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

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

As seen on the Boots’ TV ad and ITV’s Lorraine’s Martin Lewis Money Saving Expert, this better than half price gift is set to fly of the shelves.

Packed with full size pampering products (and a very cute shower cap), this indulgent gift is all wrapped up in a beautiful presentation box, perfect for making someone smile this Christmas

If you’re looking for a gift for the woman who has everything or just someone you want to treat, this packed to the brim gift case has everything a woman could need to pamper herself head to toe.

Available for one week only, this offer has limited availability so don’t miss out!

Emma our Head of Spa Marketing talked to the lovely ladies about the up and coming opening of our new Spas in Cambridge (only a few weeks to go eek!), Richmond and Bristol. She shared with us that the theory behind these new ‘Boutique Spas’ is simply the idea of giving women back the gift of time. From a quick manicure in your lunch hour, to a full afternoon of pampering with a friend or your desire for a  more results driven treatment, the new Sanctuary Spas will offer it all. One blogger Beautyjunkielondon even told her readers as she arrived home that she‘felt totally intoxicated with the passion that everyone behind The Sanctuary just oozes for the whole brand experience.’ Now that’s definitely what we want to hear from you, but more importantly what we want you to feel!

Louise our Head of Product Development presented our exciting new Skin Care range including the wonderfully named ‘Facial in-a-Box’, which provides everything you need to re-create that perfect Brightening or Youth Boosting spa facial at home. What more could you need?

My friends and I have already purchased our chosen Facial in-a-Box ready for our girlie “Spa-Friday night in” tomorrow night – can’t wait!

And if you’re quick our Floral Street store in Covent Garden is currently offering a Free Facial in-a-box when you spend  £25 or more… Check out our website for a ‘How to video’ to go with it!

This year, the bar has been set high, as the ‘Sanctuary Woman of the Year 2010’ was presented to Debi Green, the group’s Spa Director who embodies all aspects of our brand values such as expertise, accessibility,  trust and loyalty together with an absolute dedication to spa excellence.  Debi has played a fundamental role to the growth and development of the Covent Garden spa and she will also be spearheading The Sanctuary’s national roll out of spas on the high street, the first of which opens in Cambridge’s Grand Arcade later this month!

The reviewer ‘Dinalad’ described The Spa as leaving her mind like it had had a total day of pure relaxation and pampering, definitely what every woman needs! Offering the ultimate cut off from the outside world, as Dinalad  points out that we allow no mobile phones within The Spa, meaning no one can pester you, nor can you hear anybody else’s loud telephone conversations which can be very annoying!

Dinalad’s day consisted of a full tour, relaxation in the Koi Carp Lounge, Sauna, Lunch, Sleep Retreat, Skin Consultation and 50 minutes of heaven (aka La Sultane Body Massage)…The list is endless.

If reading the review has you packing your bag and catching the next train/tube/bus into Covent Garden why not benefit from our Spring Spa Escape package – from only £99?

Our Spring offer includes your choice of a 25 minute treatment, a detoxifying Rasul treatment, full use of facilities and afternoon tea with mini desserts. Added bonus…. this package saves you £50! What are you waiting for??????

Offering everything from Sanctuary Signatures to microdermabrasion and cellulite treatments, this spa in the city has something for everyone, unfortunately that’s all I can let you in on at the moment… Watch this space for more information on the grand opening, full list of treatments and opening offers!

If you would like to receive e-mails with special promotions and additional information on the spa e-mail your details to marketing.enquiries@thesanctuary.co.uk with ‘Cambridge’ in the subject title.

I hope I haven’t left you too excited… I know I am!

Emma has worked at The Sanctuary for two and a half years and is doing a fantastic job (I have to say this as she’s my boss and she reads this – only kidding Emma!) Emma heads up the Marketing and Mail Order departments and has worked in health and beauty for 9 years.

Obviously the people at the Sunday Telegraph realised what an industry wiz she is and asked her to give her expert opinion on the pharmacy John Bell & Croyden introducing the L’Oreal Skin testing technology to their business. Skin analysing is a hot topic at the moment as it goes into fine detail on the condition of your skin.

Now you may think ‘well my skin looks ok to me’ but new camera technology records images under the surface of the skin where all the damage done is hiding which will show up in later years.

The article details about the benefits of skin analysing which at The Sanctuary we know all about.

Using the latest skin testing technology, The Sanctuary uses a machine called Beau Visage to provide detailed reports on the condition of your skin. It will state your average skin age, (I’ll tell you mine if you tell me yours!), the amount of sun damage to your skin, shows your lines/wrinkles and your levels of collagen (the stuff that makes your skin plump and supple).

Now I won’t lie to you, some of the news might not be pretty, if you’ve not been too religious with the sunscreen or you’re a heavy smoker or drinker then you know you’ve not been kind to your skin.

We’re not here to judge, we are no angels either and everyone has to have their vices in life, the skin camera is just a way of helping you adapt your regime and care for your skin in a more proactive way.

If you’d like to have your skin analysed by expert therapists, visit The Sanctuary’s very own Skin Spa, located within The Sanctuary Spa.
For those familiar with our London spa you’ll know that there’s an admission fee applicable to use all the gloriously relaxing facilities… well this doesn’t apply to Skin Spa, hurrah! You can simply book an appointment and go through to Skin Spa.

So if you want to know how naughty or nice you’ve been to your skin visit our Skin Spa website for more details at Skin Spa.

Obviously you won’t all be able to get to our London spa but Beau Visage is available across the country so visit the Beau Visage website to find out more details.