Turning a year older is always a celebration but when it’s a milestone age, it’s peculiar to see how different people cope with it. On that note, Happy Birthday to me, my Twin and everyone else who is blessed to have been born in June. I finally reached the milestone and everyone is baffled by my happiness about reaching the age of 30. My question is why? Why is it such a big thing to age? One of the very mysteries I will probably never understand but I can definitely let you know the highlights of my birthday week. An evening with my friends, a 6 course meal in Mayfair and Sunday with the Family, all the reasons I am smiling as I start this week.
My week kicked off as a traditional birthday week with the calls and the texts from my closest and Besties asking the plan? My friend Shanice particularly wanted to know what I was planning seeing as we were waiting on the arrival of her little King. One thing I can admit is when it comes to other people, I plan away but this time with everything I had been working on, I had let my own birthday slip through the cracks. Not something I am proud of but life has a funny way of turning it all around. After a stern talking to from Shanice, letting me know that I could not let my 30th go uncelebrated, I started thinking about what I wanted to do. I chose to do something I don’t often get to do when youre on my career path, catch up on rest! I spent the first half of my birthday trying to join Nevs modelling agency in Chelsea, to which I was told I did not have the right look (as always in London) and then having a pub lunch with Rodney. We both had Fish and Chips (Rodney often copies what I order) and then we went back home, where I climbed into some pyjamas and slept the day away. It was heaven and I know it may seem strange to you but when a minutes peace is a gift, give it to yourself on your birthday. I think we often overlook personal health, especially in London as we constantly run around, but this time I could get my way. I set my alarm for 5pm as my friend Emma was arriving shortly after. I have known Emma for several years and she recently returned back from Dubai where she was working for Emirates, when she originally agreed to the sleepover she didn’t even know it was my birthday week, it was technically another gift to myself. When my friends arrived the gifts arrived as well, although I still say nothing beats people making time to come and visit you. Time is something you can never get back so I see it as the most precious.
After the mini festivities which involved a good Indian meal and a chin wag with the girls I hit the ground running on Thursday to prepare for my photoshoot. I am rebranding at present and recently decided it was time for a new logo. Now I have not changed my logo a lot, however, when someone compares your current logo to the rocky horror show, it is time to change. Also the fact that Kylie Jenner has a very similar logo made me feel like rebranding was necessary. After all, I don’t want people thinking I am copying Kylie Jenner. So, I did my typical Latoya Lovell, when someone jokingly suggested I crystallise my lips because I crystallise everything, my light bulb went off and I decided it was a good idea. I phoned Josh Caudwell one of the best Still Life Photographers that I know and we organised to redo my logo on the Friday.
I arrived at Josh’s late as per usual, for once it was not my fault (I say that every time) because the shop I went to purchase my glitters from, no longer takes contactless and I am one of those people that stupidly assumes everyone takes contactless. Think Again! Anyway after a quick trip to my bank to get some money out I made my way to Josh’s and Geraldine (@Makeup_Gerri) began to do my lips straight away. Let me tell you, having glitter and crystals put on your lips looks amazing but it can dry your lips out. Luckily Geraldine is a pro as she works for Mac and she prepared my lips with Mac Prep and Prime before applying Mac Cherry Lip Liner and Mac Chateau M Retro Matte. Josh worked his photography magic and before you know it my new logo was ready to show the world, or at least my nearest and dearest for their opinions. I must admit, I am in love with my new logo but I would love to know what you think of it? Make sure you drop a comment and give me some feedback. Are we still looking like Rocky Horror or have I finally nailed my grown and Sexy? I’m hoping you say the latter but you can never know what everyone else likes, regardless I am happy but I love honesty. It’s a trait most people love I suppose unless you’re getting criticised, by your boyfriend, for being messy, but you can’t pick what people are honest with you about.
Logo Designed by Josh Caudwell
www.joshcaudwell.com
One thing I have become accustomed to doing as I have gotten older, is enjoying my own company more. I used to be one of those people who could not stand to be alone but I find it is the time when I feel most at peace, when I can take 5 minutes to read a book or have a meal at a restaurant by myself. However, this occasion Hush were hosting a Secret Supper Club event hosted by Ching-He Huang an international Emmy nominated TV Chef and Cookery Author. She created a menu to help raise funds for The Felix Project, a charity dedicated to reduce food waste and food poverty. Ching-He Huang major food influences have come from her Grandparents in Southern Taiwan, yet she is focused on bridging cultural understanding through food between the East and the West. Now you know food and unity are 2 of my favourite things so this was something I was mega excited to attend with Red sparkly Lips and all! I arrived fashionably late as my photoshoot had run over and the decor of the building was beautiful from the flower Garland Arch as you arrived to the well set out table and cutlery. I started my evening with a Tequila Cocktail supplied by Casamigos Tequila that contained Casamigos Blanc Tequila, Grapefruit Juice and Chilli guaranteed to knock anyone’s socks off. Now I only gave up eating meat at the beginning of this year, this was my first time attending an event without eating meat, luckily there was an alternative, Tofu or the dishes were just made meat free. I met some lovely people as I indulged in my food and overall it was a great evening where I made some new friends. If you want to know my favourite meals it would have to be…
Golden Fried Tofu, Mango Cheesecake with Passionfruit
After meeting Ching and her telling the table about her inspiration from her Grandparents I did the fan girl thing and asked for a photo. I had to log the day I meet a Emmy nominated TV Chef, I mean would you let that go especially after such good food?
My Selfie with Ching-He Huang
What about my family you ask, where were they on my birthday week? That was where I spent my Sunday as I do most Sundays and they got me a lovely cake with lips on it. My Nieces and Nephew all got me lovely 30 presents, I have a new mug amongst other things but I absolutely love them. Tomorrow morning I intend on having some tea in my new 30 mug whilst I find a hanging place for my new Life Quote Plaques. What do they say you ask? The message that I am going to leave you with:
30th Birthday Presents
Yesterday is a Lesson
Today is a Gift
Tomorrow is a Wish
Ching-He Huang – https://www.chinghehuang.com – @ChingHeHuang
The Felix Project – www.thefelixproject.org – @FelixProjectWl
Hush Brasserie – www.hush.co.uk – @HushMayfair