#SnackWithZELEN – Interview with Mari Andreeva

Marie is curious and inquisitive, and her Instagram profile effortlessly showcases the romantic side of the world. With an appreciation for small details and clean food, she decided to support our mission for guilt-free summer snacking. Read about her favorite summer moments and snacks in the interview.

Would you introduce yourself?

M: My name is Maria, also known as Marie, and I am 21 years old. A few months ago, I completed my bachelor's degree in communications in France, and now I'm back home enjoying life here. I do many things, and as that implies, I'm not exceptionally good at any of them. I photograph, paint, cook, and write, but I do it solely for pleasure. The rest of the time, I love to travel, spend time in nature, exercise, read, and simply enjoy life. In other words, I'm mastering the French l'art de vivre.

Sea or mountains?

M: Every time I have to answer this question, and it seems to happen quite often, I feel like a mother who has to choose between her two children. I am a sea child, I look for the sea everywhere, but in the mountains, I find comfort and peace that I can't feel anywhere else. I choose both, both!

With a large company or just with your closest friends?

M: They say a person feels most lonely when surrounded by many people. I don't know if that's true, but I would always prefer to share more time with my closest friends, as the time spent with them is never enough.

Sunrise or sunset?

M: Dear readers, please refer back to my answer to question number 2. It applies perfectly here too.

Picnic in the park or garden party?

M: Garden party, because I imagine something incredibly romantic, reminiscent of a scene from Gone with the Wind.

Do you snack on the go?

M: That's when it tastes best. No second opinion.

Sweet or savory?

M: I thought I was on the sweet tooth team, but lately I've been resorting to savory things more and more, so I'll choose savory.

Chips or pretzels?

M: Pretzels. I've never understood the love for chips, but pretzels… those toasted, dry, crunchy gluten sticks – mmmm. Don't judge me.

Ice cream or chocolate?

M: Ice cream!

Nuts or snacks?

M: Dear nuts, I love you, but snacks win this round.

Sunday afternoon – alone or with friends?

M: With friends. I'm with myself most of the time, and although I'm great company, I can afford to

Audiobook or paper book?

M: Nothing can replace the sound of rustling paper and the subsequent aroma. A traditionalist to the core, haha!

Cinema or movie at home?

M: Movie at home. I have a strange syndrome called "magically forgetting the movie the moment I leave the cinema hall." It's incurable.

Extreme experience or a leisurely walk in the mountains?

M: A leisurely walk in the mountains. That's how I recharge more.

Silence or music?

M: If silence includes the sounds of nature – I have no problem with that. Otherwise, I like gentle, unobtrusive background music.

What is the perfect summer experience?

M: A picnic on the beach, sleepless nights, a spontaneous trip, night swimming – all spent with loved ones.

What is your favorite place in Bulgaria during the summer?

M: One of the few remaining deserted beaches in the south.

This season you will visit…?

M: 3 days ago I returned from Sicily and I can honestly say that it was one of my happiest trips. Now I dream of Limnos, but even if it doesn't happen, I'll still be happy with this summer.

The 10 products you will take with you on an adventure?

M: Oh! I'm starting:

1. Kookie Cat with pineapple – love at first bite!
2. Organic apple chips, Bett'r
3. Organic savory crackers, Bett'r
4. Delishu with tomatoes and oregano. I know it's not as easy to eat as a packet of pretzels, but I don't care. I take garden tomatoes and some Delishu and cry with happiness.
5. Organic Kombucha Classik, sugar-free, Captain Kombucha
6. Cashew butter, Bett'r
7. Brown whole grain rice cakes with 7 super seeds, Bett'r
8. Organic Kale Chips with cheese flavor, Bett'r
9. Organic quinoa snack with sea salt, Bett'r
10. Mini cookies Vanilla and chocolate chips Kookie Cat