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Cardiff's vibrant waterfront, Mermaid Quay,
is the perfect place for a spot of shopping, pampering, a relaxing drink or a romantic meal.
SPLASH OUT IN MERMAID QUAY
Great shopping at Mermaid Quay includes the award-winning Castle Galleries. With original paintings, limited edition prints and sculptures, something is sure to catch your eye. Check out the limited edition prints signed by music legend Bob Dylan.
While you're thinking about things for the home, pop next door to Pethau Bychain. Translated as 'Little Things', this shop's collection of fabulous furnishings includes lamps, mirrors, contemporary furniture, rugs, ceramics and bespoke upholstery and textiles. A few doors down, Polka Dot offers retro-chic kitchen and home accessories plus designer ranges such as Cath Kidston and Dutch brand PIP Studio. Polka Dot is also worth a visit if fashion, accessories or gifts are on the agenda, as are Zebra 2, Divine and Fabulous Welshcakes. Mermaid Quay offers a treasure trove of jewellery, bags, scarves, shoes, hair accessories and unusual fashions plus jewellery boxes, photo frames, candles and mirrors - many made in Wales.
To complete the look, visit independent eye care specialists Blink Optometrists, for designer eyewear and sunglasses from Chanel, Tom Ford, Tiffany & Co, Oakley, Alain Mikli, Prada and lots more. Blink's experienced and friendly staff will guide you through the array of frames and lenses.
And why not let yourself be pampered by the team led by BHA Wales & South West Hairdresser of the Year, Ken Picton. Stylists, colourists, beauty therapists, nail technicians, make-up artists, cosmetic dentist and a dermatologist work together to ensure that a visit to the salon is always memorable.
And when you need a break, take time out by the water's edge in one of Mermaid Quay's twenty or more restaurants, cafés and bars, with fantastic cuisines from around the world, from an exotic cocktail in ba Orient to a classic French brasserie meal at Garçon - there really is something for everyone.
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Polka Dot Gifts
Owner Natasha Tot offers two floors of gorgeous gift ideas, including Welsh crafts and greetings cards, pretty mugs and everything in between. Perfect for children and grown-ups, it's a stress-free solution for last minute present ideas.
Gifts by quirky Danish homeware brand PiP Studio will delight any dinner party hostess; fans of 1950's retro are catered for and Natasha's hand crafted Treasure Boxes are ideal for storing memorabilia.
Be the first to shine this autumn with the pretty range of sparkly cuff bracelets, jewellery by Bedazzled and a host of trinkets.
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CARDIFF BAY
Divine Jewellery is heaven sent
Last Christmas Divine Jewellery was the reason for many successful gift choices for my friends and family. So much so, in fact, my friend went online immediately to order more.
Owners Marie Jones and Michelle Smith opened Divine, based in Cardiff Bay's Mermaid Quay following the phenomenal success of its sister shop in Porthcawl. It seems that women have cottoned on to the constantly updated ranges of costume jewellery, which are reasonably priced, stylish and in an array of colours and textures. Marie and Michelle source their jewellery, bags, scarves and accessories from all over the world.
They recognise that some women are nervous about wearing colour, yet are prepared to experiment with accessories in every hue and shade to update an outfit. Some pieces are dramatic while others are dainty, which appeals to a cross-section of customers looking to buy gifts for friends or for themselves.
For the colder months, you'll find a choice of stunning scarves, as well as a range of Goose Island clothing. New this season is a selection of silver coloured jewellery which will add shine and drama to the winter uniform of black and grey clothes.
In the event of you not having enough time to pop to the shop, the team offer jewellery events in your home, with the hostess receiving 10% of the sales on the night in goods - a perfect opportunity for a night in with your friends over a drink and nibbles. If last winter and Christmas is anything to go by, they will be inundated with bookings, so they advise you to book your date well in advance.
And if that's not all, seek out the Diva bags which have been colour coded to other goodies of the same colour, making them an ideal Christmas gift.
For sore tootsies after a night of partying, Butterfly Twists fold-up shoes are what every girl needs in their handbag.
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Fabulous Welshcakes
Jo Roberts had a dream and the award-winning Fabulous Welshcakes in Cardiff Bay is the result.
Hot off the griddle from a traditional welshcake recipe using Welsh butter and free range eggs, flavours such as Chocolate & Orange and Lemon & Pistachio beckon from the shop with their delicious aroma. What's more, gluten free welshcakes are available.
The shop is a real treat and sells Welsh crafts, local jams and preserves plus gorgeous woven woolen gifts from Melin Tregwynt and ceramics by Keith Brymer Jones. Wedding favours and corporate gifts are available on request.
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SISTER MAGAZINES
 
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