I'm sharing three clutter-clearing tips, Madame Chic-style, in today's video.

This video is a collaboration with A Better Life with Flylady Kat, who has a wonderful YouTube channel that encourages viewers to keep on top of their homes. You can check out Kat's three clutter-clearing tips here.

I'm bringing it back-to-basics in today's video and discussing my first book, Lessons from Madame Chic.



Since living with Madame Chic and her family, I have derived my clutter-clearing methods from them. I was amazed that their home had no clutter. Ever! There was never a day when the side table got out-of-hand, or someone needed to sort through the pile of mail on the entryway desk. Random items didn't accumulate on the dining room table. When an object needed to be dealt with, it was dealt with swiftly and put away in its proper place. The Chic family led very disciplined lives and this is the foundation for living in a clutter-free home.

Here is the abridged version of my three clutter-clearing tips. For expanded thoughts on all of these topics, be sure to watch my video.

Clutter-clearing tip #1: Embrace structured and disciplined living. Clearing clutter is an on-going, everyday process. The main idea here is prevention. If you live a structured and disciplined life at home, you prevent clutter form even forming because everything is put away and dealt with properly. This tip is truly for every member of the household, not just the mother. Otherwise, mom will just be running around picking up after everyone and all will be frustrated.

Clutter-clearing tip #2: Manage your everyday items. This goes hand-in-hand with disciplined living. Our everyday items need a home and should never be put anywhere other than their place. Clear your cluttered cupboards and drawers to create room to place your everyday items.

Clutter-clearing tip #3: Enjoy keeping your home! If you enjoy keeping your home, you will relish taking care of it and not let it get out of hand. Of course, we all go through seasons of life where we will get behind on the housework (I share a story about this in today's video), but generally, if you can keep an exuberance and a joie de vivre with regard to housekeeping, you will be on top of the clutter situation.

News
The Mapp and Lucia book club Live Chat will be on Monday, August 6th 11am pacific time. Join me on YouTube to discuss the next two books in the series, Lucia in London and Mapp and Lucia. If you are unable to make the livestream, it will be available to watch as are the rest of my videos. If you would like to submit a comment for the live chat, leave one in the comment section below. I look forward to discussing E.F. Benson's book! "Au Reservoir!" :)

For more of The Daily Connoisseur, take my eCourses, Creating Your Own Ten-Item Wardrobe and Chic Financial Principles for Debt-Free Living.

On the Debt-free course, Leigha writes, "I loved this course! I've taken notes and have already started implementing many of the ideas. I've really cleared out my closet of clutter, too. Thinking I may need to invest in the wardrobe course, as well. I hope that in the next year I will be able to make great strides in reducing my debt and becoming more financially free. I am also hoping to put more emphasis on people and experiences rather than things. Thanks, as always, for such a lovely series of videos. So inspirational! Now....I think I want to enjoy a hot cup of tea. :)"

Leigha, I'm so excited to see the changes that happen in your life. Please come back and update us on your progress. Thank you for taking my course!

On Instagram
Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic on Instagram...

Przerwa na kawę! ☕️ Książkę z całego serca polecam - jest ciepła, zabawna, lekka do czytania. Z pewnością nie wyczerpuje tematu, ale to dobry start dla początkujących dam (takich jak ja 😉). Pięknego dnia! Coffee break with lovely, funny and inspirating book #bookstagram #coffeetime #coffee #break #bookstagrammer #dailyconnoisseur #madamechic

A post shared by Ola (@sous_le_ciel_de_varsovie) on Jun 12, 2018 at 1:16am PDT

Comment of the Week
There were so many thought-provoking comments on Monday's blog and video on the Trouble with Social Media. I you haven't already read through some of the comments, it's worth doing! Lindsay wrote, "Thank you for this! I have been very disturbed by some of these same tendencies in myself. I mentally write social media posts as I'm taking photos. There have been events where I felt more excited to post about them and see the reactions and comments from people than I was about the actual event! I resist posting on holidays because I hate the idea of making people who are lonely on those days feel even worse. I can tell my mom how much I love her in person, so I don't do a mother's day post. I am trying to use it to connect with people I don't see often and remove the self-promotion aspect of it. But it's hard."

Lindsay, I love your honesty. Social media has changed the way we think. I've noticed it in myself and it's something I have to actively fight against. Thank you for sharing your comment with us!


Today, I would love to know... do you struggle with clutter? Do you have hot spots that accumulate clutter on a regular basis? What are your best clutter-clearing tips? Let us know in the comment section below and your comment could be chosen as comment of the week on The Daily Connoisseur.

I'll see you tomorrow for an all new Natural Home with Jennifer.

Visit my Author Website

Facebook facebook.com/JenniferLScottAuthor

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Take my eCourse Chic Financial Principles for Debt-Free Living

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FTC: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links.

I'm so busy throughout the school year, certain organizational projects get postponed. In my case, the much-needed organization project involved our pantry. When we moved into our house last August, it was never properly organized. Then we took our trip to Europe and when we came back 6 weeks later, we jumped back into our homeschool routine and the pantry never got sorted out.




Now that we are taking a summer break from school, I have time to tackle these organizational projects. Today, I bring you along with me. I de-clutter and organize our pantry and, while it's a lot of work, it feels so good to get the job done!

I actually did this video a few weeks ago and I can tell you, it's been wonderful walking into an organized pantry each morning. What a joy! Everyone in the house has noticed too and has taken care to keep it tidy. I hope you enjoy today's video and feel inspired to de-clutter along with me.

Mentioned in the video:


I use these can rack organizers to store my canned goods.


I use these seagrass baskets to hold my bagged goods and these wire baskets to hold onions and potatoes.

Because we live in California and earthquakes are prevalent here, I always have a supply of prepper foods and extra water. You never know when a natural disaster might strike, and it's best to be prepared. I have a combination of dehydrated, long-shelf life foods, including Eden Valley Farms, which has a 25 year shelf life, Emergency ready standard survival kit, and emergency drinking water (pack of 66).

The appliances I have on my shelf are the following, Vitamix blender, Instant pot, Crock pot, small slow cooker (I use this for my oatmeal), rice cooker, heart-shaped waffle maker (please note: my waffle maker is so old, I can't find it anymore so I have linked a similar one here), yogurt maker, and Kitchen Aide.

The Mrs. Meyer's lemon verbena multi-surface cleaner and the Aunt Fannie's Ant Remedy are both from Grove Collaborative.

Get a free Mrs. Meyers Cleaning Set, which includes a Mrs. Meyer's dish soap, Mrs. Meyer's hand soap, and Mrs. Meyer''s Multi-Surface Spray + Free shipping with VIP Trial when you sign up with Grove Collaborative for the first time. Existing Grove customers also get a free gift, a walnut scrubber sponge. *You must spend $20 in order to be eligible for the gift.

I hope you enjoy today's video.

News
For more of The Daily Connoisseur, take my eCourses, Creating Your Own Ten-Item Wardrobe and Chic Financial Principles for Debt-Free Living.

Regarding the debt-free course, Lynn writes, "Don't compare yourself to the Jones' - they are in DEBT!

I love it. Thank you Jennifer for everything you do - you continue to be a beacon of hope for me and an inspiration."

Thank you, Lynn! I'm so thrilled you enjoyed the course.

On Instagram
Lessons from Madame Chic in Russia...

На последней встрече #завтракpro с @firstelegantlady мы обсуждали этикет, элегантность, женственность, манеры. И Юлия посоветовала книгу про мадам Шик в качестве отправной точки для подробного изучения этих вопросов. ⠀ Пару дней я постила вдохновляющие сториз с цитатами, после которых очень многие спрашивали, что это за крутая книга? Вот же она! ⠀ Далекий волшебный мир французского шика, спокойствия, наслаждения жизнью. В этом мире семьи после ужина слушают классическую музыку и обсуждают прочитанные книги. Их гардероб состоит из 10 предметов, которые прекрасно сочетаются друг с другом. У них ровная спина, аккуратный маникюр и улыбка Моны Лизы. Они не спят в старых футболках и брюках с дыркой, потому что удобно, они спят в пижамах, потому что красиво. Эстетика пронизывает всю их жизнь. ⠀ И это прекрасно. Я восхищаюсь мадам Шик, также как автор книги. Она учит нас тому, что красота вокруг. Не обязательно быть богачом, чтобы привнести ее в свою жизнь. Иногда достаточно достать наконец бабушкин фарфоровый сервиз, который видит свет только на новый год, и начать им пользоваться каждый день. ⠀ И еще мне очень понравился совет: "Экономьте слова, не будьте излишне откровенными. Говорите, если это необходимо. [...] К загадочным людям притягивает именно то, что они кажутся восхитительно довольными". Вот точно! Тут кроется мой грешок, я люблю потрещать о ерунде, особенно когда в компании возникает неловкая пауза. ⠀ Резюмируя: "Как говорил Ганди, давайте сами будем теми переменами, которые мы хотим увидеть в мире". ⠀ Кому-кому электронную версию? Лайк, коммент - как обычно😂 ⠀ #нинабукс

A post shared by Нина | ✶Екатеринбург✶ (@mais_feliz) on Jun 20, 2018 at 2:39am PDT

Comment of the Week
BettyLou writes, "I use grove collaborative and the customer service is amazing. I don't need to reorder as frequently as many households so I can just delete the products I don't need from my order. The glass spray bottles with the silicone sleeves are an investment but I love them. Each color gets a different refill product. I love the geranium scent and the honeysuckle. I wish they had a vanilla scent to use exclusively in the kitchen. They also have a product that draws away those annoying little gnats that get in the fresh fruit in warm weather. We have very hard water so some of the products don't work for our home, that is when i use a homemade vinegar, castile soap, and essential oil mix to clean with."

Hi BettyLou, I couldn't agree more. The customer service with Grove is excellent. I do the same with my re-ordering. I just delete what doesn't apply to me and order only what I need. This way I never run out. I also order a wide variety of items for the sole purpose of reviewing them on the channel, which is something that most people wouldn't need to do. I'm excited to try the geranium scent. I already love the honeysuckle. Thanks for your comment!

I hope you enjoyed today's video and feel inspired to de-clutter a space in your home. Please let me know what you thought in the comments below and your comment could be chosen as comment of the week on the blog. See you Thursday for a fun "shop with me" video featuring my sister!

Visit my Author Website

Facebook facebook.com/JenniferLScottAuthor

Twitter @JL_Scott

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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. All opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links.

In today's video I share a book review for Fumio Sasaki's new book, Goodbye, Things: The New Japanese Minimalism. This book was sent to me to review by the publisher, W.W. Norton & Company.



Fumio Sasaki is not an enlightened minimalism expert or organizing guru like Marie Kondo―he’s just a regular guy who was stressed out and constantly comparing himself to others, until one day he decided to change his life by saying goodbye to everything he didn’t absolutely need. The effects were remarkable: Sasaki gained true freedom, new focus, and a real sense of gratitude for everything around him. In Goodbye, Things Sasaki modestly shares his personal minimalist experience, offering specific tips on the minimizing process and revealing how the new minimalist movement can not only transform your space but truly enrich your life. The benefits of a minimalist life can be realized by anyone, and Sasaki’s humble vision of true happiness will open your eyes to minimalism’s potential.

This was another great book to provide inspiration for de-cluttering the home in the same vein of Marie Kondo's Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up. I hope you enjoy my book review in today's video!

News
Sarah Chaprobin writes about the ten-item wardrobe in her new post, 2017 Spring Capsule Wardrobe. Thank you, Sarah!

Prozakobieca shares Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic among other popular books all the way from Poland...

A post shared by ProzaKobieca (@prozakobieca) on May 9, 2017 at 6:08am PDT

Jennimullinix shares Lessons from Madame Chic on Instagram...

A post shared by J E N N I M U L L I N I X (@jennimullinix) on May 13, 2017 at 5:34pm PDT

Comment of the Week
Margery H writes:
My time saving hack has to do with housecleaning. I really hate dealing with mildew stain in the shower caulking because they do not scrub out. We live in Atlanta where there are humid, humid summers. Here is my effortless way to remove them: apply clear, gel, bleach-based toilet cleaner in the morning. Rinse out at night. The gel formula makes it stay on the stain rather than running off. The bleach clears the mildew. Do not use blue or colored cleaner, as it will stain your grout! I keep a bottle of toilet cleaner which I use just for this purpose. (It's Clorox brand.) I consider this my magnum opus of housekeeping hacks!

Hello Margery, Thank you so much for sharing your tip with us. That is a great time-saver! I will definitely give that a try.

I hope you enjoy today's video. I would love to know the status of your journey with de-cluttering and minimalism. Do you need help? Have you read Goodbye, Things? Let me know your comments below and your comment could be chosen as comment of the week on the blog.

See you on Thursday for a fun recipe video/ collaboration!



Visit my Author Website

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

Ah, the clearing of clutter. One of my favorite things to write about and incidentally read about. Why? Because when I write about it or read a good book on the subject, I get a new rush of inspiration and tackle projects that I had given up on long ago.

Many people share that they have experienced this after reading At Home With Madame Chic. I love reading testimonials from people who have donated bags upon bags of belongings and to find a new love for their space again.



In At Home With Madame Chic, I present two places in the home that tend to carry clutter: hot spots and stagnant spaces.

Hot spots are the high-traffic areas in your home that tend to be dumping grounds for the family's miscellany. For us, this is the dining room table and the entryway table. For you it might be different.

Stagnant spaces are the out-of-the-way areas in your home where you tend to "store" things temporarily but then temporary turns into forever, and soon as you know it, clutter is festering in these areas. Common stagnant spaces are on top of book shelves, under vanities and behind chairs.

If you commit to keeping these two types of places clear on a daily basis, you will really start to see a difference in the way your home looks as well as the way you live.

If you are looking for even more inspiration, I have a few books to recommend to you:



The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo. If Amelie were Japanese and wrote a book on clutter, this would be it! This is a fun, motivating and whimsical book that will definitely get you to clear your space. Ms. Kondo's book is a big bestseller in Japan and it's very well-deserved. I don't agree with every principle presented in the book (such as Ms. Kondo's advice not to store seasonal clothes) but that's OK! The point of the book is how it makes you feel. Are you motivated to clear your clutter after reading it? Yes! That makes it very worth the read.



Be An Angel- Clear that Clutter by Jacky Newcomb. This fun book is like sitting down with a girlfriend over a glass of wine and talking clutter and strategies!



Small Space Organizing by Kathryn Bechen. Kathryn has been a long-time supporter of The Daily Connoisseur and she, herself has written a fabulous book for people with small spaces.

Watch this week's video for my own candid discussion on clutter and to hear my expanded thoughts on the above-mentioned books. 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

News
Check out my article for MariaShriver.com called 3 Ways to Make Life Happier at Home.

TeriGigi has made a wonderful video review of both Madame Chic books. Check out her video called My Parisian Journey 5 that talks extensively about Madame Chic journey and a Parisian anecdote of her own. And while you're there, be sure to subscribe to her great YouTube channel. Thank you Teri!

At Home With Madame Chic is also mentioned on:
A Domestic Goddess in the Making and Chez Bliss

Madame Chic Inspiring Thought
A changed mind is a very powerful thing indeed. If you struggle with clutter or an unorganized space, commit to changing your mind about how you approach your home. Read some inspiring books, watch inspiring shows and break out the garbage bags. Now is the time to free yourself from the tyranny of clutter in your home.


Comment of the Week
Regarding my video, My Number One Eating Tip, on YouTube, Marie writes:

Yes! Couldn't agree more. How I conduct myself when I am alone really affects my public life. I was struggling with a slouching problem and realised it was most likely because I allowed myself to slouch when alone at home. How you behave at home reflects your self-respect. That is why I keep a cleaning schedule and read books like yours to be able to improve and become a better version of myself! Thank you again for these weekly videos, I always look forward to them. - Marie

Very well said Marie. How you act when you are alone is an indicator of your true self.



This week I would love to know... how is your clutter-clearing coming along? Have you had any breakthroughs? Do you have any success stories to share? What about questions? Please leave your comments and yours might be picked as the comment or question of the week.

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Thank you for all of your lovely comments and support regarding my book news this week. I have read every comment, email and tweet and appreciate them more than you know...

In this week's video, I share with you one of my de-cluttering top tips: the Sunday clearing. If you are unable to see the above embedded video, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or visit my channel: www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur.

And now for the winner of the Small Space Organizing giveaway.

We had such an amazing turnout, which goes to show that de-cluttering and living well in a small space are very pertinent topics, indeed. The winner was chosen at random. And the winner is...

Janu (online name JTornell)

Congratulations! Please email me your mailing address so I can arrange for your book to be sent.

I know Kathryn Bechen, the author of Small Space Organizing, has been thrilled with all of the interest in her book. To learn more or to see it on Amazon, click here.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Jennifer x

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