Mr. Salt and Pepper

Fun things to do near the IFS Cloud Cable Car

25th September 2023

This blog post was done in collaboration with Transport for London.

One of the most unique ways to transport yourself across the River Thames is by taking the IFS Cloud Cable Car. 🚠

So, this Monday, I’m taking you on an elevating journey, where you can discover exciting things to do on either side of the river. 🤟🏻

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A post shared by TfL (@transportforlondon)

Greenwich Peninsula

Now Gallery

First up, in Greenwich Peninsula there’s the iconic O2 Arena, but did you know that there’s also the NOW Gallery. The gallery hosts a series of exhibitions including the Future of London showcase.

The NOW Gallery is located in the heart of the newly-developed Design District, best known as London’s first permanent, purpose-built workspace for the creative industries. There are 16 unique buildings designed by 8 pioneering architects. This makes it a unique experience as you walk around the quirky alleyways before grabbing a quick bite at the food and drink canteen.

The Design District in Greenwich Peninsular

Cable car

Then there’s the IFS Cloud Cable Car which is a one-of-a-kind experience. It allows you to see London from 300 feet above the ground. Right after you take off from Greenwich Penninsula, you can spot a huge 60ft sculpture of a man, created by none other than Damien Hirst!

Royal Docks

ExCel Exhibition Centre and Royal Victoria Footbridge

Over at the Royal Docks, there’s the ExCel Exhibition Centre and Royal Victoria Dock Footbridge. Here you can once again immerse yourself in London’s amazing skyline. There’s also an opportunity for you to do some plane spotting with London’s City Airport being seen with the naked eye.

Plane spotting at The Royal Victoria Dock Footbridge

Thames Barrier Park

Within a 15-minute walk from the footbridge, there’s the Thames Barrier Park where you can discover London’s retractable barrier system. You can also get lost in the sunken garden which often feels like a maze in its own right.

… and there you have it!

The IFS Cloud Cable Car runs regularly throughout the week. There are plenty of exciting activities for you to take part in at both locations. These include the London Cable Car Experience, open-water swimming, golfing and climbing the O2 – just to name a few.

BTW, let’s stay in touch! 😉

Life

Attitude of Gratitude

27th July 2023

Serving gratitude. Shot at Treehouse Hotel in London.

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.

Views of the BT Tower from Treehouse Rooftop Terrace in London.

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. 👀

Serving gratitude. Shot at Treehouse Rooftop Bar in London.

Serving gratitude. Shot at Treehouse Rooftop Terrace in London.

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. 🫶🏻

Life / Style / Travel

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.

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