25 Things You May Not Know About Me
It has been a while since I have done one of these posts so I wanted to introduce myself in a fun way. If you are new around here, I am Rebecca Plotnick the founder and face of Every Day Parisian. I am a full-time photographer/blogger based in Chicago and Paris. Feel free to comment below and tell me where you are following from.
25 Things You May Not Know About Me
1. My storytelling skills come from my Dad.
If you have been reading the blog for a while or you have met me in person you will know I love to tell stories that go along with the photo. What is the fun of a photo with no story? I didn’t realize it until this weekend, but my storytelling skills are from my Dad. He is the ultimate storyteller. You can hear the same story ten times, and he tells it like you are hearing it for the first time.
2. I am old school when it comes to certain things.
I still use posts its, paper journals, and a calendar. My desk is filled with post its and every time I have an idea, I write it on one. It may look odd to an outsider, but my mind is constantly thinking of new ideas, and it helps to keep them where I can see them. I always carry a notebook in my bag. I have a few empty ones just in case in the closet. Each project has its notebook. Also, I can only write in black pen (never blue).
3. Being an Aunt is the best gift my sister has ever given me.
My niece and nephew are adorable, funny, and sweet. I am so lucky to have them and have an active role in their lives.
4. I hated cooked vegetables until I was about 40
My mom always said my taste buds would change and she was right! I have recently learned to love zucchini, eggplant, and artichokes. On my 41st birthday, I enjoyed artichokes at dinner and my life was instantly changed.
5. My grandma was one of my best friends.
I miss her every day. She was my biggest cheerleader and the person I always called first to tell my good news. She continues to show up in my life in different ways now that she is gone.
6. I didn’t start drinking coffee until later in life.
Coffee is a big part of my life but that wasn’t always the case. I was slow to adapt and now I love it. I really am eying one of these Breville coffee makers I keep putting on my wish list.
7. I am typically late or right on time. The one thing I am always early for is… flights.
I am the queen of airport stress, prefer to be early for a flight, and will leave much earlier than required. This is so that I don’t have to worry about not having enough time to make my flight and get through security.
8. My parents divorced when I was in middle school.
It may surprise many people, but my parents divorced parents are together for Thanksgiving and family trips. My niece and nephew (their grandkids) are the family glue and have helped put us back together. It is really sweet to see their bond with both kids.
9. I am an early riser.
I typically wake up before my alarm goes off. And I am most productive between 7 – and 9 am. In the Summer, I am up even earlier. I love the quiet of the early morning and watching the sunrise.
10. I love analyzing my business stats.
I have a business background. And I have been looking at statistics since graduation from my old job as an assistant buyer. I look at blog, shop, and Instagram stats probably a bit too much but there is always an opportunity for growth. It fascinates me to see what is working and what isn’t.
11. I wanted a dog for the longest time but wasn’t ready for it until now.
Henri is my mini-Bernedoodle, and, we are attached. He was worth the wait in every way. Currently, he is 2 1/2 and very much in the toddler phase of puppies. It gets better and better with each day.
12. I love bookshops.
My dad used to take my sister and me to a bookshop on Sundays and, it became a tradition. I love to read, especially WWII books set in France. There are years I can’t get enough of books and other times I am slower to make it through a book. My husband recently bought me a Kindle and I am loving it.
13. I love to travel but visit the same places yearly, including Amalfi Coast and Paris.
On my short wish list are Ischia, Puglia, and Provence.
14. I suffer from migraines.
So I avoid specific triggers including red wine and anything smoked. I carry Excedrin in my bag at all times just in case I feel one coming on. It usually helps if I catch it in time. If not it is a long road to recovery.
15. I am a beauty junkie when it comes to skincare.
I am always looking to try new products and improve my skincare routine. Clean beauty is my big focus. You can see some of my favorite beauty brands here.
16. I have a dry sense of humor.
I get it from my dad and grandpa. My niece is finally catching on a bit and, I can’t wait until she gets a bit older so we can banter. Sometimes, I am the only one laughing at my jokes.
17. I am a Hoosier!
I went to college at Indiana University. Watching IU in football and basketball each season is a lot of fun.
18. My first love was Italy and not France.
I studied abroad in Siena and Florence in college and fell in love with Italy. The original plan was to find a way to move back to Italy in some way. I still miss Florence and Siena and hope I get the chance to get back with a fresh set of eyes soon.
19. I love matching pajamas.
My pajama drawer is well stocked with summer and winter pajamas. One day, I would love to design a pair of my own.
20. I fell off the bunk beds at summer camp as a kid.
I broke my collarbone and was very lucky to have that be the only injury. It was the first night of camp, and I ended up staying at sleepaway camp with a sling and refused to give up and go home.
21. I reconnected with both of my Aunts after my grandmother passed away.
They are both so different but lovely in their way. One Aunt will practice yoga with me, putting a huge smile on my face. The other Aunt is the most fantastic cook. I love spending time catching up with her in the kitchen.
22. I love to cook/bake.
The pandemic helped me learn and grow in the kitchen. I prefer to eat at home than to eat out most nights. After a fantastic experience in Italy this summer, I am ready to roll up my sleeves and work on my pasta-making skills at home.
23. I wanted to own my own hotel as a kid.
While most kids played teacher and doctor when I was younger, I dreamt of owning my own hotel. I am fortunate to have travel as a part of my life now and create content and blog about different hotels I visit. Now I know how much hard work goes into hotels. It’s best to be enjoyed on the other side.
24. I started learning photography with black and white film in high school.
When I went to college, I didn’t think photography was something I could make a career out of so I let my dream go. I was laid off in 2008 and decided to pick up a camera again and become a travel photographer.
25. You can now find my work at IKEA and Pottery Barn.
I license my work to different retailers and sell on my own website here.
This post does include affiliate links that help contribute to my coffee and croissant fund. Merci!
What on the list surprised you the most? Is there something you want to know about me that I didn’t share?
Featured
Bonjour, I’m Rebecca!
I’m a photographer, blogger, croissant-lover, and world traveler. I hope that Everyday Parisian inspires you by bringing a bit of France into your daily life and helps you plan the best trip to Paris with personalized recommendations for places to stay, explore, and eat.
Subscribe
Subscribe to get a taste of Paris delivered
straight to your inbox every week.
Shop
Currently Loving
Favorites
I found you on Instagram and signed up for your emails. I enjoy your weekly roundup! I’m in Nashville but my husband is from your hometown, Cincinnati. If you’ve never visited Nashville, you should! We have lots of country music to satisfy your love of it, but we also have tons of other types of amazing music plus art, history, and a great craft cocktail scene. But my favorite thing here is the food scene! So many good restaurants. My whole family loves to travel and at least one of us is on a trip almost all the time. My husband and I just got back from exploring Greece and Italy, and took a cruise up the Adriatic. My daughter and I head to your favorite, Paris, in November! I’m jealous of your Bernidoodle and would love to get another dog one day. Looking forward to continuing to read your blog and seeing your beautiful photos.
I have been following your blog for a while. I live in Maryland now but I grew up in a suburb of Boston. I attended college and grad school in Boston. I have yet to travel overseas but my first husband was born in Berlin. During our seventeen year marriage I learned to speak some German and lots of European traditions that make life at home so cozy. I am still very close to my mother-in-law as is my now husband. I was especially attracted to your Frenchify series and very much hope to see that content again. I love seeing your photos and sharing, vicariously, your travel experiences. I’ll get there at some point but until then I will continue enjoy your
blog.
Love your blog, phots and style…not sure how we discovered you but we glad we did as we have a long awaited December trip to Paris this year — certainly appreciate your packing and traveling tips — not sure at this point where we are staying but will be there for at least 5 days then taking train to Munich for few days then over to our departing city, Frankfurt. Thank you and yes, we are big believers in getting to the airport with time to spare!
I do believe you are 40. You liar!
How lovely that you have donated your hair! What a wonderful thing to do! BTW, I follow you on IG and this blog and I am 75 so happy 40th, you’ve years ahead!
I have the same fear when flying- missing a flight! I always have a level of anxiety until I make it through security. Because I hate to give into my anxiety, though, I won’t go to the airport super early. It’s so weird! But I feel y’a on that one!!
You are an inspiration in sharing about your self. Thank you. Its nice to see your vulnerable sides.
Loved learning a little more about you. Black pen only – I had no idea! Also, I was in Croatia 🇭🇷 two years ago for two weeks and loved it – we city hopped. I highly recommend tacking on a few days in Montenegro 🇲🇪 if you can. Worth it!
Hello, Rebecca!
I really enjoy your blog and look forward to the newsletter every Sunday. Can you share the earrings you wear everyday? I have sensitive ears and I am always on the lookout for suggestions. Thanks so much for sharing with us!
My rule for following bloggers is simple…is this someone I would like to know. A resounding yes for you and EDP! Your happiness shines through and I wish you all the best. Thanks for letting us get to know you.
Thank you so much for sharing these fun things about you 🙂
I’ve been following you for a while on instagram and I love your style. You are easy to connect with, down to earth, creative, engaging and motivating.
Thank you for being YOU:)
Best wishes for the exciting 40s!
Outsiders say that people from Ohio are very friendly people. Even though you are now from that place that ruined it for our Cleveland Guardians (then Indians) (no hard feelings 😫), I tend to believe your friendliness comes from being a fellow OH girl. I hail from the top part of the state and am proud to call Cleveland home! Fellow post it note and paper calendar user who prefers blue ink. Love France and I dream of returning with my family. Your blog and IG gave me a bit of armchair travel when I discovered your site during lockdown. Thrilled you have found your own Mr. Darcy (I love Jane Austen) and looking forward to hearing about your wedding! Laura xo
Hi Rebecca!
I’ve been following you for a bit now (IG, Pinterest, your blog…think I found you initially on Pinterest as I scroll for Paris pics). I also saw you & Corey (French Frye in Paris) in one of his episodes and found you so humble & charming. Well, now that I’ve gushed all over you…I also suffer from migraines and have since I was 16. I have found after many years visiting doctors, getting several MRI’s, trying just about everything even Biofeedback & Acupuncture that what helps ME best (know everyone is different), Imitrex which is a perscription. I take it only as needed and at the first sign of one instead of waiting.
Also, getting up at the same time each day no matter how late I went to bed the night before REALLY helps. I read this somewhere years ago, tried it & it seems to truly help. Drinking tons of water (which sounds like you already do), no red wine (which seems like you know this already). Hope any of this helps.
Like you I also am a bit old fashion in that I still carry a paper calendar, I also make list & notes in a paper notebook, I LIVE (and hoard) post it notes. I need to see my lists, my “to-dos”, my brainstorms not have them tucked away in a device somewhere.
I’m truly enjoying your blog, your amazing photos & your take on everything Parisian.
Would love more bookclub suggestions!
Merci,
Scarlett
@Scarlettsville
The Sunshine State
I follow you on Instagram. You were an Instagram suggestion. I love your Paris photographs!
Thank you so much for following, Susanne!! xo
I just stumbled across your blog (thank you Pinterest!) and it’s enchanting! I’m excited to join the book club and become a part of this community. What a wonderful life you live, how great that you embrace it and recognize it.
Thank you so much, Laura! I am so happy you found me and welcome to the community!
Excedrin used to be my best friend, but try acupuncture (if you didn’t already) it can help
oh! Thank you. I did acupuncture a while back to get rid of a bad migraine series but I haven’t been back. I think it is pricey in the States. Not sure what the cost is for you.
That you also look a lot to your stats, I am obssed with stats.
Caroline, it is a problem! Now that I just opened the new shopify store I got really excited I had one more stat to check 😉
The most surprising to me was that you only read one book last year!!!! I have loved and read each of your book club choices this year. Keep them coming!
Thank you so much, Donna! You are so sweet. Can you believe it? I am hoping to continue it next year as well. Which has been your favorite?
Grammar and punctuation editing is always done out of love! Every creative needs a editor friend 🙂
This is very true! Thank you for editing 🙂 At least I finally come clean about it.
Such a fun interesting list! Thanks for sharing as always Rebecca 💗 Found it interesting that you’re grammatically challenged. I would never have guessed .. probably because I am too hehehhee.
haha! I am so happy you didn’t notice. My friends continue to point it out and they occasionally edit my posts due to grammatical errors 😉 I just figure you come for the content and photos and not for the punctuation.