#QBlogger Event: Summer Essentials Challenge at Queensgate

Our local shopping centre Queensgate Peterborough has some exciting changes coming up. New shops are arriving and there are hopes to have a cinema along with a new food hall. These changes are much needed and it is with excitement that I, along with others, await their arrival.

One of the newest arrivals to Queensgate that I can confirm will be NYX. Make up lovers don’t have long to wait as there is a grand opening on 26th June!

Last week I was invited to an event in Queensgate, along with a number of others bloggers, in McDonalds. Not the first place you would think to have a meeting but McDonalds have recently refurbished and now have a very smart meeting room!

As part of the event we were all set some fun tasks to do around Queensgate. What I loved about this was that the tasks were individually tailored to each blogger and their blog niche! As a parenting blogger, my tasks related to children and family.

It’s All About Summer

Task 1

My first task involved Paperchase….. I LOVE that shop!

Speaking to one of the creative staff about their best selling summer must haves, I was directed towards their Aqua Marine collection.

One of the items that sells well in the Aqua Marine collection is the seaside pencil case which has the effect of containing sand in it. However, the dough activity tub caught my eye…..Bee loves anything related to fun dough!

Across the aisle from the Aqua Marine collection, my eye fell on the Hello Sweetie collection which I was told was also popular among the young girls.

The Hello Sweetie collection includes a scrapbook, a make your own magnet kit and a tub full of embellishments. The tub in particular would be perfect for the girls to be added to their craft box for summer craft fun!

Task 2

It is so important to look after your skin in summer, and indeed in any season. I have to admit, I must be one of the worst people ever when it comes to looking after my skin. I don’t really have much of a routine, basically it’s just wash my face in the morning! This particular task involved popping over to the Origins Counter in John Lewis for a skin care consultation. I was really interested to see what would be recommended for me.

I was lucky enough to have a chat with a skin care specialist who was there for the day. As I had never heard of Origins before it was the perfect chance to find out more about the brand.

Origin try to keep their products as natural as possible and they focus on plants; harnessing the power of plants. What I was particularly impressed to hear is that they are committed to the environment and have worked with other organisations to plant trees around the world.

Origins products are always formulated with the best of Nature, sourced from sustainable regions. And they are manufactured using a combination of renewable resources, wind energy and earth-friendly practices.

To be able to recommend some products for me I was asked a few questions about my skin care routine, (non existent), and what my main concern was (anti-ageing). The skin care specialist was able to see that my skin was ‘combination’ skin and recommended some products accordingly. To keep things simple for me and not scare me off with an intense routine, three main products were recommended: face wash, serum, and a moisturising cream.

I was excited to see that they also offer complimentary facials and I will definitely be going back for one of those (booked in for this week) and a more detailed discussion about what is suitable for my face.

For more information, pop on over to the Origins website where you can also have a guided chat.

Task 3

Task three was all about finding summer essentials that are a must for the family from Warehouse, M&S and Next.

If I am brutally honest the last time I stepped into Warehouse was my uni days. Since returning from Uni and becoming a mum I have pretty much reverted back to the traditional Pakistani dress. However I was pleasantly surprised to see some long dresses that would be prefect for summer wear with a shrug/light cardigan thrown over the strappy ones to remain modest.

This top caught my eye. It reminded me of the ‘kurta’ look that is currently in fashion with the younger Asian community. The print is eye catching and I love the fact that it has long sleeves so I wouldn’t have to worry about finding a summer cardigan to cover my arms.

Teamed up with a pair of white trousers this would be perfect for a summer holiday.

I loved the sleeves with the button at the end.

The dress is available at Warehouse priced at £49

And of course you need a handbag to complement the outfit!

Having found a top for myself I turned my attention to the girls. Next is one of my favourite shops for children’s clothes and I quickly managed to find some gorgeous dresses that would totally suit Bee.

The Sun Dress is available at an amazing price of £10 – £16 (dependant on size).

And of course summer is the perfect time for the girls to have colourful accessories!

Finally M&S tempted me with their summer picnic sets! Having been to Dubai last October we haven’t got a summer holiday planned this year but will be focusing more on local days out and picnics. I adore this colourful collection which will be perfect not just for picnics but barbecues at home, provided the British weather is going to include some sun!!

There are plenty more summer essentials that can be found in Queensgate as there is such a variety of shops. The great news is that there is late night shopping until 8pm on a Thursday and Friday and free parking on a Thursday and Friday at 5.30pm.

Some of the shops in Queensgate were kind enough to contribute to a goody bag and we received some amazing products including products from, Tiger, PaperChase, Lush, BodyShop, Lakeland Limited, Carluccio, and BodyShop.

My Instagram and Facebook followers will know that I am currently gearing up for Ramadan and Eid and looking for little gifts to put in the girls Eid Baskets. Tiger is perfect for this: