I am so pleased to present my newest eCourse for the blog, Chic Financial Principles for Debt-Free Living.



Those of you who follow the blog know that our family recently made dramatic changes in our life in order to become completely debt-free. This isn't something that just happened overnight... we have been working toward this goal for over a decade.



In my new eCourse, I share our personal debt journey and all of the principles that we have adhered to in order to achieve our goals.



With well over two hours of brand new video content, Chic Financial Principles for Debt-Free Living covers fresh and unexpected ways to live richly, yet beneath your means.



Just like the Ten-Item Wardrobe eCourse, this new course debuts at only $5. I want to make the course affordable for everyone, without it being a burden on your wallet.



The low price of $5 will only last for two months, however, as I must cover the costs which Teachable charge me to host the course.



Once you purchase the course you may complete it at any time and at your own pace. There will be a lively comment section full of debt-free connoisseurs, who will provide encouragement and fellowship.



I'm truly looking forward to connecting with you through this new course!



This pictures in this post share only a portion of the topics discussed in the new course.



I have put so much work into this for the past few months that I am going to take two weeks off of the blog. I will be spending this time resting and also working on the new book.



Thank you for all of your support. I appreciate every one of you and truly hope you enjoy Chic Financial Principles for Debt-Free Living.



I hope you enjoy today's video. See you in the eCourse! And see you on the blog in two weeks.

Love,

Jennifer

Visit my Author Website

Facebook facebook.com/JenniferLScottAuthor

Twitter @JL_Scott

Instagram @dailyconnoisseur

Take my eCourse on the Ten-Item Wardrobe

Take my eCourse Chic Financial Principles for Debt-Free Living

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.

I hope you had a wonderful Valentine's Day. We celebrated with family at home and my husband cooked us up a proper English roast. It was delicious!




For today's post, I'm sharing one of my favorite quick bread recipes with you.

Whenever my bananas are too soft to eat, I like to whip them into this delicious banana bread.



The special ingredient in this bread is the chocolate chips. Eat a warm slice slathered with a tiny amount of butter and a cup of tea or coffee. What a treat!



Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
makes 2 loaves

4 cups flour
2 tsp baking soda
6 mashed bananas
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 Tbs vanilla extract
1 cup softened butter (2 sticks)
4 eggs
2 cups chocolate chips
1/2 tsp salt

Mix the butter and sugar until well blended. Add the rest of the wet ingredients: mashed banana, vanilla extract and eggs. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda and salt. Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix. Lastly add the chocolate chips. Pour into two greased loaf pans and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the loaf comes out clean. I like to enjoy one loaf and freeze the other for a later date. So delicious with a cup of tea or coffee. Enjoy!

For this recipe I used my Kitchen Aide and double loaf pans.

I hope you enjoy today's video.

News
Congratulations to Christina G., who won the Bizond steamer giveaway. Thank you to all who participated!

On Monday, I'll be launching my new debt-free course before going on a two-week break. I am so excited to share the new course with you! I have been working on it for months. The reviews from my ten-item wardrobe eCourse have been excellent and I know you will love the new debt-free course too.

On Instagram
A beautiful photo of Madame Chic on a rainy day...

. . "Rain, tea and a good book." ☁☕📚 . #lessonsfrommadamechic #jenniferlscott #goodbook #flatlay #flatlaybookstagram #cozy #morning #morningmood #bookphotography #diy #driedflowers #photography #flowers #diydriedflowers #bookstagram #books #canon600d #50mmlens #vsco

A post shared by Bella (@bellaartworld) on Feb 4, 2018 at 4:25pm PST

Comment of the Week
Kellee T writes: "I made a few of the turkey sloppy joes for the freezer and just had the first one last night - delicious! My husband and I are attempting to avoid some carbs, so we served the meat over sweet potatoes, it was amazing! My kiddos still had it in buns and loved it as well. Thank you so much for all your recipes!"

Hi Kellee, Thank you for letting me know how they turned out! I love the idea of serving it over sweet potatoes. I will try that next time. Thank you!


Today, I would love to know... how do you make your banana bread? What's your favorite quick bread recipe? Let me know in the comment section 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.

In today's video, I'm comparing my two favorite OPI shades: Barefoot in Barcelona and Tickle My France-Y. These shades are very similar in color, but with subtle differences. Both are great colored neutrals with mauve undertones.



I always find these reviews helpful because there are so many choices out there. It's nice to hear a recommendation and see a comparison.



The base coat I use in the video is OPI Natural Nail Base Coat Polish. The top coat used is Seche Vite.

I hope you enjoy today's video. I would love to know... which one is your favorite?

News
My brand new eCourse on debt-free living is going to launch in one week! Until then, I hope you enjoy my eCourse 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
Bayleigh's Books sharesa beautiful snap of Lessons from Madame Chic

Monday morning is off to a good start! • #bookstagram #lessonsfrommadamechic #jenniferlscott #bookflatlay #agathachristie #hickorydickorydock #instaxmini9 #tea #bed #book #read #bookstagrammer #bookishfeatures #igreads #bookfeaturepage

A post shared by Bayleigh's Books (@bayleighs.books) on Feb 4, 2018 at 4:41pm PST

Comment of the Week
Claudia C writes: Hi Jennifer!
I sometimes have oatmeal... but usually I’ll have pearl barley instead... I like that you actually have to slow down and chew it and... it is also very healthy.

I cook a large batch on my rice cooker and add some cinnamon sticks and orange peels.
When it is done and has been cooled, I place individual portions on small ziploc bags and freeze them.

Every night I take out my barley bag and put it on the kitchen table. When I wake up, the barley is not frozen anymore... I put it on a large cup and add fruit, cinnamon, nuts, sugar and almond milk...

Yummy!!!

Hi Claudia, your pearl barley breakfast sounds delicious. I'll have to try it! Thanks for sharing your method with us.

Thank you for watching today's video. I would love to know which is your favorite shade of the two and what other shades you are loving this year.

The music in my video is Handel, Bourre og Air.

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.

I've been enjoying this slow cooker oatmeal several times a week this winter. There are many ways that you can customize it. I top the oatmeal with almond milk, brown sugar, flaked coconut and chopped almonds. You can also add chopped banana, and on special occasions, chocolate chips! It is very filling, so creamy, and super delicious.



Almond Coconut Chia Seed Oatmeal
seves 4

1 cup oatmeal (any kind will do)
4 cups water
1 Tbs chia seeds

Optional Toppings:
almond milk
brown sugar
unsweetened flaked coconut
chopped almonds
chopped bananas
(even chocolate chips)

Before you go to bed, place the oatmeal, water and chia seeds in your slow cooker. Mix. Cook on low for 8 to 9 hours in the slow cooker overnight. In the morning, mix the creamy oatmeal together. Add desired toppings and enjoy!

I hope you enjoy today's video.

On Instagram
Madame Chic in Russia...

A post shared by ОНЛАЙН СТИЛИСТ ВИЗАЖИСТ МОСКВА (@yulichkafrolova) on Feb 5, 2018 at 3:15am PST

Comment of the Week
Polly writes, "It was so fun for me to hear your story. I purchased your self-published book on the kindle way back when it first came out! I remember enjoying reading it while I was at my father's house in Charleston, South Carolina. I'd retreat to the guest room and read it in bed....very relaxing; I enjoyed the book immensely. I'm so happy that things have gone so well for you in the realm of writing and publishing, and I'm also happy to see how you give credit to One bigger than yourself, too!"

Thank you, Polly. I'm so glad you have good memories from reading the book. I always remember where I read my favorite books and it's so nice to revisit those memories.

I hope you all enjoy today's oatmeal recipe. I would love to know how you like to prepare your oatmeal. Do you have any tips or recipes for us? Let me know and your comment could be chosen as comment of the week on the blog. See you on Monday!

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.

I'm showing you my weekday outfits in today's video. There are so many exciting things going on this week! (Ha! I'm actually kidding.) We are homeschooling, cleaning and working this week and you get to see how I dress through it all.



This is a very typical week for us. I wanted to keep this video very authentic and accurate so I did not do any extra styling. My outfits are simple, yet work well for my daily activities.

I hope you enjoy today's video.

News
Jacqie from The Lipstick Narratives shares her favorite life-changing books, and Lessons from Madame Chic is at the top of her list. Thank you, Jacqie!

My brand new eCourse on debt-free living is going to launch in two weeks! Until then, I hope you enjoy my eCourse 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!



Thank you to Jenny from Carrot Top Paper Shop for your beautiful gift to me... updated personalized stationery. Jenny is so talented. You must check out her etsy shop!

Thank you to Jenny from @carrottoppapershop for sending me another beautiful gift. Stationery with my own portrait on it. So cool. ❤️ #carrottoppapershop #dailyconnoisseur

A post shared by Jennifer L. Scott (@dailyconnoisseur) on Feb 4, 2018 at 12:53pm PST

On Instagram
Madame Chic in Japan...

📚52 《フランス人は10着しか服を持たない パリで学んだ"暮らしの質"を高める秘訣》 Jennifer L. Scott ・ ずっと読みたいなーって思っててようやく読めました👌❣️ わたしもマダム・シックのようになりたいわ クローゼットが服でパンパンやのに「着る服がない！」って言うなんて みたいなことが書いてあって、正しくその通りだと思った😂😂 これを読みながら私は袋4つ分の服と靴を処分しました😙 10着は流石に無理だと分かってるので出来る範囲でまた捨てよ😗 同居人にも是非やってほしいわ👀 ・ 服以外にもマナーや習慣に関すること、 どれも うんうん って実践したくなることばかり🙆 ・ ・ #フランス人は10着しか服を持たない #dailyconnoisseur #Jenniferlscott ・ #読書はじめました #ひなこの読書記録 #ひなこの読書記録2018 #本 #読書 #本好き #今週の一冊 #読書記録 #今年は本をたくさん読もう #book #📚 #📚🤓💘

A post shared by hinako (@hhhhhina) on Jan 13, 2018 at 8:09am PST

Comment of the Week
Magan L writes, "I am late with this, but I think it's worth saying. The attention you have paid to wearing quality garments over the last several years is reaping benefits. You can shop on a site like zulily because you know what brands fit you, have the quality you desire and. You also seem to pay attention to the fabrics that fit your lifestyle. I'm afraid I have not been that observant, so my clothing budget will buy less. I did visit zulily and I saw a favorite item of mine that gets TONS of compliments. (Something I bought at a CABI party two years ago.) And it was on zulily for about 1/3 of what I paid for it. How delighted I am that I can share that information with those who would like this garment! (Note to self: since I wear it A LOT, maybe I'll share it with friends in another city!!) Anyway, I am glad to see that the attention you have paid to what you have bought over the years has allowed you to use your clothing budget to create the wardrobe you love for this fall/winter. Thank you for encouraging us to be thoughtful and observant shoppers AND creating a less stressful wardrobe."

Hi Magan, thank you for your input. Your observations are very accurate! Fabrics that fit my lifestyle are a true must for me right now as you will see in today's video. Thanks for commenting.

I hope you enjoyed today's post. Let me know how you dress to suit your lifestyle in the comment section below. Your comment could be chosen as comment of the week on the blog!

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.

Before we begin, I want to thank you for your incredible response to Monday's video, discussing my self-publishing success story. Thank you for your touching and supportive comments. I felt very moved by the response to that post. My favorite part was reading your comments on how you found The Daily Connoisseur and the Madame Chic books. I truly appreciate every single one of you.

Today, I have a fun steamer review and giveaway for you.



After my initial steamer video from last year, I have received hundreds of comments from women who are interested in steaming their clothes in lieu of ironing them. The steamer I showcased was not available online since I had found it in a home store and many people had asked for further recommendations.

BIZOND, which is a company that produces products for the home, saw my steamer video and reached out to me about their own handheld steamer. I looked into it and noticed that their steamer is Amazon's choice on Amazon.com and has great reviews. I was excited to try Bizond's steamer and was not disappointed.



In today's video, I'm reviewing the steamer and giving one away to a reader of The Daily Connoisseur!



The BIZOND steamer uses a pump, so you do not need to worry about it sputtering hot water. This also allows you to use the steamer both vertically and horizontally, which is a major plus. I actually find it easier to steam clothes horizontally, like you would iron them. The water heats up in 25 seconds and the steamer automatically shuts down after 5 minutes, which is a great safety feature. The steamer comes with a travel bag and is a great compact size that would easily fit into a suitcase. Another great feature is the brush head, which allows you to dust heavy coats while you steam them.

Thank you to BIZOND for sending me this steamer to review and for hosting this giveaway. The giveaway is open for US residents only. The winner will receive a coupon code for 99% off the steamer. Please note that the winner will need an Amazon account, as they will be purchasing the steamer via the coupon code through Amazon.
a Rafflecopter giveaway


BIZOND are also giving subscribers of my YouTube channel 15% off. Simply enter code 6KTVXNHY at check out. Please note: this 15% off coupon may only be used once per person and is valid until December 31st, 2018. For instructions on how to use a promo code when checking out on Amazon, please read this help article.

Here is a coupon code for Canadian residents: ZA2PVDCQ

You may learn more about BIZOND on their Facebook page. Thank you, BIZOND!

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
Katrinaariana shares her two favorite books, and At Home with Madame Chic is one of them! My book is featured alongside The French Beauty Solution.

Two of my favorite books to read during downtime in the evening. 💕 They're both a refreshing reminder to slow down and enjoy the little things in life, and "At Home with Madame Chic" is basically my pattern for running my house. The author Jennifer L. Scott says so many things I love about keeping your home elegant, even formal, and clutter free (believe me, mine is so not perfect!), that I love the retreat from the ultra casual society we live in. 👒💕 I wish we lived in a simpler time, but since we can't, these books help remind me of a less stressed way to live. #homelife #books #relax #madamechic #jenniferlscott #francophile #elegance #eleganthome #oldfashioned

A post shared by Katrina @ Edelweiss Patterns (@katrinaariana) on Jan 24, 2018 at 10:13pm PST

Comment of the Week
On the YouTube channel, Midori I writes: Hi I'm from Japan and I have two of your books in Japanese! I really wan to get the third one but I'm wondering if I should get Japanese version or English one. I love them so much that I keep reading them over and over again. My friends love them too. Your book is life changing for me. It already has changed how I see my life, and I'm very sure it will keep giving positive influences on my life💕Thank you for writing such amazing books! I want to visit France someday too ☺️ Hope you read this comment! ❤️

Hi Midori, thank you for your support of my books. I love Japan and hope I get to visit your great country again. Thank you for writing to me!


I am wishing the best of luck to all who enter the steamer giveaway. Thank you and I'll see you on Monday!


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 giveaway and post is sponsored by BIZOND. All opinions are my own. This post does contain affiliate links. The link for the steamers are not affiliate.