Welcome to my world of appreciation and positivity… gurl!
Today, I embark on a journey to explore the transformative power of practising gratitude in our daily lives. ✨remember, baby steps✨ The practice of gratitude is not merely a trend but a genuine way of nurturing our souls, connecting with others, and finding joy in the small things.
The Magic of Gratitude
Gratitude is a superpower that can effortlessly turn our lives around. It requires no special tools or complex rituals – just a shift in perspective.
To me personally, going alcohol-free 7 months ago has changed my overall lifestyle, providing me with more time to reflect on the past, enjoy the present and create things that I could look forward to in the near future.
Seeing Beauty in Simplicity
In our fast-paced lives, we often overlook life’s simple pleasures: a warm cup of oat latte in the morning, being all cosy indoors on a rainy day, or a cheeky dance routine like you’re about to launch a Vegas residency. ✨bedroom queen lol✨
By acknowledging and being grateful for these tiny delights, we find ourselves more content and less affected by life’s challenges.
A Source of Strength
In difficult times, gratitude serves as a guiding light. It reminds us of the strength we possess within and the resilience that carries us through hardships. Instead of dwelling on what we lack, we focus on what we have, whilst trying to take the mind of things we have no control over.
In other words, everything is going to be alright! I’m a true believer in the universe and the energy we release into the world. So, keep shining and spreading your positive energy.. it’ll come back to you! 😘
Spreading Positivity
Speaking of which… Gratitude is contagious, and its ripples extend beyond ourselves. As we express gratitude to others, we foster a positive environment around us. A simple “thank you”, check in or a spontaneous compliment can brighten someone’s day, forging stronger bonds and building a solid sense of community.
Gratitude Journaling
One powerful way to cultivate gratitude is through journaling. Each day, I take a moment to jot down a few things I am thankful for. As you read through your entries over time, you’ll be amazed at how this practice fosters growth, mindfulness, and a deeper appreciation for life. Just take a look at my blog post from years ago. 👀
Embracing Imperfections
When we practice gratitude, we learn to accept ourselves and others with compassion. It encourages us to embrace imperfections, as they are part of what makes us human. We become less critical and more forgiving, creating healthier relationships. Life would be so boring if we were all the same, right? 🥱
A Grateful Heart is a Healthy Heart
Studies have shown that gratitude has numerous health benefits, both physical and emotional. It reduces stress, improves sleep, and boosts overall well-being. Grateful individuals tend to experience greater happiness and reduced feelings of anxiety.
Remember…
In a world that often seems chaotic and unpredictable, the practice of gratitude serves as an anchor to our souls. It empowers us to savour the present, celebrate life’s little joys, and navigate challenges with resilience. As we make gratitude an integral part of our lives, we unlock a profound source of inner bliss and discover the beauty of living in the present moment.
Remember, there’s always something to be grateful for. 🫶🏻
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)
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.
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. ✌️
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 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. 😉
2019 has been (so far) the most life-changing year for me. I started the year by moving out of busy Fitzrovia and moving into lovely Marylebone. By moving home, I also made a conscious decision to let go of all the negativity that was surrounding me at the time and start things fresh. *yeah boy* This is by far the best decision I made since moving to London back in 2011!
In April, I had Vaser Liposculting surgery and started my journey towards plant-based living (a.k.a. vegan newbie, holla 🌱 ). So, it’s been almost 4 months and I’m feeling the best I’ve ever felt. Both my body and mind are clear, which allow me to take on new challenges in life.
A few weeks ago, I received an email from Virgin Sport. They were asking me to take part in ASICS London 10k run. As someone who has never run long distance, I was a bit hesitant at first but after a split second, my adventurous spirit was telling me to just go for it… and I did! *werk*
Prior to the run, I didn’t practise any running. However, I’m an avid cyclist, so I was relying a lot on my cycling abilities when it comes to stamina. *ermmm, okayyy*
When I was at my starting position, I honestly didn’t know what to expect but once we took off, everything seemed possible. Thanks to cheering spectators (and water showers, and water stations… and epic DJ sets haha). The time went by so fast that I honestly could have done an extra 5k. I finished at exactly 57 minutes but it would’ve been less if I didn’t need that toilet break!
After the ASICS London 10k run, I collected my medal and met my mate Ed Lemont for some poké and goss.
What’s next?!
Just a few days after my ASICS London 10k run, Virgin Sport got in touch once again. They were wondering if I’ll be up for doing half-marathon in Oxford this October. It didn’t take me long to respond. So, I’m super stoked to tell you that I’ll be doing my first half-marathon!!! *yaaas* I better start getting ready for this one because it’s like more than 21 kilometres this time. Jokes aside, this is getting real y’all!
If you’ve told me this time last year that I’ll be doing all these things in 2019, I would’ve said that you’re crazy. *haha* Therefore, I cannot wait to see what the future brings to Mr. Salt and Pepper. #WatchThisSpace
This blog post was done in collaboration with Bella Vou. However, all views expressed here are my own.
Let’s start from the beginning…
It was the beginning of March. I was on my way to Valencia to spend a few days by the beach and celebrate the infamous Fallas Festival. *party mode onnn* The whole city of Valencia was celebrating for days and it couldn’t be a better time for me to visit this wonderful Spanish city. The weather was warm enough to wear short shorts and revealing tees. However, I wasn’t confident to show that much of my skin because it’s been rather an on-going issue of mine… I’m not happy with my body and it’s been like this since my early teens! *wait, what?!*
I’ve been trying to achieve a toned/lean body for years by consistently exercising and eating well. There were times where my body was at its best, with muscles showing on my arms and chest. Yet, still… The fat in my lower abdominal area was there like its ingrown inside my body and not intending to leave or change no matter what I do. *sad face*
Also, this may come as a little surprise for some of you but… *takes a deep breath* I have a mild case of Pectus Excavatum! *googles to find out what the heck that is* SO, Pectus Excavatum is a structural deformity of the anterior thoracic wall, which (in my case), is lightly visible but does not affect my internal organs. Meaning, my chest bones have grown slightly inwards but I didn’t need the surgery to fix it. This was a deformity that my parents noticed during my puberty.
Even though I exercise regularly and my chest muscles grow… The results are often underwhelming because of the shape of my chest!
Everything happens for a reason!
Whilst in Valencia, I received a message from my dear friend Ed Lemont. He asked me if I know anyone who would be keen to undergo a new cosmetic procedure called Vaser Liposuction at Bella Vou.
At first, I wasn’t sure about that sort of procedure because it is a full-blown surgery! *yikes* As someone who has never had a surgery of any kind, it was definitely something I didn’t want to get myself into. However, after doing a little bit of research, I quickly realised that Vaser Liposuction is THE procedure I need!
So, I asked Ed to pass on my details to Bella Vou and take it from there. A few email exchanges and I was on my way to the Royal Tunbridge Wells to have my first consultation with Amir Nakhdjevani!
A little bit about Vaser Liposculpting procedure…
Vaser Liposculpting (or Vaser Liposuction) is an advanced body sculpting procedure that eliminates fat by using targeted ultrasound technology to liquefy and then very precisely remove fat from the body.
This treatment only targets fat cells, causing significantly less damage to other tissues. In other words: less pain, bruising and recovery time! It can also sculpt and shape multiple areas in a single procedure, including those ‘hard to reach’ areas of the body.
The thing I was most drawn to Vaser Liposculpting was the precise body sculpting procedure. There was an opportunity for me to have my chest sculptured to create the shape I was always dreaming of.
When I had my consultation with Dr. Amir, he briefly explained the surgery, the technology used and things I should do to fully prepare myself for it. Amir performs most of his procedures under local anaesthetic. He told me that he’ll be performing this surgery under twilight sedation as well… Meaning that I’ll be awake during the surgery. Ermmm, what?! *shook* I would lie if I say that I wasn’t taken back by it.
However, after a while, I got into terms with it and thought to myself that it will be quite an interesting journey. *haha, literally* I am a very curious individual, so doing that one thing a day that scares me also gives me strength to move forward. So, let’s do this!
Surgery Day!
The day before my surgery, Bella Vou were kind enough to offer me a 3-night stay at One Warwick Park Hotel which is just a few minutes walk from the clinic. The hotel offers partner rates for those who are having treatment at Bella Vou. Therefore, make sure to ask them for more details. *winkwink*
I was asked to arrive at the clinic at 10 am and have no food 6 hours prior to this. As you would imagine, I didn’t set my alarm at 4 am to have a meal to feed my old body. *gurl, bye*
When I arrived at Bella Vou, my mind was going through waves of emotions. I didn’t know whether I should be excited or nervous about this whole thing.
At the theatre (where the surgery was happening), the anaesthetist hooked me up to a drip which was inserting local anaesthetic into my bloodstream. Within seconds I was completely out of it. *no joke*
There were 6 small incisions made around my abdomen area to perform the procedure. At one point during the liposuction, I was more awake than usual. I could feel things going inside my body. *omg* But fear not, it wasn’t as bad as it sounds. The twilight sedation was really great as it made me feel very relaxed at moments like this.
The surgery took about 4 hours, which in my head played out as barely an hour. Honestly, one minute I was freaking out over a needle and next thing you know, I’m stuffing my face with an avo toast post-surgery. *hashtag wild times*
After care…
When the surgery was over, I was hooked up to 3 drainage tubes for the next 24 hours. It was to ensure that all the excess liquid has left my body and I could achieve the best possible results.
Also, I had to wear a compression foam and garment for at least 4-6 weeks following the surgery. It’s definitely not the most flattering outfit in the world but it made me feel cosy at night. As a blogger, I had to give my edgy outfits a little break and focus on other kinds of campaigns.
The thing I like the most about Bella Vou is that they provide the best post-surgery therapy treatments, which are included in their aftercare, by the way! I was required to attend daily 60-minute Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MDL) messages for the whole week. These are very important as they help reduce swelling, as well as release any remaining fluid from the body. MDL therapist Nikki performed my massages. She has made my recovery feel smooth and quite enjoyable. All of this is included in the price.
Final words, for now.
So, it’s been about 8 weeks since my surgery and I can confidently say that it was all worth it. Was it scary? Yes! Was it painful? A little bit BUT my body has never looked this good!
This whole experience gave me motivation to be kind to myself and my body. I’m currently changing my diet by going mostly plant-based. I also exercise more and drink on very rare occasions. Everything just keeps getting better! *yaaas*
Pssst… Watch this space as I’ll be updating you on my Vaser Liposculpting journey, including diet and fitness. Until next time. xoxo
