I wanted to take this opportunity to say Thank You to all of you for your comments and emails regarding Monday's post On Rejection. So many of you shared your own stories and struggles. It has truly inspired me. I'm really grateful we have this community together where we can support each other in achieving our goals- so thank you again!
Also, for those of you who haven't already seen this week's video, The Neutral Manicure, check it out below. If you are unable to see the embedded video below, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or visit my channel: www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur
And to make sure you never miss a video (if I don't post it on the blog) be sure to subscribe to my YouTube Channel.
Blog and Book News
Please note that the paperback version of Lessons from Madame Chic is off sale for the next few days as we await the second edition. The kindle version is still available at this time. Thank you for your patience regarding this matter.
Lessons from Madame Chic and The Daily Connoisseur have once again been mentioned on several websites the past few weeks:
Cindy La Ferle references Lessons from Madame Chic in her article titled Useful and Beautiful.
Elizabeth Lukes has written about Lessons from Madame Chic on her new blog, The Strength of Words, in an article called, The French, Demystified.
And lastly, writer Annie Brewer has written a marvelous review of Lessons from Madame Chic on the Yahoo! Contributor Network.
Until next time, I would love to know... what is your favorite neutral nail polish?
Jennifer's book, Lessons from Madame Chic: The Top 20 Things I Learned While Living in Paris, is now available in Paperback, Kindle and Nook.
Subscribe to The Daily Connoisseur on Amazon Kindle
Follow me on Twitter @jenlyneva
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Monday, March 12, 2012
On Rejection
This is both a personal and professional anecdote today, but it is meant to inspire you to never give up on your dreams and to never let someone else claim your power.
Ever since I was a child I always dreamed of being a writer. It was my first interest. I got sidetracked along the way with dalliances in theatre and film (which were actually quite enjoyable) but ultimately I knew I wanted to write books one day.
So when I decided to get serious about it and took a writing class in my late twenties, I fell in love with writing. It felt natural, it felt fulfilling and it felt like something I was meant to do. The creative process was so magical. I wrote two books (Lessons from Madame Chic and my mystery that will be out later this fall) and it was time to share them with the world. Only thing was, I needed representation. I needed an agent. I needed a publisher.
So I started to submit Lessons from Madame Chic to literary agents. I submitted to a lot of literary agents. Many of them showed interest and even strung me along for quite some time, asking to read the proposal, wanting more chapters, etc. But ultimately they all rejected the book for one reason or another. Most of them said they didn’t think I would have an audience for the book. That it had been done before.
In my heart I knew this wasn’t true, but the rejection still hurt. I heard that this was typical. That in this day it is very hard to get representation unless you are a celebrity or a reality TV star. Each rejection felt like a slight punch in the belly and I went through a momentary dark phase where I thought that perhaps my dreams had come to an end.
Then I realized I was placing my power in the hands of other people.
Why should I let other people determine my fate in becoming a published author? This was my life after all! I decided to take control.
I self published my first book, Lessons from Madame Chic: The Top 20 Things I Learned While Living in Paris, in the fall of 2011. Since being published, the book has been featured on CNN, BBC, 35 newspapers across North America and has received so much support from the readers that identify with it. It has remained on the Amazon bestseller lists in three categories in both America and the UK since its debut and hasn’t budged yet.
The book’s success has taken me by surprise. I think a large part of me believed those agents that rejected me. I wasn’t sure anyone would actually read it! I learned a lot from self publishing and I will definitely do things differently next time. The book is not perfect and the first edition contains errors that got past four of us editors- which in this world of airbrush and polish could be viewed as an interesting study. Alas, these are the perils of writing a book as a sleep deprived mother of a newborn baby! (As a side note, these errors are currently being fixed. The paperback will go off sale shortly to enable this, and then the kindle. And yes, I will hire a professional editor for all future books.)
But most readers are able to look past the imperfections and embrace the true heart of what the book longs to convey- that a life lived passionately is all that matters. That being chic isn’t only about style and the tangible aspects of living, but the intangible as well. That it doesn’t matter what you do, but how you do it.
If you are ever faced with rejection in your life (whether romantic, professional or creative) it’s OK to feel that initial bruise. Go ahead, you can even cry (I did!) But never let anyone else hold the power to your life. If you believe you can do something, then you can do it. And if you have drive, a positive attitude and come from a place of love, you will succeed.
I would love to know… what is your experience with rejection? And how has it shaped you?
Jennifer's book, Lessons from Madame Chic: The Top 20 Things I Learned While Living in Paris, is now available in Paperback, Kindle and Nook.
Subscribe to The Daily Connoisseur on Amazon Kindle
Follow me on Twitter @jenlyneva
Ever since I was a child I always dreamed of being a writer. It was my first interest. I got sidetracked along the way with dalliances in theatre and film (which were actually quite enjoyable) but ultimately I knew I wanted to write books one day.
So when I decided to get serious about it and took a writing class in my late twenties, I fell in love with writing. It felt natural, it felt fulfilling and it felt like something I was meant to do. The creative process was so magical. I wrote two books (Lessons from Madame Chic and my mystery that will be out later this fall) and it was time to share them with the world. Only thing was, I needed representation. I needed an agent. I needed a publisher.
So I started to submit Lessons from Madame Chic to literary agents. I submitted to a lot of literary agents. Many of them showed interest and even strung me along for quite some time, asking to read the proposal, wanting more chapters, etc. But ultimately they all rejected the book for one reason or another. Most of them said they didn’t think I would have an audience for the book. That it had been done before.
In my heart I knew this wasn’t true, but the rejection still hurt. I heard that this was typical. That in this day it is very hard to get representation unless you are a celebrity or a reality TV star. Each rejection felt like a slight punch in the belly and I went through a momentary dark phase where I thought that perhaps my dreams had come to an end.
Then I realized I was placing my power in the hands of other people.
Why should I let other people determine my fate in becoming a published author? This was my life after all! I decided to take control.
I self published my first book, Lessons from Madame Chic: The Top 20 Things I Learned While Living in Paris, in the fall of 2011. Since being published, the book has been featured on CNN, BBC, 35 newspapers across North America and has received so much support from the readers that identify with it. It has remained on the Amazon bestseller lists in three categories in both America and the UK since its debut and hasn’t budged yet.
The book’s success has taken me by surprise. I think a large part of me believed those agents that rejected me. I wasn’t sure anyone would actually read it! I learned a lot from self publishing and I will definitely do things differently next time. The book is not perfect and the first edition contains errors that got past four of us editors- which in this world of airbrush and polish could be viewed as an interesting study. Alas, these are the perils of writing a book as a sleep deprived mother of a newborn baby! (As a side note, these errors are currently being fixed. The paperback will go off sale shortly to enable this, and then the kindle. And yes, I will hire a professional editor for all future books.)
But most readers are able to look past the imperfections and embrace the true heart of what the book longs to convey- that a life lived passionately is all that matters. That being chic isn’t only about style and the tangible aspects of living, but the intangible as well. That it doesn’t matter what you do, but how you do it.
If you are ever faced with rejection in your life (whether romantic, professional or creative) it’s OK to feel that initial bruise. Go ahead, you can even cry (I did!) But never let anyone else hold the power to your life. If you believe you can do something, then you can do it. And if you have drive, a positive attitude and come from a place of love, you will succeed.
I would love to know… what is your experience with rejection? And how has it shaped you?
Jennifer's book, Lessons from Madame Chic: The Top 20 Things I Learned While Living in Paris, is now available in Paperback, Kindle and Nook.
Subscribe to The Daily Connoisseur on Amazon Kindle
Follow me on Twitter @jenlyneva
Monday, March 5, 2012
What's In My Shower
I tend to like these sort of posts where people share seemingly mundane aspects about their domestic life: what's in my handbag, what's in my fridge, etc. I like to see what people buy at the grocery store, for example. Call me strange but these intimate details intrigue me.
So this week I am showing you What's In My Shower. To see the tour watch the video above. If you unable to see the video, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or visit my channel: www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur
I am constantly rotating the beauty products in my shower, mainly because the skin and hair can get complacent if the same beauty products are always used. And also because I am somewhat of a beauty connoisseur too and adore finding new and exciting products.
This time around these are the products I have in my shower. They are a mix of both drug store and higher end products:
RenPure Organix Moisturizing Shampoo This was a drugstore purchase. It's a nice little line and moisturizes my hair well.
Aubrey Organic Honeysuckle Rose Shampoo Purchased at Whole Foods, it's the sort of shampoo you feel good about using. No parabens or nasty stuff.
Crabtree & Evelyn Rosewater Bath Gel (a gift from my dear friend Romi!)
Kérastase Bain Apres Soleil A definite splurge but takes care of sun damaged hair beautifully. This was purchased at the beauty supply store.
Klorane Mango Butter conditioner I love this conditioner and the brand Klorane. I purchased this from Soap.com where I get a lot of my household supplies (PS if you live in America and have not yet discovered the wonder that is Diapers.com, Soap.com, etc. check them out. Free 2 day shipping. It's amazing. I get everything delivered now and don't have to schlep to Target anymore).
Sibu Beauty Sea Buckthorn Cleanser Yes, I still use Sibu and love it. I go between using this and the Paula's Choice cleanser at the moment. Visit Sibubeauty.com for more information.
Exfoliating gloves by Crabtree & Evelyn
French milled soap in the scent Miel (honey) purchased from the beauty supply store.
Book News
Thank you for continuing to make Lessons from Madame Chic a bestseller in both America and the UK! You have my sincere gratitude. Also thank you for all of your letters, emails, comments and tweets, I read every one and try to respond to them all...
Also, Lessons from Madame Chic was recently mentioned on two lovely blogs: Classic + Glam blog, in a post about The Classic Lady and on the lovely Rebekah's Cupcake Caramel.
So this week I would love to know... what's in your shower?
Jennifer's book, Lessons from Madame Chic: The Top 20 Things I Learned While Living in Paris, is now available in Paperback, Kindle and Nook.
Subscribe to The Daily Connoisseur on Amazon Kindle
Follow me on Twitter @jenlyneva
Monday, February 27, 2012
Bare Minerals Tutorial
Bare Minerals was my first foray into makeup and who knew all these years later I would still be using (and loving) it. It’s not the only makeup I use but I do my Bare Minerals beauty routine at least 3 times a week. It’s just the go-to for my le no makeup look look.
There are so many ways to use Bare Minerals and apply the product. This week’s video tutorial shows you my routine. Thank you to YanaNYC and so many others that requested this video! If you are unable to see the above embedded video, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or visit my channel: www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur
Here are the products I use in the video:
Bare Minerals Matte Foundation in Medium Beige
I like the ‘matte’ versions of the foundation better as I need all the help I can get in the shine control department. It also contains spf 15. The trick is to only use a little bit (actually this goes for all Bare Minerals products). A little goes a long way. Just swirl, tap and buff (technique is shown in the video). There are so many shades to choose from… you will have no trouble finding one that matches your unique skin tone. I would suggest going to a Bare Minerals or Sephora store and having a professional match you with your perfect shade.
Warmth
This is used like bronzer to highlight the bone structure of the face and give you a natural tanned look- like you’ve just gotten back from vacation. The key is to apply only to the points on your face that would get the most sun (this technique is highlighted in the video).
Mineral Veil
This is the finishing powder that sets your makeup and even more importantly blends out any harsh lines you have created with the Warmth.
Bare Minerals Blush
I really like their blushes. I’ve tried Laughter, Joyous Jennifer and Beauty and have liked them all. In this video I use the shade Beauty.
Clear Radiance
This is such a great product! It goes on over your applied makeup and softens and luminizes your look. It gives your skin the appearance of being viewed through a soft focus lens… very flattering. The radiance collection comes in different colors but I find Clear Radiance the easiest to work with.
Brushes
The brushes I use in the video are all by Bare Minerals but are over five years old. I take care of my brushes by washing them once a week and they last a really long time. As you can see in this video I only use three different brushes: the flawless face brush (powder brush), the angled face brush and the concealer brush. But really you could get away with only using two brushes (the concealer brush isn’t necessary if you have a concealer and brush you already use). It is important to use the actual Bare Minerals brushes as they are designed for the product. When you swirl, tap and buff the mineral product is more evenly distributed in the skin. It is also important to note that the kabuki brush is a great brush too although I didn’t use it in the video. The kabuki brush is great for applying the Mineral Veil.
I would love to know… what is your experience with mineral makeup?
For more information on Bare Minerals click here, visit Sephora or visit www.bareescentuals.com
Image: clockwise from the top: Mineral Veil, Blush, Warmth, Matte Foundation and Clear Radiance.
And one final note... the music in the video is composed by me. I call the piece Arabella's Symphony.
Jennifer's book, Lessons from Madame Chic: The Top 20 Things I Learned While Living in Paris, is now available in Paperback, Kindle and Nook.
Subscribe to The Daily Connoisseur on Amazon Kindle
Follow me on Twitter @jenlyneva
Monday, February 20, 2012
The Signature Cake (and a De-Cluttering Top Tip)
Before this week’s post begins check out my video called Clutter-Free Home: Checking the Mail. In the video I share with you my top tip for dealing with mail and paperwork in an orderly manner. If you are unable to see the embedded video above, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or visit my channel: www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur
And now for this week’s post:
The Signature Cake
When I lived in Paris one of the things that greatly impressed me were the homemade desserts we enjoyed on a regular basis. Madame Chic had her arsenal of recipes. Fruit tarts were her specialty- mainly apple in the winter and strawberry in the summer- but she also liked to make crêpes, custards, fruit salads and cake.
Madame Bohemienne had a few dessert recipes she always made as well but my favorite was her flourless chocolate cake. That cake was so moist and delicious… It looked very simple but was a show stopper and the ultimate pièce de résistance at her dinner parties. She told me it was really easy to make and that she didn’t even use a recipe anymore- she had made it so many times the steps and ingredients were engrained in her memory.
Having a signature cake recipe, a simple one that you can make easily and that you can perfect, is a great thing to have.
Since being back in America I have searched high and low for a flourless chocolate cake recipe that rivals that of Madame Bohemienne’s and I have found one that I can now call my own.
This recipe is from the Epicurious website. It’s a delicious recipe and oh so French. The ingredients are very simple, as are the steps (everything is mixed in one bowl- which also cuts down on cleaning time). The ingredients are also common- you will most likely have these things on hand in your home so if you find that you’ve got last minute dinner guests it would be easy to whip one together.
Flourless Chocolate Cake
Ingredients:
4 ounces fine-quality bittersweet chocolate (not unsweetened)
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
3/4 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder plus additional for sprinkling
Preheat oven to 375°F and butter an 8-inch round baking pan. Line bottom with a round of wax paper and butter paper. Chop chocolate into small pieces. In a double boiler or metal bowl set over a saucepan of barely simmering water melt chocolate with butter, stirring, until smooth. Remove top of double boiler or bowl from heat and whisk sugar into chocolate mixture. Add eggs and whisk well. Sift 1/2 cup cocoa powder over chocolate mixture and whisk until just combined. Pour batter into pan and bake in middle of oven 25 minutes, or until top has formed a thin crust. Cool cake in pan on a rack 5 minutes and invert onto a serving plate. Dust cake with additional cocoa powder and serve with ice cream if desired. (Cake keeps, after being cooled completely, in an airtight container, 1 week.)
The recipe does require a double boiler like mine pictured below.
If you don’t have one of these you can always use a bowl over a pot of barely simmering water and that should work just fine. Also wax paper is imperative to line the bottom of the pan (and don’t forget to butter underneath and on top of the paper. This allows the cake to come out smoothly…) And finally, it’s not in the recipe, but a small sprinkling of confectioners sugar on top is a nice touch.
I would love to know… Do you have a signature cake?
To see the recipe on the Epicurious website, click here.
Jennifer's book, Lessons from Madame Chic: The Top 20 Things I Learned While Living in Paris, is now available in Paperback, Kindle and Nook.
Subscribe to The Daily Connoisseur on Amazon Kindle
Follow me on Twitter @jenlyneva
Monday, February 13, 2012
On Orchids and Chocolate
On this Valentine's week I thought it would be apt to do a post on romantic things like orchids and chocolates. A while back I did a video called How I Care for my Orchids that got a really big response from viewers. I decided to follow up on that video and show you the different orchid varieties I keep in my home and share with you even more tips for keeping beautiful orchids in this week's video: My Orchids.
If you are unable to see the embedded video above, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or visit my channel: www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur
And as for chocolates... I know they can be a bit cliché for Valentine's day but I get them every year for Mr. Connoisseur none the less. I still get a thrill from a box of chocolates and would never turn down an occasion to receive them (I'm making the assumption that he feels the same!) This year his box, pictured above, is from Chocolate Opulence in Santa Monica, who create beautiful and aromatic French-style artisan chocolates that are made in Los Angeles. My favorites are the dark chocolate sea salt caramel (which seems to be a favorite of many people I know), the passion fruit cream and the dark chocolate crème.
I hope you have a lovely and romantic week...
I would love to know... what are your favorite chocolates? And do you keep orchids in your home?
My cymbidium orchid is pictured above as are Mr. Connoisseur's box of Chocolate Opulence.
For more information on Chocolate Opulence visit www.chocolateopulance.com
To see my first video on How I Care for My Orchids click here.
Jennifer's book, Lessons from Madame Chic: The Top 20 Things I Learned While Living in Paris, is now available in Paperback, Kindle and Nook.
Subscribe to The Daily Connoisseur on Amazon Kindle
Follow me on Twitter @jenlyneva
Monday, February 6, 2012
The Etiquette of the High Quality "NO" (and My Favorite Mascara)
Before this week's post begins, be sure to check out my video where I show you My Favorite Mascara, Chanel Inimitable Intense. If you are unable to see the embedded video, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or visit my channel: www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur
And now for this week's post on Etiquette:
The Etiquette of The High Quality No
The other day I was in the grocery store with my daughter. It was close to dinnertime and I had a few things in my basket. I was placing the items on the conveyor belt to pay when a lady in yoga pants came up from behind me and asked if she could go in front of me because she only had one item to pay for. I looked at her, then I looked at my daughter, then I looked at my very pregnant belly and was absolutely appalled that she would even ask such a question.
Yes, the etiquette stickler in me was horrified that she would ask to go in front of a pregnant lady. In my head I had a lot of responses I wanted to say to her that were not very ladylike. Clearly this woman thought her time was more valuable than mine. But I remembered my stance on always taking the high road and decided to avoid any confrontation.
I think I was at such a loss for words, I just said, “OK”, and let her walk in front of me. She then proceeded to pay for her item but because she didn’t have her club card, took several minutes filling out a form for one. By this time my blood was boiling and I chided myself for not giving her a ‘high quality no’.
I first learned about the high quality no from the philosopher Eckhart Tolle. He says there is absolutely nothing wrong with saying no. That no is a perfectly acceptable response to any question. The key is to say the no without anger, judgment, apologies or negative energy.
A high quality no requires no further explanation and if I were to go back in time to deal with that lady again I would simply have said, “No”, and went on with paying for my groceries. I didn’t need to tell her that I was tired, it was almost dinner time, my daughter was hungry, we had to walk home and I was pregnant to boot! I simply needed to say “No” because it was my prerogative to do so.
So as we navigate this tricky world of etiquette and high quality living, let us embrace the high quality no and not commit to doing anything that we don’t feel comfortable with.
Blog and Book News
This past weekend I was featured on Rayna St. Pierre's wonderful blog, Bright Copper Kettles in an author interview. The interview discusses everything from interiors to morning rituals to culture! To see the interview click here.
Until next time I would love to know… how are you at saying “no”?
Jennifer's book, Lessons from Madame Chic: The Top 20 Things I Learned While Living in Paris, is now available in Paperback, Kindle and Nook.
Subscribe to The Daily Connoisseur on Amazon Kindle
Follow me on Twitter @jenlyneva
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