Well it’s been another crazy month here in Manchester. With Covid being an ever-looming presence, the chance of another lockdown is sadly seeming more and more real. 

My daughter’s just started school, so I’m hoping for the sake of normality for all children, this ongoing pandemic and any restrictions don’t affect them.

One thing is for sure, I will never take a simple stroll to my supermarket, or even dining out at KFC for granted ever again. Oh, and I promise to attend every blogging event I’m invited to when we get out of this new normal. Childcare dependant, of course. 

It’s not all doom and gloom though. My debut novel, The Secret Diary of an Arranged Marriage has been shortlisted for an international award.  I’m beyond excited to be a Page Turner Award finalist. This, along with the great feedback and reviews I see everyday, has spurred me on to continue writing.

Speaking of which...

With restrictions in activities and generally being housebound with two smalls, I’ve managed to make great progress with the draft of my second book, the follow-up to The Secret Diary of an Arranged Marriage. If you’re intrigued, this one might be for you…

Read my next book for free (before anyone else)

I’m looking for advanced readers ahead of the release of my second novel, so if you’d be interested in reading it first, and for free, click the link here: 

I’d love to have you on my advanced reader team.

Elsewhere in this slow pace of life, I’ve been trying to make good on the promise in my last column, to bring back some beauty to what was originally a beauty blog - Halimabobs.com. Scrawling through recent posts, you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s a mum blog (funny how kids do that to you).  

However, I’m trying to remember that I am still a person despite spending most of my day cradling, soothing, feeding and changing. So expect some more beauty content coming your way.

If you can’t wait, here are some recent posts, from when I, you know, are used to brush my hair and stuff:

Haircut Tutorial for Thick hair

DIY eyebrow threading for beginners

Kalme Chameleon concealer review

What I’m loving this month:

Dr Paw Paw cheek and lip tint

Didn’t I tell you there’d be more beauty-based stuff? After all, I have a school run to look good for. I’ve recently been trialling Dr Paw Paws tinted balms, which offer a wash of colour along with some deep moisturising goodness.  

As the balm can be used on lips and cheeks, I’ve been putting each one through it’s paces, and so far love their minimalist look and multitasking nature.

I’m always on the lookout for products that save time, and crucially, work great for Asian skin tones.  I’ll share an update on the blog, complete with swatches and my full appraisal. 

Bonds Australia Baby wondersuit 

Yes, I’m pushing the boundaries and going back into beauty, but mum life and parenting is still huge on the blog.  I’m very enamoured with Bonds Australia Wondersuits on many fronts.  

Not only are their designs adorable, they are super-functional, with a two-way zip, and foldable feet and hand covers.  This makes them the perfect outfit to get bubba through the seasons.