Bistro Chic 2009: A Year of European Inspirations

As we enter into a new year, some people reflect on all of the things they didn’t do – their regrets. Well, I’m choosing not to focus on the regrets (besides, I don’t really have any) and opting to focus on all of those things I DID accomplish this year.

The biggest thing I did in 2009 was start blogging! That’s right, just one year ago tomorrow, January 5, 2010, marks the one year anniversary of Bistro Chic! When starting this European-themed blog, I really had two goals in mind:

1. Have fun with writing
2. Inspire others to live a more Euro Chic lifestyle

So, how did I fair in accomplishing my goals?

Goal #1 – Have fun writing: Well, the first is easy. I have had an incredible amount of fun this year writing about all things European. Don’t get me wrong, writing daily, weekly, or even monthly for a blog, in addition to having a full-time job, is NOT easy. I love Europe – the culture, the food, the sites, the history, the people, etc. But, since I can’t visit as often as I’d like, I find temporary comfort in writing about the European lifestyle. 

Goal #2 – Inspire others: Whether I accomplished this is really up to you. Did you enjoy the articles/posts on Bistro Chic this year? Were you inspired to bring these European lifestyle principles into your own life? I would hope that all of you would say YES, but you won’t hurt my feelings if you take the opposite view.

Speaking of inspiration…inspiring others to do anything is quite a challenge, especially when there’s no face-to-face, voice-to-voice interaction. But, I think I did my best to inspire you, through words, to bring a little savoir faire into your daily life. And, just for fun and because it’s a time of reflection, let’s take a look at some of those inspirational Bistro Chic messages from 2009:

Bistro Chic 2009: Posts of European Inspiration

• Embrace French Dining – This year, I’ve encouraged you to embrace your inner French woman, in more ways than one. But dining like a French woman has been a recurrent theme in my writing. Starting with a review of the French Paradox, followed by the specifics of what French women eat and how they eat, Bistro Chic’s series on the French way of eating attempted to leave no stone unturned. Plus, it’s hard to talk about a French woman’s dining habits without mentioning the practice of le goûter. Not familiar with le goûter?  You should be!
• Create A Signature Style – The key to having chic European style is actually to create your own style. Whether you borrow fashion secrets from  French, Italian, or other European women, making your style your own can be a fun way to update your wardrobe and your look with a few classic pieces, like the the très chic trench coat or basic black pant. Throw in a few accessories and a new hairstyle, and ooh la la!
• Experience Joie De Vivre – If there is one thing that Europeans, and particularly the French, do better than Americans it’s experiencing all of life’s wonders, no matter how big or small. Bistro Chic showed you how to bring this joie de vivre into your own life through travel, music, sports, and even savoring little luxuries, like drinking tea in your favorite cup! 

And so, faithful Bistro Chic readers, here’s to another year of fabulous European living. May all your days be filled with love, laughter, little luxuries, and le goûter.

Ciao