China, EU hold high-level strategic dialogue

BRUSSELS, June 10 -- China and the European Union (EU) held their sixth high-level strategic dialogue here Friday, with both sides pledging to further cooperation in various areas.

The event was co-chaired by visiting Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi and EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini.

China sees the EU as a comprehensive strategic partner for mutual benefit, Yang said, adding that deepening China-EU relations was not only in line with both demands on economic and social development, but also conductive to global peace, stability and economic recovery.

The two sides agreed to implement the consensus reached by both leaders at the 17th China-EU Summit held in June last year that enhances synergy between their development strategies, and deepens cooperation on trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, digitization, legal affairs, and facilitation of people-to-people exchanges, Yang said.

They also agreed to accelerate negotiations on bilateral investment agreements and to inject more vigor into cooperation on political security, technology innovation, maritime economy, ocean technology, and cultural tourism, he added.

The EU and China will enhance coordination and ensure the success of the 18th China-EU Summit scheduled in Beijing next month, Yang said. As well, they agreed to join efforts with relevant parties to make the upcoming G20 Summit produce positive outcome, he noted.

Mogherini said China is a key cooperative partner of the EU and the two sides conducted fruitful cooperation on a wide range of fields, bringing pragmatic benefit to both sides.

She praised China's constructive role in coping with global and regional challenges, saying strengthened EU-China dialogues and policy coordination would help generate more cooperative outcomes and solve international and regional hot issues.

Yang also met with Deputy Belgian Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Didier Reynders on Friday. During the meeting, Yang said China would like to advance cooperation with Belgium in such areas as micro-electronics, aerospace, nuclear energy, biological medicine and environment protection.

Earlier on Thursday, Yang also met with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker. He expressed the will to work with the EU to cement cooperation in politics, trade and the people-to-people exchanges.

Swimwear Trends 2016

Every year, Miami, the home of white sand beaches, crystal clear tropical waters, and some of the hottest swimwear designers in the world showcase their predictions for the up and coming swimwear trends. This year’s show did not disappoint. The designers have their fingers on the pulse of what the ladies of today want in swimwear: sexy, affordable styles, with just the right amount of coverage without compromising fabric choice for the best fit and feel.

Animal print was a big winner this year, and our Cheetah Bandeau Top paired with a cute tie side bottom with black and gold tassel detailing fits the bill perfectly. The sleek elegance of the print paired with your rich tan is the perfect compliment for any beachgoer.

Another popular option is for the sophisticated woman who prefers mature yet playful colors and prints. The one-piece Floral Rose Contemporary suit is gorgeous on! The black, white and rose pattern, complete with crisscross detailing across the abdomen and an elegant yet fun low-scooped back will surely turn heads.

Swim week featured other fun and modern options, especially around ruffles and boho style suits. Check out this adorable suit! The white and pink bohemian style pattern and ruffled bottom with sky-blue piping is a flirty choice. Match it with a halter style top, complete with a dangling light blue tassel sure to compliment any figure.

What else was at the top of Miami’s “must have list” for the 2016 summer season? Macrame and mesh style suits in both one and two-piece options. We have plenty of color choices and styles for you to choose from. Our Heather suit comes in many bold, vibrant colors and fashions. Select a knotted halter style top with racy cut outs along the medial aspect of the bust line. This suit is a perfect choice! Colors include lilac, hot and pastel pink, mint, yellow, ocean blue and others.

When you just can’t make a choice, a black swimsuit is always classic and elegant. Browse our large selection of black suits, including laser cut tops, bandeau, and tribal fringe tops. Bottoms include as much or as little coverage as desired. Mix and match styles to suit your personal style and taste.

The 2016 summer season will soon arrive! With one of our elegant, classic and luxuriousswimsuits, you’ll be on the cutting edge of panache around the pool deck.

Why you need to try neoprene swimwear this season?

Want to know about neoprene swimwear? Read this!

Although swimsuits were not much in fashion earlier, there’s a complete new demand for the same in the market. People are now finding new brands to look gorgeous and sexy when they are on beaches. No matter what age you belong to, you always want to appear attractive to the people belonging to the opposite gender (unless you’re preference is the same gender!) Therefore, a lot of brands have divided their attention to swimwear so that they can get more number of customers for themselves.

There are different fabrics used to manufacture swimming costumes; but the one that has come in demand the most is neoprene. This fabric was earlier used only for gloves and other extra accessories that you need to swim; but now the designers use it for the sake of making swimsuits.

What is neoprene material or fabric?

Before I go ahead and tell you the benefits of wearing swimsuits made from this fabric, I would like to tell you what exactly this material is – it belongs to the synthetic rubber family, which is produced by process of polymerization of chloroprene. Don’t be confused – let me tell you what this material feels like. It is a very smooth textured material, which hugs your body in the most appropriate and beautiful manner. Since swimsuits are supposed to be body-hugging, this fabric is high in demand for the same.

What are the different benefits of neoprene swimwear?

• This material is said to be THE BEST for all the new swimmers out there. If you want to learn swimming in the quickest way, always prefer neoprene swimsuits. Why? Because this material pushes you up the water. In simple words, it makes you float easily on the water.
• If you swim regularly, neoprene swimsuits are excellent for you. You don’t have to push yourself hard against the water if you wear this fabric.
• The material stretches according to your body. Therefore, you don’t feel suffocated, no matter for how long you swim. This fabric sticks to your body and even if you gain or lose a little bit of weight, the suit fits you perfectly!
• For all those who love surfing in and against the tides – neoprene swimsuits are amazing! You don’t have to feel uncomfortable when you are wearing this material because the wetter it gets, the better it fits!
• Some of the swimming costumes are extremely heavy. Besides, when you get wet, they make your body feel heavier. On the other hand, neoprene swimsuits are extremely light in nature and make you feel lighter when you are wet.
• There are several swimsuits that make you feel clenched and breathless. While swimming, you have to wear such a costumer that allows you to breath and actually breathes with you (you would understand what I mean if you are a swimmer!) Neoprene material breathes along with you and never suffocates you at all. Therefore, most of the swimmers now prefer swimsuits made of this fabric.

Beach Party Ideas

Bring the surf and sun to your home with a beach party. Have guests come in bathing suits or luau apparel to get in the mood to soak up the fun. With themed party gear, games and treats, your beach-inspired party will make a splash with your little one’s friends and their parents.

Beach Party Theme Ideas

source images: pinterest

Hula Party

Take out the tiki torch and palm trees (even if they’re fake), play Beach Boys tunes and get the kids ready to shimmy in grass skirts. Use floral, surfer and tropical décor and tableware to tie the look together. A hula party is a blast for adults and kids alike with ideas like:

• Serving fruit kabobs.
• Setting up a tiki bar.
• Providing a lei-making station.
• Holding a limbo competition.
• Make a seashell tealight party favor.

source images: pinterest

Under the Sea Party

Make a splash without getting wet with an underwater world—perfect for an animal lover or an aspiring marine biologist. With patterned tableware and decorations, your child and guests will feel as if they’re in an octopus’ garden.

• Twist 3-foot lengths of crepe paper and stick them to the wall so they look like seaweed.
• Use a disco ball to create the illusion of shimmering water on the walls.
• Instead of potato sack races, have mermaid or merman races.
• Use croissants for sandwich bread and affix googly eyes to the tops to make them look like crabs.
• Line the center of tables with shells and starfish, which you can make from salt dough.
• Make seashell wind chimes.

source images: pinterest

Fun in the Sun

Think flip-flops, sunglasses and beach balls. Even if the festivities are inside, a summer-inspired party will chase away any winter blues.

• Decorate flip-flops.
• Play balloon volleyball.
• Include a pair of neon-colored sunglasses in beach buckets that double as goodie bags.
• Play “musical beach towels” instead of musical chairs.
• Decorate cakepops so they look like beach balls.

---

source images: pinterest

Beach Party Planning and Invitation Ideas

After you and your child pick out the perfect theme, it’s time to send invitations and get busy with party planning. Give your guests enough notice by sending invitations three to four weeks in advance. Use your creativity to make your invites stand out and get guests excited for the big day. Ideas include:

• Hand-delivering messages in a bottle.
• Hand-writing or pasting the party’s details on an inexpensive flip-flops or sandal-shaped paper.
• Tying raffia around the top of simple invitations and hanging a starfish or shell charm from it.
• Printing the party’s details onto a beach ball that invitees must inflate to read.
• Ordering beach-themed personalized invitations and address labels from Birthday in a Box.

---

source images: pinterest

Beach Party Decoration Ideas

Decorations for a beach party are only limited by the imagination. Birthday in a Box makes decorating for parties simple with themed tableware, centerpieces, party favors and activities that help you effortlessly add the perfect festive touches. Here are some decoration ideas that are great for any type of beach party:

• Piñatas: A piñata exists for any beach party theme that you can imagine, including those shaped like seahorses, tiki statues, sandals, beach balls, sharks and hula girls. Don’t forget the matching balloons.
• Decorative tablecloths: Use disposable tablecloths that match the main party colors. If you’re hosting an under-the-sea party, look for a table cover with a water print on it. For a luau party, use grass table-skirts.
• Backdrops: If you can’t have a party on the beach, bring the beach to you with decorative backdrops, including those that have a beachscape or an underwater scene.
• Centerpieces: The perfect centerpieces add to a party’s atmosphere. Fill a small plastic bucket with sand, for example, and adorn it with shells or a bouquet of lollipops, small balloons or fruit kabobs.

---

source images: pinterest

Beach Party Food

The beauty of beach parties is that the food looks wonderful with the addition of items like little umbrellas, sandal-shaped straws and themed tableware. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Cupcakes: Use cracker crumbs to create the illusion of sand on frosting. Place a small umbrella on top. Alternatively, create a water scene with blue frosting and place gummy fish or other underwater creatures on top.
• Grilled foods: Have a surfside cookout with grilled foods like hot dogs, kabobs, burgers or Hawaiian pizza.
• Ice cream: Cool treats are always a hit. Have an ice cream sundae bar or a Hawaiian ice bar. Make ice cream sandwiches using shell-shaped cookies.
• Mocktails: Make non-alcoholic versions of tropical drinks. For example, blend pineapple juice, coconut milk, ice, honey and yogurt to create a mock piña colada.

---

source images: pinterest

Beach Party Activities

Classic games never get old. Use beach or underwater themes to give them added interest. Simple favorites include:

• Starfish ring toss
• Water balloon volleyball
• Ocean-themed scavenger hunt
• Squirt gun tag
• Crafts with beach or tropical themes
• Sand castle or sandman competition
• Decorate seashells
• Beach-themed photo booth with props like snorkels, goggles, flippers, big sunglasses and fishing poles

How to Find the Right Size Swimwear for Your Kids

When shopping for swimsuits for your children, it’s important to get the right fit. Armed with a tape measure and a little research, you can find the perfect swimsuit for your kids — no matter their size. Keep these tips and suggestions in mind when shopping for kids’ swimsuits.

THE RIGHT FIT

Though swimsuits need to fit more snug than other clothing, you don’t want them to be too tight. A swimsuit that is too tight can cause irritation and chafing. Swimwear should not be too loose either. Baggy suits may fall down and also can interfere with swimming. The fabric should lay flat and smooth against the body. Waistbands and leg holes shouldn’t bind. The child’s rear end should be completely covered. And for girls who are already developing, the breasts shouldn’t be spilling out of the top.

When trying on swimwear, have your child reach high above his/her head, twist to the side, bend over and sit down. Look at the swimsuit from all angles. It shouldn’t ride up, slip down or bind, no matter what position your child is in.

BUY ONE SIZE UP

Kids’ swimsuits generally run small. You’ll find that for most swimwear brands, you should buy a size up from your child’s normal clothing size for the best fit.

SIZES BY HEIGHT

Sometimes it’s easier to find the right swimsuit size for your child by height. Below are a list of sizes, beginning with toddlers, and the corresponding height range. Of course, this is just a general guideline as sizes vary by brand and style.

• 2T – 33-35″
• 3T – 35-37″
• 4T – 38-40″
• 5 – 42″
• 6 – 45″
• 7 – 49″
• 8 – 52″
• 10 – 55″
• 12 – 58″
• 14 – 60″

ONLINE SIZE CHARTS

SwimOutlet.com offers a list of links to swimsuit brand size charts for both adults and kids. Knabe’s features a competitive swimwear size chart as well. You may find both of these lists very helpful, particularly if buying swimsuits online.

SWIMSUITS FOR BOYS

When it comes to swimwear, it’s often easier to find the right size for boys than it is for girls since boys usually just wear trunks. When shopping for swim trunks, pick a pair with a drawstring to avoid any embarrassment with the suit falling down. For young boys who actually want to swim, the inseam should be just a few inches long. Though long, baggy board shorts are trendy, they aren’t conducive to swimming.

YOUR CHILD’S PROPORTIONS

Of course, height or weight isn’t the end all when it comes to sizing. You must take your child’s proportions into account. Two girls of the same height can have torso lengths that varies by several inches. If you can’t find a one-piece suit that fits properly but still want plenty of coverage, consider a tankini. This two-piece swimsuit style features a tank top partnered with a bikini or boy shorts bottom.

ADJUSTABLE STRAPS FOR GIRLS

Swimsuit straps shouldn’t fall off the shoulders nor should they be so tight that they dig into the skin. Ideally, straps should be just tight enough that you can slip your thumb between the strap and the shoulder. Fortunately, you can find a wide assortment of kids’ swimsuits that have adjustable straps, or straps that tie at the shoulder or behind the neck halter style.

Kids grow like weeds. If your child needs a new swimsuit this season, keep these tips in mind to help find the perfect fit.

What is a monokini?

A monokini refers to several types of women’s swimwear based on the bikini style. In some cases the monokini is merely a bikini bottom, worn without the top. This is the most common form, and is used quite frequently in countries where topless bathing is the norm. The monokini of this type may have shoulder straps that help keep the bottom in place but does not cover the breasts.

A more elaborate type of monokini, which covers the chest, is usually ranked among the sexier swimsuits. Taking inspiration from the bikini, the monokini of this type is a one-piece bathing suit that has large cutouts of fabric over the stomach and most of the upper back. Small chains, straps, or thin pieces of fabric may form a connection between the chest and bottom portion of this form of monokini.

The goal of this swimsuit is to replicate the look of the bikini. This means, that like the traditional bikini, most of the stomach and the back are exposed. Connections between top and bottom often exist on the sides of the garment, giving the bikini look, but providing a little extra security that the garment will stay on.

Like all swimsuits, the monokini bottom portion of the swimsuit can vary in cut. Some have g-string style backs, while others provide full coverage of the rear. The bottom of the monokinimay be high cut, reaching to the waist, with high cut legs, or may be a much lower cut, exposing the belly button. In general, people who are comfortable with baring quite a bit of skin might choose the monokini.

Austrian designer Rudi Gernreich coined the term monokini in 1964. His original design was a chest-baring swimsuit. The lower half stopped just below the breasts. Two thin straps constituted the upper half. Clearly, the suit was meant to be worn in areas where topless bathing is acceptable, which is a common practice in many European countries. Ironically, the bottom of Gernreich’s monokini offered fairly extensive and generous cover of the pelvis and rear. Aside from its lack of a top, the bottom portion of the suit would be considered modest as compared to the high cut swimsuit bottoms of today.

It’s important to note that many pools and beaches worldwide do not prefer or even permit some monokini wearing visitors. Restrictions may even apply to the type of bottom coverage provided. Be aware of the applicable rules to ensure your enjoyment in the sun and water — and don’t forget to apply suncreen to the cutout sections which expose the skin.

Hector Olivera gets 82-game ban under domestic violence policy

ATLANTA -- The Atlanta Braves' dismal season took another turn for the worse Thursday when outfielder Hector Olivera was suspended through Aug. 1 for his arrest on domestic violence charges.

The suspension, announced by commissioner Rob Manfred, is without pay and covers 82 games, retroactive to April 30. Olivera will not appeal the suspension, the Major League Baseball Players Association said in a statement Thursday.

Olivera was arrested April 13 at a hotel outside Washington, D.C., charged with assault and battery of a woman. He was immediately placed on leave.

Braves outfielder Hector Olivera received an 82-game suspension, retroactive to April 30, following his April 13 arrest on charges of assault and battery. Scott Cunningham/Getty Images

Agreeing with the police report filed in Arlington, Virginia, Manfred's office finished an investigation that concluded Olivera was responsible for visible bruises on the woman's body. A police spokeswoman said at the time that Olivera and the woman were acquainted.

Losing Olivera, 31, was a big blow to the Braves, who have the second-worst record in the majors and rank last in homers, RBIs and runs scored.

He was the central player acquired in a three-team deal last July 30 that sent starting pitcher Alex Wood and top prospect Jose Peraza to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Braves still owe Olivera over $28 million through a $47 million contract that runs through 2020. The Dodgers are paying the remainder.

Manfred's office said that Olivera will be allowed to participate in extended spring training activities during the suspension, followed by a rehab assignment beginning no sooner than July 15.

Olivera is the third player penalized under Major League Baseball's new domestic violence policy. Like Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman and Colorado shortstop Jose Reyes, Olivera agreed not to appeal his suspension.

A statement from Manfred's office said players suspended under baseball's joint domestic violence, sexual assault and child battery policy must participate "in a confidential and comprehensive evaluation and treatment program supervised by the joint policy board."

The Braves said in a statement that they fully support the decision, adding they "will have no further comment on the matter at this time."

In their first season last year under front office executives John Hart and John Coppolella, the Braves projected Olivera as their power-hitting third baseman of the future.

Olivera, a Cuban defector, made his major league debut Sept. 1 and hit .253 with two homers and 11 RBIs in 24 games. Atlanta moved him to left field in spring training. In six games, he hit .211 with no homers and two RBIs.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.