Have you seen the John Lewis 2015 Christmas Advert yet?  It’s another tear jerker this year.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/wuz2ILq4UeA“>

This year John Lewis have worked in association with Age UK, raising awareness and money for older people in our communities.  The sentiment is ‘Show somebody they’re loved this Christmas’. Profits from Man on the Moon merchandise will go to the charity.

This got me thinking, with so much unrest going on at the moment across the world, it’s important to give a little to support your local Charity Shop, most Charities Support international Crisis Appeals as well as those closer to home.

I love a good charity shop haul, you can find the most amazing things in a charity shop, only yesterday I found a cable knit ‘All Saints’ jumper for a tenth of the high street price.

My point is this, much as we all love Christmas shopping for a very joyous time of the year, just take a look in your local charity shop, you will be amazed by what a treasure trove it can be.  It’s also worth checking out the charity Christmas Card section.  This way you’re assured that a little of what you spend will be spent on doing some goodness and making someone feel happy this Christmas.

 Talking of local shops, our village has been blessed with two new stores to its ever diminishing high street.  First off Koh Koh a very special boutique chocolate shop has opened its doors, with hand-made luxury chocolates from Belgium it brings a much-needed oasis of chocolate coated luxury to the village.  Then there’s Linden Tree Flowers, bringing a breath of fresh flower filled air.

Grocery shopping yesterday I popped into both, two beautiful green Boston Ferns, as well as white china plan pots from the charity shop, I also bought a box of Belgian loveliness in the shape of 10 individual hand made chocolates.

Earlier in the week I’d been sent some of the most exquisite smells.  First an Aromatherapy Associates Indulgence Candle, think exotic jasmine and sweet geranium oil.  Then I was sent Olverum Bath Oil, Olverum (true oil) is a unique and luxurious aromatic blend of essential oils. It’s used to ease stress and relax tension in both mind and body, I have to say it’s possibly one of the best smells I have ever smelt.

So, all that’s left for today is to take the dog for a walk on the downs, pop a casserole in the oven and bathe in sensory heaven of candles, bath oil and ferns, followed by chocolate and the last episode of Downton.

Who says I don’t live a little, Sunday night bliss!

Love DSB X