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

These incredibly smooth shells are filled with either super heated or super cooled gel and in turn are used to massage along your lymph lines from foot to tummy. First the cold shells then the hot shells are firmly pressed and slid along your legs from ankles to thighs and then a quick hot/cold/hot/cold which really leaves your skin tingling. I can’t say that it is the most relaxing of treatments, but then if you have ever tried any anti cellulite treatment you will know that very few are, but it certainly was skin firming and tightening and it left my cheeks rosy (and no I am not talking about my face) and my tummy flatter for a few days afterwards. I have a theory that this would also make a great upper back and shoulder treatment to relieve tension and pain. How often have I been to my osteopath and Pilates instructor and they have told me that the secret to treatment of acute muscle pain is alternate hot and cold packs? So it makes sense that this would be brilliant at alleviating work weary back and neck tension.

I was finally pampered and moisturised with a deliciously scented, circulation boosting Aromatherapy Associates Revive Body Oil and given a lemon detox drink to help cleanse my liver. I then went on to the restaurant and had a wonderfully light seared tuna and wasabi salad. The result was that I had a definite spring in my step, was given a much needed energy boost and felt lighter and brighter. This makes this the perfect pre party pampering treatment to help you slip into that LBD or super tight skinny jeans, or even post party detox treatment if you feel that you have overdone it.

A special thanks to my therapist Theresa (who had no idea that I was going to write about her until after I had my treatment), and to Natibel and Laura who looked after my sister and mum. It was the anniversary of my father passing that day and they really do know how to look after you, cosset and cocoon you at The Sanctuary. We promise we will all be back again soon; in fact I think my Mum and Sister would like to live there. • The Sanctuary Glacial Shell Detox Massage is £85, for 55 minutes.

Why not try a day spa treatment? Day spas combine traditional nail treatments such manicures and pedicures with a series of luxurious skin, facial and body treatments. There are also massages to help our skin stay healthy and bright, lifting our spirits and helping us to get through the long dark days of winter which always creep up on us faster than we’d like.

Our Covent Garden spa has been rated Favourite Day Spa by 2011 SpaFinder Readers’ Choice Awards.

Our range of treatments are some of the best in the industry; designed to help you feel and look great while working to improve your overall health and wellbeing.

Facials and skin treatments are our most popular, with a range of choices from anti-ageing facials to active vitamin treatments, hydradermabrasion, microdermabrasion and more. These treatments are great to help rejuvenate both your skin and your spirit.

Our many fantastic body treatments are a wonderful way to relax and unwind, as well as renewing your body, mind and soul. We have a series of treatments including exfoliating salt scrubs, aroma steam, holistic body experiences and therapeutic water massages in our hydro baths. Our popular wrap treatments also help to improve circulation as well as your metabolism, helping to increase energy and aid weight loss.

Our Covent Garden Spa is very popular, but we also have some luxurious pampering spas near London, Richmond, Cambridge and Bristol. Spa package gift vouchers are a great way to treat a special someone. They also make great Christmas presents!

For great spa days, London is the place to be. An afternoon spent at our Covent Garden Day Spa is sure to bring a smile and a happy sigh to any visitors who are lucky enough to spend time there.

Before the wedding, there is of course the hen party, traditionally the route of L-plates, bars and nightclubs has been the number one choice but many women are now opting for a more sophisticated and relaxing experience of a spa day.

With pampering treatments, lounging in bathrobes and lots of girly chat on the menu it’s easy to see why this option is proving to be so popular.

Booking a spa day is a great way of sharing some time with your friends and family, whether it’s an intimate group of one or two friends or a group of ten or more, a spa environment allows you to relax, unwind and gossip the day away.

With sumptuous surroundings, dribble–inducing treatments and naughty but nice nibbles all under roof, The Sanctuary Spa is a tardis of facilities waiting to be explored by you and your hens. We want you to enjoy your time at The Sanctuary, we’re all about pampering yourself for a day, a moment in time when you can just sit back, relax and do what you want to do, be that reading in one of our lounges, taking a dip in one of our pools, or just gossiping with friends over some bubbly, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Our group bookings team can even organise a Champagne reception, personalised cakes and gifts on arrival if you wish to go the extra mile and make your day a truly unique experience.

We understand organising an event such as a hen party is not everyone’s forte so why not take advantage of our expertise and leave the organising to us? We’ll make sure each and every one of your hen’s leaves feeling like a princess, whether they’re Royalty or not!
 

 Many of our guests visit the spa for some much needed ‘me time’. One-on-one time with themselves seems to be the ultimate treat of indulgence. With no-one to consider, you can please only yourself, whether you lie back with a good book, feast on the sumptuous goodies and bubbly on hand or succumb to the pleasures of an indulgent treatment or two, the day or evening is entirely yours… bliss!

 Check out our latest offers online or call our Reservation team 01442 430 330 who are on hand to help you book your chosen indulgence.

With 60% of you reckoning that looking your best is one of the most important things in your life and the average woman in the UK spending over £25k in her lifetime on beauty products it’s clear to see that feeling good about yourself is as important as ever.

With all the bad news we’re subjected to at the moment on a daily basis it seems pampering is offering us girlies a little escapism and that all important feel good factor.

So have you ever wondered who spends how much on what? Well, Londoners are all about futuristic facials it seems and are spending a massive three times as much as girls in Bristol, whilst those in bonny Newcastle are keen on Botox and those based in Liverpool are missing a little sun in there, as 66% of you use fake tan up to five times a month!

Whatever your vice, it seems you’re determined to stay looking gorgeous and glamorous whatever the world throws at you and why not? A little pampering can go a long way…‘Now where did I leave my appointment book?’

Re-opening on the 16th March after a transformation, a visit to the spa is just what the doctor ordered.

Treat your mum to a gift voucher which can cover anything from exotic treatments to indulgent Champagne lunches. To make her day really special why not go along as well and catch up on some girly gossip.

If your budget won’t stretch that far, then take a look at our gorgeous gift collections, starting from as little as £4.89 to £48.94 there’s something to cover every taste and budget.

Not sure which voucher or gift set to choose? Then why not let her choose. Our monetary vouchers offer the perfect solution and will allow your mum to choose her own indulgent treat.

We love to offer our customers value for money so for a limited time only, spend £20 on products and receive a FREE gift worth £10. So that’s products for you and a gift for mum. Perfect.

In celebration of our 30th birthday, we are taking the spa on tour across the country to treat our nationwide fans of their luxurious Sanctuary Spa product range and to a taste of the unique spa experience. An elegant spa dome will set off in September on a nationwide tour across 7 major cities in the UK.

The Sanctuary has one clear goal:  To help women feel better about themselves.  We are dedicated to making the very best body products and treatments available, so all women can feel good about their body.

To help achieve this mission, we are offering the opportunity to book one of our pampering treats. A choice of four FREE ‘express’ 15 minute treatments are available to book on the details below. Choose from; Brightening Facial, Reviving Foot treatment, Luxurious Hand Massage, Soothing Head, Neck & Shoulder Massage or in-depth Skincare Consultation.

To book a complimentary treatment in one of the four secluded treatment pods; choose your ideal treatment and email SanctuarySpa@idinfo.com and state your name, telephone number, city location and your preferred time of appointment.

Click here to view our Treatment Descriptions PDF file.

All treatments are subject to availability. A confirmation email will be sent to you within 24hrs.