5.28.2020

Chic House Slippers, Top Knot Headbands, Victoria Mag Tea Set, Engagement Rings | CONNOISSEUR REVIEWS



In today's episode of Connoisseur Reviews, I'm sharing the chicest house slippers, the amazing tea set collaboration between Victoria Magazine and April Cornell, as well as an Engagement ring special, plus much more.




⚜️ April Cornell/ Victoria Magazine Blue Roses tea set This limited edition porcelain tea set is so charming and delightful. Here is the description from Victoria Magazine:
This exquisite porcelain tea set, featuring romantic floral designs painted by acclaimed artist April Cornell, delights in both form and function. Available as a complete collection and also sold separately, pieces include a 32-ounce teapot, a sugar and creamer set, a pair of teacups, and a serving tray sized to hold the other accoutrements. For this elegant line of wares, gently scalloped surfaces mesh seamlessly with berry-shaped finials and elegant handles—styling that brings the classic beauty of Limoges heirlooms to today’s table. Whether displayed in the home or used in entertaining, this limited-edition assortment of treasures in the Blue Roses pattern offers a lovely ode to timeless pleasures associated with gracious living.


⚜️ Chic House slippers Women are always asking me about comfortable house slippers that are also pleasing to look at. Here are three of my finds from Amazon... all under $25.


Red velvet bow slippers These beautiful slippers come in a variety of colors and add a feminine and elegant touch to our outfits at home. I am wearing these with Hipstik leg wear JEN15 for 15% off


Isotoner satin ballet slippers for women are comfortable and machine washable. These are the slippers I can move around in most easily without worrying about them falling off my feet. Chic Society member, April, recommended them to me. Thank you, April!


Pom pom slipper (similar) These slippers remind me of Old Hollywood glamour and add a fun touch to every outfit.

⚜️ Top knot headbands (for big heads 😆)

This multi-pack of top knot headbands are created for larger heads or people with a lot of hair. When I wear regular headbands, I can get a headache after an hour or so. I can wear these all day in comfort. They are great for disguising a bad hair day.

⚜️Flower press (in the microwave!)

This microwave flower press is so innovative. Perfect for impatient people (ha!) You can have pressed flowers in 30 seconds. Simply place the flowers on the flower press, seal with the clamps, and microwave at 30 second intervals (you might have to do a bit more). My daughters and I have had so much fun collecting flowers and pressing them for craft projects.

⚜️ Dental care

Dr. Plotkas toothbrush I have enjoyed discovering these toothbrushes that have flossing bristles and are embedded with silver, which eliminates 99.7% of bacteria between brushes.

⚜️ Father's Day

I hope Ben's not reading this blogpost because this is what he's getting for Father's Day. The Bend Soap Company's new menswear line, which has very masculine scents in all natural formulations. Code DC10 for 10% off

⚜️Engagement rings




With Clarity Because it's wedding and engagement season, I thought I'd dive into the world of engagement rings. With Clarity is a company that allows you to design the exact ring you like and then they send a replica to your home so you can see if you like the look of it.



Sturm Brothers' Jewelry is the family business of Elegant Connoisseur, Mrs. TJ Sturm. This is a wonderful small business dedicated to quality jewelry making, particularly in creating heirloom rings for modern day.


I hope you enjoy today's video.

News
📍I went live on YouTube for The Chic Assignment Check-In. You can watch the reply here.


📍Take my new eCourse, Carry Yourself with Poise. There are so many amazing ladies on this course, bonding and building friendships as we rally around elegant living. Tamara writes, "I absolutely adored this course! One of the best investments I have ever made in my life. Jennifer, I would like to thank you for taking the time to create a course that is enriching. I look forward future courses."

📍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.

On Instagram
Space.For.Home shares Connoisseur Kids on Instagram... tag me with #jenniferlscott to have your picture featured on the blog.
View this post on Instagram

Ova je knjiga moj odabir za svibanj. Radi se o knjizi "Connoisseur Kids", autorice Jennifer L. Scott. Podnaslov je taj koji ju određuje, a na engleskom glasi: Etiguette, Manners and Living Well for Parents and Their Little Ones. Radi se o praktičnoj i vrlo inspirativnoj knjizi koja obiluje dobrim savjetima, slasnim receptima, raznim igrama kojima možete zabavljati svoju obitelj. Podijeljena je na područja i to: - komunikacija, - ponašanje za stolom, - urednost, - odnos s drugima, - higijena i njega te - zdravlje. Jednom sam ju već pročitala, a ovaj mjesec potrudit ću se isprobati što više društvenih igrara sa svojom dječicom, a možda i koji slasni recept.😊 Čitam uglavnom prije spavanja i bez problema prođem i više od 20 stranica. Koja je knjiga vaš odabir za ovaj mjesec? Koji žanr preferirate? #spaceforhome #zadacicpozadacicbymarija #connoisseurkids #jenniferlscott #dailyconnoisseur #bookofthemonth #mindfulness

A post shared by Space for Home (@space.for.home) on



Comment of the Week
ごるごんぞーら writes,"Hello, I am a Japanese fans.
I am not good at English, so I am sorry if the sentence is rude.
I read your book for the first time when I was 12 years old, I've been reading it over and over for the last 6 years. I thought the way you think about your life was similar to my life ideal and was wonderful. Your book motivates me, Thank you very much.
I will continue to live a chic life in Japan."


Thank you so much for your comment. Your English is excellent and I want to tell you that your words mean a lot to me! I love Japan and hope to visit again soon.


Thank you for watching Connoisseur Reviews. I would love to know what you think of the reviews and if you'd like to request something for me to review in the future.



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

Visit my newly designed Author Website

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 POISE *NEW course*, debt-free living, and efficiency at home


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



5.25.2020

Homemaking Week in the Life | Delighting in the Mundane



Welcome to another Homemaking Week in the Life video. This week we are delighting in the mundane. Baking banana bread, pressing flowers, gardening, and cleaning. Oh, and writing again :)



True joy can be found in homemaking if we delight in the mundane details of everyday life.



“You may think that being chic has nothing to do with the most insignificant and mundane moments of the day. Moments like preparing your meals, emptying the dishwasher, and paying bills. But the secret is: those moments aren’t insignificant. Au contraire. They are very significant. That’s right—if you can change your attitude about making the pasta sauce, choosing your clothes for the day, folding the laundry, setting the table, or dealing with the incoming mail, you can completely change your life.”

- At Home with Madame Chic

I hope you enjoy today's video.



Featured in the video:

⚜️Kitchen & Garden
strawberry cradles
potato growing bags
toy room cube shelf storage
canvas storage bins
microwave flower press
Nature notebook
Apron
Darjeeling tea
Kitchen-aide
Victoria Magazine limited edition tea set

⚜️Home:
e-cloth microfiber cloths
Grove Collaborative for natural cleaning supplies
Cellar Door Candle Company

⚜️Style:
Ny nail polish "vendetta" by Londontown JenniferS for 25% off
Isotoner slippers for women
top knot headbands
my favorite jeans Mott & Bow JLS10 10% off

You can find the Chocolate Chip Banana Bread recipe here.


News
📍Thank you to Mrs. Hannover of the Not-so Desperate Housewives for featuring me in her article on Top Ten Feminine YouTubers.

📍I went live on YouTube for The Chic Assignment Check-In. You can watch the reply here.


📍Take my new eCourse, Carry Yourself with Poise. There are so many amazing ladies on this course, bonding and building friendships as we rally around elegant living. Tamara writes, "I absolutely adored this course! One of the best investments I have ever made in my life. Jennifer, I would like to thank you for taking the time to create a course that is enriching. I look forward future courses."

📍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.) We are doing a Zoom call this Wednesday for the first time.

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

On Instagram
Madame Chic in Italy...
View this post on Instagram

L’armonia della nostra casa si riflette su di noi! Se non ami le faccende domestiche “L’eleganza del riordino” di Jennifer L. Scott 📖 ti aiuterà a cambiare prospettiva. Quante volte ti è capitato di innervosirti davanti a una serie di vestiti abbandonati su una sedia? 👗 Quante volte hai impiegato troppo tempo per trovare un vestito perché non era al suo posto? Imparare a riordinare ha effetti benefici sul nostro umore e sulla nostra attitudine verso il mondo esterno. Grazie a Jennifer L. Scott ho fatto tesoro di un insegnamento importante: “Armonia in casa, significa armonia nella vita”. ✨ - - - #iLibridiCarmen #leleganzadelriordino #jenniferlscott #booksandcandlelight #lessismore #libriecandele #armoniaincasa #booksandcandles #aSimplerLifeWithCarmen #simplylife #decluttering #coaching #declutteryourlife #simplifyyourlife #declutteryourhome #riordinare #coachingorganization #declutteringtips #artedelriordino #coachingtips #alumedicandela #candlelightreading #homelyatmosphere

A post shared by Carmen Calianno (@carmen_calianno) on




Comment of the Week

Lynn from SoCal writes on my Inspirational Quote blog, ""A quiet and modest life brings more joy than a pursuit of success bound with constant unrest." Albert Einstein

And one from a fictional character....

"Life holds very few things which are genuinely worth having. If you possess them, then nothing else matters. And if you do not possess them, then everything else is worthless." Demelza Poldark as quoted by Ross.

Lynn"


I love those quotes, Lynn. Thank you for sharing them with us!

Thank you for joining me for today's homemaking video. I would love to know how you delight in the mundane. Your comment could be chosen as comment of the week on the blog. I'll see you on Thursday for Connoisseur Reviews.



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

Visit my newly designed Author Website

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 POISE *NEW course*, debt-free living, and efficiency at home


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

5.21.2020

Fifteen Inspirational Quotes to Live By



I'm sharing 15 inspirational quotes to live by in today's video.



Who doesn't love an inspirational quote? I'm going over several quotes that will make you think in today's video. Here they are in no particular odor. I would love to hear your thoughts on these quotes. Which ones resonate with you?




Thank you to the Elegant Connoisseurs for bringing us today's video:

All the King’s Morsels by Kristen King
Janet Wischnia of American Blossom Linens
Awesome Possum Powers by Shannon Beers
Aimee Flor of Azalia Spa Goods
Cynthia Rehbein Create Your Own Lookbook
Inspired by Nikki stationery
Julie Kolman, My Confident Closet
Katy Rose, Artist
How to Love with a Healing Heart by Melanie Tito
Little Pink Casa
Not-So Desperate Housewives
Claire Kerrigan, founder of Oh Wondrous Grace Magazine
Michelle Rohr of The Secret OWL Society digital planners https://www.secretowlsociety.org
Mrs. TJ Sturm of Sturm Brothers Jewelry
Cherish Flieder of Something to Cherish
Katherine Rae
Mercedes Gilligan
Christine Bolla
Caroline Haydu
Denise Gende
Jet Rowley-Herron
Heather Barrera
The Heern Family
Jenny Candelaria
Joanna Sitarz
Linda Eklof
Marie Caudill
Maria Conder
Melissa Ricci


News
📍I went live on YouTube for The Chic Assignment Check-In. You can watch the reply here.


📍Take my new eCourse, Carry Yourself with Poise. There are so many amazing ladies on this course, bonding and building friendships as we rally around elegant living. Tamara writes, "I absolutely adored this course! One of the best investments I have ever made in my life. Jennifer, I would like to thank you for taking the time to create a course that is enriching. I look forward future courses."

📍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.

On Instagram
Madame Chic in Italy... To be featured on the blog, snap a picture of your book and tag me with #jenniferlscott #lessonsfrommadamechic or #connoisseurkids
View this post on Instagram

Buongiorno a tutti ❤ Questa palette di Too Faced resta in assoluto la mia preferita. La utilizzo spessissimo e, non a caso, varie cialdine sono quasi completamente vuote. Della "Natural Love" adoro il packaging super romantico e i colori, la durata e la pigmentazione degli ombretti... i toni tenui, naturali e rosati si adattano a qualsiasi occasione e ormai, da anni, è entrata a far parte della mia make-up routine! 💗 ~ #makeup #makeuplover #mua #makeupaddict #makeuproutine #morningroutine #cosmetics #toofaced #toofacedpalette #naturallovepalette #deborahmilano #blush #palette #palettes #eyeshadow #eyeshadows #brush #sephora #sephorabrushes #lelezionidimadamechic #madamechic #jenniferlscott #lipgloss #tintalabbra #lotd #bookaddict #bookgram #mylifestyle

A post shared by Francesca Fazioli (@francy_franceschina_1992) on




Comment of the Week
Simple Joys writes, "Laughter truly is the best medicine. When we laugh and make time for playfulness and the simple joys, we relax! love the theme and messages of this chic assignment. Thank you, Jennifer!"

Thank you! I completely agree.

Thank you for watching today's video. I hope you enjoyed these quotes and would love to hear your thoughts on them.




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

Visit my newly designed Author Website

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 POISE *NEW course*, debt-free living, and efficiency at home


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

5.18.2020

Handwashing Delicates | Silk Nightgown and Sheer Tights



Today on the blog, I'm sharing how I like to take care of my delicate laundry. I'm washing my silk nightgown and sheer tights by hand.





I place lukewarm water in a white tub with just a few drops of laundry detergent. I like to use delicate wash. My favorites are The Laundress Delicate Wash, Grove Collaborative, Mrs. Meyer's, Method, Hiketron, or any silk wash. I place the garment in the tub and let it sit for 5 minutes. Then I gently wash the garment and run under cold water (without wringing it out).



To extract the extra water, I roll it up in a towel and squeeze out the extra moisture. I hang the nightgown to dry and steam it the next day. You cold also iron it on the inside to get out the wrinkles.

This process really doesn't take long and is worth doing to prolong the life of the garment.

Featured in today's video:

⚜️ Hipstik sheer tights JEN15 for 15% off
⚜️ LILYSILK nightgown Daily12 for 12% off
⚜️ Ettitude Sleepwear DAILY10 for 10% off expires 5/31/20
⚜️ My favorite clothing steamer
⚜️ Satin hangers (set of 12)
⚜️ Pom pom slipper (similar)
⚜️ Velvet scrunchies
⚜️ Draper James chambray dress
⚜️ Earrings by SKYE Jennifer20 for 20% off
⚜️ Nail polish LONDONTOWN vendetta JenniferS for 25% off
⚜️ candle is by Cellar Door Candle Co.
⚜️ Bend Soap Co. Use code DC10 for 10% off

Laundry Detergent Recommendations:
⚜️Grove Collaborative (They have Mrs. Meyer's, Method & their own private label)
⚜️Hiketron
⚜️The Laundress Delicate Wash
⚜️Silk laundry detergent


I hope you enjoy today's video.

News
📍Join us for The Chic Assignment for May. ANNOUNCEMENT: I will be going live for the check-in this Wednesday on YouTube. Make sure you subscribe to my channel and hit the bell for notifications so you are able to join us. It will be May 20th at 2pm pacific time.

📍Take my new eCourse, Carry Yourself with Poise. There are so many amazing ladies on this course, bonding and building friendships as we rally around elegant living. Tamara writes, "I absolutely adored this course! One of the best investments I have ever made in my life. Jennifer, I would like to thank you for taking the time to create a course that is enriching. I look forward future courses."


📍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.

On Instagram
Mademoiselle Chic on Instagram... Tag me with your book photos with #jenniferlscott to be featured on the blog.



Comment of the Week
Elizabeth Anne writes, "I cannot listen to Handel’s Largo without thinking of that iconic scene in 1995 Pride and Prejudice when Mary sings and the dogs bay outside😰😭😂🤣"

Elizabeth... so, so funny. I had forgotten that scene! :)

Thank you for joining me for today's video. I would love to know how you wash your delicates.




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

Visit my newly designed Author Website

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 POISE *NEW course*, debt-free living, and efficiency at home


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

5.14.2020

Afternoon Tea Vlog | Spring | Daily Connoisseur



In today's afternoon tea vlog, we are making scones, jam tarts, sausage rolls, and savory tea sandwiches, all served with steaming cups of Earl Grey tea. I'm debuting my new Blue & White Roses Tea Set from Victoria Magazine, which is a collaboration tea set with April Cornell. This is the most beautiful and unique tea set I have seen in quite some time. Let's delight in afternoon tea together.



The scones and jam tarts are adapted from this cookbook.




Jam Tarts
This recipe is adapted from The Perfect Afternoon Tea Book. I use more butter than that recipe (of course!)
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
pinch of salt
2 Tbsp sugar
8 Tbsp butter, diced
1 egg, beaten
jam or lemon curd for filling

Sift the flour, salt, and sugar into a bowl and rub in the butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in the egg and knead it into a smooth ball. Wrap in plastic wrap and let it sit in the fridge for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 425F. Grease a muffin tin. Roll out the dough on a floured surface. Cut out 3 inch rounds. Place the dough into each muffin cup and fill with a heaping teaspoonful of jam or curd. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes.


Scones
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
(You can use 4 cups self-rising flour, if you have it, and omit the baking powder)
pinch of salt
1/2 cup butter, chilled and chopped
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1 2/3 cup milk
fruit jam and clotted cream

Preheat the oven to 450F. Sift the flour, salt, and baking powder into a bowl. Rub in the butter with your hands until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. In a separate container, mix the lemon juice into the milk and let sit for one minute. Pour into the flour mixture and mix to form a soft dough. Knead until a ball is formed. Place on a floured cutting board and roll out to 1 inch thick (I made mine thinner in the video as an experiment... they were crunchier that way and a smaller portion size). Stamp out 12 scones with a 2 inch cutter. Dip the cutter in flour each time so it does not stick to the mixture. Brush the scones with extra milk and bake for 20 minutes. Serve with jam (I'm using Bonne Maman cherry jam here) and clotted cream. Lemon curd is also delicious with scones.



Sausage Rolls
I pre-cooked the sausage the evening before. You can use any kind you like. I'm using mild Italian sausage here. Wrap the sausage in puff pastry, brush with egg wash, and create a small slit in the top after cutting the sausage into thirds. Bake at 425F for 20 minutes.



Tea sandwiches
You can find some great tea recipes in both At Home with Madame Chic and Connoisseur Kids. Today, we are making cucumber and salmon tea sandwiches. The cream cheese base for both sandwiches is whipped cream cheese mixed with chopped chives and green onions from our garden. The cucumber sandwiches this cream cheese spread with a thin layer of cut cucumber. The smoked salmon sandwiches (my favorite!) are layered with smoked salmon. Crusts always cut. You can use any bread you like. So good.



I will do a separate review of the Blue & White Roses tea set from Victoria that was my Mother's Day present. This delicate and vintage-inspired tea set is designed by April Cornell for Victoria Magazine and is so beautiful and unique.

Also featured in today's video:
Blue & White Roses tea set from Victoria Magazine
Vahdam Teas
Earl Grey Citrus on Amazon
English tea strainer
Blue willow pattern plates
Tea set is by April Cornell for Victoria
copper measuring cups
My French Apron
Here are some beautiful cake stands from Riverbend
Cake stand with dome (Amazon)
Antique style cake stand (Amazon)
Tea towels from Riverbend Home
scone cutter (various sizes)
clotted cream 4-pack
Lemon curd
Bonne maman cherry jam 4-pack

⚜️ Style
Red velvet house slippers
SKYE Risette Dress code Jennifer20 for 20% off
SKYE Opale 18K gold freshwater pearl earrings Jennifer20 for 20% off
My legwear is Hipstik sheers JEN15 for 15% off
My nail polish is Londontown JenniferS for 25% off

I hope you enjoy today's video.


News
📍Take my new eCourse, Carry Yourself with Poise. There are so many amazing ladies on this course, bonding and building friendships as we rally around elegant living. Tamara writes, "I absolutely adored this course! One of the best investments I have ever made in my life. Jennifer, I would like to thank you for taking the time to create a course that is enriching. I look forward future courses."

📍Join us for The Chic Assignment for May.

📍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.

On Instagram
At Home with Madame Chic on Instagram...
View this post on Instagram

We have hit the four month sleep regression, and we hit it hard. We never really experienced it with Isabelle because she wasn’t a good sleeper to begin with but oh wow, Anastasia! We went from 3-4 solid naps a day and only waking 2, maybe 3 times in a night (often with an almost 6 hour stretch in there), to horrible naps of maybe 15-45 minutes and night sleep that is broken more times than I can count. I think we’re past the worst now, though (🤞🏻), and I’m longing for the days where I could get a cup of tea and some reading in during the afternoon nap. #yxemom #yxebaby #yxekids #motherhoodrising #motherhoodunplugged #realmomlife #justmomlife #raisingbabies #girlmom #lessonsfrommadamechic #athomewithmadamechic #royalalbert #afternoontea #dimityrose #dimityrosechina #royalalbertdimityrose

A post shared by Sarah (@sweetspontaneity) on



Comment of the Week

JodiLaRae writes, "I grew up with my mother using her good china and table linens for dinner every week after church. She always said, "What's the point of having beautiful things if you never use them?" She never worried about my brother and me using these fragile items. She felt like it was an important learning experience for us, and at the end of the day, it was "just stuff" and her family was more important. It's a valuable lesson that applies to so many areas of life. Loved this video! ♥️"


I loved reading about this fond memory you have. It's a great idea to use your nice china on a weekly basis to make the week more special. Thank you for sharing this with us.

I hope you enjoyed today's afternoon tea video. If you have any requests for afternoon tea recipes for future videos, be sure to leave them in the comments below. Thank you for watching!


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

Visit my newly designed Author Website

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 POISE *NEW course*, debt-free living, and efficiency at home


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

5.11.2020

Ten Elegant Things You Own But Probably Never Use



I hope you had a beautiful Mother's Day and felt celebrated. We had a wonderful day.

In today's video, I'm sharing ten elegant things you own, but probably never use. Now I realize The Daily Connoisseur audience is more likely to use many of these elegant things, but the truth is that most people struggle with using their best on a daily basis. Lessons from Madame Chic discusses this very topic in the chapter, Always Use the Best Things You Have.



Today I'm sharing ten elegant things we have at home that we might not use on a regular basis. So let's have a look.
⚜️ A letter opener This is the one I forget to use the most. I frequently open the mail with my bare hands (like a barbarian. Ha!) But a designated mail section in the home can ensure that you open the mail elegantly (and avoid paper cuts) with a letter opener.

⚜️ A fountain pen (or other elegant pen) and ink. We often receive these elegant pens as gifts but rarely do we use them. I know I avoid using my nice fountain pens because my handwriting is not very good (that is actually an understatement). I'm using The Art of Cursive Penmanship right now to practice changing my bad handwriting habits.

⚜️ Your china teacups Now I know many of you don't struggle with this one. I see the Instagram photos you tag me in. So this audience probably does use their very best teacups on a daily basis... but how many people have a beautiful teacup that collects dust on a shelf while they drink their tea from an old mug? Now is the time to use those teacups... the teacup I'm sharing here is the exclusive Victoria Magazine and April Cornell Blue Roses tea set.

⚜️ Your fancy dishes Much like the teacups, our fanciest dishes tend to sit in the cupboards until a special occasion arises. The trouble is that special occasions only arise a few times each year and we rarely use our nice dishes on a regular basis.

⚜️ Daily tablecloths Now tablecloths aren't for everyone and they might not work in your home, but I do like to drape tablecloths on both our dining room and kitchen tables. Our kitchen table is relatively new and has a beautiful wooden top. To avoid the children smashing bits of food into the grooves, I place a clear plastic tablecloth on the table to protect the table from spills and then lay a beautiful cloth on top of that. I then wash the tablecloth at the end of each day (sometimes I'll gather them to wash and will wash them every other day). I find that this protects the table and looks attractive.

⚜️ Using cloth napkins on a daily basis is a wonderful practice, not only because it is more elegant than paper napkins but also because they are better for the environment. These are similar French blue napkins to the ones I show in the video and these are the exact ones I use.

⚜️ Your best clothing on a daily basis. Now, this does not mean we wear our ballgowns to Walmart. This does mean, however, that we wear our nice clothing on a daily basis and not save it for "later". Many men and women spend every day in their comfy sweats and exercise gear. I love to encourage both men and women to dress well on a daily basis. Presentable clothing can be comfortable too and it is always the most elegant choice. For more, check out my Spring Ten-Item Capsule Wardrobe for 2020.

⚜️ Luxurious bath products I know many people who receive luxury bath products as gifts and then proceed to never use them. They sit collecting dust as a decoration in their bathroom. Use your best products just as you would use your best clothing. If you use it all up at least you enjoyed it. The two bath products I feature in the video are Bend Soap Co. Use code DC10 for 10% off and Azalia Spa Goods aromatherapy body oils (Aimee, the owner, is a Daily Connoisseur!).

⚜️ Your best posture This one is free and available to most of us. Unless you have a health condition that prevents you from using good posture, striving to sit and walk straight creates an elegant effect with our appearance. It's also one of the Chic Assignments this month.

⚜️ Classic literature We have beautiful leather-bound volumes of the classics on our shelves, but how often do we take those dusty books of the shelves and read them? I like taking my Leather-bound Sherlock Holmes volume down on a regular basis and reading a short story. I do this with my other classic volumes too. It's food for the mind and very elegant.

Thank you to The Chic Connoisseurs for bringing us today's video.
The Chic Connoisseurs are one of the upper tiers in my YouTube membership feature.

A Better Life with KAT (Flylady Cleaning System)
A Sparkling Vintage Life
AAM truthteller
Alison Jennison-Smith
apatellis79
Audrey Coyne
Bewitched Crafts
Bliss Peterson
Brenda Ramsey
Candace V
Catherine Huang
Chelsea Kochevar
Clare's Classroom
Deborah J
DianaLC
Healthy with Luba
Heather Phillips
Helena O
Jane Goff
Jane Lynch
Janet Williams
Jennifer McDowell
Jessica Ortega-Mabry
Judy Moore
JulieMarieVh
Leslie Ring
Lori Skees
Mary Defee
Maria Gerlicz-Pogorzelska
Melinda Loustalot
Michele Kieffer
Michelle Henderer
Michelle the Italiagal
Monique Egelhoff
Natalie Dougherty
Natalie Schultz
Paula Ellis
Sarah Vitsas
Scott Rea
Shannon Biddy
Shannon Kim
Sheila Hopfensperger
ShushLorraine
Space.For.Home
Stacy Fournier
Stacy Smith
This and That with Denise Jordan
Tiki Pié
Tracy Lopez
Wendy Cassara
Yen Lee

News
📍Take my new eCourse, Carry Yourself with Poise. There are so many amazing ladies on this course, bonding and building friendships as we rally around elegant living. Tamara writes, "I absolutely adored this course! One of the best investments I have ever made in my life. Jennifer, I would like to thank you for taking the time to create a course that is enriching. I look forward future courses."

📍Join us for The Chic Assignment for May.

📍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.

On Instagram
An elegant lady, Sarah J. Remington, enjoying Lessons from Madame Chic...



Comment of the Week
N McElroy writes, "This thought did cross my mind during this pandemic. My mom would save things until she had "somewhere to go". Perfume, nice things, etc., would go unused and still have tags on it. Somehow that habit rubbed off on me. As another birthday is getting ready to roll around, I am making a sincere effort not to let my "nice" things go unused. My china my mom gave me, my favorite perfumes, my beloved shoes etc., will be worn on a regular, ordinary day. Life is too short to wait and tomorrow is not promised to anyone. Have a great day!"


N McElroy, your comment came at a perfect time for this post. I was so happy to receive it. Let us know how it goes!

I hope you enjoy today's video. Are there any things on this list that you would like to start using again? Let us know in the comments and your comment could be featured as comment of the week.




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

Visit my newly designed Author Website

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 POISE *NEW course*, debt-free living, and efficiency at home


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