With Christmas not far away (can you believe it?), I’ve decided to create my very own Christmas wish list and, to make sure that hubby sees it, I thought I’d include it in the magazine. Sharp or what? So here’s a quick run-down...
EDITOR’S CHOICE
PENARTH AND RADYR
Pamper my skin in LUX-ury
Lux: The condition of being elegantly sumptuous. I’d say that this is a brilliant description for the Lux massage candles and treatments exclusively available at Ener-chi in Penarth and Radyr.
I popped in to see owner Judy Mancuso, and was greeted by the aroma of beautifully scented Shea butter candles which to my delight hold a dual purpose. Once heated, the liquid can be used as a nourishing massage oil. Sound to good to be true? Ask for a demonstration as I did and my hands and arms were massaged in the oil which left them so deliciously aromatic and soft, I just have to get the rest of my body done.
This all natural combination of Shea butter, coconut, and almond oil is a must to embrace and warm you as the winter nights draw in. Shea butter has anti-ageing and reinvigorating properties which improves circulation, almond oil, rich in vitamin E, B, and minerals, efficiently smoothing sensitive and dry skin and improving hydration. Coconut oil, nourishing and sensual makes the skin glow is fantastic for creating that spa-at-home feeling or for complete pampering, ener-chi offer the Lux massage treatment, mention Vale Life, and get a free hand and arm massage Lux candle demonstration.
At only £10 for a travel tin, £25 for a unique glass holder and £35 for the super deluxe ceramic pot with lip and pouring spout, the perfect gift!
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BARRY
Pamper my feet in sumptuous sheepskin
I’ve often heard that UGG Australia boots are the ‘must have’ footwear for winter (and summer for that matter) as not only do they keep your feet warm and toasty, but they look gorgeous too.
Whether shopping, partying or lounging at home, they are the ultimate fashion statement. Worn by many celebrities, they’re definitely the brand to wear, and be seen wearing. Made from Grade-A sheepskin which breathes naturally, wicking away moisture, they allow air to circulate freely. As sheep skin is naturally thermostatic, it keeps bare feet close to your natural body temperature regardless of the weather outside.
I’m sold on the why’s and wherefore’s, now I just need to pop down to Bryl’s Boutique in Barry where they have a great selection of UGGS and decide which style to put aside for collection.
Bryl’s Boutique
7 High Street
Barry CF62 7DZ
01446 748246
Bryl’s Boutique has teamed up with Vale Life to offer its readers £20 off all Ugg Australia boots.
Mention Vale Life to any of the staff and you will be entitled to receive your discount. |
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ONLINE
Hot designs from a hot designer
No Christmas list would be complete without a lovely piece of jewellery. I’ve already got some beautiful pieces of jewellery by designer Nanor Tashdjian’s fused glass range and when I heard that she’d introduced a new flamework range, I was so intrigued that I had to take a look at her website to see what that was all about.
Nanor now uses a fuelled torch to melt rods and tubes of clear and coloured glass to make it pliable. Once it’s in a molten state, she then shapes the glass with tools and movements to create the design and, as her work is so unique that it’s unlikely that you’ll bump into anyone else wearing a similar piece. Now, which masterpiece shall I choose?
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PONTCANNA
Make mine an ‘It Girl’
I have an everyday watch which I wear er, every day, but just as women like to change their outfits, we also like to change our accessories and jewellery. The latest must have watch which is wowing the jewellery and fashion world is this rather gorgeous little number by Thomas Sabo.
You can’t go wrong with white so this ticks all the right boxes but if white’s not your thing then you can take your pick from a staggering 59 different models from basics through to sports, from chronographs all the way through to the most elaborate designs.
Split into here ranges Rebel at Heart, It Girl and Classic, there’s every chance you’ll find one to suit you. Celebrities can take their pick of the latest jewellery and it’ll come as no surprise that they’ve already been spotted on the wrists of Roisin Murphy and Alex James.
To get ahead of the game, pop along to The Jewellery Studio, Cathedral Road, Pontcanna or visit their newly revamped website (see address below). Buying it online entitles you to free postage and a free Thomas Sabo charm with orders over £75.
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LLANTRISANT
Hand crafted presents at Model House
If your gift buying tactic is to rely on a safe list and you are the kind of person who goes out and gets the items on that list, be daring, throw it out and visit Model House Craft and Design Centre in Llantrisant, just a short 3 mile hop from Junction 34 on the M4.
Perched on top of a hill in the centre of the old town, Model House’s gallery provides the solution to many a present-giver’s problem. The Christmas exhibition, Wish List, opening on 7th November, has a dazzling display of individually made jewellery (for men and women), cards, prints, sumptuous silk scarves and other textiles as well as ceramics and glass and a charming range of comfort blankets for the smallest people on your present list.
You can also visit the craft studios on the upper floors and buy lamp glass beads, prints, felt kits, ceramics and even more jewellery from the resident craftspeople. It really couldn’t be easier – and when the shopping list has been completed, you can walk across the Bull Ring and enjoy a well-earned cup of coffee at The Butchers Arms Gallery and Coffee Shop.
Model House is open from Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and on Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. In December they are open 7 days a week, 10am to 5pm.
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BARRY
Bring on the Winter with Spyder
There are two things that make me happy during the winter months – being warm and, even better, being warm in style!
These criteria would be happily met with the new Spyder ‘Rock Faux Fur’ jacket a) because the warmth is provided through thin-profile Thinsulate Supreme Insulation b) because its stretch interior fabric will hug me in comfort and will move with me equally well down the slope or through the village and c) because it has a stylish sprinkling of glittering Swarovski crystals elevating this jacket to point 10 on the glamour Richter scale.
I normally stick to black but I’ve seen it in sassy hot pink which, let’s be fair, if you’re buying a jacket because you love a bit of glitz and glamour, then, it’s sassy all the way! The Spyder ‘Rock Faux Fur’ jacket is available from The Ski Lodge, Barry.
| Check it out on their new website at www.skilodge.co.uk or reserve yours from The Ski Lodge on 01446 741870. |
