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





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

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

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



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




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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

News
📍Join us for The Chic Assignment for March.

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

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

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

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

With love,

Jennifer

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

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

We are going in search of the best Earl Grey Tea along with many other favorite delights in today's video, Connoisseur Reviews.



Here are the items featured in today's video:



Vahdam Teas
Earl Grey Citrus is a citrusy black tea from India that is mixed with premium Bergamot Oil. It also comes in tea bags.

The Darjeeling is a summer black tea from the region of Darjeeling. This is a light, second-flush black tea with crisp, berry-like nuances. The brownish-black leaves are short, tightly-rolled, and interspersed with some green flakes. The liquor is mellow and unimposing, with notes of date palm and fermented barley that are discernible but fade away quickly. This tea has attributes of wood and dried fruit.

You can also find Vahdam teas on Amazon.



Teami Blends skinny tea, tumblers and greens blend
The Skinny Tea contains:
Yerba Mate: Containing brilliant nutritional benefits, we love yerba mate for its clean, plant-based caffeine!
Oolong Tea: Another wake-me-up front runner, oolong green tea has been widely regarded to benefit metabolism rates
Jiaogulan: A super herb, this tea acts as an adaptogen to balance your body from outside stressors

The Greens blend contains: 16 superfood blends including ceremonial grade matcha, wheatgrass, spirulina, and spinach. Vegan, non-GMO, soy free, dairy free, gluten free, nut free and no sugar added.



Plush Necessities Plush Signature Robe and slippers are made of superfine microfiber. So soft and cozy. I love how generous the material is. This is a perfect winter robe. Code TDCVDAY5 gives 5% off. They are also running a buy one get one 20% off for Valentine's Day.



Love Home & Planet rose laundry detergent Made with 94% plant-based cleansers
Dermatologist tested, vegan and cruelty-free
Removes stains effectively yet gently. Suitable for HE washing machines. Works at all temps. Septic safe.
Formulated without parabens, dyes, phosphates, parabens and optical brighteners
Blended with Amazonian Murumuru, and infused with the luxurious scent of handpicked Bulgarian Rose
You can also find the Love Home & Planet line at Target.



e-cloth make a 2-pack for both stove and shower. The stove 2-pack (shown above) has alternating scrubbing bristles on the cloth that do not scratch your stovetop. You can clean greasy messes with just water. Code SCOTTFEB10 gives 10% off until February 17th, 2020.




A'DEL Natural Cosmetics have a lovely line of natural and organic makeup and skincare. The following are the eyeshadows shown in today's video:
Black Beauty - matte black
Frosting - creamy white satin shimmer
Charming - deep lilac satin shimmer
Dreamy - dark taupe satin shimmer

A'DEL's blue lagoon skincare and rose skincare line are also currently on sale.




The three books I am currently reading are:
Glorious Mothering by Sherry K. Hayes (faith-based)
Modern Etiquette made easy by Myka Meier
Jane Austen Diet by Bryan Kozlowski

My earrings are by Rachelyn Jewelry
My sweater is Mott & Bow cream cashmere v-neck code JLS10 for 10% off

I hope you enjoy today's video.

News
📍 I am a guest on Isabelle LaFleche's Soulful Couture podcast. We had a wonderful chat, check it out here.

📍Join us for The Chic Assignment for February.

📍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.

📍Check out my affordable eCourses: The Ten-Item Wardrobe, Chic Financial Principles for Debt-Free Living, and How to be Efficient at Home.


On Instagram
Madame Chic on Instagram. Tag me with your photos to be featured with the hashtag #jenniferlscott

View this post on Instagram

Feb TBR ☕️ • #bookstagram #findme #andréaciman #murderinthedark #kerrygreenwood #missfishersmurdermysteries #lessonsfrommadamechic #jenniferlscott #myfamilyandotheranimals #geralddurrell #bookstagrammer #tbr #currentlyreading #bookaddicts #book #read #booktography #bookishfeatures #bookstafeatures #bookfeatured #igreads #themagicofbookstagram

A post shared by Bayleigh's Books (@bayleighs.books) on Feb 4, 2020 at 1:39am PST

Comment of the Week
utahkenneds writes, "I appreciate this post so much! I am an attorney and worked part time when my girls were small and gradually have worked into full time as they are teenagers but work mostly from home. Everything you said is so correct! I think sometimes homemakers fall into the trap of feeling like they aren't enough and can't measure up. I have had the best of both worlds -- it isn't easy but I feel so blessed to be home when my girls come home from school and to have some balance. There is nothing - no title, no salary, no bonus, no awards -- I have had them all -- that compares to the feeling of being a great Mom, Wife and Homemaker, and I think more women are starting to realize this. This is where true joy and satisfaction emerge. Thank you!"

utahkenneds, I loved your comment, thank you so much for writing in and sharing your experience!

I hope you enjoyed today's video. Let us know if you have a good recommendation in the comment section. Your comment could be chosen as comment of the week on the blog. See you on Thursday for a new articles on dress, Oscars edition!


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Mother's Day is quickly approaching here in America and I have a quick and to-the-point gift guide for all of the dads and kids out there who are going to watch this video (ahem) :)



Today's gift guide features little luxuries that any mom would appreciate. Of course, if you are low on funds (kids, I'm talking to you), you know that moms love "tickets" for massages and other helps around the house.

If you do have a budget, keep these lovely gifts in mind for the special mother in your life.


South of France soaps are so beautiful, luxurious and lovely. They're kettle-cooked in small batches using a traditional Marseille triple-milled recipe to create a creamy lather that leaves skin soft and moisturized. Popular scents are almond gourmande, blooming jasmine, climbing wild rose, lavender fields, lemon verbena, lush gardenia or mediterranean fig. All South of France liquid and bar soaps are free of synthetic foaming agents like sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate, as well as glutens, EDTA, parabens, and phthalates.


MYK Silk Pillowcases. A silk pillowcase would make a lovely, unexpected, and affordable gift. These natural mulberry silk pillowcases will give her a restful night's sleep, keep her hair-tangle free, and her skin refreshed. Use code SILKY15 for 15 % off.


Emile Cordon miracle lip balms are a beautiful luxury. They are high-quality, so moisturizing, and very pretty to look at and wear. They make a lovely gift.

Natural candles would also make a fabulous gift for any mother. Check out my natural candle gift guide for an in-depth review of the following candles:


Cellar Door Candles


Sudsy Soapery


Legend's Creek Farm



I did not mention Bend Soap Co. in my video, but they are well worth the mention. Bend Soap have beautifully packaged goat milk soaps and other organic and natural beauty products that make lovely gifts. I gifted my literary agents with Bend Soap for Christmas.


Ana Luisa Jewelry make high-quality, affordable jewelry pieces. I have a review of their spring collection coming soon (stay tuned!) Jennifer10 for $10 off your purchase

Casetify Designer iPhone Cases

Another unexpected present could be a beautiful designer phone case. My daughters picked out this one and I love it!


I hope you enjoy today's video and that it has given you many gift ideas. Share this with anyone you know, who is looking for a good Mother's Day gift guide. I'll see you on Wednesday for the May Chic Assignment!

Love,

Jennifer


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Hello dear friends, I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We had a great day. I had been ill the previous week (which is why I don't sound too great in this video) but I'm much better now. It was a fantastic day full of delicious food and remembering all that we are grateful for.



My annual holiday gift guide is here and I am excited to share my top picks with you in today's video.

The Daily Connoisseur tote bag and mug make a great novelty gift for fans of this blog. On Instagram, Melanie writes, "I purchased both mugs and both totes. I will be tucking Jennifer’s books in the totes with the cups as gifts for my teenaged daughter and her friends. 😍" Melanie, what a cool idea. I love it!


A Vintage Christmas: A Collection of Classic Stories and Poems makes a beautiful gift. This book includes authors such as Louisa May Alcott, Lucy Maud Montgomery, Mark Twain, Charles Dickens, and more. This is the type of book one could bring out each Christmas and enjoy for years to come.



The hot stone shiatsu massager by Naipo would make a great gift. I can't tell you how much I love mine. It's a really high-quality massager and affordable too! It's only $34.99 on Amazon (plus they have a 20% off coupon)



The Needak Rebounder is a big-ticket item, but would make a show-stopping gift. You know after Christmas everyone is interested in healthy eating, exercise and resolutions. Everyone in my family loves the rebounder. It's our primary form of exercise. The children even jump on it for several minutes a day. This would make an excellent gift. Needak have given me a coupon code to share with you. Purchase any soft-bounce rebounder (folding or non-folding) and use the code DAILYCONN to receive 6 free replacement springs with your order. (This code is valid until January 1, 2019.) (Please note, you will receive 6 free replacement springs, not 12 as previously noted. This is an update from the Needak factory). Also, another correction: regarding springs vs. bungees, bungees are replaceable, however their problem is that you don't notice their sagging. When a spring breaks, it breaks and you can replace it. This is the chief difference between springs and bungees.



Escape room in a box: The Werewolf Experiment is a game designed by two dear friends of mine. Their game has taken off and was produced by Mattel and labeled by the Times of London one of three holiday games to get this year (next to Scrabble and Monopoly)! This makes a fun and unique gift and is perfect for anyone you know who is a fan of solving puzzles or taking part in escape rooms.


Tired of giving out Starbucks gift cards and want something a bit more personal? Customizable notepads from Zazzle are perfect gifts for teachers.

Here are some that I ordered this year...



OK, husbands, are you out there? This one's for you! Ana Luisa Jewelry make beautiful, high-quality limited edition jewelry that is also affordable. These earrings, for example, are plated in 14K gold with real irregular pearls and sell for $85. Use code Jennifer10 with my link for $10 off.




Jenny Williams is the talented artist behind Carrot Top Paper Shop. She creates art around literary heroines. Her creations make beautiful and unique gifts. New customers can use the code MADAMECHIC25 to receive 25% off during the holiday season (expires January 31, 2019).




You know my favorite nail polish is by Londontown. Their 9-free, vegan nail polish is cruelty-free and so luxurious. I love their formulas and their colors. Their beautiful packaging would make a great gift for your daughter, mother, aunt, or best friend. Use code JenniferS for 25% off your order.




This year, I'm sending my literary agents in New York gift packages from Bend Soap Co. They have beautifully crafted all-natural gift packages featuring their famous goat milk soaps. I particularly love their sugar scrubs, milk baths, and generously sized goat milk soap bars to give as gifts. Use my link and code THANKFUL18 to receive 20% off your order (valid only from Black Friday to Cyber Monday at midnight). If you are seeing this after November 26th (Cyber Monday), use code DC10 for 10% off your order.



My gift guide wouldn't be complete without a mention of The Madame Chic books, which make beautiful presents for any special lady in your life. Not only are my stories about living in Paris with Madame Chic classic and unforgettable, the books are also beautifully packaged with artwork by Virginia Johnson. They make gorgeous coffee table books.



I hope that this video has given you some ideas for inspired gift-giving this holiday season. Let me know if you have any other unique gift ideas in the comment section below. Have a wonderful weekend and I'll see you on Monday for my annual Planning for Christmas video (plus free printables!).


*NEW* The Daily Connoisseur mugs and tote bags make great novelty gifts

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It's Bend Soap day again on Natural Home with Jennifer. Bend Soap Co. is one of my favorite companies for natural beauty products. Located in Bend, Oregon, Bend Soap Co. is a small family business that makes high-quality goat milk soaps and other natural products. I fell in love with their soaps, lotions, body scrubs and milk baths this summer and have been very curious about their other products as well.



Bend Soap Co. has been so lovely. They sent me another goody bag to share with you today. I specifically requested their all-natural deodorant to test out.



You know me... I'm a natural deodorant connoisseur! I've been wearing natural deodorant for over a decade ever since I read about the toxic effects that traditional deodorant can have on your body. (Check out this article form Time Magazine on the dangers of traditional deodorants.)



I loved Bend's Natural deodorant and have been using it for the past month. It's creamy and moisturizing, yet doesn't leave a white residue on my clothes. It works really well too to prevent odor. I love it! Here is what Bend says about their deodorant:

A no-nonsense natural deodorant. Our aluminum-free deodorant is made with all-natural ingredients and provides you with all-day protection. The plant-based powders efficiently absorb wetness and odor while the natural oils provide a smooth, non-greasy, and non-sticky application. Give our natural deodorant a try and we’re sure you’ll agree: this is the ultimate 100% natural deodorant (that actually works!).

And here are the ingredients: Coconut Oil, Red Palm Oil, Baking Soda, Arrowroot Powder, Beeswax, Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, Chamomile Extract, Calendula Extract, Honey, Grapefruit and Ylang Ylang Essential Oil. That’s It!



Bend Soap Co. also sent three or their large goat milk soaps. I love their soap. The size is generous and they are soothing, moisturizing, and all-natural. When I suffered from eczema after the birth of my son, these soaps were the only kind I could use without experiencing irritation.



The lavender goat milk lotion is very soothing. This is another great product for people with eczema. If scents bother you, they also carry an unscented version as well.



And their lip butter is great too! It's moisturizing and I love that it's so natural you could actually eat it.

Bend Soap Co. have offered a great discount to my readers: get 10% off your first order with the code DC10.



They are also offering a generous giveaway to readers of The Daily Connoisseur. Enter to win a starter gift set, which includes a full size goat milk lotion, a full size goat milk soap, an all-natural lip butter, and a loofah. The giveaway is open to US residents only. In order to enter you must be subscribed to my YouTube channel. If you are not already a subscriber, click the red subscribe button (it's free!) and be sure to hit the "bell" icon for email notifications for when I upload a video. Enter the giveaway via the rafflecoptor widget below. The winner will be announced next Wednesday on the widget. Best of luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway



I hope you enjoy today's video. I'll see you tomorrow for another exciting interview. This time I'm chatting with Shannon Ables from The Simply Luxurious Life blog. See you then!

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