Live it: Santorini Style

H and I had a brilliant time on our recent holiday to the Greek Island of Santorini, We wanted to share some of our photos with you guys. We stayed in Perissa, to the south of the island about 40 mins from the airport by coach. 

We booked our Holiday in H's local Thomas Cook, they were super helpful, despite us being quite picky about what we wanted for our trip away. They managed to find us a great deal with Olympic Holidays, at the family run Sandy Villas. Despite the 'mixed' reviews on trip advisor, we found it to be a great place to stay, just perfect for our expectations and budget. The rooms were basic but clean, the location was great, about a 5-10 mins walk to the long beach and lots of local restaurants.

 I am going to honest we chose this holiday because it was the cheapest deal we could find at the time we wanted to go, however we were really lucky and it turns out we got a great deal and the location was brilliant. Olympic offered a good selection of excursions, but as we were there to just relax, we chose to stay at the villa's pool (which was beautiful) read books most days and head down to the beach for dinner every night. 

It was a short, pretty walk down to the beach, which we made everyday. There was a supermarket and 24 hour bakery at the end of our road, which we also visited everyday, mostly because of the amazing cakes but also because the baker was delightful eye candy!

Perissa Beach

Neither H or I are fans of being on the beach during the day preferring the pool, particularly as it was volcanic sand, but it was really nice to be there in the evenings. The promenade ran along the beach front and was lined with restaurants, bars and shops. We managed to eat in a different place every night and there were still plenty we could have tried.  Every meal we had was a good one, but we really liked Tranquilo and Noma. 

One of our favourite places was the ice cream parlour, we ate there three times! It was a winner for me because they had my favourite pistachio and coconut ice creams. They also did waffles and crepes, so of course we had to sample those too! The decor was really cute, I loved this table made out of two baskets and a door.

I would totally recommend Santorini as a holiday destination, we had a great time and we didn't even take in any of the beautiful sites that the island has to offer.

We had a completely relaxing week, we chilled out and read books, swam in the pool and enjoyed the sunshine, or shade if your H. 

Now where have you guys been this year, where are you off to? Have you posted on your blog about your trip, comment with a link below and we will come and check it out!

H and Sammy xxx

Live it: Sew Crafty and the Torch

Well it is a Historic day for any town in the UK when the Olympic torch makes its way through. On the 10th of July at 11.15 am it was Maidenheads turn. As many of you already know I am hugely proud of the town I call my home and yesterday Maidonian's didn't disappoint, coming out in force to watch the torch jog down our High Street!

My little store was lucky enough to be on the route so we had an amazing view! We were able to open up as usual and just take in the atmosphere as people started to arrive.

There was a lovely old chap took up his position at 8.45am so he knew he would have the best view, within easy reach of refreshment at 'The Bear'... I don't blame him!

 By 10.30am our end of the street had started to bustle with BBC news crews and excited children waiting for the once in a lifetime view of the Olympic torch running past our noses, in true British spirit...in spite of the weather!

I took my space next to my Dad, Miss Anna one of our Groves Sales reps and friend of the shop Russel, so I could get a good Photo of the torch as it passed our shop.

 I couldn't resist a cheeky pic of Maidenhead's finest keeping the crowds in order... Hot fuzz!

 

Some of the locals even taking to the rooftops to get a view as the streets became packed with residents and visitors of all ages. With a cheer that rippled down the street the police escort arrived, waving to the crowds, anyone would have thought we were there for them :)

The music from the sponsor's vehicles hit us well before they did, with cheerleaders getting us in the mood for the torches arrival from Samsung's blue bus, and Coca Cola handing out free drinks, from their party bus.

Although we were all hoping that the LloydsTSB bus signalled free money as the Cola bus had offered us with drink, alas it was not to be, but they did have some fancy acrobats, and a super cool retro vehicle!

As our neighbours lent further out of their windows to get a better view I knew the main event was on its way, and then with a loud roar from the crowds the golden torch appeared, held aloft by our sections torch bearer Bob Block, MD. 

He looked right in to my lens and gave me a beaming smile as he jogged past! He looked so excited to be greeted by so many people, I think the smile on his face will be lasting for quite some time!

The torch was carried by Bob Block age 69.

As the 2011-12 American Academy of Pediatrics president, Robert Block, MD, has capitalised on his extensive leadership in children's health and well-being to make a difference in health care policy development. He is also an award-winning teacher in general pediatrics and manages a thriving paediatric clinic for more than 12,000 children. Having presented more than 2,000 community and professional talks, Dr. Block believes that delivering the best health care has only limited value unless all children have equal access. His incredible commitment to children's health over the past four decades inspired Coca-Cola to recognise him for the Olympic Torch Relay.

 As you can see I managed to get my little shop in the back of the shot too!

 This is definatly one for the Sew Crafty scrapbook.

Living it in Gold! It's the new black, don't you know!

Sammy xxx