In today's final video before going on maternity leave, I share a brief update for skin, diet, and how I was doing at the end of the pregnancy.



This video was shot three days before I gave birth. Those of you who follow me on Instagram know that I delivered last week, a healthy baby boy! We are so thrilled with our little man.

View this post on Instagram

It’s a boy! ❤️

A post shared by Jennifer L. Scott (@dailyconnoisseur) on Sep 8, 2018 at 10:27am PDT

I plan to take a few weeks off from the blog and channel to spend more time with my family. When I return, I look forward to sharing the birth story with you, as well as kicking off a new fall season on The Daily Connoisseur.

If you miss the blog while I'm away, and you haven't taken one of my eCourses yet, consider doing so. Create Your Own Ten-Item Wardrobe and Chic Financial Principles for Debt-Free Living are my two courses.



They are packed with hours of video instruction, notes, and quizzes, plus a lively comment section with other fellow daily connoisseurs. There is a wonderful community over there. I also try to actively engage with every student who leaves questions and comments.



Here are some testimonials on the eCourses:


This course was amazing! I am debt-free, but you have inspired me to save more, love my home life, be happy with what I already have, etc. Thank you, Jennifer! Everything you produce is of such a high quality and truly gives so much value to your audience. I am looking forward to your next course! -Nora

I so appreciate you and the financial e-course! I loved the encouragement and can do attitude!! I encourage everyone to take it, the quizzes at the end of each lecture were fun and helpful!!! - Laura

I'm a long time subscriber and just want to say how much I enjoyed this course! I really like the direction your channel is going in while maintaining your chic sensibility. Thank you for all the great work you do. -DeAnna

I have enjoyed the course and your blog. It has helped me tremendously as I down size my wardrobe and home. Thank you! - Mary Ann

Jennifer, thank you so much for your time, advice, and inspiration. I've gained a lot by taking this course and am even sad that it has ended. I know I will revisit lectures when I need a refresher. I also know I will come back and update on any new debt-free milestones I may reach in hopes that it will inspire others. God bless! - Melissa

WOW! What can I say that others haven't?! It has been a pleasure watching this course other the last few days. It has been an eye opener for sure. The exercise at the beginning to open up and share your debt story. That was a first for me. I never comment on anything and I have felt such appreciation throughout this course, that I couldn't hold back from commenting. I will be doing my best to apply all your principles and tips. All the best to all your course attendees and a HUGE thank you to you, Jennifer. -Candice

Jennifer, thank you so much for this course. Your books and vlog have improved my life in so many ways! I'm struggling to create my Ten-Item Wardrobe but with your help I've cleaned out my closet and discovered my personal style. -Terri

I just completed your e course on Chic finances and it’s incredible! Thank you for sharing your wisdom and inspiration- it’s a course where everyone can get something great that will improve their life and their finances. I love your “Yes, we can do this AND live well,” mindset, Jennifer. You’re a treasure! -
tandcocoapuff


These are just a few of the amazing testimonials that have come from the eCourses. Thank you to everyone who has joined us in the connoisseur community over there.

I appreciate each and every one of you who reads this blog and watches my videos. Thank you for your support. I look forward to returning to you soon. Until next time, as Lucia would say, *Au Reservoir* :)

With love,

Jennifer


Visit my Author Website

*New* Shop my favorite things

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 contains affiliate links.

It's been several years since I have discussed my fitness routine in detail. My life has changed so much over the past decade and it is only natural that my fitness routine has changed too. In addition to incorporating exercise into everyday life, as I discuss in chapter 3 of Lessons from Madame Chic, I have an additional fitness routine.

For a fitness routine to be realistic and sustainable, one's life circumstances have to be taken into account. The same thing will not work for everyone. In the past I have had a gym membership. I have taken yoga classes. I would go on long bike rides and tried various martial arts. I've done home DVDs and we even have some gym equipment in our garage, like weights and a Stairmaster. Through all of this I have had three children, a pretty demanding career as a work-at-home mom and this past year we have thrown homeschooling into the mix. None of the above listed exercises have been able to translate successfully into my busy life as a mom.

There are two major things that have changed, that I happy implement into my life. The first is a long walk every day. I've actually always done this. When I used to live in Santa Monica and West Los Angeles I would simply run my errands on foot. Now that I live in a more suburban area, I am not able to walk to run my errands. I do, however, go out for a long walk everyday with the kids. Sometimes it's just me and the baby. Sometimes the rest of the family joins me. Sometimes the kids bring their bikes or scooters. Sometimes we all just take a long hike. These walks are often my favorite time of the day. It feels wonderful to be out of the house breathing fresh air, looking at nature and disconnecting from screens and cleaning and work.



The second major change I've made is one that I am so excited to share with you. I jump on the rebounder for a minimum of 5 minutes a day. Many people have heard of rebounding, but many haven't. I hadn't heard about it before last year. A rebounder looks like a mini, low-to-the-ground trampoline. On busy days, I will jump on the rebounder for 5 minutes, but often, I am able to jump on the rebounder several times a day for 2 to 5 minute intervals.

Rebounding has so many health benefits, which I will list below, but one of my favorite things about it is its convenience factor. I don't need to get into my car. I don't need to find a babysitter. I don't need to rush. I don't even need to change into exercise clothes. I often do, but I can't tell you how many times I just decide on a whim to jump on the rebounder for 5 minutes and I'm in my day clothes.



While you're jumping, you don't feel as though anything is happening especially because rebounding is quite fun. But when you finish your session and step off the rebounder, you feel incredible, as though you've run a mile. Many people have said that bouncing on a rebounder for 5 minutes is the equivalent to running one to two miles. The reason you feel so good after jumping is because your lymphatic system is draining and flowing.

I use a Needak Rebounder. I bought this for my husband and he and I both love to use it. Even the kids love it! Rebounders can be pricey so I did extensive research to figure out the best one to purchase for us. Needak had overwhelmingly good reviews online. They are a family company and their products are all made in America, which I love. So Needak it was!

I have the Needak non-folding rebounder in blue but they have other colors and styles to choose from on their Rebounders page.

Health Benefits
The following information was taken from the rebounder Wikipedia page regarding the many benefits of rebounding.
Strengthened Cells: All of the body’s cells are said to be strengthened through the mechanics of rebounding, either because of gravity changes or because of pressure differentials (along with more oxygen reaching cells throughout the body)

Increased Lymph Flow & Immune System Function: Rebounding is said to lead to greatly increased lymph fluid circulation, leading directly to a boosted immune system, greater white blood cell activity, and increased detoxification generally

Cardiovascular and Respiratory Improvement: Rebounding is said to directly yield impressive aerobic exercise benefits in terms of heart strength and functioning, respiration, and related physiological functions; and
Physical Strength, Muscular Development, Coordination, Balance, and Flexibility: Rebounding is often said to improve all of these.

Low Impact, Less Strain on Joints, Soft Tissue, Skeleton: The elastic element of a rebounder, either springs or bungee bands, absorbs much of the impact or shock on each bounce, thereby making rebound exercise more attractive to those who need to avoid shocking or straining their joints, soft tissue, and skeleton.

"Rebounding is a great exercise for the entire body, especially the lymphatic system. Rebounding involves jumping on a mini-trampoline; this promotes circulation. The body contains 5-6 quarts of blood, which is circulated by the heart. But without the lymphatic system, the body cannot effectively eliminate toxins. Exercising on a rebounder for 5-20 minutes at a time will promote the flow of lymph, thereby eliminating toxins... The lymphatic system is a major dumping ground for toxins and waste products. The lymphatic system can only be kept flowing by 3 means:

1. Gravity,

2. Internal massage of the lymph ducts, and

3. Exercise by rebounding or similar means.

When you use a rebounder, it promotes circulation through the body's lymphatic system. As you begin to exercise, the toxins are moved to the lymph ducts, which transport the toxins to the kidney and liver. Rebounding serves as an insurance policy against many serious diseases. Rebounding is not only great exercise, but it is fun too."
- Barbi Trejo, Natural News

NASA research concludes that rebounding is an effective form of exercise, even better than running.

Rebound exercise is the most efficient, effective form of exercise yet devised by man.”
-The Miracles of Rebound Exercise; Carter, Albert E.; The National institute of Reboundology and Health, Inc. Edmonds, Washington, 1979.

“…for similar levels of heart rate and oxygen consumption, the magnitude of the biomechanical stimuli is greater with jumping on a trampoline than with running, a finding that might help identify acceleration parameters needed for the design of remedial procedures to avert deconditioning in persons exposed to weightlessness. “
-NASA

I hope you enjoy my video today where I discuss my new fitness routine.

News
Simple Adventure references Lessons from Madame Chic in their article, 5 Simple Ways to Declutter the Kitchen.

If you are longing for more ten-item wardrobe inspiration, enroll in myeCourse on the ten-item wardrobe. With over an hour of never-before-seen video instruction, notes and quizzes, you will feel prepared to create your own ten-item wardrobe. For those of you who already do the ten-item wardrobe, this course will keep you on track and provide further inspiration. The course is self-paced and includes a lively comment section with other ten-item wardrobe enthusiasts. Enjoy!



On Instagram
Tracey enjoys Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic by the fire...

The snow is lashing against the window as I sit in front of the woodburner with my dozy dog at my feet while I read "Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic" by Jennifer I Scott aka @dailyconnoisseur . Always trying to improve myself 😊 #polishyourpoise #madamechic #jenniferlscott

A post shared by Tracey Penelope (@tracey.penelope) on Jan 21, 2018 at 9:44am PST

Comment of the Week
ThriftyGalifty writes, "Jennifer your books have changed me forever! I now have a 10 item wardrobe ( I also own only 1 pair of jeans!) and will never go back! I’m reading your books for the second time right now and have my mom and sisters now reading them! I get dressed in clothes that make me feel beautiful everyday now and have donated everything that makes me feel not so good. I try to look presentable ALWAYS! I’m so thankful Ive read your books and feel like I took so much from them! Thank you so much for your books and videos!"

Thank you so much, ThriftyGalifty... what a wonderful testimony! I appreciate your comment and loved to read what the Madame Chic books have done for you.


Today, I would love to know about your fitness routine. How do you fit exercise into your busy schedule? Have you ever considered rebounding? If you have a rebounder or plan to get one, please let me know if you'd like to see the specific exercises I use on my rebounder. I look forward to jumping with you!

Visit my Author Website

Facebook facebook.com/JenniferLScottAuthor

Twitter @JL_Scott

Instagram @dailyconnoisseur

Take my eCourse on the Ten-Item Wardrobe

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.

I'm not trying to be dramatic here, but today I do have a small piece of advice that can change your life. It's to do with how you eat lunch.

Technology, in particular the internet, has changed our lives in the most amazing ways. In other ways it has also been a detriment. It's changed everything from the way we communicate to the way we eat. This change can be judged as good or bad. I think it depends on how you use the internet. I'm clearly a big fan of the internet because it is how I reach you with my blog and YouTube channel. I love being able to publish these blogs every week and to share my ideas with people around the world.

But when you become addicted to the internet, it can become bad thing.

So what does this have to do with eating lunch? While we tend to eat breakfast and dinner with other people, lunchtime is often taken solo. You are either by yourself at home, or perhaps you take lunch at your desk at work. Many times when we eat alone we figure we don't have anyone to talk to so we get out our phone and start browsing while we eat. Or we stay at our computer and click away at news articles, blog posts and status updates.

Meanwhile what is happening while we are doing this? We've eaten our lunch, although you never would have known it. We pay little attention to the food we are eating or how it's going down or how full we are or how nourished we feel. After lunch we jump right back into our hectic day.

I refer to lunchtime in At Home With Madame Chic as the intermission of the play that is our day. Like an intermission, eating lunch is truly a break- a chance for our bodies to recharge. When you attend the ballet you will often have one or more intermissions. This is not only for the dancers to rest in between acts, but for the audience to take a break as well. We need the break that lunchtime provides so it's important to take full advantage of this time off.

My number one eating tip in At Home With Madame Chic is to have lunch with no distractions. Turn the ringer off on the cell phone, shut down the computer, don't even look at a magazine. Sit at a nicely set table (or as best as you can do, especially if you are eating at your desk) and either listen to soothing music or listen to the silence and focus on what you are eating.

You will notice an intense resistance to this. You will want to read the news. You will want to peruse Pinterest. You will want to checkout the trending topics on twitter. You will want to watch a YouTube video. Don't do it. Hold out. Notice the resistance and be amused by it.

It is especially important for you to practice this on days when you are feeling rushed or overwhelmed with your work load. It is days like these when you need this respite the most. After you eat lunch this way, you feel as though you were just on a mini-vacation. It is truly liberating.

For more on this topic, check out this week's video. If you are unable to see the video above, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or check out my channel: www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur

News

This week I am officially a New York Times bestselling author! This is a dream realized for me. Thank you to all of the readers who made this happen.

My TEDx talk on the Ten-Item Wardrobe is featured on LifeHacker allowing this liberating concept to reach an entirely new audience of people all around the world.

At Home With Madame Chic is featured on many publications this week, including:

Laura Denno

Houzz.com

Chic Mummy

ByBeeBooks

One Can't Get Over the Habit blog

Chick Lit Club

Madame Chic Inspiring Thought
Notice any addictive behaviors you have with regard to the internet. Are you addicted to checking your smartphone? Does this affect your life in any negative ways? Pay attention to this and vow to be more in the moment.

Comment of the Week
On Facebook, Rose M. writes:
"I am thoroughly enjoying dipping into your book each day and savouring it. Thank you so much for the In a Time Lapse - Ludovico Einaudi recommendation in the music lists, I am head over heels in love with this music and have picked up two more of his albums -- Islands and Nightbook."

Rose: In a Time Lapse is one of my favorite albums! It is truly beautiful music. I hope that more people fall in love with it as we have.



This week I would love to know... how do you eat your lunch? Are you guilty dining with your phone as a companion? Would you like to make any changes to the way you eat your meals? I love to hear from you. Leave me a comment and perhaps yours will be picked as the comment of the week!


Visit my Author Website

Facebook facebook.com/JenniferLScottAuthor

Twitter @JL_Scott

Instagram @dailyconnoisseur

Sign up for my Seasonal Author Newsletter

In this week's video, Ten-Item Wardrobe Follow Up, I answer questions such as: Do I really wear those clothes everyday? and What do I do with clothes from prior seasons?

If you are unable to see the video above, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or visit my channel: www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur

In this post I also thought it would be fun to share my favorite YouTube channels with you. Some of you might already be familiar with these channels, but for many, I know they will be a new treat.

Sara Sabaté

Sara Sabaté is a beauty blogger who does videos in both French and Spanish (sorry, no English!). Her hair and makeup tutorials (her chignon series are my favorite) are so informative and inspiring. You can usually follow the steps even if you don't understand what she is saying.

Here is one of my favorite videos of hers called Chignon diva 60s:



Visit her YouTube channel for more lovely tutorials.

Lisa Eldridge

Lisa Eldridge is a British makeup artist who has the most amazing YouTube channel for makeup lovers. She has such a lovely, soothing way about her (you'll see what I mean when you watch her videos) and her makeup tips are very achievable for us non-professionals. Check out her makeup tutorials on her YouTube channel.

Here is one of my favorites (surprise, surprise) 'No Make-Up' Make-up



The Hungry Planet
I ran across an article in the Daily Mail this past weekend called 'The Great Global Food Gap'. It showcased pictures from the book, The Hungry Planet, by Peter Menzel and shows portraits of families from all around the world surrounded by what they eat in a week. I was so intrigued by these photos (note the families from poorer countries eat more healthfully with more fruits and vegetables and little to no processed foods). After reading this article, I ordered The Hungry Planet and Material World: A Global Family Portrait, both by Peter Menzel.

Learning how other people live and eat has always fascinated me. I am really looking forward to reading both of these books to see if I am inspired to make changes in my own life. I'll keep you updated.

Have a wonderful week!

Visit my Author Website

Like my Facebook Page

Follow me on Twitter

Sign up for my Seasonal Author Newsletter

Before this post begins I have a few very special announcements:

♥ I am going to be a regular contributing writer for Huffington Post Style! It's a major honor for me to be aligned with such a prestigious publication. Here is my first article, sharing my DIY, cost-effective fruit decorations for the holidays.

♥ Huffington Post Canada has picked Lessons from Madame Chic as one of the best fashion books of the year! To read the article, click here.

OK I had to get those out of the way because they were too exciting not to mention first :)

I've received a lot of requests recently to discuss overindulging with food over the holidays (how not to, specifically). So that is what I am discussing in today's YouTube video.

You know me, I don't like to deprive myself of anything... but this comes with a few caveats. Watch my video to see how I make this philosophy work for me. If you are unable to see the embedded video, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or visit my channel: www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur

I would love to know... what are your tips for not overindulging over the holiday season?


Visit my Author Website

Like my Facebook Page

Follow me on Twitter

Sign up for my Seasonal Author Newsletter