Posts tagged SUMMER
A Guide To Greek Island Spetses & Style Guide
Total look: Tom Tailor / Sunglasses: Gucci

Total look: Tom Tailor / Sunglasses: Gucci

I find it hard to write about Spetses. I’ve known it too long, loved it too well. I visit the island very often and I really love it. During the spring and summer time the island is very crowded and popular but off season I still recognize the island I first knew. The crowds of flashy Athenians and their spoiled progeny vanish except on certain weekends, the motorbike traffic drops to bearable, the overpriced boutiques close, removing their casually elegant temptations from my view, and life settles back to its naturally indolent pace. Below you will find some of my favorite places to visit while you will be there.

Behind the cafés, though, two entertainment meccas – the island’s outdoor cinemas – remain unchanged. There are bars and clubs all along the waterfront and concentrated in the Old Harbor and Baltiza (inner harbor). Like Bikini which is the best, votsalo and spetses bar.

Naturally, there are any number of places to eat. Fish fanatics may opt for grilled octopus without frills at the Fish Market near Dapia or Patralis on the water at Kounoupitsa. The latter is fancier but a good place to splurge because the food and service are always excellent. Traditional home cooking and fish are available every day of the year at Roussos Taverna near Agios Mamas, the town beach. You can choose your dish from the stew pots and baking pans behind the counter and the prices are reasonable.

In the Paliolimani, we always used to go for an ouzo at Kapeloyiannis’s tables on the dock and follow up with dinner next door at Sioras’s Exedra. At these places, where the elite meet, you can be sure to see friends, eat well and pay handsomely for the pleasure of sitting right on the water. A more moderately priced eatery in the Old Harbor, just before the road curves into the Baltiza/inner yacht harbor, is the aptly named Kalakathoumena, an expression which means "out of the blue" but taken literally could mean "sitting well". Good food, very agreeable owners.

Following the road into the Baltiza, there are several options we like, depending on the mood and pocket book: Nektarios’s taverna, on the water, for simple, economical dishes; and Costa’s Pizzeria, an institution, on the right side of the road. Costa lived in Italy for years and knows how pizzas should taste and how to keep people coming back for more, year after year.

Continuing on the road all the way around the Baltiza, usually jammed with yachts three-deep in summer and the odd fishing kaiki, will bring you to the promontory with the lighthouse at its tip. Take a look at the karnayio/shipyard at the entrance and then explore the headland. More than a great place to escape bikes and people, especially in the early evening, it is also an open-air sculpture museum scattered with highly imaginative animals crafted by Natalia Mela out of unlikely materials. Nata, a well known Athenian sculptor who made Spetses her summer home, is in her 80s and still producing delightful work from found objects like chains, rakes, tools and sheepbells. Besides her goats and bulls are a mermaid on the shore, a freedom fighter under the lighthouse and, on the new jetty near the Posidonion, a statue of Bouboulina.

Those are some of my favorite places to eat and drink. And what about swimming? At Agii Anargyri, the island’s biggest beach, you can swim into a large cave where women and children allegedly hid during at least one Ottoman raid. The story goes that their wily menfolk placed fezzes on the asphodels that grow by the hundreds near the lighthouse and frightened the enemy away.

By now all the larger beaches are equipped with sunbeds, brollies and tavernas. Closest to town is Agia Marina, which faces the Niarchos family’s island of Spetsopoula, acquired by papa Stavros after his archrival Ari Onassis bought Skorpios in the Ionian. The beach here is a bit stony but I love it in the morning before the wind chops its glassy surface into waves. Until eleven, it’s practically empty except for the oldsters enjoying their daily gossip as they tread water in the shallows with their hats on. If you’re feeling flush, have a drink or lunch at Paradisos behind the beach. Otherwise, Tzortzis on the right offers the same view for much less (and a less exciting but adequate menu).

Heading round the island – by bus, kaiki, or sea taxi if you haven’t rented wheels – omitting the smaller coves, you come to Xilokeriza (once my favorite before the houses were built), Agii Anargyri and Agia Paraskevi. This last had no taverna in our day and we saved it for special occasions – all day picnics and evening lamb roasts. The pines are much diminished since the last fire two-three years ago and the once scarily isolated house above the beach, said to be where the Magus lived, stands exposed and bereft of fantasy. The pines have re-seeded themselves though, so one hopes they will be allowed to grow.

Zogeria, the final biggish bay, faces north. It has always had a taverna and is popular with yachts. Between it and Kounoupitsa/Dapia are a few idyllic coves where pines still reach the water’s edge and cyclamen bloom with the first autumn rains.

But what to wear when you are on the island? When you are on the island the only thing that you need is your swimwear. The vibes are quiet chill and people prefer to stroll around casual and with their swimwear and a T-Shirt.

Total look: Tom Tailor / Sunglasses: Gucci

Total look: Tom Tailor / Sunglasses: Gucci

6 Ways Vodka Is Actually Pretty Good For Your Health
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Vodka was made for so much more than mules and martinis. It may surprise you to learn that the spirit was actually invented as a source of medicine and to this day, the colorless, odorless drink has a number of health benefits. So the next time you're debating what kind of cocktail to order, consider this:

1. Vodka has disinfectant properties.

Vodka is a natural disinfectant and antiseptic. It has been used to treat toothaches, clean wounds, and clean your house, though you probably shouldn't swap it out for your regular household disinfectant.

2. It can relieve stress.

You may have heard that red wine is a natural relaxer, but it's nothing compared to vodka, which has been scientifically proven to relieve tension better than vino.

3. It's heart-healthy.

Vodka can increase blood-flow and circulation in your body which can prevent clots, strokes, and other heart diseases. (It was an animal study, though, so take with a grain of salt.) Vodka can also help lower your cholesterol. And, for those watching their weight, it's also generally considered a lower-calorie alcohol.

4. It contributes to oral hygiene.

We already mentioned how vodka can soothe toothaches, but swishing a shot of it can help combat bad breath as well.

5. It can alleviate symptoms caused by arthritis.

Apparently, patients who suffered from rheumatoid arthritis and had semi-regular vodka drinks throughout the month felt less pain and inflammation associated with their disease, according to this study.

6. It reduces risks associated with diabetes.

Unlike beer or wine, a shot of vodka can actually reduce blood sugar levels. This is most effective when taken straight: never has there been a better excuse for a martini.

So ladies and gentlemen, do not hesitate! Just order a Grey Goose on the rocks and enjoy the benefits of the vodka. 

Summer Rooftop Parties
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If we know one thing for sure, it's that summer is the best time to party. And what better than to throw a summer rooftop party?

The only things that you have to think about are: the music, the guest and of course the drinks!

Music: the worst thing that it can happened is to have dead music in your party! Choose songs that are hot and you can set your party on fire! 

The guests: Spending your night with just your beloved one or with your friends or even with 200 guests it depends on you. Just choose the right ones for you. 

Drinks: Probably the most important thing when it comes to parties! Drinks must be fine and well made! Vodka is the it summer drink and it will help you also make various cocktails. I choose Grey Goose because it is the most tasteful vodka out there and my favorite cocktail at the moment is the ''Le Grand Fizz''.  

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Summer Photodiary
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 "And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer."

gentlemans diary summer style
gentlemans diary serifos
gentlemans diary serifos

In the infinite charm of the Aegean Sea, Serifos the "iron island" of the Cyclades stands out, in its unique way and beauty, enchanting the visitors at first sight.

gentlemans diary serifos
gentlemans diary summer serifos

"The crickets felt it was their duty to warn everybody that summertime cannot last for ever. Even on the most beautiful days in the whole year – the days when summer is changing into autumn – the crickets spread the rumor of sadness and change."

gentlemans diary serifos
gentlemans diary summer
Endless Blue

It’s the perfect time to write about summer, as I’m no longer afraid that I’d jinx it. It’s been great so far, and to top it all, we’re in the midst of a heat wave with scorching temperatures during the day. This is the thing about summer: it comes with sun-kissed promises and blue whispers for days filled with bright skies, adventures, and sunset dreaming. It’s a strange thing, this feeling of nostalgia, even though it’s still summer, so here are a few reasons why I love it so much.

The Warm Weather

The days are long, the evenings warm, the nights balmy, and even the city breeze carries the smell of the sea (I know, some may call this wishful thinking). But it’s a great feeling, waking up early and realising that the sun is already up, even though it's six in the morning. And when the sun’s out, I feel energised, and I can't wait to sit outside with my first cup of coffee and plan my day.

The Sense of Joy

I grew up in a country where the summers were long and hot and, admittedly, I took that for granted. But I love the Greek summer and I quickly learnt to appreciate the trepidation, the anticipation, and the pure jubilation that accompany each day of sunshine. 

The Holidays

It's time for holidays, abroad or at home. It’s time to rent a villa on the beach, a city apartment, or a hotel room with a sea, lake or mountain view. It’s time to explore, to experience, to live, and to fall in and out of love. It’s time to make some memories. It’s time to go hiking, fishing, camping, or to cook a BBQ, sit by a campfire, collect seashells, go on a boat ride, or just lie on the beach. It’s also time to lounge in a hammock, on a deck chair, on the grass, on a balcony, or on a porch (oh, how I’d love to have one of those). Because in the summer having a lazy day and doing absolutely nothing is more than okay.

The Food, the Drinks, the Ice-cream

It’s easy to be healthy during the summer and eating a salad or drinking a fruit smoothie doesn’t make me feel miserable. I also discovered frozen yoghurt, loaded with mouthwatering toppings. My favourite topping at the moment is the roasted coconut flakes. And drinking the finest vodka is a must. So, cheers to an extraordinary summer with the delicate Grey Goose Le Grand Fizz. 

Patmos Experience

Patmos, Greece is my latest addiction. A place where nature, aesthetics and good life meet each other. Next stop is Mykonos. 

For this post i choose simple pieces just like the environment here. White is the dominant color. I hope you ladies and gentlemen get inspired by this look and hopefully in the future you will find the chance to visit this place.   

Enjoy Life In Style With Bluemint

Bluemint is a premium beachwear brand that captures the unique, memorable moments in life with effortless style and comfort. It is Gentlemans Diary latest addiction. Created to enjoy with family and friends the magic of long Mediterranean summers, Bluemint is defined by its tailored clean aesthetic, attention to details and an international timeless appeal. A brand for true gentlemen!

Inspired from real life experiences, different lifestyles, art, travel and photography; Bluemint is an indispensable part of life, starting from the beach up to the city. The expertise in fabrics and design, the attention to colour and outstanding quality make of Bluemint one of the world’s best beachwear brands to be worn in style and comfort for many years to come. Thanks to its durability it can be worn for years to come, creating a personal style for each season. 

Each swim shorts is made with the utmost attention to details using time-tested methods of construction and finishing so they can fit just perfect to every body type. Gentlemans Diary advise is to go for the 'Arthur' swim short model. Take a minute to visit Bluemints official site. Check out the big variety of products that Bluemint offers and choose yours. Enjoy more here.