WELCOME

Well, the forecasters promised us a scorcher of a summer and, for once, it looks like they're right. Summer means the smell of sausages cooking on barbeques on weekends, children skipping along in shorts and pretty dresses and young ladies and ladies young at heart looking lovely in their linens and maxi dresses.

Speaking of fashion, in this issue, we've an insight into the life of a popular Cowbridge boutique, Lois and interviews with satisfied customers of The Queen B, Gingers and Julie T in Penarth.

Thankfully, gents have ditched their socks and sandals and dodgy sportsgear and are looking much more dapper. Perhaps they're taking note of our male style guru Russell Scott-Lawson of Hawkes Essentials.

Summer is the perfect time for eating out, whether it's a fabulous restaurant or eating al fresco. We've a selection of mouth watering recipes and restaurants to choose from all around the Vale of Glamorgan and a popular venue in Cardiff.

Summer is the perfect time for eating out, whether it's a fabulous restaurant or eating al fresco. We've a selection of mouth watering recipes and restaurants to choose from all around the Vale of Glamorgan and a popular venue in Cardiff. Richard and his wife Gail welcomed us into their beautiful home in Cwmaman and were happy to show us around and tell us how pleased they were with their new kitchen.

There are lots of reasons to get out and explore what's on offer throughout the Vale this Summer and definitely one for the diary is the Vale of Glamorgan Show on Wednesday 11th August. We had a fantastic day there last year.

Last, but not least, throughout August, Hamptons of Penarth celebrates its fifth birthday and have a month long programme of events featuring some excellent shows, so you'll certainly be spoilt for choice!