Skirmantas is a freelance Lifestyle Blogger with a focus on fashion, fitness, sustainability and experiences. His passion for blogging was born back in Lithuania, where he worked on several fan pages and video blogs. After finishing high school in 2009, Skirmantas moved to the United Kingdom to pursue his career in media. He spends his days finding out new discoveries for readers of his lifestyle blog – Mr. Salt and Pepper. Three main loves: quality plant-based food, latest fashion trends and travelling.
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. 😉
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*
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*
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! 😘
Can you believe… Christmas eve is in 5 weeks?! I certainly can’t! Where did the time go? *shook* In exactly one month, I will be flying home to see my family and friends. I’m super excited to celebrate Christmas with my humans: chatting, laughing, sipping a glass of red and having a jolly good time. *as you dooo* However, I’m not ready to end this year just yet!
There are so many things that I need to complete in order to greet 2020 with open arms. Next month, Mr. Salt and Pepper blog is turning 3. *throws confetti* So, I’m planning to do a complete redesign of my blog, including some content improvements and Instagram. *yaaas, werk* Also, I keep getting requests from my readers asking me to do a follow-up post to my Vaser surgery experience. From diet to exercise, I will be going more in-depth with everything that has changed my life in 2019 and how I’m going to improve myself in the new year. So… Watch this space!
This blog post was done in collaboration with River Island. However, all views expressed here are my own!
Meet me in… Theatreland! 🎭
To me, nothing says winter cosy more than a good quality tracksuit combo, complimented with a wool overcoat. I snagged this set from River Island’s Cosy Christmas/Going Out collection, which hit stores this week!
If you’ve been following me for a while now, you definitely noticed a subtle change in my everyday style. I went from an edgy East London kind to a more sophisticated gent by simply pairing a smart coat with my favourite River Island tracksuit.
This year, my aim is to be more sustainable. Therefore, I’m getting fewer but better quality pieces that I could wear on multiple occasions… How about that!
This blog post was done in collaboration with Mama Shelter London. However, all views expressed here are my own!
What happens in Mama, stays in Mama! <3
Let’s face it. Everyone loves a little stay-cation once in a while. Last week, I had the opportunity to stay at Mama Shelter’s brand new London location. Situated just a short walk from trendy Shoreditch, Mama Shelter is known for its homely setting and edgy designs. If you’re a 90s kid like me, you’ll be in for a treat. The hotel boasts with little throwback items scattered all over the place. Think Street Fighter, Looney Tunes and X-Men, just to name a few! *oh emmm geee*
When I arrived at Mama Shelter London, I instantly fell in love with the atmosphere. It was definitely my kind of place to not only stay over for the night but also hang with friends in the back garden or grab dinner at the restaurant. *new hangout alert* But let’s talk about drinks and food a little bit later.
The thing I like about Mama Shelter London the most is the fact that their rooms start at a whopping £99! *wowsers* With nearby hotels offering less for more money, you’re definitely getting yourself a bargain here. Each suite has a large TV, sitting area and a well-lit bathroom (see a slightly frightening picture below, LOL).
Also, the hotel is just a stone throw away from 2 of my favourite gay venues – The Queen Adelaide pub and Metropolis Nightclub, which hosts some of the best weekly gay parties in London. Therefore, Mama Shelter London is a great starting point to your epic night out!
Let Mama feed you!
Ok, so let’s talk about food. Mama Shelter London is the first place I came across in the entire United Kingdom where there’s no V (vegetarian) or Ve (vegan) stated on the menu. Instead, there’s PB. At first, I was a little bit confused about what it meant but it all made sense in the end – it’s Plant-Based! It’s either you’re getting a plant-based dish or not. No grey areas, just real food!
I’ve been on a plant-based journey for 5 months now. I am sick and tired of all these potentially great vegan dishes being spoiled with dairy, which can easily be replaced with something fresh and tasty. *word*. Therefore, Mama Shelter is not about that life. They’re offering real and fresh plant-based dishes with exceptions. So, we’ve ordered Iced Seasonal Veg Crudites and Cumin Roasted Cauliflower from their Plant-Based Sharers menu. My guest and I thought that the Cumin Roasted Cauliflower was the highlight of this whole experience because of its rich flavour and combination. I also ordered a Parmigiana with cashew, rocket and sherry vinegar as a main, which literally melted in my mouth! *low key daydreams about it to this day*. Each meal on the menu is priced pretty reasonably – around £10-14. So, if you’re up for a little tasting adventure then look no further!
After dinner, we popped down to the garden to have some cocktails. Each drink on the menu is under £10, including classics and Mama’s Signature cocktails. As a huge fan of whiskey, I’ve been served a great quality Whiskey Sour (with vegan egg white) and Old Fashion. Espresso Martini also didn’t disappoint us. Ahhh, what a great night that was!
Verdict!
Mama Shelter London is not only a great hotel but also a lovely place to start your night in trendy East London. There’s a DJ to get your groove on, exceptional cocktails to excite your pallet, tasty Plant-Based dishes to feed your body and soul… And even a karaoke room – just in case you want to test your singing abilities. *sigh* Highly recommend! *thumbs up*
This blog post was done in collaboration with Gaston Luga and Sunglasses Shop. However, all views expressed here my own!
A Breath of Fresh Air!
The London Fashion Week SS20 season is officially over! *whew* I’m so so (one more) SOOO glad that everything is finally back to normal. *haha yaaas*. These past couple of seasons, I wasn’t too keen on LFW because it’s just not really my scene. However, things are a little different this time around…
Many British designers are currently making big efforts to be more sustainable by focusing on upcycling and zero-waste. So, this has made me EXTREMELY HAPPY! *insert happy emoji here*. I’m so happy to know that more and more industries are leaning towards a sustainable future. A huge step forward!
So, with that said… This year, I’ve decided to spend less on fast fashion and invest more in quality, long-lasting pieces. Recently, I picked a new backpack and wallet from Gaston Luga. They are a Swedish brand that produces ace quality PU-leather backpacks and accessories. I absolutely love my new Pråper backpack. It’s durable and has that extra-secure closure, which is extremely important when carrying expensive equipment with you, everywhere. *feels confident carrying his valuables around busy London*
Also, I snagged a new pair of Ray-Bans from my all-time favourite – the Sunglasses Shop. If you’ve been reading my blog for a while now, you know how much I love Sunglasses Shop. They always have the best deals on my favourite brands, so it’s my go-to destination for eyewear and accessories. These new Ray-Ban Wings II shades make the ultimate statement when prancing down the streets of Central London and wanting to hide those sassy eyerolls. *lolwerk*
Oh, and BY THE WAY! Scroll down to the bottom of this blog post to discover my exclusive discount codes for both Gaston Luga and Sunglasses Shop. *yay* It’s such a perfect time to update your autumnal wardrobe with some quality bags and accessories. So, go on and treat-yo-self!
Skirmy
