
Reclaiming Visibility & Voice
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The Marigold Dordogne provides you with the chance to sample living in a small village in the beautiful French countryside. This charming boutique property is located in the Dordogne - part of the beautiful Nouvelle Aquitaine region - just 20 minutes from the international airport of Bergerac. The surrounding landscape is adorned with wildflowers, medieval villages, and picturesque valleys through which the Dordogne River flows year-round.
The Marigold Luang Prabang is a tranquil sanctuary located in the former royal capital of Laos; a globally renowned UNESCO World Heritage site. Considered the gem of Asia, Luang Prabang boasts ancient temples, French colonial architecture, and tree-lined streets that have a refined, feminine beauty.
Welcome to our tranquil oasis! Our property features 24 beautifully designed one-bedroom villas, each nestled in lush, green gardens. These villas are thoughtfully arranged to offer both privacy and a warm sense of community. Positioned well away from the road, they provide a safe and serene retreat for those who choose to surrender themselves to a minimum stay of 1-month in paradise.
Just Me
Honestly, I don’t care if you believe in climate change. The sea is all but dead, and each one of us has had a hand in its demise.
I recall summers as a kid, on the boat with my parents and how we’d hang jute sacks filled with snapper from the railings of the launch, as we had far too many to store in the freezer. Other boaties would...
Thailand attracts tourists with its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality, but one of the most fascinating aspects for me is the prominent visibility of transgender women—commonly referred to as "ladyboys" (or kathoey in Thai). Krabi has one of the best Ladyboy shows - The Blue Dragon - and I was often in the audience, cheering on the performers.
Then one day, I was granted an interview, and I chose my favorite performer, Paula.
I'm traveling with two Americans, went caving with Israelis and Canadians, climbed with the French and Brits, kayaked with Germans and Dutch, and overheard Palestinians and Russians deep in conversation over lunch. We're a miniature world tucked away in a remote jungle, uncertain of what awaits us when we re-emerge. We’re all on edge; except for, perhaps, the Russians.
Wow, I had no idea how much stress Facebook and the daily news were piling on me! Even though I’ve only taken a partial break, I can feel the difference—my body is noticeably more relaxed.
Right now, I’m deep in the Laos jungle. Getting here was an adventure in itself, and I slept like the dead once we arrived—an entire afternoon, straight through the night, and most of today too.
Travel
Vietnam is one of those places that sweeps you off your feet—not just because of its stunning landscapes and delicious food, but also because of its fascinating mix of tradition and modernity. While many Vietnamese still hold traditional values, the younger generation is incredibly forward-thinking and well-educated. That said, there are a few cultural nuances that might surprise you if you’re used to Western ways. To help you navigate your trip with ease (and avoid any awkward moments), here are five essential tips for traveling in Vietnam.
There’s a delicate tightrope between bliss and outright agony, and a skilled Thai masseuse will have you swinging between the two like a malfunctioning pendulum. One second, you’re melting into the mattress; the next, you’re questioning all your past decisions as she drills into a pressure point you didn’t even know existed. Meanwhile, the woman on the other side of the paper-thin curtain? Wailing like she’s summoning spirits. If you weren’t 100% sure this was a massage parlor, you’d swear she was either having a religious experience or giving birth to twins.
Hoi An, Vietnam, is a town that feels like a storybook come to life, with its lantern-lit streets, centuries-old architecture, and the gentle hum of the Thu Bon River. While many visitors are drawn to its famous landmarks, there’s an entirely different side to Hoi An that awaits those who venture beyond the usual tourist trail.
Turning 50 often brings a beautiful shift in perspective—a time to embrace new adventures, find renewed purpose, and rediscover passions. For many women, solo travel is the key to unlocking a deeper connection with themselves and the world. Traveling alone can bring powerful personal growth, fresh insights, and the freedom to explore interests that may have taken a backseat over the years. Here’s how solo journeys after 50 can open up a whole new chapter, one filled with self-discovery, joy, and strength.
Lifestyle
Sometimes it feels like the world is designed for couples, yet so many of us women are CHOOSING to remain free as a bird! We’re DONE with raising kids, and the last thing most of us want is to run around after another person, clean up someone else’s mess, or explain where and why we’re heading off on yet another vacation!
Volunteering on an archaeological dig offers a chance to step back in time, learn about history, and contribute to significant research efforts. Whether you're a history buff, an adventure seeker, or just looking for a unique travel experience, there are archaeological digs worldwide that welcome volunteers of all ages and backgrounds.
Australia’s affordable housing landscape has been deteriorating for decades, starkly contrasting with the progressive approaches seen in Europe, especially in the realm of housing co-operatives. While co-ops in Australia make up a meagre 0.1% of housing, in parts of Europe, co-ops constitute around 20%, offering dignified and affordable living solutions. In Australia, however, affordable housing options are rapidly disappearing, as older, low-rise apartments are being replaced by luxury high-rises, catering primarily to wealthy buyers or first-time homebuyers with dual incomes.
Writing your life story can be a deeply rewarding endeavor, offering a way to reflect on your experiences, share your legacy, and provide insight for future generations. However, crafting your narrative requires careful consideration of what to include and what to omit. Here’s a guide on how to write your life story effectively, along with key points on what to avoid revealing and thoughts on publishing your work.
Community
Happy Easter, sweet Bunnies and Chicas! Need I remind you that April isn’t solely devoted to devouring the darkest - or whitest - most mouthwatering chocolates? The cosmos dares you to be bold and brave this month; to step outside your comfort zone, set your sticky little fingers to take up new skills, and to foster simply unforgettable connections!
Your April Adventure is calling, but the question is; are you ready to answer?
My 28-year-old daughter called me yesterday seeking some motherly wisdom and guidance. Reflecting on the observation, ‘To be seen is to be loved’, I realized that I never felt seen by my mother. Not feeling seen, I did not feel loved, and not feeling loved drove me to look for love in all the wrong places.
When disaster strikes, the world watches in horror, but for those affected, the devastation is personal and life-altering. In these moments, the presence of someone who understands, listens, and takes action can make all the difference. Enter Jacquelyne, a 65-year-old FEMA Disaster Inspector based in the United States, whose dedication to helping others in crisis is both inspiring and essential.
Hello all you fabulous cosmic queens who travel, dance, sip, and spill the tea! It’s been a while and as always… I’m late, but I have a TOTALLY valid excuse! You see… I WAS ABDUCTED BY AN ALIEN! (Bet you thought I was going to say the dog ate my zodiac predictions!)…
Relocating
A wise woman once said you should approach buying an overseas property like you would a marriage: take your time, understand its strengths and weaknesses, don’t get carried away by its appearance or potential, take into account how hard it may be to maintain.
If ONLY I’d been that wise woman!
Remote working has truly taken off since the pandemic, and even though life is slowly getting back to normal, many of us are embracing the freedom of working remotely. One of the best perks is that your “home office” can be anywhere in the world! All that’s needed (apart from a gig), is a laptop and a good internet connection.
At 55, Claudia Hofmaier has traveled to 39 countries, exploring different cultures, landscapes, and ways of life. But her journey isn’t just about adventure; it’s about finding the perfect second home. We sat down with Claudia to chat about her experiences, challenges, and the wisdom she’s gained along the way.
At 43 years old, Jessica’s life was at a crossroads. After her daughter left for college, she found herself struggling with the emotional void of an empty nest. Determined to break free from the monotony and rediscover herself, Jessica made a bold decision—she sold her belongings and set out to travel the world. What makes Jessica’s story even more inspiring is that, at the time, she had never left the United States…
Wellbeing
A few months ago, I kept looking at my motorbike, staring at it on the drive, knowing I had two choices: keep waiting for the "perfect time" to move forward with that trip I always promised myself, or just start. The thing about midlife is that we don’t have time to waste—not in the way we once thought we did.
Traveling to warm destinations can be an exciting experience, but high temperatures and humidity pose a real risk of heat stroke; especially when you’re already dehydrated from flying. This serious condition occurs when the body overheats, making it difficult to regulate internal temperature.
I recently spent half the night wondering why the pool pump was running constantly and how on earth to stop the noise. Eventually, I got so frustrated with being kept awake that I turned on the light. My friend in the other bed ripped off her eye mask and asked what was going on. And then, as if by magic, the noise stopped! It turns out she’d been playing white noise because I’d warned her I snored.
We all have days when we feel down, but there are simple, effective ways to improve your mood and bring a little more joy into your life. Whether you're feeling stressed, sad, or just need a pick-me-up, here are 10 easy steps to help boost your spirits.
Finance
Making a Will isn’t something we think about every day, but it’s one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your loved ones. Ensuring that your wishes are clearly laid out can bring a great sense of relief, knowing that everything will be taken care of when you're not around. But how do you know if your Will covers everything you need it to?
Your 50s are an exciting and pivotal decade, full of opportunities to supercharge your financial future and set yourself up for a comfortable retirement. With decades of experience behind you, you’re in a unique position to leverage what you’ve learned and make smart moves to build lasting wealth. Whether you're planning to retire early, continue working into your 60s, or pursue new ventures, now is the time to take charge of your finances and ensure you're on track for the future you envision.
Keeping track of your annual expenses and renegotiating them can lead to significant savings. Regularly reviewing and negotiating these costs ensures you’re not paying more than necessary and can help you manage your budget more effectively.
As women age, many find themselves reassessing their financial status and goals. Whether it’s due to a change in career, the approach of retirement, or the desire to ensure long-term financial security, building wealth later in life presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. The key to achieving financial independence and confidence lies in boosting financial literacy, overcoming anxiety, and taking proactive steps to manage and grow your wealth.
Just a short stroll from the pristine shores of Nopparat Thara Beach, The Marigold Ao Nang is a peaceful retreat offering comfort, convenience, and breathtaking natural beauty. Nestled amidst lush greenery, with stunning views of a tranquil lake and towering mountains, this family-run resort provides a perfect escape from the bustle of town.