A New Make-Up Experience: CosmeticsINC Boutique and Website

As you guys already know, there is nothing I love more than discovering a new brand, so you can imagine 

how excited I was to find a new make-up boutique in my hometown of Peterborough. Being a huge supporter of new brands and new businesses within my hometown, I got in touch with the owners and creators of this new brand, to bring you a little more information about this exciting new boutique.

The boutique, CosmeticsINC is located at 41 Bridge Street in Peterborough City Centre, and is a beautiful display of all things girly, complete with a pink floor! Now obviously, not all of my readers reside in Peterborough, but all over the country, so you can check out the website here.

First let me tell you a little about the owners, Gary and David. Gary has been working in the beauty industry for nearly a decade, starting out at his local Boots No.7 counter as a consultant, and then becoming a make-up artist. Gary has worked freelance at all types of events, fashion shows, on film sets and photo shoots. On top of his own freelance work, Gary has also worked with all the major top brands, the most recent being Christian Dior. David has also had a lot of experience in the make-up industry, starting out in Theatres as young as 6 years old. He has an amazing creative streak, with plenty of ideas! Together Gary and David have created a brand, that takes David’s artistic streak and Gary’s technique to “create make-up that is effective and high performance as much as any high end brand, but is also as wearable as any high street brand.” Rest assured, these men know what they are doing.

Now let’s talk shop! The boutique as I mentioned earlier is a haven for make-up loving ladies (and guys). I am sure I have mentioned before, as have many other bloggers, that Make-up Counters are now becoming almost unapproachable. I don’t know about you, but sometimes I feel too uncomfortable to go browse, therefore not making purchases that I may have made. Gary and David have picked up on this and have made sure that their boutique is “as quirky as it is beautiful”. I visited the boutique twice before getting in touch with the guys, and I can assure you, you will be able to browse at your leisure, and not be bombarded with sales tactics for products you don’t want or need.  However, if you are someone that prefers a little help, the guys will be more than happy to guide you around the store and help you apply products that they know will work well for you. In their own words, “Making people feel happy and to have fun is our primary aim”.

I wanted to chat a little bit about the website, as I already mentioned, a lot of people reading this, will be living far away from Peterborough, but you should still go and check out the website and see the gorgeous products the guys have to offer. Whether you are looking for mineral eye shadows, primers, or nail varnishes CosmeticsINC have it covered for you. Another product that I have already seen in the store, and definitely plan on purchasing are some of the brushes, the quality is beautiful and they are reasonably priced.

The website...

I really hope that you will go and check out CosmeticsINC boutique/website. Let me know what you think? Have you bought any of the products yet?

This isn’t the last you have heard from me talking about CosmeticsINC either, as soon as I have purchased some of the products, I will of course come back to you with a full review, but I can already tell, you won’t be disappointed. Happy shopping.... xx

Links

CosmeticsINC Website

CosmeticsINC Blog

CosmeticsINC Twitter

CosmeticsINC Facebook

My Twitter

7 Things.... How I got on this month...

So it is about that time of the month, where I let you guy's know how I got on with my 7 Things. I have really enjoyed taking part in the 7 Things post invented by none other than Louise Sprinkle of Glitter... go and check out her blog here.

1. Sleep! This is top of my list as I have extremely bad trouble sleeping. I think my worst example in recent weeks was still being awake when Brett got up for work. Bad times. I have medication from the doctor, but it isn't helping any more. So I need to change it maybe, but also I want to find other things that can help. Ie, mobile phone banned from bedroom, no TV an hour before bed, reading, a mattress topper and some fluffy pillows, anything that gives me a slim chance of sleeping! If anyone out there has any advice or ideas, please let me know as I am going out of my mind!

Me and pals!! (Emma and Becca) At Karaoke Peterborough

Well I have not done too bad at this. I didn't get around to getting mattress topper and pillows, but I did go back to England for a staggering three weeks, and was so tired from all the visiting people I slept very well. I was also staying with my very good friend Emma, and we spent most evenings chatting until we felt sleepy. Now I am back at home, I have quite a lot on what with starting college, and I am also quite vigorously looking for a part time job. So all in all the sleeping is getting better. 


2. Getting Organized: The Kitchen Chapter. So I have done the wardrobe and now its the turn of the kitchen. I am pretty sorted in this room, but its not husband proof so I need to come up with a system that works for everyone. 

Well clearly the fact that I was away from home for 3 weeks (unexpectedly I might add, it was meant to be a week!) I haven't managed to achieve this. So the kitchen chapter of organising will be rolling over to next month. However, I would like to say that I have purchased tupperware to organise my freezer, so I have been thinking about this.

3. Lose Some Weight: I know I started this last month, but this is going to be ongoing. I think my plan is do the weekly updates like I did before, give me a bit of a push and reason not to fail. Any support with this is openly welcomed.
People, you need to help me with this. Despite feeling better, and in my opinion looking better, and all my friends/family telling me I've lost weight. The scales say otherwise. Infact, the scales say I have put on weight! How can this be?? There's only one thing for it: I'm going to Slimming World. More news on this in my new 7 Things.
4. Cherish The Memories: I have loads of photos on memories cards, on my pc and prints from years back. I want to get some matching albums, and try and make some order of it all. My Nana and Grandad have a really impressive photo collection, with every moment documented. I love nothing more than looking through them all with my Nana, and I want to be able to do the same with my future children and grand children.
Again, what with being away from home for three weeks, I have not succeeded here wither, and to be honest I think this is a bigger job than I anticipated. And probably more expensive. I'm going to think about this and get back to you.

Me and Emma ready for round two! x

5. Spend Quality Time with Brett: Since we moved to Glasgow, Brett works a lot and I have been ill a lot and we have fallen into a routine. I want us to start going out a bit more and enjoying each others company without the the mundane routine of everyday life. So I think we are going to go to some them parks and nice restaurants and just have some 'us' time.

Well, other than being at home for three weeks, we have done quite well. Brett also came to Peterborough for a weekend and we went to the seaside which was nice. We have also had some nice meals together and nice chats. So all in all doing a lot better at this one.

6. Swimming: I know I already have the 'Lose Weight' but I am making this seperate, as I alwasy think to myself 'I'll go swimming tomorrow' and then don't go. I really love swimming, and the pool is included at my gym, complete with sauna, jacuzzi and steam room. So I really want to go a couple of times a week.

Complete epic fail. Not been once. Whoops. I'm going to go today though...... maybe.

7. Plan a Holiday: Last but by no means least, I want to plan a trip[, it may not be until next year, but I want to know we are going to go and have a nice break away from work, college, the stresses of routine life and just have some fun, relax on a beach or whatever. We want to go somewhere, neither of us have been, so I will have to look far and wide.

We have started thinking about this, but still can't decide on a location. Also its been quite difficult to decide when, seeing as I now have college and Brett does not get paid for taking time off work. So we will have to see where we end up with this one. I fancy Cyprus myself, I know we have both been before. But we loved it oh so much.

So that's I did this month. It's about 50/50 no? I did good in some areas. To be honest having an unplanned trip to England kind of threw me off a little. But I had an amazing time. I spent plenty of time with my pals and went to my favourite ever Karaoke at O'Neill's 3 times!! I have already planned to go home again in October. Going to be immense! Look out for my new 7 Things which will be up in the next few days. Bye for now.... xx

What I am Reading: 50 Shades Trilogy

Ok ok ok I know you will be thinking old news and shouting at the screen about 'about time!'. But I have to be honest, it was not the sort of book I would normally read, not because its erotic, but the romance thing never does grasp me that well. Anyway, eventually even my husband was telling me I should read it, so on the way to out Spa break I picked the first two books up at the service station.

They sat in my bag, then on the bedside table and then on the shelf for a couple of weeks. Despite every woman in the spa reading a copy. I finally got a round to giving it a go when I had a long train journey to go on. I did have to force myself through the first few chapters. But once the story line really got going I was enthralled. However, I do have to mention that I don't find the writing style that great. There is a lot of receptiveness, but the story is so romantic and exciting, I have seen past it.

So I started reading the first book, 50 Shades of Grey on Sunday evening on the train, and despite an extremely busy week, I am now on the last chapter on the second book, 50 Shades Darker. The second book is in my opinion, a lot less erotic that the first, and frankly a lot more exciting. The book has brought tears to my eyes, made me laugh out loud and jump out of skin! I have been desperate to get to the end. Now I am nearing the end, I can't wait to begin on the third. There is still no obvious end to this exhilarating love story in sight. I have the third book, Fifty Shades Freed ready to go. I will of course let you know when I have gotten to the end.

For those of you who don't know (and I have left it this long to mention, because I will be surprised if many people don't know), the book's are about a young lady called Ana, who through chance meets a very successful billionaire business man. This man, Christian Grey, begins to pursue Ana's affections much to her shock. What unfolds is an unexpected love story, with Ana trying to work out the intricate dark depths of Grey's personality. It really is a great 'page turner'.

Many of my friends have already read all three books, and those that haven't I am encouraging to read them (including male friends, who, ladies tell me if you agree, some would benefit greatly from this book?). So if 't you haven't yet read this book, seriously you are missing out. What with nearly all supermarkets and book retailers doing some form of offer on this read, you have no excuse but to give it a read.

What do you think about this book? Let me know below.... Laters ;)

p.s what do you think Christian Grey looks like?

The photo fit...

Try typing Christian Grey into Google Images, and see what comes up. These were my favourites :)

7 Things... A New Month

As you may already know, I have been taking part in the 7 Things post, created by the wonderfully inspiring,  Sprinkle of Glitter, Louise. As we are about to go into August, I thought I would update you all with which 7 Things I am going to be concentrating on for the next few weeks, and maybe even month. And also to let you know how I got on last month.

Last Month.....

My little girly space!

1.) Get Organised - As you probably already know, I am getting a little obsessed with storage solutions, but I still haven't got everything just as I want it so I am going to concentrate on one area a week until it is just how I like it. This week I will be working on my Walk In Wardrobe (it's not as posh as it sounds!).
Hurrah! The wardrobe is now complete. I kidnapped Brett and ventured down to Ikea where I picked up some simple drawers and some of those wonderful drawer organisers. I also grabbed various pots and jars to keep things in and a small simple purple rug. The whole room is now sorted, bar the fact that once the rest of my clothes come from my storage centre I may need some more hanging space. Once I had everything straight I realised that there was plenty of room to have a little sitting area to do my make up and get ready. I also use this little space to read a book or watch a girly film when I feel like some 'me' time.


If you are interested in a full blog post or video on my wardrobe please let me know and I will do it :)

2.) Get Active - Up until around 6 months ago, I was working hard at eating healthier and doing more exercise, but since my illness, I have not really done that much, and the pounds I lost have been creeping back on. So my plan is to workout at least 2-3 times a week and try and get more activity back into my life to try and lose those pounds again!
Well I better be honest and say that while I have been poretty good with doing sit ups and push ups etc, I have been pretty awful at actually doing anything that will actually burn off the calories. In my defence, I am still struggling wiht my joint pain and that doesn't make things easy. However I really do need to get a rocket up my bum and get on with loosing some weight. Help anyone??


3.) Stick to my Diet - In line with the same as the above, I have been doing a bit of YoYo dieting which is never a good move, I really need to stick to the plan, which currently is Rosemary Conley's Inch Loss Plan. I am determined to stick to this, and I will of course report back the results.
I did pretty well with eating, and still am. I have been cutting out snacks and eating healthier meals. However I do still need to find a diet I enjoy and stick to it as currently I haven't found one I enjoy enough to stay at for a long period of time. Answers on a postcard please.


4.) Get Reading - I used to be quite an avid reader! But other time, I have read less and less, especially with all my prised books being tucked away in storage at the moment. However, I have been taking books out of my local library but never actually get around to reading them. I have just taken out My Sisters Keeper, and I am determined to read this book!
So, I didn't really get in to My Sisters Keeper, which is a shame as I have been wanting to read it for some time. However, 50 Shades of Grey on the other hand, is a pretty decent read and I have the 2nd one lined up for when I have finished it. My mum has also suggested I read Rebecca, so I will be looking for that at the library next time I go.


5.) Blogging - This seems like a bit of a cop out, as clearly I already do this regularly, but what I mean is, I want to write more interesting posts and find my individuality within the world of blogging. Any suggestions? Let me know in the comments or drop me an email hattiecc@live.co.uk
Let's be honest. Complete epic fail. My laptop wasn't working, my iPad wouldn't do as I asked, and all around a pretty pathetic effort. I will do better I promise.

6.) Chill Out - Probably sounds almost selfish, but to be honest I just don't know how to 'chill'. I allow myself to get very stressed out and tired, which does not help my illness, and don't spend enough time taking time out for myself, so this week I want to take some quiet time, face masks, long baths, meditation and some trips to the Health Spa. 
Well other than things beyond my control, I think I succeeded. We went on a Spa weekend, which was fab and I plan to go again which my mum soon. We had a weekend in Edinburgh. I've also put my little room/wardrobe to use of doing a bit of pampering. So a good effort here!


7.) Get financially sensibles! - Since I had to give up my job due to my illness, I have found it increasingly difficult to getting used to having no pennies of my own! My husband (God Bless Him) is fantastic at supporting us both and works very hard at doing so. However I need to learn that I can not just go on my little willy nilly shopping trips anymore, and need to start planning what to do with my 'allowance' as such! But I am sure you all know how difficult it is to resist the latest lipstick, the drawer of a new nail colour, and even worse I have a swish Mac store down the road! I haven't bought anything yet though so at least I am controlling that!
I am unbelieveably impressed with myself here! I have only been to Primark once! (Haul coming soon to my YouTube channel) And I have been really reserved with shopping. So if I keep on the straight and narrow, I may get a nice holiday or something. :)






So there is how I got on last month.... what shall I concentrate on this month??


My New 7 Things...


1. Sleep! This is top of my list as I have extremely bad trouble sleeping. I think my worst example in recent weeks was still being awake when Brett got up for work. Bad times. I have medication from the doctor, but it isn't helping any more. So I need to change it maybe, but also I want to find other things that can help. Ie, mobile phone banned from bedroom, no TV an hour before bed, reading, a mattress topper and some fluffy pillows, anything that gives me a slim chance of sleeping! If anyone out there has any advice or ideas, please let me know as I am going out of my mind!


2. Getting Organized: The Kitchen Chapter. So I have done the wardrobe and now its the turn of the kitchen. I am pretty sorted in this room, but its not husband proof so I need to come up with a system that works for everyone. 


3. Lose Some Weight: I know I started this last month, but this is going to be ongoing. I think my plan is do the weekly updates like I did before, give me a bit of a push and reason not to fail. Any support with this is openly welcomed.


4. Cherish The Memories: I have loads of photos on memories cards, on my pc and prints from years back. I want to get some matching albums, and try and make some order of it all. My Nana and Grandad have a really impressive photo collection, with every moment documented. I love nothing more than looking through them all with my Nana, and I want to be able to do the same with my future children and grand children.


5. Spend Quality Time with Brett: Since we moved to Glasgow, Brett works a lot and I have been ill a lot and we have fallen into a routine. I want us to start going out a bit more and enjoying each others company without the the mundane routine of everyday life. So I think we are going to go to some them parks and nice restaurants and just have some 'us' time.


6. Swimming: I know I already have the 'Lose Weight' but I am making this seperate, as I alwasy think to myself 'I'll go swimming tomorrow' and then don't go. I really love swimming, and the pool is included at my gym, complete with sauna, jacuzzi and steam room. So I really want to go a couple of times a week.


7. Plan a Holiday: Last but by no means least, I want to plan a trip[, it may not be until next year, but I want to know we are going to go and have a nice break away from work, college, the stresses of routine life and just have some fun, relax on a beach or whatever. We want to go somewhere, neither of us have been, so I will have to look far and wide.


So these are my new 7 Things. What do you think? Any advice or suggestions? Comment down below with the link to your 7 Things if you are involved? I'd love to see what you are up to.


Thanks Lovables xxx