My favourite time of year is when I go home for Christmas. Last year I spent approximately half a day packed like a sardine in the busiest train I’ve ever seen making my way to the depths of the Welsh borders, but it was absolutely worth it. As soon as I walk into my parents’ house I’m filled with festive cheer and (sometimes, if my Mum is having a rare day of baking – she will kill me for saying that – sorry Mum) the smell of homemade mince pies. The days in the run up to Christmas Day are spent doing last minute shopping (although you will be pleased to know I’ve now completed the bulk of mine and can rest easy once more after my panic stricken blogs last week) and relaxing in the calm before the storm. We have a family tradition of going out for a special meal on Christmas Eve, before coming home and each being allowed to open one present each.

Christmas Day itself is always a joy and ours is never filled with sleeping or lazing around. We open presents, have a late brunch, go for a long walk, then always go to a family member’s (this is on rotation) for a party in the evening after a day of wonderful food, drink and merriment for… even MORE food, drink and (a lot of) merriment. This also means our present giving and receiving is spread out throughout the course of the day so we avoid the inevitable anticlimax at 8am when the first round is over. Honestly, (no really) I prefer giving gifts to receiving them – this year’s John Lewis ad is very apt for me. I pride myself on putting a lot of thought into my presents, and this year I really think I’ve come up trumps with the selection of goodies I shall be bestowing on my loved ones. Hopefully they won’t read this afterwards and be thoroughly disappointed.

This is not to say I haven’t put my orders in too. My wish list is pretty varied and has built up over the course of a couple of months, but is composed of a really lovely selection of bits and pieces. I have to admit it is make up/cosmetic based (superficial perhaps but I can’t get enough), interjected with the obligatory books and DVDs to make me feel like I’m a more well-rounded person. There are a couple of Sanctuary products in particular I have my beady eye on – the Ultimate Facial Box and the Fragrance Diffusers - now that I have my own flat I feel like I need to ask for grown up gifts too, and you know you’re an adult when you’re given fragrances for the home! I’m also eyeing up a number of items of clothing, including a gorgeous leather jacket, some black heeled Chelsea boots and anything burgundy. As always I’ve issued my usual – and generally ignored – NO CHOCOLATE disclaimer, yet year upon year I find myself wading through mountains of Green & Black’s and Cadbury. Why can’t I be given this selection box instead?! What is a girl to do…?

Until next time!

x

Shop in style with our new Eco Bag, whether you’re filling it with your weekly shop or your beauty essentials, our roomy bag will be your new handy shopping companion.

Say goodbye to naff plastic bags and hello to our very own Eco Bag.

As modelled by our very own Hannah, the resident Customer Care guru, it not only looks fab but fits in all the essential beauty goodies and a random cuddly toy too!

If like me, you’re keen to do your bit for the planet then this bag is the perfect conscience clearer. It can be re-used time and time again and will stay looking great.  Roll it up, stuff it in your handbag and pull it out for those unexpected shopping trips.

At only £3, it’s a small but worthy investment as not only looks great but it kinder to the planet too.

Our Top to Toe travel bag is only £20 and contains everything from a body puff to get you in a lather to body care and skin care essentials that will leave your skin glowing, and smelling better than a perfume shop.

If it’s a bit of shut eye you’re after whilst away, then our Spa Day Relaxation bag comes in a gorgeous gold metallic slouch bag and contains all your favourite Sanctuary goodies along with a pretty gold silk eye mask. Perfect for making those holiday dreams last a little bit longer!

If you really are going with the less is more option then our travel size products are great for popping into a small holdall or even your handbag. Take as many or as few as you like; replacing full size bulky bottles for mini ones saves on space when packing so leaves more space for clothes! Our travel size products are great space savers for suitcases and are also handy alternative for your gym bag.

Happy holidays!

With Easter just around the corner the lucky ones will have a long weekend away planned (if you don’t, there’s still time to hint for one!) so invest in a cute travel bag which contains everything you need to stay groomed and glamorous on your weekend away.

For those of you with some spare time on your hands, why not plan a pamper day? Choose your favourite Sanctuary goodies, lock the bathroom door and lie back and relax. Emerge from the bathroom a new woman… sleek, smooth and utterly pampered!

‘Chance would be a fine thing I hear you shouting!’ If you have people of the smaller variety to entertain, why not arrange an Easter Egg hunt? An hour of fun for them, a minute or two’s peace for you! Perfect.

So if you can’t face the roads (or probably the rain) this Easter then a pamper day is definitely what the Doctor ordered.

Now where did I leave that ‘Do not disturb’ sign?…