Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

A New Banner for my Blog

IMG_6965 copie 


Banner Number 1 Molly playing peek a boo.


Have you noticed the very plain banner on my blog? I want to change it, spruce it up a bit and need your advise. Which one should I use out of the ones I have posted here today? Or do you have another idea for a banner for Tongue in Cheek?


French Husband asked me, “What is a banner?” I told him “..the thing on top of my blog.” I also told him not to worry that I wasn’t going to put his face on it! Though I think some people would love that idea.


Camaropost


Banner Number 2 This is a photo of a bust I found at a French antique market… I am feeding it a strawberry. Crazy but true. It is not French Husband, though the nose does look like his.


My blog’s name Tongue in Cheek was given to me by my friend Kristen who writes a wonderful blog called: A French Word A Day. Kristen labelled the type of antiques I like to collect as “Tongue in Cheek” . What she meant was that the antiques I like to collect are nice enough but not too serious or stuffy, they look good but rarely are in perfect condition. As I did not know what to call my blog I thought why not call it: Tongue in Cheek.


Red-shoes


Banner Number 3  a red sparkling shoe.


As you can see I want to keep a touch of red in the banner… don’t ask me why because I have no idea why. Red isn’t my favorite color. Besides needing your advice on what type of banner I should use, I also need advise on how to apply it. Honestly I cannot figure this stuff out.


Lady-with-mask


Banner Number 4 A French can-can girl. I’ll tattooTongue in Cheek across her heart.


Tongue in Cheek as you know is not just about antiques, nor is just about my living in France. It is a hodge podge of whatever I feel like when I sit down in front of the computer screen. Though I must admit it does help that I love French antiques and live in France. As my son Sacha has pointed out to me on more than one occassion…”Mom who could take a bad photo of France? All anyone has to do is go outside click the camera and presto perfect a photo!” Do you think he loves France more than the USA?


Okay, I am leaning on number two, but I do trust your opinion. I am counting on you for your ideas and help on my new banner thingy. Merci in advance.


 


 


 

Comments

134 responses to “A New Banner for my Blog”

  1. Amy

    my favorite is # 2! I think it says ‘tongue in cheek’ the most…

    Reply
  2. Marie-Noëlle

    N°2 is definitely my favourite. I was about to say it illustrates your blog accurately…
    Correction: I think the picture IS your blog!

    Reply
  3. Steph

    #2 is very you!

    Reply
  4. Dawn

    You’re right Corey! #2 is so very your style…classic, ageless French beauty with a little fun thrown in for good measure!! xxoo, Dawn

    Reply
  5. Shelley Noble

    I like em all. But #2 is the sexiest!

    Reply
  6. Alison Gibbs

    Sorry girls but I just love No 3. It is such a sweet sparkling shoe. I don’t know why but maybe it’s just a bit ‘cheeky’ and fun too! To me that is what your blog is all about.
    Alison

    Reply
  7. TACE

    I like #2 and #4 best. I like the humor of #4 if you tattoo your blog name across the lady’s heart like you mentioned. I think that would be a hoot. But I also love #2, shoot…this is hard….I think I do lean more towards #2. The nice thing about blogs is theat they’re always changing and evolving. Nothing’s written in stone in the blogo-sphere so you can always pick one and switch it out at another time when you’re feeling like you can-can. hahaha

    Reply
  8. Charlotte Le Den

    I vote for the second one as well! It’s French, and it’s you at the same time!!
    Bisous à tout les 4!!

    Reply
  9. April

    Definitely #2. It IS you and France — romantic and classic and just a teeny bit suggestive!

    Reply
  10. adi

    sorry corey, but i feel if anything is tongue in cheek in these options, it is the third one. its silent and still says a lot. there’s beauty, youth, age, France, poetry and nostalgia all thrown into one single photograph 🙂

    Reply
  11. pusa

    i like the number 2 banner
    it’s sooo you and what your blog represent

    Reply
  12. Julie Ann

    Has to be 4 for me – a little bit of Moulin Rouge (theres your red !) Jx

    Reply
  13. le petit cabinet de curiosites

    J’adore #2 , it is YOU and about ” tongue in cheek antiques”
    You are right something red looks fantastic ! As an american blogger says : ” something red and something shabby”
    I also like the # 4 , it is you also : french attitude , glamour and folie ( I want to see it with the tattoo)
    I can’t wait to see which one you will choose !

    Reply
  14. erika

    i’d also go for #2! enjoyed the fiesta story. hope to her more from it. regards from sunny vienna, erika

    Reply
  15. Elaine L.

    #2 is very you. It matches your personality.
    I, also, like #4, because it’s very French.
    ~elaine~

    Reply
  16. Hasmin

    #2 is speaking to me too. 🙂

    Reply
  17. Kayla

    Definitely number 2 or 4!

    Reply
  18. Rachael

    No 2, many reasons, you feeding a bust a strawberry is very Tongue in Cheek, it does look like your French Husbands nose and the profile of the bust is kind of a play on tongue and cheek . . . just fits to me1

    Reply
  19. Suzanne

    I love Molly’s photo, but I think the red shoe has everything to do with you! It rminds me of fairytales and good wishes.
    Love*

    Reply
  20. nel

    Personally, I LOVE red shoes so I would have to go with that one. But I can see the second one working very well for you and your blog. Whatever one you choose, I know it will look great!

    Reply
  21. rel

    Corey,
    # 2 is definitely my favorite!
    rel

    Reply
  22. Kris

    #2: Your fingers. Your humor. Your world.

    Reply
  23. Sugar

    I like #2 and #4.

    Reply
  24. herhimnbryn

    2 me it has 2 be 2:)

    Reply
  25. Karin

    Numero Deux!! Positively. 🙂

    Reply
  26. Lea

    Hello, Corey! Long time no see! Wishing you and your family a wonderful summer and lots of love,
    Lea 🙂
    p.s. All banner choices are lovely but number 4 is my personal favourite!

    Reply
  27. deirdre

    I like both numbers one and two. As for the technical part … sorry, haven’t got a clue. I’ve been trying to muddle my way through a new banner and just keep getting frustrated.

    Reply
  28. Mary

    All beautiful but I love #2 – so evocative of France and the French ‘je ne sais quoi’. I see you and Yann and all the things you share between your respective countries – and it’s a little spicy too!!
    I’ll e-mail you banner installation instructions.

    Reply
  29. linda

    Before I started scrolling down, and before I got a good look at #2, I thought it was your French Husband. I think two is it!

    Reply
  30. Gina

    I know I’m out numbered here but I like #1.

    Reply
  31. Cheryl in California

    For me, a tie between 2 and 4…leaning more towards 4!

    Reply
  32. Jeanne

    I love them all.
    I know you will follow your heart to pick the right one.
    Love you
    Jeanne

    Reply
  33. Lynda

    #2 seems to fit your blog best …
    xo

    Reply
  34. Vicki

    I loved #2!!! It just fits you Corey!!!
    I will read your blog and enjoy it no matter what the banner is!!!

    Reply
  35. Shannon

    Well, #2 fits your “tongue in cheek” label. You’re trying to feed a strawberry to a statue….totally tongue in cheek.
    While I was looking at your niece’s picture, from the corner of my eye, I honestly thought it was Yann! LOL.
    I guess #2 will also provide you with the closest way of putting Yann in your banner.

    Reply
  36. Beverly

    I love all of the banners…but #2…very tongue in cheek!

    Reply
  37. Sarah N

    #2, although I think you should replace the bust with French Husband!

    Reply
  38. nancy

    i like number 3….there is something so promising (perhaps a journey or a tale) and subtle (‘i have some secrets, i won’t tell’) hidden in thoses shoes…plus i like the composition…
    xxnancy

    Reply
  39. lila

    I too vote for #2. I thought it was Yann at first glance…clever of you to offer the strawberry!

    Reply
  40. anna

    Number 2 — so playful, so Corey, and it doesn’t hurt that the statue looks like handsome FH.

    Reply
  41. missy

    #2-definately!!
    Love,Missy from the bayou

    Reply
  42. Joy

    Oh definitely #2! I also thought it was FH and I just love the fact that so many others did too! It was meant to be… 🙂
    Joy

    Reply
  43. Holly

    I love #3
    It is simply magic!

    Reply
  44. Marcie Knowles

    Hello dear Corey! May I say it is “so good” to see you create as your heart starts to lift from grief. Your article in Somerset Life was spectacular, I got my issue yesterday,and was taken away again. As you said in the article,the last paragraph,,your philosophy, that our homes are apart of our soul’s reflection….then your banner should make you feel the same way…just my opinion, and you did ask. Only you will know when it is the “right” reflecton of your soul. I would take a collage of your favorite photos for the banner. The fun thing is,,you can change it as often as you want. You really got me to thinking about my own home, and reflecting my soul in it, my old taste in decorating dosent work now,,I have changed, I am inspired by you to ask those important questions. Thank you!

    Reply
  45. Deborah P

    #2! I read that you wouldn’t have a picture of FH, then I looked at #2, and thought, “well, I guess she changed her mind mid-stream, because here he is.” Until I read further that it was a statue, I really thought it was FH. So, although I also like #3, I have to vote for #2 – too droll!

    Reply
  46. Evelyn

    I think #2 is the way to go.

    Reply
  47. Ed in Willows

    Yup…….looks like the 2’s have it.

    Reply
  48. Gail

    It is so funny…I looked at them all and said…yep, banner #2. Then get to the end and what do you say? Go for it.
    hugs,
    Gail

    Reply
  49. Regina Clare Jane

    Well, I like No.’s 2 and 3, but I am leaning towards 3… it’s kind of magical- like you!
    xo

    Reply
  50. The Farmer’s Wife

    The Red shoe, simply because it has a little bling.
    #2 is good too. Did you realize that the profile resembles the French Husband?
    -Suzanne, the Farmer’s Wife

    Reply
  51. Muriel

    Wow definitely # 2

    Reply
  52. Jill Flory

    I’ll have to say #2 but I also think you need to use #3 for something too. maybe for one of the pics on the sidebar? I think you could use #1 for a sidebar pic too! and if you ever decide to use a pic of the REAL FH we would all love that too!
    Jill Flory

    Reply
  53. Miss Sandy

    Corey,
    Number 2 is my favorite, it depicts tongue in cheek perfectly. As for instillation, you might ask Kris of Blissful Elements about the process. She does my banners for me and was really sweet helping with the instillation. Or, Dawn of The Feathered Nest, she helped me recently figure out how to install background to my blog. I find that most tech minded bloggers are very willing to help. Well wishes on your choice!

    Reply
  54. Rosemary

    Molly, of course!!!!
    Rosemary
    ps, number 4 looks very French!!

    Reply
  55. Pinkie Denise

    Dear Corey,
    I think it would be so hard to decide…I love the one with Molly and the shoe reminds me of
    Wizard of Oz (which I love) but I think the Can Can girl is so you! Love Denise

    Reply
  56. suesue

    i vote for #2 even though the others are all great. it is very “tongue in cheek”.

    Reply
  57. Terri

    Gosh, I think they’re ALL great.
    However, #1 I like best, followed by #3.

    Reply
  58. Jill

    I vote for 2, and I like 3, as well. If you need help applying it to the page, I’m here (although you’ve likely had any number of offers for help already!). I often change my banners, and learned how to do it by trial & error.

    Reply
  59. Janet

    #2 reminds me of your husband and France. I like it.
    #3 makes me think of my 4 precious daughters.
    My vote is for #2 🙂
    I’ve been quietly reading and enjoying myself as always. This is a lovely spot, Corey.

    Reply
  60. Laurie

    Hi Corey,
    Number 2 was my first choice also. I think 4 might be a consideration just because it’s a little more….. Laurie

    Reply
  61. Naomi

    As did many others, I like #2 best, unless you are going to relent and put FH on your banner. Molly is my next favorite. I truly enjoy your blog.

    Reply
  62. Rosemary

    Definitely #2.
    I want to tell you how much I enjoy your blog. Also, you’re writing is beautiful! I am fairly new to your blog but am hooked!

    Reply
  63. Kristin Wight

    Number 2!!!!!!!!
    : )

    Reply
  64. Carol

    I really like #4 – and #2 as a close second.

    Reply
  65. Alina

    Banner 2. I like the touch of Cartier red in your choices.

    Reply
  66. kenju

    I love #4 best and #3!

    Reply
  67. annieelf

    I keep returning to Molly but #2 is a close second.

    Reply
  68. Lorene

    My vote is #2. There is just something about that picture of the statue and the strawberry. They are all great though.

    Reply
  69. Marilyn

    It looks like #2 has it, but I like you idea for the tattoo on the chest of #4.
    As always I love visiting your sight each morning.

    Reply
  70. Chris

    Love #2!

    Reply
  71. angela marie

    I would have to say #2. There is something about it that has you written all over it. I also liked #4. But, Definitely #2!

    Reply
  72. jody

    Corey
    what do you “want the banner to do” for you or your blog?
    i love your art work,collages, photograpy. not to mention the “words” that come from your tongue and cheeks.
    i think something that portrays what your daily blog is about and that would draw someone in is good. if these four are the only choices,i go for #2. it shows off your photography and your flair to see what we may not see in life. A child on the banner may look limiting, like its all about children, rather than including all family, the other great part of life. Probably once someone reads your blog though, they will be hooked anyway, just like me!

    Reply
  73. JO

    There is something very seductive about #2….and you do understand seduction!!

    Reply
  74. Ulla

    Honestly I really like the one with Molly! Its personal, fun, whimsical and full of heart, just like you! Surprise us and do something entirely different!!!

    Reply
  75. ~Kim

    I like #1 and #2. But, you also have lots of great pictures on your blog to choose from!

    Reply
  76. little kristi

    I love love love no. 4 and the tatouage idée! (…and mille mercis for the link!)

    Reply
  77. My Mélange

    #2 is the first pick. #4 is second runner up!!

    Reply
  78. béa

    Hello dear Corey, for me the best was the last one, so chic, so french and british!
    I like also the 1.Bye!

    Reply
  79. Robi

    It HAS to be #2….very oooo la-la!!!

    Reply
  80. nicol

    Oh certainly number 2! Elegant but tongue in cheek….I can hear it whisper “Corey!” …xoxo N

    Reply
  81. Diogenes

    Corey,
    #2, for sure, because it is so very “tongue in cheek.” And artsy.
    Best Wishes.

    Reply
  82. kas

    Corey,
    Your blog and your entire life are about living passionately. You share your passion for your family, France, California, antiques, etc with us every day that you post. My vote is for a banner that reflects your passionate out-look on life. Maybe the first photo you posted the other day of “The Kiss” ? Looks like there’s a little “tongue in cheek” happening there!

    Reply
  83. morgan

    I am totally stuck in between 2 and 3. I think that 2 really looks like you, but 3 is really catchy!!

    Reply
  84. Darlene

    My vote is #2. I think it’s “cheeky” humor and therefore totally appropriate, plus it’s visually interesting.
    #3 is my second choice.

    Reply
  85. Paula

    Corey ~ Substitute the statue for FH and have him just biting the red strawberry. Not a full face shot, but one just like the statue. You are right, the moment I saw the statue I thought of FH’s nose ~ so classic !

    Reply
  86. sonrie

    #2

    Reply
  87. frieda

    #4..
    Reminds me you…. spiritual, mysteries, elegant being!

    Reply
  88. Alice

    I just can’t decide. They are all wonderful, but I’m leaning towards #2 or #3. I love the whimsy of both. Okay …got to make a decision …let me see ….Okay got it! I’m going with #3! I adore the little red shoe!

    Reply
  89. Tammy

    I think #2 looks the most like you. It is the best
    blessings and love

    Reply
  90. Patti

    #2. It’s art… like your photography, it’s romantic like FH and France. The statue exemplifies the ancient, the old, the beautiful like antiques, it captures simple beauty in the strawberry. The fact the the statue looks like FH is “tongue in cheek”. It speaks more of the you I know from your blog than the others. I love the combination of the statue and the human hand feeding the strawberry, it’s very romantic, and ethereal. Very nice.

    Reply
  91. Debbie in CA : )

    #2!!! So french, so playful, so you. I confess, at first glance I thought it was French Husband. (Maybe he is becoming a blogger icon? Hmmmm …) Above all else, HAVE FUN WITH THE BANNER! I love stopping by for a pic, a thought, and a smile. : )

    Reply
  92. Anne

    #2 gets my vote. If we can’t have French Husband at least we can have a reasonable ‘look-alike’.
    The red strawberry is so you, Corey. I absolutely love the touch of red. The other banner suggestions don’t look like you but #2 is you to perfection and I LOVE it.
    Anne

    Reply
  93. heather

    i’m liking number 2, with number 1 as my second pick. something about 2 is fascinating, grabs my attention. and the nose does look like french husband 😉

    Reply
  94. Mary Kate

    The second one. It’s so you. I also like 4 and Molly, of course.

    Reply
  95. Ellen Cassilly

    #2 but the text is too strong. Go for lighter like #1 or #3.
    I love the fact that you are playing again. Love and hugs,E

    Reply
  96. Susan

    Well… a pic of French Hubby would no doubt bring in more traffic to your site, but you sure don’t need any help in that department. 🙂 I like choice #2 out of the ones you offered, however, you’ve posted SO many beautiful pictures on your blog over the past few years, it would be hard to pick just one to use. A mass of colorful roses would be lovely… or a collage of all the various sparkling chandelier crystals you’ve captured (must include a lone red crystal in there)… or maybe antique porcelain teacups, as if to suggest the viewer sit down to tea with you. So many choices.
    BUT, if I were to pick just one, right now, I’d go with the picture you posted on June 30, 2006 of the red mailbox. It’s got the red that you want, plus the idea of all the stories you post of life in France and the US, written as though they are treasured handwritten letters for every reader. That’s how your posts feel to me when I read them, like I’m opening an envelope I’ve just pulled out of the red mailbox anticipating the wonderful letter someone has written just for me– and it’s never just any plain ordinary envelope either, it’s addressed in beautiful script from an antique fountain pen, swirling cursive letters, a faint image of roses along the edge, scented lightly with rose or lavendar, with a ribbon tied in a bow around it… and sealed on the back with your own lipstick lip print (RED of course), your very own tongue in cheek sort of signature.

    Reply
  97. diXymiss

    It’s a tough choice, but I cast my vote for #2 as well, only with a slightly smaller teXt font. All are magnifique!

    Reply
  98. Valerie

    No 2 is my pick too! How about changing the banner every so often as you do have some wonderful photo?

    Reply
  99. bethenais

    corey,
    glory!! you have a wonderful start with so many comments focusing on # 2 . I agree too yet, wondered if you could blend MOLLY’s photo with the statue-hence give honor to Sir Walter Scott’s presumed meaning of the phrase”Tongue in Cheek” from THE FAIR MAID OF PERTH – ie –“stated in an ironic manner, not meant to be taken seriously” However, one of your gifts,I feel, is that your ability to reveal the ironic beauty of all that you see and experience in such a way the connects us to our own ironies! thanks for all
    and ps- never did read the above book!

    Reply
  100. karen

    No contest if I was choosing. It would be the
    red shoe. Good color, nicely balanced, and whimsical. It leaves one with a nice feeling.

    Reply
  101. clarice

    Oh they are good but I am leaning towards 2 to. Clarice

    Reply
  102. angela

    I can’t decide between 2 and 4. As long as you are the one we are visiting I am sure whatever you pick will be great!

    Reply
  103. Bonnie Buckingham

    I like the first one and the RED Shoe
    one. All are beautiful. Enjoy the summer
    with your French family in CA!
    Bonnie

    Reply
  104. Massilianana

    I vote for number one then number three . Number two doesn’t shine , sparkle , glow…which your words do , as do the smile of the little girl on number one and the lovely red shoes of number three ! Number four is nice but it doesn’t appeal to me .There you are ! Have fun picking it !

    Reply
  105. Rebecca

    Maybe don’t settle for these first 4 options that you decided to present… What about some wonderful items from French flea markets, those “not too serious or stuffy, good but rarely in perfect condition” items you’re so great at detailing? (But maybe for now, you’re too far away from them and so they aren’t so pertinent?) I didn’t look up the aforementioned red mailbox but love the idea — I look forward to the letters from you, all illustrated with your perfect photos. How about loads of your black and white photos all strewn on a lovely rustic table, with a little red something holding them from flying totally away?

    Reply
  106. Charles

    I vote for banner #2. It does look like french husband! I thought that before I even read the tag. Love, Charles

    Reply
  107. Angie D

    Well.. I do like the red shoes, but my vote is for #4… and I think I’m the only one that likes that one… but I do… I do…

    Reply
  108. Laura M

    I love banner #2, I love the juxtaposition of the marble statue and the strawberry. A bit of whimsy and a bit of the history that is France.
    Laura

    Reply
  109. Star

    I vote #2. Even though it isn’t French Husband, we can all imagine that it is… 😉

    Reply
  110. Jojo

    Tongue-in-Cheek? Number 2 is the illustration.

    Reply
  111. wendy

    Hi Corey,
    Oh definitely number one imo, it has ~such~ the nicest feeling : )
    Hope alls well…
    Peaceful Week, Wendy

    Reply
  112. Joanie

    Love #2!! I think it’s YOU!!

    Reply
  113. Joanie

    Love #2, it’s so YOU!!!

    Reply
  114. Debbie

    Oh yeah, #2! And it does look like french husbands nose.

    Reply
  115. Nan

    My choice would be number 2 – however, I do like number 4. A bit of a twist.

    Reply
  116. somepinkflowers

    what
    ever
    makes
    you
    happiest when you look at it.
    🙂

    Reply
  117. Carol

    Oh my, I love them all, but 2 certainly does capture the “tongue in cheek attitude” perfectly. I would just make that – A collection……….
    How about once you are proficient at changing the banner changing it from time-to-time in order to showcase the many beautiful photos you take and whatever mood strikes your fancy, at the time?
    Whatever you do I absolutely love reading your blog!!!

    Reply
  118. misschris

    I think you should swap them out every two months or so (or every season ?) A lot of bloggers do this who have great photo talent. It keeps everything interesting and fun.

    Reply
  119. Julie

    I like the can-can girl idea.

    Reply
  120. Cookie Sunshine

    I like #3. I love that you are putting a bit of red in the mix.
    Cookie

    Reply
  121. Miz Booshay

    Four.

    Reply
  122. Relyn

    Number three – definitely. Though I really did love your former banner. Simple and classy.

    Reply
  123. Teresa Sheeley ~ French Poppy

    My vote is for #2! 🙂
    Teresa

    Reply
  124. amber

    I vote for number 2. Peeeerfect.
    🙂

    Reply
  125. Denise

    I vote for #4

    Reply
  126. Barb

    I like #2 and #4 but not to keen on the fonts.

    Reply
  127. Marianna

    I LOVE #3 it’s perfect!

    Reply
  128. Claudia

    Dear Corey,
    although those are all wonderful pics, I guess the second (yes, for a moment I was thinking whether it was your husband’s profile… ) or the fourth one would apply best. The fourth one is cute and playful and sooo French too, but they are all classy.
    Love, Claudia

    Reply
  129. Donna O.

    I love number 3.
    The red shoes are so you, in the “There’s no place like home” sentiment, be it Willows or France. Your home reflects your love of family, design, connecting, etc. Just my thoughts.
    D. aka- Dorothy 🙂

    Reply
  130. Caffienated Cowgirl

    I am really loving the can-can girl…she would definitely make a statement: fun, French, etc.

    Reply
  131. Miss Maddie’s

    Absolutely #2. The gentleness of the hand reaching forth to tempt one (the statue aka your readers) for the rich, sensual lust of life. Whether it be in France, California or the Arctic.
    Your writings keep us coming back to share romance, joy, frivolities and even sorrow.
    What ever banner you should chose it is the words beneath that we adore.
    xo Susan

    Reply
  132. Alexandra

    I know it’s too late, but I love the can-can girl!

    Reply
  133. Oakland Andrea

    I’m going with #3! Strong red, soft fabric. The contrast is wonderful and suggestive of what we know about ourselves as women — simultaneously strong and soft.

    Reply
  134. Sarah

    I like #2. Like some others, I first thought it was your husband. I also like #3. but I think #2 fits better.

    Reply

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