After thinking a lot about that crazy singles map of the US and how all the ladies on the East Coast are screwed, I got back to my navel gazing about what it means to be single. (I have plenty time alone to think about these things.) I moved on from my bubble of self-absorption (played out) and started wondering what it must be like to be single in other countries—not that I’m thinking of fleeing or anything. Is it better in France where fidelity is not a cultural moray? Is it worse in India with the caste system and arranged marriages? And what are those cold singles in Iceland doing to stay warm? Well wonder no more, because Liz Tuccillo (Mrs. “She’s Not That Into You” and former “Sex and the City” writer) is travlling the globe to demystify singlehood in an awesome web series called, “How to be Single.” Um…amazing! After the jump, a few of my fave revelations from single sisters around the world. [Your Tango] Keep reading »
Tag Archives: france
French Parliament Debates Burqa Ban
Toward the end of last month, French President Nicolas Sarkozy addressed Parliament, stating his position on burqas. He said the face-covering, body-length Muslim veils are an unacceptable symbol of “enslavement,” and that it’s not a religious issue, but simply a “sign of the subjugation, of the submission, of women.”
This discussion has resulted in threats from Muslim groups outside of France, but Parliament hasn’t made a decision on the matter just yet. A committee held its first meeting today, and Jean-Francois Cope, the head of the governing conservative party UMP, suggested a two-stage ban of burqas. Meaning there would be “six months to a year of dialogue, explanation, and warnings” before the ban would go into effect. Keep reading »
What Is France Doing On The 4th Of July?
The French seem to do everything better. They’ve got awesome healthcare, don’t get fat, and have closets full of Chanel. Apparently, they also know how party on the 4th of July—with a city-wide treasure hunt in Paris, called Les Trésors de Paris (the treasures of Paris). The day-long experience leads groups through sets of riddles that take them to destinations that even Paris natives might not know about like secret gardens and historical buildings. Along the way, you get to meet shopkeepers and other participating business owners. If you make it to the secret final location in time, you’re entered into a ballot from which you get the chance to win rad prizes like swank dinners, hotel stays, or special Paris walking tours. The grand prize gains the winner entrée into an annual secret cabaret that’s one of those invite-only events Parisians clamor to get into. Two other awesome things of note: the hunt was organized in part by the city itself (props to the French government), and in part by a company that specializes in making treasure hunts, which might possibly be the raddest job ever. Except of course, working for TheFrisky. [Tresorsdeparis.fr, English translation available by clicking the U.K. flag item at the bottom of the page]
Keep reading »
In Bed With Carla Bruni: Nudie Pic Of France’s First Lady For Sale
What’s better than the real Carla Bruni, dressed head-to-toe in Dior, as the first lady of France? Carla Bruni, 16 by 24-feet tall, dressed head-to-toe in nothing, as the subject of a 1994 nude portrait by American photographer Pamela Hansen.
Called “Carla Bruni in Bed,” the photo is, not surprisingly, an image of Bruni, well, in bed. But we’re not talking about the sort of “in bed” that you and I practice, complete with rumpled pajamas, day-old makeup and quite possibly a dirty sock static-clinging to the sheets. We’re talking mid-’90s-supermodel-dating-Mick-Jagger-at-the-time “in bed.” It’s totally different. And totally hot. Keep reading »
“Being Fat Is Grounds For A Divorce,” Plus Other Scary Advice From A French Wife
Some female bloggers call the U.K. paper the Daily Mail the “Daily Fail” because the paper likes nothing more than to bait its readers, especially on its women’s interest “Femail” section. It’s the go-to source for incendiary articles about how bosses should distrust women who don’t have children and you can’t have a family and a career. Nope, we weren’t making those up.
But nevertheless, the paper is fascinating to us—especially a recent article about what it is supposedly like to be a French wife. We romanticized about the sexy accents, and yummy facial hair, but zut alors!, it sounds a bit like being the captive of a very demanding tyrant.
Read on for more tips from French wives… [Daily Mail] Keep reading »
Sunbathe Topless Without Burning Your Nipples
While Europeans are known for spending the summer lazing about the beach topless, we Americans have more modest sunbathing practices, which involve covering up our boobs and bums. But if you’re taking vacation in France this summer, you’ll be able to test the topless waters without showing your peaks to the entire Riviera. Starting in June, Sephora France will stock 50 of its stores with Nippies, those little stickers cute shapes like stars and hearts that cover up your nipples and are normally worn under clothing that don’t allow for a bra to prevent “wardrobe malfunctions.” While Nippes are for sale in the states, Bristols 6, the company behind Nippies, is marketing their use in France as a way to avoid unintended nipple slips at the pool when wearing teeny bikinis, and on their own as an alternative to tops (yes, the adhesive is waterproof). “While topless sunbathing is de riguer in Europe, Nippies are a chic cover-up for less courageous Americans desiring a cool Euro vibe. … Undercover or exposed, Nippies are a patch of freedom you won’t need to hide,” reads a promotional email. Would you wear these sparkly stickers in place of your swimsuit top? [Bristols 6] Keep reading »
The Secret To Dating Like A French Woman
Sometimes Bill Cunningham, the New York Times street fashion photographer, takes pictures of French women, and they always look so damn sexy. Granted, the Times is going to choose the best photos, but somehow French women always manage to look more seductive than the average American woman.
Now, it’s silly to stereotype and say that all French women are sexy, but there are definite cultural differences between French women and American women—that’s undeniable. It also seems unarguable that these differences are responsible for that thing French women seem to have. The thing that makes them seem fashionable and cool and charming. Keep reading »
France Bans “Le Open Bar” to Curb Binge Drinking. Sacre Bleu!
After prohibiting smoking in bars in January, the French government is now cracking down on other vices by banning open bars and happy hours. The measures come after rising binge drinking trends among its country’s youth. This may come as a surprise to Americans accustomed to college kid-culture which traditionally stands in contrast to Europe’s seemingly refined youth who have profited from liberal attitudes on drinking. But, it appears weaning youngsters on beer and wine is no longer working as alcohol-related visits for minors rose 50 percent in the past five years. The law will also raise the drinking age from 16 to 18. While wine and cigarettes might be health threats, they’re also staples of French culture. If the government continues this trend, what’s next? Better start clinging to those croissants for dear life. [Reuters] Keep reading »
The Daily Squeeze: Male Breast Cancer, Acupuncture, And French Men
French Women Don’t Date
Our friends over at YourTango have an interesting new webisode that’s part of their “Single in France” series by Liz Tuccillo: “‘Date’ Doesn’t Translate.” What’s it like to date in France? “We don’t have dates,” the French women explain to the silly American woman. Mon Dieu! Instead, one reveals, when men and women get together, “It’s like an open window.” Apparently, les femmes don’t need rules or The Rules because they’re more spontaneous than us. Sounds revolutionary, really. Watch the video to find out what the crazy French ladies say about dating and sex. [Huffington Post] Keep reading »
