Exciting news! I’m celebrating 15 years of blogging this month. I launched French Style in 2008 as a fun and creative outlet to share musings about my time living in France, travel tips, and the things I love.
At the time, I knew nothing about blogging, the implications of choosing a catchy name, or how to develop a following. I opened an account on Blogger.com, uploaded the photo above to my profile page, and started chronicling my days in Paris. I toured the city with my Canon Powershot, downloaded photos every evening, and wrote a post every morning. Slowly, I learned the basics of HTML, which was essential at the time.
From WORD to WordPress
I studied French in college and lived, worked, and studied in France for years. Everyone who knew anyone traveling to Paris reached out to me. In a WORD document, I kept a running list of my favorites museums, restaurants, hotels, tourist attractions, etc. Whenever someone asked for travel advice, I emailed my list to them. This list would become an informal editorial calendar for many future posts.
Truth be told, no one read my blog. I had no comments and certainly no content interactions. I will never forget my mother calling me to say she was worried about me – she never heard from me, she didn’t know what I was doing, why didn’t I call her? I replied, “Well, obviously you’re not reading my blog.” A year later, Julie would have a remarkably similar conversation with her mother in the film Julie & Julia. I never imagined that the blogging world would become what it is today, and I never imagined that my little passion project would become a beloved hobby.
A New Chapter
Eventually, I returned to Chicago. What now? How could I write about Paris when I wasn’t living there? I missed many aspects of the everyday life that I had come to know and love. I sought ways to incorporate a French lifestyle into my daily routine. Doing so gave me a new direction for my blog. I began sharing tips on everything from home décor and my favorite recipes to where to find the most authentic French products and experiences in my hometown of Chicago. When visiting Paris, I picked up where I left off – chronicling my days and sharing the latest happenings in the City of Light.
I’m proud to say French Style continues today. I hope you’ve enjoyed learning about my time in Paris, the things I love, and how to bring everyday France into your everyday life – no matter where you live.
Un Très Grand Merci
I am very grateful for my family and friends who encouraged me to keep posting, for my followers and subscribers for supporting me along the way, and for you. Thank you very much!
I’ve enjoyed this post and will sign up for your newsletter. A little slice of France is always a good thing !
Yes, I agree. Thank you for following along with me.
This is so interesting for me to read, Jeannine—I ‘found you’ on Instagram, and now know more of your backstory! Truly interesting and wonderful! Congratulations on this anniversary, and thank you for sharing so much beauty with us all!
Thank you Judy. I appreciate your kind words and so pleased to learn that you enjoy French Style. Bises, Jeannine
Dear Jeannine
Congratulations
Perhaps you didn’t know exactly what you were doing but you have a great eye and you have style. With that how can you go wrong❤️
Thank you for your posts that give us a fresh look on Paris and France