It's a fall extravaganza here on The Daily Connoisseur. All. Fall. Everything. I'm showing you home decor, favorite fall products from small businesses, my cooking philosophy this time of year, and even a Mrs. Meyers' cleaning product dupe.



I hope you enjoy watching today's video.



For seasonal decor, I love to decorate with sophisticated accents intermingled with decorations that the children love. I like using faux fur blankets and faux fur pillows as well as plaid throws in the living room to boost coziness. The Union Jack pillow was a gift from Ben's parents and adds a nice touch to the sofas.

I also like using faux florals with fresh herbs and flowers from the garden. Great resources for faux florals this time of year are Nearly Natural and Balsam Hill fall florals.

I love to highlight small businesses on this channel so today I have a treasure trove of gorgeous fall products from small family businesses.

Bend Soap Co.


I just adore the Bend Soap Company (use code DC10 for 10% off your order). They are a small family business located in Bend, Oregon. I have featured them several times on the channel before and since featuring them have become a regular customer. My daughters use their deodorant, and I gifted Bend Soap Co. to my literary agents for Christmas last year. They sent me a lovely care package with their fall scents.


The Oatmeal and Honey Luxury Milk Bath and Almond Delight goat milk lotion from Bend Soap Co. have such cozy, warm scents. The milk bath is moisturizing and seriously luxurious. The lotion is great for people with sensitive skin and the almond fragrance is very subtle.


The four soap scents from Bend featured are Tangerine Spice, Mt. Bachelor Pine, Oatmeal and Honey, and All Sport. Their soap is high-quality, solid and just lovely.


MiraPur Essential Oils
My friends from The Sudsy Soapery have started an all natural essential oil line called, Mirapur Natural Oils.


Harvest Blend essential oil Proprietary blend of all spice, caraway seed, cardamom, ginger, orange 10-fold and cinnamon

Cinnamon Leaf, cinnamomum zeylanicum a warm, spicy, and sweet aroma

Clove Bud, syzygium aromaticum L. The scent of clove is sweet, herbaceous and warm.Clove is used as a spice and has commonly been used to relieve tooth ache.

Orange essential oil distilled 10x for potency is Citrus and Sweet smelling.

My favorite essential oil diffuser is this one from Amazon, which has many color and light functions and holds a good amount of water and has up to a 5 hour diffuser time.

I like to use the Harvest Blend oil to make a dupe for the Mrs. Meyer's fall cleaning products, which are featured down below.



The Sudsy Soapery also do gorgeous homemade soaps:
Pumpkin Poppy Soap , Oatmeal and Honey soap, Harvest Apple soap, Cinnamon goat milk soap


The Abide with Me candle in patchouli scent is another lovely candle for autumn.

Cellar Door Candles


The Cellar Door Candle Company is a lovely small business that makes beautiful artisanal candles. Their candle wax is blended from scratch using only local organic beeswax and cold pressed coconut. They do not use any ingredients that have been chemically processed and that the candles do not soot when they are lit. Use code 10%Fall 10% off


Lemon Verbena essential oil
Ultra clean and pure. Deep herbaceous lemon and herb with subtle sharp notes of ginger. Pure lemon verbena & ginger essential oil.



Pacific Northwest reed diffuser
100% unique wood essential oil. Pure Fir Needle & Red Birch.


The two candle scents I have are:
Cassia
100% Essential oil for this fragrance. A rare deep cinnamon aroma only found when using pure essential oil. Reminiscent of wild Cinnamon Tree.
Indian Cedar Incredibly deep and full bodied blend of amazing essential oils. A fragrance design that continues to surprise and excite with every inhale. Indian Cedar and Rosewood wrapped around bright notes of Lemon and Orange falling into a continuously expanding heart of Lavender.



Some of the makeup I have been loving lately is from The Organic Skin Co. I love their fall eyeshadow shades. This is a wonderful company that produces natural and organic makeup. Their pressed eyeshadows are particularly lovely. I love the shade Burnish for fall and have been wearing it regularly.



The Mrs. Meyer's fall scents are here. You can find them at Grove Collaborative or Target. The new scent this year is Acorn Spice, which is a warm, spicy scent. Apple Cider is still my favorite and Pumpkin is still an evil pumpkin (if you don't get that joke, it's what my daughter called it last year when she smelled it for the first time. Ha!)

To make your own fall scented cleaning products, fill a reusable spray bottle with half white vinegar, half water and add 20 to 30 drops of Harvest Blend essential oil or a similar fall essential oil.

The pearl necklace I'm wearing is from Ana Luisa Jewelry: Use code Jennifer10 for $10 off your first order. My dress is by J.Jill, and my scarf can be found here.

News
📍Thank you for your wonderful support of CONNOISSEUR KIDS.

📍Check out my affordable eCourses: The Ten-Item Wardrobe, Chic Financial Principles for Debt-Free Living, and How to be Efficient at Home.

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Looking for the perfect gift ideas for that little person?? How about our adorable SOJO moccs? Not only are they super duper cute but we also give back to the community and send you a brand new pair for FREE when you send back your outgrown moccasins. Then add in the cutest book by @dailyconnoisseur featuring charming illustrations and a playful take on manners and being a good global citizen. You got it! The perfect little gift 💚 #Sojomoccs #dailyconnoisseur #babygiftideas #momlife

A post shared by SOJO Moccs | Baby Moccasins (@sojomoccs) on Sep 27, 2019 at 3:42pm PDT

Comment of the Week
Donna writes, "Jennifer, your fall wardrobe is beautiful. I'll look forward to seeing you wear all the pieces during your fall videos. I loved the Loft blouse so much that I drove to my local Loft store and bought it for my daughter. She is 26 and I think it will look amazing on her. Mailed it to her yesterday. She lives in Charleston, SC and even though everyone thinks it's a spring color I can say that it's a perfect color for at least three seasons in Charleston. Thank you so much for your wonderful videos and for bringing us the idea of a 10 item wardrobe."

Donna, what a sweet gesture and I'm sure your daughter will absolutely love the blouse. I love it so much. Thank you for watching!

Thank you for watching today's fall video. I would love to know what your favorite fall items are. How do you like to decorate? What are your favorite candle and beauty scents? Let us know and your comment could be chosen as comment of the week on the blog.


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FTC: This post is not sponsored. Some links are affiliate.

It has been a long time since I've posted a Bare Minerals Review. My last review was several years ago and shared their powder mineral makeup. I was nearly out of foundation and also was in need of a few other makeup items, so I took advantage of a mail coupon I received and decided to see what was new at Bare Minerals.

Today's review shares the new products I bought, including their liquid foundation and cream concealer. I've been wearing these for weeks now and have only brought this makeup with me to Europe to simplify my makeup routine. I love them! I have listed all of the makeup used below. The pictures themselves are links so if you'd like to check out the makeup, click on the photos. I hope you enjoy today's video!


Bare Minerals Smart Combination smoothing lightweight emulsion


Bare Pro performance wear liquid foundation in sandstone spf 20


Bare Minerals concealer in medium 2


Bare Minerals blush in thistle


Bare Minerals Mineral Veil (powder)


Bare Minerals Lasting Line eyeliner in endless orchid


Luxe Performance foundation brush


Flawless Face brush (I use this with the mineral veil)


Max Coverage Concealer brush


Brow master brush


Also used in the video: Bare Minerals brow powder in dark blonde, Urban Decay primer potion, Becca Ombre Rouge eyeshadow palette, Clinique 'Chubby Stick' Moisturizing Lip Color Fuller Fig

News
Check out my new eCourse on the ten-item wardrobe. With over an hour of never-before-seen video instruction, notes and quizzes, you will be on-track to creating your own ten-item wardrobe. For those of you who already do the ten-item wardrobe, this course will keep you focused and provide further inspiration. Enjoy!



Here is a great testimonial on the eCourse from LaTonya G, who writes, "This course was great Jennifer. Thank you for your insight on something that has become a bit of a burden for me--clothes. I have tons of clothes, but tend to wear the same few pieces often. This course has given me clarity on perhaps why I keep shopping (boredom) for things I don't need nor even wear."
Thank you, LaTonya!

also...

Madame Chic fan, Martha McIver, created an art installation of the ten-item wardrobe for the Palouse Women Artists show titled, "A Stitch in Time". Here is a photo of her submission. Thank you, Martha!




Comment of the Week
Last week's Teatime with Jennifer Let's Talk About Adulting was a polarizing video! One thing is for sure, it has struck a nerve. I love that Paula caught on to what I think is the most important part of the video... that we should do our adult responsibilities with a happy heart. Here's her comment:

Paula S. writes: You nailed it with the comment about doing your work with a happy heart! We should do our best to conduct ourselves with a happy heart and gratitude. I'm a single Baby Boomer, if I don't do it, it doesn't get done in my home. And I insist on a clean, tidy home. Life is about choices and responsibilities. No whining :)

Hi Paula, I admire your resolve. When you learn the secret to do things with a happy heart, life becomes much sweeter!

Heather C. writes:
Jennifer,
In our homeschool, we learn Latin. This is a task scorned by many who see Latin as obsolete or "dead". Besides the argument that Latin remains the language of science and law, Latin also has value as we examine our own language and culture. I agree with your opening statement, that we don't want to "adult" and instead want to be constantly entertained and comfortable. I was convicted of this desire when I heard a dissection of the Latin roots of the word "amuse". The Latin prefix 'a -' means 'not'. The root 'muse ' means 'to think'. As we seek to be entertained every moment we are literally ceasing to think. As Neil Postman puts it in his book 'Amusing Ourselves to Death', by choosing to not think, we are choosing to not take part in our lives, our families, and our society. Thus we are the most depressed and anxious generation in the history of man, despite being the most comfortable and wealthiest, and are causing the disintegration of our society as a whole, the family unit, and ourselves as individuals.
Thank you for providing not just mindless amusement but also thought and discussion inducing discourse.
-HLC

Hi Heather, I'm actually reading Postman's book right now. Your comment was so spot-on. Many people feel defensive about the hours they spend each day on entertainment and the pursuit of being "a-mused". It was hard for me to analyze this in myself, but when I did, I was finally able to make dramatic changes in this area of my life.

Today, I would love to know what mineral makeup you love, if any. Do you have a fall makeup routine? What are your thoughts on the comments of the week? Let me know and your comment could be chosen as the comment of the week. See you on Thursday!



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

This week's post and video are full of my seasonal favorites. I share my favorite fall candles, nail polish and lip colors as well as my fall home decor. I really enjoyed hearing Melissa55's fall favorites on her YouTube channel and was inspired to do this video for you.

Candles

I would show you my leaves candle in this image but It's all burnt down... time for a new one!

I burn more candles in the fall and winter months than I do any other time of year. Bath & Body Works always seem to capture the season to perfection in their candles, my favorite one being Leaves (notes: golden nectar, red apple and spiced berries). This year I have also used Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin (notes: harvest pumpkin, sweet vanilla cream & spicy cinnamon stick) and Autumn (notes: bright red apple, cedarwood & fresh balsam) too.

Beauty

During the fall season, I like to wear deep plums, rich reds or wine- colored nails. In this video I am wearing Dior nail polish in Nuit 1947.

My favorite lip shade for fall is Clinique's iconic Black Honey. I have it in the gloss but you could also use the stick.

** Side note: I have just noticed that Clinique have black honey in a mascara (!). Considering how much I love YSL burgundy mascara, this might be worth a try too. If any of you have tried it, please let us know what you think.

Flowers

As the flowers in the garden go dormant for the fall/ winter season, I like to bring out faux flowers to add a touch of color to the house. Silk or faux flowers are not what they used to be! They look very realistic now- you just have to know how to style them. In this video I show you one of my tricks: using leaf ribbon to line the inside of the vase to get a professional floral look.

Fall Decor


In the video you will see our fall wreath, outdoor pumpkins and haystacks, indoor light up pumpkins, my fall pumpkin centerpiece and more.

If you are unable to see the video above, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or visit my YouTube channel. If you enjoy the video, don't forget to "like" it with the thumbs up. Be sure to subscribe and select the option to receive emails for new uploaded videos. I plan to post many bonus videos during the holiday season.

News

Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic: Lessons in Everyday Elegance comes out on October 27th! Pre-order available now.

I will be reading and signing books at Pages Bookstore, Manhattan Beach on October 29th at 7pm. I hope to see you there!

Thank you to Live Intentionally for your wonderful video review of Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic.


Congratulations to my writing mentor, Alan Watt, who has published his highly-anticipated second novel, DAYS ARE GONE. This dark and edgy work examines second chances, forgiveness and redemption.


Here is the description for DAYS ARE GONE from the back cover:

Alice just walked out of her marriage to aging rock star, Chick Wolfson, leaving behind her San Francisco penthouse and all the trappings this union conferred. She drives north to Seattle to stay with her folks, but never makes it. Chick cancels her credit cards – her parents disapprove of her choice mainly because she’s spent her marriage lying to everyone including herself about the nature of their relationship. With her tank on empty, she crawls into Waiden, a small Oregon town off the coast, and checks into the crumbling Frontier Inn where she lands a minimum wage job. While there, she finds herself attracted to Webb Cooley, grocery clerk, and recent parolee of Oregon State Correctional Facility. Webb is quiet and withdrawn, with secrets of his own. Soon they are pulled into a relationship that they are each using to exercise their own particular form of escape. As they grow closer, their desire to be known by each other threatens to reveal the secrets from the past. Exquisitely written with a propulsive narrative, Days Are Gone explores the nature of regret, and how faith and forgiveness are the surest path to freedom.

Congratulations Al!


Comment of the Week
Stephanie writes:

Jennifer, I had an interesting experience living the Madame Chic habits that may interest you.
To "look presentable always," I have been trying to rise earlier so I can shower, dress, etc. before walking the kids to the bus stop. Most days I have been successful with this. The first three weeks I felt a bit out of place in my summer skirts and nice ballet flats. Many of the other moms were in pajamas, sweats, etc.
Yesterday morning was especially difficult for me, emotionally. I had attended an Officers' Spouse Club meeting the night before. We are relatively new to the military life, and the feeling that I didn't fit in was especially strong that morning.
Still, I put on my summer skirt and nice ballet flats, did my make up with the dramatic eye variation, and walked out to the bus stop.
Imagine my surprise, delight, and relief to see two of the other moms at the stop wearing skirts and ballet flats. (All three of us wearing it in a different color and cut).
Some readers express frustration at standing out too much when they try to adopt a Madame Chic lifestyle. My experience at the bus stop showed me that perhaps we can be a positive influence on those around us.
Thank you, Jennifer, for being a positive example in my life.

Thank you Stephanie for your inspiring comment. I love that the other ladies dressed up, most likely because of your influence. Your silent perseverance is very powerful!


Question of the Week
Isabell writes:

Hi Jennifer, I just discovered your Youtube channel a few weeks ago and I love it. Presently I am reading Lessons from Madame Chic. Thank you for so much inspiration. I loved your piano playing. I play a few simple songs on the keyboard (with sheet music, lol). I am 58 years old and I'm wondering if I should continue playing at least 30 minutes a day or if it's too late and I should find other pursuits. I grew up receiving no encouragement in practically anything. Then again, Grandma Moses did not start painting until she was in her 50's or 60's. What do you think? God Bless You and I respectfully await your reply. Sincerely, Isabell

Dear Isabell. I think you should continue to commit to playing the piano every day if it brings you joy. Age should never discourage you from doing anything you love to do. My Grandmother played the piano well into her 90s and it brought her such happiness. It is never too late. Enjoy every note!



This week I would love to know... what are your favorite fall candles, beauty items or ways to decorate your home?




See you on Thursday for a special bonus video!



FTC: All items featured in this video were purchased by me. I have no affiliation with any of the companies mentioned. All opinions are (as always) my own.



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I promised to speak more in depth about some of my recent fall beauty finds. This week's video shares these finds with you as well as shows a two part tutorial: my everyday fall le no makeup look and an amplified version.



Fall makeup finds:

CHANEL Perfection Lumiere Velvet- for me, this is matte makeup perfection. I love this foundation and relied on it when I gave my TEDx talk (I did not want to look shiny on stage with all of those bright lights on me) and it performed! You must shake it side to side before applying. Then put a small amount on your fingers and apply with your fingertips. This foundation is not to be applied any other way. You would not use a beautyblender, brush or makeup sponge to apply this foundation. I love a good matte foundation for fall/ winter and this one is my favorite so far! I know it's pricey so if you have any drugstore or less expensive matte foundation recommendations, please leave them for us in the comment section below.

YSL Volume Effet Faux Clis mascara in burgundy
Yes you read that correctly: burgundy mascara. I know! It is not something I would have ever considered but I've heard from many people that burgundy mascara is very natural-looking and flattering and can bring out the intensity of green or hazel eyes. It's all true! I love this beauty find and think it's perfect for fall.

Hourglass ambient blush in mood exposure. You can use any plumy or deep rose blush and it would look perfect for fall. This is the one I am using today.

L'Oreal Paris Infallable Never Fail Lip Color in mulberry. This is a marvelous drugstore find. If you've had bad experiences in the past with lip stains that fade in the middle, dry your lips and don't last you will not be disappointed with this lipstick. I happened upon it at the drugstore and thought I'd give it a try. It's a two part system. Apply the gloss to clean, dry lips and let it sit for two minutes. Then restore moisture and seal in the color with the lip balm attached. A great lipstick that literally lasts 8 to 12 hours through meals, drinks and everything.

These are some of my favorite fall makeup finds. Do you have any to share with us? If you have any "dupes" or drugstore versions of the higher-end products, please let us know in the comment section below.

To see me talk about all of the above and watch two versions of a fall no makeup look, check out the video above. If you are unable to see the video, 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 number 5 on the New York Times best seller list under fashion, manners and customs.

Enchanting the Day lists At Home With Madame Chic among 5 books to love.

Real Mom Reviews writes about book one and two in an article called, Living Chic.

Madame Chic Inspiring Thought
Focus on one feature you'd like to highlight this week, such as your eyes or your lips, and develop a no makeup look to support that. Frame your pretty eyes with a natural mascara or break out that plummy lipstick you rarely use and switch up your makeup routine. Embrace your femininity and celebrate your beauty in a way that's fun and true to your style.

Comment of the Week
The comment of the week comes from Bronwyn, who writes regarding last week's post, Eat Lunch With No Distractions:

After years of getting crumbs at my work keyboard, to now being a stay at home wife and picking at food from 11-2pm, today I had a Madame Chic lunch.

I knew I would enjoy savouring my food, but I was also surprised to re-learn the lesson "How you do anything is how you do everything". This morning I hadn't bothered to dress nicely (slaps wrist), wearing comfortable clothes suited to the dreary day here.. and if I am totally honest look a little like pajamas, at least when worn together.

As I was eating my nicely prepared and dressed lunch I just felt uncomfortable wearing such slouchy clothes, and ended up changing into another pair of trousers that I'm much more comfortable answering the door in!! Suddenly I feel much more motivated to get my tasks done.

Bronwyn, I love your testimonial! You have motivated us to live better at home with your story. Thank you!


I love reading your comments, observations, musings and testimonials. Even though I am unable to reply to each one, I read them all. Also, you never know, your comment might be picked as comment of the week!

See you soon x


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