There seems to be a whole world of events that happened since my last column. There’s a new US president and hope of a Covid vaccine.  I’m keeping my fingers crossed for 2021 but also managing my own expectations, as nothing surprises me now.

In more domestic matters, I’ve been busy working with my developmental editor this month on my upcoming novel, The Secret Diary of a Bengali Bridezilla. I was hoping for a pre-Xmas release but my daughter’s nursery has been disrupted with covid and my seven-month-old doesn’t quite understand that mummy’s writing a book. Oh, and he’s suddenly decided that he will only nap with me next to him, so that window to work is out of the...well, window.

In other book news, I’m delighted that my debut novel The Secret Diary of an Arranged Marriage won the Patron prize at the Page Turner Awards. That was exciting and surprising, especially as I was bouncing my baby on my knee throughout the zoom ceremony and moved away from the screen when they announced I’d won.

Also, 'The Secret Diary of an Arranged Marriage' can now be ordered from your local library. I would love for you to do this if you haven’t read the book yet. The libraries are a lifeline to many, so they need our support more than ever.

In non-book news, I’ve been making good on my promise to do more beauty-based features on my blog. I’ve discovered this very lockdown-friendly foundation which is personalised to your exact shade without you leaving the house. You can see my always honest review of Dcypher and video try-on here.

Keeping to the theme of makeup for women of colour, I’ve also reviewed Dr Paw Paw tinted lip balms, which are not only super flattering for brown skin, they’re also very easy and low maintenance, providing the perfect pop of colour for the busy woman.

Asian Image:

What I’m loving this month:

Dcypher foundation

Personalised foundation made for you without leaving the house? Yes please! If it sounds too good to be true, check out my video try on here. The camera doesn’t lie.

Long, autumnal coats

One of my favourite things about the cooler weather is that I can wear lovely, long, chunky coats. It’s the best way to look chic whilst hiding a multitude of fashion sins underneath.

Home Bargains ring light

I was toying over the idea of purchasing a ring light, given my lack of time to even brush my hair. However, at £20, I couldn’t say no, and I’m glad I didn’t. It’s brilliant and creates a studio finish to my amateur photos.