Mr. Salt and Pepper

My Year of Renaissance

3rd October 2022

Summer adventures in Motenegro with Barbara Adeniken. — Chillin’ by the swimming pool with Barbara. Shot in Kotor, Motenegro. (June 2022)

Swimming Pools and Dreams.

It’s been a hot minute since my last post on Mr Salt and Pepper and, honey, it really feels like a lifetime ago. ✨wakes up from a 2-year-long writer’s block✨

After my last blog post, I went through some of the most challenging and dark times of my life. I felt like my world was falling apart and there was no way out… All whilst I was moving home twice and constantly feeling financially insecure. That was 2020.

Luckily, I somehow managed to win a golden freelance opportunity with one of the biggest names in the beauty industry, which has helped me to move forward during those uncertain times.

In late 2020, I left the Central London postcode after 4 glorious (also disastrous) years and moved back to South East London. ✨my London roots, eeeek✨ So, I am now (officially) a Brixtonian who loves long morning strolls in Brockwell Park, plantain crisps and Aperol summer sunsets on the balcony… just to name a few. 🌆

Basically, I left my roaring 20s in Zone 1 and welcomed steady 30s in Zone 2, which means that I should be out of London by the time I hit 60s, right? 😂

Views from our apartment. Kotor, Montenegro (June, 2022)

Evening by the swimming pool. Wearing The Fara sunglasses from Jimmy Fairly. — Sunglasses: The Fara from Jimmy Fairly

The Spirit Indestructible.

As Miss Rona was still lingering in 2021, so did my crippling mental health, 👀 I remember flying black home for the first time in 18 months, feeling like things won’t get any better, to the point where I was considering quitting my dreams and moving back home. However, the leading ladies of my family gave me some valuable words of affirmation, encouraging me to not let those evil thoughts take over my spirit and keep chasing my dreams. 👐🏻

Fast forward to the beginning of 2022, I left the job that served me no purpose in my career and gave blogging (or should I say ‘content creation’) another shot.

At first, I thought I’d do it for a few months and find something better but the work just kept coming in… and I’m so so grateful to make a living out of it to this very day. It’s not a lot but it’s enough to get me dancing to the best of my own drum.🥁

As this year went on, I’ve started to give myself more time to practise gratitude and worry less about things that I can’t change. This has helped me to greatly appreciate my own life for what it is, and just enjoy moments by myself and significant people around me.

Speaking of which… Have you seen Everything Everywhere All at Once? Absolutely recommend!

Wearing ECO William Beach Shirt and ECO Bobbie Mid Length Swim Shorts from WE ARE WE WEAR — Beach Shirt and Swim Shorts from WE ARE WE WEAR

… but what about Montenegro?!

Oh, right! Way back in June, my good gal Barbara was celebrating her birthday and she really wanted to go abroad. So, we packed our bags and flown to Kotor in Montenegro. I personally thought it would be quite affordable down there as Montenegro is not the most visited or known place of the Balkans… but I was wrong! 😂😭

However, I’m not going to have a rant about how expensive it is and just say that it’s a very gorgeous country, full of rich history, mountainous scenery and stunning architecture.

I recommend visiting Kotor as part of your cruise itinerary or as a day trip from Dubrovnik, Croatia. ✌️

Art

Art Trail

21st September 2020

One in Four by Frank Styles, Spanish Steps at Wembley Park. Blog by Skirmantas Petraitis. — One in Four by Frank Styles

This blog post was done in collaboration with Wembley Park.

Follow the Art Trail…

If there’s one thing that 2020 has taught me, it would be… appreciating little things in life. I went from spending my days out in galleries to enjoying some fun outdoor activities with with friends during the day. So, I spent these past couple of months discovering some really exciting places in and out of London. *checks Skirmy’s Instagram page for receipts*

One of those discoveries is Wembley Park’s first public Art Trail! Consisting of 14 art installations from leading artists and community contributors, Wembley Park has turned into a free public gallery of art and culture. I spent hours exploring and snapping some of my personal favourites which you can find below. However, there’s wayyy more than my eyes could see! 👀

Apart from the Art Trail, I got to enjoy a lovely lunch at Bread Ahead, throw some axes at Bad Axe and grab a few bevs at the Box Park. There’s also London Designer Outlet which I’m planning to visit in the next few days because there’s so much that you can do in a day… and trust me when I say that 2020 has taught me to take things at my own pace. 😉

LDO offers a variety of shopping opportunities: from designer outlets and high street retailers to tech centres, cinemas and even more places to eat! *checks Wagamama’s latest menu*

Wembley Park is the all-in-one-neighbourhood that is worth coming back to. I just cannot wait to see what they have planned for the festive season!

Wembley Park Art Trail. Blog by Skirmantas Petraitis

Mr. Doodle at Wembley Park. Blog by Skirmantas Petraitis. — Mr Doodle

Square of Fame: Madonna 2006. Wembley Park. Blog by Skirmantas Petraitis. — Square of Fame

These Days by Dan Mitchell delivered by Brent 2020, London Borough of Culture. Wembley Park Art Trail. Blog by Skirmantas Petraitis — These Days by Dan Mitchell

Fire & Water by Suiko, Elvin Gardens. Art Trail. Blog by Skirmantas Petraitis. — Fire and Water by Suiko

Better Together. Blog by Skirmantas Petraitis. — Better Together by Pref

VISIT: Wembley Park Art Trail

Style

Colorsty Your World

27th July 2020

This blog post was done in collaboration with Colorsty. However, all views expressed here are my own and not those of the sponsor.

Midsummer Daydreaming… 👞

*hesitates to write another paragraph about time and how quickly it goes* Hello! So… We’re in the middle of summer 2020. I am (personally) not ready for it to end! *🤦🏻‍♂️* LOL No, but on a serious note, it’s the end of July and we are slowly coming back to our normal lives. With lockdown restrictions easing up even more, I feel like most of us are really excited but also anxious at the same time. 😬 How’s life going to be post-lockdown? Are we going to be ok? I mean, the cloud of thoughts just keep getting bigger and BIGGER! *yikes*

For me, these past 4 months were months of self reflection. I spent less time on social media and more time focusing on myself and others. From jumping on a few new philanthropic projects to my re-established love for video games, I had the opportunity to take a step back and just do things at my own pace. Also, dig deeper into who I am as a person… and believe it or not, it all comes in full circle! 💫 #WeAreWhoWeWere

In other news… Last week, I’ve met up with my mate Ed to have brunch and explore the newly developed Coal Drops Yard. On this occasion, I wore my new pair of Colorsty contrast brogue shoes. They really stood out from the crowd with their perfect combination of navy blue and sapphire blue hues. The leather lining is highly breathable and moisture-absorbent. Meaning, I had no issues prancing around town during the British ‘heatwave’. 😎 I absolutely recommend Colorsty footwear for those who are looking to jazz up their formal and/or smart casual attire!

Colorsty Contrast Brogue Shoes in Navy Blue & Sapphire Blue. Blog by Skirmantas Petraitis.

SHOP: Colorsty Contrast Brogue Shoes in Navy Blue & Sapphire Blue
(exclusive offer code: SKIRMY)

Life

Vaser Update

26th May 2020

Vaser Liposuction update, shot at Page8 Hotels. Features editor of Mr. Thirty-Something blog, Ed Lemont.

This blog post was done in collaboration with Bella Vou and Page8. However, all views expressed here are my own and not those of the sponsor.

One year since THE surgery…

Hey guys! 👋🏻 How is everyone doing during these crazy times in our lives? 👀 I must to admit, I’ve been neglecting this project since the lockdown has started and I honestly don’t know why… 🙇🏻‍♂️*sigh* These sudden changes to our daily lives really had an impact on my overall productivity but I try not to stress too much about it because it’s ok not to be ok during a worldwide pandemic. My aim right now is to do things when the right time comes.

So, with that said, today is the day where I’m (finally) updating your all on my Vaser Liposculpting journey! *yaaas* It’s been over a year now since I had THE surgery. NGL, it’s truly been a life-changing experience for me. All thanks to my blogger mate Ed Lemont who got in touch with me last year AND, of course, Bella Vou – a cosmetic surgery clinic based in The Royal Turnbridge Wells who took a really good care of me. 💆🏻‍♂️

Just before the lockdown, Ed and I booked a staycation at Page8 Hotel where we spend the weekend together and celebrated our 1-year Vaser Anniversary. *hashtag party* We ate pizza, drank copious amounts of coffee and shot fab images for the gram. *snap snap bish* Also, I offered Ed to take part in my “Vaser Update” video which you can find below… 📹 *scrolls down to watch the video*

Vaser Liposuction update, shot at Page8 Hotels. Bella Vou.

Breakfast at Page8 Hotels. Avocado toast and Oat Latte.

Vaser Anniversary!

Back in March, Ed and I shot our 1-year Vaser Update video where we talked about our experience, as well as tips on fitness, diet and whether it’s was worth getting a liposuction in the first place. We also answered some of the questions we received on YouTube and Instagram. So, there you go, hope you like it. 😉

Fitness

The Fitness Game

22nd January 2020

New Year, New Fitness Goals! 🥊

We are 3 weeks in 2020s and what a struggle it has been already! I’m going to be honest… The first few weeks of 2020 have been quite challenging for me. From trying to find new housemates in matter of days to getting some unexpected bills to pay. *yikes* I feel like life is testing me to see if I’ll be able to overcome all the obstacles coming my way this year and… sis, you need hit me wayyy harder in order to really break my spirit.

Over the years, I went through a lot of unpleasant experience. However, whatever that was, it helped me to grow a thicker skin and be a better person! 💪🏻 *uhum*

So, each year, for the past 2-3 years, I promised myself to ditch one bad habit and replace it with a good one. Last year, I’ve changed my diet to a plant based diet, which resulted in me loosing over 2 stones (14 kg) in just over 2 months, as well as improve my overall health and wellbeing. *sings Stronger by Britney Spears*

In 2020, my goal is to change my attitude towards alcohol. I’m starting this journey with Dry January then see what happens. 🥤What rules I’m going to set myself with to stay consistent? I guess we have to wait and see! *wink*

Also, I want to build myself up a little bit. Meaning… I want get back into weightlifting! 🏋🏻‍♂️

Some of my blogger mates stressed that switching to a plant based diet made them loose a lot of muscle weight, so they are thinking of getting back into eating dairy and meat… 🙇🏻‍♂️ It would be one of my fitness goals to prove everyone that you can build yourself up and stay vegan by managing your diet and fitness regiment better! *yaaas*

Boxing at 12x3 Gym in Aldgate. Blog by Skirmantas Petraitis.

My top fitness classes in London!

Over the last few years, I had the opportunity to take part in a number of fitness classes in London. From rowing to kickboxing, this wonderful city has plenty of options available. Throughout the week, I mix these classes with my regular gym sessions, so I could stay motivated and reach my fitness goals faster. 🏋🏻‍♂️ Therefore, without further ado, here are my top fitness classes:

12×3 Gym – this one is no kids game! 🥊 Based in Aldgate and Paddington, this not-so-little boxing institution will work you out like there’s no tomorrow. Their recently launched BOXCON (boxing + conditioning) class has been named the BEST FITNESS CLASS in London in 2019 and you have to experience it to know it for yourself! Oh, and there are some good offers for first-timers, including 3 classes for £25. *werk*
The Engine Room – if you thought rowing was a piece of cake then you haven’t been to The Engine Room! Situated inside a renovated church, this rowing haven is perfect for those looking to do some rowing + HIIT workout with personalised performance metrics. 🚣🏻‍♂️ I always break the most sweat there and if you get Chris (founder) training you in the session then good luck surviving it, mate! ✌🏻
Flykick – just around the corner from The Engine Room, there’s Flykick. It’s a place where people push themselves over their limits and have fun whilst dling it. Flykick has 2 classes: Signature and Strength. Signature one is a mix of HIIT, stretch and kickbox, whilst Strength offers a full-body/dynamic workout. Also, they offer some great first-timer packages, including 3 classes and a pair of gloves for just £35! *bargainnn*

12x3 Gym in Aldgate. Blog by Skirmantas Petraitis.

What are your thoughts on these 3 fitness classes? Have you been to any of them? I’m planning to publish more posts like this in the near future, so let me know what you think in the comments section below! 😘