Hot Spots are the high-traffic areas in your home where clutter easily accumulates. The clutter might rotate here… but it is always there. Identify where your hot spots are. Be aware of them. Aim to sort through these every day. Don’t become accustomed to them. Work together with your family to keep these hot spots under control. Likely they will always be hot spots in that they are in high traffic areas, but they don’t have to be a disorganized mess. 

Clutter-free January concludes as we explore the concept of Home Storage. Clutter-free January was started by Dawn from The Minimal Mom. You can watch the playlist here for the final week to get inspiration on how to deal with storage solutions as well as sentimental items. You can view the playlist here.  

In this video, I share four storage hacks that have improved my daily life in small ways. 

Makeup storage

The problem: My makeup was stored in my bathroom drawers and was not easily accessible. I couldn't see all of the makeup I had easily and ended up only using the same products while letting others go to waste. 

The solution: This countertop clear makeup storage container is easily accessed from my vanity and clearly displays my favorite makeup. 

China storage

The problem: Our tea sets, china, and seasonal platters and dishes were stored up high in our kitchen, not allowing for easy access. Our beautiful pieces were also hidden behind the cupboard doors and not displayed properly.

The solution: A second-hand refinished china cabinet bought on a local buy and sell website now stores our pretty china tea sets and dishes. These items are easily accessible and displayed beautifully. You can find the tea cup stands here and the dish stands here. 

Toy storage

The problem: Toys were jumbled together and created a mess around the home. 

The solution: A cube storage system with canvas bins allow toys to be categorized for easy clean up. An ottoman that doubles as a storage chest allows for easy clean-up with toys in the family room.

Entryway storage 

The problem: Our shoes, coats, backpacks, helmets, and purses were not easily put away when we entered the home.

The solution: The second cubed storage shelf, minus the canvas bins, holds shoes for our family of 6 comfortably. The hooks on the wall easily store our coats, hats, and backpacks. The helmets now rest on the shoe storage for easy access. We also place our family command center in our entryway hallway as well. 

Countertop makeup storage

Emile Cordon lip balms JENN10 for 10% off

MERIT minimalist makeup

Cube storage system (for toys, shoes)

Canvas bins for cube storage

1 Thrive Command Center (wall organizer) Daily10 for 10% off

Spode china from Riverbend Home DCHOL10 for 10% off

Victoria Magazine Blue Roses Tea Set

Steam Mop

1 Thrive Wall Organizer & Command Center

Hooks on the wall

⚜️ What I'm Wearing

SKYE earrings Jennifer20 for 20% off

SKYE Dezi dress Jennifer20 for 20% off

Lilysilk scrunchie Daily12 for 12% off

Londontown nail polish JenniferS for 25% off

Velvet Slippers

Très Chic sweatshirt

Jeans by Mott & Bow JLS10 for 10% off

Everlane Cashmere

News

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Haley Brook (@haleybrookshaffer)

My Homemaker Series continues on The Daily Connoisseur. Today, I’m going to share with you the homemaker’s biggest obstacle.



In this series, I aim to explore the secret world of homemaking, its delightful aspect as well as the darker side to it. So far in the series I’ve revealed three enemies to homemaking, as well as the homemaker’s best friend.

Today we are going to reveal the homemaker’s biggest obstacle. How is an obstacle different than an enemy? Aren’t they the same things? Well, yes and no.

An obstacle is defined as a thing that blocks one's way or prevents or hinders progress.

An enemy is a thing that harms or weakens something else.

Today’s exploration is definitely an obstacle. It’s a beast that almost every homemaker deals with. Are you ready to find out what the Homemaker’s biggest obstacle is?

CLUTTER

Yes, the homemaker’s biggest obstacle is clutter. Let’s think about that definition again. A thing that blocks one’s way or prevents or hinders progress.

How many times have you wished to do something in your home, but got choked up by the clutter? Perhaps you have a hard time finding things, or you’d like to do a deep clean, or you’d like to finally get organized, but one look at all of that overwhelming clutter and you just fold. It’s too much.

CLUTTER: the biggest obstacle of homemakers.

Clearly, something needs to be done. There are many ways. There are many thought processes. There are many techniques. But ultimately, the clutter has to be dealt with. Systematically. I suggest timing yourself (Do you remember the homemaker’s best friend?) Give yourself a realistic amount of time to work with each and every day and, without fail, even if you do it at 8pm or midnight, address that clutter. Clear those hot spots and stagnant spaces.

I write about clutter in my Madame Chic books. Mainly because Madame Chic was an incredible anomaly as a homemaker. She never had clutter. I mean never. Did you fully grasp that? JAMAIS. Ha!

I lived with my French host family for 6 months and I never saw clutter. And no, Madame Chic didn’t follow KonMarie, or Sweedish Death cleaning or Flylady or any of the other trending systems (which, by the way, are all excellent systems that could greatly help you). She just did it.

Systematically go through your belongings and tidy them up. Get rid. Donate. Throw away. Don’t overly consume. Establish routines every day and make sure the whole family is involved. Clear that clutter. Because that clutter is the biggest obstacle you face as a homemaker. It’s what’s blocking you from blossoming truly.

Here’s a four-pronged approach to how Madame Chic dealt with clutter:
1. She dealt with her tasks and belongings immediately and never let anything collect where it shouldn’t be. In other words, she didn’t allow clutter to build up in the first place.

2. She did not over consume. She wasn’t constantly buying things to bring into the home. She was very selective. Those of you who follow my ten-item wardrobe will get this deeply.

3. The whole family was on board. Train your children young. Train them to pick up after themselves immediately. Never leave it. These habits are easier instilled when the child is young.

4. Take joy in the process. Don’t dread it. Be excited about what you will be able to accomplish now that this obstacle is out of your way.


Thank you for joining me for my Homemaker series. Be sure to share today's video with a friend who needs homemaking encouragement.

Featured in the video:
🌿 E-cloth multipurpose cloth (clean with just water) Use code JENN2SCHOOL for 15% off through August 30th.
🌿Cellar Door Candles reed diffuser in Breathe Easy
🌿My earrings are by Ana Luisa Jewelry Use code Jennifer10 for $10 off your order
🌿Wool Dryer Balls on Amazon
🌿Cleaning supplies from Grove Collaborative
🌿The sign hanging in my laundry room (I love this!)

This video is dedicated to Andrea Mills, who was a fellow YouTuber and a wonderful homemaker. She tragically passed away a few weeks ago and has left her large family behind. If you feel inclined to donate to Andrea's family, I have left her GoFundMe here.

News

📍I am a featured speaker at the Get Organized HQ Summit with I Heart Planners.

📍PRE-ORDER my new book, CONNOISSEUR KIDS, which comes out September 10th from Chronicle Books.

📍If you haven't taken my eCourses yet, now is a wonderful time to get started. 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
I shared the cover of Connoisseur Kids on Instagram to announce the pre-order. Thank you to everyone who has pre-ordered my book. I appreciate it so much!

View this post on Instagram

Pre-order my new book, CONNOISSEUR KIDS, which comes out Sept. 10th from @chroniclebooks Illustrations by @clarelowen Represented by @trident_media Available from all major bookstores. Link in my bio 📚 I’m incredibly proud of this beautiful book and believe it is greatly needed in society today. Thank you for your support of my work, Connoisseur Community. You mean so much to me ❤️ #connoisseurkids #jenniferlscott #dailyconnoisseur #etiquette #etiquetteforkids #livingwellforkids #changetheworld #chroniclebooks #clareowen #recipesforkids #activitiesforkids #homeschoolresources #elementaryartresources #etiquetteforteens #madamechic #tridentmediagroup

A post shared by Jennifer L. Scott (@dailyconnoisseur) on Aug 25, 2019 at 12:06pm PDT

Comment of the Week
Unknown writes, "Hi Jennifer, That was a beautiful video analysing how your spring/summer wardrobe performed for you. I live in a warm climate where winter is short but chilly. Our summers are hot and last for months. I have a capsule wardrobe too. But sometimes the discipline to plan for the forthcoming season lags due to being a busy mum! Ha! So I appreciate the encouragement to actually sit down and take stock rather than casually purchasing just whatever. So thank you! I have divided my wardrobe into 3 seasons...transitional (being spring/autumn), winter & summer. I get 2 months of autumn transitional, 3 months of winter, 1 more month of transitional, then 6 months of summer. My transitional wardrobe stays in place from autumn to spring, I just swap out a few things once winter hits. Summer means quality pieces for me, they get such a hard wear with needing to wash on the daily. Thank you for encouraging us to evaluate for ourselves what we need based on our style, climate & budget. We are more resourceful than we realise! Plus our own personal style grows and changes with us, so good to honour that. Your 10 item wardrobe really is here to serve you, enabling you to get on with what matters most!"

Thank you for your thoughtful comment. I loved reading your approach to the ten-item wardrobe!

Thank you for joining me for today's video. I would love to know... do you find clutter to be an obstacle in your homemaking? Let us know and your comment could be chosen as comment of the week on the blog.

Visit my newly designed Author Website

*NEW* 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 ten-item wardrobe, debt-free living, and efficiency at home

Sign up for my Seasonal Author Newsletter

Interested in sponsoring a video on The Daily Connoisseur? Contact me here.

FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are affiliate.

I'm sharing three clutter-clearing tips, Madame Chic-style, in today's video.

This video is a collaboration with A Better Life with Flylady Kat, who has a wonderful YouTube channel that encourages viewers to keep on top of their homes. You can check out Kat's three clutter-clearing tips here.

I'm bringing it back-to-basics in today's video and discussing my first book, Lessons from Madame Chic.



Since living with Madame Chic and her family, I have derived my clutter-clearing methods from them. I was amazed that their home had no clutter. Ever! There was never a day when the side table got out-of-hand, or someone needed to sort through the pile of mail on the entryway desk. Random items didn't accumulate on the dining room table. When an object needed to be dealt with, it was dealt with swiftly and put away in its proper place. The Chic family led very disciplined lives and this is the foundation for living in a clutter-free home.

Here is the abridged version of my three clutter-clearing tips. For expanded thoughts on all of these topics, be sure to watch my video.

Clutter-clearing tip #1: Embrace structured and disciplined living. Clearing clutter is an on-going, everyday process. The main idea here is prevention. If you live a structured and disciplined life at home, you prevent clutter form even forming because everything is put away and dealt with properly. This tip is truly for every member of the household, not just the mother. Otherwise, mom will just be running around picking up after everyone and all will be frustrated.

Clutter-clearing tip #2: Manage your everyday items. This goes hand-in-hand with disciplined living. Our everyday items need a home and should never be put anywhere other than their place. Clear your cluttered cupboards and drawers to create room to place your everyday items.

Clutter-clearing tip #3: Enjoy keeping your home! If you enjoy keeping your home, you will relish taking care of it and not let it get out of hand. Of course, we all go through seasons of life where we will get behind on the housework (I share a story about this in today's video), but generally, if you can keep an exuberance and a joie de vivre with regard to housekeeping, you will be on top of the clutter situation.

News
The Mapp and Lucia book club Live Chat will be on Monday, August 6th 11am pacific time. Join me on YouTube to discuss the next two books in the series, Lucia in London and Mapp and Lucia. If you are unable to make the livestream, it will be available to watch as are the rest of my videos. If you would like to submit a comment for the live chat, leave one in the comment section below. I look forward to discussing E.F. Benson's book! "Au Reservoir!" :)

For more of The Daily Connoisseur, take my eCourses, Creating Your Own Ten-Item Wardrobe and Chic Financial Principles for Debt-Free Living.

On the Debt-free course, Leigha writes, "I loved this course! I've taken notes and have already started implementing many of the ideas. I've really cleared out my closet of clutter, too. Thinking I may need to invest in the wardrobe course, as well. I hope that in the next year I will be able to make great strides in reducing my debt and becoming more financially free. I am also hoping to put more emphasis on people and experiences rather than things. Thanks, as always, for such a lovely series of videos. So inspirational! Now....I think I want to enjoy a hot cup of tea. :)"

Leigha, I'm so excited to see the changes that happen in your life. Please come back and update us on your progress. Thank you for taking my course!

On Instagram
Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic on Instagram...

Przerwa na kawę! ☕️ Książkę z całego serca polecam - jest ciepła, zabawna, lekka do czytania. Z pewnością nie wyczerpuje tematu, ale to dobry start dla początkujących dam (takich jak ja 😉). Pięknego dnia! Coffee break with lovely, funny and inspirating book #bookstagram #coffeetime #coffee #break #bookstagrammer #dailyconnoisseur #madamechic

A post shared by Ola (@sous_le_ciel_de_varsovie) on Jun 12, 2018 at 1:16am PDT

Comment of the Week
There were so many thought-provoking comments on Monday's blog and video on the Trouble with Social Media. I you haven't already read through some of the comments, it's worth doing! Lindsay wrote, "Thank you for this! I have been very disturbed by some of these same tendencies in myself. I mentally write social media posts as I'm taking photos. There have been events where I felt more excited to post about them and see the reactions and comments from people than I was about the actual event! I resist posting on holidays because I hate the idea of making people who are lonely on those days feel even worse. I can tell my mom how much I love her in person, so I don't do a mother's day post. I am trying to use it to connect with people I don't see often and remove the self-promotion aspect of it. But it's hard."

Lindsay, I love your honesty. Social media has changed the way we think. I've noticed it in myself and it's something I have to actively fight against. Thank you for sharing your comment with us!


Today, I would love to know... do you struggle with clutter? Do you have hot spots that accumulate clutter on a regular basis? What are your best clutter-clearing tips? Let us know in the comment section below and your comment could be chosen as comment of the week on The Daily Connoisseur.

I'll see you tomorrow for an all new Natural Home with Jennifer.

Visit my Author Website

Facebook facebook.com/JenniferLScottAuthor

Twitter @JL_Scott

Instagram @dailyconnoisseur

Take my eCourse on the Ten-Item Wardrobe

Take my eCourse Chic Financial Principles for Debt-Free Living

Sign up for my Seasonal Author Newsletter


FTC: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links.

For the past two weeks we have tried a radical experiment chez nous to see how we get along living with less. I'm talking a lot less. This wasn't necessarily by choice. It all started when we refinished the hardwood floors in our apartment. We had to take all of our furniture out. We removed everything from our home save the beds, side tables and dining room table. We even boxed up most of our clothing and saved just a few pieces in a suitcase (more on this interesting observation in a moment).

A while back, I recommended Marie Kondo's book, The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up. Ms. Kondo writes about radically getting rid of your possessions to understand the freedom of living with less. I was so happy I had read her book before doing this because I was quite excited to see how we would fare. It turns out (save for a few files and my beloved piano)... We didn't miss anything!



What a surprising verdict! We are quite minimal with our belongings anyway compared to the average family, but over the years with two little ones, we did acquire quite the collection of this and that.

One of the most surprising results is that the children didn't miss their toys! Their little playroom (which was really a play corner) was filled with bins of blocks, legos, dolls and art supplies among many other things. This space frustrated me because I felt it offered too much choice for them. They would play with one thing, get distracted and them move on to the next without putting anything away. Now with the toys all stored away, we bring out one puzzle, or get an art project going or keep out a rotation of around 5 books and they are still as happy as they were with all of their toys. In fact, they have been prompted to use their imagination more and have created things to do (like making a "midnight soup" from old food in the refrigerator). And what about those clutter hot spots and stagnant spaces as discussed in At Home With Madame Chic? With less possessions to begin with, the cleanup of these areas has been dramatically reduced.

The clothing experiment is also quite telling. It has been the ten-item wardrobe on a diet. We are all wearing the same three or four pieces over and over again. There is less laundry, we still look great and there is no question about what to wear in the morning. Now, don't worry, I'm not going down to a three-item wardrobe (!), this is only temporary, but this radical experiment has really opened my eyes to the fact that we can not only live comfortably with less belongings, we can thrive.

Living with less encourages me to only bring items into my home that I adore and to constantly reassess what I have.

Check out this week's video for the full discussion. If you are unable to see the video above, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or check out my channel (and subscribe!): www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur **

News
I am quoted in Bankrate this week in an article called, Living Luxuriously for Less.

Madame Chic Inspiring Thought
Take one room in your home this week and get radical with it. Take out excess furniture, any clutter and all items that don't belong in that room. See what living in that room is like after you remake it. Enjoy its simplicity and use that room as a springboard to enjoy the same process to other rooms in your home.

Comment(s) of the Week
On Life at Home: Get Some Sleep, Alexa writes:

Naps, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee after a good night's sleep. I love thee after a bad night's sleep.

Naps seem to smooth out all the rough edges. Even a short one can be so refreshing. Naps or siestas used to be traditional in many cultures. It's another unfortunate aspect of modern life that schedules and routines no longer accommodate an afternoon rest. After all, who can guarantee a good sleep every night? Even when I was working, I used to nap during my commute on the bus. What does "nap" spell backwards, if you add a few letters? panacea!
I wish everyone a good rest!

Alexa, I have never been able to nap, but people who can swear by it! I'll never forget my time in Spain where the families would leave work for two hours to go home for a siesta. I like your thinking!

Madeleine writes:

Hi Jennifer,

in Beethoven's day the average amount of sleep people got was ten hours - TEN hours! No doubt lack of electric lighting and gadgets made this possible. But I think it tells us most of us are probably sleep deprived most of the time. Seven to eight hours is not for me!

I have to admit that the biggest habit I am trying to break this year is that of staying up late because i do just want some time to myself. I'm aiming to reverse the trend by going to bed earlier and doing yoga in the morning - which definitely makes my life a whole lot better.

I am a bedtime reader, but usually cannot stay awake for a full hour!

Great comment Madeleine... modern convenience has surely changed the way we live, particularly with regard to sleep. I would love to know what time Beethoven himself went to bed! :)


Testimonial
On my author website Guestbook, Lise B. writes:

Dear Jennifer,
Thank you for your belief and promotion of a quality life style. Your “Lessons from Madame Chic” has had a profound effect on my life.
I have and continue purging, going from 3 full closets to only 1 small one. I have purged everything else in my house and I am constantly thinking about what else I am no longer using which can be sold/donated or simply dumped.
Because of this book, I now only wear my best clothes whether to go to work, to teach or go grocery shopping on the week-end. I have gotten rid of everything that does not promote a quality lifestyle and that includes acquaintances. Thank you!


Thank you Lise and to everyone who has signed the guestbook. I love reading about your evolving journeys!

**This video was shot in my mother-in-law, Jane's Santa Monica flat in front of her lovely painting, "The Dancers" by British artist, Ashley Luff.

Visit my Author Website

Facebook facebook.com/JenniferLScottAuthor

Twitter @JL_Scott

Instagram @dailyconnoisseur

Sign up for my Seasonal Author Newsletter