Welcome to a new episode of Connoisseur Reviews. It's been several months since I did one of these review videos and I have such a treat for you today.

I'm sharing some excellent book recommendations, a new minimalist makeup line, Ashwagandha gummies, digital Parisian wallpaper, and much more in today's video. 

Let's start off with Katherine Power's new minimalist makeup line, MERIT. Katherine Power, founder of Who What Wear, created MERIT with the idea that less is more when it comes to makeup. The makeup line is EU Compliant (free of 1,328 common toxins), paraben free, sulfate free, artificial fragrance free, sensitive skin safe, cruelty free and vegan. It also comes in recyclable packaging and the first order ships with a reusable makeup bag. 

I share a quick 5-minute makeup routine in today's video that shows the ease of using these lovely products. The aim is to bring out natural beauty rather than covering up or altering the face. I can highly recommend this makeup line. 

The Paris Library, by Janet Skeslien Charles. This book looks so interesting... I can't wait to dive into this new release! 

​Based on the true World War II story of the heroic librarians at the American Library in Paris, this is an unforgettable story of romance, friendship, family, and the power of literature to bring us together, perfect for fans of The Lilac Girls and The Paris Wife.

Set the Stars Alight by Amanda Dykes is on my reading list for this spring. Have a read of the description below. It sounds so mysterious and delightful. 

In an aged brick cottage in London, the magic of the past comes alive each night for the family of a humble watchmaker. In her father's fireside stories, Lucy Claremont's fascination with the high seas begins, leading her to devote her life's work to discovering the whereabouts of a legendary lost ship. But when tragedy strikes, it's childhood friend Dashel and his knowledge of the stars that may help her solve the puzzle.

Two hundred years earlier, three young lives are altered forever when a shepherd rescues the privileged son of a powerful admiral. As the children grow, war leads to unthinkable heartbreak, deep love, and a story of betrayal, sacrifice, and redemption that fades into obscurity as centuries pass.

As Lucy and Dash explore mysterious ruins on the East Sussex coast, their search leads them to a community of souls and a long-hidden tale that may hold the answers--and the healing--they so desperately seek.

Atomic Habits by James Clear is one of those rare books that truly does give you actionable tips for changing your life. I highly recommend this one. I have enjoyed listening to it while I clean and it has motivated me even more. I'll be discussing this more on the channel later this year. 

Secret Genius by Pinrose Perfume is a delightful perfume with the notes of caramel, Madagascan vanilla, and sandalwood. The shimmer mist gives the skin a delightful glowing sheen with a subtle shimmer. Code JSCOTT gives free shipping. 

Goli create apple cider vinegar gummies that I love. Their new product, Ashwagandha gummies, reduces stress, boosts your mood, and improves your immune system. I enjoy gummies and think of them as a lovely treat each day. These are lovely, just like the ACV gummies. Code dailyconnoisseur gives 5% off. 

Check out the whimsical Parisian digital wallpaper in The Daily Connoisseur shop on Teespring. These delightful designs come in a 6-pack ($5.99) or a 3-pack  and this 3-pack ($3.99). They are available for desktop, phone, and tablet and can create a beautiful look when you open up your devices everyday. 

Do you love mysteries and need a good book to read over winter break? A good mystery can be hard to come by, so I always appreciate recommendations from others.



To preface this, I generally like traditional, high-brow mysteries like all of the Agatha Christie mysteries (Poirot, Marple, Tommy & Tuppence, Mr. Quinn... you name it!), and I also like thoughtful mysteries like Alexander McCall Smith's No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series.

I read a lot, especially since I stopped watching television. So I am usually reading a book, either on my kindle, or a hard or paperback copy, and I also generally have an audiobook on the go via my Audible subscription. While I've read some good books recently, I haven't enjoyed any as much as I've enjoyed Ashley Weaver's Amory Ames series, which I am recommending to you today. The first book in the series, Murder at the Brightwell, is a sophisticated and intriguing period mystery, which takes place in 1930s England. This is an elegant and stylish mystery that fans of Agatha Christie will love.



I haven't enjoyed a fiction book this much since I read Amy Snow, which is another fantastic read that I highly recommend. Amy Snow isn't a mystery, but it is a delightful period novel with romance and intrigue.



Hear more about the Amory Ames mysteries in today's video. Be sure to leave your own book recommendations in the comments below.

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Robin from Faith and Flour shared her ten-item wardrobe for winter. Check it out and tell her I said, "hello"!

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🌟New Video 🌟Ready for some capsule wardrobe inspiration? My Ten Item Wardrobe for Winter is finally here! I have been inspired by Jennifer L. Scott @dailyconnoisseur , the author of the Madame Chic Series, to cultivate a minimal wardrobe that expresses my personal style. Find the link to watch in my profile. #tenitemwardrobe #madamechic #dailyconnoisseur #capsulewardrobe #intentionalwardrobe #minimalwardrobe #minimalistwardrobe #youtubemom #faithandflour

A post shared by Robin (@robin_faithandflour) on Dec 13, 2018 at 5:29am PST

Comment of the Week
On my What I Look Like at the End of the Day video, Niculina writes, "Dear Jennifer, you and your baby ARE a pretty picture. I don’t know who would image that in a household with 4 kids things would be like in a museum, where everything sits still in one designated spot. Your video shows so much more than a messy kitchen and hair : it shows your love and patience with your baby, a heathy attitude towards embracing life as it unfolds. Hopefully you got some night rest."

Thank you so much, Niculina. Now that I have four children, I can definitely say I have more patience than I used to have. It's something I have to work on daily. Thank you for your kind comment.

I would love to know... do you have any good book recommendations for us? Please let us know in the comments so we can add them to our list.


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