Au Revoir To Mademoiselle

The French have addressed feminism calls to abolish the term Mademoiselle from official documents as it is deemed sexist. Prime minister Francois Fillon said the word discriminates against women by asking them to reveal if they are married. He has also banned the phrase ‘nom de jeune fille’ meaning ‘maiden name’ from all paperwork because it is ‘archaic’ and has ‘connotations of virginity’.

It was a major victory for French feminists yesterday when the change was revealed in an official decree to ministries and regional authorities.

Mulled Wine & Mince Pies

The best aromas of Christmas must be that of mulled wine and warm mince pies.  Since I will spend Christmas in Delhi (sniff) I’ll share a taste of what I will miss, you cannot beat my mulled wine recipe – try and see for yourself.

You will need the following:

2 bottles of good red wine – I use cab sauv which works really well.  It is a myth that you can use rubbish wine.  Repeat after me: rubbish wine = rubbish mulled wine.

Penelope’s Pit Stop

Hasn’t the experience of driving long distance changed in Britain?  I used to dread the service stations with their awful smelly loos and stale sandwiches or greasy spoon McDonalds alternatives.