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
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!
....................................................................................................................
Emma Kate Francis Say it with pearls
If you’re looking for something special this Christmas, then Emma Kate Francis’ Lily range is bound to have something that will delight any woman on Christmas day.
Emma Kate says, “I love Christmas... and it is my busiest time. People are looking for that special something and I like giving out mulled wine in the studio! Emma-Kate prides herself on transforming her customers ideas into reality. “Part of the fun of getting something made is that you can boast about it!”
After graduating from the Royal College of Art in 2002 with an MA in Silversmithing, Emma-Kate established her career in Clerkenwell, London. She has recently opened a beautiful boutique gallery and workshop just off the Kings Road in Pontcanna, Cardiff.
....................................................................................................................
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?
....................................................................................................................
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.
....................................................................................................................
CITYWIDE
Up, up and away with Veritair
We all need a bit of adrenaline flowing through our bloodstream to prove we’re still alive. I think it’s called the fight or flight syndrome. A ride in a helicopter simulator with Cardiff company Veritair Aviation Academy definitely puts this theory to the test.
You can test your flying skills in the shell of an Italian Agusta 109 helicopter under the capable supervision of training manager Duncan McDonald. After a quick briefing, and with a little help from Duncan, you’re in the air and flying through computer generated landscapes which really do challenge your flying skills. After a few minutes ‘in the air’, it’s very easy to imagine that a pilot’s licence is within easy reach, until Duncan throws you a curve ball and you have to fly under a bridge without crashing into the waters below. This is really the closest thing to flying a real helicopter and, who knows, if you really take to it, this could be the start of a much bigger pastime as the centre provides training courses for commercial helicopter and private pilots. Cost of a simulated flight £99.
...................................................................................................................
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. |
