Hello my fellow connoisseurs. In this series, I like to explore the life of a homemaker, as it can be complicated, complex, hidden, and deeply important. Today I’m going to share thoughts on the Homemaker’s Presentation. How you present yourself at home.




Presentation. How we present ourselves. A secret I learned while living in Paris, that I’ve never been able to shake, is that we should look presentable always. Not look perfect, or expensive, but presentable. And yes, this even applies at home. In fact, I would suggest that it is even more important to look presentable at home than out in public. Why? Because how we live at home, is indicative of how we truly are.

Now a common dilemma that homemakers face is: what if I get dressed, do my hair and maybe even makeup, and then I just ruin everything with a long day of cooking, cleaning, and parenting?



After posing this question, many homemakers decide to dress for drudgery. Yes, drudgery. They expect that the outfit will be stained, that the hair or makeup will go unnoticed, so they dress in old ratty clothes such as sweat pants to get through the day.

I’m here to encourage you. You don’t need to dress for drudgery. If you do so, you are setting yourself up for a life sentence of wearing drab, stainable clothing, because every day is filled with chores, cleaning, and cooking. Meanwhile your true style is being stifled and your creative expression through dress is gone.

A question I posed to myself when I became a parent was this: how do I want my children to visually remember me? Of course, I want them to remember me for my inner qualities and those are likely the first that will come to mind, but your family will also remember you visually as well. I want my children to be well-adjusted adults, and so I must look the part too.

And a final thought. If we save our best clothing and appearance for that one rare day in the future where we don’t have any housework to do, it’s the equivalent of having beautiful china teacups that you never use, that just collect dust on a shelf. What’s the worst thing that can happen? We stain our clothing. Well, if you can’t get the stain out, at least you went out with a bang. :)

Looking presentable comes in many different forms. Our style is varied and unique, as diverse as we are. I am inspired by remarkable women who express their true style with joie de vivre on a daily basis.


The ladies who are featured in this video are very near and dear to my heart. They each have amazing channels and I encourage you to check them out and subscribe. They are linked in order of appearance:

Marie-Anne Lecoeur
Kim | Free to Family
Teri | Terigigi
Devoreaux | The Modern Lady
Fiona | How to be Chic
Robin | Faith & Flour
Audrey Coyne
Laurie | Pride in Photos Beauty
Kat | A Better Life with Flylady Kat
Joy Forney
Rosenda | Little Pink Casa
Coleen | Uncomplicated Motherhood
Jamie Cat Callan
Melissa | Melissa55
Shaye | The Elliott Homestead
Hilary | Old World Home
Amy Maryon
Alena | The Darling Academy
Mrs. Shockley
Falon | Moss Family TV
Rachel | Sweet & Simple Home
Nikki | Inspired by Nikki

I hope today's video inspires you.

Featured in today's video, my dress, my apron, my velvet hair tie, my nail polish (JenniferS for 25% off), and the multi-purpose cleaner I used (a new natural brand called, Squeak... it's excellent!)

News

📍Join us for The Chic Assignment for November.

📍Visit The Daily Connoisseur merch store for holiday gifts, perfect for fans of The Daily Connoisseur blog. The limited edition Nutcracker mugs are absolutely delightful.

📍Thank you for your wonderful support of my new book, 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.

On Instagram
Connoisseur Kids on Instagram...

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Of course math, reading, and writing are extremely important but knowing how to be good humans is the most important skill of all. We are enjoying this book by @dailyconnoisseur as a part of our homeschool curriculum. #connoisseurkids #myblessedfarmhouseschool

A post shared by @ myblessedfarmhouse on Nov 8, 2019 at 7:48am PST

Comment of the Week

Michela O. writes, "I really loved this video! my mother taught me to take care of my clothes and how to wash them and I will always be grateful for this. I love the combination of cashmere with silk and with elegant and timeless jewels. I live in northern Italy and I often wear warm clothes like cashmere sweaters that I wear under my coat."


Dear Michela, I can imagine northern Italy is so beautiful. Thank you for your comment!

Thank you for watching. I would love to know how you like to dress at home. Did today's video inspire you in any way? If so, please share.

I'll see you next time for The Chic Assignment check-in.


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Hello my Daily Connoisseurs, in today’s video I’m going to share the secret to a Homemaker’s Success. Can you guess what it is?



Welcome back to The Daily Connoisseur. My name is Jennifer and I am a wife, mother of four, a writer, and yes, a homemaker. I enjoy exploring the world of homemaking on this channel because the life of a homemaker is complex and oftentimes hidden.

Today I’m going to share the secret to a Homemaker’s success.

Delighting in the mundane tasks of your day.



Yes, delighting in the mundane. What does mundane mean? There are two definitions:

1. lacking interest or excitement; dull.

2. of this earthly world rather than a heavenly or spiritual one.

Basically, it’s the everyday tasks that we associate with drudgery. We would rather be doing more glamorous or exciting things than our mundane tasks: washing the dishes, folding laundry, wiping countertops, ironing clothes, making beds. It can all be so mundane.

“The world is so full of a great many things” as Robert Louis Stevenson said. Everyone else seems to be leading such an exciting life. Why am I stuck here doing these mundane tasks over and over again?



Well, the things you do most in life, are the most important. Did you ever think about it like that? Think about how many hours of our lives we devote to these tasks. They take up a significant portion of our life. We might as well change our attitude about them.

The secret to successful homemaking is delighting in the mundane. Focus on the task you’re doing and simply delight in it. Change your mind about it. Change your perspective. Imagine your delight if you were on your way to lunch with a good friend, you would be looking forward to it. You would dress nicely and have a cheerful attitude. You wouldn’t be dreading it at all.

And while at the lunch, you would enjoy every moment. We should capture some of that energy when we face our daily tasks. Now, of course, we are not going to be doing jumping jacks of joy when we clean the kitchen for the third time each day, but over time, if we can accept the present circumstances and enjoy that mundane task, we can truly start to change our lives.

I hope today's video gave you food for thought. How can you delight in the mundane aspects of the day? A wonderful resource to help you with this is my second book, At Home with Madame Chic.

Featured in today's video: the cloths I'm using are e-cloth, my dress is J.Jill, my velvet hair tie, my nail polish (code JenniferS for 25% off first-time orders), my earrings and bracelet are Ana Luisa NY (code Jennifer10 for $10 off)

The music featured is My Garden and Secret Love. Copyright free music from Epidemic Sound.

Thank you for joining me today and have a wonderful weekend.


Visit my newly designed Author Website

Shop The Daily Connoisseur merch store">Daily Connoisseur merch, now featuring limited edition holiday items.

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

Facebook facebook.com/JenniferLScottAuthor

Twitter @JL_Scott

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Take my affordable eCourses on the ten-item wardrobe, debt-free living, and efficiency at home


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

My Homemaker Series continues on The Daily Connoisseur with today's video, The Homemaker's Obligation. Can you guess what it is?



In this episode, we are going to explore the biggest obligation to a homemaker. And you might be surprised by what it is. First of all, what is an obligation?

An obligation is defined as an act or course of action to which a person is morally or legally bound; a duty or commitment.

Let's look at that last part again: a duty or commitment.

OK, are you ready to hear the homemaker’s biggest obligation?



To be frugal.

Yes, a homemaker’s biggest obligation is to be frugal. This isn’t the funnest obligation, but typically obligations aren’t exciting or fun. But it is your duty as a homemaker. And yes, your commitment as well… even if you are prosperous.

Yes, even if you are prosperous and thriving financially, it is still your obligation as a homemaker to be frugal.

Let me clarify what I mean. Being frugal will vary from homemaker to homemaker, of course, as we all have different household salaries and lifestyles. So why should we all be frugal then? And what does that mean?



Well, I particularly hope that my new and younger homemakers are paying attention here, because even if you are doing well now… chances are that could change in the future. I’m not trying to be a downer here. I’m just being practical.

Illnesses come, jobs are lost, hard times can be ahead. Thankfully with much of this there is also restoration— peaks and valleys where we are doing well and not. I don’t know a single family who hasn’t gone thr ough hardships. Not a single one. So trouble will come. Just be prepared for it and you will be able to weather the storm much more gracefully.

Like I mentioned, being frugal will look different for different people… but here are some ideas and ways that I stay frugal:

🍂 Make coffee and tea at home.
🍂 Do manicures and pedicures at home. (Here is a playlist of my manicure videos for inspiration)
🍂 Employ a capsule wardrobe (which gives you discipline with shopping)
🍂 Cooking from scratch
🍂 Cloth diapering (we use these and these) We have saved hundreds of dollars by cloth diapering
🍂 Choose fulfilling hobbies like reading...
🍂 Or gardening.
🍂 I even exercise at home (this is the rebounder I use)

There are thousands of other ideas on how you can be frugal at home. The ideas I share in today's video are just a few of how I practice frugality... your ways might look different.

Being frugal doesn’t mean you have to live a strict parsimonious existence… I always say you should buy the best quality you can afford. And what you can afford will vary from person to person.

It’s truly about adopting a frugal mindset. How can you save money and resources in your current lifestyle?

When you adopt this lifestyle and realize that it isn’t a punishment, but a very fulfilling way to live, you will become accustomed to this beautiful way of life and if hard times happen to hit, you will be better prepared for them. Think of all the money you will save that can aide you in retirement. A wise homemaker is frugal and looks to the future.

A wonderful companion to today's video is my affordable eCourse, Chic Financial Principles for Debt-Free Living, where I go even further into the living well on a budget mindset.

I hope you enjoyed today’s Homemaker video. I would love to know your thoughts on the Homemaker's biggest obligation. Your comment could be chosen as comment of the week. Have a lovely weekend and I'll see you on Monday.


Visit my newly designed Author Website

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

Facebook facebook.com/JenniferLScottAuthor

Twitter @JL_Scott

Instagram @dailyconnoisseur

Take my affordable eCourses on the ten-item wardrobe, debt-free living, and efficiency at home

Sign up for my Seasonal Author Newsletter

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

My Homemaker Series continues on The Daily Connoisseur. Today, I’m going to share with you the homemaker’s biggest obstacle.



In this series, I aim to explore the secret world of homemaking, its delightful aspect as well as the darker side to it. So far in the series I’ve revealed three enemies to homemaking, as well as the homemaker’s best friend.

Today we are going to reveal the homemaker’s biggest obstacle. How is an obstacle different than an enemy? Aren’t they the same things? Well, yes and no.

An obstacle is defined as a thing that blocks one's way or prevents or hinders progress.

An enemy is a thing that harms or weakens something else.

Today’s exploration is definitely an obstacle. It’s a beast that almost every homemaker deals with. Are you ready to find out what the Homemaker’s biggest obstacle is?

CLUTTER

Yes, the homemaker’s biggest obstacle is clutter. Let’s think about that definition again. A thing that blocks one’s way or prevents or hinders progress.

How many times have you wished to do something in your home, but got choked up by the clutter? Perhaps you have a hard time finding things, or you’d like to do a deep clean, or you’d like to finally get organized, but one look at all of that overwhelming clutter and you just fold. It’s too much.

CLUTTER: the biggest obstacle of homemakers.

Clearly, something needs to be done. There are many ways. There are many thought processes. There are many techniques. But ultimately, the clutter has to be dealt with. Systematically. I suggest timing yourself (Do you remember the homemaker’s best friend?) Give yourself a realistic amount of time to work with each and every day and, without fail, even if you do it at 8pm or midnight, address that clutter. Clear those hot spots and stagnant spaces.

I write about clutter in my Madame Chic books. Mainly because Madame Chic was an incredible anomaly as a homemaker. She never had clutter. I mean never. Did you fully grasp that? JAMAIS. Ha!

I lived with my French host family for 6 months and I never saw clutter. And no, Madame Chic didn’t follow KonMarie, or Sweedish Death cleaning or Flylady or any of the other trending systems (which, by the way, are all excellent systems that could greatly help you). She just did it.

Systematically go through your belongings and tidy them up. Get rid. Donate. Throw away. Don’t overly consume. Establish routines every day and make sure the whole family is involved. Clear that clutter. Because that clutter is the biggest obstacle you face as a homemaker. It’s what’s blocking you from blossoming truly.

Here’s a four-pronged approach to how Madame Chic dealt with clutter:
1. She dealt with her tasks and belongings immediately and never let anything collect where it shouldn’t be. In other words, she didn’t allow clutter to build up in the first place.

2. She did not over consume. She wasn’t constantly buying things to bring into the home. She was very selective. Those of you who follow my ten-item wardrobe will get this deeply.

3. The whole family was on board. Train your children young. Train them to pick up after themselves immediately. Never leave it. These habits are easier instilled when the child is young.

4. Take joy in the process. Don’t dread it. Be excited about what you will be able to accomplish now that this obstacle is out of your way.


Thank you for joining me for my Homemaker series. Be sure to share today's video with a friend who needs homemaking encouragement.

Featured in the video:
🌿 E-cloth multipurpose cloth (clean with just water) Use code JENN2SCHOOL for 15% off through August 30th.
🌿Cellar Door Candles reed diffuser in Breathe Easy
🌿My earrings are by Ana Luisa Jewelry Use code Jennifer10 for $10 off your order
🌿Wool Dryer Balls on Amazon
🌿Cleaning supplies from Grove Collaborative
🌿The sign hanging in my laundry room (I love this!)

This video is dedicated to Andrea Mills, who was a fellow YouTuber and a wonderful homemaker. She tragically passed away a few weeks ago and has left her large family behind. If you feel inclined to donate to Andrea's family, I have left her GoFundMe here.

News

📍I am a featured speaker at the Get Organized HQ Summit with I Heart Planners.

📍PRE-ORDER my new book, CONNOISSEUR KIDS, which comes out September 10th from Chronicle Books.

📍If you haven't taken my eCourses yet, now is a wonderful time to get started. 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
I shared the cover of Connoisseur Kids on Instagram to announce the pre-order. Thank you to everyone who has pre-ordered my book. I appreciate it so much!

View this post on Instagram

Pre-order my new book, CONNOISSEUR KIDS, which comes out Sept. 10th from @chroniclebooks Illustrations by @clarelowen Represented by @trident_media Available from all major bookstores. Link in my bio 📚 I’m incredibly proud of this beautiful book and believe it is greatly needed in society today. Thank you for your support of my work, Connoisseur Community. You mean so much to me ❤️ #connoisseurkids #jenniferlscott #dailyconnoisseur #etiquette #etiquetteforkids #livingwellforkids #changetheworld #chroniclebooks #clareowen #recipesforkids #activitiesforkids #homeschoolresources #elementaryartresources #etiquetteforteens #madamechic #tridentmediagroup

A post shared by Jennifer L. Scott (@dailyconnoisseur) on Aug 25, 2019 at 12:06pm PDT

Comment of the Week
Unknown writes, "Hi Jennifer, That was a beautiful video analysing how your spring/summer wardrobe performed for you. I live in a warm climate where winter is short but chilly. Our summers are hot and last for months. I have a capsule wardrobe too. But sometimes the discipline to plan for the forthcoming season lags due to being a busy mum! Ha! So I appreciate the encouragement to actually sit down and take stock rather than casually purchasing just whatever. So thank you! I have divided my wardrobe into 3 seasons...transitional (being spring/autumn), winter & summer. I get 2 months of autumn transitional, 3 months of winter, 1 more month of transitional, then 6 months of summer. My transitional wardrobe stays in place from autumn to spring, I just swap out a few things once winter hits. Summer means quality pieces for me, they get such a hard wear with needing to wash on the daily. Thank you for encouraging us to evaluate for ourselves what we need based on our style, climate & budget. We are more resourceful than we realise! Plus our own personal style grows and changes with us, so good to honour that. Your 10 item wardrobe really is here to serve you, enabling you to get on with what matters most!"

Thank you for your thoughtful comment. I loved reading your approach to the ten-item wardrobe!

Thank you for joining me for today's video. I would love to know... do you find clutter to be an obstacle in your homemaking? Let us know and your comment could be chosen as comment of the week on the blog.

Visit my newly designed Author Website

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

Facebook facebook.com/JenniferLScottAuthor

Twitter @JL_Scott

Instagram @dailyconnoisseur

Take my affordable eCourses on the ten-item wardrobe, debt-free living, and efficiency at home

Sign up for my Seasonal Author Newsletter

Interested in sponsoring a video on The Daily Connoisseur? Contact me here.

FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are affiliate.

Today I’m going to share with you a Homemaker’s best friend. I’m going to cut right to the chase and let you know what it is. Yes, it’s a timer. You don’t have to have a fancy timer like this one. You could use the one on your phone or on the microwave. Any timer will do.



Why is the timer a homemaker’s best friend? Well… that is what I am going to reveal to you in today’s video.

How many times have you had to clean at the end of a long day and thought, I simply cannot do this. I literally cannot tidy anything up right now, I’m so tired. Or you might not even be tired, you might actually have a lot of energy, but you’d rather spend it doing something, anything else. (If you’re not sure what I’m talking about, be sure to watch my video, The Number One Enemy to Homemakers.)

Well, we often talk ourselves into a frenzy about the chores we have to do. Can you relate? We build it up in our minds as this horrible dreaded task that is going to take forever, when in reality the chore at hand doesn’t actually take that long to do.

I love to time myself for 15 minutes, although I have been known to do 5 minutes and even power hours. But 15 minutes is usually the time frame I work with the most.

You would be amazed to know what you can accomplish in 15 minutes.

Most of the time I set the timer for 15 minutes to clean the kitchen and I’m done within 8 minutes. Then I just use the rest of the time to tidy something else or I sit down and enjoy a break.

The power of the timer is in your perception. Usually when you don’t feel like cleaning, you can convince yourself to at least devote 15 minutes to the task at hand. Tell yourself that when the timer goes off you will stop no matter what.

During those 15 minutes you can listen to a podcast or have a YouTube video on in the background or listen to beautiful music. I guarantee, those 15 minutes will fly.

Sometimes at the end of the 15 minutes something curious happens. I have regained my motivation for cleaning and actually want to continue. That has happened to me more times than I could count.

Use the timer technique on any task and in any room. Every family member, including the children, can also benefit from using a timer.

The timer is the homemaker’s best friend. Use it everyday as a motivational tool. Make it your best friend.


The vintage timer is found on Amazon. The dish tray, dish brushes, flower dish soap dispenser and dish soap are all from Grove Collaborative. The microfiber cloths used are by e-cloth. The apron is by Cath Kidston, a gift from my mother-in-law.

News
📍On Tuesday, I posted a video on YouTube discussing my thoughts on social media. The comment section is full of insights on your social media experience. The title of my video is, My Instagram is Rated D+ | Here's Why That's a Good Thing. Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel and hit the notification bell to see the videos that are not featured on the blog.

📍Take part in the Chic Assignment for August and join our Daily Connoisseur community.

📍PRE-ORDER my new book, CONNOISSEUR KIDS, which comes out September 10th from Chronicle Books.

📍If you haven't taken my eCourses yet, now is a wonderful time to get started. 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
Madame Chic in Mongolia...

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It’s my happiness. #weekendvibes #scribblesthatmatter #lessonsfrommadamechic #loccitanelipstick💄 #coffeeholic #flowers🌸 #minimalizm

A post shared by NamyNamuun (@namy_namuun) on Aug 2, 2019 at 7:47pm PDT

If you would like your Instagram featured on The Daily Connoisseur, snap a picture of one of your Madame Chic books and use the hashtag #jenniferlscott

Comment of the Week

KWheels writes, "After watching and then pondering your video on the number 1 enemy to homemaking, I went and deleted IG and FB. I honestly thought that Facebook was more distracting, but it was amazing the difference it made to let go of IG! I was following some pretty wonderful ladies, but I was unintentionally trying to mimic their life and feeling defeated when mine didn’t line up. Thank you for being a solid D+! 😍"


KWheels, yours was the most liked comment on YouTube! Thanks for sharing your freeing experience. I'm embracing my D+ grade on Instagram :)

Thank you for joining us for today's video. I would love to know if you like to use a timer to clean. Does this technique work for you?


Visit my newly designed Author Website

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

Facebook facebook.com/JenniferLScottAuthor

Twitter @JL_Scott

Instagram @dailyconnoisseur

Take my affordable eCourses on the ten-item wardrobe, debt-free living, and efficiency at home

Sign up for my Seasonal Author Newsletter

FTC: This video is not sponsored. Some links may be affiliate.