In today's video I'm sharing how I do a DIY freestyle French manicure. I love to do my manicures at home because it saves money. I enjoy practicing different techniques and I have been wearing a French manicure regularly the past few months.



The key with an at-home French manicure is with the steadiness of hand. After applying a base coat, take your white nail color (making sure there isn't too much product on the brush), place the hand you are painting flat and keeping the hand with the polish steady, roll the finger you're painting until you get a smooth line.



This certainly requires practice and patience, but over time it will come easier to you. Also, know that you will make a mess and the polish will end up on your fingers. That's OK, you can remove it with a q-tip and some nail polish after your nails dry.

Once you paint all of your nail tips, you can then add a sheer color and top coat. Use an accelerating drying oil to speed up the dry time.

I use Londontown 9-free nail polish as I find them to be the best and most long lasting polishes I have ever used. Londontown is now sold at Neiman Marcus, which shows what a quality polish it is. My discount code JenniferS gives you 25% off... an amazing discount!

Here are all of the items I used in today's video:



Duchess (white color)
Cheerio (neutral shade)
Gel Genius base coat
Gel Genius top coat
soft touch nail scrub https://shrsl.com/25i77
cuticle oil
accelerating drying oil
glass nail file
Kur 2in1 hand and nail serum
Mirapur Essentail oils

I hope you enjoy today's video, which also shows how the nails hold up one week later.

Have a wonderful weekend and I will see you on Monday!




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As part of The Chic Assignment this month, we are getting manicure and pedicure ready. I have been enjoying doing these manicure videos for you. Today, I'm painting my nails with Londontown's Dainty Daze, which is a lovely periwinkle blue creme.



I normally do not like to wear blue polish, but there is something about this color.



For this nail soak, I use lavender Castile soap (mine is the Grove Collaborative brand), essential oil (I'm using Breathe Easy by Cellar Door Candles), and fresh lavender buds. I massage my hands with 2 in 1 hand and nail treatment



The 9-free polishes I use are Dainty Daze and the Gel Genius Base and Top Coat.
Londontown generously give The Daily Connoisseur audience a discount. Use code JenniferS for 25% off your order.

I hope today's manicure video inspires your self care routine. Tag me with pictures of your own at-home manicures with the hashtag #dailyconnoisseur or #jenniferlscott See you soon!



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My self-care manicure series continues with today's beautiful peach almond manicure. Peach, because we are using the color Peach Please by Londontown (who make beautiful, long-lasting 9-free nail polishes) and almond, because I'm using L'Occitane's supple skin almond oil (I'm also linking a less pricey almond oil here) and hand cream in the process.



I start my manicure by trimming my nails and cleaning up any hang nails with clippers. Then I file them in a short, rounded square shape with a nail file. After that, I soak them in a mixture of warm water and the almond oil, orange essential oil, and peach rose petals.



After soaking my nails, I apply an almond cream and give my hands a light massage. If you push your cuticles back, now would be the time to do it, by wrapping a manicure stick tip in a cotton round and gently pushing them back.



Finally, before applying polish, rub nail polish remover over your nails to prepare them for polish application.



I use Londontown's gel genius base coat, followed by one coat of Peach Please, and then the gel genius top coat. Use code JenniferS along with my links for 25% off from Londontown polish.


I hope you enjoy today's video. Tag me with pictures of your manicures with the hashtag #dailyconnoisseur

Have a wonderful rest of the weekend and I'll see you on Monday!

Visit my Author Website

*NEW* Shop my Amazon page for a comprehensive list of my favorite things and mentions on the blog.

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Welcome to The Chic Assignment Check-in for May! I am loving this month's assignments and have so much to discuss with you in today's video.



For the original May Chic Assignment, visit this link.

🎵 I am enjoying listening to the Satie Gymnopédies during the chaos of our kitchen renovation. They are truly counteracting the craziness and upheaval of our home life right now.

My two-year-old thought the pieces were "sad". Some find them depressing. Others find them to be remarkably beautiful.

Regarding The Satie Gymnopédies, Frenchcaligirl writes, "I recognized the musical piece immediately, especially the first part of it. Have heard it countless times, just never knew what it was called or who composed it. I agree that it’s not upbeat but don’t find it depressing either. The mood of it has an introspective quality to it."

I agree! They certainly have an introspective quality to them.

🖼 Renoir is one of my favorite artists and it was difficult to choose my favorite piece from him. I am very fond of the Young Girls at the Piano because it reminds me of my own daughters.


image from Wikipedia

Here are links to all of the prints from Art.com, if you'd like to have these in your own home.

Luncheon of the Boating Party print

Ball at the Moulin de la Galette print

Girls at the Piano print

Here is a link to The Ambleside podcast on how Atmosphere sets Affections

💍 Regarding jewelry, I share a story from the beginning of our marriage with Mr. Connoisseur. By the way, today is also our 13th wedding anniversary! Time has surely flown.


💅 I have been recording my manicures for you (see here) and I hope they are proving an inspiration for you to do your own at-home manicures. I find them to be great for not only saving money, but for a relaxing self-care routine too.


Regarding pedicures, here is the pedicure foot tool This is the best foot file I have ever used (and I have used a lot of them). It's only $8.99 on Amazon.

I purchased the Sam Edelman leopard sandal to add some interest to my summer footwear. Pedicure season truly is here!


Also mentioned/ featured in today's video:

📍The faux flowers in my background are from Horchow

📍 The Worshipful Lucia & Trouble for Lucia are the final two books we will be reading in the Mapp & Lucia book club, coming to you this summer.


📍The Daily Connoisseur blog has many talented readers. Here are two authors who have just published books. Both ladies are fans of The Daily Connoisseur and Madame Chic. Congratulations, Amanda and Jodie!


Amanda Dykes Whose Waves These Are


Jodie Alexander Frye Questions at the School Gate

News
📍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
Mademoiselle Chic in Japan...

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・ ・ ・ 今夜の本📕 子ども向けの絵本だけれど 大切なことが書かれていて背すじがピン！とします☺︎ ・ ・ 優しくて、柔軟で、強くて、自分に負けない 素敵な女性になりたい！ ・ ・ #マドモアゼルシック #すてきな女の子になるレッスン #ジェニファーlスコット #jenniferlscott #読書 #読書記録 #美人読書 #louis_lecture #夜読書 #夜活 #louis_nuit #chubbyの巣 #寝室 #bedroom #可愛くなりたい #綺麗になりたい #大人の可愛い計画 ・ ・ 20190512 ・ ・

A post shared by ちゃびぃ ぼーくん (@chubby_bokun) on May 12, 2019 at 6:13am PDT

Comment of the Week
PenelopesMom writes, "Hello Jennifer I recently came across your YouTube channel and am completely loving it! I am a stay at home mom to a fourteen month old daughter and have struggled to keep up my appearance. You are inspiring me! In the past two weeks I have been working on creating my ten item wardrobe and taking a few extra minutes a day to brush my hair, put on a little makeup and just look more presentable. It's actually not difficult at all and I am feeling so much better! I'm excited for my first Chic Assignment as well. I have already given myself a manicure and pedicure while the baby napped yesterday, and today I plan on wearing a beautiful statement necklace to a birthday party. Thank you so much for all you do, I am looking forward to reading and learning more!"

Welcome to the blog, PenelopesMom, and thank you for joining in on The Chic Assignment. Having your first baby is a wonderful time but it can also be challenging as you adapt to your new routine and life. I'm so happy you are finding refreshment here!

Thank you for joining us for The Chic Assignment check-in. I would love to hear from you. How is your assignment going this month? What are your findings? Let us know and your comment could be chosen as comment of the week on The Daily Connoisseur!


Visit my Author Website

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Welcome to The Chic Assignment for May! We are exploring music, art, jewelry and self-care this month. Let's get right into it.



🎵Chic Assignment no. 1 Listen to Erik Satie Gymnopédies The Gymnopédies, published in Paris starting in 1888, are three piano compositions written by French composer and pianist Erik Satie.

You can listen to all three Gymnopédies for free on this 15 minute YouTube video (which has seen 20 MILLION views!)



🖼Chic Assignment no. 2 Regard the works of Pierre-Auguste Renoir

Visit the official Pierre-Auguste Renoir website to view his works. The 12 most popular works are listed on the first page. I would love for you to share which one speaks to you.

Here I'm sharing one of my favorites: Dance at the Moulin de la Galette

I am sharing this image via Wikepedia

💍Chic Assignment no. 3 Wear a piece (or pieces) of jewelry you don't normally wear. Many of us have a jewelry box or a little dish with pretty pieces, yet we wear the same jewelry over and over again (I do this!). Open your jewelry box and wear an old piece you haven't worn in awhile. It doesn't have to be fancy, just something to freshen up your ten-item wardrobe. Let us know, what you chose to wear.

💅Chic Assignment no. 4 Get manicure and pedicure ready. Sandal season is fast approaching. Whether you wear nail polish or not, it's time to get manicure and (especially) pedicure ready. Buff those heels, apply a cream and treat yourself to some self care by taking care of your hands and feet. If you missed my spring manicure video from last month, I will share it here. This is the foot file I mention in the video: it's an invaluable tool for my pedicures.



I love reading your Chic Assignment updates! Even though I am not able to reply to each one, I appreciate reading them. I know others do too! I hope you enjoy The Chic Assignment in today's video.

News
📍We are doing a budget kitchen renovation Chez Connoisseur. Follow me on Instagram for updates (I will also be blogging this too!)

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Kitchen renovation day one: we survived. Homeschooling with four kids and a kitchen reno is no joke. Ben said something very funny to me right before he snapped this picture, hence my maniacal laughter. This is going to be very interesting! #connoisseurkitchen #dailyconnoisseur #kitchenrenovation #4kids #nokitchen #help

A post shared by Jennifer L. Scott (@dailyconnoisseur) on Apr 29, 2019 at 5:56pm PDT

📍Take my affordable eCourses on the Ten-Item Wardrobe, Debt-free Living, and How to be Efficient at Home.

📍I would like to thank everyone who emails me, comments on videos or posts or sends me messages in other ways. I am receiving so many messages that I am unable to respond to them. Every time I read one of your wonderful emails I truly smile. Thank you so much! In this busy season of life with the children I am unable to respond. I do hope you understand.

On Instagram
Madame Chic in Vietnam...

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my new book, my holidays 📖📖 #peacefulmoments #lessonsfrommadamechic #girlreading

A post shared by Thao Tran (@haileystories) on Apr 27, 2019 at 10:00pm PDT

Comment of the Week
Last week's post on The Dress Code for Parents sparked so much conversation! There were so many comments I could have chosen for comment of the week!
Anonymous writes, "When I was growing up, no matter what was going on in my world, there was one thing I could always count on: my mom looking fabulous! I don't mean in a fancy, expensive, uber-chic way. We were not a rich family! But, she was always dressed in slacks or a dress or skirt, she always had her hair done, and she always wore makeup. Always. She looked bright and pretty, and the sight of her reassured me and filled me with calm. Things were under control. Mom was put together, and so was our lives.

Years later when I was an adult and Mom was diagnosed with cancer, she was determined to keep it up. She went to her mastectomy armed with a full face of makeup on - I know that sounds extreme! Throughout her treatment, she sported the cutest wigs and wore bright colors. She fought courageously and lived for 10 more years! It was only at the very end that she became too weak to continue.

I think my mom understood the psychological effect her grooming had on her family. It always gave us a lift and made our days just a little brighter.

A Grateful Daughter"

Dear Anon, your beautiful memories of your mother were so poignant. She sounded like a marvelous woman. And how wonderful for her to leave you with such fond memories. Thank you for sharing those memories with us.

Thank you for participating in The Chic Assignment for May! I am looking forward to hearing your findings. As usual, I will be doing a check-in mid-month. See you soon!




Visit my Author Website

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As part of my intentional rest and self-care routine, I have been luxuriating in my at-home manicures.



I take items that I already have on hand (castile soap, essential oils, and flowers) to create a beautiful, spa-like experience. Since it's hard for me to get out of the house right now, I'm finding this routine to be just as enjoyable as the spa (and a lot more affordable too!)



I'm using the beautiful LONDONTOWN polishes in today's video. LONDONTOWNis my favorite polish. Not only is it 9-free (free of the 9 major harsh chemicals found in traditional polish), but it has an amazing staying power. I can get my manicure to last for ten days and my pedicure to last for at least two weeks.



In today's video I use the gel genius base and top coat, the color Lemonade Pop, and the hand and nail serum.

LONDONTOWN always give my viewers a generous discount. Use code JenniferS for 25% off your order

The essential oil I'm using is from Cellar Door Candles, and the lavender castile soap is from Grove Collaborative.

Thank you for joining me for today's video. I would love to know how you do your at-home manicures. What self-care rituals are you enjoying currently? Let us know and your comment could be comment of the week on the blog! See you soon.

Love,

Jennifer



Visit my Author Website

*NEW* Shop my Amazon page for a comprehensive list of my favorite things and mentions on the blog.

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My favorite nail polish, Londontown, has released their beautiful spring 2019 collection called, Dream Scape. I know many of you love Londontown too! Their beautiful 9-free nail polish is free of many of the harsh chemicals that are found in traditional polishes. I find them to be the best performing nail polishes I've ever tried and I know many of you agree.

On Facebook, Cynthia F. writes, "I’m so glad I found this brand through your channel. It has revolutionized my nail care routine, and I feel much more chic!"

Cynthia, I totally agree! And my favorite part is that they do not have the strong chemical smell that traditional polishes have.




In today's video, I'm swatching their spring 2019 collection for you. It's so dreamy. I love these colors.

LONDONTOWN polishes are

💅"9-Free", which means they do not contain: Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, TPHP, Acetone, Ethyl Tosylamide, Xylene, DBP, Toulene, Camphor
💅Vegan
💅Cruelty-Free
💅Made in the USA
💅Florium Complex Infused

Here are the shades:





Lemonade Pop a refreshing muted pink



Afternoon Tea a light pink creme



Peach Please a pale peach creme



Dainty Daze a dreamy periwinkle blue creme

Which one is your favorite?



They also have a new serum that is so delightful. Many of you asked about a cuticle/ nail/ hand treatment and this one is just so good. 2 in 1 Hand and Nail Treatment Londontown’s 2-in-1 Hand and Nail Serum is a one-pump-wonder that instantly evens the appearance of skin tone to reveal radiant and glowing hands, while providing the nails with key nutrients for healthy and strong growth.

News

I'm a guest on MacKenzie Koppa's Cultivating the Lovely podcast. Check out our fun interview about motherhood, Paris, Madame Chic and cultivating the lovely when you are in the trenches of life! :)



I hope you enjoyed my spring swatching. Thank you to Londontown for sending me these beautiful shades. I would love to know what color is your favorite?

I'll see you tomorrow for an outfit of the day video.



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Today I'm sharing my at-home manicure routine with you and trying out Londontown's Gel Genius Base Coat and Top Coat. I also discover a new favorite neutral nail polish, Teatime.



I have found the Londontown shades to last a long time in general, but they are lasting longer with the gel genius base coat. I painted my nails with this Teatime shade and on the 9th day, I took off my polish. I could have actually worn it a few more days, but I wanted to paint them red for a holiday video I was shooting. I find that these polishes last on the nails between 10 days to two weeks.



For my at-home manicure routine, first I cut and file my nails. I like to keep them in a rounded square shape. Then I soak my hands in warm, soapy water for 5 minutes. I then massage in a nice cream. In this video I'm using Bend Soap Co.'s goat milk lotion (use code DC10 for 10% off your order). After the massage, I take nail polish remover and run it on each nail to remove any lotion residue. Then I paint on the base coat, color, and finally top coat.



Doing my nails with a baby in the house always feels like a stealth mission. He could wake up at any moment and I will need to pick him up, so I try to do this right after I've put him to sleep with the hope that I can get a good 20 minutes in to paint my nails and allow them to dry. Who can relate?

Londontown has been so generous with The Daily Connoisseur audience. Use code JenniferS for 25% off your order.

I hope you enjoyed my at-home manicure routine in today's video.

News
📍Check out my two courses, Chic Financial Principles for Debt-Free Living and Create Your Own Ten-Item Wardrobe.

📍Visit my Teespring store to buy Daily Connoisseur mugs and tote bags... perfect presents for fans of The Daily Connoisseur blog.

On Instagram
Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic and a cup of tea...

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Cultivate the quiet power of poise. #jenniferlscott #madamechic e una buona tazza di #kusmitea

A post shared by Deborah Vianello (@deborahmartinavianello) on Mar 4, 2018 at 8:35am PST

If you would like your Instagram account to be featured on this blog, take a picture of one of your Madame Chic books and use any of the following hashtags: #madamechic #jenniferlscott #dailyconnoisseur

Comment of the Week
On Monday's What I Look Like at the End of the Day video, you know I had to choose Mr. Connoisseur's comment as comment of the week. He said, "Look fine to me." He is a man of few words. :) Thanks, Ben!

Truthfully, thank you to all of you who commented on Monday's video. I received so many meaningful comments. Thank you. Thank you.

I hope you enjoyed seeing my at-home manicure routine. Let me know if you like to do your nails at home and what your routine is. Your comment could be chosen as comment of the week on the blog. See you tomorrow for a special piano performance!


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

Visit my Author Website

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

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FTC: This is not a sponsored post. Links may be affiliate.