Reader Q&As are finally back! Your questions have been piling up and in the next three videos I answer them. Today, I'm answering a question about cleaning in your nice clothes. What should you do if you get really hot while cleaning the house? Also, what about people who live in a place with the same climate year-round? Should you have a year-round ten-item wardrobe instead of a seasonal one? How do I prepare my nightly and weekly reflections?
I hope you enjoy my answers in today's video. Be sure to come back and watch the next two installments as there is so much more to discuss!
News
I will be doing a book club this summer on The Daily Connoisseur! We will be reading the Mapp & Lucia books by E.F. Benson, starting with the first two books, Queen Lucia & Miss Map. I am choosing these books because they are perfect summertime reads and are so apt for The Daily Connoisseurs. Also, if you have a kindle or other eReader, these books are free! They are also available in paperback or to listen to on Audible. I have not formally announced this yet, but wanted to give you a head start in reading so you can join in on the book club.
Comment of the Week
AnnMarie writes: I've been working on a capsule wardrobe for about 4 months now, not on a regular basis. I go through my clothing when the kids are in bed and I can make stacks of clothing without them dismantling. It's a process but once you get going it's easy! When I say it's a process I mean you start weeding through your clothing and discover you don't have a personal style. To help discover my personal style I utilized Pinterest. Base on my Pinterest research I discovered my style, romantic modern chic, or something like that 😁.
Hi AnnMarie, Looking on Pinterest is a great way to discover what styles you like. You could also look at magazines or observe people you admire (who dress well) and figure out what your style is. I love romantic modern chic. It sounds fabulous!
Today, I would love to know your thoughts on today's discussion. What do you wear when you clean the house? How do you avoid wearing exercise clothes all day, everyday (or not?)? Do you live in a place with a year-round climate? Have you cut distractions in your home? What do you think about modern TV shows with all of their violence? Let me know and your comment could be chosen as comment of the week on the blog!
Stop by on Thursday to see part two in the Reader Q&A series, when we will discuss poise in arguments, plus size advice and bra fittings among other topics. See you then!
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Dear Jennifer, You are an inspiration . I enjoyed your advice to the woman in Northern England regarding layering clothes . So on point! Regarding the comment on depression, how honest and gracious to share this struggle . I know you have inspired me as well when I have been depressed . Your candle recommendations and music recommendations have so lifted my spirits . To answer some of your questions . I'm working on the 10 item wardrobe . I have put on weight and need to buy a few pants and tops that will fit for the summer months in New York. I am looking forward to your plus size segment . I want my closet to be a source of joy - like a favorite boutique . Regarding TV, I have given it up almost entirely . The shows are disgusting . I was watching Veep and Grace and Frankie on HBO and Netflix but stopped. I have noticed such a decline in quality and an increase in vulgarity . I gave up cable tv and purchased a Roku. I mostly watch PBS now. For news, I listen to NPR in the morning . I noticed that my nephew watches Veep and that his use of bad language has increased . I told him that I could no longer watch it due to the language . He looked at me like I was crazy but I told him , I don't want to listen to such vulgarity and speak like they . I am working on reducing my Instagram activity . I read all the time and or listen to audible ! This year I have read 9 books. I targeted 25 books for the year so I am so happy I am making progress . I have also committed to morning and evening prayer and am reading a book called Busy Lives and Restless Souls by Becky Eldridge . This is a book on how to incorporate prayer and self reflection and meditation into our busy lives . It's written by a Mom of three and it's wonderful
ReplyDeleteHi Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteThanks for this video! I love your reader questions answered videos. I totally agree about television and social media! I'm looking forward to the book club this summer and hope to join.
One question for you - what Youtube channels do you listen to? I'd love to find more uplifting content like yours and have had a hard time! Thanks!
Hello Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteThanks to your videos and books I now clean the house in my good, everyday clothes but do wear an apron. I agree with your dress suggestion. I love dresses for feminity, comfort and they are much cooler in the summer. I live in New England so I have four, distinct seasons with winter being the longest; my goal for next winter will be to wear more dresses but layer with leggings.
I am working to cut distractions. As a child, I was such a bookworm but in the 80's we certainly didn't have the distractions that we have today! Facebook seems to be the worst for me and I'm trying to be much more conscious of my time on there. I would love to read more. I'll be joining your upcoming book club and have downloaded the first two books to my kindle.
Lastly, the modern TV shows are terrible in my opinion. Violent and vulgar are the words that come to mind. I rarely watch television now and other than The Crown, I can't think of anything that I would recommend other than the classic episodes of Murder She Wrote.
Thank you for this helpful Q&A!
Best,
Cari
Dear Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteBrava to you for giving up TV and unnecessary social media time. You made a great decision! We haven't had cable TV for 12 years and never miss it. I am in the same boat with you in that I have two children and very little free time, as I spend a good deal of time commuting. I have to prioritize, and for me cooking is at the top of my list. Cooking nourishes my family and me physically and emotionally. Next comes maintaining a pleasant physical environment. I also enjoy reading, and we are selective in what we rent from Netflix and usually only indulge on the weekends. "The House of Eliott" is an enjoyable British series. Currently, I'm reading "Hunting and Gathering" by Anna Gavalda. It's translated from the French. I am looking forward to your book club! I have requested the first title from my library. Thank you for the book suggestion.
Warm best,
Alexandra
Hi Jennifer! You are also my inspiration. I live in Poland and here climate is changing four times during the year. But I completed my capsule wardrobe for all seasons. Thank's to You.
ReplyDeleteI have 8 months old baby. Do you children also have capsule wardrobe? I'm wondering how to organize closet for my son.
Wow! Your baby sleeps all night. How did you teach your son it?
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ReplyDeleteGreat video! I am SO excited you are doing a book club!! EEK! I downloaded the audios from my library and am listening to them right now.
ReplyDeleteI have gotten to the point where if I just think about my goals for the day and pick out an outfit before I go to bed, my morning and day goes a lot easier and I'm able to get more done. I've adapted to the idea that I exercise through my housework and chasing my kids. I find that wearing whatever I put on, works fine because I've made it work for my lifestyle. I'm lucky in that I don't go into work anywhere, so I know how that can be different with others. You also changed my life with mentioning a simple thing, some years ago in a post. "Wear an apron while you clean." I never thought of that but it's great and a simple solution to being able to wear nice clothes throughout the day. Also, when I think back on it, both of my Grandmas did this. I even have a few from one Grandma that I love wearing and remembering her in. I have a very worn one I use when cleaning toilets, etc.
We do not have a TV, we stream and most channels have their shows online anyhow. So, we have a couple of shows we enjoy, one of them being CROWN!! You really do need to make time for that! ;) I also enjoy When Calls the Heart like mentioned above, it reminds me of a Canadian Little House on the Prarie. I also fell in love with the Outlander series, by Diana Gabaldon when I was in high school, so I do enjoy watching that show too, but it does have language and time period appropriate violence, so you may not enjoy that as much. My husband and I have a mini-date night watching it after the kiddos go to bed. I listen to a TON of books from my library through Overdrive when I'm cleaning or doing laundry. I'm taking care of my home and myself at the same time. However, now that I've have children it is very hard for me to listen to too much violence in a book, especially when it's centered around a child. I also have started to pray when I get up in the night to nurse our baby. It helps me get recentered and not fall asleep in a rocking chair. And it's a little extra "me" time.
Er, I meant watching the shows after the kiddos go to bed, not "it". I apologize for the typo.
ReplyDeleteHello Jenifer,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this timely post! I found myself wholeheartedly agreeing with all you shared today. Especially regarding the season of life you are in and cutting out/down on TV and social media. I went on a FB fast for the season of Lent & truly didn't miss it. That time made me notice how much social media steals from my day and I also could not agree more to your opinion of current TV. So much is very dark and disturbing. Not what I need to fill my mind with. I too try and get up early before my children to read my bible, pray (usually a few minutes to exercise) to get me set for the day ahead. Keeps me so much calmer & more focused on all that needs to be done running our home & homeschooling our children. Thank you for the encouragement to keep focused on Faith, family & home! Your books, blogs & videos continue to be the bright spot in my week knowing that there is a community of people who view life as I do & refuse to be "dumbed" down by our culture!
Blessings to you & your family ~Rachel
I am thrilled to death about the book club! Yea! Thank you for putting this together!
ReplyDeleteHi Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteCan I just say I have so enjoyed reading your books, your blog and watching the vlogging! Your are super adorable, honest and a beautiful person. For awhile I was feeling pressured to be trendy as all of the other Mom's I was run around with are 10-12 yrs. younger than me. When I was in college (USC!) I was pretty preppy with a romantic twist. I had a lot of Laura Ashley dresses that were so fun to wear with my flats. Times have changed and I spend alot of time in jeans. I am thinking about going to a 10 item wardrobe and wondering how it will work for me. I do enjoy skirts and dresses. I tend to dress modest as you do.
I think you have great taste!. I do have a question for you about your 10 item wardrobe. We recently got back from Maui for Spring Break. What do you do when you go on a summer trip? Do you continue on with the dresses or do more of a resort look? I took some long maxi's, shorts, capri jeans ,t- shirts and lots of swimsuits. These items are definitely would be staples in my 10 item wardrobe except for the shorts and swimsuits. Would love to here your perspective on this.
I am so over TV, FB and social media! Thank you for your idea's and thoughts on this. Family, faith and home are so important and where I prefer to be. I surround myself with beautiful things, flowers and positive loving people.
Your amazing and so fun to watch! I look forward to Monday and Friday for your video's. You have a precious family and such adorable children. You inspire me to be the best I can be. Thank you!
~~~~Jody
Hi, Jennifer. I enjoy your videos so much. I usually watch during my lunch hour at school, and I always look forward to Mondays and Thursdays. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteYour readers/viewers may be interested to know that the BBC made a series from the E. F. Benson books. It starred Geraldine McEwan, Prunella Scales and Nigel Hawthorne. Of course, it was necessary to alter the stories somewhat, but the sets and clothing are fabulous, and the acting is superb! The two seasons are available together from Amazon.
Looking forward to the book club!
Susanne
PS.... I got the book for the book club already. I can't wait!!
ReplyDeleteI agree about TV and social media being a temporal black hole. We haven't had cable for many years. We only watch shows via Netflix, and only on my husband's nights off (he works evenings) as a treat. Other nights, when I have down time, I read a book. The library is my happy place. I have never been one for social media; I can see how people around me are caught up in it, and it is just not something I need. Without these two major distractions, I have plenty of time to cook, clean, exercise, read, and even take a nap in the afternoon.
ReplyDeleteHi Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteGreat info as usual. We don't watch TV either other than movies from the library (which is almost next door to our home.)
TV used to have some worthwhile shows. LEAVE IT TO BEAVER was a family show that you can still find online and to buy. It is a comedy with little life lessons ... Mom, Dad, Beaver and Wally all have their (adorably goofy) foibles. Each episode is a little life lesson in qualities such as integrity, kindess, forgiveness, commitment, sharing, and human nature in general, all presented with a light tone. My husband and I watched the entire series on a tablet each night in bed. So heart-warming. I don't know what shows families with young children could watch together now. Do they even exist? TV had so much potential, but it has failed as family entertainment.
Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great video! I really enjoy these because it helps to see how various lifestyles can adapt the principles of the 10-item wardrobe. I wholeheartedly agree about the general vulgarity of modern television. I suppose in some ways it's a good thing, since the lack of edifying shows means there are fewer distractions?!
I'm thrilled about the book club, as well! I've actually never heard of E.F. Benson before. I found the complete Mapp and Lucia stories as a Kindle e-book for $0.99 here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M0PMMXU/ref=oh_aui_d_detailpage_o01_?ie=UTF8&psc=1. Can't wait to get started!
Cheers,
Shannon
PS -- Your top certainly looks lovely! So glad it's a success! :-)
This was such an uplifting and helpful video and is a reminder to really watch what we're watching, because we can get so easily distracted. May I ask you, when you say that you "read the bible" in the morning, I am curious, and while this probably won't get answered, I'll ask it anyway. Do you flip open any book in the bible or passage or are you guided to read something by your church or something else, like your "Our Daily Bread for Kids" that you read to your children. I read a passage from my daily Zen pageaday calendar or "The Book of Awakening" by Mark Nepo, both which draw from many sources, to nurture and speak to the soul, so that I may contemplate and reflect as I begin my day. I recall you enjoyed "The Four Agreements" a few years ago, as well. I, too, am watching less and less television, but, oddly, I just got Netflix, because I am watching more French films to bolster my private at-home French studies. In closing, your bright blouse for springtime is so pretty as is your radiant, luminous skin. Looking forward to the book club and do you have Kindle?
ReplyDeleteI find the discussion about what to wear when cleaning and change back and forth quite interesting. When I cleaned my house (I outsource because my job is just too big and I can't "do it all") I used to wear cleaning clothes and then change back. When I was young and lived overseas it wasn't OK for white women to wear pants. We did EVERYTHING in dresses. You just get used to it. Clothes can be washed if they get messed up, even dresses, and aprons are amazing inventions!!
ReplyDeleteJennifer, I wanted to thank you for continuing to share your message about the 10-item wardrobe. You inspired me to clean out my wardrobe this week - the hanging space, at least. When I removed the things that don't fit and would not wear again, even if I could, I discovered a mere four shirts for the current season's requirements. Four. That's it. That's all! This is helpful and distressing at once. Because now I know I need to go shopping (which I hate) to find clothes that fit and suit and last (which seems impossible). I'm going to need prayer, and the laying of hands to make it through this challenge!!
Regarding getting too sweaty while cleaning- I have an apron-smock that could be worn without a top underneath while still being covered. I found mine at the local Asian supermarket but I found this one online. https://www.vermontcountrystore.com/smock-apron/product/74606
ReplyDeleteIf you were wearing trousers or a skirt, you would only need to change this for your regular top while doing housework and could easily change once you've finished.
Usually, I keep the same clothes on for cleaning and cooking. I will wear an apron for cooking, not usually for cleaning. I'll more often do cleaning before I get dressed in the morning. Sometimes I do cleaning in my exercise clothes. I'll listen to a podcast or audiobook while I'm exercising, and then continue on the cleaning. I listen to things that I'm really interested in hearing, and that gives me motivation to keep going.
ReplyDeleteI live in a climate that is hot year round, and I switch out my wardrobe. Right now we are in hot season, where highs are from 100-110F. In this season, I pack away most of my clothes with short sleeves or 3/4 sleeves. I wear more of my sleeveless things, which then get put away when it cools off a little bit.
I got out of the habit of watching TV when I was in language school. Now I live in Africa, in an area where I don't really have access. Even when I'm back in the US, I don't watch much. After being away from it, the shows seem really overwhelming. I limit my computer time by having cut-offs. I will leave off my computer on Sundays, and I'm working on turning it off at 7pm each evening. (Right now it's off by 8-8:30pm). I don't really like to use my phone for e-mail, Facebook, etc, so as long as I leave my computer off, I'm usually off of those things.
Thank you so much for your comments, everyone! Vicki, to answer your question, every other year I read the bible cover to cover. On the years in between, I'll do more in-depth studies of certain parts of the new or old testament. It just depends. Thanks so much for your comments, as always!
ReplyDeleteOh, THANK YOU SO MUCH, Jennifer and your answer warmed my heart with your perpetual kindness to all. I wanted to add that I really liked your succinct way of distilling the verse you were reading from your morning devotions when you shared James 1:19. The "quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger" is brilliant wisdom and wise advice. I'm going to remember that one on a little yellow post-it note! *smile* I want to share this with my sister who is suffering quite a bit with some personal matters. So, Jennifer, thank you for explaining how you read the bible. I was raised Methodist, in Illinois and Ohio.
ReplyDeleteIn closing, I always feel better when I watch your videos, because it helps me to recalibrate and refine the world we live in as I see people dressed sometimes too slovenly for public or speaking in negative tones rather than pleasant ones. Today, I was singing out loud and I didn't even know it and an elderly gentleman said "you must have won the lottery today," and I said, "no, but that sounds like a nice idea; maybe next week," and I smiled. Just before that exchange, I had helped a Latin-speaking woman who asked for the date and said, "is it the 31st?" and I shared that April only has 30 days and then told her my elementary-school verse about remembering the number of days in a month and she loved it and asked me to repeat it. "Thirty days hath September, April, June, and November; All the rest have thirty-one, Excepting February alone, And that has twenty-eight days clear And twenty-nine in each leap year." It felt great to help another person. You are such a joy, Jennifer, and it ripples out to others. ^^
I'm with you about not watching violent and depressing TV shows. If you do want a fun, up-beat show, try The Great British Baking Show. I watched the first episode with low expectations because I just couldn't imagine how it could be interesting, but it really was! Even my husband liked it! All the bakers are encouraging to one another and even though one baker is eliminated each week, it is a very positive show. There are currently three seasons available on Netflix.
ReplyDelete