1.29.2018

My Self-Publishing Success Story | Jennifer L. Scott | MADAME CHIC

3:39 AM 18 Comments


I am so happy to finally share my self-publishing success story with you. Many of you have heard parts of this story over the years, but today I'm revealing everything! This is a triumphant story about overcoming rejection. It's a story that illustrates the importance of hard work combined with faith.

How did I go from a rejected author to a New York Times bestselling author? Find out in today's video.


One of my first book signings at Anthropologie, Santa Monica.

I often get asked about how I became a writer. Do you have to get a degree in creative writing? Do you have to come from a family of writers? Do you have to get picked up by a big publisher? No one's path to becoming a published writer is the same, but you will definitely glean insight from how I chose to become one.


Signing copies of Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic at Barnes & Noble.

The main point I'd like you to take away from this video is that rejection from others does not have to be the end of the road for you. If you have a passion, find a way to do your passion, market it yourself and your audience or clients will find you. The cream always rises to the top and so will you. Hard work combined with passion and faith will get you places.

The following are some of the people and resources I mention in my video:

Writing class and information:
Al Watt's 90-Day Novel book, LA Writers' Lab and The 90-Day Novel Class

These are the bloggers who I mentioned in today's video. They have always been so supportive!
Easy and Elegant Life, M. Lane's Epic and Hostess of the Humble Bungalow


Visiting my literary agents in New York at Trident Media Group.

Japan News
Watch My Japan Diary from 2015 and My Japan Trip from 2016 and read the Wall Street Journal article on Lessons from Madame Chic being a #1 bestseller in Japan.



The following are the articles that my self-published book was featured in, leading to much of its success:
New York Times article, CNN , Daily Mail



I'm delivering my TEDx talk on the ten-item wardrobe in this picture, which has seen over 1.1 million views online!


Signing copies of At Home with Madame Chic at Pages Bookstore in Manhattan Beach.

News
My next book, Connoisseur Kids, will be released in the fall of 2019 from Chronicle books. I'm having so much fun working on this book!

If you are longing for more ten-item wardrobe inspiration, enroll in myeCourse on the ten-item wardrobe. With over an hour of never-before-seen video instruction, notes and quizzes, you will feel prepared to create your own ten-item wardrobe. For those of you who already do the ten-item wardrobe, this course will keep you on track and provide further inspiration. The course is self-paced and includes a lively comment section with other ten-item wardrobe enthusiasts. Enjoy!



On Instagram
I love to share your Instagram photos of Madame Chic from all around the world. PinkJulep, an American Expat in London, shares the Madame Chic books and some other favorites...

A post shared by Ashley Turner (@pinkjulep) on




Comment of the Week
Micaela writes:
Hi Jennifer, I really love your videos and over the past year I have collected all of your books. I came across your channel 2 or 3 years ago in my early university years and quickly became a huge fan! I must say that you have been a very influential role model for me to look up to. I will be graduating and entering my "real" adult life in only a couple of months and I feel like you have inspired me and prepared me for this transition. I have shown my sisters and my girlfriends your work and their eyes too have been opened to the importance of poise and living with purpose. Thank you so much for sharing your passion with the world. Love from Canada, Micaela



Hi Micaela, thank you so much for writing to me and for your kind encouragement. I am very excited to see where life takes you. Please keep us updated on the blog. Congratulations on your upcoming graduation!

Thank you for joining me for today's video. I hope it inspires you to go for your dreams. If you experience rejection, don't let it stop you. Be a maker. Be a doer.

Today, I would love to know what project you are working on. Are you a writer? An artist? A musician? A designer? What is your passion? Let us know in the comment section below.

Visit my Author Website

Facebook facebook.com/JenniferLScottAuthor

Twitter @JL_Scott

Instagram @dailyconnoisseur

Take my eCourse on the Ten-Item Wardrobe

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FTC: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links.

1.25.2018

7 Freezer Meals in Under an Hour | Ground Turkey & Ground Beef | Jennifer L. Scott

5:26 AM 7 Comments


I have another impromptu freezer cooking session for you today featuring ground turkey and ground beef, because we all know that being chic is being prepared!

To start the initial prep, I cooked 4lbs of ground turkey and 4lbs of ground beef. I cooked it in olive oil with sautéed onion and garlic. I added garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper for flavor. I added 4 handfuls of chopped spinach to the ground beef. (I would have added spinach to the turkey but I forgot to do so).



Please note that I am using similar ingredients in all of the recipes. They all use the same vegetables, for example. This is out of convenience. Spinach and mushrooms are not typically added to sloppy Joes, but I like to add vegetables where I can. You can omit them or substitute them for other vegetables that you have.



Turkey Sloppy Joe's Freezer Meal
(makes 2 meals)

Put the same amount in each gallon size freezer bag:

1 lb ground turkey mixture (cooked)
1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
3 handfuls of chopped spinach
1/2 cup chopped mushrooms
1/2 can of tomato sauce
1/2 cup of ketchup
1 Tbs brown sugar
1 Tbs Worcestershire sauce

Combine everything in a gallon-size labeled freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and cook in the slow cooker on low for 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. If using the Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 15 to 20 minutes. Serve with whole wheat hamburger buns and a vegetable side dish. Please note: if the sauce is too runny, just scoop the meat mixture with a slotted spoon, allowing excess liquid to drain before placing on the bun. My kids love this meal!



Ground Turkey Asian Lettuce Wrap Filling
(makes 1 freezer meal)

1 1/2 lbs ground turkey mixture (cooked)
1/2 bottle Teriyaki sauce (or oyster sauce)
3 handfulls chopped spinach
1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
1/2 cup chopped mushrooms
shredded cabbage and carrot mix (I like to use the pre-packaged asian salad bag for convenience)

Combine everything in a gallon size labeled freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and cook in the slow cooker on low for 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. If using the Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 15 to 20 minutes. When ready to serve, spoon meat mixture into lettuce cups (bib lettuce or romaine hearts work well). Garnish with water chestnut or sliced apple.



Stuffed Peppers
(makes 2 freezer meals)

*Please note, I only had four bell peppers in this video, but this makes enough filling for 8. I placed the excess filling in a foil pan and will use it to stuff peppers when I am ready to use it.

8 bell peppers
1 1/2 to 2 lbs ground beef
2 cups cooked brown rice
1 can tomato sauce
1 can stewed tomatoes
1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup chopped mushrooms
2 cups chopped spinach
salt and pepper to taste

After washing the bell peppers, cut off their stalk and de-seed them. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef mixture, 2 cups of cooked brown rice, 1 can tomato sauce, 1 can stewed tomatoes, about 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup chopped mushrooms, 2 cups chopped spinach, salt and pepper to taste. Stuff the peppers with this mixture. Place in gallon size freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. You can either cook these in the slow cooker on low for 8 hours (be sure to spray the slow cooker with cooking spray and add a small amount of water to the bottom of the slow cooker) or bake them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for one hour (times may vary). Before serving, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.



Beef Bolognese
(makes 2 freezer meals)

Use two gallon size freezer bags. In each bag place:

1 lb of cooked ground beef mixture
1 Tbs minced garlic
1 cup chopped mushrooms
1 jar favorite marinara sauce
2 cups chopped spinach

Combine everything in the freezer bag. Freeze for up to three months. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and cook in slow cooker on low for 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours, or in the Instant Pot for 15 to 20 minutes on high pressure. Serve over cooked pasta or over spiralized zucchini. Top with parmesan cheese.

News
Congratulations to the five winners of the Jamie Cat Callan Parisian Charm School giveaway: Sarena, Tabitha, Kristen, Rachel, and GrayPower. Ladies, you have been contacted by email and your names are announced on the giveaway widget. Congratulations and thank you for supporting The Daily Connoisseur!

Thank you for your enthusiastic response to Monday's Fitness Routine post. So many people have expressed interest in the rebounder that I will do another video about it.

If you are longing for more ten-item wardrobe inspiration, enroll in myeCourse on the ten-item wardrobe. With over an hour of never-before-seen video instruction, notes and quizzes, you will feel prepared to create your own ten-item wardrobe. For those of you who already do the ten-item wardrobe, this course will keep you on track and provide further inspiration. The course is self-paced and includes a lively comment section with other ten-item wardrobe enthusiasts. Enjoy!



On Instagram
Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic in Poland...



Comment of the Week
On my lasagna video, Heather N writes: Thank you so much! This was delicious. I made these and your 8 freezer meals this weekend and now feel more prepared for those days when there are multiple kid activities and no time to make a big dinner. You were my inspiration for the 10 item wardrobe years ago, and now the inspiration for freezer meals. I so appreciate seeing your beautiful authentic self in the intro too. Wishing you all the very very best.

Thank you, Heather! I'm so happy you have enjoyed the recipes! Thank you for your kind words.

I hope today's video gives you further inspiration to meal plan for your family. Have a wonderful weekend and I'll see you on Monday!



Visit my Author Website

Facebook facebook.com/JenniferLScottAuthor

Twitter @JL_Scott

Instagram @dailyconnoisseur

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FTC: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links.

1.22.2018

My Updated Fitness Routine | Rebounding

5:48 AM 14 Comments


It's been several years since I have discussed my fitness routine in detail. My life has changed so much over the past decade and it is only natural that my fitness routine has changed too. In addition to incorporating exercise into everyday life, as I discuss in chapter 3 of Lessons from Madame Chic, I have an additional fitness routine.

For a fitness routine to be realistic and sustainable, one's life circumstances have to be taken into account. The same thing will not work for everyone. In the past I have had a gym membership. I have taken yoga classes. I would go on long bike rides and tried various martial arts. I've done home DVDs and we even have some gym equipment in our garage, like weights and a Stairmaster. Through all of this I have had three children, a pretty demanding career as a work-at-home mom and this past year we have thrown homeschooling into the mix. None of the above listed exercises have been able to translate successfully into my busy life as a mom.

There are two major things that have changed, that I happy implement into my life. The first is a long walk every day. I've actually always done this. When I used to live in Santa Monica and West Los Angeles I would simply run my errands on foot. Now that I live in a more suburban area, I am not able to walk to run my errands. I do, however, go out for a long walk everyday with the kids. Sometimes it's just me and the baby. Sometimes the rest of the family joins me. Sometimes the kids bring their bikes or scooters. Sometimes we all just take a long hike. These walks are often my favorite time of the day. It feels wonderful to be out of the house breathing fresh air, looking at nature and disconnecting from screens and cleaning and work.



The second major change I've made is one that I am so excited to share with you. I jump on the rebounder for a minimum of 5 minutes a day. Many people have heard of rebounding, but many haven't. I hadn't heard about it before last year. A rebounder looks like a mini, low-to-the-ground trampoline. On busy days, I will jump on the rebounder for 5 minutes, but often, I am able to jump on the rebounder several times a day for 2 to 5 minute intervals.

Rebounding has so many health benefits, which I will list below, but one of my favorite things about it is its convenience factor. I don't need to get into my car. I don't need to find a babysitter. I don't need to rush. I don't even need to change into exercise clothes. I often do, but I can't tell you how many times I just decide on a whim to jump on the rebounder for 5 minutes and I'm in my day clothes.



While you're jumping, you don't feel as though anything is happening especially because rebounding is quite fun. But when you finish your session and step off the rebounder, you feel incredible, as though you've run a mile. Many people have said that bouncing on a rebounder for 5 minutes is the equivalent to running one to two miles. The reason you feel so good after jumping is because your lymphatic system is draining and flowing.

I use a Needak Rebounder. I bought this for my husband and he and I both love to use it. Even the kids love it! Rebounders can be pricey so I did extensive research to figure out the best one to purchase for us. Needak had overwhelmingly good reviews online. They are a family company and their products are all made in America, which I love. So Needak it was!

I have the Needak non-folding rebounder in blue but they have other colors and styles to choose from on their Rebounders page.

Health Benefits
The following information was taken from the rebounder Wikipedia page regarding the many benefits of rebounding.
Strengthened Cells: All of the body’s cells are said to be strengthened through the mechanics of rebounding, either because of gravity changes or because of pressure differentials (along with more oxygen reaching cells throughout the body)

Increased Lymph Flow & Immune System Function: Rebounding is said to lead to greatly increased lymph fluid circulation, leading directly to a boosted immune system, greater white blood cell activity, and increased detoxification generally

Cardiovascular and Respiratory Improvement: Rebounding is said to directly yield impressive aerobic exercise benefits in terms of heart strength and functioning, respiration, and related physiological functions; and
Physical Strength, Muscular Development, Coordination, Balance, and Flexibility: Rebounding is often said to improve all of these.

Low Impact, Less Strain on Joints, Soft Tissue, Skeleton: The elastic element of a rebounder, either springs or bungee bands, absorbs much of the impact or shock on each bounce, thereby making rebound exercise more attractive to those who need to avoid shocking or straining their joints, soft tissue, and skeleton.

"Rebounding is a great exercise for the entire body, especially the lymphatic system. Rebounding involves jumping on a mini-trampoline; this promotes circulation. The body contains 5-6 quarts of blood, which is circulated by the heart. But without the lymphatic system, the body cannot effectively eliminate toxins. Exercising on a rebounder for 5-20 minutes at a time will promote the flow of lymph, thereby eliminating toxins... The lymphatic system is a major dumping ground for toxins and waste products. The lymphatic system can only be kept flowing by 3 means:

1. Gravity,

2. Internal massage of the lymph ducts, and

3. Exercise by rebounding or similar means.

When you use a rebounder, it promotes circulation through the body's lymphatic system. As you begin to exercise, the toxins are moved to the lymph ducts, which transport the toxins to the kidney and liver. Rebounding serves as an insurance policy against many serious diseases. Rebounding is not only great exercise, but it is fun too."
- Barbi Trejo, Natural News


NASA research concludes that rebounding is an effective form of exercise, even better than running.

Rebound exercise is the most efficient, effective form of exercise yet devised by man.”
-The Miracles of Rebound Exercise; Carter, Albert E.; The National institute of Reboundology and Health, Inc. Edmonds, Washington, 1979.

“…for similar levels of heart rate and oxygen consumption, the magnitude of the biomechanical stimuli is greater with jumping on a trampoline than with running, a finding that might help identify acceleration parameters needed for the design of remedial procedures to avert deconditioning in persons exposed to weightlessness. “
-NASA


I hope you enjoy my video today where I discuss my new fitness routine.

News
Simple Adventure references Lessons from Madame Chic in their article, 5 Simple Ways to Declutter the Kitchen.

If you are longing for more ten-item wardrobe inspiration, enroll in myeCourse on the ten-item wardrobe. With over an hour of never-before-seen video instruction, notes and quizzes, you will feel prepared to create your own ten-item wardrobe. For those of you who already do the ten-item wardrobe, this course will keep you on track and provide further inspiration. The course is self-paced and includes a lively comment section with other ten-item wardrobe enthusiasts. Enjoy!



On Instagram
Tracey enjoys Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic by the fire...


Comment of the Week
ThriftyGalifty writes, "Jennifer your books have changed me forever! I now have a 10 item wardrobe ( I also own only 1 pair of jeans!) and will never go back! I’m reading your books for the second time right now and have my mom and sisters now reading them! I get dressed in clothes that make me feel beautiful everyday now and have donated everything that makes me feel not so good. I try to look presentable ALWAYS! I’m so thankful Ive read your books and feel like I took so much from them! Thank you so much for your books and videos!"

Thank you so much, ThriftyGalifty... what a wonderful testimony! I appreciate your comment and loved to read what the Madame Chic books have done for you.


Today, I would love to know about your fitness routine. How do you fit exercise into your busy schedule? Have you ever considered rebounding? If you have a rebounder or plan to get one, please let me know if you'd like to see the specific exercises I use on my rebounder. I look forward to jumping with you!

Visit my Author Website

Facebook facebook.com/JenniferLScottAuthor

Twitter @JL_Scott

Instagram @dailyconnoisseur

Take my eCourse on the Ten-Item Wardrobe

Sign up for my Seasonal Author Newsletter


FTC: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links.

1.18.2018

Ten-Item Wardrobe Talk-Through Winter 2018

6:20 AM 17 Comments


Thank you for your enthusiastic response to Monday's ten-item wardrobe post. I hope you enjoy this talk-through video, where I go over my wardrobe choices and discuss the evolution of my ten-item wardrobe.

Today's video discusses this wardrobe in detail, but here are some key points:

* Because I live in Southern California, the way I style my clothing is most likely different to how you will style your winter pieces. For colder climates, it's all about layering: fleece leggings or tights, shearling boots, layers of sweaters with coats and scarves, gloves and hats might be required. All of those items are considered extras. When curating your extras, tailor them to your specific life (and climate) needs.

* My wardrobe is heavy on the dresses again. I just like wearing them and feel most comfortable in dresses (even more so than jeans!). So I stick to what I like.

* At this season of life, with three children, including an active toddler (and homeschooling), I need pieces that are easily washable and require minimum maintenance. My baby loves to cuddle me and nuzzle his head into my shoulder. I love this and don't want to worry about ruining a dry clean only outfit. Sadly this phase won't last forever, but as for now I like jersey fabrics for washability and wearability purposes.

* We are on a budget this year and most likely will be for a while. I discuss the details of this in today's video. I am still able to look presentable and be creative through the styling of my extras with my budget clothes. This proves that looking presentable always has nothing to do with money.

* Four of the core items are returning from past seasons: the blue Boden dress, the burgundy blouse from Loft, the AG jeans and Loft fluid ankle pants. Past ten-item wardrobe items that you did not see in this video have been donated. Either the item was worn out and no longer presentable, or I simply didn't like it anymore/ it didn't work for me. Also keep in mind that with the pregnancy I went through a major transition with my wardrobe.

* Because many of these pieces were purchased months ago, they are no longer available. I am listing the brands here as follows for all new items. Unfortunately I am not able to provide direct links as the items are no longer available. If you wish to search the brands on zulily, you might find something similar: the midnight blue floral dress is by Reborn J, the olive green tunic is by Zenana Premium, the navy v-neck maxi dress is by Annabelle USA, the long Burgundy cardigan is by Lydiane, the Burgundy maxi dress is by PinkBlush, the short-sleeve neutral blouse is by Pops Basic.

This year I have nine core items (not ten):



Here is a look at some of the extras shown in the video.






News
If you are longing for more ten-item wardrobe inspiration, enroll in myeCourse on the ten-item wardrobe. With over an hour of never-before-seen video instruction, notes and quizzes, you will feel prepared to create your own ten-item wardrobe. For those of you who already do the ten-item wardrobe, this course will keep you on track and provide further inspiration. The course is self-paced and includes a lively comment section with other ten-item wardrobe enthusiasts. Enjoy!



On Instagram
This is such a fabulous picture from Poland...

Comment of the Week
Toni M writes: I love this video! This is a beautiful and practical wardrobe! I know that you suffered some negative commentary about this year's wardrobe, but wowzas, seeing you in the clothing makes all the difference. You look beautiful and those commenters were way off...I think all of the looks are lovely, and of course, your beautiful family is a sweet bonus. Also, I'm enjoying all the still shots on the blog. Thanks a bunch! Blessings!

Toni, thank you for your kind words. I knew that many of the past critics could not visualize how the outfits would wear so I hope the fashion show cleared that up for them :) Thank you, again!

I would love to read your thoughts on the talk-through. Leave us a comment below and your comment could be chosen as comment of the week on The Daily Connoisseur!

Visit my Author Website

Facebook facebook.com/JenniferLScottAuthor

Twitter @JL_Scott

Instagram @dailyconnoisseur

Take my eCourse on the Ten-Item Wardrobe

Sign up for my Seasonal Author Newsletter


FTC: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links.

1.15.2018

Ten-Item Wardrobe Winter 2018 | Jennifer L. Scott

5:47 AM 17 Comments


It's finally here... my ten-item wardrobe fashion show for winter 2018! I'm sorry it too so long to do this video. With our European trip last fall, my filming schedule was thrown off. I hope you enjoy the presentation of my wardrobe this year. I will be discussing all of the details with you in the next video for the talk-through. Here are a few things to consider:

- I live in Southern California where the winters are very mild. This affects my wardrobe choices and how I style my clothes.

- Right now I only have nine core items, not ten. Some years you'll have more than ten, some years you'll have less. It doesn't matter as long as you keep the ten-item wardrobe spirit while curating your wardrobe.

- I was on a budget this season and did not spend more than $250 to update my wardrobe. Four of the nine pieces are returning from past seasons. Most all extras featured are old pieces, except for the Burgundy sweater and grey cardigan. All scarves and coats are older pieces.

- I do not show all of my extras in this video. I didn't show any tee shirts, for example. I wanted to keep the focus on the core items and how I style those with winter extras such as coats and scarves.

- I hope you enjoy seeing my children in this video! They love it when they get a chance to be a part of the ten-item wardrobe videos. I think this might become a tradition! I asked my husband if he wanted to be in it and he said "no". Ha! :)

- Because I was on a budget and in a hurry to purchase my fall/ winter items before leaving for Europe, all new items featured in this video are from zulily. We will discuss this in the next video.

Please join me for the next video where we will discuss everything in better detail. But for now, let's look at the core items and some of the extras.

The nine core items:




Here is a look at some of the extras shown in the video.






News
I am working on my next book, CONNOISSEUR KIDS, and am really enjoying it! You can expect to see this published in the fall of 2019 from Chronicle books.

If you are longing for more ten-item wardrobe inspiration, enroll in myeCourse on the ten-item wardrobe. With over an hour of never-before-seen video instruction, notes and quizzes, you will feel prepared to create your own ten-item wardrobe. For those of you who already do the ten-item wardrobe, this course will keep you on track and provide further inspiration. The course is self-paced and includes a lively comment section with other ten-item wardrobe enthusiasts. Enjoy!



On Instagram


Comment of the Week

K belle writes:
Jennifer, my comment has nothing to do with this post. I just wanted to send a thank you to you. I will be checking out of a hotel today and during my entire stay I have remembered something you said in either a book or video about a woman who was so poised at the breakfast buffet and continued to eat tiny, lady like amounts of food even though she was clearly on vacation. I had never thought about it before reading that, but I definitely overeat on vacation because all the hotel food is delicious, abundant and free. but the last 3 days at the breakfast buffet, I chose to eat my usual fruit, protein and some nuts, just like I do at home. thank you for providing such great content and inspiration - it is so valuable to me!

Hi K Belle, that is one of my favorite observations from Lessons from Madame Chic! I still remember that chic French lady. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.

I hope you enjoyed today's ten-item wardrobe fashion show. I'll see you on Thursday for the talk-through. In the meantime, what is your favorite look from this season?



Visit my Author Website

Facebook facebook.com/JenniferLScottAuthor

Twitter @JL_Scott

Instagram @dailyconnoisseur

Take my eCourse on the Ten-Item Wardrobe

Sign up for my Seasonal Author Newsletter


FTC: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links.