• While I wouldn't do botox I have had "cosmetic" surgery. Absolutely would do the same procedure again if I felt the need but hopefully the boobs won't get that big again :) As to wrinkles, m'eh, I'm 50 & I reckon I look fine for my age. - Liz
  • Gee is having a fine old time stirring the pot on Hoopla today! No woman wants a"leg up". No woman wants anything more than true equality. It's not that hard. It means that irrespective of gender, everyone is judged on their merits. Think we can do it? - Nel Matheson
  • I don't understand how respect is assigned only because of skill levels?! and gaps in skills levels? What ever happened to the KISS principle. When it comes to equality, inclusion, and respect - as members of the human race, we all bring different qualities and attributes and stories to the table. An appreciation/respect for everyone's difference (including gender) should go without saying. - maria t.
  • What an appalling tragedy. It is so hard to imagine the minds of these men. It is devastating for the young soldier and his family. Acts of random violence do absolutely nothing to further the cause of peaceful resolution, ever. Actions such as this only serve to foster fear, distrust and anger. Nothing good can come of it. So very very sad. The comments that have been made reflect this. We need to be mindful of how these individual horrendous deeds can divide us and lead us into making generalised remarks that are hurtful and thoughtless. My thoughts are with the young soldiers family. - Nel Matheson
  • Misogyny is hating women, it is not a theory, but a state of mind. Sexisim is discrimination of either men or women. Just ask a male nurse or school teacher about sexism. This last little trite 'sound bite' irritated me about as much as the rest of the nonsense. I don't think women should be given a leg up just because they are women. People don't deserve respect because they hold a particular position. Position and respect definitely need to be earned. Sometimes I reckon women are our own worst enemies. All this introspection and navel gazing and blame laying and name calling is a waste of energy. Come on girls. Just get on with it. - sue elliott
  • Just for once I would like Gee to say what it is about Emily's List that she/he finds so offensive. Emily stands for early money is like yeast, it means that support and money are given to women at the start of their political careers to help them win preselection and to win relatively unwinable seats. Men entering in to politics usually have both large amounts of money and mentoring behind them. We see this clearly in local council elections where inevitably, large bill boards are erected by real estate agents and male orientated business organisations to support male candidates while women usually have no money and rely on friends to hand out leaflets. Women who are supported by Emily's List are supporters of feminism, those that I have met are hard working, intelligent and thoughtful and have a common ideology about the rights of women. So Gee what the hell is wrong with women supporting women when the system of preselection and electioneering is so biased against them. No rhetoric please just a straight answer for your obvious hatred, is it the support for abortion rights that you hate so much or is it just women playing a role in all aspects of society. - sue Bell
  • 35470 Aussies have already signed this petition: https://www.change.org/petitions/please-ban-gambling-advertising-and-live-odds-during-sport-broadcasts-enough - lulu
  • With all due respect Philip, what are you on about? Separate legislatures for women and men? How would separate sex legislatures enable equality? And what then for those who do not identify as single sex creatures? - Sandy
  • Unfortunately we are judged by our appearance. I agree with some of the comments, get a lot older and see how you feel about botox. I had botox last week and it is just starting to take effect. My brows are raising and there is not as much eyelid loose skin. I'm loving it!! I have spent thousands and thousands of dollars on creams and potions over the years and the only thing that really works is retinol on script. Mix with Philosophy's vit C powder for more boost. Also I have gone back to oils. Sweet almond oil and a baby wipe removes all make up and replenishes your skin. And it is not the wrinkles that make your skin look old, it's the pigmentation and skin discolouration. - Pauline W
  • Let's remember that the majority of people whether they are Muslim, Christian or any other religion are good law abiding citizens, these men are part of a minority and they will be dealt with by the legal system accordingly. - Lisa
 
Categories:  Entertainment, Lifestyle, Wellbeing

LUCY KIPPIST’S JULY ALMANAC

Julie, Julius, Julius mensis, quintilis mensis.

Everything you need to know about the coming month is taken from this painting. It’s dramatic, I know. Dark and delicious. It’s called Liberty Leading the People, painted by Eugène Delacroix in 1830 and it’s one of my favourites.

It’s Delacroix’s impression of the “second revolution”; when Parisians overthrew King Charles in favour of his cousin Louis-Philippe, way back in July 1830. I’m using it here because it was widely believed that Delacroix captured the true essence of Paris at this time in history (only the French could look that good in battle). Add to that Bastille Day celebrations on July 14 and we’ve got ourselves a damn fine excuse to spend this Alamanc yakking on about how great French stuff is (with the obvious exception of the current economic situation that is best described as woeful).

 

July’s fresh produce is anything but woeful. Avocados, custard apples, limes, pineapple, parsnip, ginger, olives and celeriac. It’s such a fresh and vibrant array of colour this month, almost too fresh and vibrant for a Sydney July when it is mostly windy and a bit grey.

 

 

 

 

Nothing beats a bookshop on a rainy day. According to this gorgeous piece in the New York Times, France is among the only countries in the world where bookshops are still booming. I find this completely unsurprising. Old stuff still counts for something in France. Furthermore, check out that picture, can you blame the French for wanting to hang out in bookshops when they look like that? GLORIOUS.  There’s not a trace of “retail” about it. The best bookshops are like this one: clean but not ordered. They have bohemian layouts, a chair here, and a book there. Also, see how every single person standing in this gorgeous store are being left alone? There’s not a salesperson in sight. For all we know, they ARE the salespeople, standing around reading books, just for the sheer pleasure of it.

 

 

JULY’S FLOWER IS THE WATER LILY.

In Asia these flowers are revered as symbols of truth, light and pure beauty.

 

 

 

Beauty is akin to a philosophy for the French.  At least that’s how it seems to a visitor. Every possible daily ritual is just another opportunity to cultivate something truly effortless and lovely to the eye. Literature, music, art, food and wine: few countries have managed to inspire so many people, through so many ages in the manner of France. I think it starts with how they dress. Writer and actor Rachel Ward did a much better job of conveying this wonder with a series of photographic despatches for The Hoopla. She walked the streets of Paris photographing older French women’s fashion. I adored it. Especially her comments on scarves, closely followed by the woman’s camel coat. Effortlessly gorgeous.

 

Would.  You. Just. Look. At. That. If you can’t smell the fresh chocolate ganache glaze, or imagine the effortless fluff of the smooth vanilla cream and buttery-yet-wafer-thin crunch of the choux dough, then I’m not sure we can be friends.  Etymologically speaking the éclair, one of the most wonderful of all French gastronomic pleasures was named after lightening. Apparently bestowed because of the way its chocolate glaze glistened. Oh yes it does.

*Photograph of eclairs via Gourmet Traveller’s July French issue.

 

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9 Responses to this article

  1. Wendy Harmer July 2, 2012 Reply
     
     

    I just love your almanacs, Lucy and this is the best yet. A feast for all the senses ( and yes, I need an eclair,right now)

     
  2. Lucy July 2, 2012 Reply
     
     

    Thank you very much! This one was particularly fun to write. It’s 3pm: perfect time for a cafe au lait with an eclair. Or a bottle of red and a cosy bookshop – really depends on how your morning was!

     
  3. Helen July 2, 2012 Reply
     
     

    Found a French style vineyard on the weekend at Wollombi (Hunter Valley). Bought the ‘verandah’ white and the ‘breakfast juice’ spritzy rose. That was how she described them. I spend a lot of my time on the verandah, with a book.

     
  4. Benison O'Reilly July 2, 2012 Reply
     
     

    Oh I loved this, thank you! I recently read ‘ The Elegance of the Hedgehog’ (alas, in English translation), which while quite critical of French in many ways, still celebrated art and literature and good food. I can’t remember a recent novel that’s affected my outlook on life so much.

    I have some very dilute French blood in me but like to play it up. I have a facial every month these days, so I’ll blame that on my French side. PS I’m sure Nora Ephron was a little bit French too. So elegant.

     
  5. Caroline Roessler July 2, 2012 Reply
     
     

    Benison, I adored that book as well. But the ending stunned me. I was in shock!

     
  6. Lucy July 2, 2012 Reply
     
     

    I agree with you about Ephron being elegant. Couldn’t believe she was in her early 70s either.

     
  7. Kate Southam July 10, 2012 Reply
     
     

    My copy of Crazy Salad by Nora Ephron is a treasured possession – a gift from an equally treasured friend. Laughs, barbs, wit and wisdom. July Almanac; a great read Lucy.

     
  8. Tina July 10, 2012 Reply
     
     

    Nora would have loved to read this piece – fun, succinct,filled with undeniable truths and so so chic!! Pass me that buttery pastry now!!!

     

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  • Liz: While I wouldn't do botox I have had "cosmetic" surgery. Absolutely would do the same procedure again if I felt the need...

  • Nel Matheson: Gee is having a fine old time stirring the pot on Hoopla today! No woman wants a"leg up". No woman wants anything more...

  • maria t.: I don't understand how respect is assigned only because of skill levels?! and gaps in skills levels? What ever happened...

  • Nel Matheson: What an appalling tragedy. It is so hard to imagine the minds of these men. It is devastating for the young soldier and ...

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