I have loved every minute of writing these blogs for The Sanctuary – I really feel like I have got to know people through my words and it’s strange but I think I will miss writing them!

Preparing for Christmas 2011 has been such a crazy one – I had so many presents to buy (luckily I have them all now apart from my daughter’s – eek!) and t be honest I am looking forward to finally putting my feet up and enjoying some well-earned time with the family. After all, that’s what Christmas is really about for me.  I have my work Christmas party tonight so I am preened and pampered to the max today – I ended up going for the black and silver option in the end. What I didn’t go for was the silver glittery make-up – I have decided to stick to classic and subtle look. Still, I have popped some self tan on (St. Tropez Gradual Tan Lotion) and gave myself a little face mask (courtesy of The Sanctuary, of course!) so I’m feeling good for the festive season!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all

Lots of Love,

Judy xx

P.S I won my final golf tournament of the year last week – hooray! Hopefully that will be a sign of things to come in the New Year. I got a huge box of chocolates as a ‘congratulations’ present and can’t wait to share them with my daughter when she comes home from London. Fire on, telly on (Christmas films are the best!) and hopefully snow outside – and judging by the past week’s weather, I am betting there will be!

Well ladies, Christmas is finally within touching distance meaning 2 things: firstly, I am of course excited beyond belief, and secondly, the end of my blogging run is nigh. I will try to make this final offering (note: ramble) short and sweet as I do have a ton of things on my to do list before I head off back to the countryside for festivities. There are a handful of last minute presents that still need to be purchased (namely for my not so little brother – 16 year olds are so hard to buy for!), not to mention the annual packing dilemma… Every year I struggle to fit everything in one suitcase. I’ve spoken about my inability to travel light before, so imagine the catastrophe with a Santa’s sack of gifts in tow too… I need a sleigh!

Nevertheless I’m really looking forward to going home for some rest, relaxation (?), good food and good company. A sunny fortnight in Cuba is planned for not far into the new year so the mince pies and turkey will need to perhaps take a back seat if the bikini body is to be at all attainable… I imagine that as soon as I see the plates piled with food going back for seconds will be all too tempting though – but never mind, it IS Christmas after all. Of course I’m excited about opening some pressies on Christmas morning too, but really it will just be nice to spend some quality time with my family and get in the festive spirit. My cards are sent, (most) presents wrapped and ribboned, train tickets booked and work is winding up (I might add that the office parties are also safely out of the way with no damage to report!).

It’s been a pleasure writing my little Christmassy pieces for you all, and I hope that you’ve enjoyed reading them as much as I’ve enjoyed writing them. Hopefully I’ve shared with you some of my tips, anecdotes and experiences during this lovely time of year, and if nothing else provided you with a little light entertainment…

A fond farewell from Wimbledon’s resident Christmas elf… Merry Christmas everyone! Have a fabulous one.

x

After boot-gate I behaved myself for a little while and listened to my voice of reason. So why am I here once again having just paid an extortionate sum of money to get my hair cut ahead of a Christmas party on Friday? Why did I buy jewellery to go with my new togs for said party when I already have a box full of sparkly things – am I a magpie? Why do I still feel I need to buy a few extra ‘options’ for festive season outfits? These are some of life’s great mysteries, but my “if I pay by card it’s not real money” attitude I’m working at the moment is not a sensible one. I am therefore on the look out for some DIY shortcuts to meet my hefty demands for self indulgence – no, I CANNOT justify a pre-Christmas trip to the Covent Garden Spa – and the Sanctuary have definitely come up trumps. The manicure kit means I don’t need to make time to go and have a proper one done – and the same can be said for the pedicure set – the socks included with this are so cute too! To go the whole hog I also have my eye on the bath robe – I have always wanted a fluffy white dressing gown for some reason, and this would be a real treat.

Now that you’ve all read this you are personally responsible for ensuring in my next blog that I do NOT report back that I’ve spent a bomb on spoiling myself… I’d like to say I have faith in that commitment! We shall see… until next time!

x

I have managed not to give into temptation until now , but since noticing that not only have the shops put up all their décor, but a few houses have been “dolled” up too, I have been thinking…..Let me at the tinsel!

As ever the colour of my decorations are important. I think last years theme was silver, white and purple, so I have been looking at colour combinations that are festive or at least look well put together! I have decided that our tree this year will follow the traditional theme and am looking at red, gold and silver tinsel, chocolate coins and golden baubles. I think I even have a little nativity set somewhere that I can put under the tree as a bit of a feature….which will probably need to be moved once all the pressies start rolling in…..keen aren’t I!

Part of my step-daughter’s Christmas project is to make some decorations – these will take pride place on the tree! However, she has been told of the colour scheme…..just so that her decorations fit in with the rest (yes…cringe)! She also plans on making some edible decorations, which I think will not last too long in my house…..well if her dad and brother have anything to do with it!

Note to self – Find out whether I can decorate my desk at work!!!! YES….I am a big kid but at the same time ever the professional! Wouldn’t want to look like the office “saddo” by being the only one that has decorations….and yes they will be in keeping with my colour scheme at home!!!!!!

Another thought for me at Christmas is what to do after the “big” day? What state and how will my body feel after all that food, drink and usual merriment?? I know…….it will be in total need of some TLC. Coupled with it also being my birthday the day after I am looking into the possibility of visiting the Sanctuary Spa Covent Garden. Now, I don’t expect it to be open during this period, however it’s a thought for the New Year for when I return to work and will need to be bright eyed and bushy tailed! Another good thing about this idea is that I can invite my mum along for a little treat (hope she is not reading this but also as part of her Birthday pressie!)

The fun and frolics continue next week folks where I should be coming to an end of my Christmas prep…

Michelle xoxo

I have been looking around the shops for new outfits to buy for my Christmas parties I have coming up. I get a bit bored of wearing black so I thought this year I would go for something a little more glam and add a touch of sparkly silver to my ensemble this year – very daring for me! There’s a lovely red dress I’ve seen too so budget permitting, I might treat myself. My hair appointment is booked in and of course my skin is looking good (courtesy of The Sanctuary, thank you very much!). Speaking of The Sanctuary, I think I have fallen in love with the Youth Boosting Body Butter – honestly, I have been using it for about 4 weeks now and I love it! My legs and arms have never felt this good in years.

Anyway, I could do with a few tips on how to apply my make-up, as adding silver into my outfit could do with a slightly different eye look I think. I am a little worried I am getting on a bit for silver glittery eyeshadow though so I think I need some professional advice on how to get that kind of look without looking like a teenager! I might pop down to Boots No. 7 cosmetics counter and ask the ladies there, they’re sure to know what would suit a women of all ages. Right, I must get back to writing my Christmas cards. I have just taken a break to type up this blog – I am halfway through writing 34 cards and my hand started to ache!

Speak to you soon!

Love Judy x

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

I have a soft spot for Marc Jacobs handbags and treating myself at the beauty counter.

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The weeks seem to be slipping away and the Christmas party is fast approaching- I can’t believe it’s only two weeks away!

The good news is that my skincare routine seems to paying off and my skin is looking better than ever; it’s really giving me the motivation to carry it on. To start with it seems a bit of a faff to take the time to cleanse, tone and moisturise but the 5 minutes it takes every day are well worth it the results I’m seeing. I’m even trying little extras, such as the Brightening Eye Gel for when I have a bit more time or want a bit of pick-me-up for my skin.

My hairs in good condition now too- although being hidden under a variety of woolly hats these days!- so I’ve moved onto my hand. I’ve never been one to carry around hand cream but since the winter has begun and is starting to take it’s toll a travel sized Sanctuary Hand Cream has become a staple in my handbag. I have another at work on my desk to remind me to keep putting it on.

I saw in a magazine this week this new magnetic nail polish- I’ve never heard of anything like it before so I was intrigued! I really like crackle nail polish and these seems like the next trend so I’m going to try it out and if it looks any good then incorporate into my party look. I don’t have a very steady hand so I think it’ll take a few practices!!

Before I even start on nail polishes I realised I need to give my hands something more than just hand cream. I don’t really have the time at this time of year to be going to a nail salon and so I thought I’d give the Spa Perfect Manicure  a spin (as you can see my self-gifting continues). It includes a hand polish, mask and nail buffer. Now I’ve buffed my nails before and had really good results but I’ve never tried, or even seen, a hand mask. My hands aren’t in the best condition so I polished them up and left the hand mask on overnight. The gloves were a must-have- they stayed on well overnight, kept the cream on my hands and not on my sheets and were comfortable enough to sleep in. If I’m honest I expected my hands to be wrinkly when I woke up as if I’d been in the bath too long but I have to admit I was wrong! My hands felt smooth, soft and generally in good condition. I’ll definitely be using it again pre-party but for the shorter time of an hour just as a ‘top up’!

Anyway, I better stop typing for fear of ruining my perfectly pampered fingertips!

xoxo

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The Christmas party season is looming days away and I have been mentally preparing myself since approximately September. I am into preparation in a BIG way – I’m not one of those lucky people who can make themselves look effortlessly black tie ready in 15 minutes. No, I start my scrubbing, tanning, priming and prepping days in advance – and I love it. I adore putting outfits together, choosing make up, accessories, practicing hairstyles … and whilst I tend to go for similar looks each time, I never get bored of the excitement of a big party, particularly combined with my love of all things festive. I’d describe my style as quite classic and elegant – the most important thing to me when I’m getting ready for fancy occasions is looking polished and glowing, and most importantly I have to feel comfortable (although this makes my adoration of my favourite Kurt Geiger heels a real issue). I strongly believe that achieving the perfect party look is all about making your skin, hair and body look great – after that, the clothes and make up will have a much easier job and will simply work to accentuate how great you already look. In saying that, my carefully chosen office Christmas party dress is now purchased and hanging in my wardrobe. I promised myself I’d be a little more adventurous this year but alas once more I have defaulted to my trustworthy love of the LBD. There’s always next year!

As I said in a previous blog, I’m now almost fully booked up with parties and social gatherings from now until Christmas (it’s a tough life), so Operation Look FABULOUS is well underway. I’ve been buffing and exfoliating to within an inch of my life to get my pasty skin ready for a bit of light tanning – although I am embracing the English rose look (which comes very naturally to me – not so great in the summer when I become a sweaty lobster but you can’t have it all can you?) more this year than I did during my uni days when fluorescent was the prerequisite on any night out. The Sanctuary Salt Scrub is fantastic for this, and the clever little Body Boosting Brush has also worked a treat.

Undoubtedly THE most important thing to me during party season is having clear skin – one of my pet peeves is getting that inevitable blemish the day before a special occasion! Why does that happen?! My skin is especially difficult in the winter months, so to alleviate the threat of the fearsome spot I’ve really taken a keen interest in skincare over the past month or so and have gone all out to look after my skin in the hope that it doesn’t let me down come party time. I’ve started using the Polishing Hot Cloth Cleanser every day, and I did want to write about this sooner but I thought I’d properly test it for a month or so before sharing with you in order to see the real results. I’m sure you’re all familiar with the infamous Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish, and this is very similar. I have extremely troublesome skin so I’m always wary switching up my skincare when I find something that works for me, but I did feel that I needed a change and so this came at a good time. This cleanser leaves skin feeling so clean but not dried out or tight, and I really love using the muslin cloth. It takes off every scrap of make up in one go and hasn’t irritated me. My only gripe is that I’m not keen on the smell, but when it retails at £10.20 it is a little cheaper than it’s famous dupe so I’d recommend giving it a go.

Tonight I have phase 3 of Operation LF planned – whipping out the Micro-Dermabrasion Body Renewal from the professional range. It sounds pretty intense (talk of micro silicates and fossilised seashells, eek!) but has come highly recommended so I’m going to give a go and see if it really does refine and reduce lumps and bumps on the arms, thighs and bum… miracle product ahoy?! I’ll keep you all posted, but for now shall love you and leave you!

They are sometimes known colloquially as “sauna suits,” and for the most part this is a relatively accurate way of describing how they work; the wrap becomes like a unique, form-fitting sauna tailor made for your body.

Trim and Tone Body Wrap

One of the most popular body wrap treatments at The Sanctuary Covent Garden Day Spa is the Trim and Tone Body Wrap.

As its name suggests, the wrap’s aim is to tone the body – specifically the tummy and thighs – as well as helping with such common body woes such as cellulite and water retention.

The wrap also has other benefits such as encouraging lymphatic drainage, stimulating circulation and aiding in flushing toxins from the body.

Do body wraps work?

As with any treatment, the results can vary from person to person.

The immediate slimming effects of body wraps are primarily due to the sweating caused by the sauna-like wrap (and as such it also pays to have some water on hand so as to avoid getting dehydrated).  However, body wraps can also help to detoxify, firm and tone the skin.

If you want to try doing a body wrap at home then why not take a look at the Trim and Tone Body Wrap kit?

Cleanse & Exfoliate

The all important first step in any good skin care routine.

Whether you use a cream cleanser or a gentle scrub (although using one of these at least once or twice a week is generally recommended), be sure to give your face a good massage before rinsing it all off with clean, warm water (too hot or too cold can damage your skin) and patting dry.

Manufacturers of some of the best skin care products for women recommend using special facial sponges or cloths (such as our Spa Facial Muslin Cloths) for the perfect polish.

Tone

A good toner swept across the face and neck will remove any last traces of cleanser as well helping to balance your skin’s pH levels, close your pores, and prepare your skin for moisturiser.

Moisturise

Arguably the most important part of your skin care routine. Vital for all skin types from dry to blemish prone (ranges of the best skin care products for oily skin tend to include special non-greasy ones), a good moisturiser will leave your skin hydrated but not shiny as well as ensuring that it will not overcompensate for dryness by producing excess oil.

There are also a few little extra things you can to treat your skin every once in a while. These include:

• Some intensive overnight skin repair (for example our Night Concentrate)
• A detoxifying facial mask (I love our 5 Minute Thermal Detox Mask)
• An anti-ageing face peel (see our 30 Day Youth Revolution).