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Does this make me an internet dinosaur?

Does this make me an internet dinosaur?

Vanessa Grall
June 11, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes

Hey, I just realised something. In the midst of celebrating the first anniversary of Messy Nessy’s Cabinet in Paris, I completely overlooked someone/something else’s birthday – the original online cabinet of curiosities that made it all possible! FIFTEEN YEARS ago this week, Messy Nessy the blog, hit publish on its first ever post. I think this might officially make me vintage internet.

That was single Nessy; no kids, no small business, no clue! For the occasion, I thought I’d offer up some embarrassing articles from the early days in 2010 when MessyNessyChic.com was just a wee thing. Here we go…

You can step inside my self-centered little world when I had just moved to Paris in I’m A Bit Of A Loner in Paris but That’s Ok With Me. I was also already “people-watching” (long before I made a whole thing of it on Instagram) in Parisian Style on a Sunday Afternoon (on the Champs Elysées of all places– how will I ever live it down?).

And then, I found a post that gave me goosebumps; very nearly a premonition of my life to come.

I also dug up MessyNessy’s first “forgotten muse du jour”, Marchesa Luisa Casati (aka The Original Lady Gaga). You’ll notice I didn’t quite have the blog layout quite figured out yet!

And I even have the first ever 13 Things I Found on the Internet Today (it’s a veritable internet time capsule), Fun fact: the 13 Things series came about after I tripped over the computer cable in my bedroom and broke both of my elbows. Shiver. Without the ability to type longer form articles, I defaulted to a link roundup and the rest is history! Here’s today’s volume 742 by the way.

From blogging to books to a boutique, I think we’ve come a long way wouldn’t you say?! This blog opened so many doors and I’m forever grateful. To my OG’s and long time readers, thank you for your endless support, your undying curiosity, and for your kindred spirit. And to all: thank you for also being the reason that I still continue to explore, learn and grow this digital garden.

With love from Paris then & now, I’ll leave you with some mid-week conversation starters.

Stay curious,

Nessy

13 Things I Found on the Internet Today (Vol. 742)

Today’s weekly distractions are served…

www.messynessychic.com/2025/06/04/13-things-i-found-on-the-internet-today-vol-742

Stepping back in Time to a Jazz Age Lawn Party

Returning for its 20th anniversary, step into a living time capsule and party like it’s 1925! Only on June 14th & 15th and August 9th & 10th, celebrate 20 YEARS of Jazz Age Lawn Party, NYC’s original 1920s summer fest! Live jazz, dance contests, vintage fashion, lawn games, & more on Governors Island. Get your tickets today.

www.messynessychic.com/2017/08/11/stepping-back-in-time-to-a-jazz-age-lawn-party

When Parisian Brasseries Became Daylight Brothels

That inimitable bedrock of Parisian social fabric, the traditional French brasserie has been synonymous with French lifestyle since the second half of the 19th century, but during a little-known a moment in history, one could indulge in a whole lot more than a good ol’ steak-frites. For once upon a time in France’s Second Empire, the male waiter contingent had been ousted in favour of les verseuses (female pourers); essentially, waitresses ‘with benefits’; and it was not uncommon for a Parisian brasserie to have a dedicated backroom or a connected apartment known as a the “Cave à Venus” for private encounters. This was the long-forgotten era of le brasserie à femmes, where prostitution thrived in broad daylight amongst polite society.

www.messynessychic.com/2022/12/02/when-parisian-brasseries-became-daylight-brothels

Moonlight Etchings of the Forgotten Artist who Taught Edward Hopper

Martin Lewis died in obscurity in 1962; a retired art teacher who had found some success in his early career, but was largely forgotten after the Great Depression took away the demand for his craft, leaving Lewis to spend his last three decades teaching other people how to etch. History chose Edward Hopper, but Martin Lewis was his mentor.

www.messynessychic.com/2019/12/20/moonlight-etchings-of-the-forgotten-artist-who-taught-edward-hopper

The Dapper Rebels of Los Angeles, 1966

In the summer of 1965, riots broke out in the Watts neighborhood of southern Los Angeles. Over a six-day period, 34 people were killed, 1,032 injured and over 3,438 arrests were made. In 1966, LIFE magazine revisited the site of the worst riots America had ever seen in its history. The photo essay d

www.messynessychic.com/2013/01/03/the-dapper-rebels-of-los-angeles-1966

The Rise, Fall and Rise Again of Brooklyn's Most Beautiful Restaurant

Indeed, tell someone that you’re off to visit the Fulton Street Mall and you may get a raised eyebrow or two. But peak behind the modern veneers, and glance above street level and the tattered awnings and you’ll find beautiful remnants of an earlier, more elegant age.

www.messynessychic.com/2025/06/11/the-rise-fall-and-rise-again-of-brooklyns-most-beautiful-restaurant

The Art of Kissing Fanny

There’s a curious expression used in Provence by pétanque players. “Embrasser Fanny” or to "kiss Fanny", is a small recompense for making a fool of oneself to put it simply. But where does this mischievous phrase originate from?

www.messynessychic.com/2017/05/12/the-art-of-kissing-fanny

Shop Messy Nessy Chic Books and Collectibles

Messy Nessy Chic and Don't Be a Tourist Products. All designed with love in Paris

shop.messynessychic.com

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