cult Aussie tanning brand Bondi Sands, Protect & Tan Oil is a world-first that combines factor 15 protection with DHA, meaning colour develops while you’re catching rays. That way, you can claim that your bronzed glow is purely the result of the sun. We won’t tell anyone...

Bondi Sands Protect & Tan Oil SPF 15, £14.99, Boots, Swansea and Parc Fforestfach

swansealife.co.uk 35

STRANGE FLOWERS COLLECTION

HAIR & BEAUTY

For summer, NARS collaborates once again with fashion designer Erdem to bring a romantic and dreamlike limited edition collection. Bold yet timeless, the Strange Flowers Collection is a custom designed palette of demure and daring shades for eyes, lips and cheeks, with the additional newness of NARS’ first Lip Powder Palette and Mattifying Blotting Paper.

The highly covetable 13-piece capsule collection is encased in one of three original floral prints that Erdem specially created for the collection.

From £15 - £35, NARS at John Lewis, Cardiff

We Love We love Tom Ford’s Soleil Shade and Illuminate Eye Kohl Duo, a creamy dual-ended intense kohl pencil that perfectly lines, defines, accents and frames the eyes.

One end illuminates with a highlighting shade, while the other end features a deeper shade that enhances eyes with dramatic effects.

Tom Ford Soleil Shade & Illuminate Eye Kohl Duo, White Sand, £32, John Lewis, Cardiff

PUCKER UP

With its rich moisturising colour and natural ingredients, Burt’s Bees Lipsticks keep your lips looking sensational and hydrated all day long. The six shades of glossy colour create a palette of offerings in a rich range of pinks, nudes and reds to inspire and delight. Formulated with moringa and raspberry seed oils, lips feel moist and hydrated throughout the day.

Glow on the go…

A must-have for summer to enhance your glow-on-the-go. We love the new limited edition Guerlain Route des Iles Tan Enhancing Bronzer that delivers sunkissed skin.It is made from luxurious, sustainable mahogany wood and inspired by the deck of a yacht. Inside, a compass motif combines Terracotta’s universal bronzing shade with a vibrant apricot blush and threads of iridescent gold.

Burt’s Bees Gloss Lipstick in Blush Ripple, £8.99, Holland and Barrett, Swansea

Guerlain Terracotta Route des Iles Tan Enhancing Bronzer 22g, £46.80, Escentual.com

CALMING CREAM

THIS MONTH

This cream is perfect for treating sunburn and calming down irritated and inflamed skin as well. But it is also ultra hydrating, perfect for the summer months ahead. Epionce Renewal Calming Cream 230g, £58,

WE LOVE

www.beauty-product-online.co.uk

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

@LawsDx

NEW SPF RANGE Meet the latest addition to the ORGANii mineral sun care range!

ORGANii SPF 30 Sun Cream is certified natural and organic and is suitable for even the most sensitive of skin. Formulated with organic coconut and jojoba, this sun cream not only protects against damaging UVA and UVB rays, but also hydrates and soothes skin when the sun is out. It blends easily and doesn’t leave a white film on the skin and works instantly when applied, in contrast to synthetic sun creams which can take between 20 – 30 minutes to become effective.

The ORGANII sun care range is available in a sun block. Sun milk, facial sun cream and an aftersun. From £11.95- £23.95, www.organii.co.uk

HEALTHY HAIR Keep your scalp and hair in tip top condition with Philip Kingsley Scalp Toner. This re-hydrating toner and scalp energizer stimulates blood supply to the scalp to encourage a healthy scalp environment and hair growth. The mildly astringent formula absorbs excess oil and protects against bacterial overgrowth.

Philip Kingsley Scalp Toner, £19.50, M&S, Swansea

proof your skin with replenish night oil This summer ensure your skin is beach ready and prolong that post-holiday radiance with Beatitude Replenish Night Oil. The deeply nourishing and luxurious facial oil is bursting with natural plant oils and essential oils yet leaves no greasy residue.

High in anti-oxidants and vitamin enriched, natural plant ingredients include Rosehip Oil (rich in Vitamin C), Vitamin E, Oat Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Squalene and Black Cumin Seed Oil to tackle lacklustre skin, leaving skin with that coveted healthy glow.

Beatitude Replenish 30ml, £38, £13.50 (10ml travel size), www.beatitudeproducts.co.uk

Youthful We love this light eye serum that not only targets fine lines and wrinkles around the delicate eye area, it smooths skin for a more youthful looking appearance as well as making our eyes feel more alive!

Elemis Pro-Collagen Advanced Eye Treatment, £43, Monks Spa at Machynys, Llanelli swansealife.co.uk 37

HAIR & BEAUTY

The latest beauty collections are full of 3D-effect glosses, along with bold colours, nourishing oils and colours to suit every skin tone. Want to get the gloss?

Take your pick from LAURA DAVIES’ pick of the season's slickest buys

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A SHINY POUT! laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk

@LawsDx

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1. Too Faced Magic Crystal Transforming Lip Topper in Unicorn Tears, £16, Debenhams, Swansea | 2. CYO Take A Shine Lip Gloss in Rule the School, £4, Boots, Parc Fforestfach 3. Grand Illusion Glossy Liquid Lipcolour in Let's Rock, £18, MAC, Debenhams, Swansea | 4. bareMinerals Gen Nude Buttercream Lipgloss, Heartbreaker, £17, Boots, Swansea 5. Barry M Gloss Me Up in PDA, £4.99, Boots, Swansea and Parc Trostre | 6. Lipglass Clear, £15.50, MAC, Debenhams, Swansea | 7. Manuka Doctor ApiRefine Lip Oil, £16.99, ManukaDoctor.co.uk | 8. NARS Color Collection Hell Gate Lip Cover, £23, John Lewis, Cardiff | 9. Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Colour Bold Liquid Lipstick in Luscious Raspberry, £18, Debenhams, Swansea | 10. Laura Geller Colour Luster Lip Gloss Hi-Def Top Coat in Gilded Honey, £15, Cult Beauty.co.uk | 11. Tom Ford Patent Finish Lip Colour in Infamy, £36, John Lewis, Cardiff | 12. Collection Liquid Lip Colour in In The Buff, £4.99, Superdrug, Swansea

38 swansealife.co.uk

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THE FIRST SALON IN SWANSEA TO BE AWARDED THE

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Whatever colour your looking for, we can create formula’s to match your preference.

We make sure we protect and prepare your hair to get the best results for all our colours.

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HAIR & BEAUTY

w o gl GET THE

The sun is out, and the layers are off.

But if you are afraid to show off your pale pins and post winter white skin, then why not fake a DIY sun-kissed glow! LAURA DAVIES looks at how to tan at home without the worry of having mismatching hands and face on the day of a big event!

DON’T APPLY TAN ON TOP OF EXISTING SELF-TAN Start by exfoliating your skin everywhere you want to tan, paying special attention to areas that can be dry or rough (elbows, knees and ankles especially). Existing tan on the skin will highlight the breakup of older colour. Try the Trilogy Exfoliating Body Balm, £24.50, Debenhams, Swansea, which uses finely ground rosehip seeds to gently exfoliate the skin.

MAKE SURE YOUR SKIN STAYS HYDRATED Dehydrated skin will leave your tan dry and flaky Use a light moisturiser all over twice a day after you’ve tanned and allow time for it to fully absorb. Try Manuka Doctor’s ApiNourish Firm Body Moisturiser, £29.99, Manukadoctor.co.uk to boost the skin moisture for smooth, firm skin.

DON’T GO STRAIGHT IN FOR A DARK TAN A really dark tan on pale skin is not going to look natural. Build it up gradually. It’s easier to add on than take away! Try Dr Organic Moroccan Glow Light Self Tan Mousse, £14.99, Holland & Barrett, Swansea, which is a more natural alternative to get that enviable sun-kissed tan. The lightweight formula glides easily onto the skin, helping to achieve even coverage and leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth.

This lightly scented mousse gradually bronzes the skin for a soft, natural looking glow that lasts.

DON’T APPLY A HEAVY FOUNDATION If you’ve applied your fake tan to your face, and follow it with a heavy foundation, it will be obvious that your tan isn’t natural. Your face will look darker and it won’t match your body. Apply a lighter application and use a bronzer like COLLECTION’s Bronze Glow, £2.99, Superdrug, Swansea, to add definition.

ENHANCE WITH A BODY OIL AVOID HOT SHOWERS The hot steam from a shower or bath can cause the tan to wear off prematurely and dry out the skin. Also remember to pat and not rub when you’re drying off with a towel!

40 swansealife.co.uk

Use a lightweight and uplifting body oil to nourish skin and seal in moisture, leaving skin feeling firm, smooth and hydrated. Manuka Doctor’s 24K Gold & Manuka Honey Body Oil, £24.99, Manukadoctor. co.uk contains subtle gold shimmer to illuminate skin so body contours appear more even toned and youthful. Precious plant oils including Moringa, Avocado and Baobab leave the body feeling soft, smooth and visibly healthier.

Get the best results stay looking young Redefining the vision of Skin Care Get to know your true complexion via the VISIA® multi spectral complexion analysis system and tune into a comprehensive skin rejuvenation regime.

Through the eight individual skin analyses comprised of four under the xenon iFlash, two under True-UV light and two under Cross-Polarized light VISIA improves understanding, participation and satisfaction with the recommended skin care treatments from sun damage reversal and protection through to a range of anti-ageing treatment programmes. RBX Technology™ sets a new standard for medical image processing, enabling precision treatment planning and dynamic patient consultations.

VISIA will also enable you to see how you compare with your peer group (both male and female) i.e. younger, average or older. Exposure to the True-UV light is the only way, as stated by the American Association of Dermatologists (AAD), to accurately show the extent of sun damage and the efficacy of sun damage reversal and prevention. VISIA ageing simulation shows how your skin can look 4 - 5 years older and 4 - 5 years younger. VISIA TrueSkinAge™ will compare your actual skin age against your biological skin age.

Finally receive your personalised report with your recommended treatment programme and the date for your next annual skin consultation via an email to be viewed on you iPhone / iPad / email and Smartphone.

£30

for this treatment

JUst arriVeD

Beauty Opening Times: Mon - 9am - 9pm | Tue - 9am - 9pm Wed - 9am - 9pm | Thu - 9am - 9pm | Fri - 9am - 9pm | Sat - 9am - 5pm Sunbed Opening Times: Monday - Friday 9am - 9pm | Saturday - 9am - 5pm

01792 775558 www.swanseasunlounge.co.uk

Family run business. Est. 2000

facebook.com/MorristonSunLounge 52 Woodfield Street, Morriston, Swansea SA6 8BW

HAIR & BEAUTY

Makeover!

W ITH

L ARA

JOHNSON

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

Colour statement Model: Sophia Shallai Occupation: Student and model

SOPHIA SAYS...

My hair has been short for a long time and I have been growing it. The problem has been that I haven’t really known what length I want to grow it to. The thing I love about short hair is that it can be really directional. I love retro looks but wanted a style that was also modern.

The team cut my hair but I also wanted a dressed look for a wedding this summer.

The team at Lara Johnson Lifestyle really listened to me and came up with a look that had direction but was still soft and pretty. The condition feels so much better and it is really easy to style. So happy!

LARA JOHNSON LIFESTYLE SAYS...

Sophia has been growing her hair from a short style for a few months and hasn’t had it trimmed. It is important to trim your hair even if you are growing it - to keep it healthy and to stop it splitting.

We decided to work Sophia’s grown out shape into a retro look that had a bit more direction. This coming season will see some sixties shapes returning, plenty of ‘the Purdey’, Page Boy and Pixie cuts.

Prior to the makeover, Sophia’s hair had been bleached with a dark panel. It was in need of moisture as well as a completely updated colour. We created shine and texture with some ‘on trend’ muted colours that looked much softer but still had as much of an impact. The next step was the dressing. We set her hair with pincurls and then dressed it into shape with some back combing.

42 swansealife.co.uk

After...

Before...

Step by step...

The pinned up Bob

A dressing that can turn a classic bob into a full dressing can and give you an alternative look rather than just curls Difficulty level: Medium Ideal hair length: Bobbed above the shoulder Assistance needed: With a little practice, no Accessories: Can be dressed with flowers for a wedding or spring party.

What you need: • Brush • Hairband if your hair is long • Grips or pins • Hairspray • Gel or pomade

1

After...

Before...

1

Section off the front section that will form your quiff and clip back for later. Plait the hair backwards following the curve of your hairline

2

Tong through the top section to give some movement. If you want a more structured look leave the hair straight

3 4 5

2

3

4

5

Gently back brush through the top

Smooth over and twist into shape

Secure into the plait

swansealife.co.uk 43

HAIR & BEAUTY

REAL WOMEN, WINNING LOOKS W ITH

C H R I S

H O W E L LS

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

look 1

Bridal season is well and truly upon us so I wanted to take a moment to show you how one face can be totally transformed, celebrated and showcased for your special day with the right makeup and hair. Our beautiful model, whom you may recognise, is Ailsa.

This month I am starting with a look that has connotations of old Hollywood, a beautiful glowing complexion, the perfect wing liner and a statement red lip.

After prepping Ailsa’s skin with ReVive skincare I applied Cover FX Illuminating Primer, followed by Cover FX Natural Total Cover Crème Foundation. Any imperfections were erased using Hourglass Hidden Creamy Concealer. I applied Illamasqua Gel Sculpt to the hollows of her face to really make Ailsa’s cheekbones “pop.” On her eyes, I used Urban Decay eye primer followed by Chantecaille mermaid eye shadow in a soft beige/gold and a taupe tone. Then I lined the tight-line with a black cream liner using a flat brush. The key to this look is a great sweep of wing liner - for this I used Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Blackest Black. Brows were enhanced gently with Hourglass Brow Arch in blonde and lashes were dressed with Dior Blackout Mascara. Ailsa’s lips were lined and filled in with Nars Liquid lipstick in Don’t Stop. I then set the whole face with my absolute favourite setting powder, Cover FX Perfect Setting Powder. It is talc free so doesn’t get waterlogged and never has flashback.

The second image is what I love to call modern starlet, reminiscent of the modern red carpet. Her centre parting is pulled back into a ballet style bun, which beautifully frames Ailsa’s face. Again I started with Cover FX Illuminating Primer followed by brand new Cover FX Waterproof Foundation Powerplay. Illamasqua Gel Sculpt was used to enhance her cheekbones and Hourglass Hidden Creamy Concealer erased any blemishes. Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Powder Foundation was applied after Cover FX Perfect Setting Powder to ensure a perfect modern matte finish. I used Charlotte Tilbury Film-star Bronze and Glow to enhance the contour and the glow on Ailsa’s skin and on the eyes I used Laura Mercier Eye Crayon in Tuxedo and set it with a Urban Decay Matte Eyeshadow in Black to deepen the intensity. The lips were also enhanced further using Urban Decay lipstick in Naked. Eyes were further enhanced with Eylure LUXE lashes in Baroque and a kohl liner into the waterline.

I hope you like the totally different looks - it allows you to see that you can ramp up your look for your big day, keeping it subtle or by going all out. Each look really lets your personality shine.

look 2 44 swansealife.co.uk

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Advertising Feature

Turn back the clock with confidence

Choosing the right cosmetic treatment can be difficult, so it’s best to consult a medical expert who combines all the latest knowledge with years of experience. JENNY WHITE introduces Alan Wyn Jones, owner of Defy Time in Killay.

Age-defying treatments are continually evolving, so when putting your face in the hands of an expert, it’s important to choose someone who is at the forefront of new developments as well as truly experienced in the tried and tested techniques.

Alan Wyn Jones is a prime example. If you visit his beautiful Defy Time clinic in Killay, you’ll get a detailed one-to-one consultation with him, a tailor-made solution and the assurance that Alan – a doctor with decades of experience – will deliver your treatment and after care personally.

In a country where you don’t have to be medically qualified to deliver many such treatments, Alan’s medical qualifications provide important reassurance, as does the knowledge that most of his clients find him through word-of-mouth recommendation.

Alan, a former GP has been pioneering

cosmetic treatments for many years, having founded his cosmetic clinic in 2005.

Among many other treatments, he is an expert in Sculptra, which for many years has been considered the best and most reliable way of replacing the facial volume we lose as we age, and is renowned for producing natural looking results – something Alan treats as a priority.

“One of the main areas of improvement in facial aesthetics is the ability to understand how the face ages and correct it in a much more natural, undetectable way than was done in the past,” he says. “My job is to ask the patients what concerns them, what makes them unhappy about their appearance, and then offer them the widest possible range of treatments and discuss with them the potential outcome, the cost and the downtime, and then fit the treatment to suit their particular lives.”

With this in mind, Defy Time offers a broad range of treatments, from classic fillers, lasers and Botox through to the very latest innovations that use platelets from your blood and stem cells from your fat to stimulate an authentically youthful look.

This approach can also achieve stunning results for acne scarring.

“Fat is not like a filler – you get an ongoing improvement to the structure of the face, it creates new blood vessels, and is totally different and ongoing. This is because our Fat contains over 500 times more stem cells than our bone marrow,” he says.

“One of the things I love about my work is seeing how people’s confidence improves

after receiving this treatment.”

call him directly with any queries.

Alan’s priority is to give lasting results, so he is pleased to give treatments that do not require regular costly top-ups.

“The big aspect for us is care – when people come here waiting for their first treatment they are sometimes very anxious and it’s our job to look after them every step of the way. We have delightful staff and our patients have a lovely relationship with them. This is something we do because we appreciate how important trust and respect is in our line of work, but is often sadly lacking. Besides we get great job satisfaction when we see such excellent results.”

“I regularly see people I haven’t seen for six years, and I am delighted with that – I want them to enjoy their lives, and only come and see me when need to,” he says.

When not treating his patients, Alan travels the world attending conferences and masterclasses on how to achieve the best results in his clinic. He’s also always on hand for after-care advice. All his patients are given his phone number so they can

Better still – people will notice how lovely you look, but you won’t look as though you have had obvious “work” done.

466 Gower Road, Killay, Swansea, SA2 7DZ T: 01792 208466 • E: info@defy-time.co.uk www.defy-time-cosmetics.co.uk

HAIR & BEAUTY

From Cleopatra's epic cat-eye to Cardi B's kohl-rimmed peepers, black eyeliner never really goes out of style, does it? With bold eyes ruling the catwalks, we look at how to get the look.

K C RO

THIS SEASON'S EYELINER TREND

FIRST, A LITTLE PREP.

1

Since these looks put the focus squarely on your eyes - but don't involve eyeshadow - it's important to start with a smooth, clean base.

Begin by smoothing an eye primer all over the lid and up to the brow bone, then use a heavy-duty concealer under the eyes (to banish dark circles) and on the lid (to cover any redness).

We Love: 1. Clinique Beyond Perfecting Super Concealer, £18.50, Boots and Debenhams, Swansea 2. Arbonne Prime and Proper Eye Makeup Primer, £23, Arbonne.com 2

Preparation done, now you're ready for the main event...

THE DIY DESIGN At John Galliano, make-up artist Christelle Cocquet made up models to look like a "punky, rockabilly group of girls". That meant a bare skin look (no foundation, just concealer where needed), brows brushed with clear gel and only balm on the lips.

3

The winged eyeliner look was created with a kohl pencil and applied in a 'spontaneous' way, to make it look like the models did it themselves. So, don't worry about being too precise when you draw your feline flick from the middle of the lower lashes, extending out to a sharp point.

4

3.

MAC Technakohl Liner in Graphblack, £15, Debenhams, Swansea

THE WINEHOUSE WING This look was inspired by the great and glorious Amy Winehouse's iconic punky, graphic, overdrawn feline flick, as well as Kate Moss' signature eye.

Combining both liner pencil and pen, Charlotte Tilbury started by rimming the eyes (including the waterline) with kohl and drawing the wing, then going over it with liquid liner to create a dense, matte black. Finish with lots of mascara on the top lashes.

5

4. Charlotte Tilbury Rock 'n' Kohl Liquid Eyeliner Pencil in Bedroom Black, £19; 6

5. Charlotte Tilbury The Feline Flick Eyeliner Pen in Panther, £22; 6. Charlotte Tilbury Full Fat Lashes Mascara in Glossy Black, £23; John Lewis, Cardiff

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HAIR & BEAUTY om

.c RM nk ce S ‘U a , Sp n’ C over-u £34 p Concealer,

You’ll likely to have seen ‘paraben-free’ labels popping up on toiletries and cosmetics on the high street, but if you have no idea what they actually are, it can be difficult to know whether these so-called ‘skin nasties’ are worth swerving.

We’ve rounded up seven of our favourite natural foundations that are free from harsh preservatives.

NATURAL NS O I T A D N U O F What exactly are parabens?

Parabens are a type of synthetic preservative that have been used since the 1950s to increase the shelf life of products. These widely used ingredients stop mould, fungus and bacteria growing in your cosmetics (yep, there’s a reason why your make-up doesn’t “go off”), particularly in warm, moist environments like your bathroom.

Parabens are included in more than 75 per cent of skincare products available to buy in the UK, but they’re also used in glues, oils, soft drinks, sauces, processed meat and hundreds of other everyday products. If you’re wondering why you’ve never noticed them before, it’s because cosmetics usually won’t shout “contains

Benecos Natural Creamy Makeup, £8.95, Holland and Barrett, Swansea 50 swansealife.co.uk

parabens” on the front of their packaging instead you’ll need to comb the ingredients list. The most common names to look out for are butylparaben, methylparaben and propylparaben.

Why are people worried about them?

While it’s great that parabens can banish potentially harmful bacteria from our cosmetics, there’s long been debate over whether these chemicals can contribute to the development of serious health issues. Studies have suggested that “long-chain” parabens could interfere with the body’s hormones, particularly reproductive hormones, causing developmental disorders, fertility problems and cancer.

Urban Decay Naked The Ordinary Serum Weightless Ultra Definition Foundation, £6, Liquid Make-up Skin House of Fraser, Foundation, £28.50, Cardiff Debenhams, Swansea

Bare Minerals Barepro Liquid Foundation, £29, Debenhams, Swansea

That being said, all cosmetic products and their ingredients are governed by strict European laws, and the EU has signed off on the safety of all of the parabens currently in your products.

So should we avoid them?

Not exactly. The bottom line is there’s a chance they’re harmful, but there’s no conclusive scientific evidence or government advice to suggest you need to start chucking out your make-up stash. Still, if you’d rather err on the side of caution, you could always make an effort to ‘clean up’ your beauty products this summer.

More brands than ever are jumping on the organic bandwagon, and it’s never been easier to go paraben-free.

Kjaer Weis Cream Foundation, £51, CultBeauty.co.uk

Inika Organic Certified Organic Liquid Foundation with Hyaluronic Acid, £33, Feelunique.com

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

AZ your to

health guide LAURA DAVIES looks at tips and tricks to support a healthier you! laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk

A Activity

Sitting eight hours at a desk without breaks means you’re losing out on physical activity that can help you burn calories. Take the stairs, get off the bus a stop earlier and walk to work, walk around the block in your lunch break – do whatever you can to get your body moving.

B

Breakfast If you miss breakfast your body immediately registers famine and hangs on tight to your ample stores of fat.

Choose healthy breakfast options such as eggs on wholemeal bread with avocado or rolled oats with fresh berries.

@LawsDx

D Diabetes

According to the Diabetes and Wellness Foundation, there are currently 3.8 million people with diabetes in the UK. Try to avoid pre-packaged foods, cut-out or limit your sugar intake, make healthy diet and changes and increase your levels of physical activity.

E

Energy levels

Try to keep your blood sugar levels and energy levels stable by eating regularly.

Eat breakfast, lunch and dinner plus a healthy snack mid-morning and one midafternoon, with no longer than three hours between.

C Cut white carbs F Fitness Swap to whole grain alternatives that release energy slowly. The carbohydrates in wholemeal bread are broken down slowly over several hours and so do not give any sudden flooding of sugars into the bloodstream. Also, this gradual release helps you to feel full for longer, suppressing your appetite and stopping you craving sweet foods.

Regular exercise is essential, it releases feel good hormones, lowers stress hormones and encourages a good nights’ sleep. Do energy forming exercises such as running or aerobics in the morning and focus on milder activities later in the evening like a walk or yoga

G Gut health

We’re learning more about the importance of the ‘friendly’ bacteria and other microbes that live in our gut. They’re thought to influence our immunity, mood and weight, as well as our digestion.

Traditional fermented foods such as Kombucha can be a key way to maintain the healthy bacteria in our gut.

52 swansealife.co.uk

H Harmonise with hemp Phytocannabinoids are natural substances found in the hemp plant, most of which are non-psychoactive. Research has suggested that some phytocannabinoids can have benefits for our health including anti-anxiety, calming effects. For this reason, a supplement containing natural phytocannabinoids could have benefits for calming our nervous system and helping prevent burnout.

I Immunity

Echinacea is most commonly used as a herbal immunostimulant. You can get Echinacea root and make a herbal tea or a herbal tincture to prevent flu symptoms and the common cold. It appears to increase red blood cell count and reduce the length of illness.

J

Junk food

Junk food and pre-packaged, processed foods usually have no nutritional value. Remember to consume a varied and colourful diet and choose foods rich in fibres such as sweet potatoes, turnips, carrots, roots, legumes and pulses. These foods can satisfy a sweet tooth and prevent the scales shifting.

K Keep hydrated It’s recommended to drink 6-8 glasses of water each day. “Don’t wait until you get thirsty to drink. You can do that by monitoring your fluid loss during hot weather, illness or exercise, and drinking enough liquids to r eplace what you lose.

L Laugh

Having a laugh is one of the best remedies for stress. Many studies show that laughter boosts our energy, decreases stress hormones, improves immunity and diminishes pain. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the natural feel-good chemicals that make us happier and relaxed.

M – Meal plan M

Say goodbye to those pre-packaged supermarket lunches. Meal prepping on a Sunday can ensure you have healthy, nutritious lunches available to take with you to work. By already knowing what you’re going to eat for lunch it eliminates the factor of spontaneity, which can lead to the temptation of buying take-away or processed and packaged foods.

N

Nibble on nuts

Snacking is important to help ward of those mid-afternoon sugar craving. The best foods to snack on, especially if you have a desk bound job, are unsalted nuts, berries with a pot of Greek yoghurt and lightly salted popcorn.

O

Oily fish

Essential fatty acids, which are found in oily fish such as salmon, are important for your health in general, but they also slow down the rate at which the stomach empties, making carbohydrates even more slowreleasing. They can make you feel fuller for longer and also control hunger.

P Pilates

Young, old and all fitness levels can do Pilates. The wider benefits of Pilates range from an increase in strength and flexibility, better postural awareness, a reduction of pain and an increased function to better sleep. Pilates has also been associated with improving mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, fatigue and fibromyalgia and reducing stress.

Q Quit sugar

Sugar provides no nutritional value and is essentially just empty calories.

If you need a little natural help cutting down on those sugary treats, try Natures Plus KetoLiving Sugar Control Capsules (£29.95, naturesplus.co.uk), which help to keep your blood sugar levels stable, minimising the chances of experiencing any peaks and dips that can lead us to temptation.

V Vinyasa Flow

Invigorate your mind and body with yoga.

Vinyasa Flow is a free-flow active style of yoga, which each teacher adapts and varies in style. Positions are not held for very long and you flow dynamically in and out of poses, linking movement to breath. This style is suitable for everyone who likes a lovely mix of movement, flexibility, strength and meditation.

R Realistic goals WWorkout with

Wanting to lose weight? Set a goal.

Decide and write down how much weight you want to lose and in what time frame – a fitness instructor or trainer can help you work out a realistic goal. Take measurements at the beginning of your journey, take ‘before’ photos as well as recording simple body weight on the scales. Then take new measurements every two weeks so you can see how you’re progressing towards your goal.

S Sex

Sex or masturbation can help to relieve tension, burn calories and help you go off to sleep faster. Sex begins in the head, your body’s physical reaction follows. A key part of starting that sexual idea is setting the mood and romantic music can help, as can low lighting, a candlelit bath, or your favourite romantic or raunchy film.

T Take control

If you feel the symptoms of stress coming on, learn to get your priorities right.

There is nothing in your life right now more important than your health. Learn to say no if you feel that you have taken on too much. Being assertive is invigorating and empowering. It also helps to make lists of what is or is not a priority and to tackle the priority tasks first.

U

Up your protein

After water do you know what is the main constituent of our body? Protein! It has such an important role in the body, ranging from muscle growth and repair, creating hormones and enzymes that regulate the metabolism, support the immune system and many others. Include eggs, yoghurt, almonds, fish, chicken, lentils and chickpeas into your everyday diet.

friends

Being with others who are going through the same journey helps keep you motivated and accountable. If it’s not possible to exercise with friends directly, then try an online workout programme that has a Facebook page you can join, so you can share your progress and challenges with others.

X

X marks the spot

Experiencing a breakout? Reach for an avocado to help banish those spots.

Avocado is a good source of vitamin E, which is thought to have several roles in skin health.

Like vitamin C, it works as an antioxidant so may protect the skin cells against damage from free radicals, which in turn helps to keep your complexion looking refreshed and revitalised.

our body Y Yconfidence

Feeling confident in your own skin is something that requires time to get to know yourself. If there is a moment in your life where you are feeling insecure, grab a motivational book, talk to your best friend, go for a run, meditate and think about how amazing it is to be all so diverse.

Z

Zzz’s

A good night’s sleep can be a great stressreliever. Unfortunately, sleeping well can be easier said than done. Do what you can to get to bed early enough to get 7-8 hours’ sleep, make sure your bedroom is a calming environment, and set up a good wind-down routine in the evening, such as taking a warm bath.

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swansealife.co.uk 53

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The new BMI card from BMI Healthcare puts you in control of your health treatment. Access the medical care you need now and spread the cost over a time period to suit you. Fast approvals, and interest free for the first 12 months*.

BMI Werndale Hospital located in Carmar then covers a wide range of procedures from hip & knee replacements, cataract surgery, hernia repairs to varicose veins, all in a comfor table private hospital setting.

Why wait? Call today and get yourself back to doing what you love best.

To find out more call 01267 225600 or visit www.payingforyourself.co.uk Terms and conditions: *BMI Card is a credit facility offered by BMI Healthcare Limited, BMI Healthcare House, 3 Paris Garden, London, SE1 8ND. Credit is offered for an initial period of 12 months on an interest free basis and thereafter at a typical APR of 9.9%. A minimum payment is required each month from the start of the loan equivalent to 5% of the outstanding balance or ÂŁ25 whichever is the greater, or the outstanding balance shown on the statement if it is less than ÂŁ25.

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

As Winnie The Pooh said:

“Sometimes the littlest things take up the most room in your heart”

FAMILY MATTERS

With the arrival of Prince Louis and the royal commentators wondering when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will want to start a family, this article focuses on babies.

ASK

DR. CHARLOTTE

Trying to conceive Over 80% of ladies aged under 40 find that they can conceive naturally but there are some things to think about if you want to optimise your chances of having a baby:

•

have other factors that mean it could be more difficult (i.e. not in a relationship but want a child or in same sex relationship)

•

Your GP may recommend some blood tests (including hormone profiles) and advise a male partner to do a sperm sample. A referral to a specialist may also be offered.

For ladies: •

Fertility declines with age as does the quality of the eggs (particularly after the age of 35)

•

Keeping your weight in the healthy range, having a healthy diet, limiting alcohol, not smoking and limiting stress help to maintain fertility and increase chances of successfully conceiving

•

Some medical problems can make fertility more challenging (e.g. patients with Polycystic Ovarian Disease can find it more difficult to conceive, some sexually transmitted diseases can damage the fallopian tubes) and exposure to some chemicals and radiation can affect fertility so if you are worried about this then book an appointment to chat with your GP (see below)

•

Start taking vitamin D and folic acid pre-conception (400 mcg daily for most patients but if you have epilepsy / diabetes / a history of “neural tub defects” like spina bifida in yourself or a previous baby you may need 5mg daily so check with your pharmacist or GP).

Am pregnant, what do I do now?

•

When you do fall pregnant contact your GP surgery to find out how to see your midwife - your midwife and / or GP will give you more specific advice on diet foods to avoid, exercise, actions if you have pets at home and check your rubella status to ensure you are covered.

•

You should continue folic acid until at least 12 weeks pregnant and stay on vitamin D through the pregnancy – some vitamins are potentially harmful (e.g. excess vitamin A).

•

You should also have the flu and pertussis (whooping cough) vaccinations to protect your baby.

•

There are lots of really useful websites for more information – my favourites are

•

www.nhs.uk website and Emma’s diary www.emmasdiary.co.uk

Am pregnant but feel sad – is this normal?

•

Many ladies often feel a real mix of emotions when they find out they are pregnant - this can range from happiness / elation through to depression or feeling uncertain whether they want to continue the pregnancy.

For men:

This month Sketty GP and Swansea Life doctor Charlotte Jones, focusses on starting a family.

•

A healthy diet and lifestyle is important for sperm quality and quantity

•

Some infections and other conditions (e.g. previous surgery to the testicles) can affect sperm quality and quantity

•

Keep your testicles cool to boost sperm count – many websites advise avoiding tight clothing and hot baths etc

The important point is not to try and ignore what you are feeling and find an avenue to get the help you need.

•

There is alot of help out there for all ladies.

•

If you are continuing with the pregnancy and worried about feeling low and depression or other mental health issues then do speak to your GP and / or your midwife – they are there to help and support you through your pregnancy and afterwards – they will not be judgmental but will ensure you have the right treatment for you.

•

If you are uncertain about continuing the pregnancy then your GP can help you and there are lots of other sources of help available (e.g. BPAS, Marie-Stopes)

•

It is important that you do not feel guilty about how you feel nor be afraid of asking for help or advice.

•

Do I need tests to check my fertility?

56 swansealife.co.uk

•

In general, if you are under the age of 36 and fit and healthy then there are no routine tests that are needed.

•

However, if any of the following apply to you then make an appointment for both yourself and your partner to see your GP:

•

you have been having regular unprotected sexual intercourse for more than 18 months and not conceived (unless you are aged over 36 when you should see your GP sooner)

•

have other potentially contributory medical problems (e.g. previous gynae surgery, PCOS etc)

HEALTH & WELLBEING

gardening!

HOW TO BURN

CALORIES...BY

Brits are burning a whopping 51,428 calories a year in the garden, according to a new study by Argos. Here’s how you can lose weight and get fit by using your outside space as a gym, while also looking after your grass, beds and borders. laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk

1 2 3 4

@LawsDx

MOWING THE LAWN

WARM-UP

Pushing a mower up and down the lawn for 35 minutes can use up 200 calories.

Just like all exercise, warm-up before launching yourself into an intensive calorie-burning session. It’s so easy to pull a back muscle on a cold, spring morning by grabbing the spade and plunging in deep. Stretches work best - start gently with whatever exercise you do, working up a sweat as you warm-up.

WEEDING Pulling up stubborn weeds for 35 minutes can burn 158 calories.

DIGGING Digging is a great cardio workout and an excellent way to de-stress. You can burn up to 250 calories an hour when digging heavy soil (but don’t overdo it if you have a bad back).

RAKING Raking is vital to let your lawn and plants breathe - and it’ll work your upper body, and burns around 120 calories in 30 minutes.

START WITH A PLAN In a conventional gym, you will have a workout plan. In the garden, plan to weed a bed and turn the compost, or dig over a veg plot and plant up a border. Plans focus the mind.

USE THE RIGHT TOOLS Have the correct tools for the job you are doing.

It will ease the strain on backs, arms, wrists and knees. Secateurs are great for cutting smaller branches, but loppers are the thing for thicker ones. Petrol mowers make light work of the lawn but for exercise purposes, think about a manual push version.

DON’T OVERDO IT Pain in any joints is your body telling you to have a think about what you are doing!

Different jobs exercise different muscles

swansealife.co.uk 57

understated luxury, intimate dining and perfect romance

reservations@grovenarberth.co.uk www.grovenarberth.co.uk 01834 860915

BRIDE

Ffion and Darren Owen An Easter Sunday wedding can only call for a spring theme and subtle Easter decorations.

LAURA DAVIES speaks to the couple,who married at Pencoed House Estate,near Cardiff The couple: Ffion Medi Owen (nee Jones), 32, a primary school teacher, originally from Ammanford married Darren Wayne Owen, 39, a depot manager for Owens group, from Llanelli. The couple live in Swiss Valley, Llanelli.

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

We got married in Pencoed House Estate in Llantrisant, near Cardiff. After looking at a lot of venues we wanted a venue in which we hadn’t attended a wedding ourselves. Once we met the owners of Pencoed we knew straight away it was the place where we wanted to get

married. We totally fell in love with it and got on really well with the owners.

Did you have a wedding theme?

As we were getting married on Easter Sunday, I felt it was important to bring a subtle Easter theme to our wedding without it being too much. I decided on pastel colours and decided to include little Lindt bunnies as favours for everyone with name tags on each one. Tying 120 name tags was testing but worth it when it all came together. We also had Easter-themed trees in the marquee. Darren and I are laid back and this is how I wanted the feel of the wedding. I wanted it to look effortless and

minimalistic with little detail here and there. I also love quotes and decided to place various quotes on each table as our table names.

Tell us about your wedding dress and your shopping experience…

I visited A LOT of bridal shops and found a few dresses that I liked, but I never felt like I’d found the one. White Orchid, in Carmarthen Road, Fforestfach, was the last shop I visited and I just loved the feel of the shop. The massive room upstairs is exactly how I imagined a bridal shop would be. I had my mother and maid of honour with me. I didn’t even pick my dress up, it was a suggestion from

swansealife.co.uk 59

BRIDE

the staff at White Orchid. But once I tried it on I just knew I’d found the right one. I wanted something a little different and the beading and shape of the back of the dress was perfect. It was just enough glamour to go with my rustic theme.

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

I had seven bridesmaids and two flower girls. I actually bought the bridesmaid dresses before my own gown, which was about a year before. I didn’t want traditional bridesmaid dresses so I decided to look online. When I saw the dresses I remember just hoping all the girls would love them as much as me and luckily they did!

Tell us about your big day..

Leading up to our wedding day I found it stressful as most brides do. I also had a 10 month old to look after! But, I couldn’t have wished for a better day - it was perfect. We all got ready in The Vale Resort Hotel and it was a relaxing morning despite the early start at 5:30am. We had a lovely ceremony at the venue and had a saxophonist as well as having my cousin and a close friend singing a Welsh song during the wedding which meant a lot. I’m a Welsh speaker so it was really important to include a lot of Welsh in the ceremony. Jaime, the master of ceremonies and owner of Pencoed, just made the whole day flow with ease.

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We sat for dinner and everything looked and felt beautiful. Darren and I had booked singing waiters as a surprise for our guests and after dessert they performed and set the tone for the day. They were fantastic and our guests still talk about it now. It was also my mother’s birthday on the day so they performed a song for her which was lovely. Before we knew it the night guests had arrived and we had an amazing magician perform for the guests. Again we are still talking about the tricks we saw! We really wanted everyone to enjoy and relax so we booked Ipop to perform in the evening and the dancefloor was full until the very end . Nobody wanted to leave - especially us!

Did you have a cake and what was it like?

We had a wedding cake by Wish Upon a Cupcake, we decided on a four tier, with different flavours.

We had some lilac and sparkle added with a some decorative flowers and metallic icing. As well as a traditional cake, we had a cheese cake by Cwmni Caws Caerfyrddin, who are also family members. It was another four tier cake of different cheeses and decorated with fresh fruit and herbs which went so well with our rustic theme.

Did you do any wedding DIY yourself/ family and friends?

As I mentioned we had Lindt bunnies as name tags and bought decorations for our Easter trees. I also

decided on the quotes for each table. We had a company called Dear Florence to decorate the room and to put all of the decorations and final touches together. This made the day so much easier and I knew I could relax knowing I had someone take care of it all.

convince him to do a routine to McFly’s, Love is Easy - nobody could believe I’d managed to get Darren up on the dance floor. In the evening we had the band I pop who were great.

What were your wedding highlights?

No we haven’t had our main honeymoon yet. We are going to Greece in August, but we did go on a mini-moon to London. We went to see Aladdin the musical, had breakfast in The Shard and had afternoon tea at the Ritz.

I loved it all and it’s so hard to decide. I can honestly say when I saw my beautiful flowers and how beautiful the room looked I felt so happy.

Also our photographer showed a slideshow of photographs from the day just before our first dance. It made it so personal and I just loved seeing photos of guests and moments captured that I’d missed. Also the singing waiters just set the tone of the evening and were fabulous.

Did you have a wedding photographer/video?

Yes Ryan Welch, we’d seen his work on social media and knew that he’d worked in the venue previously, so we decided to book him and he made us feel so at ease all day.

Did you have a first dance and what was it too? Was there any entertainment?

Yes we had a first dance. Three days before the wedding we hadn’t even thought about it. I love dancing but Darren hates it, but I managed to

Did you go on honeymoon?

Venue : Pencoed House Estate Dress: White Orchid Bridal, Fforestfach Flowers: Claire’s Flowers, Llanelli Groom/Ushers : Solid Gold, Llanelli Cake: Wish Upon a Cupcake and ‘Cwmni Caws Caerfyrddin Hair: Hair by Ruth Walters, Ammanford Make up: Farhana Ali Photos/Video: Ryan Welch Weddings Photography and Film Stationary : Sarah Louise Designs, Llanelli Décor: Dear Florence

swansealife.co.uk 61

pe

coed

house estate

cardiff

Everyone has been to a wedding; but not everyone has been to a tailor made Pencoed House Estate wedding.

It’s all in the detail! You know you have arrived somewhere rather special as you glide down the grand tree lined driveway and arrive at Pencoed House Estate’s majestic arched entrance way. Under the caring supervision of resident owners the Williams family, this superbly versatile venue plays host to a wide array of events and weddings. The breathtaking grounds make the perfect photographic backdrop to compliment any wedding.

A stately banqueting hall capable of holding up to 120 seated and 200 standing guests can be yours for the day along with exclusive access to the wonderfully cosy woodland bar with courtyard. Justifiably proud of their drinks selection, including an extensive wine list. The champagne menu features a superb hand picked selection of Pol Roger vintages and resident mixologists are on hand to craft classic cocktails.

Pencoed House Estate offers a number of bespoke luxury accommodation options for up to 26 family and friends to experience the special day alongside the bride and groom. All rooms have views of the grounds and many have luxury en-suite bathrooms stocked with complimentary toiletries.

The bride and groom have the option to hire the exclusive bridal suite offering a perfect start to married life with its romantic French louvered shutters framing its idyllic views over the woods, duck pond and stream.

Brand new open plan apartments have been recently completed overlooking the courtyard. Guests can wake up to the tranquil views of the orchard through double glazed full length windows from the comfort of their own bed. More new additions include four stable rooms with stable doors overlooking the driveway and grounds, perfect for letting the fresh air and sunlight bathe the room in the morning.

A popular option for families is the charming cottage boasting the highest quality furnishing and dĂŠcor throughout, being spacious yet cosy with original beams, beautiful arched church-style doors and a traditional bread oven. The cottage can sleep up to 8 and offers secure overnight parking alongside.

Pencoed House Estate aim to take some of the worries and stress out of planning your perfect wedding and make the process as easy as possible!

Creating Memories to be Treasured

www.pencoedhouseestate.co.uk | 029 2167 8090 Pencoed House Estate, Llantrisant Road, Capel Llanilltern, Cardiff, CF5 6JR

BRIDE

MATCH MAID

SHOE BLING Transform any shoe with this dazzling Dune London shoe clip. Showcasing a flower design with diamanté jewelled details and a metal clip. It is the perfect finishing touch to any smart ensemble.

Sdazzler (Clear) Flower Jewelled Shoe Clip, £20, Dune, Cardiff

WEDDING LUGGAGE

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

These groom and bride luggage labels are a fun way way to start off your honeymoon.

And at £2 each, they are a bargain! Primark, Swansea

Dorothyperkins.co.uk

THIS MONTH

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

PICTURE PERFECT Get the picture-perfect wedding confetti shot, with this confetti cannon, which will shower you and your wedding party.

Ginger Ray White Confetti Cannon, £2, Paperchase at Next, Morfa Retail Park

HAIR DECOR

@LawsDx

Try a unique twist on the traditional, with these Bride and Groom Ferrero and Marshmallow Centrepieces! Presented in a personalised vase with ‘Groom’ on one and ‘Bride’ on the other, these centrepieces are bound to impress your guests and are a sweet way to celebrate.

Also you can personalise your sweet tree with a message to appear on the vase in up to 20 characters. Options: Choose from a single option of ‘Bride’ or ‘Groom’, or alternatively buy both and have two stunning centrepieces.

KATYA KATYA LAUNCHES NEW ‘WANDERLUST’ BRIDAL COLLECTION Set forth on a wild and whimsical adventure, in romantic lace and ethereal embellishment, this quintessential bohemian collection is the most desirable to date.

Personalised Bride and Groom Ferrero and Marshmallow Sweet Tree Centrepieces, £29.99, Gettingpersonal.co.uk

Executed from the finest tulles, silks, and French and Italian laces this stunning array of dresses mixes a cool and timeless feel - creating a chic yet luxe edge to the designs. Adorned with intricate embroidery, illuminating pearls and Swarovski embellishments, KATYA KATYA dresses epitomises sophistication, creating the ultimate fantasy dress for the bride.

Prices start from £1,500-£3,500, www.katyakatya.co.uk

Hair accessory brand Stone & Rose have new pieces available at Asos.com which are perfect for a summer wedding. Think statement embellishment and floral motifs in a selection of headbands, hair crowns and pins.

Pictured: Stone & Rose Beaded Wire Flower Crown, £42, Asos.com

SWEET TREAT

FORGET A GLASS SLIPPER...

These slippers will look the part come wedding morning with your nearest and dearest. And they also make a great photo opportunity! Whether your the bride, bridesmaid or mother of the bride there is a slipper for all.

Slippers, £6, Tesco, Llansamlet and Parc Fforestfach

FLIGHT OF FANCY Tell everybody you are just married with a bride eyemask, perfect for getting some shut eye on your honeymoon flight.

Bride Eyemask, £8, Lipsy.co.uk

GYM BUDDY If you or/and a member of your bridal party are hitting the gym in preparation for the big day, then this slogan water bottle will not only keep you hydrated but will also motivate you to achieve your goal.

Wedding Slogan Gym Bottle, £6.99, New Look, Swansea

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Bespoke Wedding Packages Available

for 2018 and 2019 Winter Weddings from ÂŁ2,999 Looking for the perfect setting for your wedding day?

Look no further than The Cliff Hotel & Spa in West Wales. Recently renovated to include an exclusive wedding suite, inclusive of ballroom to fit up to 160 guests (up to 250 for evening) exclusive use bar and your own terrace area.

All areas of the wedding suite maximises the panoramic sea views of Cardigan Bay. Please contact our wedding coordinator Louise Jones on weddings@cliffhotel.com for more details or to arrange a meeting.

The Cliff Hotel & Spa, Gwbert, Ceredigion, SA43 1PP 01239 613241 | www.cliffhotel.com | weddings@cliffhotel.com

JR EVENTS & CATERING

Wales' Premier Hospitality Company

BRANGWYN HALL SWANSEA

GRAND THEATRE SWANSEA

GUILDHALL SWANSEA

SYLEN LAKES

CARMARTHENSHIRE

01792 635253

WWW.JR-EVENTSANDCATERING.CO.UK

BRIDE

Who would guess this stunning dress is from the high street? It can hold its own alongside designer frocks.

Add some Hollywood sparkle to your big day with this vintage-style gown, then pile on the sparkle to ensure you shine brightest.

Diamanté Embellished Dress, £249, Monsoon, Parc Trostre Feather Clip Fascinator, £15, M&S, Swansea Diamonique Flower Earrings, £24.96, and Woven Band Ring £24.92, QVCUK.com.

Diamanté shoes, £75, Dune, Cardiff

Bridal Kathryn Maxi Dress, £85, Showcase Collection at Dorothy Perkins, Swansea Crystal Tiara, £10, Claire’s Accessories, Swansea Pearl Earrings, £7.50, and Bracelet, £18, both M&S. Madalenna Strappy Sandals, £85, Dune, Cardiff

With wedding season well underway the hunt for the perfect gown is on, but you don’t have to blow your budget to look your best on the big day. With dresses from just £85, you’ll have cash left over for fabulous accessories.

WeddingBelles Looking for that fairytale gown? This beautiful number ticks all the right boxes with its full skirt, while the fitted bodice will suit most figures.

Chi Chi Maire Embroidered Dress, £140, Chi Chi London. Pack of 5 Crystal Flower Earrings, £8, Accessorize, Swansea.

Diamanté ring, £19.50, and Fair Trade White Roses, £25, both M&S, Swansra and Parc Trostre. Madalenna Diamanté Strappy Sandals, £85, Dune, Cardiff

If full length gowns are not for you, opt for a pretty prom style and team with flower hairclips for boho charm.

White Bride Jazmin Prom Dress, £85, Dorothy Perkins, Swansea.

Cream Flower Hairclip, £16, Accessorize, Parc Trostre.

Diamonique Chevron Hoop Earrings, £37.92, QVCUK.com.

Diamanté Ring, £19.50, M&S, Swansea.

Madalenna Strappy Sandals, £85, Dune, Cardiff

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Lace is always a firm favourite when it comes to wedding gowns. This classic design will stand the test of time when looking back on your wedding photos in years to come.

Ivory lace Elaine Full Length Dress, £139.90, Debut @ Debenhams, Swansea Feather Clip Fascinator, £15, M&S, Swansea.

Diamonique Circle Silver Earrings, £24.92, QVCUK.com.

Diamanté ring, £19.50, M&S, Parc Trostre, Mylie Silver Diamanté Wrap Sandals, £120, Dune at Debenhams, Swansea

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

Weddings l Functions l Restaurant l Accommodation

nd

month

The Perfect Venue for all Celebrations Newly Refurbished Venue

Wedding Packages start from just ÂŁ27.50 per person Picturesque scenery on our doorstep Norton Road, Mumbles, Swansea, SA3 5TQ

01792 404 891

Enquiries@nortonhousehotel.co.uk

www.nortonhousehotel.co.uk

Weddings l Functions l Restaurant l Accommodation

FOOD & DRINK

the grill house With a new highly anticipated Seager’s restaurant soon to open in Gorseinon, LAURA DAVIES heads to The Grill House in Waunarlwydd, to experience good quality, ​mid market dining​.​ laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk

Y

ou can generally tell a good restaurant by how busy it is. And The Grill House is no exception.

Every time I pass the Waunarlwydd eatery the car park is more often than not full and just turning up for food on a Saturday night is generally met with a “fully booked” reply.”

@LawsDx

In fact, there is so much to choose from I can not decide! So instead I peruse the wine menu. Again what do I have? There is so much variety I need a slight nudge. The waitress who served us was knowledgeable about the wines which made it easier for us to pick. The Argentinian Malbec won us over and is excellent value at £1​6​.95 a bottle.

The much loved and popular family-owned restaurant has no gimmicks to entice people in, it doesn’t boast picturesque views neither does it have an outside beer garden to attract diners in the sunny weather. But what it does have is consistent and reliably-good, quality food, at reasonable prices, in comfortable, cheery surroundings with excellent and prompt service.

Now back onto the food. I was torn between the Big Grill Special Stilton Sirloin, a 10oz sirloin smothered in stilton cheese and served with onion rings, mushrooms, salad garnish and a choice of potatoes, or the smaller Stilton Medallions, four fillet beef medallions with a port and red wine sauce. As I am tempted to also have a starter, and perhaps even a sneaky desert, I choose the latter.

I have dined at the restaurant on numerous occasions in the past. In fact, I used to work there, when it first opened! So I know only too well how the Seager family, who also run Y Bryngwyn Newydd, in Pwll, Llanelli, pride themselves on attention to detail, service and of course, good food.

My husband chose from the specials, and went for the double seabass fillets, with a hollandaise sauce served on the side and chips.

And with a third restaurant due to open this summer, back where it all started at High Street, Gorseinon, the Seager’s latest venture is very much a topic on everybody’s lips.

We both decided on the garlic mushrooms to start, despite toying over a menu of baby back ribs, chicken tikka spears and cheesy nachos to name a few.

When we visit The Grill House on a sunny Thursday evening, I immediately feel as if the high standards have not dropped.

We are welcomed by a smiling and friendly member of staff, who shows us to our booth in the brasserie area of the restaurant.

Our waitress again was up to speed with all the meals and seemed to know exactly what each dish consisted of. There is nothing worse than asking a question about a meal to be met with an embarrassed reply of “I don’t know” or “I will find out.” Ordering was smooth and hassle free - exactly what you want when dining out.

The Grill House has two areas to eat. Upstairs is a light and airy open dining area which is comfortable and relaxed, and downstairs there is the brasserie which is slightly more cosy and intimate with plenty of character and nooks and crannies.

Both offer the same menu and it is down to personal preference where you prefer to dine.

Once food was ordered I looked around at all the nick nacks around the room. From beer barrels above our booth to a penny farthing on the wall, you will not get bored looking around. There is even a gate dividing an area and rustic looking artefacts which grab your attention. All tastefully done to reflect the mood and character of the room.

The menu choice at The Grillhouse is extensive, with everything from burgers, fish and meat dishes to a variety of steaks and big plates grills. There is also a specials board, vegetarian meals and even a new gluten free option.

There are a mixture of couples and families dining as well as a larger birthday party. The mood is cheerful, but not noisy and it is relaxed and not too stuffy. Children are welcome and there is a kid’s menu available.

The Grill House | 43 Cwm Clyd, Waunarlwydd, Swansea, SA5 4TR | Tel : 01792 879966 | Website: Seagers.Wales 70 swansealife.co.uk

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Food is served every day from noon to 9pm and it also serves Sunday dinners.

The Grill House is a notch up on your usual pub grub restaurant and the service is exemplary and prompt. It is no surprise that the restaurant has won several awards including winning best restaurant in the Swansea Life Awards. It also boasts a 5 star food hygiene rating - the best you can get.

Starters were swiftly served. There were plenty of mushrooms in a creamy garlic sauce and served on toasted garlic bread and side salad. Delicious! Main meals were just as good. My steak was cooked to perfection and was melt in the mouth and the stilton combined with the sauce was extremely tasty. Gareth was in food heaven with his fillet seabass which was fresh and cooked well so the moist flakes of milky white flesh slid off the skin when cut. Just as it should be! Presentation was superb and definitely called for a picture moment ready to upload onto social media later on.

Staff regularly checked our table for drinks and were always

on hand, without the feeling of being watched.

Despite being more than full, we couldn’t resist going for a third course. The dessert menu is always changing and there was a good combination of light and rich treats. I opted for fresh strawberries and ice-cream which came in a glass jar while Gareth went for the blueberry swirl cheesecake which was light and fluffy.

We both had a thoroughly lovely evening at The Grill House and was the perfect end to a lovely weekend. Nothing was too much trouble for the staff and the atmosphere was welcoming and chilled.

There is no secret to The Grill House’s success. As the Seagers instilled in me when I worked there, it’s the small, additional touches that help add to the overall dining experience. Yes, you could have the best food in the world, but without the little extras and finer attention to detail, you wouldn’t have a winning formula. And The Grill House offers just that.

*Keep up to date with the progress on the new restaurant - Seagers at No1 High St - on Facebook

swansealife.co.uk 71

This Fathers Day, treat him to the perfect mix at

A Mediterranean Dining Experience Where Spanish and Italian flavours combine

Open on Fathers Day between 12pm and 4pm.

Booking is essential

207 New Road Skewen SA10 6ET T: 01792 81 81 82 www.lacasona-skewen.co.uk

PICNIC TREAT

Nothing shouts summer than strawberries and cream or in this case cream soda.

M&S’s soft drink offering contains a sweet blend of handpicked British strawberries with aromatic vanilla flavour and spring water.

This is absolutely delicious especially served cold with ice.

FRIES THAT WILL FLY

Take your al fresco feast to a whole new level with this luxurious selection, featuring Orkney crab pâté; chilli and coriander prawns; whole Madagascan tiger prawns; honey-roast Scottish salmon flakes; king prawns; and peppered smoked mackerel which comes with a fresh lemon and a lemon mayonnaise dip

When we heard the news that Aldi was to going to be the first supermarket in the UK to start selling halloumi fries we all were counting down to their arrival. Inspired by the ones served at Nando’s, Aldi’s version is made from Cyprus halloumi cheese with a lightly seasoned crispy coating, and works great as snack or a side with a larger meal.

Picnic Seafood Platter, £15, M&S, Swansea (Food to order only)

British Strawberry Cream Soda 500ml, £1.70, M&S, Swansea and Pontarddulais Retail Park

Aldi’s Specially Selected Halloumi Fries, £1.99 for 190g, Aldi, Gorseinon and Carmarthen Road

Good Monin

NEW VEG POT

TEA LOVERS REJOICE!

You can also bring home the honeycomb trend with Monin’s new limited edition honeycomb syrup.

It’s ideal for adding a new twist to coffee lattes and frappes and also works with hot chocolate or drizzled over desserts. The £3 bottles can be found in Sainsbury’s, Swansea

THIS MONTH

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

A special edition milk oolong has just joined the teapigs family. Not to be confused with the “milk teas” from Boba shops, milk oolong is dairy free, sugar free, and zero calories...say what?! This traditional Chinese tea has a natural, sweet butterscotch flavour to give a smooth and creamy taste perfect for any sweet cravings. £5.25. 15 tea temples per pack, Teapigs.co.uk

@LawsDx

NIM’S fruit crisps are a tasty and healthy alternative to potato ones. Choose from pear, apple and beetroot and parsnip. The £1 packs are available from stores nationwide with an ongoing offer of two for £1.50.

Skin and tonic anyone?

GO CRACKERS

The mouth-watering Oaty Thins from Ardens, mix rustic oats and spelt flour with the subtle hint of Seagreens Wild Wrack – a seaweed packed with essential vitamins and minerals.

Packs cost £1.75 from Morrisons and are portion-packed for snacking. Also available are Arden’s Fiery Chilli & Spelt Oaty Thins and Arden’s Smoked Salmon, Cream Cheese & Dill Melts. Morrisons, Morfa Retail Park and Parc Pemberton

BOL Foods and Action Against Hunger have joined forces with chef and sustainability campaigner Tom Hunt to create the British Pearl Barley and Root Veg Pot. The limited edition Veg Pot will be available to buy at Tesco, with 10p from each pot sold donated to Action Against Hunger. The new Veg Pot will boast classic British tastes: pearl barley, chargrilled carrots, parsnips, borlotti and butter beans topped with kale and pumpkin seeds in a tomato, rosemary and thyme sauce. £3, Tesco, Parc Fforestfach and Llansamlet

FRUIT CRUNCH

STRAWBERRIES & CREAM

FOOD & DRINK

Beauty and booze mixed together for the ultimate skin boosting bevvy around.

Collagin includes marine collagen proven to hydrate your skin alongside botanicals that have an anti-ageing quality like witch hazel, green tea and grapefruit This sumptuously smooth and impeccably fragrant Collagin with added collagen is sure to be your new favourite tipple with its beauty benefits! With a rich blend of 11 different botanicals and a mix of orange, juniper and earthy liquorice flavours, it’s unlike any other gin on the market. Ideal for happy hens, summer shindigs or simply a weekend with friends. Add a touch of tonic for a classic G&T or an elderflower twist for a refreshing drink.

Collagin, £34.99, www.prezzybox.com

LEAN MEATS Healthier than turkey with less than 3 per cent fat, the butterflied 100 per cent British Extra Special Duck Steaks offer the perfect tender meat to add to a BBQ menu. To make for a delicious light and lean meal, serve on a bed of spiralised vegetables for extra crunch! Extra Special Duck Steaks, £5.50, Asda, Llanelli and Gorseinon

swansealife.co.uk 73

FOOD & DRINK

BBQ top picks

Here are seven top picks to get the juices flowing this barbecue season...

Home cooking with Sian Day

1. Domaine Sainte Rose, Coquille D’Oc Rose 2017, South of France, £7.49, Waitrose, Cowbridge

A deliciously simple recipe for June...

Now that rose is an ‘all seasons’ wine, some of us will have already been in a sunny mood for weeks.

Especially as the new rose vintages are being released, and slowly but surely making their way to our ice buckets. To mirror the famous pale pinks of Provence, but without the designer price tag, try this strawberry pink from the sunny Languedoc. Utterly delicious, with an array of crushed berry aromas, pear drops and hint of grapefruit, there’s a fine thread of acidity on the fresh, juicy finish. Sink with seafood.

Smashed Avocado , Spring Greens and Crispy Pancetta

Wildflower Pinot Grigio, Romania, £6.50, Spar, Gorseinon and Swansea

This is a great snack, breakfast, lunch, tea or anywhere in between. This is so easy - quick nutritious and tasty! It signals in the spring with all its green glowing glory of the beautiful fresh produce we can now enjoy in its season, here we use asparagus, watercress and petit pois but you can use kale or spinach or whatever takes your fancy.

Avocado is so nutritious but a little bland alone so combined with all of these fresh flavours it’s lifted to another dimension to taste and enjoy

A pinot to point you in the right direction - specifically Romania, where the quality is rapidly improving this fresh, zippy crowd-pleaser has enough floral aromatics. Lemon groves and jasmine come to mind, with its delicate flavours and a refreshingly crisp finish to keep you coming back for more. Works well with grilled fish, and good enough to be the first glass before moving onto a red.

Tesco Finest Argentinian Malbec 2017, Argentina, £7.50, Tesco, Parc Trostre, Neath and Parc Fforestfach Deliciously inviting from the word go, sunkissed plum, violet and blueberry aromas lead to similar flavours with a twist of pepper and smooth tannins on the fruity finish. A natural bedfellow with red meats, its ripe fruits are also an easy drinker with chorizo sausages and grilled chicken marinade recipes.

De Bortoli Woodfired Heathcote Shiraz 2016, Australia, £8.98, Asda, Llanelli and Llansamlet Shiraz and spice and all things nice... Lovely on the nose, with lots of rich black fruited aromas seasoned with herbs and a forest floor of dark fruits, this is soft and lush with smooth tannins and a long spicy finish. As the wood-fired name suggests, it’s a perfect match with anything that spends time on the fire.

Les Dauphins Cru Des Cotes Du Rhone Vinsobres 2016, France, £8, Sainsbury’s, Swansea A real deal while on special offer, cited as a mini Chateauneuf-du-Pape, the Vinsobres appellation in the Southern Rhone produces concentrated, fruit forward reds. With a heady array of plush black fruits, there’s a savoury tone to the deep blackberry flavours with a lick of cassis and peppery spice. Smooth and velvety, it’s a foodie red with enough structure to be more than a match with lamb kebabs and Greek salad.

74 swansealife.co.uk

YOU WILL NEED: SERVES 2 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

1 ripe avocado Juice of half a lime 6 spears of asparagus 2tbsp peas Handful of watercress 4 rashers of pancetta or streaky bacon 2 tsp mint jelly 2 eggs Rye or soda bread Knob of butter Seasoning

METHOD First of all pan fry the pancetta and put the eggs to poach or fry whatever is your preference Peel and slice the avocado and mash gently in a bowl and quickly combine

the lime juice to stop it turning brown then season.

Then in the juices of the bacon pan fry the asparagus for 2-3 minutes until tender but firm. There is nothing worse than soggy limp asparagus.

Meanwhile, pop the bread in the toaster and then it’s just a matter of assembling quickly Butter the hot toast and place the avocado on top Spread 1tsp of mint jelly into avo mix, then peas and asparagus followed by bacon and egg Garnish with watercress and serve!

Bon appetite!

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

Find out what’s brewing at n d John

With summer threatening to bloom and attentions turning to al fresco dining, garden get togethers and anticipation for long evenings in the sun, it would be easy for us here at N D John to lend advice and guidance on the latest sun related vino trends and recommend a few bottles from the vast selection that we have on offer but that would be too easy and besides, with one of Swansea’s largest selections of local ales and World beers to choose from we think it is time we introduced you guys to our wall of craft beers!

With over 1700 small breweries now driving rejuvenated interest in the science involved, the surge in craft beer sales in the United we are not only witnessing World class beers Kingdom, we Brits now consume 634 million from huge established British giants such as pints of artisan ale each year.

Brewdog, Beavertown, Tiny Rebel, Magic Rock and Vocation but also from smaller less The ‘micro brew’ beer revolution that took established microbreweries where the focus America by storm in the 00’s has now gone is more on passion than profit and this ethos, mainstream and here in the UK, it’s not just in believe it or not, is alive and well in South warehouses and factories but in kitchens and Wales where some of the best craft beer in the garages that this intense experimentation is UK is being produced, right under your noses. being driven.

From high ABV IPA’s to session ales, smoked Of course craft beer in the UK has a deep porters to pilsners, milk stouts to malt ambers, heritage with The Campaign For Real Ale Bavarian wits to a gooseberry Gose, Welsh (CAMRA) now in its 49th year but with huge reds to Belgian Trappes, we have something advances in home brewing techniques and a for even the most impassioned ale fan.

Brewdog Zeitgeist £2.05 “Zeitgeist takes an ageold classic, a forgotten masterpiece, and gives it a contemporary spin. Standing firmly alongside a Czechstyle black lager and German-style Schwarzbier, combining dark, roasty malt flavours balanced out by a soft citrus hop bitterness.”

Tiny Rebel Frambuzi £1.99 “Tiny Rebel’s first sour packed to the brim with the plumpest, juiciest little raspberries, then fired into this kettle soured little vigilante like a drive-by in the fruit aisle.”

The Garden Citrus IPA £2.65 “Dark orange colour with slight haze and a lingering, tight white head.Made with Orange, Grapefruit and Lime rind, a strong sweet orange and tropical aroma dominate the nose. On the palate, a complex citrus and bitter orange favour comes through followed by a soft sweetness finishing with a long lingering and sticky bitterness.”

Yeastie Boys Gunnamatta £2.35 “Yeastie Boys’ Gunnamatta utilises judicious amounts of Earl Grey Blue Flower tea to generate an intoxicating floral and citrus aroma with the quenching dry finish of an ice tea. A truly unique new World India Pale Ale with a decidedly old world twist.”

FOOD & DRINK

76 swansealife.co.uk 62

ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE FEATURE

The optimist bar+kitchen

One of Uplands’ latest additions impresses PETER SLEE with its cool vibe and flavoursome food

U

plands is having a bit of a moment restaurant wise, isn’t it?

They seem to be springing up here at a rate of knots. But, and here’s an admission, most have largely passed me by.

I used to live in The Uplands back in the day when Mr D’s was just about the only place to go on a Saturday night, Yes, really! But hey, time moves on and things have changed just a tad.

These days, you can hardly queeze a cigarette paper between the avalanche of eateries that have set up shop here. It’s a postcode which is chock-full of choice.

One of the newest arrivals to this foodie mecca is The Optimist bar and kitchen. Different, a little quirky? Yes and Yes! Great food and drink? Yes to that too!

It’s a cosy kind-of-a-place. Slightly crowded, convivial with lots of wood, mood lighting and industrial-chic fittings. Here though, they’ve come up with something very different to their other offerings. It’s an all-day, seven-day-a-week operation serving up everything from a breakfast brioche, to crispy squid and slider burgers or brunch. After 5pm, try the likes of feta and spinach parcels, mini fish and chips, belly pork brochette, halloumi fries or slider burgers.

We began with an orgy of jiggery-pokery, with our table of four launching into a first round of cockle popcorn, halloumi fries with a cucumber and mint rata and pomegranate seeds and some artisan breads all at the £4 mark. We tried to be polite, but soon abandoned all restraint and shared trying everything in sight Then, one of their aptly named and very pretty ‘ bowls’, recommended to me by a pal on the strength of a visit just a few days before.

Food makers here have taken inspiration from the poke bowls of Hawaii and devised four signature flavour combinations. At

£8-a-pop, a surprisingly delicious harmony they are too.

For me, the americano: spiced shredded chicken with boston beans, avacodo succatash, sweet potato and pickle. Across the table, the nordic: cured salmon, beetroot, poached egg and a dill creme fraiche, all of it, again, sitting on a generous serving of tricolore quinoa.

Its these, I would argue, which are the hard hitters of the menu; a beautiful, satisfying mix of unctuous flavour combos we both instantly fell in love with. It’s the sort of dish you crave at home but can never ever get as good as this. Slippery, tasty and oh-so comforting with shards of flavourful meat and rich juices marrying into one very moreish dish.

We ordered our dinner in staggered sections, which I’d advise as the kitchen works quickly and we had nowhere particular to be.

Only a madman would have eaten anything else after this feast.

But, as a connoisseur of pancakes, I ploughed through some made with sweet potato and served up with bacon, peanut butter and banana.

Ho-hum, I thought, how boring this will be – but the dish was stunning, They were the best I have ever tasted. ...really!

Waiting staff were prompt, informed and smiley. Given the handsome solicitous service and notable value for original food, we gave the place a big 10/10.

Don’t head here expecting your everyday burger and chips or a gammon steak with fried egg on top. It’s not what this place is about. Instead, think fresh and lively, think vegan, veggie or meat and, I’d strongly suggest, one of The Optimist’s poke bowl offerings.

“It’s the next generation of sushi,” said one of our happy group as we left, “ only it’s easier to eat.”

Push the door of this place open. Surrender. Enjoy. You absolutely will!

The optimist bar and kitchen | 59, Uplands Crescent, Swansea | www.theoptimistbarkitchen.co.uk 77 swansealife.co.uk 63

Whether you’re looking for a formal sit down dinner or a casual meal with friends and family, the serene location and impressive menu at the Oxwich Bay Hotel will be sure to delight.

Located in South Gower, with the beach on our doorstep, our restaurant offers panoramic views of the picturesque Three Cliffs Bay. With a board range of cuisine on offer, we have something to suit every appetite, from those with adventurous taste buds to those with a more particular palate.

You’ll be spoilt for choice when dining with us.

The restaurant is open from 8am to 9pm Sunday to Thursday and open until 9.30pm on Friday and Saturday. Come on down and enjoy some light bites with friends starting from £7.95, or a mouth-watering, home-cooked Sunday dinner with seasonal vegetables from £14.95.

Advertising Feature

Best places to Eat

Restaurant Guide Four great places to eat and drink

R OW FO N K O BO ’S DAY R E H T FA

PORT TALBOT

Cafe Remos The Princess Margaret Way, Port Talbot, SA12 6QP Tel: 01639 882121 • www.caferemos.com

A family run coffee shop, restaurant and ice cream parlour at the heart of the Aberavon seafront.

We listen to our customers. You’ve told us what you want and that’s what we’ll deliver superb food and drink in a spectacular setting and the warmest of welcomes. Choose from hearty cooked breakfast, Italian barista style coffee, fresh pasta, stone-based pizza, flame grilled burgers, homemade deserts and ice creams.

Take away food and drinks are available.

Open Monday - Sunday 9am - 9pm.

Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CafeRemos • Coffee

• Pasta

• Ice Cream

• Burgers

• Pizza

• Family

Best places to Eat SWANSEA

The Smiths Arms

R OW FO N K O BO ’S DAY R E H T FA

51-52 Neath Road, Hafod, SA1 2HR Tel: 01792 466776

Family friendly pub serving food daily.

Serving for food Monday-Wednesday 12-3pm & 5-8pm, Thursday & Friday 12-8pm, Saturday 11.30-6pm Sunday carvery 12-4pm. Choice of 3 meats £6.45.

Curry & Pint night every Thursday 5-8pm.

Free newly refurbished function room for parties.

Car park at rear of building.

GOWER

Parc-Le-Breos House Parkmill, Gower, Swansea SA3 2HA Tel: 01792 371636 • www.parc-le-breos.co.uk

Enjoy beautiful food with friends and family in our relaxed restaurant. Or why not partake in a sumptuous afternoon tea with that special someone at this secluded nineteenth century hunting lodge and extensive grounds. We guarantee that you’ll be back time and KINGS time again.

G BOO For Enquiries & Bookings call: 01792 371 636

MUMBLES

Forte’s Ice Cream Parlour Limeslade Bay, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4JT Tel: 01792 368863 • Email: forteslimeslade@hotmail.com

Open 7 days 9.30am - 5.30pm for breakfast, light lunches, ice cream, homemade cakes & ice cream cakes, tea & coffee.

All our ice cream and ice cream birthday cakes are homemade.

Gluten free products available. Ask for details.

Visit us on Facebook.

AKIN NOW T

S PARTIE S A M T S HRI FOR C

VEGAN OPTIONS COFFEE FREE WIFI DOG FRIENDLY

PILOT HOUSE WHARF, SWANSEA MARINA, SA1 1UN SUNDAY - THURSDAY 12PM - 10.30PMFRIDAY - SATURDAY 12PM - 11PM 01792 475900 WWW.BEERRIFFBREWING.COM

BEER DAY BRITAIN JUNE 15TH 2018 ADVERTISING FEATURE

WHY JUNE 15TH?

www.beerdaybritain.co.uk

Beer Day Britain is the UK’s national beer day and it happens on June 15th. This date is significant because it is also the date that Magna Carta was sealed in 1215.

Ale is mentioned in Magna Carta. Clause 35 of the great charter stated: 'Let there be throughout our kingdom a single measure for wine and a single measure for ale and a single measure for corn, namely the London quarter’. Having the Magna Carta connection with Beer

Day Britain makes people appreciate that for centuries ale has played a central role in this country.

NATIONAL CHEERS TO BEER The focus of Beer Day Britain June 15th is the National Cheers To Beer at 7pm (19.00h). People are asked to raise a glass and say ‘Cheers To Beer’ and if they use social media post a message or photo using the hashtag #CheersToBeer. People can do the cheers at whatever time suits them, but the main time is 7pm (19.00h).

SWANSEA

The Railway Inn 553 Gower Road, Upper Killay, Swansea SA2 7DS Tel: 01792 203946 • Open: 12-11 Mon-Sat; 12-10.30 Sun

A classic locals’ pub set in woodlands in the Clyne Valley.

The adjacent former railway line now forms part of route four of the National Cycle Network. Traditional cider and at least one guest beer are kept alongside the Swansea Brewing Company beers. A large area outside hosts occasional

LLANELLI

Tafarn Morlais 1 Pontardulais Road, Llangennech, Llanelli SA14 8YE Tel: 01554 820121 • Open 7 days a week

Our food menu is a Traditional Pub Menu, with all the expected favourites, combined with Steaks, Grills, Chef’s recommendations, Salads, Light Bites, and a Specials Board which incorporates unique items all served freshly prepared.

Booking is strongly advised especially for evenings and weekends.

We are pleased to stock and sell a wide variety of Real Ales from all brewers around the UK. Our Cask Marque status shows our commitment to providing a wide selection of Real Ales, combining with outstanding care, delivery and presentation of the product itself.

Beer Garden now open.

barbecues and music events.

This pub serves 4 regular beers: • Swansea Bishopswood Bitter • Swansea Deep Slade Dark • Swansea Original Wood • Swansea Three Cliffs Gold • and 1 changing beer

BEER DAY BRITAIN JUNE 15TH 2018 SWANSEA

The No Sign Wine Bar 56 Wind Street, Swansea SA1 1EG Tel: 01792 465300 • www.nosignwinebar.com

A unique traditional independent pub in the city centre.

Home cooked food Monday - Friday 12 - 9 • Saturday12 - 7 Sunday Roast 12 - 4.

Our 6th Real Ale & Cider festival from July 25th to 28th, where we will be celebrating female brewers from across the country.

The best in local for live music every Friday, Saturday & Sunday.

PLUS 1st Friday of every month our new comedy club in the Vault

SWANSEA

Reverend James 180 Borough Road, Loughor, Swansea SA4 6RZ Tel: 01792 516231 • Opens 11.30am Closes 11pm

Meals served Monday - Saturday 12:00pm - 9:00pm.

Sunday Lunch 12:00pm - 2:30pm.

Sunday 3:00pm - 9:00pm.

Music Quiz with Rob Pendry every Tuesday Night from 8:30pm.

General Knowledge with Mary every Sunday from 8:30pm.

Celebrate the Summer with Tomos Watkin Brewery Voted Best Beer to have with a BBQ 2018

TOMOS

watkin www.tomoswatkin.com

@tomos_watkin

tomos watkin brewery

tomoswatkinbrewery

BEER DAY BRITAIN JUNE 15TH 2018 SWANSEA

The Kingsbridge Inn Swansea Road, Kingsbridge, Gorseinon, Swansea, SA4 4AS Tel: 01792 892229 • www.kingsbridgeinn.co.uk

Relax in our newly refurbished lounge & bar or enjoy home cooked food in our family run award winning restaurant. Specialising in gluten free and dietary needs.

Book Now for Father’s Day. Open all day everyday. Children welcome.

SWANSEA

Queen’s Hotel Gloucester Place, Swansea SA1 1TY Tel: 01792 521531

Winner Camra Pub of the Year Swansea 2017.

Home Cooked Lunches 12 - 2.30pm everday.

Live Bands every Saturday. weekly.

4 Real Ales weekly

To advertise in next month’s AL FRESCO DINING SPECIAL contact Sonia Griffin on 01792 545581

FOOD & DRINK

What’s a barbecue without a burger? Try something rather special with Iceland’s new burger offerings. Opt for the Luxury Two Wagyu Beef Quarter Pounders , left, £3, seasoned with seaweed, salt and black pepper or the Luxury Two Venison Quarter Pounders , £2.50 flavoured with coriander, juniper and black pepper.

Iceland, Swansea

Barbecue meets fine dining with I celand’s veggie bundles .

There is a choice of green bean, tenderstem broccoli and carrot bundles or green bean and carrot bundles wrapped in courgette. Both cost £1.50 and offer restaurant quality dishes with no preparation needed.

Iceland, Swansea

Add a new twist to outdoor summer eating with A sda Butcher’s Selection Tandoori Turkey Kebabs . They cost just £3 per pack.

Or, try something a little different with A sda Extra Special Two Truffle Mac & Cheese Topped Beef Burgers .

They cost £3 for two, Asda, Llanelli and Gorseinon

CHICKEN TONIGHT...

Tickle your taste buds with M&S Coronation Chicken Wings 397g, £4, - British Chicken wings with a delicious mango glaze., M&S, Swansea and Pontarddulais Retail Park

Fire up the barbie!

LAURA DAVIES picks out sizzling summer treats for the barbecue season

M&S travelled the world searching for the ultimate burger and found their prize in Brooklyn. They then worked on the best recipe to match the flavour and texture and the result is The Best Ever Burger . It costs £4 and features extra-large patties, select cuts of British beef including short rib with sirloin fat and bone marrow which melts through and bastes while cooking.

M&S, Swansea and Parc Trostre

The Gosh! vegetarian and vegan range offers a yummy selection perfect for summer barbecues. Choose from beetroot burgers with a hint of mint, sweet potato and black bean sausages with a hint of chilli and lime, mushroom burgers with lentils and butter beans or butternut, tomato and basil sausages. All cost £2.50 from Tesco, Parc Trostre and Llansamlet, Sainsbury’s, Swansea and Morrison’s, Morfa Retail Park.

Meat lovers rejoice!

Bull’s-Eye – the ultimate authentic American BBQ sauce has arrived on UK shores. Born and raised in the USA, the range includes original, Tennessee Sweet Whiskey, New York Steakhouse and Smokey Bacon and the sauces can tackle everything from brisket to ribeye. The BBQ Sauces cost £2.49, from selected supermarkets nationwide, while the Sweet Whiskey Glaze is available exclusively from Tesco, Parc Fforestfach and Neath Abbey.

The 12 Baby Banger Selection from M&S, offers something for everyone. The British outdoor bred pork sausages combined with punchy flavours cost £4 and include four smoked British bacon and kale, four with smoked Isle of Wight tomatoes and four with British chilli beetroot.

M&S, Swansea and Parc Trostre swansealife.co.uk 85

HOUSE & HOME

THROUGH THE KEYHOLE

THE HOME THAT JUST FLOWS AND FLOWS Attention to detail was a necessity and the space on offer certainly provided plenty of options at this stunning Gower property, as CHRIS PEREGRINE discovers.

chris.peregrine@walesonline.co.uk

I

f Susan Taylor had to use a catchy phrase to sum up the attributes of the family home in Gower, it would be “nice flow”.

It means, of course, that its rooms effortlessly dovetail and seeing that she and her husband David were the ones who designed and built it in 2006, it is a case of job not just done, but well done.

There is an electric gate in front a of a long driveway and once inside you will find high finish interiors, all four bedrooms with en suites, a mammoth kitchen/breakfast room, a Sonos Sound system, underfloor heating throughout, a triple integrated garage and beautiful gardens with level lawns and patio areas.

86 swansealife.co.uk

Immaculate planning went into the birth of the home, which is on the end of a quiet, no-through road on the edge of Southgate.

“We had actually lived in the neighbouring property for 10 years before we built Oakdale, and we absolutely love the area,” says Susan. “It’s such a peaceful place and one that has so much to offer: We’re just a short walk from the centre of the village, which caters for virtually every need. We have the beautiful beach at Three Cliffs within striking distance and we’re surrounded by the most glorious open countryside. I couldn’t wish for more.”

There had been an opportunity to build the house they wanted, and the couple, who have two teenage sons, eagerly took it.

“My husband and I had always wanted to build our own home and the fact that our old house sat on such a substantial plot allowed us to take the plunge,” says Susan. “I’d say our main aim when designing the property was to make the most of the setting, but without impacting on the look and feel of the area, so the house has all modern features and fits in beautifully with the neighbouring properties.

“Internally each of the rooms is generously proportioned and the kitchen/breakfast and family room all face south, to make the most of the natural light. We put in lots of windows and seven sets of patio doors to make the most of these gorgeous surroundings, and we’ve installed glazed panel internal doors to enhance the feeling of light and space that flows throughout. I’m very into interior design, so all of the fixtures and fittings were individually sourced to make sure they were just what we wanted and of the highest quality, so the attention to detail has been meticulous, both inside and out. It’s been a lot of hard work, but I’ve enjoyed every minute and both my husband and I are absolutely thrilled with the results.”

One of the highlights has to be the kitchen/breakfast room, which is the centre of social attention. With kitchen and dining room, you can also add lounge seating, all combining to make it the heart of the family home. The kitchen itself has ample fitted luxury custom made Smallbone wooden units with granite worktops, and houses an integrated fridge freezer, dishwasher, recycling drawer, porcelain sink with waste disposal, microwave and double oven. There is also a sizeable island with contrasting pale yellow units and matching granite worktops.

There are many other highspots in the property, including a large utility room, and a family room described as colossal size with a lavish amount of glass looking out to the grounds. The lounge houses a York stone fireplace, the dining room contains a central ceiling rose which is perfect to house a feature chandelier, and the study is roomy.

The sheer size of the bedrooms and en-suites is a matter of comment, with the master bedroom of suite status.

“It has a nice flow,” says Susan. “The house sits on around threequarters of an acre, so we have a lovely big garden. It wraps right the way around the house and incorporates a large patio terrace, open lawns and the whole space is surrounded by a mature border that gives us lots of privacy. And because most of the principle reception rooms have patio doors, during the summer months the garden essentially becomes a wonderful extension of our living space.”

PROPERTY: Oakdale, Southgate, Gower PRICE: Offers over £1.25 million BEDROOMS: 4 AGENT: Fine & Country, Mumbles, 01792 367301

swansealife.co.uk 87

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

SURF SOUND, OXWICH, SWANSEA

THE GRANGE, MIDDLETON, SWANSEA

A 10 minute stroll to the fabulous Oxwich beach & lovely restaurants. Comprising very generous accommodation of open plan kitchen/diner, lounge & sitting room. 6 beds, 5 en-suites, lovely gardens & ample parking. The layout could be arranged to create a self contained annex. EPC E

Beautiful, modern detached 5 bed home is finished to a high standard providing a generous & flexible family home. Quiet coastal location with sea glimpses & close to Rhossili. EPC C

Offers Over £625,000

Offers Over £599,950

1 CHANNEL VIEW, HIGHER LANE, LANGLAND

THE FORGE, FAIRYHILL, SWANSEA

Wonderfully situated in a small, private development in Langland. This elegant & beautifully modern detached family home has electric gates & accommodation comprising 4 receptions, kitchen/diner, 5 beds & 3 bath. Generous garden & sea glimpses from the roof terrace. EPC C

Barn conversion in the heart of idyllic Gower countryside with 3 en-suite beds, 4th bed/study, sizeable living areas & an abundance of outdoor space. 2 barns with planning permission for 2 x 1 bed apartments. Separate chance to purchase/rent up to 9 acres of additional land. EPC E

Offers Over £899,999

Offers In The Region Of £649,950

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

New To Market

85 SOUTHGATE ROAD, SOUTHGATE, SWANSEA

MISTY HILLS CLOSE, THREE CROSSES, SWANSEA

Spectacular front row sea views & short stroll from local beaches & amenities. Generous home & generous grounds provides 2 receptions, stunning open plan kitchen/diner, utility, boot room, 6 beds & 4 baths. Gardens are beautiful with hot tub. Fabulous home or holiday let. EPC C

Spectacular Gower countryside & sea views, fabulous village location, secluded cul-de-sac. Tranquil & private, very generous accommodation. Beautiful gardens & entertaining spaces. Walking distance to local pub and shops. EPC D

Offers Over £950,000

Offers Over £850,000

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

SEAWINDS, MUMBLES, SWANSEA

OAKDALE, SOUTHGATE, SWANSEA

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

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

Asking Price £995,000

Offers Over £1,250,000

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

New To Market Internationally Plus 75 offices globally 5000 professional associates all around the world PARC Y BRYN, BROADLAY, CARMARTHENSHIRE

TYLLWYD NEWYDD, NR BRYNCOCH, NEATH

The house & lodge are imposing properties bursting with character & nestled in stunning countryside. Main house has 4 receptions, 4 beds & 1 bathroom. The Lodge has open plan kitchen/lounge/diner, 3 beds and 1 bath. Currently a holiday let. Blissful land & views. EPC C

A magnificent family home with striking proportions & phenomenal countryside backdrop.

Possessing approx 12 acres & equestrian facilities. Beautiful interiors comprising 5 receptions, 6 beds & 5 bath. 3 stables, horse school & planning for 6 stables. EPC D

Asking Price £695,000

Asking Price £1,495,000

New To Market

ROSEMEAD HOUSE, LLANRHIDIAN, NORTH GOWER

MAESQUARRE HALL, BETWS, AMMANFORD

A private farmhouse style family home, surrounded by the most spectacular North Gower countryside views in approx 5 acres. Providing 4 receptions, kitchen/breakfast room, 5 beds, 2 bath. Glorious grounds to explore & mammoth decked terrace to enjoy the vistas. EPC D

A period home with a detached 2 bedroom cottage set in stunning grounds including gardens & a boating lake. The main house provides generous room sizes, 2 receptions, kitchen, 4 beds & 1 bath. Cottage is in need of renovation. Both provide gorgeous views over boating lake. EPC B

Offers Over £750,000

Offers Over £500,000

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

WESTWINDS, LANGLAND BAY A rare opportunity to acquire a breathtaking property of unrivalled design and location, satisfying every desire of anyone seeking a home of this calibre.

Overlooking the golf course, designed by locally renowned Architect, Huw Griffiths, and developed by

the prestigious Liberty Homes (Wales), the property offers versatile accommodation with a bespoke service offered at early reservation.

Price: £2,100,000

GOWER COURT, MAYALS Located in the ever popular leafy suburb of Mayals, sat on the edge of Clyne Common, boasting breath taking sunsets, a collection of just 5 luxury homes of 3 varying designs. Positioned between the village of Mumbles and the City Centre with the famous Clyne Gardens & Golf Club on your doorstep, the development enjoys a perfect location, which falls within catchment for Bishopston Comprehensive School. 4 & 5 bedroom accommodation. Priced from £550,000 to £750,000.

Unit A | Meridian Bay | Trawler Road | SA1 Marina | Swansea | SA1 1PG T: 01792 653100 | E: newhomes@dawsonsproperty.co.uk www.dawsonsproperty.co.uk

www.pablack.co.uk

01600 717 040

black

black

www.pablack.co.uk

www.pablack.co.uk

Prestige homes from Peter Alan Ltd

Gower Road, Swansea

Allt-Y-Cham Drive, Pontardawe

• Impressive Seven bedroom detached family home • Grand entrance hall with imposing U-shaped staircase • Four reception rooms • Private driveway and detached garage • Elevated sea views • Mature front and rear gardens - EPC - E

• Georgian grade II listed home set in approximately 1/2 acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with mature trees • Period Property + Features • Set In Mature Grounds • Six Bedrooms • Basement and Wine Cellars - EPC - F

Swansea 01792 641481 £1,100,000 Bethany Lane, West Cross,

Morriston 01792 789201 Eaton Crescent,

£550,000

£350,000

For sale with pa black Swansea 01792 641481

Three Crosses, Swansea

Skewen, Neath

Long Acre Court, Porthcawl

• Extended detached family home • Five bedrooms • Generous gardens St Annes, Mumbles, • Driveway, Garage and car port • Village location • Bishopston Comprehensive School catchment - EPC - D

• Five Bed detached property • Four Reception rooms • Landscaped gardens with hot tub Dylans View, Uplands, • Underfloor heating to the ground floor • Integral garage with electric door • Stunning panoramic views

• Sought After Cul de Sac Location • Lounge Diner & Sitting Room •Gower Breakfast RoomSketty, & Utility Area Road, • Formal Lounge & Study • Four Bedrooms, EnSuite & Bathroom • Ample Parking & Garage - EPC - D

Gorseinon 01792

OIRO £430,000

For sale with pa black Swansea 894422 01792 641481

Cardiff Monmouth Penarth Porthcawl Newport

£320,000

Neath 01639 635115

OIRO £500,000

For sale with pa black Swansea 01792 641481

£450,000

Porthcawl 01656

£485,000

For sale with pa black Swansea 771600 01792 641481

Delivering exceptional service for exceptional homes

£395,000

©LW

For sale with pa black Swansea 01792 641481

£545,000

Plas Maelgwn

4/8 John Street Llanelli Tel: 01554 779412 Davies Craddock are pleased to present for sale “ Plas Maelgwn “ which is offered on the market for the first time having been occupied from new by the current owners.

This deceptively spacious and adaptable property is set in the sought after location of Ferry Road, Kidwelly.

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

Set over three levels the property briefly comprises to the ground floor: Entrance hall, lounge, dining room, kitchen, utility room, rear porch, conservatory, to the first floor:

www.daviescraddock.co.uk

Landing, master bedroom with ensuite, bedroom two, bedroom three, bathroom, to the lower floor: Hallway with storage and entrance to integral double garage, shower room, bedroom four, bedroom five, bedroom six. The property also benefits from a burglar alarm and high level sensor activated security lights.

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

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

Plas Maelgwn £399.995

HOUSE & HOME

RJR. John Deb Rocha enha T ms, S hrow, £7 5 wan sea ,

Ff or es tfa ch

Wilson Large Sofa (3 Seats), £799, Next, Morfa Retail Park

Prim ary P alette Clock, £29.99,

arc ,P se n e es Hom

BRIGHT l u f i t eau and

b

Pair of Lois Armchairs, £119, M&S, Swansea

With the sun finally making an appearance, get into the spirit of summer with LAURA DAVIES’ bright home buys laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk

ima print by Gar y 60x80cm , la rp 05 £1 ou ol ed C 5, or fram Dhawan, £5 at Argos, Swansea itat ab H t, ita ab H

A by Amara Gallery Cushion, £40, Amara.com

@LawsDx

Poufe, £39.99, Homesense, Parc Fforestfach

Crescent Pin Board Mirror, £49, Oliver Bonas, Cardiff

Tea Light Holder, £18, Debenhams, Swansea

Ice Bucket, £12.99, Homesense, Parc Fforestfach

Collection available from Amara.com

Home Havana Circul ry ’s ar G sbu las n i s Sa

Le

Ramsden Orange Ceramic Bottle Vase, £45, Habitat.co.uk

, £5, Sainsbury’s Saver , Sw ans top ork ea W n o m

swansealife.co.uk 93

HOUSE & HOME

1

L E S L E Y

TAY LO R

OUTDOOR PURSUITS

Craving the ultimate summer space? Forget quick fixes and invest in some serious furnishings Outside space is fast becoming an extension of the home.

And why not.

2

It’s so easy for the home to become cluttered that sometimes a breath of fresh air is needed to revitalise living spaces.

Taking the inside out is nothing new, but with every passing summer outdoor furnishings are becoming more desirable; following the same trends as their indoor counterparts with the added benefit of durable components to ensure they make real investment pieces.

3 1. Whatever your budget, find a summer house to suit 2. Get creative with lighting solutions – battery-powered fairy lights are a fuss-free option 3. Use waterproof accessories to add personality to your outside living area 4. If budget allows, consider a permanent fixture for your outdoor living area

The key to making the most of outdoor living this summer is fixed furnishings – items you don’t have to remove each evening.

Summer houses are ideal. And while they might sound expensive, there really is something to suit all budgets.

Garden furniture is a must – don’t be tempted to use indoor furniture outside in case your covering isn’t as watertight as it claims. Invest in some bold chairs, a table for drinks and a couple of waterresistant cushions for extra comfort. Add some throws for extra warmth – after all, this is Britain we are talking about.

94 swansealife.co.uk

Another hugely important aspect of any garden room is the right lighting.

Solar lights have come on hugely over the years, both in technology and design.

Today you can get solar lights in all designs imaginable, from the traditional ‘stork’ concept to string lights and lanterns. Powered by the sun’s energy, they are super easy to install and don’t require a mains connection.

The same can be said for batterypowered illumination. Like their solar powered counterparts, these beauties are available in all manner of designs, including strip lights. Strip lights are ideal if you want to illuminate a specific area.

Just remember to stock up on the AAs to ensure no unexpected lighting outage.

From flat-pack gazebos to made-tomeasure garden rooms, the market is varied.

And with the right accessories you can truly create your own outside living room.

4

adorn the walls and even an outdoor rug – there are plenty that have been specifically made for outdoor use.

Then think about completing the look; perhaps a vase of handpicked flowers from the garden, a print or two to

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

swansealife.co.uk 95

Luxury living at prices you can afford!

Call us today for a free, no obligation design & quote www.castlekitchensandbedrooms.co.uk

Call in today at our showroom: The Old Lloyds Bank Building, 43 Neath Road, Briton Ferry, SA11 2DX

Telephone: 01639 797901

Nothing Beats Coming Home to a Clean House!

We do the hard work so you don’t have to • • • •

End of tenancy cleans Holiday home cleaning Spring cleaning Regular cleans

Residential & Commercial Cleaning Experts Call today on 01792 448721 www.facebook.com/glowhomeservices.co.uk www.glowhomeservices.co.uk

HOUSE & HOME Catherine Lansfied Watermelon Beach Towel, £12, Very.co.uk

Aloe In Patterned Pot, £10, Matalan, Llansamlet

Linea Seafare Dipping Dishes, £25, House of Fraser, Cardiff

Ceramic Plant Pot with Stand Small, £40, Oliver Bonas, Cardiff

Rocket Ice Lolly Moulds (set of 4), £12.50, M&S, Parc Trostre and Swansea

Beau & Elliot Raindrops Family Cool Bag, £35, Debenhams, Swansea and Parc Trostre

THIS MONTH

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

@LawsDx

House Shaped Salt and Pepper Set, £10, Next, Parc Trostre and Morfa Retail Park Sara Miller Chelsea Collection Set of 4 Pastry Forks £20, Debenhams, Swansea

A by Amara Arcade Trapeze Cushion, £20, Amara.com

Mid Century Jar, £10, Sainsbury’s, Swansea

Elephant Planter, £40, Next, Morfa Retail Park

Hana Floral Travel Bag Set, £19.50, Oliver Bonas, Cardiff

Mornington Leaves Weighing Scales, £25 , Cath Kidston, Cardiff

A by Amara Orbis Lamp, £110.

Amara.com

Rustic Nest Jug, £12, Homesense, Parc Fforestfach

Pineapple Glow Table Lamp, £34.99, Very.co.uk

swansealife.co.uk 97

ADVERTISING FEATURE

WELCOME TO PONTARDDULAIS GARDEN CENTRE A local family run business, which has been ongoing by the Evans family for the past 40 years!

Along with a huge range of glazed & unglazed outdoor terracotta pots, and plastic pots, combined with compost,

Stocking a wide range of seasonal bedding plants, hardy shrubs and trees throughout the year.

LANDSCAPING CENTRE Stocking a wide range of garden buildings, from glasshouses of different shapes, sizes and colours. To garden sheds, summer houses, children's playhouses. With over 20 different garden building on display.

There is also a varied range of garden paving, gravels and stoneware, and fencing & trellising products.

Plus a large display of garden ornaments from concrete pots, statues, & bird baths.

If you can't manage to transport your purchases home, just ask a member of staff about our delivery service.

and fertilizers for all plants.

Plus all the weedkillers, fungicides/ insecticides, and lawn care products, to keep your garden looking in top condition all through the year.

PLANTS, POTS & SUNDRIES With a wide range of plants specially chosen from our trusted nursery suppliers, ranging from seasonal bedding plants, garden trees & shrubs, fruit and vegetables to shaped topiary and specimen plants.

Now in stock, full range of ornamental garden trees along with a large selection of shrubs for autumn & winter interest only ÂŁ8.99 each or 3 for ÂŁ20!

Plus a full range of autumn a & winter bedding plants all ready to plant now.

New range of autumn planting roses in stock from end of September.

Alongside our wide range of both terracotta and plastic ornamental pots, we have something for all areas of your garden, for all seasons.

Pontarddulais GARDEN CENTRE est 1969

Combined with our garden & plant care range of fertilisers, insecticides, and weed killers. Plus a varied selection of garden tools, composts, and lawn care products.

We have everything in store to keep your garden and plants in top condition throughout the year.

VISIT OUR GARDEN CENTRE TODAY: Allt-y-Graban Road | Pontarddulais Swansea | SA4 8DS

SHEDS & GLASSHOUSES GIFTWARE Stocking a wide and varied selection of giftware from greetings cards, photo frames, ornamental candle holders, and ornaments of all sorts.

Stocking a wide range of garden buildings, from glasshouses of different shapes, sizes and colours.

To garden sheds, summer houses, children's playhouses. With over 20 different garden building on display.

There is also a varied range of garden

Fantastic range of candle jars, plus an extra 25% off selected fragrances (while stocks last).

GARDEN ROOM RESTAURANT We pride ourselves on our home cooked meals, using only the finest freshest locally sourced produce.

paving, gravels and stoneware, and fencing & trellising products.

Plus a large display of garden ornaments from concrete pots, statues, & bird baths.

If you can't manage to transport your purchases home, just ask a member of staff about our delivery service.

delicious home made sweets and hot puddings.

Open 7 days a week serving a range of breakfast, lunches, snacks, along with our daily roast menu. All freshly cooked to order.

All the meat served in our restaurant is of the highest quality.

We cater for a wide range of dietary requirements; just ask a member of staff who will be happy to help you.

Our daily changing specials board provides constant variety and there is always a tempting selection of

We are also able to host and cater for special occasions please contact us for details.

Open 7 days a week serving a range of breakfast, lunches, snacks along with our daily roast menu

Garden Centre: 01792 882561 | Restaurant: 01792 885948 www.pontarddulaisgardencentre.co.uk | @PontGC OPENING TIMES: Monday - Saturday: 9am - 5.30pm | Sunday: 10.30am - 4.30pm

“WE LOVE PONTARDDULAIS GARDEN CENTRE!” “Certainly worth a visit any day of the week.”

“Stunning place. Really homely feel and the food is at a top standard. Will deffo be returning.”

A. WILSON

V. CULLEN “Great value for money and a huge range of plants. Always an absolute pleasure to visit.”

P. FLOWERS

FIND US AT THE GARDEN CENTRE

Tel: 01792 882287

Pontarddulais GARDEN CENTRE est 1969

VISIT OUR GARDEN CENTRE TODAY: Allt-y-Graban Road | Pontarddulais Swansea | SA4 8DS

JUST SOME OF OUR GREAT REVIEWS POSTED ON SOCIAL MEDIA...

“Amazing food! A really nice place to visit. We really enjoyed seeing the lovely plants and all the fishes.”

L. M. HAYWARD “Food is stunning!”

P. K. OSBORN

“Really helpful, knowledgeable staff.

Fantastic plants and lovely gifts, great prices, plus great food. We'll be back again soon...bought a small forest!”

E. NORMAN

FIND US AT THE GARDEN CENTRE

Tel: 01792 885959

Garden Centre: 01792 882561 | Restaurant: 01792 885948 www.pontarddulaisgardencentre.co.uk | @PontGC

FANTASTIC SELECTION

OF TROPICAL, COLDWATER, MARINE AND POND FISH PONDOCLEAR AND POND SET Pontec PondoClear Island 3000 floating filter set with UV clarifier and plastic pond set Ideal starter pond set

£99.99

We have a large selection of pond plants

RATTAN PATIO POND FEATURE

Huge selection of aquariums, starter kits available from £19.99

Available in Black & Brown Rattan Surround - Usual RRP £59.99 Basin 63cm - Usual RRP £19.99 600lph Pump - Usual RRP £29.99

KIT PRICE

£89

.99

INTEREST FREE CREDIT on purchases over £500 Aqua Nutrition Pond Food: BUY ONE GET ONE FREE

EXCLUSIVE Aqua oak aquariums

Pontarddulais Garden Centre | Allt-Y-Graban Road Pontarddulais | Swansea | SA4 8DS Tel: 01792 882287 Maidenhead Aquatics at Swansea

FOR ALL YOUR BUILDING & LANDSCAPING NEEDS…

OPEN 7 DAYS

A WEEK

SANDS PAVING EDGING WALLING FENCING GRAVELS NATURAL STONE PORCELAIN PAVING GARDEN BUILDINGS DECORATIVE CHIPPINGS

Pontarddulais Garden Centre | Allt-Y-Graban Road Pontarddulais | Swansea | SA4 8DS Tel: 01792 885959 | www.kingacre.co.uk

HOUSE & HOME

[

[ Blue Velvet Dinning Chair, £79.99, Homesense, Parc Fforestfach A by Amara Triangle Geo Rug 140x200cm, £199, Amara.com

Ch ip an dD ip S erv ing Plat e, £12 .50, M&S, Parc Trostre

Sardinia Modular Furniture Range, from £149, Lois Coffee Table, £99, Jade Reactive Glaze Planter, £17.50, Small Apothecary Vase, £9.50, Large Solar Lantern, £15, Small Solar Lantern, £12.50, Stripe Indoor Outdoor Rug, from £59, M&S, Swansea

Blue Stripe Diffuser, £14.50, Oliver Bonas, Cardiff

Poolside Bubble Tumbler, £3, John Lewis, Cardiff

e tiv ac Re

Get into summer with home decor that rivals the colours of the sea and blue skies. LAURA DAVIES rounds up her top high street picks laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk

@LawsDx

London Toile Tea For Two, £28, Cath Kidston, Cardiff

Ora Tub Chair, £99, Very.co.uk Shibori Blue Wine Glass, £3.50, Linea Navy bubble Vase, £12, Sainsbury’s, House of Fraser, Cardiff Swansea

Shibori Spa Glazed Ceramic Candle, £10, Sainsbury’s, Swansea

a Te

lW all Cl oc k, £ 15, Sain sbur y’s, Sw ansea

Blue Metal Pendent Light, £32, Homesense, Parc Fforestfach

Wilko Ombre Blue Vase, £8, Wilko, Swansea and Llanelli

Bright Teal Marble Effect Glass Trinket Box, £18, Dunelm, Parc Pemberton

of 4 Melamine D Set inn er P xt, Morfa R e 6, Ne tail , £1 Pa es rk lat

Broste Blue Glass Vase, £22, Debenhams, Swansea

Blue Cylinder Glaze Vase, £19.50, M&S, Swansea

0, 0X5 ion 5 a h s u ed C anse Print ury’s, Sw ond b Diam 14, Sains £

Blue Glass Hanging Lantern, £5.99, Homesense, Parc Fforestfach

Laura Ashley Dylan Throw Seaspray, £55, Laura Ashley, Pontarddulais Road Retail Park

Blue Patterned Storage Basket, £12.99, TK Maxx, Parc Trostre

Blue Anchor Mug, £5, M&Co, Cardiff

LSA International Bud Vase and Tealight Holder, £22, exclusive to John Lewis, Cardiff

Linea Torren Stripe Cushion, £15, House of Fraser, Cardiff

Marlow Coffee Table Dark Blue, £550, Debenhams, Swansea

Denby Debenhams bleware, r Ta eu Fl on so Mon Swansea Debenhams,

swansealife.co.uk 105

WINDOWS, DOORS

Beautifully bespoke...

M.P.N & CONSERVATORIES

...M.P.N windows, doors and conservatories.

Established Family Run Welsh Company

Every installation comes with a 10 year insurance backed warranty and FENSA Certificate

Swansea: 01792 359244 | Neath Port Talbot: 01639 607426 | www.mpnwindows.com Email: sales@mpnwindows.com | Open 8am to 9pm 7 days a week

Ar ch W in

HOUSE & HOME RJR John Rocha Mirror, £60, Debenhams, Swansea

, £149, M&S, Sw rror Mi an w se a do

MW Matthew Williamson Mirror, £50, Debenhams, Swansea

Skagerak Turn Mirror, £185, Amara.com

ror, £39.99, H nd Mir om Rou ese e m ns a r F e, re

fach est for F rc Pa

MIRROR MIRROR

Rose Gold Hexagon Mirror, £35, Oliver Bonas, Cardiff

irl Mirror, £229.99 , Ve e Sw rag ry.c Mi o.u k

LAURA DAVIES finds the fairest of them all

laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk

@LawsDx

W i

Biba Lexington Diamond Mirror, £195, House of Frraser, Cardiff Dutchbone Kubu Rattan Wall Mirror, £99, Cuckooland.co.uk

Mirror, £28, Debenhams, Swansea

AYTM Angui Wall Mirror, £135, Nest.co.uk

Double Circle Mirrors Brushed Gold, £149.99, Very.co.uk

irror with Tass els all M ,£ eW 2 h c

m ra.co ma ,A 02

Petite F ritu re Pa na

Biba Ava Glass Mirror, £295, House of Fraser, Cardiff

Laurenne Hexagon Cluster Mirror, £79, JDWilliamsHome.co.uk

swansealife.co.uk 107

Advertising Feature

A-ONE HOME IMPROVEMENTS – THE EXPERTS FOR YOUR HOME Whether you need new windows, a conservatory, doors or guttering, A-One Home Improvements has the perfect solution at an excellent price, writes JENNY WHITE. Upgrading your property’s windows and doors or adding a conservatory can significantly increase its value, reduce heating costs and give it a wonderful new look – but choosing which company to do the work can be difficult.

With Neath-based A-One Home Improvements you get top quality products sourced from the UK’s leading manufacturers, but supplied at sensible prices and fitted by local experts who will look after you every step of the way.

Mark Bagnulo and James

Phillips set up the company in 2011, having both worked for some of the country’s biggest manufacturers and suppliers of doors, windows and conservatories. Not all producers make windows, doors and conservatories to the same high standards, so when Mark and James set up their own company, they used their contacts and experience to ensure they bought the best.

“Our windows, doors and conservatories are made with high tech machinery to ensure they provide excellent security and insulation,” says Mark. Their

products, which also include porches, composite decking, fascias, soffits, barge boards and guttering, come with a 10 year guarantee and excellent design, planning, fitting and aftercare, all provided by A-One Home Improvements’ in-house team at no extra cost.

“What sets us apart is the quality and also the personal touch, says Mark. “James and I are at the end of the phone throughout the process and after fitting, so you get a prompt, knowledgeable response to any questions rather than having to leave a message with a receptionist.”

BEFORE

Mark, James or one of the sales staff will visit you in your home and create designs on the spot to help you visualise the best possibilities and solutions.

“Every house is different, so a personal visit is important,” says Mark. “We’ll go from room to room and individually style each window so the house looks symmetrical from outside and feels light inside. If you are having a garage conversion, conservatory or a porch, we will create drawings that help you visualise how it will look.”

AFTER

HOW TO ENSURE YOU GET THE BEST WINDOWS AND DOORS Thinking of upgrading your property with new windows, doors or a conservatory? Mark Bagnulo of A-One Home Improvements gives his tips for achieving the best results.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED AN UPGRADE? Common signs are condensation between the panels of glass, draughts and decreased sound insulation.

People also upgrade because the windows have rotted or discoloured, to increase security, or because they want to improve the look and value of the property.

more secure and will need less maintenance. An upgrade can also totally change the look of a property. If you choose to fit a conservatory, you will gain an extra room with minimal build time, cost and hassle. On top of that, new windows, doors or an extra room can significantly increase the value of your property.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF UPGRADING?

WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD I ASK WHEN CHOOSING A FITTER?

You’ll save money on your energy bills and feel safe in the knowledge that your house is

Are they FENSA registered?

Just as gas engineers should be CORGI registered, window

Garage conversions and conservatories are an excellent way to create an extra room without the complications of planning and building regulations, and conservatories can now be topped with a lightweight tiled roof to create a more substantial room that you can use all year round.

With products from A-One Home Improvements you also get the reassurance that the they are Secure by Design, meaning they are police-approved for security, and will be fitted by an in-house team of specially trained fitters, rather than subcontractors. The company is FENSA registered, which means it complies to the official British standards for fitting windows and doors, and it provides a 10 year guarantee and insurance on its work and products.

fitters should be FENSA registered.

Will their own team of fitters do the work or will they use subcontractors? Subcontractors are a disadvantage because they are not as familiar with the product.

Are the windows and doors Secure by Design? This indicates police approval for the level of security they provide.

What is the energy rating of the products?

Will a guarantee and insurance cover be provided? How long

will these run for?

Who will deal with your queries if you have any issues? Will you be able to get straight through to an expert?

What after sales care is provided?

How long will the job take?

When can the work begin?

“If you follow these guidelines you will give yourself the best chance of an easy, hassle-free process and a warmer, more secure, great looking property once the work is complete,” says Mark.

Not surprisingly, the company, which now has 15 employees, has received plenty of delighted reviews online. “Great looking windows and great service,” says one five-star review, while another notes that A-One Home Improvements’ price came in at well under half that of a wellknown national company. “I can’t recommend them enough,” says the reviewer.

“We pride ourselves on offering great service, keen pricing and an excellent product, with the back-up of always having an expert you can phone up for help,” says Mark. “We’re pleased to say that many of our customer have been coming to us for years. One of the great pleasures of the job is seeing how pleased they are with the finished results.”

1 Station Square, Neath, SA11 1BY • Tel: 01792 795500 Email: sales@aonehomeimprovements.co.uk Visit: www.aonehomeimprovements.co.uk www.facebook.com/aonehomeimprovements

HOUSE & HOME SPLURGE: Ambrose Pendant £599, Furniture Village furniturevillage.co.uk

SPLURGE Large Woodenbeads Chandelier £370, Frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk

SPLURGE: Ludwig Chair in Jade Linen Cotton £549, Swooneditions.com

SAVE: Quentin Armchair in Glacier Blue £399, Made.com

SAVE: Cara Pendant Light £150, Debenhams, Swansea

SAVE: Lottie Ceiling Light £95, John Lewis, Cardiff

SPLURGE: New Zealand Sheepskin Bean Bag Chair £895, Sweetpeaandwillow.com

lookalikes you’ll l ve

SPLURGE: Artificial Peony Flowers in Vase £65, Laura Ashley, Pontarddulais Road Retail Park

Get a high-end look for a high-street price with these super switches

SAVE: Faux Fur Pouffe £59, JDWilliams.co.uk

SPLURGE: Praia Coffee Table £280, Swooneditions.com

SAVE: Amarantha Coffee Table £126.99, Wayfair.co.uk

SPLURGE: Hurricane No 26 Vase in Heather £74.95, Urban Avenue.co.uk

SPLURGE: Menu Green Marble Wall Clock £249.95, Black-by-design.co.uk

SAVE: Imperial Glass Vase £29.95, Audenza.com

SPLURGE Stainless Steel CopperPlated Kitchen Tools £10 each, John Lewis Cardiff

SAVE: Cullen Green Marble Wall Clock £49, Made.com

110 swansealife.co.uk

SAVE: Home Pink Peony Arrangement £8, Sainsbury’s, Swansea

SAVE: Six-Piece Copper-Plated Kitchen Tool Set £14.99 for Six Tools, Studio.co.uk

Kitchens & Bathrooms at Leekes

Home Experts FOR

120 YEARS 1897 – 2017

Leekes Cross Hands, Business Parc, Carms. SA14 6RB Leekes Llantrisant, Cowbridge Road, RCT. CF72 8XU Tel: 0800 015 7749 | Online: kitchens.leekes.co.uk

Dream Kitchens from Leekes Our Kitchen Studios showcase an extensive range of the finest quality kitchens from leading manufacturers.

Choose from our fantastic collection of solid wood, painted and gloss finishes all designed to fit your space, style and budget.

Book a design consultation at kitchens.leekes.co.uk or visit us in store and talk to one of our experienced designers who will help bring your dream kitchen to life.

Shop with confidence – we won’t be beaten on price on Leading Brands

Great savings on Leading Brands

Complete the look...

Book your FREE consultation at kitchens.leekes.co.uk or call 0800 015 7749

Home Experts FOR

120 YEARS 1897 – 2017

Leekes Cross Hands, Business Parc, Carms. SA14 6RB Leekes Llantrisant, Cowbridge Road, RCT. CF72 8XU Tel: 0800 015 7749 | Online: kitchen.leekes.co.uk

Terms and conditions apply – ask in store for details.

†

Shop with confidence – we won’t be beaten on price on Leading Brands

Complete the look...

Beautiful Bathrooms from Leekes

Create a relaxing retreat or a functional family bathroom with the help of experienced bathroom designers. There’s plenty of choice from leading brands in traditional and contemporary styles.

Book a design consultation at leekes.co.uk/quote or visit us in store and talk to one of our experienced designers.

Home Experts FOR

120 YEARS 1897 – 2017

Leekes Cross Hands, Business Parc, Carms. SA14 6RB Leekes Llantrisant, Cowbridge Road, RCT. CF72 8XU Tel: 0800 015 7749 | Online: leekes.co.uk

Terms and conditions apply – ask in store for details.

†

Shop with us at Leekes...

HOUSE & HOME Add a Scoop of Strawberry Pink Abstract Pastel Cushion

by Dizzywonders, £30, ArtWow.co.uk

Make A Space Minty Fresh Bits & Pieces Wallpaper

by Karlie Klum, £28 a roll, Limelace.co.uk

Make A Space Minty Fresh Kaelan 1 Light Pendant in Matt Pale Green, £43.99, Darlighting.co.uk

Add A Scoop of Strawberry Pink Ubud Cushion in Pink and Grey, £25, Made.com

SORBET SHADES

Make A Space Minty Fresh Xavier Pauchard Tolix Style Stool With Natural Wood Seat, Duck Egg, £59, Cultfurniture.com

Pick A Peach of a Colour Spot Coral Woven Cotton Rug, from £51, Dashandalberteurope.com

Far from sickly, this season’s pastels are ultra cool.

Take your pick from one of these three mouth-watering choices...

Pick a Peach of a Colour Toucan Money Box, £59.95, Audenza.com

Ice-cream shades are the smart choice for decor this summer - but don't be put off by thinking that means a super-sweet, kiddie look. Small scoops of these retro-feel shades - pink, mint or peach are particularly popular - used sparingly for accessories and furnishings are bang on-trend. And if it all feels a bit too sugary for your liking, you can simply tone the look down with another gelato-inspired shade - classic whipped white - for walls or other furnishings.

ADD A SCOOP OF STRAWBERRY PINK Incorporating pastel hues into the home will help create a room that's an oasis of serenity, in which you can relax and unwind.

Touches of blush pink and sky blue gently lift a neutral colour scheme. Keep accessories to a minimum, and streamline the palette using silver and white finishes to achieve a clean, harmonious aesthetic.

Introduce a peaceful sense of nature in different spaces by filling tall vases with fresh botanicals to heighten the feeling of an organically-inspired calm, and combine cool marble with rich woody tones to further enhance the organic qualities within the decor. Complete the scene by replacing 116 swansealife.co.uk

harsh spotlights with delicate glass pendants and soft candlelight.

Pick A Peach of a Colour Buttermere Sofa Bed in Country Linen Zinc, from £1,183, Willowandhall.co.uk

MAKE A SPACE MINTY FRESH Using pastels in the home doesn't always have to be sweet and pretty.Shades of watery mint green, the palest pink, or even sharp sherbet lemon can look new and modern if combined with tones of grey and hard materials like concrete and metal. Also, think about painting out a section of a wall in a strong asymmetric pattern that will bring an unexpected element to these soft and chalky colours.

Another fun and effective way to use these shades, since they blend so beautifully, is to create an ombre-effect wall. While it might look like something only a professional can achieve, Smith says it is possible to attempt it yourself. Tempted to give it a try? Start by painting the whole wall in your top colour and allow this to dry. Mark a line dividing out the lower half of the wall in pencil. Once this is done, paint this half with your second pastel shade. Allow time for this to dry. Use a separate board or palette to mix the two colours evenly. Apply this mixed paint to the section of the wall where the two colours meet. To finish, use a clean roller across the middle section to soften the lines and create the blurred, gradient look.

PICK A PEACH OF A COLOUR Perfect for adding warmth to a space, peach is popping up all over the interiors world, eclipsing Millennial Pink, its duskier and more muted cousin. For a retro-glam take on this hot new colour story, pair your peachy picks with gold and brass furniture and lighting. If you're looking for a contemporary approach, plump for geometric prints or colour clash with forest green and emerald green, two other hot hues for the season.

Pick A Peach of a Colour Greylock Cushion, £73, Dashandalberteurope.com

Add A Scoop of Strawberry Pink Garland Silk Lampshade, from £65, Clarissahulse.com

Pick A Peach of a Colour Madeleine Parisian Bamboo Print Slipper Chair, £619.99, Wayfair.co.uk

Make A Space Minty Fresh Ombre-effect wall featuring a blend of Chance (light blue) and Fairy Dust (pink) Matt Emulsion, from £14 for 2.5L, Crown Paint.

Make A Space Minty Fresh Hammershoi Large Ridged Vase, Mint, £65, Heals.com

Pick a Peach of a Colour Orange Diamond Weave Cotton Throw, £15.99, Iansnow.com

swansealife.co.uk 117

Living Spaces...

Relax & entertain in luxury

Eight FREE design downloads available on our website

Bespoke designs from Planning to Completion

The most sought after home extension

• Free Quotations with 3D Imaging • 2 Years Interest Free Credit • 10 Year Insurance Warranty

FREEPHONE 0800 808 3224 www.securahome.co.uk Unit C1 Kestrel Way, Garngoch Ind Est, Gorseinon, Swansea SA4 9WN

HOUSE & HOME

Purple Geometric Glass Lantern, £6, JDWilliamshome.co.uk Jules Tinted Glass Mirror, £119, JDWwilliamshome. co.uk

Wooden Drawers, £10, Wilko, Swansea

Grey Geo Serve Bowl, £18 Next, Morfa Retail Park

Scandi Geo Cushion, £6, George Home, Parc Trostre

GEOMETRIC

Cactus Selection in Ceramic Pot, £25, M&S, Swansea and Parc Trostre

Pyramid Lantern, £14.99, Homesense, Parc Fforestfach

LAURA DAVIES rounds up Geo styles for your home this season laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk

@LawsDx

Biba Deco Jewellery Box, £25, House of Fraser, Cardiff

Textured Pottery Jug Vase £35, M&S, Swansea

100% Cotton Geometric Towels, from £5, Matalan, Parc Cwmdu

Palm House Hexagonal Wine Rack, £15, Sainsbury’s, Swansea

, £95 , Nex t, Mo rfa R etail Park and

Swan sea

Hexagonal Shelf Mirror, £149, M&S, Swansea Ione Small Brass Side Table, £115, Cuckooland.com

Mustard Geo Printed Cushion, £14, Sainsbury’s Home, Swansea

Jonathan Adler Harlequin Coasters (Set of 4) £78, Amara.com

Geo Flora l Rug

Monochrome Footstall, £39.99, Homesense, Parc Fforestfach

swansealife.co.uk 123

Blinds VERTICAL BLINDS

VENETIAN BLINDS

ROLLER BLINDS

SKYLIGHT BLINDS

0% A REPRESEPR NTATIVE

FINA AVAILANBCE LE

Spread the Cost. Ask for more information Spread the costs of all Blinds and Shutters across 6, 9 or 12months at 0% Interest when you spend £600 or more with a minimum 25% deposit.

Representative Example for: Window Blinds Purchase Price £1000 Minimum Deposit (25%) £250 Amount of Credit £750 12 Monthly Payments £62.50

Total Payable Duration of Agreement Rate of Interest (Fixed) APR Representative

£1000 12 months 0% 0% APR

Payment plans are offered by Close Brothers Retail Finance. Close Brothers Retail Finance is a trading name of Close Brothers Limited. Close Brothers Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority. Finance is only available to permanent UK residents aged between 18-75, subject to status, terms and conditions apply.

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VICTORIA WADE’S GARDEN Join Victoria Wade, an RHS Gold winning garden designer from Killay, with her seasonal growing tips.... www.victoriawade.co.uk

@WadeLandscapes

Garden Lighting Most of you will have a functional light or two in the garden- strategically placed by the back door, near the steps or by the bins. They may be programmed to come on at a certain time or be on a sensor. These are, of course, essential for getting around your property in the dark, but if you start to think a bit more creatively, atmospheric lighting can really bring a garden to life at night, particularly if you’ve got lovely big glass doors looking out onto a beautifully landscaped space.

Creating a lighting scheme is really easy to do when you plan it into garden works and is well worth the extra expense as it is a great way of making the garden feel like part of the house, even on a drizzly winters evening.

We like to use LED lights in our projects as they are very energy efficient, long lasting and cheap to run. You will have the option of warm white, or cool white.

We always go for warm white and find the gentle orange glow it gives off works really well in a garden setting to make the space feel really welcoming.

We recommend using large uplighters to dramatically accent trees and smaller spike up lights in planting areas which look amazing shining through soft grasses- go for one light every couple of metres.

We also often use strip LED lights under work tops in outdoor kitchens, under the treads on steps, under copings on walls and under seats. They give a really great subtle wash of light and accent stone walls particularly well.

Down lights look elegant positioned along a wall or fence, up/down lights can work well too.

Some people choose to build lights into walls and into patios or decks, but we tend to avoid this, particularly 128 swansealife.co.uk

in Swansea where we get really wet weather, because if water does get in or the fitting breaks for any other reason then you would have to carry out some pretty major building work to repair them.

Having lights in planting areas means that junction boxes and cables are easy to disguise and it gives you flexibility where they are placed. If something does go wrong, they are easily accessed to repair or replace.

If your home’s electrics are controlled via an app based system (such as Rako) then the external lighting is easily integrated- ask your electrician to use dimmable LEDs so you have complete control of your lighting- you could even go for a colour changing option if that takes your fancy!

For any wired in lights, make sure the switch is in a logical place- right by your patio doors that lead out onto the garden usually is best, and you may want to zone the garden so you can switch on different areas depending on where you are sitting. They can also be controlled via an outdoor switch if you prefer, but I find having them controlled in the house works best, so that you can

turn them on even when the weather is awful and you want to look out.

If you don’t want to go to the expense of a wired in system there are plenty of lovely options for giving your patio a bit of atmosphere with simple to install plug in systems. Festoon lights zig zagged over a courtyard, fairy lights wrapped around a tree or hanging lanterns on a pergola all add atmosphere and subtle lighting.

You can even buy beautiful freestanding floor lamps for outdoor use. You can run them from an outdoor plug socket or even through an open window to plug them in inside.

There are lots of solar options available, but we have yet to find anything that is long lasting and bright- even the more expensive options we have tried have only lasted a couple of months.

For added atmosphere and garden ‘hygge’ factor you can, of course use candles try hanging jam jars in trees or placing hurricane lanterns on steps or simple tea lights on the table. You can use battery powered tea lights if it’s windy of if you’re worried about setting fire to your dining table! And for a bit of a fun you could pop a few tikki torches in the lawn!

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HOUSE & HOME

EARLY SUMMER IMPACT With JOSEPH ATKIN, Head Gardener at Aberglasney Gardens in Carmarthenshire

Hydrangea aspera

June is a great month for the garden, we’re blessed with a combination of the freshness of spring and the colour of summer. It’s also the perfect time to grow a few luxury, or impact plants, that will steal the show. In our area there are some great options for June that will create some a real talking point.

Cardiocrinum giganteum

Fascicularia bicolor

(The giant Himalayan Lily)

There are some plants that just capture people’s interest like no other and last year this was it!

Fasicularia bicolor is a bromeliad, so related to things like Pineapple and quite different to anything you usually see in the garden. It is perfectly hardy in a sheltered spot and grows in some tricky conditions. Ours are planted on tree stumps or at the base of tree trunks which are notoriously hard places to grow plants. They produce exotic rosettes of fine leaves with the middle of the rosette turning bright red just before flowering. This redness is the most striking feature, closely followed by the honey comb like flowers in the centre of the rosette. Eventually they can make huge clumps and are very little trouble overall.

Who wouldn’t want a plant with a name like this and believe it or not the plant is even more spectacular than the name! We grow a great deal of Cardiocrinum at Aberglasney and their flowering is one of the great occasions of the season. Huge heads of up to thirty large lily-like flowers are produced on stems that often reach over three meters in height. These flowers produce a heavenly scent that fills the area and they last for about three weeks. There is a great deal of mythology surrounding the growing of this plant but in truth it’s quite easy. A good fertile spot in woodland conditions will be fine. Once the bulb has finished flowering it will produce offsets that will flower in later years so all you need to do it is plant it and leave it alone.

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Height = 3m, maybe a little more Spread = 1m Position/Aspect = Any woodland or sheltered spot Soil = Any fertile except chalk Pest and diseases = Slugs are a problem on small plants Style = Woodland, herbaceous, shady border, north facing border

■ ■ ■ ■

Clematis ‘Crystal Fountain’ If there is one thing climbing Clematis gives a gardener, it’s options! There are hundreds to choose from and almost one in every colour, for every month, from spring through to autumn.

The flowers also last for a long time. ‘Crystal Fountain’ is a June flowering type with large, striking flowers and although there are many others that are just as good, this is the most asked after by our visitors at Aberglasney. Generally, people consider Clematis to be hard work but ours need little attention. Once planted ‘Crystal Fountain’ does need a little training but no pruning unless you find dead wood. This should be done in late summer after flowering.

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132 swansealife.co.uk

Height = 3m Spread = 3m (against a wall or similar) Position/Aspect = West facing Soil = Neutral and fertile is best Pest and diseases = No real problems with us Style = Cottage garden, Any aspected wall out of the wind, through a tree or hedge, mixed border

■ ■

Height = 1m Spread = 1.5 after 10 years Position/Aspect = Sheltered, shady Soil = Any very dry will even grow in wood or cracks in walls Pest and diseases = No problem Style = woodland, exotic, tropical, shady garden, shady wall or tree stump

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SWANSEA MARRIOTT BBQ, DJ AND BAR! Walk down to the Marriott hotel patio where we have a live DJ plus our BBQ and BAR serving great food, draught beer and cider.

All day during the Wales National Air Show Saturday June 30th and Sunday July 1st 2018, from 11am

Burger - £5.00 Pulled Pork Bap - £5.00 Veggie burger - £4.50 Chips - £3.00 Giant Cookies - £2.00 Stella £4.50 Stella Cider £4.50 Cans / Water - £1.60 Coffee - £2.30 Tea - £1.60

Call us on 01792 642020 or visit www.swanseamarriott.co.uk

OUT & ABOUT

A N D R E W

M O R G A N ’ S

SWANSEA BAY WALK Join ANDREW MORGAN as he leads us on a Swansea Bay walk.

Upcoming Walks

Start/Finish location ........ Bishopston, Pyle Corner Distance .................................... 4 miles (2 hours)

June

Level ............................................ Moderate Parking ....................................... On-street near Pyle Corner

An evening stroll to Pwll Du and Bishopston Every week, Swansea Ramblers has a short easy evening walk with a group of friendly walkers to give you the opportunity to get some fresh air and unwind after a hard day in work.

Details are on our website and today I’m featuring one that you can do with us at 7pm on Thursday June 14.

Starting in Bishopston at Pyle Corner, head down Brandy Cove Road then leave the houses behind and continue along the single track road. The tarmacadam soon runs out but you continue straight down the rocky lane to the coast path. At Brandy Cove, the name gives you a clue to the smuggling that once occurred here! Take a moment to look at the secluded cove and imagine moonlit deliveries of French contraband. If you imagine even harder, you may see the Roman miners who came here for lead and silver and who probably shipped it to Rome from this inlet!

river to another footbridge where you cross the river to follow the path uphill.

A choice of paths greets you and both go to the same place but the more straightforward one, considering it’s an evening walk will be to go straight ahead and further uphill along a lane.

At the top you reach the end of a Tarmacadam road which you follow left. Continue straight on at a road junction to arrive back at Pyle Corner. With that part of the walk over, we’ll be heading for the Joiners pub in Bishopston for refreshments- you’re welcome to join us!

Turn right along the coast path for half a mile until Pwll Du Bay comes into view. A path left takes you down onto the bay but if you don’t feel like clambering over the rocks, follow the coast path uphill and drop down to the bay on a wide track that brings you to a footbridge. Here turn left to visit the bay then return to the bridge and continue north without re-crossing it.

You are now in Bishopston Valley where the council’s Countryside Access Team has done a lot of work to bring an unpassable muddy path back into use. It’s a shame they don’t advertise what they do to keep us walking - and then they wonder why nobody gives them the credit for it! Despite all this good work, you are still in Bishopston Valley, so you may well encounter mud at some point! Continue alongside the

Transport: Traveline: www.traveline-cymru.info • 0871 200 22 33 or BayTrans: www.baytrans.org.uk/ Visit our website: www.swansearamblers.org.uk

SUN 03

Caswell (11 miles) Moderate meet 9.00am Newton: High Pool Lane

MON 04

Newton and Caswell (4 miles) Easy/Moderate meet 10.00am Newton: High Pool Lane

MON 04

Mumbles & Langland (Evening) (4 miles) Easy meet 7.05pm Mumbles: Outside George Hotel

WED 06

Trecastell, Mynydd Bach (9 miles) Moderate meet 9.30am Go Outdoors CP

SAT 09

Drummau Mountain (5 miles) Moderate meet 10.00am Francis St

SUN 10

Pen Pych (8 miles) Moderate meet 9.00am Francis St

MON 11

Mumbles Way 3 (3 miles) Easy/Moderate meet 10.00am Mumbles: Underhill Park

TUE 12

Clyne Valley and Gardens (6 miles) Easy/Moderate meet 11.00am Blackpill: Woodman Car Park

THU 14

Pwll Du (Evening) (4 miles) Moderate meet 7.00pm Bishopston: Pyle Corner

SAT 16

Ferryside (5 miles) Moderate meet 11.00am Ferryside: Car park by Railway

SUN 17

Llangorse (12 miles) Strenuous meet 8.30am Francis St

MON 18

Clyne Common and Gardens (4 miles) Easy/Moderate meet 10.00am Blackpill: Woodman Car Park

THU 21

Battle of Gower (Evening) (6 miles) Moderate meet 6.30pm Gowerton car park off B4295

SAT 23

Brynmenyn (6 miles) Easy meet 10.00am Francis St

SUN 24

Ystradgynlais (10 miles) Moderate meet 8.30am Francis St

MON 25

Margam Park Pulpit Walk (3 miles) Easy/Moderate meet 10.00am Margam Park: Fishing Lake car park

TUE 26

Cwm Clydach (Evening) (3.5 miles) Moderate meet 7.00pm Clydach: RSPB Reserve CP

WED 27

Mynydd Aberysgir (13 miles) Strenuous meet 8.30am Go Outdoors CP

SAT 30

Morris Castle & Parc Llewellyn (6 miles) Moderate meet 11.00am Fendrod Lake

swansealife.co.uk 137

OUT & ABOUT

AWEEKEND IN STRATFORD Most people visit Stratford to follow the well-trodden Shakespeare trail: to see the house where the Bard was born, the cottage where he courted his wife and his final resting place in the Holy Trinity Church. But there are many other attractions in the town and surrounding countryside, as PETER SLEE has been finding out...

CHECK IN TO: MACDONALD SWANS NEST HOTEL Set on the banks of the Avon, five minutes walk from the town centre and theatre, this 17th century riverside hotel (0344 879 9138) is one of the oldest red brick houses in Stratford-upon-Avon. Just refurbished, it has worked hard to combine heritage charm with a more youthful face. The four-star venue offers a stylish and relaxed base for exploring Shakespeare country and the Cotswolds.

This popular riverside hotel with a huge terrace and all-day dining, offers a rollicking Stratford experience in the heart of the city. The hotel flanks a delightful riverside terrace on one side where cheerful blue tables and chairs look out over the water and planters, heaters and parasols promote riverside revelry all year round.

The rooms are super-comfy and extremely well-equipped, with super-king-sized beds, crisp cotton sheets and deliciously fluffy duvets. The décor was all creams and beiges, unimaginative but inoffensive. The tiled ensuite was pleasant enough, containing an ample bath, brilliant rainfall shower and lots of those eminently nickable little bottles of stuff though with a view that was nothing to write home about.

138 swansealife.co.uk

The buzzy pub and Bistro Pierre restaurant downstairs ( where we enjoyed a good breakfast) gave it a busy, urban feel which we really liked.

BEST TIME TO VISIT April 23: Shakespeare’s birth and death day, week of the Stratfordupon-Avon Literary Festival stratfordliteraryfestival.co.uk and early in the RSC’s Summer Season, when the town is stuffed with actors, the river looks gorgeous and everyone is fresh after winter.

TAKE A HIKE Start at the tourist information centre and head away from town to the magnificent 15th-century Clopton Bridge. Double back and cross another bridge into the town proper. Turn left and into Bancroft Gardens, fringing the Avon and containing the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Swan Theatre . Continue to Holy Trinity Church. Head back along Trinity Street, turn left into Old Town. A right turn at Rother Street will take you into the Market Place. From here, follow the crowds to Shakespeare’s Birthplace on Henley

Street (01789 204016). Henley Street is where Shakespeare’s father, John, announced his arrival in town by being fined for illegal flytipping – one of the facts you’ll discover at the Birthplace museum before entering the Birthplace itself. It opens 10am-5pm Monday to Saturday, and 10.30am-5pm on Sundays. This is the natural place to begin your tour of the five properties owned by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.

It is also worth taking the footpath to Anne Hathaway’s Cottage.

Once a farm, this half-timbered building is now pure Goldilocks, complete with thatched roof, homely flowers and a vegetable patch with ingenious bird-scarers made from potatoes and feathers. As we made the 20-minute walk, past the new-build estates and rugby pitch, we imagined the young Shakespeare following the same route as he courted Anne. When they married he was 18, she 26, which may explain why he then wrote The Taming of the Shrew.

LUNCH WITH THE LOCALS Though music may be the food of love, those who love food should head for The One Elm (1, Guild Street, Tel 01789 404919) which has been recently refurbished with its loft space turned into an extension of the restaurant area. Upstairs now are cosy booths, lots of natural light and steps from the loft to the courtyard bringing the whole venue together more. The impressive light display at the top of the stairs focuses the attention and brings the ceiling level down keeping the cosy feel.

Slightly off the beaten track, away from the busy high street at the junction of Guild Street and Birmingham Road, it’s still only seconds from Shakespeare’s Birthplace. But this is no tourist trap – more of a friendly, urban neighbourhood local full of cosy snugs, a new log burner up in the Loft and re-paved courtyard.

My free-rangte pork pie starter which came with picalilli launched us into a memorable meal that was tasty and good value. My main of crispy Duck Salad, crunchy Veg & Peanuts with an oriental Dressing (£12.50) was every bit as good.

CULTURAL AFTERNOON Productions of Macbeth come thick and fast. But Polly Findlay’s RSC ()1789 403493) version is much superior to some and boasts a strong cast headed by Christopher Eccleston and Niamh Cusack.

This production bulges with bright ideas, Eccleston plays perfectly creditably and Cusack invests Lady Macbeth with a febrile energy.

If you do nothing else while in Stratford, make sure you include a visit here. A word of warning though. Tickets for this place don’t come cheap and are worth every penny. They fly out of the door however. My tip? Book way ahead to stand any chance of securing one. Turning up at its entrance in the hope oif bagging a last minute seat just won’t cut the mustard for many of its more popular productions.

If all else fails, at midday every summer Friday, the RST releases a number of £10 Rush Tickets for shows the following week. Be quick is all I’ll say!

BEST VIEW The 104-foot tall Theatre Tower (01789 403493; rsc.org.uk/yourvisit/tours-and-tower) at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre has 360° views of the town and surrounding landscape: £2.50 adults, £1.25 for under-18s, two under-16s free with every paying adult) with. Opens 10 am, closing varies according to matinees. Full tours available.

AFTERNOON TEA The Arden Hotel ( 01789 298682 www.theardenhotelstratford.com,) is an intimate, boutique hotel which spreads through several interconnected buildings and is spot on for RSC theatre-goers. A calm, relaxed air pervades, with soft pastel colours and striking artwork giving an atmosphere of comfortable modernity.

We popped in for a dazzling spectacle of an afternoon tea starting with savoury sandwiches before moving on to cakes, pastries, sweets and homemade fruit scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream.

There’s a selection of teas and infusions to enjoy too .

NEED TO KNOW *HTTP://SHAKESPEARES-ENGLAND.CO.UK *WWW.MACDONALDHOTELS.CO.UK/SWANSNEST *RSC - HTTPS://WWW.RSC.ORG.UK/ * HTTPS://WWW.ONEELMSTRATFORD.CO.UK/

swansealife.co.uk 139

OUT & ABOUT

GOING

CRAZY AT SWITZERLAND’S BIGGEST CARNIVAL

MARK REES paid a visit to Basel, Switzerland’s “city of culture”, during its annual festival, where things can get a little bit crazy...

F

or 72 hours every year, Basel goes crazy. But in a good way.

Let me explain.

The Basel Carnival, or Basel Fasnacht to give it its correct Swiss name, is a three-day event which sees some incredibly colourful and inventive parades and parties take over the city streets.

It has been described as the Swiss Halloween or Mardi Gras thanks to its use of masks and mischief, and having heard the stories and seen some eye-opening photos, I decided to pack my bags and find out what all the fuss was about for myself.

The city itself is Switzerland’s “city of culture,” and its easy to see why. Standing right on the border with France and Germany - where, incidentally, it is possible to stand in all three countries at once in one particular spot - it has more than 40 museums lining its ancient streets, and enough historical curiosities to fill a city ten times its size. There’s street food vendors serving up everything from traditional treats to exotic flavours on seemingly every corner, with plenty to explore at the best of times.

But I was there during the carnival madness, which sees the city pretty much come to standstill for the Fasnacht, which has just been awarded protected status for Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.

140 swansealife.co.uk

A bizarre, but seemingly appropriate, element is the festival’s start time - it all kicks off at 4am (yes, 4am) in the morning on the first Monday after Whitsun.

It’s a painfully early hour to set the alarm for, but the opening ceremony is arguably the highlight and is worth rising and shining for. It involves a lantern parade called the Morgestraich, during which all of the lights in the city are extinguished to allow 500 groups of partygoers to parade their home-made lights around the darkened streets.

The streets are lined with thousands of sleepdeprived on-lookers, from the very young to the very old, all waiting, watching, and maybe having a drink or three in the early hours of the morning.

The parade lasts until dawn, and even as I headed back to the hotel in a zombie-like state a few hours later, there were still long queues of people trying to enter the bars and cafes which kept serving through the night, and into the next morning.

A strong theme running throughout is the satire and black humour on display on the design of the lanterns. They are all homemade, and a lot of them poke fun at local news stories, which might not be instantly clear to tourists. Other themes are much more universal, such as the two world leaders from American and North Korea who played prominent roles this year.

Luckily for the revellers, the Monday is a half day for the locals, who can go home and sleep

it off. But as a visitor, this also means most of the attractions and shops are closed, so if you want to visit some of the spectacular galleries and museums, it’s probably a good idea to arrive a day early.

My personal highlights were the Kunstmuseum Basel, a gallery which stretches over three buildings and which could easily take a day or more to explore, and the out-of-town Fondation Beyeler fine art gallery.

On Monday, a second parade takes place at the much more respectable lunch time, but this time on floats, and with the active participants decked out in their “best” papier-mâché masks.

But the carnival isn’t really controlled by a time table. It’s more about exploring what’s on offer by walking the side streets and alleyways, where people are eating, drinking, and having a jolly old time.

Until it all comes crashing to an end at the stroke of 4am on Thursday morning, and silence once again takes hold and the spell is broken.

By the time the workers are heading to the office on their daily commute, the swift cleanup operation is in full swing, and soon makes it look just another normal day in the Swiss city.

Until 12 months later, that is, when it all goes just a little bit crazy again for 72 hours.

■ For more on visiting Switzerland, visit: www.MySwitzerland.com ■ For more on Basel Carnival, visit: www.basel.com ■ Fly with: Swiss - https://www.swiss.com/gb/en ■ Stay at: ibis Styles Basel City - www.ibis.com

San Sebastian in Spain’s Basque Country, is a stylish city renowned for its excellent beaches, fine architecture, culture, and wealth of traditional tapas bars and Michelin star restaurants. The three stunning beaches of golden sand are fringed by the clear waters of the Catabrian Sea. The charming cobbled streets and meandering alleyways of the old town hide a wealth of attractions, shopping opportunities and bustling markets.

•

Executive coach travel

•

Door to door pick up

•

Two return ferry crossings

•

Bed and breakfast at the 4* Mercure Monte Igueldo

•

San Sebastian walking tour

•

Pintxos lunch

•

Getaria Fisherman village guided vists

•

Anchovy factory visit and tasting

•

Boat trip to the Flysch in Zumaia

•

Guided Biarritz and Saint Jean de Luz excursion

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Retail only. Offers apply to vehicles when ordered and registered by 30th June 2018. The mpg figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results, are provided for comparability purposes and may not reflect your actual driving experience. Pictures for illustration purposes only. Details correct at time of going to press. Terms and conditions apply.

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MOTORING

1. Land Rover Discovery

9

In the interests of keeping things British, we kick off with a true icon - the Land Rover Discovery. This seven-seat SUV is immensely popular among family buyers, and provides a sufficiently regal air along with bags of room inside. It’s decent to drive, is offered with a wide array of engines and best of all, is guaranteed not to get bogged down during some bootleg greenlaning around Richmond Park or Sandringham.

2. Range Rover Sport

Moving up the market but down in size, the Range Rover Sport actually offers more seats than the full-sized Range Rover. It’s also rather leaner and better-looking, but will still fit in beautifully pulling up to any state banquet. Best of all, it can be had with the incredible 525bhp supercharged V8 engine, making for one of the fastest people-movers on the planet.

3. Seat Alhambra

If you have three children, at some point you just have to bite the bullet and admit that an MPV makes the most sense. With a cavernous interior, wide-opening doors and three rows of seats, there’s nothing that can swallow up kids and their clobber quite like a people-carrier. The Alhambra is one of the best of the breed, with trusted VW components, a really premium-feeling interior and good driving manners. It’s also certain to blend in to the background, ideal for Royals who want to remain under the radar.

OF THE BEST SEVEN-SEATERS FOR GROWING FAMILIES As William and Kate welcome their third little’un, we look at the options for families with three children to ferry around.

4. Citroen Grand C4 Picasso

If the Seat Alhambra blends in, then the Citroen Grand C4 Picasso stands out - for all the right reasons. It’s an MPV that’s genuinely stylish, with bags of gallic flair everywhere from the upside-down ‘face’ to the 3D-effect taillights. It’s also got one of the best interiors in the business - clever, wellbuilt, roomy and flooded with light. George, Charlotte and Louis can spend hours gazing through the vast windows or panoramic roof and windscreen combo.

5. Fiat Doblo

If William and Kate were looking to pinch a penny - after all, the taxpayer does contribute to their motoring costs - then they could do a lot worse than the bargainbasement Fiat Doblo. It’s one of the cheapest ways into three-row motoring.

Unashamedly van-based, the Doblo isn’t exactly pretty - nor is it fast, or premium, or good to drive, or feature-packed - but it’s big, comfy and spacious. And cheap. Very cheap.

Try and remember that.

6. Audi Q7

Other manufacturers besides Land Rover make big seven-seat SUVs. The Audi Q7 is one of the best out there, with room in all three rows for child seats and one of the most premium interiors on sale today. And if you want discretion, say no more. Provided the couple don’t opt for too much glitz and glamour on the outside of the vehicle, the Q7 is very discreet. Finally, the best bit - Prince William is a huge Audi

fan and actually owns one of the firm’s R8 supercars. We can think of few better pairings.

7. Ford S-Max

Just like Kate, the new S-Max is one of the most sophisticated cars in the world.

Bristling with advanced technological features including a device which can stop drivers getting a speeding ticket. It looks sleek, drives in a sporty fashion and carries plenty. Transforming the seating configuration can now all be done at the push of a button to save those perfectly manicured nails.

8. Volvo XC90

Sensible, stylish, superbly safe and Swedish, the Volvo XC90 is one of the best SUVs out there and is bound to keep all three of the little royals safe should the worst happen out there on the roads. It’s available in planet-friendly Twin Engine hybrid form too, enabling silent and emission-free motoring around central London.

9. Peugeot 5008 SUV

Perfect for a day at the polo, the 5008 has a third row of two foldaway seats in the back, boot space ranging from a massive 952 litres to a van-like 2,150 litres, two fold-down picnic tables and acres of room in the rear. It’s Grip Control electronic traction system and i-cockpit makes it a car that stands out from the norm.

swansealife.co.uk 143 swansealife.co.uk ?

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MOTORING ■ WHAT IS IT? The story of the Toyota Land Cruiser is one that’s almost as old as Land Rover.

Production began in 1951, and since then it’s gained a worldwide reputation for strength, solidity and off-road capability. The latest model was introduced in 2009, but a range of updates has kept it feeling relatively fresh.

It’s also packed with tech, but none which detracts from the overall feeling of oldfashioned brawn.

■ WHAT’S NEW? 2018 has seen a rather large update, aimed at keeping the Land Cruiser in step with rivals such as the Land Rover Discovery. A new workhorse ‘Utility’ model has been introduced, but we’re driving a top-spec ‘Invincible’ trim. The 2.8-litre diesel engine gets a smaller turbocharger along with AdBlue to reduce exhaust emissions, and the interior’s been tidied up to accommodate a large central touchscreen and comprehensive off-road controls.

■ WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET? The UK market receives only a single engine - a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel.

The large capacity and low cylinder count naturally means it’s less smooth than a Land Rover’s 3.0-litre V6, and it’s down on power too with just 174bhp compared to 255bhp. However, with almost 450Nm of torque, pulling power is ample, and the Land Cruiser feels like it could cope not just with its 2.4-tonne weight, but the 3-tonne trailer it’s permitted to tow. Utility models are offered with a manual transmission, but most buyers will be using a six-speed automatic. It’s relatively smooth, but coping with the car’s bulk means it has a tendency to downchange at a moment’s notice - even on the motorway. Refinement is an issue from cold, but at a cruise it settles down to a muted thrum which isn’t too unpleasant.

■ WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE? The Land Cruiser is enormous, heavy, slow and ponderous - but buyers won’t care too much about that. Crucially, with an automatic gearbox and great visibility, it’s very easy to drive for a car of its size, more

suv

As SUVs become more and more luxurious, the Toyota Land Cruiser is one of the few unashamedly old-fashioned off-roaders around.

Tom Wiltshire finds out how it copes in the urban jungle.

so than the Discovery with its bustling rear.

Our ‘Invincible’ trim offered up six adjustable driving modes, which you’ll never use - but none of them alter the over-light steering.

The ride isn’t as sophisticated as with most of its rivals, due to the separate chassis construction, but the trade-off is off-road ability the equal of anything on the market.

Put simply, the Land Cruiser’s reputation is well deserved - these cars are unstoppable and faultlessly reliable.

■ HOW DOES IT LOOK? There’s a certain brutish charm about the Land Cruiser, but it’s unlikely to win any beauty contests any time soon. Our model was painted in a rather lovely deep metallicblue shade, while the upright and imposing grille plus sharp LED headlights class things up a bit. The impression is ruined somewhat by the old-fashioned side-hinged rear door as well as the relatively small wheels considering the size of the arches. From inside, the double bulges of the bonnet give a real impression of bulk, though it’s easy to place the car on the road.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE? Climb up into the Land Cruiser’s cavernous interior and you’re faced with plenty of switches to press. The high-mounted infotainment screen allows for a selection of bulky off-road dials and buttons, all sensibly-sized for use while traversing rough terrain. Material quality is rugged rather than plush, but it all feels hard-wearing and build quality is rock solid. There’s also plenty of room for five people, though the electrically-operated seats six and seven are far better suited to children than adults.

Toyota’s Touch 2 Pro infotainment system is easy to use, too. It’s the same system fitted to most of its cars, and works just as well in the Land Cruiser - though the interface is far from attractive.

■ WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE? Our Invincible grade car came in at over £50,000, which may be tough to stomach given the lack of on-road manners. But look at the car against its main rivals and it begins to look more attractive. While the Land Cruiser can come fully loaded for its top-spec price tag, a Land Rover Discovery still finds plenty of items relegated to the options list. Comfortable electricallyoperated front seats feature both heating and ventilation, and the off-road goodies are all standard too. Some items are missing too, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, or a sunroof.

■ VERDICT The Land Cruiser is truly an institution, and current owners won’t need any encouragement to soldier on with the brand.

They’re unstoppable due to amazing offroad ability and dependability. Attracting new buyers into a Land Cruiser is a tougher job.

It’s impossible to deny that most modern SUVs are better on the road, have better interiors, and look rather less workhorsey.

Your suitability to a Land Cruiser comes down to your needs - and if it suits your lifestyle, you won’t be disappointed with this old-school bruiser.

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WHAT’S ON

Got something to tell us about, for inclusion in the What’s On section?

Please contact Laura Davies... laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk

THIS JUNE...

01792 545523 @LawsDX

SUNDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SARAH MILLICAN: CONTROL ENTHUSIAST (16+)

GUIDED TOUR OF THE BRANGWYN

DYLAN’S TRAVELS: FAMILY SELF-LED ACTIVITIES

SWANSEA GRAND THEATRE 8PM

BRANGWYN HALL, 2PM

DYLAN THOMAS CENTRE, 10AM - 4PM

1

MONDAY

3

2

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

MONDAY MUNCHKINS

BILLY BRAGG

WWT LLANELLI WETLAND CENTRE, 11AM - NOON

4

5

STAGE 8 THEATRE SCHOOL PRESENTS – OLIVER!

6

FAIRPORT CONVENTION

7

GWYN HALL, NEATH, UNTIL JUNE 9

PONTARDAWE ARTS CENTRE, 7.30PM

WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE, CARDIFF, 7.30PM

FRIDAY

8

UNDER MILK WOOD

9

10

SWANSEA GRAND THEATRE, 7.30PM

SWANSEA MARINA, FROM 10AM

DAVID BADDIEL

SWANSEA GRAND THEATRE (ARTS WING), UNTIL JUNE 10

MONDAY

TUESDAY

PIRATES: THE TRUTH BEHIND THE TALES NATIONAL WATERFRONT MUSEUM, 10AM - 5PM

MARINA MARKET

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

KÄTHE KOLLWITZ: PORTRAIT OF THE ARTIST

BUDDY HOLLY: A LEGEND REBORN

LAURENCE COTTLE BIG BAND SOUL VACCINATION

GLYNN VIVIAN ART GALLERY, UNTIL JUNE 17

SWANSEA GRAND THEATRE, 7.30PM

DYLAN THOMAS THEATRE, 8PM

11 12

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SUNDAY

SATURDAY

13 14

FRIDAY

15 BBC NOW: BERNSTEIN,

BRANGWYN HALL, 7.30PM

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

BLUESTOCKING LOUNGE BURLESQUE (18+)

PEE WEE ELLIS FUNK ALL STARS

ART IN THE MANSION

PORTRAITS OF THE PAST

SWANSEA GRAND THEATRE (ARTS WING), 8PM

DYLAN THOMAS CENTRE, 9PM

ABERGLASNEY MANSION AND GARDENS, UNTIL JUNE 21

NATIONAL WATERFRONT MUSEUM, UNTIL JUNE 24

SWANSEA GRAND THEATRE, 7.30PM

16 17 18 19 20 THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

JUNE JUMPS RACENIGHT

CARRIE - THE MUSICAL

GRUMPY OLD WOMEN TO THE RESCUE

FFOS LAS RACECOURSE, GATES OPEN AT 4.10PM

FFWRNES, LLANELLI, UNTIL JUNE 23

SWANSEA GRAND THEATRE, 7.30PM

THAT’LL BE THE DAY

21 22 23 SUNDAY

MONDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

THE ORIGINAL ITALIAN COFFEE SHOPS EXHIBITION

AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN,

TICKLEDOM

CILLA AND THE SHADES OF THE 60S

SWANSEA MUSEUM, UNTIL MONDAY, JULY 23

WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE, CARDIFF, UNTIL JUNE 30

SWANSEA GRAND THEATRE, UNTIL JUNE 30

THE PRINCESS ROYAL THEATRE, PORT TALBOT, 7.30PM

24 25 26 27

MONDAY

28

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

CAPPUCCINO GIRLS

29

TERRY HETHERINGTON AWARD

30

THE MINERS’ THEATRE, AMMANFORD, UNTIL JUNE 30

DYLAN THOMAS CENTRE, 7PM

SWANSEA BAY, FROM 10AM

WALES AIRSHOW

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WHAT’S ON

1

WALES AIRSHOW

WHERE: Swansea Bay WHEN: Saturday, June 30 and Sunday, July 1 It wouldn’t be summer in Swansea without The Wales Airshow.

While the full line-up has yet to be revealed for 2018, we can expect breathtaking aerobatic displays, state-of-the-art aircraft, and vintage planes from the past.

And one act which has been confirmed is the RAF’S Typhoon Display Team, which will be winging its way into Swansea this summer.

Flying out of RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, the Typhoon costs around £80 million and is one of the world’s most advanced fighter planes. It’s so complex a machine that it can’t be flown by a human alone, it needs on-board computer back-up. Figures show the Wales Airshow, organised by Swansea Council, was worth £8.4 million to the local economy, helping attract 250,000 visitors to the seafront and other vantage points across the city.

2

GOWER WALKING FESTIVAL

WHERE: In and around Gower WHEN: Saturday, June 2 – Sunday, June 10 It’s back! After a few years away, the Gower Walking Festival is ready to ramble again in 2018.

The last festival took place in 2014, during the event’s 10-year anniversary year, and following a three-year absence, is once again aiming to give everyone the chance to explore the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with themed guided tours.

There’ll be a range of walks once more, all of which coincides with Visit Wales’s year-long celebration of all things coastal, the Year of the Sea 2018.

Three to four events planned for each day, and the walks will be graded as easy, moderate and strenuous, with something to suit all abilities and ages. They will range from a quick stretch of the legs to an epic 17-mile hike. Promising “something for everyone,” the routes will range from literary to wildlife, pub to pub, and historical. All of the walks will cost approximately £5, and you can keep an eye out for the full schedule online at the Gower Walking Festival website at www.gowerwalkingfestival.uk

3

SWANSEA INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL

WHERE: Swansea’s Maritime Quarter WHEN: Thursday, June 14 - Sunday, June 17 Wales’s biggest annual jazz festival is back for a fifth outing.

Swansea International Jazz Festival has been praised for its wide range of musical styles and entertainment value since its debut in 2014.

Now the wraps have been taken off this year’s event, which will once again take place in the city’s maritime quarter from June 14 to 17.

It will see top musicians fly in from the US, Brazil, Holland, Spain, Russia and Italy, as well featuring the cream of UK jazz. There are over 50 gigs taking place at 15 venues in and around the marina and SA1 development. The Dylan Thomas Theatre and the Dylan Thomas Centre will host the ticketed concerts. There are also workshops and a host of free gigs in the fringe festival around the maritime quarter.

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WHY NOT...

HEAD TO...

ED SHEERAN - THE HOTTEST TICKET If 2017 belonged to one man in music, it was Ed Sheeran.

The most streamed artist on Spotify, the best-selling album across the world, and dominating the airwaves to such an extent that even Sir Elton John reportedly told his musical mate that he was sick of hearing him.

While Ed’s record-breaking album of last year, Divide, clearly unified the mass market, spawning hit after hit song, this year it’s all about Ed paying back those fans with some eagerlyanticipated live performances.

When he announced his UK stadium tour last year, it sent fans into a frenzy. One night at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on Friday, June 22, sold out within minutes - and date after date was added until we can now expect a huge run of four back-to-back appearances - breaking a record for the number of consecutive shows at the stadium.

The Killers US rock stars The Killers will play a huge stadium show in Swansea this June, which fans will no doubt be pleased with after their most recent tour didn’t stop at any Welsh venues.

It is the second big-name show confirmed for the stadium this summer, with Little Mix heading our way on July 7.

The Las Vegas band will only play two outdoor stadium shows for summer 2018, with the group, who will also visit Bolton, set to play Swansea’s Liberty Stadium on Saturday, June 23.

The summer 2018 shows will be The Killers’ first stadium dates since they headlined a sold-out Wembley Stadium in June 2013.

Since the release of their 2004 debut, Hot Fuss, with its now-classic breakthrough singles Mr Brightside and Somebody Told Me, The Killers have gone on to sell 25 million albums, win Grammy and Brit awards, and headline stadia and festivals around the world.

The band’s latest record, Wonderful Wonderful, was released in September, and saw the group achieve a record-breaking fifth consecutive United Kingdom number one - and a seventh for Killers frontman Brandon Flowers, who also has two number one solo albums to his name.

The Killers’ career-spanning live set draws from an enviable back catalogue which also boasts such hits as When You Were Young, Human, Read My Mind, Runaways, The Man and Run For Cover.

Where: Liberty Stadium When: Saturday, June 23

Thousands of fans will flock to the capital from Thursday, June 21, to Sunday, June 24, and can expect all of Ed’s biggest songs on the setlist including that eight billionstreamed megahit Shape Of You, fan favourite Sing and debut hit The A Team.

Halifax-born Ed, 27, started the tour in Belfast last month, and five-star reviews swiftly followed. Gates open at the Principality Stadium concerts at 5pm and the shows are expected to finish at 10.30pm.

Rising star Anne-Marie is planned to support Ed as well as chart-topper, Jamie Lawson, who signed to Ed’s record label Gingerbread Man Records last year after catching his attention with his hit single Wasn’t Expecting That.

SET LIST Here’s an idea of what Ed will play in Cardiff based on the set list from the Irish dates on his tour so far: • Castle on the Hill • Eraser • The A Team • Don’t / New Man • Dive • Bloodstream • Happier • I’m a Mess • Feeling Good / I See Fire • Thinking Out Loud • One / Photograph • Perfect • Galway Girl • Nancy Mulligan • Sing ENCORE • Shape Of You • You Need Me, I Don’t Need You swansealife.co.uk 151

WHAT’S ON

interview

Green green grass of home Actress Ruth Jones was recently in Swansea launching her debut novel Never Greener to a sell-out audience at The Dragon Hotel. While she has chosen love, sex and complicated relationships as the focus of her debut novel, she says the story is not based on her. laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk

D

espite her success as both an actress and scriptwriter, Ruth Jones is decidedly unstarry, softly spoken and looks much younger than her 51 years.

Best known as Stella in the eponymous comedy series and as Nessa Jenkins in the hit comedy Gavin & Stacey, which she wrote with co-star James Corden, Jones is warm and funny, chatting happily about her life in Cardiff with her producer husband David Peet.

Her debut novel, Never Greener, features a young woman who has an intense affair with a married man, which ends in heartbreak. Fast forward 17 years and their lives have moved on. She is now a successful actress, married with one child; he is a teacher still married to the same woman, with three children.

@LawsDx

“When I re-read my diaries, it’s the self-doubt that seems to be prevalent,” she reveals. “Since I turned 40, I’ve become less selfdoubting, but it still happens.”

Because of this, she isn’t on social media - either Twitter or Facebook.

“I couldn’t handle it if somebody said something nasty,” she confides.

“But I have read comments that people have received. James [Corden], for instance, gets horrible comments from people. I’ve seen the stuff that’s been said and I just couldn’t handle it if people were being directly abusive.

“The world is crap enough without adding to that vitriol. People say it’s just like the modern day graffiti on toilet walls in the pub, or when you’re in a car and have road rage.”

Her novel attracted a bidding war, handled through her old Warwick University pal, top literary agent Jonny Geller.

Chaos ensues when the actress bumps into him again and the spark re-ignites. Jones sets the scenes in different timelines, rather like David Nicholls did in his hit novel One Day, building up the sexual tension between the lovers.

“I am nervous about how my debut novel will be received, because there’s always that feeling that somebody might say something negative. I say I won’t read the reviews, but I probably will. But just because somebody says something negative, I don’t have to believe it.”

So, a fair amount of the book centres on lust and whether its power is greater than true love.

“Is it beautiful sex? No, it’s not. It’s very hedonistic and ego driven. What’s interesting is that it means something different to both of them,” Jones reflects.

Ruth Jones with Tim Batcup of Cover To Cover bookshop, Mumbles.

The book first emerged from a screenplay she wrote in 2002 - which never made it to the screen - when people were getting in touch with friends from the past through the website Friends Reunited.

“You heard all sorts of stories about people leaving their long-term marriages to set up with people that they were going out with when they were 17. And a lot of those second attempts went wrong.”

But it wasn’t based on her own life, she insists, laughing.

“Of course I’ve been in love and I married the man that I love. It was love at first voice because I spoke to him on the phone before I met him. I did fall in love with his voice. But I have had to imagine a lot of the intensity and the destructiveness.”

Growing up in Porthcawl, Jones kept a diary as a 13-year-old and another in her 20s which, she says, shows how your personality changes as you get older.

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Apart from a book tour, life will go on as usual in Cardiff with Peet, who she met while working on a comedy pilot in the early 1990s. She has three grown-up stepchildren from his first marriage.

While she has never had children of her own, being a stepmother seemed to come quite naturally.

“You take things as they come. There wasn’t a moment when I thought, ‘I’ve become a stepmum now’. We were really lucky. Our three were just gorgeous human beings. We never had any difficulty with teenage angst, and now I’m looking forward to becoming a step-grandmother at some point.”

The couple set up a production company and co-created Stella - doing 58 episodes together - but she says there won’t be any more.

“It took over our lives. We’d storyline the next series in August when we were still filming the previous series, so there was never a break.

“We loved it and created some fantastic characters that we still laugh about, but we knew we’d have to move on. I always say, ‘Never say never’ but it’s very unlikely.”

She also says she wouldn’t reprise Gavin & Stacey, although she has extremely fond memories of it and remains friends with James Corden.

“We used to talk about maybe doing a special, but if you look at the logistics of it, James lives in America and I don’t know long he’ll be out there for. He’s so busy. Even if we did write something, when would we film it?

“James and I still have little conversations about what Nessa’s doing or what’s happened to Neil the Baby, who is now about 10! We come up with little things that the characters are doing.

“I saw him last Christmas and we were crying with laughter just remembering the process of writing - it was such an innocent time.

“But the other day, I was in the car and my husband was just getting in when this guy came out, looked at me and literally pushed my husband out of the way. He said, ‘Excuse me, are you that woman from Gavin & Stacey?’ and my husband was left standing there. I just went, ‘No, not me’.

Sometimes people don’t realise they’re being rude.”

She wonders how her pal Corden deals with the extreme fame he has attracted.

“I don’t know how real celebrities deal with it. For James and Julia, his wife, if you’ve got three small children and you’re out and about, it must be tricky.”

“James would drive down to my house in Cardiff which had a leaking roof. We’d sit in the lean-to with the heater on, or I’d go to his flat and we’d sit there with a Chinese takeaway in Beaconsfield.

“Looking back, we have such affection for that time - and maybe that’s what made the series what it was. We started writing it 13 years ago. Would we still have the same innocence to put into the characters? I don’t know.”

She’s under contract to write a second book and has several other projects on the go, but these days, she shies away from red carpet bashes and other celebrity events.

“Well, I live in Cardiff and we haven’t got many ‘paps’ in Cardiff, I’ve got to say,” she says in a broad Welsh accent.

And she’s keen to keep a balance between her professional and her private life.

“If I’m doing a charity event and I’m there because that will give the event interest, then fair enough. People should be able to have their selfies and autographs.

Never Greener by Ruth Jones is published by Bantam, and priced £12.99. It has been number one in the Hardback Fiction charts since its release, and signed copies are still on sale at Cover to Cover book shop, Newton Road, Mumbles

SOCIAL DIARY • LULLABY TRUST BALL

LULLABY TRUST BALL WHERE: Margam Orangery, Margam Park TELL ME MORE: Health visiting services ABMU health board held a summer ball at the Orangery in Margam Park to raise funds for the Lullaby Trust. The Trust aims to help reduce sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) by funding research into SIDS and supporting families who have lost an infant. Pictures: Andrew Davis, www.andrew-davis-photography.com

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Try your hand at Bingo and be in with a chance of winning ÂŁ45,000 played every afternoon and evening Castle Bingo at Cardiff, Newport, Merthyr Tydfil, Nantgarw, Bridgend, Neath and Swansea Contact us www.castlebingo.co.uk @castlebingo, #castlebingo

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SOCIAL DIARY • LORD MAYOR’S SUMMER HONOURS BALL

LORD MAYOR’S SUMMER HONOURS BALL WHERE: Brangwyn Hall, Swansea TELL ME MORE: Stars of sport, stage, screen and local communities were honoured for their contribution to the life of the city at the Lord Mayor’s Summer Ball. British Lion, Wales captain and Ospreys’ veteran Alun Wyn Jones helped lead the way in the event designed to highlight the work of those who’ve made a difference in their communities or helped put Swansea on an international stage. Sharing the spotlight was actor Rhys Ifans, broadcaster and entertainer Mal Pope and West End actress Ria Jones. The black tie event supported the Lord Mayor, councillor Phil Downing’s,charity fund which benefits Golau Cancer Foundation, The Poppy Appeal and Royal British Legion Swansea Branch and Vision Impaired West Glamorgan. Pictures: Hoosh Arabi

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SOCIAL DIARY • LORD MAYOR’S SUMMER HONOURS BALL

LORD MAYOR’S SUMMER HONOURS BALL (CONTINUED)

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SOCIAL DIARY • SUPERBOULE 20

SOCIAL DIARY BROUGHT TO YOU BY

SUPERBOULE 20 WHERE: Swansea Marina TELL ME MORE: Sixteen teams battled it out in Superboule 20, the Lord Mayor of Swansea’s Annual Boules Tournament which raised money for Golau Cancer Foundation, the Poppy Appeal run by Royal British Legion (Swansea), and Vision Impaired (West Glamorgan). It was won by Mumbles Ale House. Fancy entering a team at Mumboules Fun Day in Mumbles on September 1? Email Paul James at gomarket_ 2000@yahoo.com

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SOCIAL DIARY • INSTITUTE OF DIRECTORS SWANSEA BUSINESS NETWORKING

INSTITUTE OF DIRECTORS SWANSEA BUSINESS NETWORKING WHERE: Village Hotel, Swansea TELL ME MORE: The April IoD Swansea Business Networking evening was joined by guest speaker Professor Huw Bowen, Professor of Public History at Swansea University, who gave a presentation on ‘The Copperwork’s Regeneration Project: Opportunities for Business and Innovation.’

The project is seeking to transform a twelve-and-a-half acre site containing twelve listed historic buildings located in Hafod/Morfa.

Pictures: Hoosh Arabi

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SOCIAL DIARY • ULTRA BALLROOM

SOCIAL DIARY BROUGHT TO YOU BY

ULTRA BALLROOM WHERE: Brangwyn Hall, Swansea TELL ME MORE: A glamorous black tie dancing event took place to raise money for Cancer Research UK. Dancers were given eight weeks training by professionals which culminated in a dance finale to showcase entrants skills.

Pictures: Adrian White, www.adrianwhitephotography.co.uk

swansealife.co.uk 163

SOCIAL DIARY • AWARDS DINNER

GORSEINON TOWN COUNCIL GRANT AWARDS DINNER 2018 WHERE: New Lodge Social Club, Gorseinon TELL ME MORE: Over 30 grants totalling over £7,000 were given out to local community groups throughout the Gorseinon and Penyrheol area.

The evening formed part of Gorseinon Town Council Mayor Andrew Stevens’ end of term dinner. Pictures: Will Kirby

164 swansealife.co.uk

SOCIAL DIARY BROUGHT TO YOU BY

swansealife.co.uk 165

Successful slimmer?

Your loss could be Llanelli and Swansea West’s gain.

Slimming experts in Llanelli and Swansea West are celebrating a successful year after helping 1,879 people lose a total of 10,535 stone. Now they have launched a campaign to recruit more people with a passion for helping others for the “best work in the world” with a special Slimming World careers Opportunity Event planned at The Mercure Hotel in Llansamlet on Sunday 6th May at 10.00a.m. till 12.30p.m. Sam Harris who manages a team of 10 Consultants who run 23 Slimming World groups in the Llanelli and Swansea West area says: “We’re going through a period of steady growth.

In 49 years, millions of people have changed their lives with Slimming World’s brilliant combination of a hunger-busting eating plan, increased activity and weekly group support. “Now, with obesity at an all-time high - two out of three adults in the UK are overweight or obese - and government predictions say that 80% of men and 70% of women will be overweight or obese in the next decade - the demand for our unique warm and friendly approach has never been greater. “At Slimming World we have the best eating plan in the world where members can, and do, lose weight without ever having to go hungry,” says Sam “We have the best understanding of the psychology of slimming and we choose Consultants for their empathy, warmth and understanding. We have the best training in the business too. Every Consultant who comes on board goes through an in-depth training programme and is awarded diplomas in nutrition and the psychology of weight management, as well as successfully running their own slimming business.” Slimming World is looking for people who have lost weight themselves with the organisation, people who can share their own weight-loss success to build a fabulous career. There are also vacancies for experienced managers to help coordinate the work in the area and ensure that our unique support is available in every community. Sam adds: “Every Slimming World group helps members achieve longterm success through healthy lifestyle changes. Food Optimising is a unique and healthy eating plan which satisfies the biggest of appetites. It encourages people to fill up on unlimited amounts of satisfying foods such as meat, fish, poultry, vegetables, fruit, eggs, pasta and much more, and to enjoy meals with the whole family. Meals like curry and rice, lasagne, Sunday roasts and even fish and chips. Members love the fact that they aren’t restricted. “Just as

importantly, we provide support 52 weeks of the year and our members know from the minute they first walk through the door, often when their self-esteem is at its lowest, that they will never be judged, that their details are completely confidential and that they are with people who understand them - because we’ve all been Slimming World members ourselves,” says Sam Slimming World Consultants are all former members.

The role is part-time, with the potential to earn £100-£400 a week for working 10-20 flexible hours as a self-employed franchisee. In-depth training is offered with a well-respected and recognised brand that has been established for more than 49 years, and all Consultants get the benefit of excellent support from more than 300 head office staff based in Alfreton, Derbyshire.

Slimming World provides administrative support, centralised marketing and PR, stock services, a host of up-to-the-minute website support plus nutrition and research expertise. Slimming World magazine, which is produced at Head Office, is the highest selling title in the diet and health sector.

Anyone looking for a career that offers opportunities for growth and development and flexibility around family life could find that opening a Slimming World group offers the perfect solution. We currently have opportunities available in Llanelli and Swansea. For more information contact Sam on 07949476411 or go to www.slimmingworld.co.uk/careers

Sams Journey I lost 9 stone in just one year and it really did change my life because I could do things with my children rather than watch on the sidelines feeling like a spectator in my own life.

I became a Consultant on 29th December 2014 with a group which had 14 existing members and after a strong promotion I welcomed 118 new members on night one.

By the end of January 2015 my little single session was a thriving triple session as I had welcomed 181 new members that month On June 1st 2015, I opened a brand new morning group and that too, had to become a double session on week two as it had over 70 members. In it the same month I became a single team developer looking after a team of 10 groups and then in February 2016 I became a double team developer and I now manage a team of 23 groups.

Opportunity Event looking for Consultants for Llanelli & Surrounding Areas at Mercure Hotel, Llansamlet, Swansea Sunday 3rd June 10am - 12:30pm For more event dates or more info contact Sam on 07949476411

Top right Pic: Sam with Margaret Miles Bramwell - Founder of Slimming world Bottom right pic: Sam with Caroline Morris - one of my members and a regional finalist for the Woman of the Year competition for 2017.

Darparu llety i fyfyrwyr rhyngwladol

Become a host for international students

Allwch chi gynnig amgylchedd gofalgar, cartrefol i’n myfyrwyr rhyngwladol?

Can you provide a caring, homely environment for our international students?

Rydym ni’n chwilio am bobl all gynnig llety a phrydau bwyd i fyfyrwyr rhyngwladol 16 i 18 oed (sy’n byw yn ardaloedd cod post SA2, SA3 a SA4).

We are looking for new homestay hosts to offer accommodation and meals for international students aged 16 to 18 (in SA2, SA3 and SA4 postal code areas).

Gallwch gael hyd at £140 yr wythnos ar gyfer pob myfyriwr.

Hosts can receive up to £140 per week per student.

Cysylltwch â ni ar 01792 284007 neu international@gcs.ac.uk

Contact us on 01792 284007 or email international@gcs.ac.uk

gcs.ac.uk/international

TIME FOR YOU

Bullseye Carnival Light, £52, shop.nationaltheatre.org.uk

, x 3 with rum Tripple Carre to.com us ilg w. w w £32,

Fab Dad, Super Dad, Make Your Own Father’s Day Chocolate £25 for three 100g bars www.thegrownupchocolatecompany.co.uk

Saxon 2 Piece Pruner Set, £6.97, Homebase, Swansea

Red Herring Melange Urban Trek Backpack, £35, Debenhams, Swansea

Gower Gold Mini Keg, £21.95, ND John Wine Merchants, Swansea

Tom Ford Grey Vetiver Eau de Toilette, 100ml, £78, John Lewis, Cardiff

Scion Mr Fox Washbag, £30, John Lewis, Cardiff

Sunglasses, £15, Next, Morfa Retail Park

TO DAD, Fitbit Charge 2 Heart Rate and Fitness Tracking Wristband, £149.99, Curry’s, Parc Pemberton and Morfa Retail Park

Double Drive Screwdriver Set, £20, Wilko, Swansea

Father’s Day H-Box, £12.95, Hotel Chocolat, Cardiff Trainers, £18, River Island, Swansea and Parc Trostre

Babyliss for Men 8in1 All Over Grooming Kit, £20, Wilko, Swansea Everdure by heston blumenthal CUBE Portable Charcoal BBQ, £149, John Lewis, Cardiff

Frank Flip Flops, £35, Office, Swansea

168 swansealife.co.uk

Destiny 2, £17.99, Xbox One, Game, Swansea

Light Blue Italian Zest, 75Ml, £51, Boots And Debenhams, Swansea

ION360 U All in-One 360 Degree Camera and Battery Charging Case, £299.99, Argos, Swansea Reserved For Grandad Cushion, £10, Sainsbury’s, Swansea L’Occitane Men’s Travel Gift, £20, Debenhams, Swansea

Molton Brown Re-Charge Black Pepper Sport 4-in-1 Body Wash, 200ml, £18, Molton Brown, Cardiff

Links of London Men’s Venture Double Leather Bracelet, £160, Stephen Hughes Jewellers, Swansea

Sea Battle Drinking Game, £10, Flying Tiger Stores, Swansea

Grandad Tankard, £6, Sainsbury’s, Swansea

Watch, £25 , River Island, Swansea

WITH L VE...

From gadgets and drinks to fashion and entertainment, LAURA DAVIES rounds up some great Father’s Day gifts for the special man in your life

Travel Mug, £5, Sainsbury’s, Swansea

Cygnet Gin, £24.99, Juniper Place, Swansea

Long Sleeve Breton Stripe Jumper, £39.50, M&S, Swansea

Blue Block Stripe Hoodie, £16.99, TK Maxx, Morfa Retail Park Daddy Cool Water Bottle, £12.50, Paperchase at Next, Morfa Retail Park

Personalised Malt Whisky Gentleman’s Finest Vintage, £44.99, Gettingpersonal.co.uk

Personalised Posh Totty Designs Vintage Typography Letter Cufflinks, £22.99, Gettingpersonal.co.uk

Stripe Crew Neck, £45, Fred Perry at House of Fraser, Cardiff

Rockingham Black Briefcase, £30, Burton, Swansea

Stripe Fuij Jacket, £84.99, Superdry, Swansea

swansealife.co.uk 169

TIME FOR YOU

BY INVITATION W I T H

E D D I E

W H I T N E Y

Swansea businessman Eddie Whitney keeps us up to date with his charity work and social diary...

H

i all, I just want to tell you about a great evening I had earlier this month.

After a long day of meetings in town I was walking back to my car and passed by Unit 19 in Little Wind Street.

It’s a hidden gem in the middle of the town centre.

My mouth began to water as the smell of the amazing food poured out from inside.

When I got inside I was amazed to see that it wasn’t just people popping in for after work refreshment but an amazing mix of families alongside young and old alike.

It’s not like any other venue I have experienced for a long time.

With a relaxed atmosphere and the buzz of conversation it was more like a group of friends having a get together.

I felt at home instantly and found myself talking to people from all walks of life.

It turns out that this is on every month, perfect for those who want to relax and listen to some live music and try some amazing food that the fast food chains can’t compete with.

It is part of the Urban Foundry and to my surprise it’s sponsored by The City and County of Swansea.

Great to see this venture being supported by the city and bringing new life to the early evening of our city centre.

During the day it often features all sorts, from yoga to workshops and is available for hire – a community centre right in the middle of town.

I hear on the grapevine that you have some really exciting projects coming up and are going to be reaching out to other groups in the area.

You are all an inspiration to me as I am sure you will be to everyone who comes into contact with you.

By the time you read this I will have been to the heart-warming Harry’s Fund event, “Posh frocks and odd socks” at the amazing Marriott Hotel. It is always an uplifting and emotional evening and this year my old friend Max Boyce is the guest speaker.

Get the tissues ready for tears of laughter and moments of pure courage.

As we come to the summer months and the nights get longer I will be coming back to the Britpop and 80’s parties in June.

I wish everyone of you an amazing summer, please remember to support your local heroes, whatever shape or size they come in.

On another note I would like to congratulate everyone involved in the Rising Stars after their performances of “Look to the Sky” last month.

Only when we support each other can we ever hope to get through the challenges that life throws at us.

I hope you all have a great summer and I am looking forward to your new production for 2019.

If you want to help or support any of these amazing causes and enterprises here are the links.

Get behind them, the rewards are beyond your wildest dreams.

■ http://www.harrysfund.org.uk ■ http://www.unitnineteen.co.uk ■ http://www.urbanfoundry.co.uk You can support the Rising Stars by contacting me, you know my number.

Eddie x

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PIANO

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TIME FOR YOU

ASK S A R A COHABITATION AGREEMENTS Sara Plant, Partner and Head of Family Law at Peter Lynn & Partners Solicitors talks this month about Cohabitation Agreements

More and more couples are living together without getting married and many people believe that cohabiting couples have equivalent rights to married couples once they have lived together for a period of time (the myth of ‘common law marriage’).

However, this is not the case in England and Wales.

People who live together but do not marry never acquire the same rights and responsibilities as those who do get married, no matter how long they are together and regardless of whether or not they have children.

Nevertheless, if you own your own property, or are moving into a partner’s property, there are issues you need to consider one of which is a cohabitation agreement.

It might seem unromantic when you are preparing to move in together for the first time, however addressing such issues in advance should avoid, at best, disagreements and, at worst, legal proceedings if things do not work out long term.

So what are the advantages of a cohabitation agreement?

•

There are multiple advantages including:

•

A cohabitation agreement helps to clarify the often-complicated financial commitments involved in a relationship, especially where children are involved.

•

If you have received financial help from a family member to purchase your property, their investment can be documented in the agreement.

•

It focuses the mind on future planning.

What is included in a cohabitation agreement?

A cohabitation agreement should be tailormade to your specific circumstances and should consider: •

Who owns and owes what at the time of the agreement and in what proportions

•

What financial arrangements you have decided to make while you are living together

•

How property, assets and income should be divided if you should split up

There are the usual legal provisions that need to be included such as factual information about the parties and any children, especially if they will be living at the property, confirmation that both parties’ have received independent legal advice, that the agreement is entered into freely and voluntarily and that the parties’ intend legal consequences to flow from it.

It is essential that both parties’ exchange full and frank disclosure about their income, assets, liabilities and pensions to reduce the risk of any agreement being set aside due to misrepresentation.

The agreement should also set out the events which will terminate certain parts of the agreement, the law that will apply should any dispute arise and something called a ‘severability clause’ which stops one unenforceable clause rendering the whole agreement invalid.

Whilst the court has the power to overturn or disregard the agreement, in whole or in part, if you have both had independent legal advice and have fully and frankly shared with each other your financial position, it is unlikely to do so.

For expert advice on Cohabitation Agreements or any similar matter, contact 01792 450010 or email advice@plandp.co.uk to arrange a confidential meeting.

172 swansealife.co.uk

TIME FOR YOU Kokoso Baby Organic Coconut Oil, £8, JoJ o Maman Bebe, Cardiff

Colour-In Picnic Blanket, £34.95, www.prezzybox.com.

VTech Little Singing Cora, £12, John Lewis, Cardiff

Baby Bjorn SoftTouch, Flexible 3D Jersey, £79.99, Mothercare, Swansea

Hape Double Bubble, £15.99, Amazon.co.uk

OH BABY LAURA DAVIES rounds up newborn essentials, gifts and keepsakes for your little ones Talking Chick Activity Toy, £19, Mamas and Papas, Cardiff

laura.davies@mediawales.co.uk

@LawsDx

1st Years Father’s Day Babygrow, from £14, www.my1styears.com

Grey Elephant Baby Bag, £24.99, TK Maxx, Morfa Retail Park

Little Bird Told Me Lambert Rocking Sheep, £100, John Lewis, Cardiff

Taggies Hedgehog Toy, £18, JoJo Maman Bebe, Cardiff Matchstick Monkey Teether, £9.99, www.matchstickmonkey.co.uk Bunny Squeaker and Activity Toy, £8, Mamas and Papas, Cardiff

Rockit Portable Rocker, £39.95, www.prezzybox.com

Bunny Playmat, £49.99, Mamas and Papas, Cardiff

Sophie La Girafe So ‘Pure Teether, £12.99, Smyths Toys, Llansamlet swansealife.co.uk 173

NEXT MONTH IN SWANSEA LIFE

Game, set, match, it’s Wimbledon!

Schools Out: What to do with the children in Swansea bay Beach Babe: Holiday fashion and beauty looks Food and drink ideal for summer picnics Presenter Alex Jones opens up about family life Get the look: Outdoor furniture perfect for lazing in the sun OUT JULY 2

174 swansealife.co.uk

AWARDS 2018

AN INDIAN SUMMER’S NIGHT Celebrating Swansea’s finest with a heady fusion of music, dance and Eastern inspired cuisine BRANGWYN HALL, SWANSEA 14TH SEPTEMBER 2018

AWARDS 2018

WHO DO YOU THINK SHOULD WIN? BRANGWYN HALL, SWANSEA

14TH SEPT 2018

SO HERE WE GO! THE Swansea social night of the year is looming large once again. The wraps are off for the 2018 Swansea Life Awards paying tribute and rewarding the successes of our highest achievers from right across the Swansea Bay area. Last year’s awards really got you talking and saw some of the best places and people in Swansea recognised for making 2017 their year. More than 100,000 votes were cast in our various categories.

But who do you think should take the titles in 2018? Which do you think is the bay’s best restaurant? What about your favourite shop, hair salon, pub, gym or wedding retailer? This year, 17 categories are being opened up for public vote and over the next couple of weeks we’ll be chatting with you on social media to find out who you think should make the final list.

VOTE FOR A SWANSEA BUSINESS THAT YOU FEEL DESERVES RECOGNITION The Swansea Life Awards, Swansea’s red carpet event of the year, rewards individuals and businesses that have helped to push Swansea onwards and upwards, with regards to outstanding quality, customer service and innovation. Winning or even being nominated would be a huge publicity boost for your chosen businesses. It is recognition that really does last well beyond the awards night itself. The businesses associated with the awards will get coverage in Swansea Life magazine and the South Wales Evening Post, as well as regular mentions on www.walesonline.co.uk and the Swansea Life Facebook and Twitter pages.

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THIS YEAR’S CATEGORIES BEAUTY Are you looking good for one of our Awards?

CAFÉ CULTURE Finest cafe, coffee shop or deli in Swansea?

Tell us which your favourite is...

EVENT Have you run Swansea’s most successful event? Marshal your case BEST PUB Great food, drink, service and vibe: might you be a winner?

HAIR Is your salon award-worthy? Let us know!

HEALTH/GYM/SPA Are you fit for the purpose of winning?

WEDDING VENUE sponsored by ND John Pulling out all the stops to make your big day the best possible.

BEST RESTAURANT sponsored by PA Black Do you cater best to your customers?

AFTER DARK sponsored by LTC Mobility Top Swansea drinkery or dance spot? You tell us!

FASHION RETAILER (LOCAL) Smart operator? Go shopping for an Award!

FASHION RETAILER (NATIONAL) Highlighting and celebrating great service from your high street, big name favourites HOMES & GARDENS Which shop makes your home dreams a reality?

WEDDING RETAILER sponsored by Oldwalls Collection Who has inspired your aisle style?

LEISURE & TOURISM The area is full to bursting with brilliant attractions. Which one gets your vote?

WEDDING SERVICES sponsored by Manor Park Who made your big day run smoothly?

HOTEL sponsored by Norwave Are you feeling comfy? Here’s which you say is the very best

SWANSEA BID CITY CENTRE AWARD Which brand does it for you when you are out and about in Swansea?

MANOR PARK COUNTRY HOUSE LIMITED

WE’VE MADE VOTING EVEN EASIER THIS YEAR, HERE’S HOW TO VOTE Simply go to www.surveymonkey.com/r/ SLAWARDS18 and enter the name of the business/businesses you feel deserve recognition, in their relevant category/ categories.

Voters can enter multiple businesses in as many categories as they like. We will accept only one submitted form per person. But make sure your vote counts, voting starts on 1st June 2018 and finishes on 29th June 2018 - so make sure you get your votes in early.

swansealife.co.uk 177

BE PART OF THE SWANSEA LIFE AWARDS 2018 The Swansea Life Awards offer a great opportunity to put your organisation in front of some of the most dynamic and forward thinking businesses in Swansea.

With categories covering all types of businesses you are sure to find a category that suits you.

AWARDS

Sponsorship of events that are attractive to your target audience is one of the most effective ways of communicating to your 2018 customers. By utilising this type of marketing activity, you can increase and build on your brand awareness whilst informing and introducing new customers. Effective sponsorship can complement your existing advertising and communication strategy whilst raising your company profile to the community at large. Sponsorship of events that are attractive to your target audience is one of the most effective ways of communicating to your customers. By utilising this type of marketing activity, you can increase and build on your brand awareness whilst informing and introducing new customers. Effective sponsorship can complement your existing advertising and communication strategy whilst raising your company profile to the community at large.

Category sponsorship packages start from £1,750.

For sponsorship enquiries contact Debbie Roberts: Tel: 01792 545626 • Email: debbie.roberts@mediawales.co.uk

Tickets NOW AVAILABLE For ticket enquiries contact Isabel Goodman: Tel: 01792 545511 Email: isabel.goodman@mediawales.co.uk

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