Ciao gorgeous!
I am delighted to have you here and to gift you the launch edition of Macaroon magazine, a labor of love and months of fun in the making.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do in creating it and if I make you smile, then I've done my job.
I'd value your feedback @wanderful.company
ps I don't claim to be an Anna Wintour around writing, lol! My only intention is the feel-good factor in some way.
xo Kirsteen travel solo travel rich Issue No. 01 • May 2021 • $6.oo Macaroon TRAVEL | LIFESTYLE
Luxury for Less La Dolce Vita Tuna 'Agrodolce' How to taste luxury A day trip to San Remo Delicious Italian recipe on a solo travel budget for some Italian charm from the South
Issue 01 MACAROON LAUNCH EDITION
Food Italia Inspiration from the south of Italy
Solo Travel Want a 10 year vacation? And yes, it is possible!
Lifestyle tips A healthy dose of the happy tunes! Fashion feast Less is more: minimalism and neutrals
La Petite Class French idioms that make you smile
STAPLES
02 Editor's Note
04 Carrie Clops Does Motown
10 Feel Good Challenge
22 Solo Travel - San Remo
26 Recipe: Tonno Agrodolce
27 Luxury For Less
MACAROON MAGAZINE | 01 Editor's Note From solo travel tips and hidden gems to the 'lounging with locals' series and yummy recipes, Macaroon celebrates the unadulterated pleasure that is travel... country bumpkin
travel addict
business girly A very warm welcome lovely peeps to the first edition of Macaroon, a monthly travel + lifestyle magazine inspired by 15 glorious years of non-stop solo traveling. I'm Kirsteen, the magazine's founder, and a solo travel expert Why the name Macaroon? who has one intention, to create 100 percent feel-good factor content. After many hours spent thinking In a world of fast-moving technology and media, many people are craving of a cute name, I kept coming happiness and balance in life. I was exceptionally lucky to grow up in the '70s back to Macaroon. And now it just and early '80s where everything was light, easy, and fun. Knowing I wanted to seems ideal. Their array of bring this to the brand, I came up with the idea of Macaroon. And besides, if colours are akin to the beautiful you can't find something, create it yourself! LOL. tones of the Mediterranean. And I also want to introduce you to Carrie Clops (page 5) a character created in they ooze the feel good factor packing a punch of flavor for such 2019 who is a cheeky blend of Bridget Jones, Mr. Bean, and Benny Hill. delicate little things. Making a monthly appearance, Carrie takes a comedic view that life is way Amusingly once I'd chosen the easier and funnier than it seems and you can find gold in anything if you look name, I realised that Macaroon is closely enough. Chapter One is out in June... in fact 2 words: Mac a typical Scottish name (my home country) A huge thank you for being here...lots of love... and 'aroon' Scottish slang for 'about'. Given I'm a Scottish xo Kirsteen nomad, it seemed apt.
Did you know that macaroons were KIRSTEEN COWAN invented in Italy... Editor-in-Chief
MACAROON MAGAZINE | 01 www.wanderful.company freedom... EVERYONE WANTS TO LIVE ON TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN BUT ALL THE HAPPINESS AND GROWTH OCCURS WHILE YOU'RE CLIMBING IT.
ANDY ROONEY
t hat sweet spot and merry dance of creating on the way to creation...
MACAROON | PAGE 4 CARRIE CLOPS A REBEL’S GUIDE TO LIVING HAPPILY EVER NOW
Taken from the book ''Carrie Clops Does Motown'' launching autumn 2021.
Carrie is no normal girly. She’s a badass rebel with a big heart who has always believed there's so much more to life than ’’eat, sleep, work, repeat’’. Her refusal to accept boredom, sadness, or believe life was just bad luck at times, led her to question it all. And boy, does she question! And incessantly like a madwoman because her trusted bestie intuition knows this life lark is meant to be a whole lotta more fun...
Excerpt of things to come in JUNE...
''I'm Carrie Clops, a badass B who craves happiness every moment of my day. I want it all you see! I want fun, I want love, I want adventure, I want sexiness, I want health, I want laughter, I want that high, and I'm not stopping until I damn well get it. I want as much as I can squash into my gorgeous life because let's face it peeps, there is no sequel, no rehearsal, no second go, no rewind, no control alt delete, no second takes, no third takes, it’s now. Do you hear that?! Take 10 seconds to ponder that thought. All we have is now. Yikeymikey! Therein lies the question….if we only have now, is my life now a WOW kinda now as I ask myself that right now? You keepin' up with me babe? You know, the kind of wow that sends a shiver up your spine like you're out on a hot date with Jason Statham and he ain't holding back. The kinda feelin' that no words can describe. If the answer is a big fat no, then life is about to get interesting around here...we got some work to do darlin'!'' MACAROON | PAGE 5 I promise if you take a leap of faith, the MOTOWN rewards will come, and the more you do it, the bigger the rewards will be. You can’t begin to imagine just how much! From MELODIES health and happiness, from energy and eagerness, from glowing and gorgeousness to the most incredible opportunities and Carrie Clops has been specifically written timing. Let’s face it, folks, dreams die in the with Motown references dotted comfort zone and why on earth would you throughout to stimulate the imagination. want to go through life not doing what you And that imagination is a smart cookie, it's really really want. That’s nuts, that’s big legal, free, and it's YOURS to do whatever nuts. That’s past the sell-by-date nuts. The the heck you wish! Remember that only limitation is you and your own self- imagination you were born with as a child, imposed mindset. So give yourself a gentle you were creating fairy tales, bucket loads fluffy slap on the face, and say ENOUGH! of them, happy in your wee head until I'M NOT SETTLING FOR MEDIOCRE, someone told you to grow the f..k up. NOW IT'S ALL ABOUT ME! Now it’s time to throw caution to the wind and to damn NOW GET BACK TO THAT KID WHOSE well live as I WANT! IMAGINATION KNOWS NO LIMITS... From Carrie, on this adventure, if you take Carrie Clops Does Motown has one one message you can implement into your MISSION POSSIBLE - to bring you fun, to day, you will change your life. If you bring you laughter, to bring you some change your output, your input WILL come escape from everyday life, to bring you a back to surprise you. Try it for 24 hours smile or two, to bring you happiness, to and watch how you feel, how people bring you imagination, to bring you ‘’new’’, behave around you, and how life just and above all to bring you a happy ride. seems better. You can’t make delicious toast until you plug in the toaster, so plug Is it possible to live happily ever after and it in young peeps. Plug in that feeling and have it all? Well yes, it is! But only if you watch the surprises unfold. believe it! Carrie will provoke some ideas in your pretty little mind, and give you But first: pour some bubbly, grab some impulses to do things. DO THEM earphones and play these Motown IMMEDIATELY, don’t wait, because your marvels as loud as you dare... cautious brain will talk you out of it like it's most likely been doing your entire life. 'Can't Get Enough of Your Love Baby' by Barry White Carrie's advice? Feel your way, don't think 'Love Train' by The O'Jays your way... Twistin The Night Away' by Sam Cooke
MACAROON | PAGE 6 EYE CANDY
May's Feel Good Challenge:
Look for some eye candy in the street and maintain eye contact just for a few seconds more than usual. Just watch how people react. It's a lotta fun and the Argentines are the world's best at this. If you don't believe me, go to Buenos Aires. You won't want to leave...lol!
C A R R I E X O
MACAROON | PAGE 7 MACAROON | PAGE 8 macaroon life IF YOU THINK YOU ARE TOO SMALL TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE, TRY SLEEPING WITH A MOSQUITO.
D A L A I L A M A
gotta love those little suckers...they never give up...
MACAROON | PAGE10 FLEUR
HAPPY SPRING M A P E T I T E FLEUR
MACAROON | PAGE 11 MODA
MINIMAL
MOOD attitude...
MACAROON | PAGE 19 ATTITUDE IS A LITTLE THING THAT MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE
WINSTON CHURCHHILL
make it count...
MACAROON | PAGE 20
SOLO TRAVEL
Cap Ferrat
The beautiful region of the Cote D'Azur has so much on offer and an outdoor lover's dream. With more than 300 days of sunshine annually. it's no surprise it has been the playground for the rich and famous for decades. . .
BY KIRSTEEN
MACAROON | PAGE 22 Buying Italian clothing is more than just OFF THE shopping. That elusive sense of style is something they are born with and you BEATEN can't help but see it wherever you go. I highly recommend sitting in a plaza sipping an Aperol and just people watch. TRACK There are no better catwalks you'll see anywhere on the planet. One very pleasant solo travel experience I had back in 2016 was when I decided to The pleasures don't simply stop with 'la base myself in Antibes, one of the moda'. There are the local Italian food prettiest towns on the French Riviera. markets - theater in themselves - and a The main reason for choosing this myriad of 'ciao bella' compliments location, aside from its cozy beaches and wafting around on the unsuspecting hidden coves was its plethora of options tourist. for day trips. After exhausting my credit card having Always looking for that next exhilarating bought a year's supply of my favorite adventure, I decided to go on a day trip to Italian lingerie, (sorry M&S, I love you but Italy for a fun afternoon of shopping in you can't complete), and armed with as the stunning city of San Remo. Within many shopping bags as I could physically easy access by train, the coastal views are carry, it was time for the obligatory simply magical and just to sit on the train gelato. Italy takes its food more seriously looking out of the window between than any other country on the planet. Villefranche Sur Mer and San Remo is Food is a religion that's non-negotiable, something unforgettable. and boy are you spoiled. Quality and quantity. And gelato is no exception. Getting up at 6 am knowing I would be in They do nothing unless it's with love. Italy having a delicious lunch and spending the day roaming from one shop I admire Italians in many ways and to the next is an emotion I still feel today. especially how they choose to live life. I Italy is, in my opinion, the style capital of call it my 3 J's - the joy, the journey, and the world and a country where its people the juice. On that note, get yourself ooze charm, beauty, and emotion. booked and see exactly for yourself.
MACAROON | PAGE 23 MACAROON | PAGE 24 The Mediterranean has an Globally, a balanced and abundance of healthy produce healthy lifestyle is becoming to choose from and one of more and more sought after Vitamin those in particular is its fish. and the locals should pride One of the joys of travel, if you themselves on this. Let's not decide to cook yourself is to forget they are among the visit the local markets and buy longest living too and if you from the morning's catch. The take some time to travel, you Sea array of seafood is quite will be amazed how quickly + something to witness not you start changing eating MAY'S RECIPE: forgetting the salesmanship of habits. the fishmongers all vying for One of the delights of solo TONNO AGRODOLCE your business. Take note! You traveling for me personally is to can easily spend hours in the eat at a bar and chat to the Inspired by Syracuse markets and pitstop at a few locals. Not only are they eager wine bars on the way out! to speak English, they love Local markets have long letting you in on the best kept been a pleasant way of life in secrets. Many people are too the Mediterranean and the shy to do this but they've no quality of produce can be idea just how much they are exceptional. It's not just the missing out on. food, it's the ambiance and a Think of going to Italy at least group of people maintaining once. You'll absolutely love it! tradition. For that, you can't help but respect them. MACAROON | PAGE 25
ITALY
MAY'S RECIPE: TONNO AGRODOLCE
SWEET + SOUR TUNA
1 tuna steak 1 medium white onion Extra virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon of dried mint 1/4 cup of white wine vinegar 1 tbsp sugar 3 tbsp of tomato passata 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour salt and pepper 1 cherry tomato
How To Cook
Slice the onion in half and then the halves 1 into slices. Heat a saute pan with some olive oil. Add the onion, some salt and pepper, and a teaspoon of dried mint.
Once the onions are soft, add a few 2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar, and sugar. Add about 4 tbsp of passata. Meanwhile, coat the tuna steak lightly in flour.
Place the tuna steak on top of the onions and 3 cook on each side for a few minutes coating the fish in the juices. Once the tuna is cooked, place it on a plate with the onions on top and serve with a few leaves of fresh mint. Add a cherry tomato garnish.
Buon appetito.... MACAROON | PAGE 26
. SOLO TRAVEL BUDGET TIP
Forget buying body scrubs! Every time you have coffee, keep the sugar sachet! At home, mix it with a little olive oil and watch that skin glow...
And you'll feel happy it costs zero! ps a little olive oil on the skin works wonders too...
MACAROON | PAGE 27 LUXURY FOR LESS
One of the fun challenges I set myself no matter where I go is to find new ways to taste a little 'luxury for less'. There is something extremely satisfying about indulging without breaking the bank. Of course, I've indulged big time in the past when I was working in the UK, and on some things I still do! But when I started solo traveling, my budgeting skills took on a whole new level. (A little digression here - I've created a million uses for mascara and dental floss. The same can be said for olive oil which is often given away free in some cafes. Six months ago, I took a decision to trial 'no products' at all on my skin. No moisturizers, and serums at all. Au natural! The results were incredible and I can honestly say my skin hasn't been this good since I was a child).
One of my favorite ways to taste luxury for less whenever the opportunity presents itself is to go to a luxury hotel and have a very British afternoon tea. We Brits love our tea. And when you add cakes and scones to the mix, we are in heaven. A dress-up event is always a lovely thing to do and the prices are usually extremely good value ( 25 sterling). You may not be a princess but you will get treated like a queen... 4 E G A P | E S I E R ps you can do this in Paris, check out the menu beforehand to make sure it's an authentic afternoon tea. And if not, go for a glass of bubbly, a little macaroon and some oh la la'ing instead...
MACAROON | PAGE 28 attitude...
MACAROON | PAGE 29 WHY HAVE 2 WEEKS OF ANNUAL VACATION WHEN YOU CAN HAVE 52...
ME!
then 1 year turns into 10! lol...
MACAROON | PAGE 30 18 ATTIC | JANUARY 2016
LIKE THE IDEA OF A 10-YEAR VACATION?
BY KK COWAN
I never imagined back in 2005 when I left That passion has never stopped, and I'm the UK with the idea of a new life abroad, contemplating my next 10 years. Having I'd be sitting here today on my 16th never been a fan of society seemingly consecutive year of solo travel. I can dictating how you should live life, my rule genuinely say every day feels like a is to do the opposite. :) Intuitively it never vacation and I can't help but feel proud of felt right to have 4 weeks of freedom a what I've managed to achieve. year and yearn the other 48.
Being a travel addict from a very young We have one life and it's meant to be full age after a trip to Switzerland (which led of joy. Chat to some old person in a park to an obsession with cowbells, cuckoo and ask them if they could rewind the clocks, and Lindt chocolate lol), I would clock, what would they do? I guarantee spend hours watching the BBC travel most would say they'd have more fun and shows. I'd sit staring at the TV as if I be easy about life. Gotta love those oldies. could climb inside it and be one of those lucky presenters being paid to be there. For more on how to make the 10-year vacation a reality, visit my website.
MACAROON | PAGE 31 18 la vie en rose
MACAROON | PAGE 32 which macaroon are you?
lemon'n'lime pinkywinky
zesty sidehustle
peaches'n'cream green'n'clean image of the month 2021 M A Y 2 0 2 1
Monthly Inspiration:
"The mountains are c a l l i n g and I must go." J o h n M u i r attitude...
MACAROON | PAGE 37 I AM NOT THE SAME, HAVING SEEN THE MOON SHINE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WORLD.
MARY ANN RADMACHER
that my friend is solo travel... Solo Travel Tunes
Beyond The Sea by Bobby Darin
O Sole Mio by Jack Jezzro
Non Dimenticar by Jack Jezzro
L'Appuntamento by Ornella Vanoni
At Last by Etta James
Stranger On The Shore by Acker Bilk
Chanson D'Amour By Manhattan Transfer MACAROON | PAGE 39 MACAROON | PAGE 40 italia...
''mere color can speak to the soul in a thousand different ways''
oscar wilde
MACAROON | PAGE 4 1 MACAROON | PAGE 42 la petite french quand les poules auront des dents = when chicken have teeth = when pigs fly chanter comme une casserole = to sing like a saucepan = someone who can't sing en faire tout un frommage = to make cheese out of it = kick up a huge fuss revenons a nos moutons = let's come back to our sheep = let's get back to business
MACAROON | PAGE 44 ''the best color in the whole world is the one that looks best on you''
coco chanel MACAROON | PAGE 46 LIFE IS EITHER A DARING ADVENTURE, OR NOTHING AT ALL.
HELEN KELLER
what you give to life in enthusiasm will reward you tenfold...and more...
MACAROON | PAGE 47 coming up next month...
Solo Travel: Positive Health Benefits Lounging With The Locals Series: France Hidden Gems of the Mediterranean Recipe Feature: Easy French Onion Soup
MACAROON | PAGE 49 xo ciao xo team macaroon
Email: [email protected]
www.wanderful.company