European Summer Destinations: Santorini

Santorini is surely one of the most romantic and suggestive Greek islands. Located in the Cyclades island group, in the southern Aegean Sea, its gleaming white-washed villages, with blue-domed churches and cobbled streets, build a romantic picture, while cliffs and dark sands add drama. 
If you're still not sure about where to go for the next holidays, Santorini is definitely a very good option: affordable, easy to reach and with much to discover. 

Here's a list of the 10 must-dos in this beautiful island: 

1. Discover Ammoudi's nature (and stop by the tavern!) 

Walk along the dust road to reach the small beach with the cliffs, dive into the deep waters and swim below the caldera, above the sea bottom chaos. Then go to the taverna with the yellowish colours on the walls for fish and sea dishes and wait for the sunset. The sun vanishes behind Thirasia and from this spot you have the sunset with the longest duration!

2. Enjoy amazing sunsets

Although the sunset at the Oia Castle is the most famous on the island, it is surely not the only one –and not necessarily always the best! You can admire a spectacular sunset at Fira, Firostefani and Imerovigli! In order to get a different angle of the sunset, having the whole of Santorini in the frame, you should go to Faros in Akrotiri, where you will be almost alone. Another option is to choose Profitis Ilias (Pyrgos), one of the highest spots of the island, or Vlihada beach, where you will be fascinated with the volcanic scenery changing colour nuances as the sun sets.

3. Stay in a cave house

The Santorinian architecture is really unique. Yposkafo (cave house) was the type of house built by the poor society class of Santorini in order to stay protected by the gusty winds. Nowadays, famous architects have turned these cave houses in modern and luxurious holiday resorts. It is worth to experience (even for one night) the claustrophobic feeling you get when you stay in a cave house, its characteristic smell and the direct access to caldera.

4. Visit Akrotiri

Nowhere in the world is there anything similar -and this year it opens to the public for the first time after six years. Visiting Akrotiri is like travelling in time. Walk around the streets and squares of a pre-historic city of 30.000 inhabitants(!), admire the elegant mansions and high finesse of the 17th century B.C.

5. Have a romantic dinner on the rim of the caldera

The feelings you get from the beautiful sceneries, the atmosphere and the view should be completed with a delicious and elegant meal. Let alone if you decide to eat in one of the most beautiful places  in the world: on the rim of the caldera. Even though Santorini has numerous remarkable restaurants outside caldera, a romantic evening there is worth spending.

6. Try the local cuisine with Santorini products

And how is it possible to feel the power of this land, unless you sense its aromas through the products of its earth, cooked by a chef who really loves it? 

7. The gastronomic Destination

Probably the most gastronomic island of the Aegean with a wide range of exceptional  local products and  restaurants attributing another dimension to the Greek cuisine. You will not have a full experience of the island if you omit trying dishes prepared by the distinguished and awarded chefs of the island, who cook with passion and give soul to local products.

8. Experience the Santorinian scuba diving

Only scuba diving lovers can really appreciate the unique experience of the underwater world. In Santorini this feeling will be greater, as you get the chance to see the distinctiveness of the bottom of this sea: the volcanic stones and the bottomless depth of the caldera. Take a chance to live this experience!

9. Go on an excursion!

Choose packages that include visiting the Volcano and Thermal Springs. Spend some time in Thirasia to explore Potamos and Manolas settlements, which are not touristically developed, and have a swim in Korfos (old harbour), where you can enjoy your meal at one of the picturesque tavernas. Having the view of Santorini while on board is surely an experience that you should no way miss!

10. Visit the village of Emporio

Emporio village is located in the heart of the island of Santorini and very close to the beaches of Perivolos and Perissa. In the village of Emporio take a stroll through the streets of the most well preserved Kasteli (Castle City)  of Santorini, admire the tall steeples of churches and take unique photographs. It is also worth visiting the church of Panagia Mesiani, the second most important church of the island. It is dedicated to the Annunciation of Virgin Mary and has a lovely wooden temple.

May's Horoscope by Astrologer Peter Watson

Believe it or not, the stars have always something to say! Whether you're a zodiac-fanatic or just a little curious about your future, you can find here what astrologer Peter Watson predicted for you this May.  

ARIES 21 MAR - 20 APR

Try not to let your emotions overwhelm you when debating intimate or awkward issues with a loved one. It’s important to listen as much as, if not more than, you speak. You’re about to learn a lot.

TAURUS 21 APR - 21 MAY

Why be afraid to discuss a financial or property matter that certainly does need clarifying? You seem to have imagined that others have an unhealthy interest in your affairs. They don’t. They’re genuinely interested in your well-being.

GEMINI 22 MAY - 21 JUN

Having spent some while feeling too embarrassed to talk about recent achievements, you’ll soon have to be more open and honest. Your ruler Mercury entering your sign will be a great incentive. Your bashfulness will soon fade.

CANCER 22 JUN - 23 JUL

Look for a way to tell friends, colleagues or loved ones that you’ve only so much time, effort and patience to devote to their problems. They think that you’re indestructible and now need to be taught otherwise.

LEO 24 JUL - 23 AUG

A number of people need to accept that your own wants and needs often go untended. And you mustn’t be afraid to admit that you are growing tired of playing the part of the one who’s selfless.

VIRGO 24 AUG - 23 SEP

If, as is likely, you feel you’re missing out on a professional or financial opportunity, why not express your dissatisfaction? There could just be a logical explanation as to why things are as they are. Try asking.

LIBRA 24 SEP - 23 OCT

Travel or some kind of get-together with unfamiliar people is on the cards. Do just allow yourself time to acclimatise to conditions which are completely foreign to you. Stress and strain mustn’t be allowed to overwhelm you.

SCORPIO 24 OCT - 22 NOV

For some reason you’ll try to discourage partners or pals from contributing to plans that have taken a lot out of you. What’s the point of such behaviour? See what happens as soon as you accept help.

SAGITTARIUS 23 NOV - 21 DEC

Privacy is of course important, especially under certain circumstances. But right now you would benefit from being brutally honest about relational issues you find difficult to manage. There’s no need to suspect everyone of gossip-mongering. Start talking.

CAPRICORN 22 DEC - 20 JAN

As soon as you talk of indulging yourself in various off-duty or entertaining pursuits, certain others will feel left out. Refuse to let them make you feel guilty. Sometimes you have to stop giving and start taking.

AQUARIUS 21 JAN -19 FEB

Every now and again a few sweet words can solve a problem. But you must curb a tendency to avoid harsh truths and shower love and affection on someone who actually needs taking to task. Toughen up. 

PISCES 20 FEB - 20 MAR

Much of what makes demands on you within the home or family could be improved with the help of others. Approach them but do so with a light touch. People grow tired of constant drama and complaints.

*Source: http://www.harpersbazaar.co.uk/horoscopes/

Fitness Trends of the Year

If you're one of those people who finds jogging extremely boring, maybe it's time to try something new. Just like every year, also 2014 brought some fun and innovative fitness trends that can help losing some extra-weight and shaping a perfect bikini-body. With summer approaching, we thought this was the right time to suggest four of them: whether you prefer a softer or tougher training, whether you have a busy or relaxed schedule, you'll find at least one new discipline to meet your needs. Enjoy!

ZUMBA STEP
After 5 years of traditional Zumba, it's time for a change! More focused on the lower part of the body, aimed at shaping a tonic bum, Zumba Step is definitely more challenging than its traditional version. Still fun and dynamic, this new discipline combines old school traditional fitness, dance (it's still Zumba after all!) and step aerobics.

AQUA SPIN
Take your bike and put it into a pool: this is aqua spin. It's as effective as traditional spinning, but with all the benefits of water that soothes the muscular pain and helps burning lots of calories (up to 800 in an hour).


EQUINOX TRAINING CAMP
This is literally a military approach to burn fats: three sessions a week for six weeks (no excuses, if you miss one you're out of the program) in which you'll push your body to the limits. The intense combination of circuit training paired with time drills makes you burn calories for hours after your training session ends. The result is guaranteed.

HOTPOD YOGA
This year is all about doing yoga in a portable and inflatable pod. The "cocoon" is heated to 37°, warm enough to aid flexibility, without making you feel sick. Hotpod Yoga shapes your body really nicely and it's great for tone and suppleness.

The Perfect Nail Color For Your Skin Tone

The weather is warming up and sandals and bright clothes are finally replacing our winter wardrobes... At this point of the year, there's nothing better than some well-groomed nails to flatter your new style and refresh your looks! But before hitting the salon for your first mani-pedi of 2014, here you can find some tips on the colors you should choose to perfectly match your skin tone. 

Pale complexions

• Shades that flatter: Pale: pastel pinks, blues and greens, pale peach, beige.
• Shades to avoid: Dark polishes like dark blue or black (unless you happen to like the Goth or vamp look), yellow, green, gold and orange.

Fair complexions

• Shades that flatter: Beige, white and silver. (French manicures look great), light and medium toned purples, soft oranges, darker pinks, reds and berry shades.
• Shades to avoid: Very dark blue, black, green, dark orange, gold.

Tan complexions

• Shades that flatter: Light blues, pinks and purples, tangerine, light brown, copper brown and chocolate.
• Shades to avoid: Gold and shades of gold (because it will blend in with the tanned skin and lose vibrancy).

Olive complexions

• Shades that flatter: Olive: peach or gold colors. Olive-medium: brown, reddish-browns, gold.
• Shades to avoid: Dark purple, red or navy blue. Bronze colors won’t show well against your skin tone.

Dark complexions

Dark complexions

• Shades that flatter: Deep purples, dark, yellow-based reds, dark greens, dark blues, black, chocolate-brown and gold.
• Shades to avoid: Orange, yellow, neon colors, pastels, white and silver.

April's Horoscope by Astrologer Peter Watson

Believe it or not, the stars have always something to say! Whether you're a zodiac-fanatic or just a little curious about your future, you can find here what astrologer Peter Watson predicted for you this April.  

ARIES 21 MAR - 20 APR

Enjoy being more transparent with those from whom you’ve felt slightly detached. It’s time to reassure them that you trust them and need their help and understanding. They might have something important to say to you, too.

TAURUS 21 APR - 21 MAY

Someone will tell you something that you find surprising. And it’s best if you let your instincts inform you of what the true story is likely to be. At times like this you really do know best.

GEMINI 22 MAY - 21 JUN

Allow a group of people to support you at the point at which you feel you might sink. It won’t take long for them to persuade you to see things from a far more positive, optimistic standpoint.

CANCER 22 JUN - 23 JUL

Listen carefully as colleagues or friends offer their opinions in connection with developments likely to affect your reputation. They want to help rather than make things worse. Don’t imagine for one moment that anyone’s plotting against you.

LEO 24 JUL - 23 AUG

Although it’s good to feel you can rely on the cooperation of other people, you shouldn’t assume that they’ll do all the hard graft so that you’re off the hook from this week onwards. No such luck!

VIRGO 24 AUG - 23 SEP

By confiding in colleagues or friends you’ll feel less lonely and isolated in as much as one particular issue is concerned. The benefits will be enormous. So let Mercury’s change of sign encourage you to speak out.

LIBRA 24 SEP - 23 OCT

Be realistic as others play down your involvement within a complex area. Tell them you’d prefer to know what you’re really up against rather than try to convince yourself it’s all simple and straightforward, when it’s not.

SCORPIO 24 OCT - 22 NOV

Give way to those trying to convince you that you need more fun in your life. They are spot-on when they say you’ve forgotten how to take time out and adopt a light touch. Think about it.

SAGITTARIUS 23 NOV - 21 DEC

A number of home and family matters can now be resolved although some of them will be surprisingly complicated. Don’t cut corners. You’re being given a chance to search hard for solutions that will last a lifetime.

CAPRICORN 22 DEC - 20 JAN

Instead of remaining silent and allowing others to make important decisions, it would be better for you to remind yourself that you have a voice. And at times like this you should use it, for everybody’s sake.

AQUARIUS 21 JAN -19 FEB

Ignore those trying to squabble over incidental little issues and focus on the big stuff. There’s one particular issue that needs your undivided attention and you must show you can debate long and hard without becoming overheated.

PISCES 20 FEB - 20 MAR

Money will become a talking point. But that shouldn’t mean that other important topics are overlooked. It might not be easy to insist that people listen to questions you have to ask but it must be done.

*Source: http://www.harpersbazaar.co.uk/horoscopes/

From Thailand with Love

Some more pics from that corner of paradise on the other side of the world called Koh Samui!

After a beautiful morning on a boat discovering the natural beauty of the Gulf of Thailand, Marie and her friend Dina spent a relaxing afternoon by the pool, nibbling fresh fruit and delicious tropical drinks. 
It's SUMARIE's lifestyle: the perfect balance between comfort and adventure. 

Look at the other gorgeous pictures by following this link http://wherethelifeissumarie.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/postcard-from-koh-samui.html

Postcard from... Koh Samui!

After months of hard work our boss Marie Su went on a well-deserved spring-break to Koh Samui, heavenly tropical island in the south of Thailand.
Getting tanned in the warm sun, walking on the white sand, having dinner on the beach, breathing the salty air and, oh, that silence...  We can only imagine how great it must be to enjoy that piece of paradise!

Made in London, Jewelry Now

Looking for something different and a little luxurious to do this weekend? The Museum of London is currently hosting an incredible exhibition of contemporary jewelry. 

Seven highly talented London-based designers present their most inventive work, offering an insight into jewel crafting and imaginative processes. 

The Museum of London’s Senior Fashion Curator, Beatrice Behlen, chose these artists for their ability to ‘create a unique identity and aesthetic’ and stand out in London’s hub of innovation. 

No excuses: you have until the end of April to get some boundary-pushing, golden inspiration. Besides, the exhibition is free!

Post LFW Showroom Make Over!

The new Sumarie showroom finally ready for your eyes.
A bigger, brighter and more populated! Did you meet our team?

All the collection are visible and a relaxing display invite to merge yourself with Sumarie's world.

The windows display: - Bonnie trousers and their classic Zig Zag prints,  retail pice £465
- Julie Bikini in white, retail price £159