6.30.2022

Homemaking with Flowers

 



What role do flowers play in the life of a homemaker? Let’s explore that in today's video.



Welcome back to the Daily Connoisseur. One’s life at home is very complex. Home is a place of refuge and rest. It is a place of shelter too.



It is also a space that we need to take care of. We clean it, organize, declutter, and purge the things in it. The home is also a place that represents beauty for us. Arguably it is the space in our lives that should be the most beautiful. It is where we spend most of our time and when we come home from being in the outside world, our homes become our havens. What role to flowers play in all of this? What is the purpose of the flower? Why do we keep them in our homes? Why do we cut them off our plants, place them in vases and display them? Why? Because they bring beauty to our lives. Nothing cheers me up like seeing a perfect little bloom in a vase while I’m doing the dishes. Their fragrance and aesthetic perfection are like an intoxicating little tonic.



The natural world is blooming all around us. Especially this time of year. Do we pay attention to its presence? As we go about our homemaking, let’s look at flowers in history. In myths and legends, flowers are used to celebrate new life and also to commemorate death. They are symbols of purity, passion, and romance. They evoke beauty and pleasure. It is for these reasons that we likely bring them into our homes. When flowers wilt, they remind us of the brevity of life and out we go into the garden to find new blooms. And the cycle continues. Look at this spectacular bloom on a cactus plant in my parents’ garden. It blooms but once a year and only for a few days. What an enchantress of a flower.


We have some beautiful flowering plants in our own garden. I’m obsessed with roses like many of you are. Today, I’m creating a simple peony bouquet. I’m combining store-bought peonies with lavender and bay leaves from our own garden. Peonies are perennial plants that return every year. These bushes are very hardy… some can live up to 100 years! They bloom from late spring to early summer. Marco Polo described peony blossoms as “roses as big as cabbages”. Yep, I would say that description about sums it up! Peonies, of course, represent romance as you will often see them in wedding bouquets. In fact, I chose peonies for my own bouquet. They also represent bashfulness too as in mythology mischievous nymphs were said to hide in their petals. Two more interesting things about peonies: their petals are edible and The roots are commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for many purposes. Peony might block chemicals that can cause pain and swelling, as well as prevent blood clotting, kill cancer cells, and act as an antioxidant. Well, now that we know more about these roses as big as cabbages, we can appreciate them even more in our homes.



I had another thought. We homemakers are busy as bees. We are buzzing about when we are at home… flitting from one chore and duty to another, cooking, cleaning, folding, wiping. Perhaps in a way, we relate to the bee on a different level and that’s another reason why we like to be surrounded by flowers. We bring them in through our wallpaper, our paintings, and in reality, through our gardens. In the winter months we might represent them with faux flowers. But they are always here. And I know they’re there while I’m doing my tasks. Folding laundry, specifically the kitchen linens, is one of my least favorite tasks. I just dread it. I usually watch YouTube while doing it. Or I’ll listen to an audio book. Today I’m watching YouTube, Vogue’s channel, specifically, while folding. And all the while I sense the presence of the beautiful hot pink rose behind me on the nightstand. Flowers give a vitality to a room that is noted by the perceptive. They keep us company and make each task more pleasant.


The next time we wipe away the streaks, sticky fingerprints, and grime in our daily lives, meditate on the flower. Make yourself consciously aware of the nearest one. Accept the pure joy and beauty it brings you. The spiritual nectar it feeds you. Its gentle prompting to make you work like a bee, in harmony with your surroundings.


Don’t forget to steal some time for yourself in the natural world. This is my secret hideaway. I come here with my family but many times I am alone. And when I walk under the garden arch I disappear to a different world… I can’t tell you what goes on there. That’s between me and the fairies.


Thank you for joining me today on the Daily Connoisseur. I hope this video inspired you with your homemaking today. Keep calm and remain classy, and I will see you next time. Love, Jennifer

🗝 Jennifer's Outfit Details
SKYE Penelope dress Jennifer20 for 20% off
Spanish Sandal Co. JEN10 for 10% off
Miranda Frye Crawler earrings Jennifer10 for 10% off
Miranda Frye Marlowe chain Jennifer10 for 10% off
Miranda Frye Gothic Letter charm Jennifer10 for 10% off
Miranda Frye Amy bracelet Jennifer10 for 10% off
Miranda Frye Lennox bracelet Jennifer10 for 10% off

🗝 Featured in the video Music Box Attic DAILYC20 for 20% off Astarin Wind Chimes JLS10 for 10% off
Day Designer planner CONNOISSEUR10 for 10% off


Thank you to Mixtiles for bringing us today's video. CONNOISSEUR25 to get 25% off any order.

News
📍 Lessons from Madame Chic hardcopies are finally back in stock! Pick up your copy today ♥️


📍 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 Channel Memberships. In The Chic Society, 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. *NEW* We now have a penpal program too! 

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Comment of the Week
A Small Sanctuary writes, "I’m always here for your tea-themed content and would love to hear more about your tea ‘journey.’ I have the same practice: my sweet thing at teatime rather than after dinner. Before I became a mom, I always hoped that whatever my career path would be, I could welcome my kids from school with fresh tea and home baked treats. Very often now I can and if has become a central part of my family’s day. Teatime is such a centering and grounding ritual, across time and culture. I’ve dreamed of getting some tea sommelier certification—just as a passion and hobby. Have you read any of Jane Pettigrew’s books on tea? They are a great resource. Thank you for this lovely video with both healthy and indulgent recipes."

I enjoyed reading your comment and love to hear about your passion for tea! Thank you for recommending Jane Pettigrew's books. I will look them up!

Thank you for watching today's video. I hope it brings you inspiration in your homemaking life.


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 Mixtiles. This post may also include affiliate links, including Amazon affiliate links. Thank you for your support. 


6.27.2022

What's For Tea? Healthy Teatime Treats

 


What's for teatime? I'm sharing typical teatime treats as well as three healthy teatime recipes in today's video. 


The first half of the video shares decadent teatime treats, including the Pioneer Woman's Butterscotch Pudding recipe. The second half of the video shares my healthy teatime treats, with printable recipes below. Here are the resources for a lovely teatime. 

Many of you are asking about the tea sets used in this video... What they are and where they are from. The Victoria Magazine Blue Roses Tea Set- I purchased from Victoria Magazine

The Wedgwood Butterfly and the Royal Albert China were gifts from my in-laws The Lenox Regency Black is my parents' set The antique set with flowers belonged to my grandmother. ♥️

🗝 Tea Resources
Pique Tea DAILYC for 5% off
Plum Deluxe Tea JENNIFER10 for 10% off


🗝 Tea Set Resources

🗝 Featured in the video Victoria Magazine

🗝 Jennifer's Outfit Details SKYE Penelope dress Jennifer20 for 20% off
Miranda Frye Crawler earrings Jennifer10 for 10% off

Whole Wheat Stone Fruit Tart This delicious tart can be customized... Use your favorite fruit! The whole wheat crust is easy to make and very satisfying. 

Whole Wheat Stone Fruit Tart

Whole Wheat Stone Fruit Tart

Ingredients

Whole Wheat Crust
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 Tbs sugar (optional)
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup cold water
Tart filling
  • 3 cups chopped fruit (Stone fruits and berries work well here. In this recipe I use plums, apricots, and strawberries)
  • 1 Tbs sugar or honey (optional)

Instructions

To prepare the crust
  1. Mix together the flour, salt, and sugar (if using) in a large bowl.
  2. In a separate measuring cup, whisk the olive oil and water together until well-blended.
  3. Pour the oil and water mixture into the flour mixture and mix together until moist.
  4. Gather the dough into a ball and press into a deep dish pie pan until your crust is formed.
Filling and baking instructions
  1. Prepare your fruits for the filling by de-seeding (if using stone fruits), hulling, and chopping them. Place fruits in a bowl and sprinkle sugar or honey over them and mix until the fruit is well-coated.
  2. Pour the fruit into the pie crust.
  3. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for up to 50 minutes.
  4. Serve warm with a dash of heavy cream, if desired.
  5. Enjoy !

Coconut Ricotta Pudding This is an easy custardy- dessert to make that tastes delicious 

Coconut Ricotta Pudding

Coconut Ricotta Pudding

Yield: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 15oz container Ricotta cheese
  • 2 Tbs honey
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup shredded coconut

Instructions

  1. In a mixer bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, honey, vanilla extract, and shredded coconut. Beat mixture until well-blended, about one minute.
  2. Pour the pudding into four dessert ramekins and refrigerate for one hour.
  3. Serve with berries and mint leaves as a garnish or extra toasted coconut, if desired.

No-Bake Coconut Chocolate Granola Bites This recipe is from Jennifer's book, Connoisseur Kids.
Your whole family will love this one! 
 
No-Bake Coconut Chocolate Granola Bites

No-Bake Coconut Chocolate Granola Bites

Yield: 24 bites
This recipe is from Jennifer L. Scott's book, Connoisseur Kids

Ingredients

  • 1 cup old-fashioned oats (not instant oatmeal)
  • 1/2 cup ground flaxseed
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter or almond butter
  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup shredded coconut

Instructions

  1. Mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl until well-combined. Drop rounded, tablespoon-sized portions onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for one to two hours. To store, refrigerate in an air-tight container for up to one week, or freeze for up to three months.


Thank you to Verb for bringing us today's video. Use code JENNIFERSCOTT to get $25 off their starter kit. 



News
📍 Lessons from Madame Chic hardcopies are finally back in stock! Pick up your copy today ♥️


📍 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 Channel Memberships. In The Chic Society, 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. *NEW* We now have a penpal program too! 

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Madame Chic on Instagram...



Comment of the Week 

Lara G writes, "I enjoy sending postcards to several members of my family. Whilst postcards - and snail mail - are no longer in vogue due to sms, YouTube, etc I still enjoy getting fun mail in our letter box !
Thank you for all you do for your channel. I enjoy your videos very much. Hi from Australia 🇦🇺 xx"

I agree, Lara. There is something very special about snail mail. I can't wait to hear about everyone sending postcards this summer! 

I hope you enjoyed today's video and that it gave you ideas for delicious teatime treats! 

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 Verb. This post may also include affiliate links, including Amazon affiliate links. Thank you for your support. 


6.25.2022

The Chic Assignment Summer 2022

 



Welcome to The Chic Assignment for Summer, 2022. Due to my travel and work schedule, we are pausing the monthly assignments and will be focusing on this one assignment for the entire summer. The check-in will happen organically throughout my summer videos. Monthly assignments will resume in September. 


The Chic Assignment series is brought to us by The Chic Society, the private membership group on YouTube.  Joining The Chic Society gives you access to my exclusive members-only vodcast, which is published every Friday. I also do one livestream a month or do a Zoom call where we can all visit together and we now have a penpal program! Membership is only $1.99 a month (upper tiers are also available). 


Chic Assignment No. 1 Listen to Rossini's William Tell Overture (finale) 

Everyone can recognize the William Tell Overture finale. This month we are listening to a performance by The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. It is listed as one of the most famous classical music pieces everyone should know and was composed by Italian musician, Gioachino Antonio Rossini (1792 - 1868). We will learn more about Rossini later in the month.




Chic Assignment No. 2 Enjoy the artwork of John Constable

John Constable (1776 - 1837) was an English landscape painter from the Romantic period. He revolutionized the genre of landscape painting. You can view his artwork for free on John-Constable.org And we will dive into his landscapes more later in the summer. 

His most famous work is The Hay Wain (1821) - public domain

Chic Assignment No. 3 Send a postcard to a friend this summer

We love letters here on the Daily Connoisseur but when was the last time you sent a postcard? My grandmother used to send me postcards all the time and they have become a lost art. I was reminded of them when my friend, Jenny Williams from Carrot Top Paper Shop, sent me a postcard in the mail. It was so delightful to receive this card, I wanted to make this an assignment. You can often find cards at your local drug store or in more "touristy" spots in your town. You can, of course, order some online too. Surprise someone you love with a postcard this month. Later in the summer we will check out the history of postcards and read some of the most famous postcards ever sent. 

Chic Assignment No. 4 Engage in conscious relaxation 

I know many of you find it difficult to relax... truly relax. Our to-do lists are so long and never seem to end. We tell ourselves we will relax once we get through those lists... but the end never comes! This summer let us engage in conscious relaxation. Schedule it in. Pause what you're doing... it can wait. And relax in whatever way means most to you. You might take a nap, or lay outside in the sun, or read a book, or enjoy downtime with your kids without being "productive". This conscious relaxation has been a boon to my health because I was running on empty for a long time! We will explore conscious relaxation later in the summer too. 


And now for the upper tier mentions for The Chic Society... 


Adalet Bir 

Alan Watt - The 30-Day Outline (starting July 7th) L.A. Writers' Lab

Jenny Williams, Carrot Top Paper Shop
Elaine Brisebois - Certified Nutritionist
Gabrielle Julie Deber 
Guy Blaise, author of Love Like the French
Indiana David WillowNookBox.com 
Janalyn Voigt 
Janice Leitner 
Jenny Candelaria 
Jet Rowley-Herron 
Jina Kay Henry 
Julie Kolman 
Juliet Keeler-LeBien 
Katherine Rae 
Linda Eklof 
Living in loveliness - Carli Thom
Maria Conder
Marie Caudill 
Mrs. Shockley  A Home for Elegance
Nicole Brignolle Lovely Bits


I am linking the Chic Connoisseurs with websites here: A Better Life with KAT (Flylady Cleaning System), Audrey CoyneBewitchedCrafts.com
Leslie M 
www.withlesliemorris.comLuba - healthywithluba.com




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. This post may also include affiliate links, including Amazon affiliate links. Thank you for your support.