Are handshakes off limits? What are the do's and don'ts of social distancing? And what do you do if you find yourself homeschooling during the Coronavirus pandemic? These are the topics we are discussing in today's video.



I recently did a video on the etiquette of handshake snubs. We discussed the intricacies of the handshake and now that the world is dealing with the Coronavirus pandemic, it's an important topic to revisit. In today's video I give you two respectful ways to avoid handshakes when meeting people. I agree with my friend Myka Meier, who wrote the new book Modern Etiquette Made Easy. Myka advocates for the "stop, drop, and nod". In this technique, you place your hands behind your back and nod your head with a smile.

Another way to avoid handshakes is to clasp your hands together and smile and nod. These send clear but non-agressive signals that you are not interested in handshakes.

Another topic of conversation is social distancing. What are the do's and don'ts in this post coronavirus world? This article from The Atlantic lays out great guidelines for social distancing. What are your thoughts on the subject?

Another helpful resource is the CDC, which lays out guidelines on what to do for prevention and what to do if you feel sick.

And finally, I'm answering a question I have received frequently: what do you do if you find yourself homeschooling your kids over the next few weeks? My advice is to, of course, follow the guidelines and curriculum given to you by the school. But if no guidelines or curriculum are given, take this opportunity to have a fun learning experience and consider doing a unit study. A unit study focuses on one subject. You can dive in and create your own curriculum about this with books, documentaries, crafts, even cooking food from the time period (if it's a history unit study). Get creative, watch YouTube videos for inspiration on what to do and just enjoy this time with your family. Daily practice with math and grammar is a great idea too.

I know this is a very stressful time for many. The future seems uncertain. I hope that you find this blog a refuge from the outside world and that you leave feeling refreshed. I pray that you and your families are healthy and safe.

I'll be back tomorrow with another encouraging video to keep you company during this time. Let us know your experience in the comments below.

News
📍*IMPORTANT* Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, The Blossoming Lady Conference has been postponed. All attendees have been contacted regarding the rescheduled date in July. More details to follow.

📍Join us for The Chic Assignment for March.

📍Become a member of The Daily Connoisseur through the MEMBERSHIPS feature. I do one livestream as well 3 episodes of my new Vodcast (a video podcast) per month. (Link must be accessed on a computer.)

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

📍I am working on an exciting new eCourse for you and it is almost ready. In the meantime, 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 a new ten-item wardrobe addition on Instagram... I love this jumpsuit!

View this post on Instagram

I might go down to a one-item wardrobe and just wear this jumpsuit everyday for spring 😆 Linked in my bio. #tenitemwardrobe #capsulewardrobe #springjumpsuit #jumpsuit #floraljumpsuit #lookpresentablealways #spring

A post shared by Jennifer L. Scott (@dailyconnoisseur) on Mar 14, 2020 at 12:09pm PDT

Comment of the Week
Zillah writes, "Hello Jennifer! Yes Autumn is approaching here in the Southern Hemisphere, we are starting to get some cool mornings again. Jennifer, I was wondering how you approach either motivation or inspiration for putting together your wardrobe each season. I'm feeling a little lack lustre and struggling to want to wear some items again. How do you handle clothing after a season of loss, sadness, or disappointment? I'm getting my winter wardrobe out and just feeling flat. Any suggestions would be most appreciated."

Zillah, if you feel lackluster over your wardrobe, don't force yourself to shop if you don't feel like it. We all go through seasons where we feel down. Perhaps a "uniform" or wearing the same thing that you love over and over again could provide familiar comfort for you.

Thank you for joining me today. I would love to hear your experience. What are you going through right now? What are your thoughts on the subjects discussed today? Your comment could be chosen as comment of the week on the blog.



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My interview series continues on The Daily Connoisseur with author, homesteader and YouTuber extraordinaire, Shaye Elliott from The Elliott Homestead.



I had so much fun chatting with Shaye! She and I have a lot in common: we both have four children, we both homeschool, we are both writers, and we share a lot of the same life philosophies. I just know that you will love our conversation. I didn't want it to end and I hope that Shaye will come back to be a guest on the channel again.

Here is a list of Shaye's books: The Elliott Homestead: From Scratch: Traditional, whole-foods dishes for easy, everyday meals, Welcome to the Farm: How-to Wisdom from The Elliott Homestead and Seasons at the Farm: Year-Round Celebrations at the Elliott Homestead.

Shaye's essential oil link for doTERRA can be found here. And her blog can be found here.

I hope you enjoy today's video and that you have a lovely weekend!

I would love to hear your thoughts on all of the topics that Shaye and I discussed.



Visit my newly designed Author Website

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*Please note: consult your doctor before treating any ailments with essential oils. The host is not liable for any advice given on the channel and the views of the guests do not necessarily reflects the views of the host.

Today's video is all about homeschooling. This was a highly requested topic ever since we announced that we would be homeschooling our children this year. Here is an example of one of the many requests I received from readers:

Hadasah K. writes:
Hi Jennifer! Happy New Year! I’d love to see a video about your journey of home schooling so far. I know you’ve touched on it, but I’d like to know more detail. Do you feel like the minimum requirement is enough or are you very thorough? Was the transition from having the girls at school to home bumpy? Do you find that each child needs to be taught differently? Do you sit down with them x number of hours a day, or are they to some extent self taught? I was homeschooled from K-12th grade, but I like to hear other’s experiences as being the homeschooled student is very different than the teacher/parent! I have a 2yr old and 10 month yr old, so quite awhile to think about it. In the meantime, I’d love your advice!

Hi Hadasah, I believe I answer almost all of your questions in today's video, plus a lot more.

Why do we homeschool? How do we homeschool? What curriculum do we use? How long does it take us? What about socialization? Are we taking the standardized test? Do we plan to do it next year? All of these questions, plus much more are answered in today's video.

As a disclaimer that I mention in the video, today's discussion is in no way a criticism of public or private school. Every parent makes the best choice for their family and homeschooling isn't necessarily right for everyone.

As for curriculum, my Kindergartener uses Abeka almost exclusively and we also supplement with this awesome reading book called, Phonics Pathways.

My 2nd grader uses Horizons math, Christian Light Education for language arts and reading and Abeka for history and science. We are very happy with our curriculum choices for this year. I'm noticing that my daughters are retaining their knowledge and enjoying the learning process, which is a huge plus.

I truly hope you enjoy today's video.

** Please note: in the video I mention I went to public school for my entire education. I meant to say my entire undergrad education.

News



My newest eCourse, Chic Financial Principles for Debt-free Living is getting rave reviews!

Here is a testimonial from Linda A. who writes,

Dear Jennifer,

You cannot imagine what a difference you are making in my life (I'm nearing 80 years old) and the lives of my awesome granddaughters!!! I stumbled upon your Madame Chic book several years ago and shared it with a granddaughter who was really struggling finding a direction for her life at the time. Very long story short, at 16 she got her hustle on, completed high school early, spent a study semester in France before entering college. She is now enrolled at a major four-year university studying film with with minors in French and Spanish. She also has younger sisters who are also really into your books as I have bought them all. Love this course and am making sure they also take it. So, from the absolute bottom of my heart I extend my deepest and most heartfelt "Thank you! dear Jennifer for all your hard work."

Linda, I am so excited to hear that the Madame Chic books and my eCourses are benefiting multiple generations in your family! Wonderful!

On Instagram
I spy Madame Chic...

Uwielbiam zapach książek 📚🤓 #booklover #madamechic #makephotographyeasier #elementarzstylu #lovestylelife

A post shared by R💋KSANA (@rox.em) on Jan 25, 2018 at 3:51am PST

Comment of the Week
I loved reading the comments for Monday's Breakfast video. So many on YouTube shared their favorite breakfasts and now I have so many ideas! Polly on the blog wrote, "I love your breakfasts! They look familiar to me as I eat very similarly. Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. I rotate between a Greek yogurt-berry-oat bran bircher, eggs scrambled with loads of veggies, and half an Ezekiel bread muffin with a little almond butter and slivers of banana. On Sundays my husband makes me a fantastic, beautiful omelet with whatever vegetables we have on hand, and some type of cheese (often chevre), sundried tomatoes, avocado, and sriracha. It's such a treat. And I always have two cups of coffee with almond milk.....

My children eat baked oatmeal topped with nut butter, my great-grandmother's buckwheat pancake recipe (delicious), or whole-grain waffles that I make. Sometimes I will also make a breakfast casserole for them...we have chickens, so there are always fresh, healthy eggs on hand. And my husband eats oatmeal with nut butter & almond milk & fruit every morning, except after his long run on Saturday, when I make him buckwheat pancakes.

Starting the day with a beautiful breakfast is kind of a quotidian luxury that I enjoy. So do you, I see!"

Polly, I have only one thing to say in response to your comment... YUM! :) Thank you for sharing your family's favorite breakfasts.

Today, I would love to hear from you. What are your thoughts on homeschooling? Were you homeschooled? What is your child's experience in school, whether it be public, private or homeschool? If you homeschool, what is your favorite curriculum? Please be respectful in the comment section. I appreciate that everyone who watches this video might differ strongly in opinion. Your kindly-worded response is always welcome. I'll see you on Thursday for the homeschool room tour!


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Our tour of the English countryside continues as we explore Hampton Court Palace, Henry VIII's favorite home. My husband and the girls get lost in the maze, we marvel at the bountiful kitchen garden and tour the magnificent palace. My favorite part of the visit was the Chapel Royal. It was a special trip, indeed! I loved visiting Hampton Court Palace. There was so much we didn't get to see, I wish I had another day to explore... but we will have to save that for next time. I hope you enjoy today's video.



Here is information on the historical nature of the maze from the Hampton Court Palace website:

The maze at Hampton Court was designed by George London and Henry Wise and commissioned around 1700 by William III. Originally planted using hornbeam and later replanted using yew, the Hampton Court Maze covers a third of an acre, is trapezoid in shape and is the UK's oldest surviving hedge maze.

The maze itself is referred to as a multicursal or puzzle maze and is known for confusing and intriguing visitors with its many twists, turns and dead ends. On average, it takes 20 minutes to reach the center.

As you will see in the video, my husband and the girls tried to reach the center of the maze and got separated. The baby and I hightailed it out of there as soon as I saw the exit! The thought of being lost in a maze is not as appealing to me. I hope you get a laugh out of Mr. Connoisseur's hijinks in today's video.

News
The Haute Ticket is too busy reading Lessons from Madame Chic to create their own capsule wardrobe!

Take my new eCourse on the ten-item wardrobe. With over an hour of never-before-seen video instruction, notes and quizzes, you will feel prepared to create your own ten-item wardrobe. For those of you who already do the ten-item wardrobe, this course will keep you on track and provide further inspiration. The course is self-paced and includes a lively comment section with other ten-item wardrobe enthusiasts. Enjoy!



Comment of the Week
Linda A writes, "I'm a 79 year old fan of yours! I've purchased two of your books which have inspired my granddaughters to follow your lead. One recently spent half a year in France between high school and college as a result. Even my daughter-in-law who is an excessive accumulator of "stuff" has begun to get rid of a lot! Wow. Keep up the good work and try hard not to let the "critics" affect your joy in doing life your way. Hugs from Tennessee."

Hi Linda, I got a kick out of your comment. Thank you so much for your support of my work and for sharing it with your family. I appreciate you!


Today I would love to know... have you ever visited Hampton Court Palace? Do you enjoy learning about the Tudor period? What's your favorite book on the Tudor period? Aren't you glad you weren't married to Henry VIII? :) Let me know in the comment section and yours could be chosen as comment of the week on the blog.


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

Take a walk with me on the beach and have a chat! In this video, I update you on how homeschooling is going, what our daily routine is in Portugal and the unusual things I have been missing while traveling abroad. We are actually in England right now, but I hope you enjoy seeing these videos from our Portugal trip.

This video was shot on the DJI Gimbal Osmo video recorder. I'm still learning how to use this device so bear with me as I try to walk in the thick sand, talk and film at the same time. Ha!

I hope you enjoy today's video.

News

Take my new eCourse on the ten-item wardrobe! With over an hour of never-before-seen video instruction, notes and quizzes, you will feel prepared to create your own ten-item wardrobe. For those of you who already do the ten-item wardrobe, this course will keep you on track and provide further inspiration. The course is self-paced and includes a lively comment section with other ten-item wardrobe enthusiasts. Enjoy!



Fiona G writes, "Thank you Jennifer for putting this course together. It's been really helpful in putting the 10 item wardrobe into practice."

Thank you, Fiona!



Today I would love to know... what are the unusual things you miss while traveling?


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Hello Daily Connoisseurs,

I am completely blown away by all of your wonderful and supportive comments on Monday's Life Updates post. I was nervous to post Monday's video as it is a very personal vlog, but everyone was so gracious and supportive. Thank you!

Today, I go into more detail about our summer. Where am I with the ten-item wardrobe? Where did we travel? What revelation did I have about the mountains? How is homeschooling going? I discuss this and so much more in today's video.

This video was shot in the evening after all of the kids went to bed so I apologize for the low lighting and the hum of the dishwasher, but as always, I'm just keeping it real!

Featured in the video:
In the video, I'm drinking out of my Her Ladyship mug . While this mug is not very sophisticated, it sure is fun! I also found this Downton Abbey inspired mug on Amazon that is more affordable. I think these mugs would make great gifts for a girlfriend.

The website I mention for clothing is zulily. Zulily is a great website that has steeply discounted designer clothing.

News
Bloom Books released a beautiful look book of fashionable ladies posing with Lessons from Madame Chic in Vietnam. You can see the whole look book here.



Comment of the Week
Judith M. writes: I think our societal shame of talking about money is part of the reason so many people are in debt. We're pressured to live extravagant lifestyles, eat gourmet dinners, travel around the world, all the while not talking about how this is being funded. I've often wondered how some people could afford to do all this, and it wasn't until recently I realized some are going into debt in order to show how "fulfilling" their lives are. I think a finance series about living well within your means would be very helpful! Good luck with all these exciting changes in your life!

Hi Judith, I could not agree more. As a society we don't talk about spending and saving habits, and because of this, many people are drowning in debt. Thank you for your insightful comment!


Before we end today's post, I want to continue to offer my prayers for the people of Texas. We are all thinking of you and hope that you are safe during this very scary time.

See you all on Monday for a spring/ summer ten-item wardrobe look-back!



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

Hello everyone, how I've missed you! I am back from my summer vacation and am renewed and excited for this new season of The Daily Connoisseur. I hope that you have had a great month and were able to spend quality time with your families.

Before this post begins, I'd like to extend my thoughts and prayers to the people of Texas who have been affected by Hurricane Harvey. I hope that you and your families are safe...

In today's video, I'm sharing some major life updates that are happening in our family right now.

The first major update is... we have moved into a new home and have left Los Angeles! This may come as a big surprise to many of you who have followed me, since it seems we only just moved to our last home. We lived there for two years and loved the home, however, my husband and I have been working toward certain financial goals, which you'll hear about in today's video, that necessitated our move.

The second update is that we are spending an extended period of time in Europe this year (mainly England) to visit my husband's side of the family. Because of this, we are homeschooling our children this year. Homeschooling really frees up your time to travel as you do not have to wait for the scheduled school breaks. This has been a decision that we have studied and researched about for an entire year and not one that we have taken lightly. Thank you in advance for your supportive comments in this endeavor! For much more on the subject, be sure to watch today's video.

News
Lessons from Madame Chic is out in Vietnam from Bloom Press.

LESSONS FROM MADAME CHIC is now out in Vietnam from Bloom Books ❤️ #MADAMECHIC #MADAMECHICVietnam #jenniferlscott #dailyconnoisseur

A post shared by Jennifer L. Scott (@dailyconnoisseur) on Jul 31, 2017 at 9:56am PDT

Today, I would love to know... what requests do you have for the upcoming season on The Daily Connoisseur? If there is anything you'd like to see, please leave your request below. If you are interested in hearing more about debt-free living, please let me know in the comment section below. Also, if any of you are homeschooling parents, please leave me your best advice down below. Your comment could be chosen as comment of the week.

It's wonderful to be back and I will see you soon!


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