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Ten years ago today I clicked publish on my first blog post! I’ve spent the last few weeks reflecting on the decade and the impact that this little corner of the internet has had on my life. What began (with a beret) as a creative outlet for my Francophilia and promotion for my design business has evolved to include my life, love, and journey through motherhood. When I started, I was twenty-nine…freshly married, having recently moved to a new state where I knew no one. Now I’m forty…still happily married, living in the same state, and a mother of twins (who are almost eight). Ten years later and it still fuels me, brings me joy, and satisfies my soul…I’ve discovered so much purpose through it.

I’m so thankful that the blogosphere welcomed me with open arms during a time when it was already quite saturated, which still amazes me to this day. I’m so very grateful for friendships forged online…some of my closest offline connections developed from there. On a professional level, my blog has afforded my family and I opportunities that probably wouldn’t have happened otherwise. In these ten years, I’ve taught myself photography, graphic design, and social media marketing, among other things. I am very proud of what I’ve achieved through my hard work and dedication, which has landed me at the doorstep of what is soon to be a huge (secret for now, sorry) career milestone!

So many of you have come along for the ride, from day one…I feel immense gratitude that you’ve stuck with me through the years. This space wouldn’t be what it is without you! Your love and support is palpable, and extends into @thefrancophiles community that I launched a few years ago. It’s such a treat to watch that grow! I thought it would be fun to share my top ten (personal) favorite posts…which has proved to be quite a challenge. I would love to know if you’ve had a favorite post, what you enjoy most about my blog, or what you’d like to see here going forward? Leave a comment and I’ll randomly select one person to receive a personalized goodie bag (I’ll leave the details below) as a thank you. I’m indebted to this community and appreciate you being here more than I can express…MERCI MILLE FOIS! xo, Susan

my personal paris | a very special christmas | things I’m afraid to tell you | henry et marie | paper + plans | it’s not enough | a day in paris with kids | hineni | on gratitude | pressing pause| through the lens |