8.16.2021

Homemaking for Pleasure | August Teatime

5:35 AM 4 Comments




Welcome to my final video of August... In this season finale, I'm sharing the most pleasurable aspects of homemaking for me: decorating, baking, and teatime. 

August

We are August in the midst,

Ending now our summer tryst.

Luscious things dying away,

Mounting heat that still persists.

 

Turn we now to Autumn fare,

Flowers in a vase to share.

Dreaming of a cooler time,

And crisp scents that fill the air.

 

Though summer’s lease is up soon

Seems like we were just in June.

Florals that can capture love,

Teatime in the afternoon.

 

August, you were kind to me,

Comfort when my heart did plea,

Ushering me to the Fall,

Like a welcome cup of tea.

 

-       Jennifer L. Scott


We start with a look at the new Cole & Son wallpaper in the dining room. Here is the before...



... and here is the after.  

The wallpaper is by Cole & Son. It is the Winter Birds in the shade, Linen.

Before I do some flower arranging, I'm going to make my final summer pie for the year: the classic strawberry pie. 

Summer Strawberry Pie

Summer Strawberry Pie

Ingredients

  • 1 pie crust for a single pie
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)
  • 4 cups whole strawberries, hulled
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 Tbs cornstarch
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1- 2 Tbs confectioner's sugar

Instructions

  1. Roll out your pie crust and place in a deep dish pie pan. Trim, poke holes in the bottom of the crust with a fork, and brush the fluted edges with egg wash. Place pie beads in the bottom of the crust. Bake your pie crust at 400 degrees F for 12 to 15 minutes, until done.
  2. Place one cup of the hulled strawberries in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. In a sauce pan, add the pureed strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch mixed with water. Whisk over medium to low heat until the sauce becomes thick. 
  3. Arrange the rest of the strawberries in the pre-baked pie crust. Pour the hot strawberry sauce over the pie. Allow to set in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. 
  4. Whip the heavy cream and confectioner's sugar until fully whipped. Serve a dollop of whipped cream on top of the pie. Enjoy. 


And now for the flower arranging. I like to consider the room the arrangement is going in. That will determine height and color. 


I'm doing an elegant and understated bouquet for the dining room to match the neutral tones of the space.



The kitchen will have this beautiful purple bouquet, composed of mums, roses, and lavender. The purple in the bouquet brings out the blues in the cabinets. 



And finally, it's time to tea. Time to enjoy the scrumptious strawberry pie, with whipped cream and PG Tips... Bliss.




⚜️Featured in the video

SKYE Penelope dress Jennifer20 for 20% off
SKYE pearl bracelet Jennifer20 for 20% off
Jackie Mack Designs necklace TDC15OFF for 15% off
Pots by360 Cookware DC20 - 20% off
Portmeirion dishes from Riverbend Home


I hope you enjoyed this season finale on The Daily Connoisseur. 

"August" is an original poem by Jennifer L. Scott. All rights reserved. 



News

📍Jennifer is featured in My French Country Home Magazine in the July/ August issue. 




📍Jennifer is featured in Fatherly Magazine in an article on children's table manners

📍Please note: the blog will be under construction and moving to Wordpress very soon. I'll make the announcement with more details as soon as I can. Those of you who get this blog delivered into your email might see a temporary pause in email notifications. Thank you for your patience. 

📍*NEW* The Ten-Item Wardrobe eCourse is newly updated and back online with all new video, text, and new lessons. If you have previously purchased the ten-item wardrobe eCourse, you can access all of the new changes for free.

📍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. While I will be going on a break from the blog, The Chic Society videos will still resume. Our next one will be a live Zoom call this weekend. 

On Instagram At Home with Madame Chic on Instagram...



Comment of the Week

Christina writes, "This video was literally a breath of fresh air for me today. It seems I run into more and more people ready to jump straight into controversy over something I don't agree with, or sometimes I don't even know the reason they are just on edge when I meet them. It's hard sometimes to be patient and non-judgemental when there are people who go into attack mode so easily. It is in my nature to be a peace-maker, but I don't always know how to do that. Your video on remaining unbothered has motivated me to not give in or give up. You gave me some good ideas to try, good words to remember and work with. Plus, it is very encouraging to be reminded there are a lot of people, like those who follow your channel, being "elegant"! Thank you!"

Thank you, Christina! Yes, tensions are high right now and it can be hard to deal with some of the attitudes and tempers out there. I'm happy the video gave some good coping mechanisms. 


I hope you all enjoyed this last video and blog post of August. Thank you for your support of my channel. I hope you have a lovely rest of the summer too and I'll see you back in September! 


Love,


Jennifer 



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: This post is not sponsored.  I use affiliate links, including Amazon affiliate links. Thank you for your support.  



8.12.2021

Fall Wardrobe Planning | Ten-Item Capsule Wardrobe

7:08 AM 3 Comments




 

Welcome back to The Daily Connoisseur. Today I am going through my ten-item capsule wardrobe to see what will stay and what will go for Fall.

If you have been following my intermittent fasting story, you know what I've lost some weight in the past year. This has affected my wardrobe as you will see today. I try on several of the garments that I thought I'd be keeping for fall. Many of them simply do not fit anymore. 

I go over what will stay and what will go in today's video and discuss my accessories and overall wardrobe strategy for Fall. I hope you enjoy today's video.

This plaid dress from Velvet by Graham & Spencer has been a favorite of mine for three years now. 

I'm looking forward to wearing the SKYE Coraline trench Jennifer20 for 20% off as both a coat and a dress again this season. The handbag is by Smythson of Bond Street, a cherished gift from my in-laws. 

The SKYE Dezi dress Jennifer20 for 20% off will be brought out for the holiday season as the black velvet houndstooth fabric is perfect for a dark winter. 

This plaid skirt by Kate Kasin was so fun to wear last Fall and I look forward to wearing it again this season. Here I'm wearing it with the Everlane cashmere sweater and the Oliver Cabell mules JSCOTT10 FOR $10 OFF 



I might be most excited to wear my Thursday Boots Captain boot again. I have them in the shade Old English and Black Matte. 
This green corduroy jumpsuit from Velvet by Graham & Spencer will return as well. While this jumpsuit is no longer available, you can find great jumpsuits at Outerknown, Rachel Pally, Nordstrom, and Lulu's


Junhee from Mont Kiji sends me her silk scarves each season. They are designed and made in France and are so beautifully constructed. This silk scarf is called the ButterFlower connoisseur202120 for 20% off (scarves only). 

They grey croco Teddy Blake bag TBJENNC30 for $30 off is perfect for Fall. This is a beautifully constructed handbag that wears so well. I love how it looks with this SKYE trench. 


Thank you to Ritual Vitamins for sponsoring today's video. Code 10dailyc gives 10% off your first three months.

News

📍I am featured in Fatherly Magazine in an article on children's table manners

📍Please note: the blog will be under construction and moving to Wordpress very soon. I'll make the announcement with more details as soon as I can. Those of you who get this blog delivered into your email might see a temporary pause in email notifications. Thank you for your patience. 

📍*NEW* The Ten-Item Wardrobe eCourse is newly updated and back online with all new video, text, and new lessons. If you have previously purchased the ten-item wardrobe eCourse, you can access all of the new changes for free.

📍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. 


Comment of the Week

C.M. writes, "Holding one's tongue is a lost art in these times."

C.M. - most people would agree with you. The internet has made all of us trigger-happy with our words and in sharing our thoughts but it is wise to pause and hold our tongues, especially in tense situations. Thank you for your comment!

I hope you enjoyed today's fall wardrobe planning video. I would love to know how your fall wardrobe is going. 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.


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: This post is sponsored by Ritual vitamins.  I use affiliate links, including Amazon affiliate links. Thank you for your support.  














8.09.2021

8 Ways to Not Overreact and Remain Unbothered | Lessons in Elegance

6:21 AM 10 Comments

 




In my last video on being polished and elegant, many of you requested an in-depth discussion on how to not overreact. How do we remain unbothered and keep our cool when we are actually feeling very heated? Elegant people don't blow a gasket when they are angry. I'm sharing 8 ideas in today's video that will help you keep calm and remain classy... no matter what. 



 
 1. When you are angry and prone to overreacting… pause. Do nothing and see what happens. 

“Practice the pause. Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you're about to react harshly and you'll avoid doing and saying things you'll later regret.”― Lori Deschene 

 2. Analyze how you react to situations, because awareness is the first step: Novelist, Ellen Glasgow said, “What happens is not as important as how you react to what happens.” 

Become conscious about how you react to situations. Epictetus said, “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” 

These quotes are powerful because we can’t control what happens to us. That is out of our control. What we can control is our reaction to these events. Notice patterns in your overreactions… is it with a specific person? Are you triggered by their mere presence? If so, notice that and be extra calm and vigilant around them. Know your triggers. 

3. Use their negativity as a motivator for you. Andy Warhol has been a major inspiration for me in this area. He dismissed his critics as not knowing what they were talking about and kept on making art. You do the same and allow other people's negativity to be a motivator for you. 

4. Never respond to someone when you are angry. I found some great Chinese proverbs on this one: Anger is always more harmful than the insult that caused it. (Chinese Proverb) Never answer a letter while you are angry. • In the midst of great joy, do not promise anyone anything. In the midst of great anger, do not answer anyone 's letter. • If you are patient in one moment of anger, you will escape a hundred days of sorrow. 

5. Gain control of your tongue. This requires self-discipline. Proverbs 21:23 KJV Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles 

6. Don’t neglect yourself. If you are sleep-deprived, not taking care of yourself, not eating well… you can easily become a man or woman on the brink. You are going to be extra sensitive and touchy. Take time every day to care for yourself. Afternoon tea, a quiet walk in the garden, time to read a book or paint or do what you love. Refer to my video on not losing yourself as an adult. When you feel a general happiness with your life, you won’t be so touchy to others. 

7. Look at the big picture. When you are panicking about society… (and you know I love to panic about society), look at the big picture. I had a lightbulb moment when I was talking to Richard Thompson Ford, the author of Dress Codes. When we were looking at the history of fashion, I decided to be less judgmental about modern dressing sense. I mean, most of it still hurts my eyes, but I have chosen to take a proactive stance on the channel by offering content that can hopefully inspire people to dress better... and that is all I can do. 

 8. If you pray...Pray! – We are not all the same with our spiritual lives, but if you are a person of faith and pray... don't forget to pray when you feel inclined to overreact! You will receive that peace that passes understanding and often get clarity. If you don't pray, do some practice that is meaningful to you that will help you to calm down.

⚜️ What I'm wearing
Rungolee Porto dress code DailyC for free silk face mask
Jackie Mack Designs necklace TDC15OFF for 15% off


Thank you to The Chic Society for bringing us today's video. 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. 



The Chic Connoisseurs: 
A Better Life with KAT (Flylady Cleaning System), AAM Truthteller, 
Adrienne Cormier, American Blossom Linens, Alexa Moradi, Alison Jennison-Smith, Amy Kennedy,
A Return to SimplicityA Sparkling Vintage Life, Amy Thibodeaux, Andrea Saavedra, Andrea Andrei,
Angelika Greenhalgh, Angie Helmly, Anny Schreier, Audrey CoyneBewitchedCrafts.com, Ausra Mewa,
Beata, Bliss Peterson, Brenda Ramsey, Candace V, Cari Leigh, Caroline Logan, Catarina Alexandra, Catherine Huang, Chantal Brinkies, Chelsea Kochevar, Clare's Classroom, Cyndie Lake, Dawn, Deb Reardon, Deni Murrow, Denise Gende, Diana McNease, Elizabeth Doan, Ellie YG, Elizabeth Yang, Efstathia Kositzidou, Freda Masoud, healthywithluba.com
Heather Phillips, Helena O, Jackie W, Jane Lynch, Janet Williams, Jasmine Christian, Jeanetta Loubser, Jennifer Fiedel, Jennifer Lamont Leo, Jennifer Timm, jkp62, Judy Moore, Katherine Williams, Kathy Feliciano,  Katie Kolodzy, Kimberly Campbell, 
Lakeisha Bell Cadogan, Lenora Ellis, Liliedaisy, Lois Shank- Retiree, 
Loraine Tadman, Lori Skees, 
Maria Gerlicz-Pogorzelska, Mary Lewis, Marija B. Bingula, Space.For.Home, Marybeth Nelson, 
Megan Lawrence, Melanie Adkins, Melanie Riddle, Mama Mitzey, Maria Gerszewski, 
Melinda Loustalot, Melissa Ricci, Mercy Burton Russell, Michele Kieffer, Michele Pokorsky,
Michelle Henderer, Michelle the Italiagal, Monica F, Monique Egelhoff, Monique Hernandez, Natalie Schultz, 
Not-So Desperate Housewives, Olivia Johnson, Pamela Gunger, Paula Ellis, Paula Johnson, P C, 
Petra Willnecker, 
Raye Cage, Rebecca Faltot, Rita Fernandes,  Rona,  Rosh S., Sandra Light, Sarah Vitsas, 
S.E. Spracher - Author of Chewy Marmot , Scott Rea, Shannon Biddy, Sharon Smith, 
Sheila Hopfensperger, Shelly Cabler aka "The Art of This & That"
Shelly Kirby, Sonya Sylvester, Stacy Smith, The Simple Swan, Sue Parker, 
Susan Keyes, Tina Grose, Tammy Griffin,  This and That with Denise Jordan
Tiki Pié, Tracy The Tea Lady, Veronica Staudt, Wendy Cassara, Wendy Somerville, Wilma Dean, Yen Lee, Zauger, Zuzaienka23


The Elegant Connoisseurs

Amanda Dykes, Author
Amiee Floor, Azalia Spa Goods
Brandi Still, Silhouette Artist
Jenny Williams, Carrot Top Paper Shop
Elaine Brisebois, Certified Nutritionist
Katherine Rae
Carli Thom - Living in Loveliness
Caroline Haydu
Guy Blaise
Isabelle Clabaut
Janice Leitner
Jen Carlson
Jet Rowley-Herron
Jina Kay Kenry
Jenny Candelaria
Juliet Keeler-LeBien
Linda Eklof
Marie Caudill
Maria Conder
Melissa M
Prudently at Home

News

📍The Chic Assignment is on hold for the month of August as I will be taking a two-week break from YouTube and the blog. We will resume the assignments in September. 

📍Please note: the blog will be under construction and moving to Wordpress very soon. I'll make the announcement with more details as soon as I can. Those of you who get this blog delivered into your email might see a temporary pause in email notifications. Thank you for your patience. 

📍*NEW* The Ten-Item Wardrobe eCourse is newly updated and back online with all new video, text, and new lessons. If you have previously purchased the ten-item wardrobe eCourse, you can access all of the new changes for free.

📍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. 

On Instagram
The Madame Chic Books on Instagram...
Comment of the Week
Titus2Woman writes, "I have to tell you that you have inspired me in so many ways.
I now always use tablecloths I got rid of my very old daily dishes that were chipped and am now using my China as our daily dishes. I just bought new underwear! Thank you Jennifer for the videos you do and all the motivation to always use our best."

Thank you for sharing your testimonial with me. I'm so happy that the blog has inspired you in so many ways.

I hope you enjoyed this latest lesson on Elegance. Let us know how you avoid overreacting and your comment could be chosen as comment of the week on the blog. Have a wonderful day and I'll see you on Thursday!

Love,

Jennifer

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: This post is not sponsored.  I use affiliate links, including Amazon affiliate links. Thank you for your support.  

8.05.2021

One Week of Outfits from my Summer Ten-Item Capsule Wardrobe

6:11 AM 0 Comments

 




I'm sharing one week of outfits from my summer ten-item capsule wardrobe in today's video. 


Welcome back to The Daily Connoisseur. Today, I'm wearing some of my favorite summer looks and sharing how I style them. I have pictured each of the daily looks down below, along with links to what I'm wearing. Hear my commentary on each outfit in today's video. 



Lilysilk v-neck camisole DAILY15 for 15% off, Neiwai barely zero bra JS10 for 10% off, Lulu's trouser (similar), Spanish Sandal Co. black slide JEN10 for 10% off, SKYE clover necklace Jennifer20 for 20% off , Nail polish Londontown Full Monty JenniferS for 25% off 
SKYE Penelope dress Jennifer20 for 20% off , Oliver Cabell mules JSCOTT10 for 10% off 


Karina Dresses  layered with the black crop topSpanish Sandal Co. black slide  JEN10 for 10% off 


Rungolee Porto dress DAILYC for free silk face mask, Lulu's sandals, Jackie Mack Designs necklace TDC15OFF for 15% off, SKYE pearl bracelet Jennifer20 for 20% off 
 



SKYE Charlotte dress Jennifer20 for 20% off, Oliver Cabell mules JSCOTT10 for $10 off, Besame Wild Orchid lipstick, 

⚜️ Makeup 

Londontown nail polish “Full Monty”  JenniferS for 25% off 

Besame Dusty Rose lipstick 

Besame lipstick in Wild Orchid

MERIT beauty lip gloss in Sangria 

Clinique black honey lipstick 

bareMinerals foundation 

Charlotte Tilbury Feline Flick liquid eyeliner 

By Mario Sculpt stick (contour)

My favorite eyebrow palette 


Thank you to Function of Beauty custom haircare for sponsoring today's video. 


News

📍The Chic Assignment is on hold for the month of August as I will be taking a two-week break from YouTube and the blog. We will resume the assignments in September. 

📍Please note: the blog will be under construction and moving to Wordpress very soon. I'll make the announcement with more details as soon as I can. Those of you who get this blog delivered into your email might see a temporary pause in email notifications. Thank you for your patience. 

📍*NEW* The Ten-Item Wardrobe eCourse is newly updated and back online with all new video, text, and new lessons. If you have previously purchased the ten-item wardrobe eCourse, you can access all of the new changes for free.

📍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. 


Comment of the Week
Jesse writes, "The telltale sign of a Daily Connoisseur aficionado - we have TEN-ITEM wardrobes, but HUNDREDS of books. ;)"

Jesse... this made me laugh out loud! That is so true!

I hope you enjoyed this outfits of the week video. What outfits have you been enjoying this summer? Let us know in the comments 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.


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: This post is sponsored by Function of Beauty. I use affiliate links, including Amazon affiliate links. Thank you for your support.