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The South Wales Magazine


How to make Joe Wicks’ Thai Me Up, Baby
A fragrant and filling Thai green curry that’ll keep the whole family happy. Joe Wick's Thai green curry “If you ever find yourself craving a takeaway, give this recipe a go. It’s simple and delicious,” says The Body Coach, Joe Wicks. “Avoid the tinned coconut milks, which often contain gums and emulsifiers, and instead opt for the solid block of creamed coconut, which is 99.9% pure coconut. The great thing with curries like this is you can really throw in any of your favouri


How to make Joe Wicks’ pulled pork with mustard yoghurt slaw
Put your slow cooker to excellent use. Joe Wicks’ pulled pork with mustard yoghurt slaw “Slow-cooked pork is one of the most delicious things around. The way the low temperature breaks down the proteins and makes the meat beyond tender keeps me coming back to this recipe at least once a month,” says The Body Coach, Joe Wicks. “The sweet and smoky BBQ sauce and home-made mustard slaw combo here is quite literally da bomb! The person who invented the slow cooker must have had p


4 trending hairstyles for the party season
From the return of the side part to Sixties updos – here are the trending hairstyles for the upcoming festive period. Molly-Mae, Lana Del Rey and Zoë Kravitz are among the celebrities sporting the trending dos (Ben Whitley/Alamy/PA) Party season hair is always difficult to nail. Whether you’re trying to maintain a slick-back pony or making messy, tousled curls not look bedraggled – making sure your hair lasts through the evening is the trickiest task of all. Bella Hadid is am


Get creative with garden-inspired home-made Christmas gifts
Chutneys, scented pouches and decorations can all be sourced from your plot. Home-made gifts have more meaning behind them (Alamy/PA) Home-made gifts spell love, effort and thought – and it’s easy to extend that to garden-inspired festive presents. Whether you create a beautifully scented herb drawer pouch or a jar of delicious home-made chutney or jam, it will mean more to the recipient than something you’ve bought in haste from a retailer. “There’s so much to be gained from


Jon Watts’ best-bit-of-Christmas curry recipe
For a low-effort, high-reward Boxing Day meal. Jon Watts’ best-bit-of-Christmas curry recipe (Andrew Burton/PA) “Leftover turkey is my favourite Christmas food and I’ll always save to buy a bigger bird than I need, so I can enjoy it after the day,” says chef and cookery content creator Jon Watts. “This recipe turns those wonderful leftovers into a tasty curry. Over the rest of the year, you can also substitute cold roast chicken, or rotisserie chicken from the supermarket. Se


Skye McAlpine’s panettone grilled cheese sandwich recipe
There’s always panettone left over at Christmas. Skye McAlpine’s panettone grilled cheese sandwich recipe (Skye McAlpine/PA) “There is so much that is seemingly wrong about this combination of melted, rich cheese with golden toasted sweet bread, yet – by some kind of alchemy – the two work exceptionally well together,” says cookery writer Skye McAlpine. “Trust me on the addition of mustard: you need a slick of something sharp and peppery to cut through the glorious greasy, bu


Tom Daley: ‘I’ve found a second passion in life’
After retiring from diving, Tom Daley is trying to get more people – including the young – to take up the knitting and crocheting he loves so much. New passion: crocheter Tom Daley (Hobbycraft/PA) Instead of impressing the nation with gold medal-winning performances off the diving board, Tom Daley is now hoping to inspire people in a radically different way: through his love of knitting and crochet. Daley, who retired from diving last year after a haul of Olympic, World, Euro


Pantone Colour of the Year revealed: How to style ‘Cloud Dancer’
Soft, light and serene, here’s how you should be wearing the shade for 2026. Alexa Chung is one of many celebrities sporting the shade head-to-toe (Ian West/PA) Pantone has announced its Colour of the Year for 2026 as ‘Cloud Dancer’ – a shade the Colour Institute calls a “perfect blank slate” for fashion, interiors and design. “As we walk into 2026, it became clear this is an evolution – a transitional time. People are questioning everything: what we believe, how we want to l


8 health check-ups for over-60s to tick off this winter
From breast and bowel screening to vaccinations, stay on top of these health checks. Get your all check-ups done and dusted (Alamy/PA) As December rapidly approaches, now could be the perfect time to tackle any lingering health admin that you may have been putting off before the Christmas festivities officially commence. Taking care of our health becomes even more essential as we grow older, so staying proactive is key. “While genetics play a role, advancing years, environmen


5 subtle and showy options for your festive manicure
From frosted chromes to velvet finishes – here are the trending manicures to try this Christmas. Velvet-style manicures are trending for Christmas 2025 (Jo Whittle/PA) Festive dressing is usually synonymous with sequins, velvet and the classic red nail. But if you’re looking for something new that’s either barely-there or boldly seasonal, there are a load of manicure trends to pick from. A seasonal Christmas manicure for 2025 (Jo Whittle/PA) According to nail artists, there’s


How to make 2026 the year you get on top of your finances
Follow this expert-backed financial advice to set yourself up for success. Setting good financial habits is a great goal for the new year (Alamy/PA) If you have no idea where all your money went this year and your finances feel like a huge source of stress, don’t worry because 2026 offers a fresh start. As the new calendar year speedily approaches, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect and reset. “A lot of people set New Year’s resolutions and see January as a fresh start,”


Alex and Olivia Bowen: ‘Parenting just gets better every day’
The former Love Islanders tell Lisa Salmon about their ‘golden’ children and how they’re supporting the Let’s Move! campaign to get kids active. Getting kids moving:Olivia and Alex Bowen with their baby Siena (DCMS/PA) As the parents of a new baby and a toddler, you could forgive Alex and Olivia Bowen for feeling a little frazzled and worn out. But although the couple, who met on ITV’s Love Island in 2016, admit parenting three-and-a-half-year-old Abel and three-month-old Sie


The Cobbles Collective is Your Dream Coastal Barn Wedding Venue in Ogmore-by-Sea
Looking for a unique coastal wedding venue in Wales that blends rustic charm, modern elegance and breathtaking scenery? Welcome to The Cobbles Collective, a beautifully restored barn in the Vale of Glamorgan, set in the heart of the Heritage Coast and offered exclusively for your wedding day. If you’re dreaming of a relaxed, stylish celebration by the sea, The Cobbles Collective promises a setting that is truly unforgettable. Mary WT Photography A Coastal Barn Wedding Venue


St Donat’s Castle is a stunning coastal wedding venue in The Vale of Glamorgan
Celebrate your dream wedding with sea views, historic tudor gardens, and exclusive castle spaces near Cardiff. Hannah Miles Photography Discover the magic of St Donat’s Castle, one of Wales’ most breathtaking coastal wedding venues. Set on the edge of the Vale of Glamorgan, near Cardiff, and surrounded by sweeping sea views, manicured Tudor gardens, and centuries of history, this remarkable castle offers an unforgettable backdrop for your celebration. Rachel Lambert Photograp


Festive Family Days Out in South Wales – The Best Christmas Activities
Plan unforgettable family-friendly Christmas outings, winter attractions, and holiday adventures across South Wales. Christmas at Bute Park Until 31 Dec Christmas at Bute Park Bute Park, Cardiff bute-park.com Light up your Winter evenings for a fifth year with Christmas at Bute Park. Take a mile long stroll through an enchanted world of illumination, uniquely crafted by world leading lighting designers. Until 4 Jan Swansea Waterfront Winterland National Waterfront Museum...


The Best Christmas Shows, Pantos & Performances in South Wales
From pantomimes to festive theatre, discover the must-see Christmas shows across Cardiff, Swansea, and the Valleys. Elf the Musical at Gwyn Hall 2 - 6 Dec Elf The Musical Gwyn Hall, Neath gwynhall.com Based on the beloved film, this hilarious comedy follows Buddy the Elf to find his true identity. This holiday classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf. Until 3 Jan The Frog Prince Sherman Theatre, Cardiff shermantheatre.co.uk Packed with songs, laughter, and mag


Christmas in Cardiff 2025 – Shows, Ice Skating & Festive Fun
Your complete guide to Christmas in Cardiff, including markets, events, festive food and top winter experiences. Cardiff Winter Wonderland Until 4 Jan Cardiff Winter Wonderland Cardiff Castle/City Hall Gardens Featuring the much-loved undercover ice-rink and Ice Walk, the Big Wheel and family funfair, Alpine ski-lodge bar (Sur la Piste), plus festive food and drink stalls and a whole host of other attractions. Winter Wonderland is always at the heart of Cardiff’s seasonal cel


Meet Santa in South Wales – The Best Santa Grottos for Christmas 2025
Your guide to the most magical Santa grottos, Father Christmas experiences, and festive meet-and-greets in South Wales. The Royal Mint Christmas Experience Until 23 Dec The Royal Mint Christmas Experience The Royal Mint Experience, Llantrisant royalmint.com Coin collectors, Christmas fans and little believers unite! Meet Santa and his elves as you journey through a sparkling workshop where Christmas traditions are brought to life, starting with the story of a single coin. Ex


Christmas in Swansea 2025 – Your Ultimate Festive Guide
Explore the best Christmas events, festive attractions and seasonal activities happening across Cardiff this holiday season. Santa’s Grotto at Gower Fresh Christmas Trees Until 24 Dec Santa’s Grotto at Gower Fresh Christmas Trees Three Crosses, Swansea It doesn’t get more Christmassy than this. Wander through a twinkling Winter Wonderland filled with talking trees, cheeky elves, and even polar bears before meeting Santa himself for a special gift. You can also feed real reind


Best Christmas Events in South Wales 2025 – Magical Days Out for All the Family
Discover the top festive events, Christmas days out, and family-friendly activities happening across South Wales this holiday season. Tower Grotto at Zip World in Aberdare 21 Nov - 24 Dec Tower Grotto Zip World, Aberdare Start with a mince pie and hot chocolate or mulled wine, then visit the grotto to meet Santa himself! Receive a special Welsh slate bauble to decorate, write a letter to Santa and take home a special gift, suitable for all ages. zipworld.co.uk 21 Nov - 4 Jan
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