Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

The Blog Thing

IMG_6965 copie 

 

Banner Number 1 My niece Molly (photo is several years old now) playing peek a boo.

I was thinking to change the banner, not because I do not like the one above but simply for a change. 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. This was the first banner I used on my blog.

My blog's name, "Tongue in Cheek" was given to me by my friend Kristi who writes a wonderful blog called, French Word a Day. Kristi 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 Kristi thought why not call it: "Tongue in Cheek".

I must admit the name of my blog has bugged me for years. Though each time I ask about changing it the response is, "Don't." 

 

 

Lady-with-mask

 

Banner Number 3 A French can-can girl. I'll tattoo Tongue 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 occasion…"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."

 

Banner armchair

 

Or…

Okay, I am leaning on putting number two back up, or just leave it alone. I guess I always have to ask you every five years out of curiosity, I do trust your opinion. I am counting on you for your ideas and help on my new banner thingy. Merci in advance.

 

Thank you for your opinions, ideas, stories, skeletons, humour, encouragement and for coming to check in on my blog. xxx

Comments

54 responses to “The Blog Thing”

  1. Kipper

    Keep the banner. It is perfect.

    Reply
  2. Toni

    I like #2 if you are determined to change. To me Tongue in Cheek implies something a little spirited, saucy or racy. It doesn’t confer the decorative, antique loving side of you. That is a bonus. Tongue in Cheek is apt – but find something better if you don’t love it. The perfect name is out there.

    Reply
  3. RebeccaNYC

    Just like the last time you asked (wow…time flies! Wasn’t that last week?) ….I love the banner and think you should keep it just like it is. But what ever you decide will be ok with me, just as long as you keep writing!

    Reply
  4. Roberta Manly

    The only one I really like at all is the one with the chair… or the current one. But I think taking off tongue in cheek and replacing it with your name is a really good idea. If you had a permanent logo on a transparency, you could always change the background photo with landscape scenery, a room, furniture, holiday scene, antiques, etc.
    just a thought! Always love your photos so much…

    Reply
  5. Anne

    Ah, be still my heart. Banner #2 still causes my heart to flutter wildly. But, Corey, the banner is about you, not me. I have now saved a copy of the banner I like so I can see it whenever I need to give my old heart a kick-start in the morning.
    I really like the suggestion of Roberta Manly about a permanent logo on a transparency so you could change the background photo whenever you wished. Incorporating your name is also a brilliant idea.

    Reply
  6. Nancy

    Leave it, I love it! it’s like coming home to you.

    Reply
  7. ruth ribeaucourt

    I love the last one!!
    Ruth
    xxxx

    Reply
  8. Leigh NZ

    A great idea…would love to see a regular change of one of your gorgeous photos but with your name.

    Reply
  9. Leigh NZ

    Love your present one or you feeding Yann a strawberry; not keen on the scary armchair with the claw hand. Really like the idea about using your name and changing the photo on a regular basis.

    Reply
  10. Leigh NZ

    I love the photo on your blog page on the hand side of the Fatima’s hand door knocker, that would look really good rotated on its side with your name as a banner.

    Reply
  11. Nancyjeandoherty

    How about using the little Tramp(Charlie Chaplin)?

    Reply
  12. Patti

    I loved #2 in the past and was sad to see it go but I have come to love your tiny dice in a spoon. I looked up a few definitions for the modern thinking of tongue-in-cheek. “Delightful humor” was my favorite because delightful describes it, even when the tone is serious. It’s always a delight to open your blog, I know never what I will find each day. It’s delightful, thought-provoking, inspiring, educational, touching, fun and from the heart. You cover more that brocante. Change the banner from time to time, but don’t change the name. Its what your blog is know as far and wide.

    Reply
  13. Laurie

    Hi Corey,
    I always like the ones you come up with, but the can-can girl is intriguing. Tattoo on heart would be just right. Captures all that your blog is and draws the reader in.

    Reply
  14. Kathie

    The last one (with the vintage chair) tells the most about you. Can you make the white lettering “pop” a bit more (e.g., with a shadow font or outlining)?

    Reply
  15. Janet Eiffel

    The last one is so pretty,
    and “screams” Brocante.

    Reply
  16. Diogenes

    I like both headers number 2 and number 3.

    Reply
  17. s/e

    #2 looks like you…..and Yann’s nose.

    Reply
  18. Candace

    Just have fun with it! Trust your instincts- you are very creative! Love your blog!

    Reply
  19. Jacklynn Lantry

    What was the banner just before this one? It’s funny that someone thought the sculpture was Yann:) That’s a huge compliment! I like the one you have now, but I swear there was another one just before this one…

    Reply
  20. Kirsten

    Dear Corey,
    I have followed you since the moment since Kristi introduced me to you on her blog. I have been drawn to the brocante, the life in France (and just up the road)to the life in Willows), but more than anything your joie de1 vivre that lifts my spirit. It comes through in every post, no matter the topic. I love what you do, and for me, #1, the photo of your niece, Molly, best embodies that spirit.
    Many thanks for so many wonderful years of joy,
    Kirsten

    Reply
  21. Joanna

    Molly.

    Reply
  22. Momof5

    Whatever you decide…..all your photos are lovely.

    Reply
  23. Liane

    I love the last one with your name, however I am also partial to Banner 3…vintage posters have always spoken to me…I have two French ones hanging on the wall. And then I think…does it really matter, as what I’m truly interested in is what you say and show. So…I ask, why can’t it be different every time?

    Reply
  24. Francesca

    I loved #2 and still do. It’s fun, sexy and verrrry French.

    Reply
  25. salve

    Please change the name of the blog. It adds no meaning. But why be saucy? Why add sly erotica? You have access to markets that buy and sell brocante. You buy, refurbish and decorate living spaces. You lead tours. Those are interesting stories to me.

    Reply
  26. Kathy Rowen

    Why mess with perfection!

    Reply
  27. Kiki

    NO.NEW.BANNER……
    OK?

    Reply
  28. Kiki

    One thing coming to me from the comments: Yes, why not add your name somewhere, IF YOU MUST….. I follow some blogs (not that many) and apart from one famous American cooking blog none carries the name but rather gives an indication to what it is about. You don’t come across to me as being obsessed about your own person. And Tongue in Cheek is absolutely PERFECT for what you do. It’s an expression I learned to love in England and I would say from what I see and read it fits you perfectly and encompasses everything you are so good at and about. End …..

    Reply
  29. Susanne SANNER

    Dear Corey,
    thank you for asking us. But honestly, with all the various tastes and opinions, you might get very confused.
    Personally, I do like the “tongue in cheek” blog name. The only thing I can think of is to make your name the first line:
    Corey Amaro’s tongue in cheek.
    As far as visuals go, I like the suggestion of creating a logo and then changing the background from time to time.
    Greetings from Germany

    Reply
  30. Dd

    They are all cool, but I adore t last one, and that color blue is divine.

    Reply
  31. Jennie

    I vote for changing the background around from time to time with your beautiful photos. I like Tongue in Cheek but your name needs to be on the photo as well. Maybe even a facsimile of a business card that has more than your name but not so much as to create clutter.

    Reply
  32. Lisa DeNunzio

    Well if you are going to make a change,… I like the idea of adding your name to the banner and using one of your photos. Those are two very integral parts of what makes your blog so viable – your unique personality and your ability to capture life through your photos.
    On a more mercenary level, since you are marketing your properties for rent, and selling your
    antiques, it might help more people find you if you add your name.

    Reply
  33. Karen Dyer

    I love the current banner, especially since you recently explained the dice! 🍾
    Roberta Manly’s suggestion for changing backgrounds is brilliant. You have taken and shared some gorgeous photos. Of course, that would mean a little more work for you. But, honestly most times I don’t even “see” the banner, so changing it up now and then would catch the eye. And, yes to using your name in a faint watermark fashion. I also like Leigh NZ’s suggestion to use the hand door knocker. On another note, how about your next project being a place for two couples, w/2 BRs, 2 baths, filled with brocante treasures, and located – well, just about anywhere in Provence! Two couples from Albany, NY (the Dyers and Rowen’s) would be delighted to be your first renters! Thank you for sharing your life with us!

    Reply
  34. Debra

    If you change it, I love #3.

    Reply
  35. Linda R.

    I like it as is; go with your heart.
    In the meantime, here is a blogsite with some recipes for wonderful winter salads.
    https://blog.bloglovin.com/blog/8-healthy-salads-to-kickstart-2017
    Happy and healthy weekend to you.

    Reply
  36. Linda

    I love your blog regardless of name or banner; I also love change. Follow your instincts the best is yet to come!

    Reply
  37. charland

    Oh, me too, Ruth. Love the last one!!! And I really like the idea of Corey’s name in print.

    Reply
  38. charland

    You know, you could always have a rotating banner by the month, with one part of it the same.

    Reply
  39. Bonnie Schulte

    #2, without a question!

    Reply
  40. Bonnie Schulte

    Oh, but if you decide against #2, I really like the banner you have with the spoon and dice, and keep the name please.

    Reply
  41. sarah webb

    why stop at one?? i love them all but #2 is so different and fun! why not put one up for a week or so then change it?? keep changing until it feels right?? any of your pics on a daily basis would do for me.

    Reply
  42. Teddee Grace

    I like #2. It’s intriguing and whimsical and you’d please all those who wanted French Husband as it does look somewhat like him.

    Reply
  43. Rhonda

    I adore the very last image, with your name, is that an option? It’s gorgeous! It feels like you!!!

    Reply
  44. Taste of France

    I love Tongue in Cheek as a name and even more because of the backstory. However, at first you were hard to find, because Tongue in Cheek is (1) pretty common on the Internet and (2) the words are not in your URL.
    I like all your alternatives except the can-can girl. And I like what you have now, too.

    Reply
  45. carol

    I like it the way it is and like the name. However, adding your name somewhere, (while keeping Tongue in Cheek) , is a good idea. If I had to pick something new, it would be the chair. But then again, my grandson is almost two, and I can’t come up with a grandmother name!

    Reply
  46. Jody

    I love the last example with the chair! I can’t wait to see what you decide — it is your blog, go for the one that really speaks to you — we’ll continue reading no matter what it is called 🙂

    Reply
  47. Natalie Thiele

    I loved the old blog header, then you changed it and I grew to love this one, too. None of the others speak to me, although that chair arm is gorgeous. Anybody can use a gorgeous chair arm, though. I like the creative choices you made twice, so I guess I am hoping you will make another choice that reflects your personality and creativity.

    Reply
  48. Brenda Locklear

    I actually like the old one but if you insist…I like #2 and the last one the best of those you show…Now do you REALLY think YOU can pick just one??

    Reply
  49. Ali

    As long as you keep writing and taking photos….I personally like what is already there.
    Ali

    Reply
  50. Brenda, Walker, LA

    If that name has bugged you for years, follow your heart, much like you did when you followed Yann to France to live there. I like number 2, and I love the last picture. Your blog/shop name should reflect what you do! Loving your hubby in his birthplace, having the courage to be at his side there, and finding the Brocante!!
    You are delightful!

    Reply
  51. Madame France

    Viva la Tongue in Cheek!
    xx

    Reply
  52. Jan D-M

    I do love the banner with the spoon and dice, but also think the banner with your name and the chair is lovely. It has an ethereal quality to it that speaks to me of your spirit. I think whatever you do should include your name, as well as “Tongue in Cheek” because the expression suits you, especially when you write about Yann—when you write about him, I feel a glint in your eye, a cockeyed grin, your tongue in your cheek, and a tickle in your heart. I love that I never know what I will find when I visit your blog. Each visit is a treat.

    Reply
  53. Anne Woodyard

    I vote for your name and the chair. Hugs from .England!

    Reply
  54. Jennifer Phillipps

    I rather like the new one with the arm of the chair, colours are lovely and the look subtle, otherwise, stick with the original…..Cheers

    Reply

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