IT’S been a while since I’ve blogged and blimey, I haven’t half missed it!

But you know how it is. Life, well sometimes it just kinda gets in the way, doesn’t it?

It’s been a busy few weeks in my world with one thing and another, so I thought I’d give you the lowdown as to what has been going on and what I’ve been up to.

LOVE

Last weekend was a two day bonanza of love, love, love as I watched my little sister get married in not one, but two magical ceremonies – one Nigerian, one British – and it’s safe to say it was quite emotional!

My sister looked absolutely beautiful on both days and I’ve never seen her look as happy which is absolutely how it should be. I just know the two of them are going to have a wonderful life together.

I hardly took any photos all weekend (which really isn’t like me!) as I wanted to ‘live in the moment’ and soak up every precious minute, but here’s a snapshot I did manage to take of me and my big sister in our Nigerian bridesmaid outfits. I tell you, my gele (headwrap) didn’t half hurt my ears!

LIFE

Besides family wedding fever, I’ve also been ‘shooting’ for my book cover with the talented Helen from Masque Photography, nailing down the title of my book with my publisher Diane and trying to find time to get it finished.

It’s all coming together now and I can’t wait to share the cover and title with you all very soon, including pre-order dates!

In other news, I’m preparing for Elsie to start school in September. I’ve just received all the dates for her induction and it’s suddenly become very real.

I still cannot believe that my little girl will be off to school soon, in just a couple of months and just the thought of it is making me feel rather emotional, so moving quickly on…

Elsie turns four next month so I’ve also been planning her birthday party! After an epic mummy fail in which my original plan for her party fell through (!), I’ve finally got something special sorted which I think / hope she will love and naturally, I’ve been pinning ideas like a good ‘un.

BEAUTY

And finally, my world recently has been all about beauty!

A few weeks ago, I revisited the wonderful Tricia at Facial Therapy to try out another of her amazing facials. This time around I received the most incredible Japanese lifting facial, which although based on elements of facial reflexology, is designed to ‘lift’ the face naturally helping you to look refreshed and years younger.

The facial itself which lasted for around 90 minutes has to be one of the most relaxing treatments I’ve ever tried. At times I felt like I could have happily nodded off and got 40 winks. It really was just utter bliss.

And my verdict? Well I was absolutely blown away. The next day when I analysed my face in front of the mirror, I noticed that my eyelids were tighter and higher, the wrinkles around my eyes and lips were noticeably less pronounced and my lips were more even (if that makes sense!)

It’s been weeks since I visited Trisha and I can still see the results from it. As before with her facial reflexology, I was left in astonishment at the difference and I will definitely be going back for another treatment very soon. If you’re feeling a bit down in the dumps or are looking exhausted, please try it. You will not be disappointed.

In other beauty news, I got to grips with all things ‘brows’ at a recent Benefit event held in Leeds where I got a brow makeover, found out more about their incredible new collection of brow products (coming out later this month!) and after years of nattering over social media, finally got to meet the very lovely and stylish Kat from Kat Got The Cream.

And in my final beauty update, I am currently happy as a pig in muck, as I am spending my days trying and testing out lots of stunning products for the Beauty Shortlist 2016 Baby Awards!

I’m delighted to be a judge on this year’s panel which aims to reward and recognise the very best beauty brands out there for mums and their tots. And I have to tell you, some of the products out there are just stunning. I cannot wait to share them with you soon.

It’s been a very lovely but busy few weeks, but it’s so good to be back on the blog.