When the pandemic was announced, people started to hoard and stock up on toilet paper. We humans are attached to our modern luxuries (toilet paper is a fairly recent invention... humans have survived for thousands of year without it). Surely, I understand wanting the convenience and comfort of toilet paper, but it seems that there is a critical area that many people are ignoring...



As you know, in my What to Do if You Run Out of Toilet Paper video, there are many alternative options to toilet paper. While toilet paper is not essential to living... eating is. Eating is mandatory and while we may have our pantries stocked with canned goods, we will also want to supplement with fresh organic produce too. How can we do this when the grocery stores are gouged and we are encouraged to stay in our homes? Growing a garden is a solution.

You don't need a large plot of land. In fact, you don't need land at all. Even if all you have is a tiny balcony or doorstep or a window box, you can grow your own food. You can even grow food indoors. As you know, Ben and I are clueless gardeners, yet each year our garden produces abundant produce. If we can do it, you can too. Today, I give you a tour of our early spring garden and the plans we have for it.

I hope you enjoy today's video.

Here are some gardening and other resources for you:
Burpee (buy seeds, plants, and garden supplies here)
Raised garden beds
Growing sacks (for potatoes, onions, etc.) 20 gallon 5-pack
Potato grow bags 3-pack
The Grow Your Own Food Handbook

My sweater is from Mott & Bow code JLS10 for 10% off
My blouse is from NeeSee's Dresses
My necklace Ana Luisa Jewelry Use code Jennifer10 for $10 off
Gingham tablecloth blue
Gingham tablecloth in red



News
📍I was interviewed by Karen of Our House YouTube channel about homeschooling and The Daily Connoisseur Life.


📍Join us for The Chic Assignment for March.

📍Become a member of The Daily Connoisseur through the MEMBERSHIPS feature. I do one livestream as well 3 episodes of my new Vodcast (a video podcast) per month. (Link must be accessed on a computer.)

📍Thank you for your wonderful support of my new book, CONNOISSEUR KIDS.

📍I am working on an exciting new eCourse for you and it is almost ready. In the meantime, check out my affordable eCourses: The Ten-Item Wardrobe, Chic Financial Principles for Debt-Free Living, and How to be Efficient at Home.

On Instagram
The Madame Chic books in Japan... Tag me on Instagram with #jenniferlscott to have your book photos shared here...

View this post on Instagram

I learned a lot from these books. #lessonsfrommadamechic フランス人は10着しか服を持たない ・ 何が本当の贅沢かを教えてくれる本です♡ ・ ・ ４年前、この本に出会って初めて真剣に自分と服と向き合うきっかけになりました。 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ワードローブに沢山服がある人こそ、"着る服がない"といつも嘆いている。 それは丁度その時の自分を言い表したかのような言葉で、今思い返してみるとこの数年で本当に身軽になりました。 また女性としての身だしなみや振る舞い、言葉遣いも改めて気をつけるようになりました。 ゴシップが、テレビから流れてくる一番無駄な情報だとこの本にも載せられている通りで、何気なく見聞きしているものも取捨選択するようになり、今ではテレビすら観なくなりました。 どんどん有意義な時間が増えて、人生が楽しくなる。 この本に出会えてなかったらもしかしたら私は今もとんでもない時間と労力とお金を無駄なものに費やしていたのかもしれない。 #book #booklover #favoritebooks #favoritebook #jenniferlscott #madamechic #minimal #minimalist #minimalism #マダムシック #フランス人は10着しか服を持たない #フランス人は10着しか服を持たない2 #本 #おすすめ本 #ミニマルライフ #ミニマリスト #シンプリスト #シンプルライフ #シンプルな暮らし #フレンチスタイル #パリ好き #フランス好き #断捨離

A post shared by Raika (@rairairaikaa) on Mar 26, 2020 at 12:42am PDT

Comment of the Week
Blakey writes, "Jennifer, I just thought of you because I was hanging my laundry when there was a knock at the door and lo and behold it was one of the leading candidates for mayor of Miami Beach, where I live. We had a wonderful chat, and I was in one of my favorite dresses, with makeup on, as per your advice of always looking presentable. Who would have thought that at 5 pm on a weekday that would have happened to me? Thanks yet again for your invaluable advice! : )"


Blakey, I loved your testimony. Yes, we never know when looking presentable will come in handy, which is why we should look presentable always. I'm glad you had a good experience!

Thank you for watching. I would love to know how your family is preparing right now. Do you grow your own food? Have you had success with gardening? Or failures? Let us know and your comment could be chosen as comment of the week on the blog. See you soon!



Visit my newly designed Author Website

*NEW* Join The Chic Society on YouTube and become a member of The Daily Connoisseur.

Shop my Amazon page for a comprehensive list of my favorite things and mentions on the blog.

Facebook facebook.com/JenniferLScottAuthor

Twitter @JL_Scott

Instagram @dailyconnoisseur

Take my affordable eCourses on the ten-item wardrobe, debt-free living, and efficiency at home


FTC: Today's video is not sponsored. I use affiliate links, including Amazon affiliate links.

In Part 2 of Connoisseur Reviews, I'm sharing new skincare and bath finds. Let's jump in.





Azalia Spa Goods
Azalia Spa Goods is a line of handcrafted aromatherapy body oils created by Aimee Flor (a fellow Daily Connoisseur!) Here is a note from Amy on her delightful oils:
Instead of tinkering with complicated fillers or harsh chemicals for my products, I embrace only the purest plant- and flower-based ingredients. They in turn embrace our skin and body with the kindest forms of nourishment.

In small, thoughtfully blended batches, each Azalia oil is created to be your natural beauty everything: bath oil, massage oil, makeup remover, hair elixir, perfume...like little miracles in a bottle. They're made with only certified organic, vegan, and cruelty-free ingredients with a commitment to fair trade, which means they're super friendly- to you, our earth, and animals. With every purchase, a portion of sales are donated to the Garden School Foundation.

It's the simplest, purest form of indulgence. Elegant over fancy. Simplicity over synthetic. Beauty over glam.



Spongelle sponge flowers cleanse, exfoliate, massage, and nourish the skin. These buffers are infused with body wash and change instantly under water as you squeeze, from an exfoliating massage texture to a soft, silky sponge. They have a guaranteed number of 14+ washes. Code AFTERPAYDAY for 30% off (valid only until the end of March 2020).




Paula's Choice I have been enjoying my return back to Paula's Choice and after my announcement video sharing that I am using Paula's Choice again, the company reached out to me to see if I wanted to try some of their new products. I have been using the following for the past two months and really love them. I find Paula's Choice to be consistently good. I really like the serums and I feel the exfoliants work wonders for my skin. Here are all of the descriptions from the website for the items I'm sharing today.

2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant Our #1 product worldwide + cult favorite, this gentle leave-on exfoliant with salicylic acid quickly unclogs pores, smooths wrinkles, brightens and evens out skin tone.
Clears & minimizes enlarged pores
BHA (beta hydroxy acid) sheds built-up layers of skin
Fluid, lightweight texture absorbs quickly
Use twice daily after cleansing & toning

.3% Retinol + .2% Bakuchiol Treatment A triple-action blend of retinol, bakuchiol and peptides supports collagen-depleted skin to target fine lines, deep wrinkles and loss of firmness.

Power Berry Serum This 95% natural serum gives skin a healthy glow through a potent combination of berries selected for their proven antioxidant power in nature.

Omega + Complex Serum Superfood for your skin! Omega fatty acids in this serum strengthen skin’s surface with the essential nutrients needed for healthy, hydrated, visibly stronger skin.

Boost C15 Super Booster This concentrated booster with 15% pure vitamin C dramatically brightens uneven skin while improving the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Hydrating Treatment Mask A deeply hydrating face mask for dry to very dry skin that works overnight to restore a dewy, resilient, appearance and feeling of firmness for a visibly refined complexion.



Bend Soap Co. salves code DC10 for 10% off
You know how much I love Bend Soap Co. I adore their Goat milk soaps, lotions, and high-quality bath products. They launched a new line of healing salves and I have been loving them and using them over the past month. Here are their properties:

Baby Salve Safe, effective, and 100% natural.
Protective barrier against wetness to help soothe and prevent diaper rash.
Infused with natural ingredients that protect and nourish the skin.
100% cloth diaper safe!

Soothing Salve Safe, effective, and 100% natural.
Free of essential oils and natural scents.
Moisturize, soothe, repair, and protect with this all-purpose salve.
Use on chapped skin, irritation, inflammation, rashes, and burns.
100% Cloth diaper safe!

Breathe Well Salve Safe, effective, and 100% natural.
Helps promote deeper breathing for all ages.
Apply to chest, back, or under the nose.
Powerful defense against congestion.

Defender Salve Safe, effective, and 100% natural.
Powerful defense against bacteria.
Nourishing ingredients form a protective layer over the skin to help prevent scarring.
Useful for treating scrapes, cuts, and minor burns.

News
📍Join us for The Chic Assignment for March.

📍Become a member of The Daily Connoisseur through the MEMBERSHIPS feature. I do one livestream as well 3 episodes of my new Vodcast (a video podcast) per month. (Link must be accessed on a computer.)

📍Thank you for your wonderful support of my new book, CONNOISSEUR KIDS.

📍I am working on an exciting new eCourse for you and it is almost ready. In the meantime, check out my affordable eCourses: The Ten-Item Wardrobe, Chic Financial Principles for Debt-Free Living, and How to be Efficient at Home.

I hope you enjoy today's video. Please stay safe and healthy and I will see you on Monday!

With love,

Jennifer

Visit my newly designed Author Website

*NEW* Join The Chic Society on YouTube and become a member of The Daily Connoisseur.

Shop my Amazon page for a comprehensive list of my favorite things and mentions on the blog.

Facebook facebook.com/JenniferLScottAuthor

Twitter @JL_Scott

Instagram @dailyconnoisseur

Take my affordable eCourses on the ten-item wardrobe, debt-free living, and efficiency at home


FTC: Today's video is not sponsored. I use affiliate links, including Amazon affiliate links.

Welcome to the March edition of Connoisseur Reviews. Today I have a variety of interesting high-quality finds to share with you. Some of these I found on my own, some of them were sent for me to review. Some of them have discount codes and some do not. In part one, we are examining many consumable items as well as air purifying bags and some great new books.
Let's jump in...



JAF Tea sampler Gift Set JAF Teas is a family-owned business from Sri Lanka that has been operating since 1944. They have a gift set of teas and for bagged tea, they are excellent quality. My favorite is the English Breakfast as it is strong and robust.




Teami Blends Butterfly Tea code JLS25 for 25% off for over $35 orders
Butterfly Tea Blend is a caffeine-free herbal tea that provides endless health/beauty benefits from head to toe! Derived from Asia, this naturally blue tea has been used for centuries to increase overall wellness and vitality.* Add lemon (or any acidic fruit) to magically change its color to purple, or honey to change it to pink! Have fun and create your own beautiful elixirs at home any time, day or night! Also known as “the beauty tea,” this blend is refreshingly light with jasmine and stevia for a natural hint of sweetness!

Super Ingredients:

Butterfly Pea Flowers: This magic, naturally color-changing ingredient is full of beauty benefits and helps protect skin against aging stressors from the inside out*
Jasmine Tea: A well-known immune boosting tea, we love aromatic jasmine for all of its many health benefits*
Stevia Leaf: A healthy alternative to sugar, this zero-calorie addition gives our blend a lightly sweet aftertaste




Teami Chocolate Protein Powder code JLS25 for 25% off for over $35 orders
This chocolate protein powder is delicious and creamy.




Bisou Natural charcoal air purifying bags are all-natural and chemical-free. They are a natural alternative to traditional air fresheners which can contain up to 80,000 chemicals.
Crowned as “Black Gold”, the premium activated Moso bamboo charcoal inside Bisou Natural air purifying bags has 5x more pores than regular activated charcoal. From the website: When air passes through “Black Gold”, odor particles, allergens and bacteria get trapped in the billions of pores. Air then comes out clean as part of a powerful natural air purification process. These air purifiers last for one year.
Use code PREMIUM for 30% off of Bisou Natural.

Here are two bulk long-shelf life savory snacks that can be found on Amazon, Ralphs, Walmart, & CVS

Krave plant-based vegan jerky

KRAVE long shelf-life snacks: Plant-Based Jerky
As KRAVE's first departure from meat products, KRAVE Plant-Based Jerky is perfect for flexitarians and those looking to incorporate more plant-based foods into their diets. KRAVE Plant-Based Jerky features a taste and texture similar to that of KRAVE Gourmet Meat Cuts but is made from peas and fava beans for an eating experience and nutritional profile superior to any vegan jerky currently on the market. With 8 grams of protein per serving, each bag of KRAVE Plant-Based Jerky is a good source of protein and comes in two uniquely savory flavors: Smoked Chipotle and Korean BBQ.

Krave Al Pastor Keto Pork Rinds The Al Pastor flavor is my favorite.


Keto-friendly KRAVE Pork Rinds give a better-for-you, culinary-inspired and flavor-forward update to the beloved snack, with ingredients you can pronounce and just the right amount of crunch. Each bag is packed with 6g of collagen peptides and is gluten-free. KRAVE Pork Rinds currently come in two perfectly crunchy, hormone-free, all-natural, Keto-friendly, KRAVE-worthy flavors: Chili Lime and Al Pastor Taco. ** My favorite is the Al Pastor Taco.


Traditional Meals for the Frugal Family by Shannon Stonger


Don't Overthink It by Anne Bogel


The Middle Ground: Casual Elegance for the Modern Man by T. Christopher Cox


A Timekeeper's Journal by Theresa Brown


Little Foundlings by Theresa Brown


Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow


Thank you to the Chic Connoisseurs (the middle tier in memberships) for bringing us today's video! Here they are:
Ask a Homeschool Mom website
A Better Life with KAT
A Sparkling Vintage Life
AAM truthteller
Alison Jennison-Smith
Audrey Coyne
Bewitched Crafts
Bliss Peterson
Brenda Ramsey
Candace V
Catherine Huang
Chelsea Kochevar
Deborah J
DianaLC
healthywithluba.com
Heather Phillips
Jane Goff
Jane Rowley
Janet Williams
Jennifer McDowell
Jessica Ortega-Mabry
Judy Moore
JulieMarieVh
Linda Montoya
Lori Skees
Maria Gerlicz-Pogorzelska
Marija B. Bingula
Melinda Loustalot
Michele Kieffer
Monique Egelhoff
Natalie Dougherty
Natalie Schultz
Paula Ellis
Sarah Vitsas
Scott Rea
Shannon Biddy
Sheila Hopfensperger
ShushLorraine
Stacy Smith
This and That with Denise Jordan
Tiki Pié
Tracy Lopez
Wendy Cassara
Yen Lee


News
📍I posted two bonus videos on my YouTube channel this week that did not appear on the blog. Make sure you are subscribed to my YouTube channel by clicking the red button (it's free) and click the bell for notifications so you never miss an upload. The first video is: How to Maintain Your Dignity When Your Family is Driving You NUTS



and

Working from Home AND Homeschooling? I share my schedule (by request)



📍Join us for The Chic Assignment for March.

📍Become a member of The Daily Connoisseur through the MEMBERSHIPS feature. I do one livestream as well 3 episodes of my new Vodcast (a video podcast) per month. (Link must be accessed on a computer.)

📍Thank you for your wonderful support of my new book, CONNOISSEUR KIDS.

📍I am working on an exciting new eCourse for you and it is almost ready. In the meantime, check out my affordable eCourses: The Ten-Item Wardrobe, Chic Financial Principles for Debt-Free Living, and How to be Efficient at Home.

On Instagram
The Madame Chic series on Instagram. Tag me with your pictures to be featured here with the hashtag #jenniferlscott

View this post on Instagram

Got a chance to style my ottoman today! I suspect it will last 30 min before someone wants it for their feet. These are a few of my favorite things. #handmadepottery given to my daughter she even carved my #monogram in it #lessonsfrommadamechic by #jenniferlscott #eucalyptusmint candle by #whitebarncandle Sweet #fauxbouquet from #hobbylobby

A post shared by Ms Margie Hu (@ms.margie.hu) on Mar 22, 2020 at 9:42am PDT

Comment of the Week
Ruth M writes, "A long time ago a friend who is a school teacher told me that if a teacher yells in the classroom, even if it is just raising their voice to be heard over the din, it communicates to the children that the teacher has no control, and the children will not respect the teacher. Good teachers have some kind of signal (like a bell or a clapping pattern) to get everyone's attention to call the room to order. I think this basic idea is also true for parents. If we yell it communicates first and foremost that we have lost control over ourselves and the situation. If we act in a dignified manner like we expect people to respect and obey us, they are more likely to respect and obey us. Easier said than done but so worth it.


If any of you are a mom with kids home from school the best thing you can do is create a new routine or schedule to give some structure to everyone's day with together time and time apart. Kids need predictable routines. I miss my days of home schooling. I am impressed with all young mothers today. I think it is harder than ever and I want you to know you are doing a good job, even if you don't feel like you are. Chin up. Better days are ahead."

Ruth, I couldn't agree with you more. Thank you for your insightful comment!


Thank you for joining me for part one, I look forward to seeing you tomorrow for the bath and skincare edition.


Visit my newly designed Author Website

*NEW* Join The Chic Society on YouTube and become a member of The Daily Connoisseur.

Shop my Amazon page for a comprehensive list of my favorite things and mentions on the blog.

Facebook facebook.com/JenniferLScottAuthor

Twitter @JL_Scott

Instagram @dailyconnoisseur

Take my affordable eCourses on the ten-item wardrobe, debt-free living, and efficiency at home


FTC: Today's video is not sponsored. I use affiliate links, including Amazon affiliate links.

Welcome to The Chic Assignment Check-in for March.





Chic Assignment no. 1 Chopin Nocturne in C sharp Minor

This month we listened to Chopin Nocturne in C sharp minor and I recommended this video by Yueun Kim. I was amazed to connect with her this month in the comment section. This beautiful and sublime piece has gotten me though many stressful moments this month.



Chic Assignment no. 2 William Butler Yeats

In today's video I read two poems by W.B. Yeats. I also read from his biography on Encyclopedia Brittanica.

The Sorrow of Love
W. B. Yeats - 1865-1939

The quarrel of the sparrows in the eaves,
The full round moon and the star-laden sky,
And the loud song of the ever-singing leaves,
Had hid away earth's old and weary cry.

And then you came with those red mournful lips,
And with you came the whole of the world's tears,
And all the sorrows of her labouring ships,
And all the burden of her myriad years.

And now the sparrows warring in the eaves,
The curd-pale moon, the white stars in the sky,
And the loud chaunting of the unquiet leaves
Are shaken with earth's old and weary cry.


When You Are Old
W. B. Yeats - 1865-1939

When you are old and grey and full of sleep,
And nodding by the fire, take down this book,
And slowly read, and dream of the soft look
Your eyes had once, and of their shadows deep;

How many loved your moments of glad grace,
And loved your beauty with love false or true,
But one man loved the pilgrim soul in you,
And loved the sorrows of your changing face;

And bending down beside the glowing bars,
Murmur, a little sadly, how Love fled
And paced upon the mountains overhead
And hid his face amid a crowd of stars.


Chic Assignment no. 3 Enjoy your Food
I did a video earlier in the month on the disturbing trend I notice in "What I Eat in a Day" videos on YouTube. It seems that the only purpose for eating in the majority of these videos is to eat to get skinny, with little to no enjoyment of the actual food itself. I like to encourage people to enjoy their meals with a healthy attitude, like we did in Madame Chic's home.


Chic Assignment no. 4 Get your wardrobe ready for spring
Our Southern Hemisphere friends will be preparing for the fall, but either way, we are to prepare our wardrobes for the change in season. I shared my ten-item wardrobe end-of-season check-in with you this month where I shared my thoughts on my past wardrobe and also pieces that are to come for spring. It's a great idea to get intentional about your wardrobe because every year you draw closer and closer to your true style.

Here are some of the new pieces I show in today's video:
New jumpsuit for spring
blue dress for spring
More gingham ideas from Draper James
Gingham tee from Loft (similar)
(My gingham tee is from Loft but sold out)

The Elegant Connoisseurs
Thank you to the Elegant Connoisseurs for bringing us the Chic Assignment check-in. The Elegant Connoisseurs are the top tier in the memberships feature on my channel. Here are these lovely ladies:
All the King’s Morsels – Kristen King
American Blossom Linens – Janet Wischnia
Awesome Possum Powers – Shannon Beers
Azalia Spa Goods – Aimee Flor
Cynthia Rehbein Create Your Own Lookbook
Inspired by Nikki
Nikki's Etsy shop
Julie Kolman – My Confident Closet
Katy Rose, Artist
Not-So Desperate Housewives
Something to Cherish- Cherish Flieder
Katherine Rae
Christine Bolla
Caroline Haydu
Denise Gende
Jet Rowley-Herron
Jenny Candelaria
Linda Eklof
Maria Conder
Mercedes Gilligan


News
📍Join us for The Chic Assignment for March.

📍Become a member of The Daily Connoisseur through the MEMBERSHIPS feature. I do one livestream as well 3 episodes of my new Vodcast (a video podcast) per month. (Link must be accessed on a computer.)

📍Thank you for your wonderful support of my new book, CONNOISSEUR KIDS.

📍I am working on an exciting new eCourse for you and it is almost ready. In the meantime, check out my affordable eCourses: The Ten-Item Wardrobe, Chic Financial Principles for Debt-Free Living, and How to be Efficient at Home.

On Instagram
Lessons from Madame Chic comic book in Japan...

View this post on Instagram

「あなたが美しい空間で素敵に暮らす価値があるように、あなたの持ち物も然るべき場所にきちんと収納される価値がある」 ・ PICK UP ✴︎何でも新しい物に飛びつかず古い物を大切にする ✴︎ジャンクな食べ物はすぐ手の届くところになければそのうち食べたいと思わなくなる ✴︎心から味わっていただく食事は体にも心にも栄養を与えてくれる ✴︎毎日の食事が充実していたらビスケットやポテトチップスなんかを食べる気にはならない ✴︎毎食、ご馳走をいただくかのように食べる事にちゃんと集中し、心ゆくまで味わう ✴︎食生活が健全になると自然に体に注意を向けるようになり、お腹がいっぱいになる事に気づき食べる量も努力なく減っていく ✴︎ホテルなどのビュッフェでも普段と同じものを食べる ✴︎美しい盛りつけだと目で味わいながらゆっくりといただきたくなるので、料理を味わえ食べ過ぎも防げる ✴︎毎日自分と家族の為に盛りつけにもこだわって料理を作れば食事の時間を大切にできる ✴︎家の掃除をしたり車を使わずに歩いたり階段を上ったりいつも体を動かしているのでジムにいく必要がない ✴︎毎日体を動かす目標を作る、街を探索する、暇な時も活動的に過ごす、家事をエクササイズにする ✴︎座りっぱなしでいない ✴︎家をきちんと片付けておくには、モノの置き場所を決めて使ったあとはかならず戻すという規律が必要 ✴︎フランス人のライフスタイルはとにかく多くの点で質の良さを重んじる ・ ・ #本好きな人と繋がりたい #本 #本好き #読書 #読書好きな人と繋がりたい #ミニマリスト #ミニマリストイック #持たない暮らし#断捨離 #シンプルライフ #minimalist #minimalism #simplelife #minimalistoic #minimalistic #bookstagram #book #フランス人は10着しか服を持たない #ジェニファースコット #jenniferlscott #ジェニファーlスコット#lessonsfrommadamechic #フランス人は10着しか服を持たないコミック版　#ダイエット　#ライフスタイル

A post shared by minimalist.azusa (@minimalistoic) on Mar 7, 2020 at 4:29am PST

Comment of the Week
Yoya Bear writes, "I just love this so much. People in my city are panicking over bread shortages in groceries. I just put a load of soda bread in the oven in my own lovely, calm kitchen. I was mildly mocked by some for becoming an expert home bread maker. No one is laughing now."

Yoya, I have been preparing to make my own bread too. It's going to be a necessity for many of us right now. Thank you for your comment!

I would love to know your experience with this month's Chic Assignment. Your comment could be chosen as comment of the week on the channel.



Visit my newly designed Author Website

*NEW* Join The Chic Society on YouTube and become a member of The Daily Connoisseur.

Shop my Amazon page for a comprehensive list of my favorite things and mentions on the blog.

Facebook facebook.com/JenniferLScottAuthor

Twitter @JL_Scott

Instagram @dailyconnoisseur

Take my affordable eCourses on the ten-item wardrobe, debt-free living, and efficiency at home


FTC: Today's video is not sponsored. I use affiliate links, including Amazon affiliate links.

Daily Connoisseur reader, Rachele, sent me this article from Elemental: Cooking, Cleaning, and Sewing Are the New Wellness.



The article discusses how many women are turning to old-fashioned, traditional homemaking practices such as baking bread and cleaning for self-care and wellness. Here are a few takeaway quotes from the article:

"Researchers at Tel Aviv University found that repetitive acts increase a person’s belief that they can manage a situation that is otherwise out of their hands."

"Household hobbies allow you to exert mindful effort. Consider them the antithesis to a society that has all its needs met without much exertion at all."

“In this modern age, we have lost the ability to be bored and then be inspired and then create something new. I think [home hobbies] are incredibly therapeutic.”

I believe the mundane, repetitive tasks that we do everyday constitute such a large portion of our lives, we might as well "re-brand" them in our minds and think about them differently. If we have to do them, we might as well enjoy them. In that sense, I do believe homemaking is the new wellness. And with the recent pandemic quarantine, so many people are forced to look at their home life and analyze how it is working for them and to rebrand their systems of keeping house.

Featured in the video:

My jumpsuit (new for spring) is by Lulu's
My earrings are Rachelyn Jewelry
I clean with eCloth microfiber cloths
Glass cleaner is by Squeak
The rest of my cleaning products are from Grove Collaborative
My candle is by Cellar Door Candle Co.
Keep Calm and Remain Classy mug

I hope you enjoy today's video.



News
📍Join us for The Chic Assignment for March.

📍Become a member of The Daily Connoisseur through the MEMBERSHIPS feature. I do one livestream as well 3 episodes of my new Vodcast (a video podcast) per month. (Link must be accessed on a computer.)

📍Thank you for your wonderful support of my new book, CONNOISSEUR KIDS.

📍I am working on an exciting new eCourse for you and it is almost ready. In the meantime, check out my affordable eCourses: The Ten-Item Wardrobe, Chic Financial Principles for Debt-Free Living, and How to be Efficient at Home.

On Instagram
Madame Chic featured on Instagram (and check out that amazing teacup)...

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Dan 11. Dan bez društvenih mreža Moji četverogodišnjaci i ja smo do daljnjega kod kuće s obzirom na novonastalu situaciju u Zagrebu. Vrtića nema pa koristimo vrijeme da se družimo i ujedno svatko od nas nauči nešto novo. Odlučila sam da ću sljedeća 24h pauzirati sa društvenim mrežama. Posvetit ću se malcima i iskoristiti ovo vrijeme kako bih napravila plan za kuhanje, aktivnosti i daljnje proljetno čišćenje doma. Umjesto društvenih mreža, slobodno vrijeme (koliko god ga uspijem uhvatiti pa makar i 10 min) iskoristiti ću za čitanje knjige. Čujemo se kroz 24h. 🤗 #spaceforhome #proljetnociscenjedomaiuma #mindsetreset #mindfulness #offline #organized #organizedlife #simplifyyourlife #simpleliving #reflection #lessonsfrommadamechic #jenniferlscott

A post shared by Space for Home (@space.for.home) on Mar 16, 2020 at 2:42am PDT

Comment of the Week
Toni W. writes, "Thank you very much. Toilet paper was invented in 1857 which means the original owners of my house went without toilet paper for at least 25 years. This couple who were both musicians lived in our home for 40 years. They lived in an occupied through the Civil War and probably experienced pneumonia and possibly typhoid. I live in Old Town Alexandria, VA and the history of my house is available at our library. It documents the many home owners throughout the decades. Our house also has no closets. Clothes were kept in chests of drawers. If were wealthy you may have had a closet to lock up your valuables but closets were not used for clothes. Thank you very much for this video! We will run out of toilet paper and I ordered some wash cloths."


I loved your comment, Toni. I love researching different historical time periods and always wonder what daily life was like. It's true that most of our modern conveniences are just that... modern and new. People of the past survived without them. This should help us to not panic. Thank you.

I would love to know... is homemaking the new wellness? What do you think? Let us know and your comment could be chosen as comment of the week on The Daily Connoisseur.


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FTC: Today's video is not sponsored. I use affiliate links, including Amazon affiliate links.

The COVID-19 Pandemic has brought about many surprising curve balls to our daily lives. One of them being the lack of supplies found worldwide. Most noticeable: toilet paper, or lack thereof. Many people are left wondering what they will do when they run out of these essentials: hygiene products, baby products, and feminine products. In today's video, I'm giving you some reusable, eco-friendly alternatives that you might not have considered to help you keep at peace with the empty shelves we are finding in the shops.



Let's talk first about toilet paper. The obvious alternatives are tissues, paper towels, and other paper products (many of which are not flushable... so we must find an alternative disposing method). But what do we do when the paper alternatives run out? I discuss various ideas such as an attachment bidet (Americans do not typically have standalone bidets in their bathrooms in case you Europeans are wondering about this), a bottle bidet (which is portable and easily placed in each bathroom), the type of handheld bidet ladies use after childbirth, cotton washcloths, and flannel reusable wipes.

UPDATE: Many of the items I listed have sold out since they are so in demand right now. I have done further research and found the following:

Bidets from BB&B
Peri bottles
and more Peri bottles
Peri bottle option 3
Medline cleansing bottle
Bidet bliss

What do you do when you run out of diapers and wipes? I've been meaning to share more about my cloth diaper routine with you. Cloth diapers are wonderful money saving alternatives to the standard diaper. They are also eco-friendly and soft for baby to wear. It's a good idea to have these anyway in case you ever run low on diapers. In today's video I talk you through how they work. Here are a list of items discussed:

cloth diapers solid
more cloth diapers solid
cloth diapers pattern
wet bags in grey
wet bags floral


And now for that tricky subject: that time of the month. What do we do if supplies run out? If you haven't already considered a menstrual cup, now is a great time to do so. I only recently discovered them and wish I had known about them years ago. They work wonderfully, are reusable for several years, eco-friendly, and budget-friendly. Here are a list of the most popular ones. I personally use the Dutchess brand.
Dutchess duo
Dutchess cup wash
Pixie cup
Pixie cup steamer
Lena cup
Diva cup
Diva cup cleanser
menstrual cup container (to store the cup)
menstrual cup wet bag
period underwear option 1
period underwear option 2
period underwear option 3

You can also find cloth pads on Etsy, cloth wipes on Etsy, and cloth diapers on Etsy.


News
📍Join us for The Chic Assignment for March.

📍Become a member of The Daily Connoisseur through the MEMBERSHIPS feature. I do one livestream as well 3 episodes of my new Vodcast (a video podcast) per month. (Link must be accessed on a computer.)

📍Thank you for your wonderful support of my new book, CONNOISSEUR KIDS.

📍I am working on an exciting new eCourse for you and it is almost ready. In the meantime, check out my affordable eCourses: The Ten-Item Wardrobe, Chic Financial Principles for Debt-Free Living, and How to be Efficient at Home.

On Instagram
Madame Chic in Thailand...

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Second time read this book, really inspired🎀 #book #ilovetoread #madamechic #jenniferlscott #lifestyle #livewell #frenchchic #ilovemylife #jybiestylebooks #elegantliving #lifeisdelicate #dailyconnoisseur

A post shared by @ jyp_no on Mar 15, 2020 at 8:04pm PDT

Comment of the Week
Marigold writes, "The Daily Connoisseur I have been thinking about your finance course and being prepared for the unexpected and saving accordingly. Very good advice. In addition I now think I get more so why you advise about using your best daily and being in the moment. You just never know when things will change. You just have to cherish the present. Thanks for the videos. Helps brighten the moment. Thanks Jennifer! This whole experience is such a reality check."


Thank you, Marigold. Yes! This is exactly why we should use our best things on a daily basis. We never know what tomorrow will bring. I appreciate your comment.

Thank you for joining me today. I hope you found this video helpful. Share it with your friends who might be feeling anxiety about what to do if they run out of supplies. I hope it provides comfort. I'll see you soon!



Visit my newly designed Author Website

*NEW* Join The Chic Society on YouTube and become a member of The Daily Connoisseur.

Shop my Amazon page for a comprehensive list of my favorite things and mentions on the blog.

Facebook facebook.com/JenniferLScottAuthor

Twitter @JL_Scott

Instagram @dailyconnoisseur

Take my affordable eCourses on the ten-item wardrobe, debt-free living, and efficiency at home


FTC: Today's video is not sponsored. I use affiliate links, including Amazon affiliate links.

Are handshakes off limits? What are the do's and don'ts of social distancing? And what do you do if you find yourself homeschooling during the Coronavirus pandemic? These are the topics we are discussing in today's video.



I recently did a video on the etiquette of handshake snubs. We discussed the intricacies of the handshake and now that the world is dealing with the Coronavirus pandemic, it's an important topic to revisit. In today's video I give you two respectful ways to avoid handshakes when meeting people. I agree with my friend Myka Meier, who wrote the new book Modern Etiquette Made Easy. Myka advocates for the "stop, drop, and nod". In this technique, you place your hands behind your back and nod your head with a smile.

Another way to avoid handshakes is to clasp your hands together and smile and nod. These send clear but non-agressive signals that you are not interested in handshakes.

Another topic of conversation is social distancing. What are the do's and don'ts in this post coronavirus world? This article from The Atlantic lays out great guidelines for social distancing. What are your thoughts on the subject?

Another helpful resource is the CDC, which lays out guidelines on what to do for prevention and what to do if you feel sick.

And finally, I'm answering a question I have received frequently: what do you do if you find yourself homeschooling your kids over the next few weeks? My advice is to, of course, follow the guidelines and curriculum given to you by the school. But if no guidelines or curriculum are given, take this opportunity to have a fun learning experience and consider doing a unit study. A unit study focuses on one subject. You can dive in and create your own curriculum about this with books, documentaries, crafts, even cooking food from the time period (if it's a history unit study). Get creative, watch YouTube videos for inspiration on what to do and just enjoy this time with your family. Daily practice with math and grammar is a great idea too.

I know this is a very stressful time for many. The future seems uncertain. I hope that you find this blog a refuge from the outside world and that you leave feeling refreshed. I pray that you and your families are healthy and safe.

I'll be back tomorrow with another encouraging video to keep you company during this time. Let us know your experience in the comments below.

News
📍*IMPORTANT* Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, The Blossoming Lady Conference has been postponed. All attendees have been contacted regarding the rescheduled date in July. More details to follow.

📍Join us for The Chic Assignment for March.

📍Become a member of The Daily Connoisseur through the MEMBERSHIPS feature. I do one livestream as well 3 episodes of my new Vodcast (a video podcast) per month. (Link must be accessed on a computer.)

📍Thank you for your wonderful support of my new book, CONNOISSEUR KIDS.

📍I am working on an exciting new eCourse for you and it is almost ready. In the meantime, check out my affordable eCourses: The Ten-Item Wardrobe, Chic Financial Principles for Debt-Free Living, and How to be Efficient at Home.

On Instagram
I shared a new ten-item wardrobe addition on Instagram... I love this jumpsuit!

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I might go down to a one-item wardrobe and just wear this jumpsuit everyday for spring 😆 Linked in my bio. #tenitemwardrobe #capsulewardrobe #springjumpsuit #jumpsuit #floraljumpsuit #lookpresentablealways #spring

A post shared by Jennifer L. Scott (@dailyconnoisseur) on Mar 14, 2020 at 12:09pm PDT

Comment of the Week
Zillah writes, "Hello Jennifer! Yes Autumn is approaching here in the Southern Hemisphere, we are starting to get some cool mornings again. Jennifer, I was wondering how you approach either motivation or inspiration for putting together your wardrobe each season. I'm feeling a little lack lustre and struggling to want to wear some items again. How do you handle clothing after a season of loss, sadness, or disappointment? I'm getting my winter wardrobe out and just feeling flat. Any suggestions would be most appreciated."

Zillah, if you feel lackluster over your wardrobe, don't force yourself to shop if you don't feel like it. We all go through seasons where we feel down. Perhaps a "uniform" or wearing the same thing that you love over and over again could provide familiar comfort for you.

Thank you for joining me today. I would love to hear your experience. What are you going through right now? What are your thoughts on the subjects discussed today? Your comment could be chosen as comment of the week on the blog.



Visit my newly designed Author Website

*NEW* Join The Chic Society on YouTube and become a member of The Daily Connoisseur.

Shop my Amazon page for a comprehensive list of my favorite things and mentions on the blog.

Facebook facebook.com/JenniferLScottAuthor

Twitter @JL_Scott

Instagram @dailyconnoisseur

Take my affordable eCourses on the ten-item wardrobe, debt-free living, and efficiency at home


FTC: Today's video is not sponsored. I use affiliate links, including Amazon affiliate links.