📍Please note:I am currently in the process of having my blog not only redesigned, but moved to Wordpress. Please be patient during the process as the blog might be temporarily disabled over the course of this month. You can always stay au courant with me over on YouTube to never miss a video. I'm excited to work on the blog and make it a better experience for you, dear reader! Also, because the blog is under construction, I am currently unable to post replies to your comments. I apologize for this inconvenience, but all will be restored soon. Thank you to everyone who has left a comment! I appreciate you.
The Chic Assignment is brought to us by The Chic Society: Become a member of The Daily Connoisseur to get exclusive monthly live streams, access to my weekly members-only Vodcast, and more. Only $1.99 a month (upper tiers are also available).
Chic Assignment no. 1 Clara Schumann
Clara Schumann Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 7 - 1. Allegro maestoso performed by Isata Kanneh-Mason
Many people know her husband, composer Robert Schumann, but did you know that his wife, Clara was an incredible composer in her own right? This month we will enjoy this performance by Isata Kanneh-Mason (Sheku Kanneh-Mason's sister) as she performs Clara Schumann's piano concerto in A minor, Op. 7 - 1. We will learn more about Clara Schumann in the mid-month check-in.
Chic Assignment no. 2 Enjoy the poetry of Christina RossettiChristina Georgina Rossetti was an English poet who wrote romantic, devotional, and children's poems. She lived from 1830 to 1894. My favorite poem of hers is Amor Mundi, which means love of the world, or love of worldly things. We are going to learn more about Christina Rossetti in the mid-month check-in. In the meantime, check out these books:
Chic Assignment no. 3 Work on the seasonal transition of your wardrobe
If you are dealing with snow still, it might seem like the season will never transition, but it will eventually and now is the time to start planning your spring wardrobe (autumn for our Southern Hemisphere friends). What will stay and what will go? Keep a list of wardrobe items you'd like to purchase and start doing some research. I will be sharing my seasonal transitions for the ten-item wardrobe for you later in the month to provide you with inspiration.
Chic Assignment no. 4 Declutter and organize one cabinet that's been driving you nuts The reason I'm posting this one day early is because tomorrow, March 1st, I'm participating in another amazing YouTube collaboration called, Mega March Motivation. I'll be doing a whole house declutter and that should hopefully provide you with the motivation you need to declutter your own home.
It's been nearly a year since I began intermittent fasting. Reflecting on this past year and the changes that have occurred, I am truly amazed.
I go over everything with you in detail in today's video, including the rather surprising weight loss. This video and blogpost is intended for entertainment purposes only and is not meant to be medical advice. If you are interested in trying intermittent fasting, do seek the consult of your physician first.
I will not write a lengthy blogpost for this topic, as the video is somewhat long... Here are the time stamps if you wish to skip ahead... or focus on a particular subject:
⚜️ Time Stamps
0:00 Introduction1:06 Disclaimer1:32 Why IF2:50 My weight history7:50 No deprivation8:48 16:8 method10:13 How long until results?11:12 Keto? (Hint: no) 12:20 What I weigh now14:28 Will I keep losing weight?15:19 Other benefits17:11 One change I've made18:20 More benefits21:20 Yor questions26:40 Conclusion
For all of the details, make sure you watch today's video. If you have any questions or requests, please leave them in the comments below for a follow-up video.
*Added note: For exercise, I continue to walk and use the rebounder. I forgot to address exercise in today's video.
News
📍I have released a new line of beautiful and affordable digital art through Teespring. Check out these beautiful Parisian Cityscapes. A 3-pack of artwork is only $2.99. Print them and frame them for easy and elegant artwork in your own home. A Parisian Monuments 3-pack is also available.
📍If you are looking for more content, consider becoming a member of The Daily Connoisseur through the MEMBERSHIPS feature. I publish one vodcast every Friday and do one livestream or zoom call once a month. It only costs $1.99 a month. There are also upper tiers available for people who are interested in supporting the channel on a higher level and receiving monthly mentions in the videos.
Lynn from SoCal writes, "Hi Jennifer, your cleaning videos always make me want to clean. Thank you for the inspiration!
I have been struggling with knee pain and fatigue lately so the cleaning has been put on the back burner (luckily, I live alone so only I have to see the dirt).
Under normal circumstances when I struggle to get the motivation to clean, I put on some fast-paced music (or even Bach's Cello Suite No 1 in G Major - this always gets me going)and mix myself a cocktail. For some reason, a cocktail always makes cleaning more fun!"
Hi Lynn, I hope your knee pain subsides soon! I agree with the music and the special treat! I have never cleaned with a cocktail, but it sounds fancy!
I hope you enjoyed today's video. If you have any questions about intermittent fasting that you'd like me to address in a future video, please leave them in the comments. Have a wonderful weekend.
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Practical homemaking. What is it? Let’s explore that in today’s video.
I’m doing some necessary cleaning today in the master bathroom and the bedroom. I’m also sharing my practical and easy lentils and rice recipe, and what my favorite thing to wear is around the house. Thank you to BLUELAND for sponsoring today's video.
⚜️ Featured in today's video
Jeans and tee shirt by Mott & Bow JLS10 for 10% off
I looked up the definition of practical and here’s what the dictionary defines it as:
of or concerned with the actual doing or use of something rather than with theory and ideas.
I love this. Practical homemaking is actually just doing it. Just doing the thing. Not procrastinating, or wishing you were doing something else. Or half doing a job and then checking your phone… actually doing it rather than theory and ideas. I am in need of practical homemaking today.
Earlier in the day I had to film an interview and the bathroom is an absolute mess from when I was getting ready. So let’s get this in order.
There are a lot of ideas when it comes to homemaking and cleaning. Lots of theories and systems: 15-minute timer. Power hour. Mid-day tidy. After dinner scrub. Ok, maybe I’m making some of these up, but you get the idea.
We feel we need to get things just right before we start cleaning. Sometimes I search for ten minutes for the perfect video to keep me company while I clean and then before I know it, the kids all need me for something at the other end of the house. I wasted those ten minutes searching for something to mitigate the unpleasantness of cleaning when I could have gotten it over with while I was searching for that perfect video.
Sometimes you need to actually just do it. To put everything aside and just get it done.
We all have certain rooms where we procrastinate with practical homemaking… for me that’s definitely the bathroom. Probably my least favorite room in the house to clean. I’m not sure why. Well, first of all, who likes scrubbing toilets? I don’t think anyone does. And aside from the kitchen, the bathroom has the heaviest usage and always seems to have a need for a good scrub down. I also rather dislike cleaning bathtubs and grout. So I put practical homemaking off. But, as you see, with all enemies to homemaking, we need to acknowledge our resistance to our necessary chores. When we acknowledge them, and banish the resistance, and just do the thing. (Practical… remember?) We realize, it’s really not that bad to begin with. It doesn’t actually take that long to do. We didn’t need to dread it so very much. So on and so forth.
I want to share my red lentil recipe with you. I start off by sautéing some onion and garlic in olive oil along with some organic no-salt seasoning. To the onions and garlic, I add my red lentils, which have been rinsed and drained. The ratio of water (or broth) to lentils is 3 cups of water to 1 cup of lentils. I cover this with chicken bone broth, but you can cover it with vegetable stock or water to keep it vegan. I like to add dried herbs as well. Let this simmer for about 20 minutes on medium low heat. You can add more liquid if needed. I serve this over rice with a pat of butter and it’s perfection. I also like to top my lentils with something crunchy like fresh celery. This is one of my favorite dishes. I hope you enjoy making it too.
As the season moves on in February, and I will eventually transition my wardrobe from winter to spring, I have been pulling some of my spring items out from last year, like this budget dress I’m wearing from Target. I realized something about my style and comfort over the past few years. My favorite thing to wear at home is a midi dress. If it’s cold, I pair it with a cardigan. If I’m doing messy work, I’ll cover it with a full apron or a half apron. I save older dresses to do the gardening in on hot days. Now, this doesn’t mean that’s all I wear at home, I wear jeans too, as you saw in the first half of the video, but looking at my days, this is what I’m most comfortable in and I feel feminine and presentable.
I like to keep our master bedroom pretty clear of clutter. We always have some coffee cups, glasses of water, and usually a stack of books laying around the place, but it’s never too bad. It’s important that I keep this room pretty empty and serene. It’s the spot that I escape to sometimes when I need a break from everything. When I walk in here, I want it to feel like I’m in a cloud.
Because our room is usually the cleanest in the house, I sometimes avoid straightening it. I do this because so many of the other rooms require attention. But it’s important to look after this space too. To dust the end tables, the shutters, to fold the laundry and put it away. A quiet escape. A room of one’s Own.
To close on my thoughts, practical homemaking is that straightforward everyday cleaning that has to be done and can’t be avoided. You can find ways to make it more enjoyable. But sometimes doing that is procrastination in itself. If you don’t find the perfect audio book to listen to, the right music, or get your friend to chat on the phone while you clean, you have to just do it. Just clean that room. It won’t take as long as you think it will. And when you finish, the result will be so satisfying.
News
📍I have released a new line of beautiful and affordable digital art through Teespring. Check out these beautiful Parisian Cityscapes. A 3-pack of artwork is only $2.99. Print them and frame them for easy and elegant artwork in your own home. A Parisian Monuments 3-pack is also available.
📍If you are looking for more content, consider becoming a member of The Daily Connoisseur through the MEMBERSHIPS feature. I publish one vodcast every Friday and do one livestream or zoom call once a month. It only costs $1.99 a month. There are also upper tiers available for people who are interested in supporting the channel on a higher level and receiving monthly mentions in the videos.
I am a guest again on Homemaker Chic Podcast with Shaye from The Elliott Homestead and Angela from Parisienne Farmgirl. Check out our fun episode together as we discuss staying chic as a homemaker.
Maren L. writes, "My best atomic habit over the past year was finding this channel. Through the content of this channel, so beautifully and thoughtfully presented I have turned my packed closet into a capsule wardrobe and I am helping my mom do the same thing, I have finally learned how to do minimal make up so that I can "look presentable always"(before I either had on full, time consuming make up, or nothing at all) I have de cluttered my entire house and for the first time ever, am on a cleaning schedule (I will never go back!) I also have begun intermittent fasting and can't believe how much I love it, I have listened to so much beautiful music, seen so much inspiring art, read so much thought provoking poetry, and had so many lovely books recommended to me. And through this channel, I have discovered other channels I adore. This has been a real life line for me. It's been a doorway into a kinder, more gentle, civilized world my heart always longs for. I have felt so alone and here I have found my people. Thank you."
Dear Maren, this is high praise, indeed! Thank you so much and I'm thrilled you have found The Daily Connoisseur community too.
I hope you enjoyed today's video and that it gave you practical homemaking inspiration.
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Welcome to The Chic Assignment check-in for February, 2021. We are going to learn more about Rachmaninoff today as well as William H. Johnson. It's a wonderful program so make yourself a cup of tea and enjoy!
Chic Assignment no. 2 Explore the art of William H. Johnson (1901-1970)
William H. Johnson was an American artist Born in South Carolina in 1901, he was a student of the National Academy of Design in New York City. His incredible career spanned several decades, but his works are only now getting the recognition that they deserve. I'm excited to share his biography with you today. Check out his artwork on WikiArt.
Chic Assignment no. 3 Work on building one new good habit this month. We looked at habits in-depth this month and aimed at cultivating one good habit in our lives. What habit did you cultivate? I am working on building systems in to make myself a neater cook. I recommend reading Atomic Habits by James Clear.
Chic Assignment no. 4 Maintain your clutter-free space. If you took part in Clutter-free January with us, you likely have some newly decluttered spaces. We are going to maintain those spaces throughout the month of February, taking care to keep them clutter-free. You can also look forward to some decluttering videos in March as well. I can't wait for you to see those!
Thank you to The Chic Society for bringing us The Chic Assignment. The Chic Society is the private membership group on YouTube. Membership is only $1.99 a month. I release a "vodcast" (a video podcast) every Friday and we go live (either on YouTube or Zoom) once a month. There are also two upper tiers who receive recognition in The Chic Assignment check-in. I have listed them here below. Thank you so much to The Chic Society for bringing us The Chic Assignment check-in.
A Sparkling Vintage Life, Amy Thibodeaux, Andrea Saavedra, Angelika Greenhalgh, Amy Thibodeaux, Anny Schreier, Audrey Coyne, BewitchedCrafts.com, Bliss Peterson, Brenda Ramsey, Candace V, Catarina Alexandra, Catherine Huang, Chelsea Kochevar, Clare's Classroom, Cyndie Lake, Deb Reardon, Diana McNease, Elizabeth Doan, Efstathia Kositzidou, Freda Masoud, healthywithluba.com, Heather Phillips,
Helena O, Jackie W, Jane Lynch, Janet Williams, Jasmine Christian, Jennifer Timm, jkp62, Judy Moore, Katherine Williams, Kathy Feliciano, Kimberly Campbell, Liliedaisy, Lois Shank- Retiree, Loraine Tadman, Lori Skees,
Maria Gerlicz-Pogorzelska, Marija B. Bingula, Space.For.Home, Marybeth Nelson, Melanie Adkins, Melanie Riddle, Mama Mitzey, Maria Gerszewski, Melinda Loustalot, Melissa Ricci, Michele Kieffer, Michelle Henderer, Michelle the Italiagal,
Monique Egelhoff, Monique Hernandez, Natalie Schultz, Not-So Desperate Housewives, Pamela Gunger, Paula Ellis, Paula Johnson, P C, Petra Willnecker,
Raye Cage, Rebecca Faltot, Rita Fernandes, Sandra Light, Sarah Vitsas, Scott Rea, Shannon Biddy, Sharon Smith, Sheila Hopfensperger, Shelly Cabler aka "The Art of This & That",
Stacy Smith,
I would love to know your Chic Assignment findings... let us know in the comments down below. Did you enjoy the Rachmaninoff pieces? What was your favorite painting from William H. Johnson? Let us know and your comment could be chosen as comment of the week on the blog.
*NEW* Join The Chic Society on YouTube and become a member of The Daily Connoisseur.
Presentable sleepwear: I'm always surprised by the responses I get from women who write to me about this subject. I get comments that range from, "Who needs presentable sleepwear? I sleep naked!" (TMI) to "Why should anyone care what I wear to bed?" to "I have worn sloppy pajamas for years and I want to look presentable at home." One thing is for sure, the concept of presentable sleepwear gets people thinking.
In my presentable sleepwear videos over the past year, I have presented many lesser known sleepwear brands to you. My goal with this is to provide an alternative to Victoria's Secret and the other standard mall brands that most of us are familiar with. I enjoy discovering these smaller niche sleepwear brands that are really passionate about making beautiful and functional sleepwear for women.
In wearing the various styles over the past year I have made some discoveries about myself. This will ring true for me and you might relate or you might not. But I'd love for you to think about what sleepwear style you prefer to wear to bed.
I have discovered I am definitely a nightgown girl. I love nightgowns. If I had to choose just one style to sleep in for the rest of my life, the nightgown would be it. They are free and not restrictive. They are beautiful and feminine, and they can be layered to keep me warm or I can take the layers off if I get too hot under the covers.
Surprisingly, my favorite piece for winter out of the sleepwear I've tried was this Lusomé Lucienne nightdress (LUSOME20 for 20% off). I'm not sure why I was surprised by this. Maybe because this nightgown is very unassuming. It's very plain. It has a v-neck and 3/4 sleeves with lace trim. Here's what I like about it: it's comfortable (mine is actually a size too big, which I don't mind too much for sleepwear), it has that Xirotex moisture wicking technology so I don't perspire at night in this dress, I like the longer sleeves for winter but I don't get too hot under the covers like I do with heavier pajama sets. All-in-all, this nightgown is perfect! I could wear one in each color and call it a day. I really enjoy analyzing what I like to wear the most in any given category. That helps me make smarter purchases going forward. If I were to purchase a new pajama, it would likely be the Lucienne nightdress from Lusomè in a lighter color like grey or blue.
As the spring and summer approach, however, I might not want 3/4 sleeves. I really enjoy wearing the Montelle Intimates chemises (SELFLOVE20 for 20% off) because they are pretty and feminine and keep me cool. They are a bit too skimpy to wear around the house, however, so I either wear them with a robe, such as the Plush Necessities spa robe, or I will wear them with this cropped ballet sweater from Morning Lavender. Sometimes I'll be cold and go to bed with the sweater on and then I'll get hot and take it off.
As for the pajama sets, the Lilysilk set really has performed well. It's a beautiful and chic pajama set (code DAILY12 gives 12% off), washes well, and hasn't shrunk. The silk keeps me cool but the coverage keeps me warm when I am out of the bed. I love their silk nightgown too, but I have to put that in the tumble dryer otherwise it gets wrinkled when I just hang it on the line
A solution to staying warm in your sleepwear (as well as daywear) is adding a layer of thermal underwear. This set by NEIWAI (JS10 for 10% off) is so soft and warm. This is a great solution for chilly winter nights.
The ClassicForm-fitting Thermal Underwear Set from Neiwai's classic collectionis made using a specialblend of WARM MATCH® fabric and TENCEL™ Modal for a garment that’s lightweight,absorbent, and retains body heat without the wearer getting too stuffy.
Here are the features of this thermal underwear:
● Shallow V streamlined neckline and nearly invisible bottom hem
● No side seams for a chic, slimmer look and more comfort when lying down
● High-waist pants that are just the right length to be easy to wear with socksand boots.
I am doing a giveaway for the NEIWAI cozy pajamas (JS10 for 10% off). They are sold as separates with both top and bottom. Enter on the YouTube channel by leaving a comment under the video (you must be a subscriber). The Neiwai classic cozy pajama details are as follows:
• Lightweight & refined pajamas with a light gloss sheen, designed for more restful sleep. • Classic style with French lapels, a small chest pocket, and color-matched buttons. • MellowSilk® is a fabric blend that combines TENCEL™ Modal with materials extracted from cashmere & other fabrics, woven to be satiny-soft and elastic. The outcome is a lovely texture, reminiscent of cashmere and silk.
These pajamas are ultra high quality, like the others I have featured. I'll be reviewing their Barely Zero bra in an upcoming video.
📍If you are looking for more content, consider becoming a member of The Daily Connoisseur through the MEMBERSHIPS feature. I publish one vodcast every Friday and do one livestream or zoom call once a month. It only costs $1.99 a month. There are also upper tiers available for people who are interested in supporting the channel on a higher level and receiving monthly mentions in the videos.
I hope you enjoyed today's video. Is there a habit I discussed today that you would like to cultivate this year? Let us know in the comments below and your comment could be chosen as comment of the week on the blog.
