Insolite #1

I've been living in France for just over a month now (about 5 1/2 weeks to be more precise) and there are some things I really do find very interesting (aka, amusing or bizarre!). For a start, Hubby and I are living (temporarily we hope!) with the Beaux-parents, and therefore, hear all about their various friends and neighbours on a regular basis. One thing that has really struck me is that they do seem to have quite bizarre names. For example, there is Mrs Neighbour, Mr Beignet (think that's some type of biscuit), Mr & Mrs God.....need I go on?!! All very nice people, but I just can't help smiling to myself occasionally. I mean, I know British names are often related to the historical trades of our ancestors or the places where they lived, but somehow the French versions just seem so much more comical.

Another funny thing I discovered the other day, is that plugs and sockets here are known as "prise male" and "prise female" (I leave you to guess which is which). Now, whilst this makes amazing sense, and I can very well understand the thinking behind this, I can't help feeling that only the French could get away with this interpretation (or should that be, implying such connotations?) of what, until this point, I saw as being simply an inane (but necessary) electrical item. Quite apart from anything else, this new discovery of mine seems to give plugs and sockets a rather human quality - at least I shall never feel lonely again!

I'm sure these won't be the last of my anecdotes, so please note, this post is entitled #1.

Revolutions

There are two things that have revolutionised my health & beauty life over the past couple of years, and which I think all women should be made aware of. Normally I would be the last person dishing out advice in this area or that anyone would come to for information about lifestyle (the first thing the Belle-mere did once I was safely installed under her roof was take me out shopping to buy some more appropriate (ie. stylish!) attire). Anyway the two things are as follows:

1. Epilator - introduced to me by Hubby and Belle-mere. No more needing razors and accidental self-flailing. This handy tool comes in various models and brands (mine is Phillips) and as well as reducing the risk of injury, also massively decreases the frequency with which shaving is required. Lasts for years (none of this disposable razor business harming the environment!!) and although it has one minor inconvenience (more than a bit painful the first time, but do persevere), is worth its weight in gold.

2. Mooncup - thanks sis! Having thought this was a rather scarey, inconvenient and in a manner of speaking, ugly, device, I can now say I am one hundred percent convinced that this is one of the best ever inventions for women of pre-menopausal age. So what exactly is this wonderful 'tool'? Well look here for details.

You will notice (once again!), that it is environmentally friendly as there is no need to dispose of said item - once you have one (initial outlay is not cheap, considering you may not be sure about whether or not you will like using it, but rest assured it's the best buy my sister ever made for me*), it should, in theory, last for years - and it just requires a rinse (soap and warm water) between uses with the occasional boil from time to time.


So there we have it. My vote for the two most useful and revolutionary devices invented for women in the past few years. My geeky hubby is also so very impressed with the mooncup that he has devised a logo for it ("Mooncup inside").

Anyone out there got any other great inventions or tips they would like to share, or am I just writing to myself as usual.....? Yes, I thought so.

*perhaps one of the only ones - she tends to be a bit on the stingey side..!