Twenty years ago today, I clicked a button on Blogspot.com and started a free blog account and tapped out my first blog post. Without much thought, I named it Musings of a Housewife because I was, well, a housewife—and I was simply planning to record my random thoughts and everyday life. There was no featured image, no structure, no SEO… just a few paragraphs on a blank computer screen.
We had just moved to a new home in a new area of the Philadelphia suburbs. I was in a new church, a new neighborhood, and had just had my third child. I was sleep-deprived and maybe a tiny bit bored, and the blog was simply meant to be an online diary to keep friends and family updated on our life.
I had no strategy, no goals, and definitely no expectation that it would turn into anything beyond a short-lived hobby. I had never kept a journal for more than a month, so I had no reason to think this would last.
But that little online diary quickly became a lifeline—a connection to this quirky corner of the internet where other women were doing the same thing, sharing their lives and anecdotes on motherhood in what felt like a somewhat anonymous space.
Somewhere along the way, I became what we all somewhat reluctantly called a “mommy blogger.” Then came the meet-ups and conferences, and brands started noticing our unique influence and getting in on it. Suddenly, it wasn’t such an anonymous venture anymore.
My blog grew up and evolved alongside the internet itself. What started as a simple outlet eventually turned into a full-fledged, self-sustaining business… and here I am, 20 years later.
It’s been a wild ride. I’ve seen so many come and go. I’ve hired contributors, expanded my topics, and reined them back in again. I’ve hosted events, signed numerous brand deals, and been invited on some amazing trips.
I was once in a full-page ad for Olay in Cosmopolitan Magazine, I wrote a cookbook, and I even made an appearance on the Dr. Oz Show—where I actually won the cooking competition! (It was clearly set up. I could see his lines on the teleprompter before he announced my Philadelphia cheesesteak as the winner… but still, it was fun!)
At one particularly pivotal point back in 2015, I made a major shift—I dropped the kitschy blog name in favor of my own and niched down into fashion.
There have definitely been moments where I’ve wondered what on earth I’m doing, putting so much of my life out there—but I wouldn’t trade the experiences or the community this space has given me.
If you’ve been here since the beginning (or even just for a little while), thank you. Truly. I don’t take it for granted that you choose to spend a few minutes of your day here with me.
I’d love to know—how long have you been following along?
75 Responses
I started reading your blog in the spring of 2017, so 9 years. I had just found Cyndi through Pinterest, and the two of you were doing a month of Spring Fashion. I think the first one I read was when you were trying on a potential Easter dress and you were complaining that it had wrinkled even though you had steamed it before you left. THAT is why I was intrigued. You were a normal person and not trying to pretend everything was perfect. And that’s one of the many reasons I have continued to read. We have the same body type and style and like the same things. You let us into your life without over sharing, and I have learned a lot and grown in my style right along with you. I had never tried premium denim before, bought a designer bag, or wore jackets as a third piece. I credit you with how far I have come in learning to dress my body and staying up to date with fashion, and getting a lot of it on sale, thanks to your tips! Congratulations on twenty years! What a great milestone. Here’s to another twenty years, and may we have great style into our senior years!
I’ve been here since the first Jo-Lynne/Cyndi fall collaboration and so glad I found you! Thank you for all the time, guidance and energy you put into these daily posts. I appreciate you!
Not sure exactly when I started following you but probably 2012 or so. We were still living in Florida and my daughter had moved back to the Philadelphia area. She wound up in Phoenixville and my favorite part of your blog was you describing the weather there. Silly, but it made me feel closer to her. Congratulations on your 20 years! Amazing! And I can’t tell you how many times I look at a piece of clothing and put it back realizing you’d never wear it!
Congrats on 20years! I’ve been following for probably 10 years and Cyndi was my first and you were the second . Enjoy all your posts, can’t imagine how hard it is to come up with something new all the time . I’ve been loving your holiday posts , where you stay, etc as we do a fair bit of travelling .
I found you in 2020 and my first purchase based on your recommendation was black Vuori joggers. Still have them. Still wear them regularly.
I’ve been a faithful reader of yours for almost 8 years and your advice has really helped me finally create a great fitting wardrobe. I love the details you provide, inseam length, rises, leg opening measurements, how the armholes fit or oversized. Also, the color washes, length of tops and shirts, dress lengths, what to wear to make it all come together and so much more. I’ve purchased a lot of your featured picks and not regretted having done so. Celebrate your milestone!
Congratulations, Jo-Lynne!!! What an incredible milestone. I’ve been following you since late 2017 or early 2018. You were the first blogger I followed. To this day, I still feel your taste in fashion is the most similar to my own. Sometimes I’ll purchase an item and then a week or 2 later you feature same item on your blog. Reinforcing the fact that I’m in the right place. Thanks for all the great tips & sharing so much of yourself with us.
I found your blog through your shared fashion posts with Cyndi back in the day!
Then started following you on instagram during 2020!
Happy Anniversary! Have a wonderful trip..
Congratulations on 20 years. I’m a regular reader, but I didn’t know about the cookbook. I’ve probably been following along since around 2016. Thanks for sharing your life. I enjoy you and your content.
What a fun post. Congrats!!!! You are the best blogger I know. I actually found you through Cyndi Spivey in 2015 when I first found her. I especially appreciated your blog during COVID as it gave many like myself a place to come and have fun with fashion and escape what was going on. You helped us look fashionable even when we were staying home and had nowhere to go. I love how you don’t just share fashion but share your life too. I hope you continue another 20 yrs. Have a great trip and safe flight and looking forward to seeing photos.
I’ve been here since the Musings days, along with your collaborations with Cyndi, and was in the earlier Fashion FB group! Yours is the first that I look for every day on social media. Yours try on posts and what I wore are my favorites. I love your analysis of what works for you or doesn’t, and seeing how you truly wear each item. I also like that you disclose what you’re keeping or returning. Congratulations on 20 years!
Happy Anniversary! I think I saw one of your Pinterest pins 5 or 6 years ago and thought, “Finally, here’s someone my age!!!” Always appreciate that you keep it real in this wild world of content creation! 💙 Nipa
Happy Anniversary!
I too found you through Cyndi, when I became addicted to Pinterest, which is where I came acrossed her. I remember scarves were huge at the time and I was all about learning new ways to tie them to create new and different outfits on a teacher’s budget. Then I learned you were a teacher, we both had Bichons, plus we were similar in age. I have been following and enjoying your fashion ideas ever since. Thx for all the effort you put into your blog. Love it! Wishing you many great blogging years ahead.
Hi and Congratulations on 20 years!!!!! I’ve been following since 2018, when I had a month-long serious illness that kept me home in bed, bored to tears. I Googled “fashion blogger” and there you were! From you I learned about Kelly Snyder’s Adore Your Wardrobe. I wish you many more blogging years ahead!!!! 🎂🎈🎁🎉🎊😇🙏💐
Congratulations on 20 years! I’ve been reading your blog for about the last 4 years. I lost weight and had to up my game as it were. You’ve been so helpful. I love Evereve because of you! I read Cyndi too b/c of you. I look forward to your emails too. Again, congrats!
What a neat story! I truly believe that when the crazy but amazing detours happen from a random unplanned idea, it’s a way of God redirecting us. So glad this has been a blessing you and your family, looks like a fun ride! (Although I’m sure it’s not always smooth sailing!) I found you about ten years or so ago (via Pinterest) and have enjoyed following along! Will definitely continue to do so!
Congratulations! 🎉🎉🎉 I think I have been following for at least 10 years. Thanks for all of your fashion insight. I truly enjoy all of your posts and you are the only fashion blogger that I follow daily.
I had to look uo when I started following you on Instagram and that was 7 years ago already! Congratulations on your anniversary!
Started following you in 2017…your infamous yellow sweater, leopard print scarf on Pinterest is how I found you. I had both pieces and wore them like that and been following ever since. I start my morning with you every day!! Of all the influencers I follow, Thank you for all you do and congratulations on your milestone.
Yes! I too was hooked on following her after I saw the yellow sweater outfit!
Congratulations on being one of the original bloggers! I started reading your blog in 2018? and got the recommendation to take Adore Your Wardrobe classes in 2020 from your blog. I have always enjoyed fashion and have learned so much from following you and my style (I think) has improved over the years. My downfall still is buying too many clothes and accessories and not being able to wear everything!
Wow! Congratulations on such a milestone!! I can’t remember exactly when I found you, but it’s been probably 12-15 years. I was a stay at home mom, trying to find fashion inspo. I don’t comment much on here, but I’m a faithful reader and you are a part of my “morning ritual”….EVERY day. Thank you for putting yourself out there for us! It has been fun to read along with all the changes in your life, along with the maturing of all your children. I’m so glad you have kept up and found success. Have a wonderful trip!
Congratulations on your 20th anniversary! A wonderful milestone for sure!! I have been following along for at least 10 years, and like many others, also was introduced to Cyndi at the same time. I reread your post with Cyndi when you went together to Disney World to prepare for my latest trip. I love connecting with your family life and your travels and shopping trips! That ad with Olay in Cosmo was so fun to read again!!! I especially enjoyed the time you met up with me at a local Panera to just chat with a reader and was called “a friend”! We had so much in common even though I’m almost 20 years older than you. Your faith, joy and zest for life shines through! Hope to join you on your blogging//Substack/Instagram journey for 20 more years! Carry On!
That was so much fun! I love meeting up and connecting in real life. It makes this online space feel so much more real and personal.
I’ve only been around for 4 or 5 years probably but you’re one of my very favorites! I look forward to your posts every day- more than any other blogger!
Happy Anniversary! I have enjoyed following you and we are mostly the same size so that has been helpful! Lately I think my pant size is bigger though, UGH!!
Speaking of sizes, what size are you wearing in the Quince trench coat? As always, thanks for your help and guidance!
Congratulations on 20 years! I had no idea you were in an Olay magazine ad looking so cute with your sassy short haircut! Your career has been full no doubt; a blessing for sure. I can’t remember the year I began following you but it was because of Pinterest that I found you (that leopard scarf and yellow cardigan)…I’m thinking around 2017?
Anyway, yours is the only blog I read daily and I appreciate your honesty and real life perspectives. Hugs!
Congrats! I have been following for 10 years.
I have been following you for probably 8 or 9 years?? I can’t remember exactly, but I would certainly not want to experience a world without your blog. 🙂 Happy 20 year anniversary!!
Well, that is quite a statement! Thank you. 🙂
Happy Anniversary! I saw one of your Pinterest pins around 2017 or 2018. I googled about denim trends and which shoe to pair with. Wishing you many more years!
How exciting and what an accomplishment! I know I’ve been around since 2012, but it may be 2010. Thank you for all the inspiration!
I’ve been following since fall 2020! I was standing in line to vote actually, scrolling Pinterest and I started following you there. I’m 33-I think a bit younger than your typical follower, but I love your content, your openness, and your grammatically correct writing style! I see the intention you put into this and that’s what keeps me reading your emails every day. They have become a small constant in my life and I’m so grateful for it. Thank you for your effort! And for keeping me on trend!
That is so funny that you remember finding me when you were standing in line to vote. And cheers to grammatically correct writing! I do my best. 🙂
Congratulations! That is a long time! I am trying to remember how long it has been. Your children were young and you were in one house then finally moved to your home now. Regardless, you have accomplished soo much and should be very proud of your accomplishments! 🎊🎊🎊🍷🍷🍷🎉🎉🎉
Congratulations, Jo-Lynne, and Happy Anniversary 🎉! I’ve been following you since 2021 and loving every bit of your content and continued evolution.
Congratulations on 20 years! I’m not sure exactly how long I’ve been following you, guessing around 5-7 years, nor do I recall how I found you, probably Pinterest. I had found a couple other fashion blogs back then, but I dropped them along the way as they just weren’t resonating with me, and now you’re the only blogger I follow. I appreciate your insight, recommendations, style tips and humor!
Congratulations of 20 years!! I’ve been following everyday since 2015. Thank you!
Happy Anniversary Jolynne! I have been here for about 6 years when I searched for an “influencer” (sorry to use that term) for women over 40. How cool that you were in Cosmo and on Dr. Oz!!
I love that you keep things real, and don’t try to be something you are not just for clicks. Yours is the only email that I read daily and look forward to reading. I even keep several to refer back to when I need them !
LOL—“influencer” is such a loaded term. I guess it fits, but it still feels a little self-important to me.
Hi, JoLynne! I have been following you for well over a decade! Probably around 2008, when I stopped teaching full time. You have helped me pack for many trips and have inspired me to try new brands; especially Evereve! I appreciate all the planning you put into this daily. I read you first thing in the morning to help plan my outfit for the day. I love how you post regular outfits, including what you wear to Pilates. Congratulations on 20 years of blogging! Here’s to 20 more!
I love that. Thank you! I like to think my style isn’t limited to 40+ (and now 50+, haha!) either.
Congratulations Jo-Lynne. I started reading in 2019 after finding your post about wearing cardigans without looking frumpy. I also appreciated your sharing your reduction surgery journey and I was so appreciative when you replied when I reached out about my own. I look forward to your posts every day and especially love when you explain why some things work and some don’t. It helps me to be more thoughtful about my own choices.
Yes, I remember! I hope it all went well with your reduction.
Congratulations, Jo-Lynne! I’ve been following you probably 10-15 years. I love your honest and insightful work on fashion. I especially like your try-ons and can always tell if it’s a winner just by your facial expressions before I even read the descriptions.😀. I also like your specifics on sizes and fabric content of each clothing piece, helps tremendously when shopping online. Congratulations, again!
I found you on the what to wear Wednesday on The Pleated Poppy blog!!! Not sure how long but probably close to 20 years!!
I “think” the lady you are pictured with in the top pic used to have a fashion Friday on her blog. Loved it ALL!
Yes, Melissa and I used to co-host Fashion Friday! She’s a very dear friend. 🙂
I’ve been following you since 2015 when I realized I needed to up my fashion game! I’ve always enjoyed fashion but I felt I needed more help on outfits, shoes, etc and not buying a “cute top” that only goes with one thing-more versatility I’d say. I am so grateful I found you!!
I’ve probably been following you for about the past 3-4 years. I was drawn to your blog because you give such specific information. It has really helped me focus in on what will work best for me. Happy anniversary, and thank you for sharing your knowledge!
What a cute and informative post. And what a journey for you. I’ve been following for about 9 years and came on board thru Cyndi. I love the detail you put into your clothing descriptions is so helpful. I can’t afford all the high end items but I can clearly see how pieces go together. I recall your posts about the doggy woes with allergies, and the kids going thru kid stuff. I so enjoy you and Paul’s adventures. Keep up the good work!
Congratulations on your 20th “blogging anniversary”. It has been about 15 years since I discovered you and have thoroughly enjoyed following you. You are one of a few I look forward to reading.
Following at least 10 years! You are my favorite blogger by far. Congratulations!
Congrats! I have been reading your blog since before you re-named it – so when it was still Musings of a Housewife. I stumbled upon it during the time I had very young children (three in the space of 5 years) and it was a welcome escape from babies and toddlers! And I am in the UK.
Congratulations! I found you around 2021 through Cyndi. I did search for something I can’t remember and found Cyndi. I started following her and she had a collaboration with you. I clicked on your blog and subscribed. I enjoy both of your blogs. You both look so cute in the above photo. I can’t say I like the outfits but that’s what we were all wearing back then. The sad thing I still see those outfits in 2026.
I don’t remember the year but I remember an outfit from early on. The mustard boyfriend cardigan and dark wash jeans and I believe a scarf. The photos were taken on your back deck
I found you through Cyndy – I think it was in 2015. It’s been fun following along. I appreciate your honest opinions in your try on sessions. Helps so much for those of us who don’t have much time to shop in stores or don’t want to! Thank you for all the ideas, hard work and responses you take time to give us!
Congratulations on your 20 years… I don’t know how long it’s been that I have been reading your blog, but I love it ….
Congratulations Jo-Lynne💕💕💕 I’ve been following you since 2016. You were the first blogger I ever followed. I found Cyndi because of some collaboration you two did. You are very good at what you do! I enjoy your blog every day. I love your style and how “real” you are. Thank you for the time and effort you put in every post. I love hearing about your family.
I am not certain how long I have followed you, but I started at least 2 years before 2020 – whoa! Time does fly 🙂
I started following you in 2014, 2015? I went looking for a Bloody Mary recipe, found yours, discovered you also talked fashion, and have been a reader ever since. I used to have a Saturday morning routine where I would sit down with my coffee and go through all of my bookmarked blogs. Yours was the first of the day then I’d go on down the line. Today it’s just your blog and a handful of others that I read. It’s your authenticity that keeps me engaged. I’m also a Mainer, I live not too far from your folks place. Thank you for all you do!
what a fun trip down memory lane lane! I have been following you since I retired from teaching 10 years ago! You definitely have a gift for writing and fashion. Thanks for sharing.
Well, thank goodness you didn’t give up and kept going. I found you shortly (maybe on Pinterest) after you started around 2008 when my son was two years old. It was very easy as a mostly stay at home mom to become isolated and you became my window into a life that helped me put myself back together in many ways. I enjoyed those 26 days of fall that you and Cindi used to do, too. Such inspirations. And today, I continue to faithfully looked forward to your daily thoughts, rely on your annual Nordy anniversary sale highlights, and love over and over again your try-on hauls! Thank you!
Happy Anniversary. I’ve been following since 2013, and, yes, the infamous “What not to wear to Disney” post is how I found you. Congratulations on your success.
Congrats to you! I have been following you and Cyndi for probably 15 years. I enjoy the content you put out and I love staying up to date with fashion and accessories. Thank you and wishing you the best of luck as you continue!
Wow! Congratulations on your fortitude. I think your authenticity and dedication shine through each post, and makes you so relatable to your readers. I think I’ve been around 6-8 years or so. I agree with many of the previous replies…reading your email is one of my favorite daily rituals, and really so different than anything else online…I feel that you are real, and don’t just want to sell me something, but want to help me figure out fashion.
I think the “What I Wore” and try on posts are wonderful and truly have helped me get dressed and know what to wear. I see a lot of cute outfits on Instagram, etc. but it’s hard for me to figure out how they actually translate to daily life, and I love seeing things worn/styled more than once..that goes towards authenticity. I also appreciate the blog style vs Instagram only…it helps us all feel connected! Wishing you & your family many blessings and thank you for making the internet a positive place.
Joining in to add my Congrats! I think I found you right after the name change and most likely through one of the weekly fashion roundups. I, too, have learned so much from your blog. I greatly appreciate the feeling that we’re in this together – particularly all of the life and body changes that are happening as we enter our 50’s. As others have said, your authenticity, your humor, the fellowship and wisdom of the women in this community keep yours my favorite blog.
Amazing journey! It’s inspiring how something that started as a simple personal blog turned into a successful and meaningful platform over the years. Consistency really makes the difference.
I started following the fall that you did your second 28 days of fall outfits series with Cyndi. I don’t remember who I found first but whichever one it was I found the other one through that series. I am also from the Midwest (Wisconsin). Your tastes are very similar to my own and we are close enough in age that I find I identify pretty well with where you are at in your life. I’m 58 and went through menopause 5 years ago, it’s helpful to hear you address menopause issues so honestly! I used to follow several others but now it’s just you and Cyndi and Susie (who you introduced me to).
I’ve been following for quite a while… too many years to count I guess! Thanks for helping me up my fashion game!
Congrats and keep up the awesome work!I would say I started following you about 2 years ago–but didn’t comment for a year–I was too busy working. Now, that I have more time–I love checking your blog! I love your honesty and how you try to reply to questions–and I love that the items you show are easy to tap on and find!
Congratulations on 20 years! I came across your blog late one night in 2018 or 2019 when I was awake with my baby. I have been reading your blog every day since – you’re the only blogger I follow and reading your blog is always a highlight of my morning. Your blog was a true blessing during COVID. Thanks for all you do, including the wonderful and supportive community you have built. I live not far from you in the Philadelphia suburbs and hope to spot you at the KoP mall one of these days!
Long, long time. Maybe 2007? I had recently had my third child and was a stay home mom, so definitely related to your story!
I’ve been starting my day with a coffee and your blog since the Musings days but like many, the gold sweater/leopard scarf outfit will always be how I think of finding you. Isn’t it funny that of the thousands of outfits you’ve shared that one still stand out to us. Since we are close in age we went through so many life events together, from parenting tweens & teens to graduations and launching young adults, family vacations and travel and even figuring out what to make for dinner, so for all these years I’m always finding something relevant in your content. Since I grew up near Philly I love the local references and the occasional shots of Valley Forge and I am tickled to say I even got to meet up with you at King of Prussia Mall. I imagine it is a ton of work to keep this thing going but I’m so appreciative that you do, and hope we’ll be connecting over morning coffee for many more years to come!
Congratulations, Jo-Lynne, this is a tremendous achievement! I started reading your blog in 2015 shortly before you made the switch to focusing on fashion and once you made that shift, I was hooked! I still remember that stunning outfit with the bootcut jeans, mustard cardi and leopard print scarf! 🙂 I learnt so much about style from you, from your willingness to experiment with new things, your meticulous research on all the details and your refreshing honesty as you assessed different trends. You have also been so very relatable with the way you shared a bit about your own life. It has been a joy to follow along and see the evolution of this space that you created. God bless you and greetings from New Zealand!
Congratulations on your 20 years! I have been following you for 15 years or so. I found you through The Pleated Poppy. I look forward to your daily email. Thank you for your work!