We are kicking off the Life at Home series on The Daily Connoisseur this week with this first installment: Cut the Distractions. Living well at home is very important. It's important because how you live at home behind closed doors when no one is looking is indicative of your true self and your true values.

We strive to make changes to our life in the areas of style, makeup, wardrobe, clutter, being in the present moment, presenting ourselves well, etc. and if we are serious about making these changes, we need to get serious about implementing them at home.

In At Home With Madame Chic we discuss how a happy home life sets you up for success in the outside world. Order is needed at home. Organization is needed at home. Beauty is needed at home. Dignity is needed at home. The arts are needed at home. Style is needed at home. But are we able to live well at home if we find ourselves constantly distracted? In our minds we know what we should be doing but when we will actually get around to doing that? We're not sure. Right now we're surfing the internet, or binge-watching a reality TV show, or deep into reading Facebook posts.

You'd like to cook that healthy meal. You'd like to get some patio gardening done. You'd like to write that letter. You'd like to practice the piano. You'd like to organize your lingerie drawer. You'd like to read that historical biography. You'd like to write in your journal. You'd like to tidy up the kitchen and you will... just after you spend an hour perusing the online shops.

Sound familiar?

It certainly does to me! Screens- whether television, smartphone or laptop can be a major distraction and if we want to live well at home, we need to cut the distraction. This doesn't mean cutting these things out entirely. But it does mean getting strict about how much time you devote to them.

Check out this week's video for the rest of my thoughts on this subject. If you cannot see the video above, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or visit my channel: www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur

I'd love for you to join in on this discussion. What are your distractions at home? How could you be spending your time instead? On social media use the hashtags #LifeAtHome #MADAMECHIC

News
I will be part of a live red carpet commentary for The Critic's Choice awards this Thursday, January 15th from 4pm to 6pm on MakerTV. You can watch the entire viewing party here or visit http://www.maker.tv/live/criticschoice

Ruby's Musings just adores Madame Chic for French Girl Friday

MoonFireGypsyWagon muses on At Home With Madame Chic in her latest blogpost.


Madame Chic Inspiring Thought
If you have extra time this week, don't spend it on the internet (even if that means shutting down this blog right now!), but try something that enriches your soul: play the piano, write a poem, get some gardening done, make a cake, write a letter, arrange some flowers. Feel invigorated by your freedom from the screen.


Testimonial

Patricia W. from Connecticut writes:

Jennifer, I've been following your blog for a while now and love it. Love your videos. And yes, I'm adhering to your 10-item capsule wardrobe. It's so much easier and stylish with regard to ease of deciding what to wear. Almost everything in my closet works with everything else so no problem. My closet is now a streamlined and pretty personal space...one I'm happy to show to my girlfriends as an inspiration. The best news is Lessons from Madame Chic inspired me to put my best self forward even if I'm just doing errands or going to the supermarket. I feel so much better knowing I look presentable and need never again feel embarrassed upon meeting an acquaintance or neighbor while out and about.

One of the very best compliments I've received as a result was from the mother of a good friend, Whenever I see you, Patricia, you always look so...so...clean and shiny.

I was drawn into your video blogs not only by their content, but also, almost immediately, by the fact that I'd find myself smiling whenever I heard your intro, ... Jennifer here.

Patricia W

Thank you Patricia. You have been a long-time reader and supporter of my blog. I appreciate your testimonial!

See you next week!


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I am starting a new on-going series on the Daily Connoisseur on the subject of self-discipline. A while back I wrote a post on Facebook that discussed the subject of self-discipline and spending. For many of us (myself included!) there is a lack of self-discipline, particularly in this area of our lives. We justify purchases even though they are unnecessary. Many times we do this to fill a void. Well, the facebook post really hit a nerve because so many people responded and said they struggled with this very thing.

I am no different from you. I lack self-discipline in certain areas of my life too. But as I always say, awareness is the first step toward change. If we become aware of our shortcomings, this awareness leads to action. The action steps we take often prove challenging. But who doesn't love a good old-fashioned challenge?

In this week's video, I tell you the story of my old, but trusty, blender. I've had this blender for ages and it works fine (a little slow... but fine). Suddenly when I see a picture of a really expensive, high-end blender in the glossy pages of a kitchen catalogue, I find myself considering a major purchase that I wouldn't normally have considered.

Listen to how the voice in your head tries to talk you into things. The justifications are hilarious. Now I'm not suggesting we never upgrade or go shopping. The economy would grind to a halt! But I am suggesting that we don't give in to instant gratification. I state in my video, Investment Shopping 101, we tend to not appreciate the things we buy and instantly set our sites to what we can acquire next. What does it hurt to sit with what we have and then make a responsible decision before making a high-quality purchase?

When my little blender that could eventually dies, I most likely will upgrade and get a fancy, high-end blender. But until that day happens I will cultivate self-discipline and just wait a little longer for my smoothies to be blended. After all... patience is a virtue.

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

Madame Chic Inspiring Thought
Take time today to appreciate the things you already own. Cultivate gratitude for everything from your toaster to the pillow on your bed. Notice your need for instant gratification and how often it shows up. Take the time to cultivate the art of patience.

News
At Home with Madame Chic is coming out one month early! The new publication date is October 7, 2014.

Check out my newly revamped author website at www.jenniferlscott.com

Admin
I have emailed all of the winners of the book giveaways this summer. Nearly everyone has responded but some have not. If you see your name listed as one of the winners on the rafflecopter widgets but have not had correspondence with me, please email me so you can receive your prize. Please state your name and email and the book which you won. Only 2 have not responded. Cathy C. from the Secrets of the Lighthouse giveaway, your email has bounced back. Thank you all for your participation in the book giveaway series! There will be many more to come.

This week I would love to know... what are your struggles with self-discipline? Do you have any requests for future posts in this series?

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Happy New Year 2014!

I hope you had a great holiday with your loved ones. I had such a wonderful break. I got a much needed rest and caught up with so many family members I haven't seen the whole year. It was truly fabulous.

In January 2013 we talked about the tipping point to changing how we live. No longer content with the status quo, we have gone searching for a path in life that is teeming with light and that brings us closer to who we really are.

Continuing on this path, my New Year's message to you is simple. I am focusing on this philosophy this entire year and I hope that you join in with me:

It's not what you do, but how you do it.

I'll repeat that again...

It's now what you do, but how you do it.

It's a concept that is explored in Lessons from Madame Chic, one that I will continue to explore on this blog and one that is even further discussed in my new book that will be out at the end of this year.

It's not what you do, but how you do it.

This year let's set aside the negative thinking, let's work on ourselves from the inside out and let's enjoy what we're doing, no matter what it is we are, in fact, doing. Let's change our perceptions and most important, LET'S HAVE FUN!

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

Thank you for joining me this year on the Daily Connoisseur. I just know it's going to be a great year...

Notes

♚ Thank you for all of your messages! I get dozens of reader messages a day and am not always able to respond. I read and appreciate every single one. Thank you, thank you, thank YOU!

♚ We will be starting our Untethered Soul book club in February. Be sure to pick up or check out a copy so you can join in on the discussion.

News

I am featured in France's L'Express newspaper, in an article about the feminine ideal of American women. The article is in French, but you can likely translate it via google translate.

Testimonials

Agnieszka from Poland writes of Lessons from Madame Chic:

I really recommend that book. It is one of the best books I have ever read. It is amazing and it makes my life better. Thank you:) Greetings from Poland :)

Thank you Agnieszka ♥︎

Please send me your testimonials for either my book or blog. I would love to publish your comment on the Daily Connoisseur.

See you next week :)

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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!

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One of the most heavily requested videos I get is, how do we care for ourselves as busy moms? I'm right in the thick of it, as you know, with a baby and a toddler. With regard to self care during this time I am certainly learning a lot. I've learned that I have to take a holistic approach to caring for myself and that it's the small moments and simple pleasures that really matter.

I'm learning along with all of you and I have so much to say! (You'll note that this week's video is 7 minutes long.) Even when we do our best to take care of ourselves things don't always go our way. I've spent the last ten days battling the most miserable cold (so much for my spring break!). Everyday I adapt. I've gone to bed at 7:30pm, cancelled social engagements and finally went to the doctor.

When I am used to being busy and on top of everything I get in denial when I'm not well and need to step back and take a break. Thanks to all of you on twitter and facebook for your marvelous health advice and for following my progress :)

Watch this week's video to hear how I get through my day with care and style. (And truly this video is not just for busy moms but all of us, really, who would like to find balance in life.) 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.

This week I would love to know... how do you care for yourself?

News

♥ Marilyn of Two Frugal Fairfielders reviews Lessons from Madame Chic. She says it's "one of the best little books I've ever read".

♥ Marla Malcolm Beck, co-founder of Bluemercury, reviewed Lessons from Madame Chic on her blog and even tried out le no makeup look for herself!

♥ My interview last Wednesday with Cindy Laverty on Women 4 Women Network radio did not air due to technical difficulties, but it will air this Wednesday, April 10th at 10am PST. Visit www.W4WN.com or click here to listen to our interview where we discuss how we can CARE for ourselves as busy women.

♥ This Wednesday evening, April 10th, I'll be a guest on Bill Leff's late night radio show on WGN Chicago (radio 720). Check out his website for more details.

♥ Because of my cold I have not yet shot my spring ten-item wardrobe video. It's coming soon, I promise. You've probably already noticed some new pieces I'm wearing in my videos... it's coming! Next week will discuss looking presentable while raising small children. See you then!

♥ And finally, I would like to dedicate this blog post to Roger Ebert, the legendary film critic who passed away last week. I grew up watching Siskel and Ebert's weekly show. Their intelligent, yet approachable reviews got the entire nation excited to become film connoisseurs. If I was ever curious about a movie, I would always go to Roger Ebert's website first to see what he had to say. I'm a bit at a loss as to what I'll do now. He will be greatly missed.


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