It's time for my annual holiday gift guide. I'm really excited about my choices this year! Let's dive right into it.



Carrot Top Paper Shop
Jenny Williams, founder of Carrot Top Paper Shop, is a talented artist with a brilliant idea. She creates portraits of literary heroines. What a wonderful gift to inspire young girls. With so many dubious role models out there today, gifting a young girl with a portrait or quote from Anne of Green Gables can give her something beautiful to look up to. I adore Jenny's work! She is offering a 25% off discount to all readers of The Daily Connoisseur. Simply use the code, MADAMECHIC at checkout. This code is good through December 20th, 2016. Thank you, Jenny!



Lillian Vernon personalized rolling luggage for kids. My daughters really love to prepare for a trip (gosh, I don't know where they get that from!). They get really detailed about how they pack, so I just know they are going to adore these personalized suitcases with their names on them. The above picture shows various styles from their website.



Chatbooks is a new app that I am loving! You can create photo albums from your smartphone. You can either create a custom album (which would make a great gift, especially for family far away), or create a series from your Facebook or Instagram pictures, or from the "Favorites" on your iPhone. Click this link to get your first book for free.
I recently started the "favorites" series where Chatbooks send me an album every time my phone accumulates 60 favorites. I received all 8 volumes of my favorites yesterday and I love them. I suggest getting the hardbound books, they seem more durable than the soft cover (which I have ordered in the past).


Buns, Braids and Twists by Christina Butcher and The New Braiding Handbook by Abby Smith. These books make fun and interesting presents. It's fun to try the hairstyles on yourself and others.


Personalized stationery makes a thoughtful gift. It doesn't have to be the fancy kind, a simple notepad can be very appreciated. I made mine on Zazzle.



My gift guide could not be complete without mentioning The Madame Chic Collection. It truly makes the perfect gift! If you have loved reading the Madame Chic books and know someone who would love them too, this is an affordable and attractive way to buy all three. Buy it on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

I do hope you check out today's video for more on all of these gift ideas.

News
Ballerina, Kathryn Morgan, features The Madame Chic Collection in her annual holiday gift guide video. Thank you, Kathryn!

If you missed my appearance on Nippon TV's THE MOST USEFUL SCHOOL IN THE WORLD, you can see it here.

Comments of the Week
Isabela writes: Hi Jennifer,
I really liked this planning video. I think scheduling minor activities, like baking or going to the movies, would be helpful during summer breaks too, so I wouldn't lose all my leisure time binge watching on Netflix.
Also, My aunt just bought tickets for the nutcracker for us! I'm so happy that I wanted to share it with you. Many great solo dancers from around the globe will perform, including a principal dancer from the Royal Ballet in London, who, like me, is Brazilian.
I Love your books,
Isabela

Thank you, Isabela! Yes, I find that planning for all holidays and breaks in a similar manner to what I showed in Monday's post makes for a fun and meaningful time. Have a wonderful time at the Nutcracker!

Laura W writes:

Jennifer, seeing this list brought back so many memories of when my boys were little. I especially loved the movie night. We had a Friday night movie night too! Just like when I was little, Sunday night seemed to be the T.V. night with homemade popcorn or black cows and watched the Walt Disney Show and the F.B.I. These shows date me but such happy times.

Hi Laura, movie night means so much to my children. They look forward to it every week! There's something about the routine and anticipation of it. I loved hearing about your movie nights when your boys were younger. Thanks for sharing!

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone. Let me know what your favorite gifts are this year. I would also love to hear a memory of your favorite gift as a child. Remember, your comment could be chosen as comment of the week on the blog!


Visit my Author Website

Facebook facebook.com/JenniferLScottAuthor

Twitter @JL_Scott

Instagram @dailyconnoisseur

Sign up for my Seasonal Author Newsletter


FTC: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. Links may be affiliates.

Thank you for another wonderful year on The Daily Connoisseur. This is my last video of the year as I will be taking a break until January. I am greatly looking forward to 2015 and have some very exciting news to share with you upon my return.

So until then... Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and I am wishing you a very happy new year!

Please check out my video above to hear my Christmas message to you. 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
At Home With Madame Chic is featured on Bella NYC as a book that will warm you up this winter.

On December 28th, check out my radio appearance on At Home With Cheryll and Sam, discussing At Home With Madame Chic.

Madame Chic Inspiring Thought
Enjoy the merriment of the season and "deprive yourself not" when it comes to holiday treats while still maintaining your standards. Be present while you are eating. Enjoy but don't overindulge past your comfort zone.

Testimonial
On my author guestbook page, Debbie writes:

I adore both your books – I read them both cover to cover! I remade my mornings to be more “Madame Chic” and now have a proper breakfast, sitting down and eating together, with my son, even on weekday mornings. It’s something I look forward to with great delight and prepare for the night before. Such a difference. I’m trying many of your hints. The idea to take pride in domestic tasks and “not to be lazy” are things I’ve taken to heart and really feel good about – thank you!

Thank you Debbie!

And thank you to all readers who have commented and contributed to the blog this year. You are appreciated more than you know.

See you in the new year!

Visit my Author Website

Facebook facebook.com/JenniferLScottAuthor

Twitter @JL_Scott

Instagram @dailyconnoisseur

Sign up for my Seasonal Author Newsletter

I'm going to let you in on a surprising secret. I love to decorate with faux flowers! Silk and faux flowers have really come a long way and can look incredibly realistic. They can be wonderful for people who don't have access to a garden or who don't have the budget to constantly purchase fresh flowers, but who still love the look of a beautiful bouquet. I don't advocate only using silk flowers but a few tastefully done arrangements placed in strategic locations in your home (they are great for guest bedrooms or gloomy corners) can add so much flair and really trick the eye. Flower arranging is an art and there is no wrong way to do it so the novice need not feel intimidated.

I especially like to use silk flowers during the holiday season because I can create festive bouquets to brighten up the various rooms in our home (especially the bedrooms). In this week's video I show you several different bouquets, share my tips on how to make professional looking arrangements (leaf ribbon!) and create a fancy arrangement from scratch using floral foam. 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

Here are pictures of some of the arrangements featured in the video:



And here are both sides of the arrangement I create on camera:



Many of the flowers are purchased from my local craft store. Others were purchased online from afloral.com (This is a great resource), including the leaf ribbon, which makes the arrangements look so professional.

News
I was honored to be interviewed on camera for Connie Martinson Talks Books. Check out my episode where we discuss At Home With Madame Chic and so much more.

Lafourche Library Books & Reviews gives At Home With Madame Chic a wonderful mention in their latest blog post.

Letters from Eurolux recommends At Home With Madame Chic for French style at home.

The Decadent Minimalist shares how At Home With Madame Chic has helped her.

Restyling Home by Kelly recommends At Home With Madame Chic as one of her favorite new decorating books.

Madame Chic Inspiring Thought
Spend less time in front of a screen and more time indulging in a hobby you love. Try your hand at flower arranging, even if you've never done it before. You'll be surprised how soothing and therapeutic it can be.

Comment of the Week
On my recent post, 5 Days of Outfits from my Ten-Item Wardrobe, Ottie writes:

This is my first season using the 10-item wardrobe. I have more confidence and stand taller. Putting more thought into wardrobe planning gives me more outfits that look sharp. I think I saved money on clothes this year too, but look better. More complements are coming my way too. It's fun deciding what to wear and looking good and presentable.

Ottie, I am very happy for you! I tell so many people who are hesitant (or who keep making excuses) to just try the ten-item wardrobe. Try it. You will be amazed at how it can change your life. If you have been hesitant, just take the plunge. Get ready to live differently in the upcoming new year.

Testimonial
On YouTube, Marcellina writes:

I just want to tell you I just finished lessons from madame chic and I could just cry! I feel like this book is what I've been needing my whole life! I wish I would've discovered this in my 20s (although the book didn't exist!). At the end of the book I felt like I was at that nightclub with you dancing, and eating that Camembert, and hearing the secret quartet! Thank you so much! I am going to start 2015 with a fresh outlook and I'm using your book as a guidebook for my life! 

Thank you Marcellina!

This week I would love to know... have you decorated with silk flowers recently? Do you like to use them in your home? What type of flower arrangements do you like to do for the holidays?



Visit my Author Website

Facebook facebook.com/JenniferLScottAuthor

Twitter @JL_Scott

Instagram @dailyconnoisseur

Sign up for my Seasonal Author Newsletter

'Tis the week of Christmas... can you believe it? I've been having so much fun catching up with visiting family members that this blog is a little bit late.

Last night I attended the LA Ballet's performance of the Nutcracker with the girls at London Sole.



It was a brilliant performance, as ever. I especially enjoyed seeing principal dancer, Allyssa Bross, as the Rose during the dance of the flowers. I got to meet Allyssa at the Santa Monica Art Walk several months ago. She charmed the audience with her beautiful dancing.

This week's video message gives you my good tidings for the season and also shows you my houseguest appropriate presentable pajamas: the Victoria's Secret Sleepover pajama. It is very common this time of year to either be a houseguest yourself or to have people staying over in your home, and it's nice to have pajamas that you'd be happy to be seen in!



I will be taking a short break from the blog in the next two weeks. I hope you have a magnificent holiday break as well.

If you'd like to join us for our next book club, don't forget to pick up The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer. We will be starting the book club discussion in late February, so there is plenty of time to read it.

Please watch this week's video to hear my holiday message to you. If you are unable to see the video above, click here, look in the sidebar of the blog, or visit my channel: www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur.

In case you missed my three holiday hair tutorials filmed at BYUTI salon, you can find them all in my article on Huffington Post Style.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. See you in 2014!

Visit my Author Website

Like my Facebook Page

Follow me on Twitter

Sign up for my Seasonal Author Newsletter

I had all of these grand plans to do a number of holiday-themed videos on the Daily Connoisseur this year and then, lo and behold, the holidays crept up quicker than I anticipated! I must have been distracted working on the second book, which I am happy to report, was just turned in to my editor, Trish Todd, at Simon & Schuster. Woo hoo!

So this week's video, Holiday Chat, discusses two topics to make up for lost time. First we talk about high and low budget decorating. I show you my citrus fruit ornaments that I did a tutorial on last year, and introduce you to my favorite decoration, my Kay Burkart Santa Claus... a true work of art!



**Update- Many people have asked where I purchased my Kay Burkart Santa. I purchased him locally from Stephanie Grace Designs in Santa Monica.

The video also gives you my top gift book recommendations. I love receiving books as presents and you are sure to find something for everyone on my list.

Books mentioned in the video are:

♦︎Downton Tabby by Chris Kelly (This book is SO FUNNY. It would make a perfect stocking stuffer.)

♦︎The Perfectly Imperfect Home by Deborah Needleman (and illustrated by Lessons from Madame Chic artist, Virginia Johnson.)

♦︎A Life of Barbara Stanwyck Steel True: 1907-1940 by Victoria Wilson (Perfect for anyone who loves the Golden Age of Hollywood.)

♦︎The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith (One of the most delightful series of books ever written, in my humble opinion.)

♦︎The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer (This is the next book club selection for the Daily Connoisseur, so I want you to read this too!)

♦︎Lessons from Madame Chic by Jennifer L. Scott (C'mon, you know I had to include this in the gift guide.)

♦︎Taste of Home Christmas 465 recipes for a merry holiday (Fabulous holiday recipes... would make a great gift!)

Check out this week's video for the full chat. 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

Book News

Lessons from Madame Chic makes Martine Holston's 2013 book list as her top French lifestyle book of the year (and she read 5 in the same genre). Thank you Martine! Check out the list here.

Visit my Author Website

Like my Facebook Page

Follow me on Twitter

Sign up for my Seasonal Author Newsletter

Merry Christmas!

I will be taking a short winter break from the blog but look forward to discussing my favorite topics with you when I get back.

Thank you for all of your messages and requests. I read and appreciate them all even though I am not always able to respond...

Wishing you and your family peace, good health and prosperity going into the new year. See you soon!

PS- Gatsby sends his love ♥


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

This past weekend I went to see the Los Angeles Ballet perform the Nutcracker at UCLA's Royce Hall. It was a magical production. I've seen the Nutcracker several times but this year's performance was particularly special. I appreciated the artistic choreography and the familiar, beautiful music. The dancing was mesmerizing and I especially loved seeing the children dance in the ballet... joy emanating from their precious movements.

I like to slow down during the holiday season, cut out all of the hype and unnecessary spending and take pleasure from the simple things: lots of baking, decorations from nature (as you've seen in the last few posts), spending time with family, enjoying the arts and (as you will see this week) getting creative with wrapping presents.

Chic Gift Wrap

Brown paper packages tied up with string... the secret behind my budget-friendly, yet very chic, gift wrap. The key to dressing up your special brown package is in the accessories: beautiful ribbon, unique gift tags or natural materials like raffia, dried fruit and lavender.

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

Book News

♥ Check out my interview with Kimberlee from I Have A Degree In This about blogging, publishing and Lessons from Madame Chic. (This same article was also posted on Lucky Magazine's website!) Thank you Kimberlee!

♥ Phyrra is hosting a giveaway of Lessons from Madame Chic on her lovely beauty blog. Enter here.

A final word
I would like to extend my condolences to the families affected by the tragic events in Connecticut this past week. My heart goes out to everyone affected. I pray that we as a society can come together to fix the problems that lie behind these senseless tragedies.

To donate to the Sandy Hook Elementary Victims, you can do so here via United Way.

Visit my Author Website

Like my Facebook Page

Follow me on Twitter

Sign up for my Seasonal Author Newsletter

Every holiday season I love to create this elegant centerpiece of sugared fruit. When displayed in a footed bowl or on a tiered cake stand, this inexpensive centerpiece looks grand and opulent.

You will need:

seasonal fruit
greenery (in the video I use rosemary, but you can use any foliage from your garden or even greens from your Christmas tree)
egg whites (I use two)
a brush
superfine sugar
aluminum foil (to help dry the fruit)
a pretty bowl or tiered cake stand

Watch my video to see how to create this Victorian inspired centerpiece. If you are unable to see my embedded video, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or visit my channel: www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur

Music in the video: Tchaikovsky's Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy from the Nutcracker Suite (naturally!)

This week I would love to know... what is your favorite holiday centerpiece?

Book News

I'm so pleased Lessons from Madame Chic is featured in Matchbook Magazine's holiday gift guide! Check out the coverage here.

This week I will be a guest on the WKRQ radio show, Amy's Table: A Girl's Guide to Living. I'll be sure to post links as soon as they are available.


Have a great week. Wishing a Happy Hanukkah to all who celebrate. See you soon! x



Visit my Author Website

Like my Facebook Page

Follow me on Twitter

Sign up for my Seasonal Author Newsletter

Happy Holidays from The Daily Connoisseur!

We (that is, Gatsby and I) wish you a healthy, happy and prosperous 2012.



In this new year may you follow your instincts and dreams, turn the mundane into the extraordinary and infuse passion into every aspect of your life.

Thank you for being such an integral part of this blog and thank you for making my book Lessons from Madame Chic such a great success in 2011!

I will be taking a mini holiday break from The Daily Connoisseur but will resume posts and videos on Monday, January 2nd.

If you are unable to see the embedded video above where Gatsby and I send you our season's greetings, you can click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or visit my channel: www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur

Wishing you all the best,

Jennifer x



Subscribe to The Daily Connoisseur on Amazon Kindle

Visit my Author Website

Like my Facebook Page

Follow me on Twitter

Holiday Musings

I can't believe Christmas and New Year are just around the corner. I had lofty ambitions of doing seasonal posts here on The Daily Connoisseur. I was going to share with you my favorite holiday candle (which, incidentally is Voluspa Goji & Tarocco Orange). I was going to make holiday cookies and homemade fudge (I still plan on doing this- probably on Christmas eve). I was going to work on a spectacular holiday floral arrangement and perhaps shoot a YouTube video on how I did it.

Ah, these were all lovely thoughts. But the reality of this holiday season is slightly different. Our Christmas tree only has ornaments on the top half of the tree because my baby daughter has an obsession with tearing down the ornaments and eating them. Rather than making a gingerbread house we have a life sized cardboard gingerbread house where Gatsby and baby like to stash various important items (like my keys and mobile phone), and being pregnant with my second child has rendered me quite exhausted come evening so even the thought of making dinner seems daunting, throwing all rose colored thoughts of baking cookies and making fudge out the window.

Yes, the joys and chaos of daily family life have taken over! I am not going to fight the current up stream- I am letting go of the oars to join in with the blissful havoc.


Downton Abbey

Before the end of the year I wanted to mention the wonderful Masterpiece series Downton Abbey. My friend Romi turned me on to this first rate show- PBS aired it this year and the first season is now on DVD. I'm sure many of you have already seen it but for those of you that haven't- it is a must see series. It is a British period drama (which I have a particular weakness for) with an amazing cast and an even more enthralling story line. I mention it now because the second season is airing in America on PBS on January 8th. Television rarely gets me excited but I am setting my DVR and cannot wait to see what the second season brings.

And the Winner Is...

Thank you for all of you that entered last Thursday's Skindinavia giveaway. I really enjoyed reading about your favorite makeup items- what great recommendations! I wish we could give away one to each of you but there can only be one winner... So without further ado, the winner, who was picked at random by a number generator, is:

Tatiana Ch (TatiKto) from Mexico City!

Congratulations Tatiana! Please email me your shipping address so I can pass the information on to Skindinavia. Enjoy your makeup setting spray.

Lessons from Madame Chic

My book, Lessons from Madame Chic, was mentioned on two fabulous blogs this week. The lovely Fiona at How to be Chic wrote a great review. As did the delightful LR at Magnificent or Egregious. Both are wonderful blogs that are on my reader list- I hope you love them too!

That is all until Thursday when Gatsby has a special holiday wish for you...

I would love to know... is your holiday season going as planned? Or have you given up like I have? :)


Our favorite Christmas nutcracker is pictured above.

The image of Downton Abbey is courtesy of www.monstersandcritics.com


Subscribe to The Daily Connoisseur on Amazon Kindle

Visit my Author Website

Like my Facebook Page

Follow me on Twitter

Hello and Happy Halloween to everyone...

I do love this time of year- the Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays really put me in a festive mood.

Here are a few seasonal delights I take pleasure in...

Comfy slippers for pottering around the house...


These are my Rococo slippers fashioned after Marie Antoinette's very own bedroom slippers. They are from a company called Goody Goody (www.goodygoodyshoes.com) who make whimsical house slippers for men, women and children. I bought mine at the museum shop at the Getty Center when visiting the Paris Life & Luxury exhibit. They add a certain panache and flair to my ordinary house clothes...

Steaming cups of tea in china cups...





As I am a hopeless romantic, this is my favorite china cup (mug?) commemorating the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their marriage. This was a gift from my husband for my birthday (he knew I'd like this one!) and I drink out of it every day...

Cooking and baking seasonal treats...


I've always looked at the Gooseberry Patch cookbooks and admired their quaint charm. This one is the Quick and Easy Christmas version with over 220 quick recipes that are perfect for the holiday season. Everything from breakfast casseroles, to comforting main courses to decadent holiday treats (like homemade fudge). I just received it and have been busy marking up the recipes I wish to try. I'll give you an update on how they turn out! I bought mine from Amazon.com

I'll be sharing many more of my favorite seasonal delights for the holidays in the weeks and months to come, including my very favorite holiday candle...

I would love to know... what are your seasonal delights this time of year?


The Daily Connoisseur is now available on Amazon Kindle

Visit my Author Website

Like my Facebook Page

Follow me on Twitter

Wishing you and your family a very merry holiday and a happy new year...

Thank you so much for your support, emails and comments on The Daily Connoisseur. With the birth of my baby girl, this past year has been the best of my life and I have been delighted to share it with you on this blog along with all of my memories from living in Paris, and my ongoing queries on how to live well.

I will be taking a two week break from blogging, with posts resuming on January 3rd.

Here is a sneak peek of what’s to come in the New Year on The Daily Connoisseur:

The Top 20 Things I Learned While Living in Paris continues starting with #5 (it’s getting good!)

My notes on a month long experiment with a 10 item wardrobe

Further observations on topics such as cultivating an air of mystery, skin care, le no makeup look , (not) snacking, clutter-free home and how to live well (to name a few)

My favorite beauty discoveries

More discussions on the French lifestyle, with observations pulled from films, books and my real life friends

Interviews from other Daily Connoisseurs

Book reviews

And much, much more...

And, as always, I love taking requests, so if there is a topic you would like me to address in my blog, please don’t hesitate to email me or leave me a comment.

I do hope you’ll stay with me in the new year and until then, I am wishing you and your family the absolute best for 2011.

Bisous,

Jennifer xx

Gatsby, quite in the holiday spirit, is pictured above.

To all of my wonderful readers and fellow bloggers, I am wishing you a very happy new year full of joy, good health and prosperity!

It was a quiet New Year's eve for me, spent at home with family. A healthful and delicious dinner was made... followed by a sinful dessert of crepes and ice cream... lots of laughter and the Ab Fab marathon on BBC America.

Today is a new day, a new year and I am going to go celebrate by going on a hike with husband and dog...

I hope your New Year's day is full of joy...


Image courtesy of: www.tvgasm.com

Until next time...