LifeStyle Wales

14/02/2025

Wishing a Happy Valentine's Day to all our advertisers and readers 🥰🥰🥰

HIT ME HARD AND SOFT (WITH ALL ISOLATED VOCALS) is available now to download: https://BillieEilish.lnk.to/ISOLATED L’AMOUR DE MA VIE [OVER NOW EXTENDED EDIT]...

14/02/2025

Sounds fabulous !

14/02/2025

🍝A RECIPE FOR LOVE🍝

With a family history of Italian restaurants and trained in Florence, Stefanos Cardiff offers traditional fine Italian cuisine in the heart of Cardiff.

When Stefano Caramella’s parents – Marilyn & Piero owned the original restaurant at 14 Romilly Crescent, then called Piccolo Castello, he and his brothers could be found learning the ropes.

21 years later in 2002 - Stefano and Linda Caramella would themselves become the owners.

During those 21 years Stefano worked in the family restaurant to learn every aspect of the business, and to further his career he travelled to Florence, Italy, to work in one of the top class hotels.

Gaining experience at the highest level, Stefano then returned to Cardiff to put into practice his newly acquired catering knowledge.

Now, more than two decades later, Stefano’s has long cemented its place as one of the capitals premier Italian dining spots.

It’s large, loyal following is testimony to the high standards of cuisine the Italian chefs maintain year on year accompanied by welcoming, attentive service and a warm friendly ambience.

For Valentine’s day this year, why not treat the love of your life to an incredibly romantic meal at Stefano’s? Couples have been enjoying the Caramella’s true taste of Italian cuisine for more than 40 plus years!

Also, why not enjoy a pre or post Six Nations game meal with family and friends - check the Stefano’s website and social media pages for more info.

If you’ve yet to book a table for Mothering Sunday lunch, you’re in luck, as there is still some availability at this multi award-winning Italian restaurant. Call now to avoid disappointment and to secure a table for March 30th.

Don’t forget, Stefano’s is child friendly, and the team prides themselves on hosting all types of special occasions and events, as well as corporate functions – so whether you are a large party or a couple looking for that intimate night out – Stefano’s is the place to be this spring!

Stefano’s Restaurant
14 Romilly Crescent, Pontcanna, Cardiff, CF11 9NR
029 2037 2768
www.stefanos.co.uk
[email protected]

11/02/2025

11/02/2025

📈IT'S GONE VIRAL📈

Designer Zoe Curtis’ work has had more than 3 million combined views via The Tap End and tile manufacturers official social media platforms.

The stunning design caught the attention of people all-over the world, gaining well-over 100,000 likes - making it one of the most popular bathroom designs of 2024.Zoe’s design has also featured within Ideal Home and Metro Magazine, as well as a number of influential home decor pages, including the incredibly popular Bathrooms of Instagram who have more than 1million followers.

The Tap End Director and fellow Designer, Justine Bullock told LifeStyle Wales: “We take immense pride in our work, listening to our client’s needs to realise their vision as best as we possibly can."

“Zoe’s work, along with the rest of my incredible talented team of designers, never fails to impress, but this particular design really struck a chord with people on what can be achieved within their homes.

“Last summer saw the renovation of our tile department, where we have partnered with the highly sought-after CaPietra brand to bring Wales some of the most fabulously fashionable products in the industry.

"Ranging from ceramic to natural stone, feature tiles including book matched porcelain and decor patterns, mosaics and even bathroom grade click flooring for the spend savvy amongst us.

“We use this inspiring area to create our bathroom design tile schemes but we also invite clients to put us to the test for other areas of the home such as hallways, kitchens, splash-backs and even fireplaces.

“All of the tiles used in Zoe’s design are from our tile department. The stark contrast of the dark greens and browns against the lighter colours of white and gold giving the bathroom a truly opulent feel.

"Why not pop in and have a play around with what we have to offer, our extravagant display ranges from mosaics to natural stone, and everything in between - we even have vinyl click flooring for the tile-averse out there and a new coffee machine so you can stay and browse as long as you like!”

If you’d like to have one of the Tap End Designers create a truly bespoke bathroom tailored to your individual needs and tastes, don’t hesitate to contact using the details below:

57 Llantrisant Road, Pontyclun CF72 9DP
www.thetapend.design
[email protected]
01443 449056

07/02/2025

I always try to include shots of the customer's pets when we do a photoshoot, but trying to get them to sit where we want them isn't always easy...as you can see! Lovely photo of the two brothers, sadly Chester passed away a week ago so it's nice to remember them both having fun together. 😘

05/02/2025

🧘‍♀️I WHiL🧘‍♀️

Whilst a new year is an exciting time for many of us, and although we're in February already, the thought of getting through another year can still bring up health anxiety. We see a sudden shift in our social media feeds. One minute it’s gone from pigs in blankets to 5k runs - to now seeing the shelves filled with tempting chocolate and special treats for Mother's Day.

It’s an alarming change of pace from the days of grazing to be replaced by restrictive eating and mounting workloads. It’s loaded with pressure to evolve into perfect versions of ourselves, know our goals, and hit the gym harder than ever, amongst the 40% rise in visitors from the previous two months. - Pure Gym Survey

Whilst we may welcome a healthy reset after over-indulging in December - how many of us are actually building sustainable health habits that will last for the whole year? Surely what matters more than a healthy few weeks in January, is a healthier journey through life…

Here Dr Ros Jabar of Ros Medics Aesthetics takes us through three easy steps for optimising one’s health this year:

ONE: Reflect on your habits for sustainable change
Firstly, there’s no better time than now to take the first step toward better health. Our habits become who we are. The starting point for lasting change is to understand the trigger points that have caused us to fail in the past.

As a GMC registered doctor, business owner, mother, wife, and friend, juggling has always been my natural process. As I’ve grown into these roles, so has my passion for helping others to take control of their health.

When I first put together the principles of WHiL, (which stands for Wellness and Health in Life), I knew of the potential to transform lives.

What I didn’t fully anticipate was just how much they would transform my own life.

Six months ago, despite my years of medical training, I realised I wasn’t fully practising what I was preaching. Like so many of us, I was trying to manage endless demands. It left me feeling tired, sluggish, and not as present as I wanted to be because I wasn’t prioritising my health. So, I fully committed myself to the WHiL principles.

The results? Nothing short of life-changing.

TWO: Small steps lead to big changes
Circadian rhythm: By prioritising my body’s natural rhythm and practising daily mindfulness, I experienced a profound improvement in my daily mood. Doing these two things alone I started to be more refreshed, positive, and more resilient to stress.

Energy Levels: Focusing on proper hydration, consistent movement, and nutrient-dense meals has given me vitality I haven’t felt in years. Whether at work or with family, I now have much more energy to be more present.

Healthy Weight Loss: By integrating simple steps —like walking to work, after meals, and improving my gut health—I’ve experienced sustainable weight loss. More importantly, I feel strong, energised, and healthy in my body.

Overall Wellbeing: The biggest change, however, has been an overwhelming sense of balance and well-being. These principles aren’t just about physical health—they’re about fostering harmony in every aspect of life because everything is connected.

THREE: Why WHiL Can Work For Everyone
The beauty of the WHiL programme lies in its simplicity. These principles don’t require drastic changes, expensive gadgets, or hours of your day.

They’re about small, manageable adjustments— fully hydrating yourself first thing in the morning, stepping outside for natural light, or practising box breathing during stressful moments. These tiny changes build over time, creating a ripple effect of positive results.I truly believe that if these principles can make such a profound difference for me, they can do the same for you.

How To Start Your Health Optimisation Journey
Whether you’re looking to boost your energy, improve your sleep, or simply feel more in control of your wellness, WHiL is here to guide you every step of the way.

The WHiL programme isn’t just for individuals—it’s for communities. Imagine the impact if we all made these small changes and shared our success with friends and family. Together, we can create a movement of wellness that uplifts everyone around us.

Join the WHiL Movement
If my journey has inspired you, I encourage you to join the WHiL waitlist and take the first step toward a healthier, happier you. By signing up, you’ll be the first to gain access to tools like the daily habits checklist and personalised guidance to make these principles work for your unique lifestyle. You can also book a free 15-minute consultation with me to chat through personal concerns and understand fully how WHiL can help you.

2025 is a year of growth, vitality, and balance. Let’s make it the year we take control of our health — one small habit at a time.

Sign up now at www.rosmedics.co.uk to secure your place in the WHiL programme. Together, we’ll make this your best year yet.

8 Cathedral Rd, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9LJ
[email protected]
07854 056 626
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03/02/2025

✈️SKY'S THE LIMIT✈️

November 2016 is where it all began for me - my husband bought me a flying lesson for my birthday, after expressing an interest in becoming a pilot during a holiday in Mexico.

I’ve always had a passion for flying and travelling the world, so this gift was a lifelong dream come true for me.

A year later in 2017, I went to the Pilot Careers Event at The Sofitel in Heathrow and spoke to various training organisations. One company in particular caught my attention, Global Aviation Jets.

After a long chat with them they invited me to their headquarters in Greece, where over the proceeding weeks I sat as back passenger in their aircraft to observe training flights, as well as experiencing the ground school instruction too.

In January of 2018 I started the integrated course, which I completed a year later in February of 2019. I was lucky enough to get 14 first-time passes in my ATPL exams with a grade average of 90%.

After gaining the qualifications I needed to become a pilot, now was the time to start looking for a job. I applied to many airlines and easyJet was where I got my first job offer. I started my Type Rating in November, then working on the line in February of 2020.

I completed my sectors a month later Covid hit, which meant my line training came to a sudden halt. At this time I was worried that I may lose my job, but I was very lucky, as fortunately for me easyJet didn’t make any redundancies.

With about 15-16 months with no flying, it was finally time to resume my training and enjoy what I love doing best - soaring through the sky!

I had an amazing time at easyJet and gained so much experience flying all around Europe. I transferred to Bristol which was my preferred base in February of 2023 and started to fly an A321 too.

Having flown short haul for 4 and a half years, I felt it was time for me to move on - I’ve always had an ambition to fly long haul and see the rest of the world.

I saw an advert for First Officers at European Cargo based in Bournemouth who operate A340-600’s. I instantly applied for the job and went for an interview. I was absolutely over the moon when I was accepted, as it has always been a dream to fly a four engine plane, especially an Airbus - I was literally flying high!

My ground school training started last summer in Bournemouth and I then went to Frankfurt to complete the simulator phase. Excited was not the word when I passed my final check and could then start my new line training.

Since the autumn I have flown a few times to China and have seen some spectacular views over the Himalayas. I have just become a Senior First Officer and look forward to travelling to some great places and some amazing flights in 2025.

European Cargo has expanded its UK network and now has an aircraft based in Cardiff Airport. This is really exciting news for the future as I may get to spend more time in my hometown of Chepstow and fly from the Welsh capital.

For anyone who has ever had a dream of doing something, I say just go for it -

01/02/2025

🐩KEEPING HOPE ALIVE🐕

Last issue we featured the fabulous Nicola Steele who has set herself the task of raising £20,000 for Hope Rescue to coincide its 20th anniversary this year.

As you can see, Nicola is a passionate dog lover, owning and caring for numerous dogs throughout her life (see photo).

On a chance meeting at an event, she witnessed first-hand the amazing work that Hope Rescue does, and in her heart she knew that she had to get involved and help in any way possible for the many dogs that are in their care.

Throughout her life, and especially since starting her fashion boutique business VenetiaSteele in 2020, Nicola has helped to raise funds for Hope Rescue, as well as many other local charities, but not on this scale.

Nicola told LifeStyle Wales: “It may seem a very high target for one business owner alone, and a lot of people said I’m quite mad, but I know I won’t be doing it on my own as I can call upon many friends to help me along the way.”

“One such friend is Sam Buca, who owns Pink Butterfly Brides The Wedding dress shop, which is also located in Bridgend the same as my boutique. On New Year’s Day Sam cut off her dreadlocks, raising more than £3k in the process.

“Sam is an incredible woman, and I can’t thank her enough for helping me out with my £20k target, it was a truly spectacular way to start the year, and we’d both like to take this opportunity to give an extra special thank you to everyone who has donated.

“Over the course of the next 11 months, I’ll be actively seeking collaborations with other like-minded business owners, looking for them to sponsor me to do an activity of their choosing - just think of me as Challenge Anneka, but its Nicola instead!”

The original format of the show involved Anneka Rice being given a task to accomplish within a certain time period. She was supposed to have no knowledge of what the task of each particular episode would be before it began, and would have to organise its accomplishment by persuading companies and people to contribute their time and resources for free.

So if you’d like to set Nicola a challenge at your place of work, which will help aid her to raise funds for Hope Rescue, give her a call.

Nicola added: “I’m literally up for any challenge! I can come and be a plumber for a day, work on a farm, clean cars at your carwash, jump out of a plane or dunk a biscuit into a cup of tea by bungee jumping off a bridge!

“We have more fundraising events already in the pipeline, including a Charity Fashion Show at Old Castle Primary School, Bridgend, on Friday, February 21st. Entry costs just £15 and includes a glass of Prosecco on arrival. The evening of fun and fashion starts at 6:30pm sharp and will showcase the new spring/summer womenswear that will be available from my store. Money raised will go towards my £20k target, as well as helping the Mayor’s appeal - Y Bont, which is a charitable organisation working to meet the needs of children and young people, who for whatever reason are separated, or are at risk of being separated, from their families and to give them support.

“Tickets for this fab event can be purchased from my boutique or at the Primary School.“We have a whole host of other events planned in the coming months, just check out the Venetia Steele social media pages to see what events we have planned for next month.

“Don’t forget to pop into my Bridgend Boutique to browse the latest editions, including this fantastic range of gorgeous new scarves (pictured opposite), as well a whole range of colourful new items to help brush away the winter blues as we look forward to spring.

“There’s still some bargains to be had in store too within our winter sale, which started on January 15th - I post regular updates on our socials of what’s left, so if you can’t make it out to our store, simply give us a message online and tell us your size. But remember, once it’s gone - it really is gone!”

Find out more about Hope Rescue and the amazing work they do at www.hoperescue.org.uk

30-32 Caroline St, Bridgend CF31 1DQ07886 124 [email protected]: :

30/01/2025

Fancy an after work ‘pick me up’?! 🍻

We’re introducing our after work special…just £5 for a drink* from 3pm until 6pm, Monday - Friday.

We’re here for the catch-ups, the after work unwind and somewhere to chill after a long day in the office.

No bookings needed, just walk in and grab a seat.

*Drinks included in our offer are Madri, aspalls, house wine, house spirit 🥂

30/01/2025

🌸Welcome to the February issue of LifeStyle Wales🌸

This edition has a huge focus on women’s and , as we feature a multitude of female professionals who embody this mindset.

We chat to Dr Nadia Hikary-Bhal, who along with her husband Kiron, set-up and founded a specialist women’s health clinic and academy to help treat and educate women throughout various key stages of their lives. We also speak to one of Nadia’s patients, Sue, who after treatment was able to do what she loves most again - dance!

Last issue we featured the tenacity and compassion of Nicola Steele, who has set herself the challenge of raising £20,000 for Hope Rescue as the charity celebrates its twentieth anniversary this year. Find out how Nicola has got on within her first month of fund-raising as well as how you can get involved with her zany up and coming events.

For anyone needing inspiration to achieve their lifelong dream, why not take a page out of Sarah Smout’s book? Sarah was given flying lessons for her birthday by her husband, which led her to becoming a pilot of a four engine A340-600 long-haul airbus - an amazing achievement!

Plus, those looking to pursue a career within the health and beauty sector, we were lucky enough to be invited to the recently launched state-of-the-art, training academy within Ocean Park House, Cardiff. ACT Training’s Delivery Manager, Charlotte Sims, tells us all about the project on pages 24 and 25.

Within our popular interiors section we take a look at the 2025 Pantone Colour of the year, Mocha Mousse, and how to incorporate it into our homes.

We also talk to one of the incredibly talented The Tap End designers, whose dark and moody inspired bathroom caused an internet sensation, amassing more than 3 million views worldwide!

That’s enough waffle from me, turn the page and enjoy!
Mike

Finally, thank you to all of our advertisers and contributors for your input and support in making this edition the luxury read that it is - we look forward to working with you throughout 2025.
Donna

Read LifeStyle Wales February 25 by Magazine Publishers on Issuu and browse thousands of other publications on our platform. Start here!

24/01/2025

✨Dream Job Alert!✨

We're looking for a Wedding & Sales Executive to join us at The Vale Resort and Hensol Castle! 😍

This is your chance to bring dream weddings and extraordinary events to life while helping couples and clients every step of the way. From managing enquiries to ensuring seamless celebrations, you'll play a key role in delivering exceptional experiences.

If you’re passionate about hospitality, love making moments magical, and thrive in a fast-paced, creative environment, we want to hear from you!

More info and apply! 👉 https://buff.ly/4huGIOi

24/01/2025

'Very good atmosphere, perfect service, delicious breakfast 10/10'

- Beyzanur Kahraman, Google

23/01/2025

Highly recommended

23/01/2025