It's wonderful to be back on the blog. Thank you to everyone for your well-wishes after we had the baby. I have thoroughly enjoyed the past few weeks as we got to know the newest member of our family.



I'm excited to share the birth story with you in today's video. It is very raw, honest, and even funny at times! That is family life!

View this post on Instagram

It’s a boy! ❤️

A post shared by Jennifer L. Scott (@dailyconnoisseur) on Sep 8, 2018 at 10:27am PDT

After initially being turned away at the hospital, I gave birth 13 hours later. Our son came so quickly there was no time to get an epidural. This was my first 'natural' birth without an epidural. I could have made it into an episode of Natural Home with Jennifer! (just kidding) :)

View this post on Instagram

Completely in love ❤️

A post shared by Jennifer L. Scott (@dailyconnoisseur) on Sep 16, 2018 at 10:24am PDT

In today's video I share what I said while delivering (I scared Mr. Connoisseur a bit), and the whole experience from start to finish. Ultimately, I am so happy that our baby boy was born healthy and that I was able to quickly recover.

Childbirth is such a special, beautiful, and individual experience. I'd love to hear from you. What were your experiences giving birth? What funny things did you say while you were delivering your baby (ies)? Let us know and your comment could be chosen as comment of the week on the blog.

Mentioned in the video
My plan for getting back into shape involves walking everyday, and eventually getting back on the rebounder. Everyone else in my family uses the rebounder and I can't wait to get back on!

Also, I frequently get questions about what nail color I am wearing. In today's video, I'm wearing the beautiful Jane Austen color from Londontown. (Use code JenniferS for 25% off your order with Londontown).

On Instagram
A beautiful shot of the Madame Chic books...

Feeling very ‘chic’ this Monday morning after finishing the last Madame Chic book last night 📚 #madamechic #jenniferlscott #verychic #mondaymorning

A post shared by Katie Miller (@lapinblancdressmaking) on Aug 20, 2018 at 12:08am PDT

Comment of the Week
I love receiving comments on my Author Guestbook page. In today's entry, Madison writes, "Thank you for all your videos and I appreciate how you are “chic” in a culture that has become sloppy! Keep up the videos please!"

Thank you, Madison! I appreciate the chic community that we have here online, and you are a part of it!

Thank you for joining me for today's video. I would love to hear from you! Tell us your birth stories so we can laugh and cry together. I'll see you on Thursday for a new video!

Love,

Jennifer


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

By request, I'm sharing what's in my hospital bag in today's video.



I shot this video over Labor Day weekend before I delivered the baby. Those of you who follow me on Instagram know that I gave birth three weeks early to our sweet baby boy! I sure am glad I had my hospital bag packed and ready :)

View this post on Instagram

It’s a boy! ❤️

A post shared by Jennifer L. Scott (@dailyconnoisseur) on Sep 8, 2018 at 10:27am PDT

This is my fourth labor and delivery and I have found that you really do not need to bring much to the hospital. A special outfit for the baby, plus a few comfortable onesies (some prefer to bring a tee shirt for the baby, instead of a onesie, to not irritate the umbilical chord/ belly button), socks, pants, and a hat are nice to have. I also bring swaddling cloths as well. You can also bring newborn diapers, although they have always provided them for us in the hospital.



As for mama, I like to bring reading materials, presentable pajamas, and two outfits to wear. Additionally I pack minimal toiletries, socks, undergarments (nursing bra and suitable underwear), and a small bag of makeup. Although, I always add a bit of eccentricity to things, so I'm also bringing an Amish cookbook and a shirt for my husband, who doesn't like to pack bags. :)

For your reference, I am listing and linking (where I can) everything that I am bringing below. I would love to know, if you had hospital births, what you found helpful to bring in your hospital bag. Please let us know in the comment section so other future mothers can benefit from your advice.

(Please note: I wrote this post before delivering the baby, which explains the tenses used :) )



Kindle I have always had a lot of downtime during my hospital stays so I like to come equipped with lots of reading material, which is conveniently stored on my kindle.

Aden + Anais swaddle cloths I have a lot of these and I find them to be essential. The ones I show in the video are years old and I can't find the exact pattern, but I have linked the newest ones they have.

Navy dot dress This is one of the new dresses I featured in my recent ten-item wardrobe prep video.

Hello Miz nursing top was purchased from zulily and fold-over black knit skirt This combination is comfortable, nursing-friendly and presentable.



nursing nightgown 2-pack with built-in bras These nightgowns are fantastic for their built-in nursing bra. I will cover them with the dressing gown (listed below) or oversized sweater robe. *Update* these were fantastic in the hospital. I only stayed one night, so I wore the black one. It was perfect for what I needed.



navy dressing gown (robe) with lace trim This is a great dressing gown. Very simple and presentable with a lace trim.

nursing coverup with wire I've had this nursing coverup since my first child was born and find it necessary for when visitors are around while nursing. They no longer make the exact pattern I have, but I have linked the most similar one.



Schmidt's deodorant 2-pack on Amazon (I purchased my deodorant on Grove) This is a great natural deodorant that I have reviewed on a past Natural Home with Jennifer.



Pellu skincare I love this natural skincare line. I have reviewed it in the past (it used to be called Nudu, they changed their name to Pellu). I plan to bring the cream cleanser and day moisturizer.



Bend Soap coconut goat milk lotion (if you order from them, enter code DC10 at checkout for 10% off). I suffer from dry skin and I love this goat milk lotion and recently reviewed it. The coconut scent is so nice. *Please note: I also packed a travel size goat milk soap from Bend. I forgot to pack it before shooting this video. Bringing soap is essential. The hospital soap is very lacking.

For links to the bare Minerals makeup, visit my bare minerals haul blog

Chanel Les Beiges stick (no. 21) I'm bringing this blush because it doesn't require a brush applicator and is easy to apply.

bare Minerals Gen Nude eyeshadow primer in low key and basic These primer/ eyeshadows are easy to apply without a brush too. This helps with my minimal packing goal.

**Update** I didn't wear much makeup in the hospital this time, just concealer and lip balm, but in past hospital trips I did apply makeup. I attribute that to the condition of my skin. I barely had any melasma this time around so I didn't feel the need to cover it up. For all my past pregnancies, my melasma had been very heavy.



Lansinoh nursing pads (a must!) These nursing pads are an absolute must. I find I use them everyday for at least the first four months after postpartum, to prevent leaks. You might not need these in the hospital as it takes a few days for your milk supply to come in. But it's better to be prepared by bringing a few and having them ready at home.

honey belle lip balm When I forget to pack lip balm, I am miserable as my lips can get really dry. This Eucalyptus lip balm is so nice and natural.

I'm also bringing baby clothes, one outfit for returning home from the hospital, and two onesies with two footed pants. For more on the baby and delivery, stay tuned for my delivery story, which I will do in a future post.

On my nails: Londontown Jane Austen. This color has bumped Essie Mademoiselle aside. I absolutely love this opaque neutral. Londontown always give my readers a discount. Use code JenniferS for 25% off your order.

I hope you enjoy today's video. Plus, Mr. Connoisseur's appearance. :)

News
I'll be going on maternity leave soon. If you will miss the blog, consider taking one of my eCourses, Create Your Own Ten-Item Wardrobe and Chic Financial Principles for Debt-Free Living. Packed with hours of video instruction, accompanying text, quizzes, and a lively comment section, you have a wonderful community of support with other fellow connoisseurs.


On Instagram
Lessons from Madame Chic in Russia...

Увидела эту книгу у @avapuha и стало любопытно, что это за такая Мадам Шик и какие у неё секреты 🕵🏻‍♀️😁 ⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀ Пошла в магазин (интернет, конечно)) и вот уже почти дочитала, нахожусь под впечатлением. Книга не о тенденциях, не о моде, а скорее про lifestyle. Вроде бы такие очевидные вещи, но мы редко придаём им значения. Легкое чтение, которое заставляет улыбаться, а иногда - задумываться... Рекомендую 😊👌🏻 ⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀ Пуловер, джинсы и сумка @laredoute_russia, колье винтаж ✨ ⠀⠀⠀⠀ #МойРедут #Laredoute #мода #стиль #амбассадор #myredoute #laredoutebrandambassador #yeslaredoute

A post shared by Айгуль Галимова (@aivintage) on Aug 12, 2018 at 6:25am PDT

Comment of the Week
On my author guestbook, Maggie T. writes, "Dear Jennifer, I am writing you to tell you that you are truly a light to the world, and especially to me! I love listening to you speak, and also I greatly enjoy watching your videos. Thanks to you, I have greatly condensed my wardrobe, and even though I have always strived to dress up, you have given me even more reason to continue in doing so! I have read all three of your “Madame Chic” books, and I am always going back to them for continual enjoyment! I have purchased your “10 Item Wardrobe” course, and that, as well, gives me so much to think about and also to take action even more!
Thank you again for just being you."

Maggie, thank you so much for writing on my guestbook and for leaving such an encouraging comment. I sometimes focus on the negative comments I receive too much, so I really do appreciate your kind words. Thank you! Come back and let us know how you enjoyed the eCourse!

I would love to know your tips on preparing for birth and packing a hospital bag. Please let us know in the comment section below and your comment 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 contains affiliate links.

In today's pregnancy chat, I discuss the skincare I'm using, the drinks I'm enjoying, my maternity wardrobe, and how to deal with fatigue and exercise when expecting.



Skincare
For skincare, I have been using Belli Beauty, which is a natural skincare line for pregnant women that is approved by both OBGYNs and dermatologists. The four skincare products I discuss in the video are Healthy Glow Facial Hydrator, Pre-Treatment Scrub, Anti-blemish Cleansing Facial Wash, Belli acne control spot treatment.

For those of you who are not pregnant, and are looking for natural skincare, try Pellu Beauty (formerly Nudu). Also, the natural SPF line I mentioned in the video is MyChelle.



Drinks
The primary drink during pregnancy should, of course, be water. And I am trying to drink more water than I normally do to stay hydrated. As for special drinks, I have been enjoying one small coffee every morning (I usually make it iced). If I want an additional coffee or tea during the day, I drink Teeccino vanilla nut herbal coffee. I love the taste of this rich drink. Teeccino does contain chicory, so please ask your doctor if it is safe for you to use during pregnancy.



Wardrobe
I will do a maternity ten-item wardrobe video in the future, but until then, I have been enjoying my returning maternity dresses from Seraphine, mixed with new maternity pieces from zulily. In this video, I'm wearing one of the Seraphine dresses.



Exercise
For exercise, I have been jumping on my rebounder, although I will have to give it up soon as I go further into my 2nd trimester. I am going to miss my rebounder! I also walk on a regular basis and count housework as exercise :)

News Items
Congratulations to the winners of the Ana Luisa Jewelry Giveaway: Kimberly G, Rowena M., and Natalie V.!

I plan to watch the royal wedding this weekend, so look out for a special royal edition of Teatime with Jennifer on Monday. Get your teacups ready!

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

On Instagram
Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic in Japan...

After organizing some paperwork and cleaning the house I'm having relaxed and simple breakfast this morning.. . . Kiwis Lime Water with Ice and my new Bible,"Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic" by Jennifer L.Scott + + おはようございます。 主人がお子たちまとめて習い事へ連れて行ってくれたので、その間私は掃除、洗濯、新学期のペーパーワーク係。 . あわせてマダムシック3冊めを読んでいます。 シリーズを通して、とっても清々しくいい気持ちに、前向きに、人生を自分らしく素敵に輝かせる毎日のヒントがたくさん詰まっています。 + + #simple #breakfast #morning #bookstagram #jenniferlscott #madamechic #cleanhousecleanmind #朝食 #本好きな人と繋がりたい #読書 #読書好きな人と繋がりたい #ジェニファーlスコット #マダムシック #朝掃除部 #気持ちの良い朝 #リラックス #読書記録

A post shared by KCstar (@kanna_c_star) on Apr 6, 2018 at 5:26pm PDT

Comment of the Week
On Monday's faux flowers video, Silver Melody writes, "Hi Jennifer, Your faux flowers are really lovely. Another option is a faceted cut glass or crystal vase...the facets blur the stems very nicely. You can also add small clear glass stones to keep the flowers in place and add more light reflection. My personal favourite is a beautiful ceramic vase that hides everything underneath and lets you support the flowers with whatever means to get the best arrangement, and to my eye, the most aesthetic appealing option for real or faux arrangements."

That's a great suggestion, Silver Melody. Thank you for your great tips!

I'll see you on Monday for a special Teatime with Jennifer: Royal Wedding Edition! In the meantime, I'd love to know your thoughts on the pregnancy topics discussed in today's video. Your comment could be chosen as comment of the week. See you Monday!

Visit my Author Website

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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.

Today's video is a continuation of Monday's pregnancy chat. This time I answer your Facebook questions. We discuss everything from visiting guests, to organizing help, to baby blues, to loving your changing body and much, much more. Thank you to everyone who submitted questions for this video. I am sorry I was not able to answer each and every one. 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

To see part one of this blogpost, click here. Regarding last week's post, please note: before trying a new drink (such as the Teeccino Herbal Coffees mentioned in last week's video), or trying a new prenatal vitamin after birth, always consult your doctor first. It is very important that you have your doctor's OK before making changes to your diet and plan.

News
Fifties Fabulous Fun shares a great review of both Lessons from Madame Chic and At Home With Madame Chic on her blog.

Madame Chic around the world
I love to see pictures of the Madame Chic books around the world! You can send them to me on social media using either the hashtag #MADAMECHIC or #jenniferlscott.

Thank you to Kata Kvapilova for sharing this picture of Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic from a bookstore in Prague.



And I love this photo all the way from Italy from Marie Claire. This one is Lessons from Madame Chic...


Thank you, ladies, for your lovely pictures!

Testimonial
Nina M writes: Hi Jennifer, I wanted to tell you that after seeing your TED Talk a few weeks ago, I got rid of 70% of my "impulse buys" and "on sale" clothes and picked out the jewels to wear each day. You are correct about how good it feels outside as well as on the inside to wear my best each day. The tidy organization of my closet also has changed the way my mind is organized! I try so hard now to eliminate the "junk" from my life: food, profane music, and Facebook perusing. Thank you for the inspiration and for the passion to do what you do! You have made a difference for me.

Dear Nina, thank you for your email. I am thrilled to hear that the ten-item wardrobe was a catalyst for you to make other meaningful changes in your life. I am sharing your testimonial with the hopes of inspiring others to do the same.

Question of the week

Regarding the cellphone etiquette discussion, Lily writes:

I'm coming in a bit late with this discussion but I would be very interested to hear your view point on what happened to me last night.
My husband and I were invited to a barbecue at our son's house. After a while my son and his dad were chatting so I went to talk to my, soon to be, daughter in law. She was texting (I think) on her phone so I didn't say too much but sat for a while in, I thought, companionable silence.
After a while I tried to engage her in conversation - she answered me but continued to focus on her phone. I tried again but whatever she was doing on her phone was more interesting to her, so I sat for a little while and then moved away to talk to our son.
It actually made me feel that I was not worth talking to. She tends not to answer texts or to say thank you for presents either and this makes me wonder if she disliked me - yet at other times she is friendly. I continue to be polite and gave her a hug before we left but this is another consequence of bad manners - it causes those on the receiving end to feel, at best uncomfortable, and at worst, wondering if they have done something wrong.

Dear Lily, thank you for sharing your experience with us. Unless your son's fiance was dealing with an urgent or time-sensitive situation, I do believe it is impolite to ignore someone at a party (especially your future mother-in-law) and pay attention to your phone. If she was dealing with something that couldn't wait, a simple, "My apologies, I just need to send this message," said to you would be fine. It could be that your son's fiance is timid around other people or has social anxiety. Perhaps none of these are true and she is one of the many people who don't think anything is "off" about that kind of behavior. Either way, you must not take it personally. You can be a good role model for her by being the picture of poise whenever you see her. She might not have many female role models in her life and you could be an important one for her. Thanks again for sharing your story.

This week I would love to hear from you about any of the pregnancy topics discussed in the video, the testimonial or the question of the week...



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I hope you had a wonderful mother's day weekend! This week, I have two videos for you discussing pregnancy. In today's video, I talk about my own journey with this third pregnancy (I am currently 34 weeks pregnant), with everything from weight gain, to hair loss, to skincare and beauty. I also recommend my favorite non-caffeinated drinks and show you some presentable pajamas. On Thursday, be sure to check back with the blog, because I will answer your motherhood and pregnancy related Facebook questions.

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

Items mentioned in this week's video:

Baby Be Mine maternity nightgown

Everly Grey maternity nursing pajama set

Pero instant natural beverage



Teeccino** Dandelion Caramel Nut (pictured above, made with the coconut cream and almond milk creamer)

Teeccino** Vanilla Nut (this one is my favorite!)

Califia Farms Better Half unsweetened coconut and almond milk creamer (so delicious!)



Rooibos Rocks tea (pictured above, iced)

** There are conflicting reports on whether chicory causes uterine contractions during pregnancy. Teeccino's official statement is that their chicory herbal teas are safe during pregnancy. This is their official statement from their website:

"Is Teeccino safe for pregnant women and nursing mothers?
YES! All the herbs in Teeccino have been in the human diet for thousands of years. There are no stimulants or drugs like caffeine that could cause uterine contractions or hyperactivity by the infant.
Although there is misinformation repeated on some internet sites about chicory being contraindicated during pregnancy, there is no scientific substantiation of this claim. On the contrary, there is the long history of pregnant women drinking chicory-based beverages with no problems whatsoever.
Teeccino is nutritious for both mom and baby. Many health care practitioners, midwives and doctors recommend Teeccino to their pregnant patients. Learn more about the effects of coffee and caffeine on women’s health."

To be safe, be sure to ask your doctor if chicory tea is safe for you to take during pregnancy.

News
La Dame Darling recommends Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic as one of 7 Darling Books for April

Honey We're Home recommends Lessons from Madame Chic and At Home With Madame Chic for great French reads.

Comment of the Week
Last week's discussion on screen time etiquette and addiction was amazing! So many of you chimed in with your observations, questions and musings. I really loved this comment from AquinoFamily99. She was responding to the question that some of you posed, asking about the difference between crayons and screens at restaurants for children. I loved her insights! Here is an excerpt from her comment:

Screens vs paper @ restaurants -
Usually when kids are coloring or writing on paper they are very reachable, as someone else stated. On the screen, whether they are playing or socializing, they are usually unreachable to the people present.
Usually. Not always.

I have read several articles over the last few years about the real, physiological addiction and the brain chemistry concerning electronic games and computers. The symptoms are similar to that of drug addiction where taking the 'drug' away causes withdrawal, denial, guilt and physical illness! It's worse for kids. There are programs and safehouse-type institutions to help addicts!

We keep our kids screen time down to once a week and are very choosy about the games. I have seen the addiction begin first hand in one of my children as his behavior dramatically changed. This is a serious issue.

Screen vs paper books -
I don't think anyone here would judge you for reading on Kindle, checking email, playing a game or using social media, just as we would not judge if you were reading a book.
It's more about when you do these things and whether it's keeping you from living life or spending time with humans.
If you wouldn't pull out a novel on a date, you shouldn't pull out a kindle book or other screen activity.

AquinoFamily99, I couldn't have put it better myself. I really loved your input on both of the issues you touched upon. I have noticed with my own children that when it's time to put the screen away, they develop irrational behavior (tantrums, anger, defiance), where as with a simpler project such as a coloring book and crayons, they do not have such swinging emotions. Because of this, we seriously limit screen time in our house and, like you, are very picky about what they do play with. Thanks for your wonderful comment! And thank you to everyone else you weighed in on this discussion. It's worth checking out the comment section on both the blog and YouTube channel to see what your other connoisseurs are saying about this subject. I will do a part two on this topic one day in the near future.

This week, I would love to know your thoughts on the pregnancy chat. Do you have any stories or recommendations for us? Have you tried any of the herbal coffees or teas I recommend? Also, what do you think about AquinoFamily99's comment on screen time? Let us know, and your comment could be chosen as comment of the week on the blog.

See you on Thursday for part two of the pregnancy chat videos.



FTC: All items mentioned in this video were purchased by me. All opinions are my own.

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I hope you had a wonderful Easter weekend! This week I have my maternity ten-item wardrobe for you. Today's video combines both the fashion show and the commentary. My ten-item wardrobe is actually comprised of nine core items instead of ten: six dresses and three skirts. I wear maternity tee shirts with the skirts. The tee shirts are filed in the "extras" category. As you can see, my maternity wardrobe is very simple.

I live in a hot climate (Southern California) so dresses and skirts are the most comfortable for me. I was in need of dresses that could be worn either casual or dressy, and the Seraphine dresses are the perfect choice.

For more casual, summery looks, I have the two sleeveless dresses as well as the three skirts (two long, one short) from Old Navy maternity.



Check out this week's video for in-depth commentary on the items. If you are unable to see the video above, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog or check out my channel
www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur (and be sure to subscribe!)

News
Check out my interview with Kimberly Wilson of Tranquility Du Jour. We discuss Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic and so much more.


Comments of the Week

JoiSharpe writes:

Just stumbled upon this video. Just wanted to say thank you and I agree. I'm soooo tired of seeing ladies (and some men) walking around in pajama pants! They're shopping at the local grocery store, Target, the mall almost everywhere in pajamas! Have we really gotten to the point as a society that we don't even care if we put on clothes??? Have we gotten so comfortable with dress down day that we have forgotten how to dress up? Somebody PLEASE bring back real clothes! Glad I saw this video thought I was the only one concerned about our lack of dressing these days.

Hi JoiSharpe, I feel your exasperation! I think our society has slowly become accustomed to people dressing this way, so for many people it is no longer shocking. Luckily on The Daily Connoisseur you have found a group of people who tend to agree with you.

Unknown writes:

Jennifer, thank you for the vinegar & water cleaning solution idea (I left out the lavender as I didn't have any on hand but am considering adding an essential oil for next time). I went on a Spring cleaning rampage this past week and noticed that the Method all-purpose cleanser I was using just didn't get the job done. Switched to vinegar & water which was much more effective! I even used it to clean our glass shower doors and it was so simple, took less than a minute and left them sparkling clean.

Hi Unknown, I love the vinegar/ water/ lavender cleaning solution too. I use it every single day. I will be sure to do a video tutorial on how I make it in the near future.


Question of the Week
Marie B writes:
Morning! That's our plan for our slipcovered couches. Do you air dry the slipcovers? Iron before replacing on the couch? My grandma always kept her sink full of soapy water, too. I need to start doing that too. Thanks for the reminder!

Hi Marie, we air dry our sofa slipcovers. I would not recommend putting them in the dryer as they could shrink and no longer fit on the cushions. Ironing would be a special touch, but we do not iron ours. As for the soapy water in the sink, I love it! Just be sure to rinse the suds off before placing the dishes in the dishwasher so as not to clog the machine.


I hope you enjoy my maternity spring/ summer ten-item wardrobe. Even if you are not expecting, you can benefit from seeing how a ten-item wardrobe is put in place. Be sure to leave a comment below. I love to hear from you and you might be chosen as comment of the week!


FTC: All items featured in this video were purchased by me. All opinions are on my own.


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My apologies for the lateness of this post. My youngest daughter has been very ill this past week, but thankfully she is on the mend and improving every day. She is such a trooper!

Ever since I announced the news that we are expecting baby number three, many people have asked about my maternity wardrobe and how that will affect my ten-item wardrobe. In this week's video, I give you all of the updates.

I do not fit into most of my ten-item wardrobe clothes from winter anymore. I am still wearing the Loft fluid ankle pants because their drawstring waist allows room for my larger stomach. I can also wear the green Talbots tee due to its flowy waist. The floral Garnet Hill dress still fits me as well, but that is pretty much it!

I have made supplemental purchases in the form of a sweater tunic from Motherhood Maternity, a knit tunic, two nautical maternity tees, a denim maternity dress and black maternity skirt all from Old Navy maternity. The pregnancy period is such a short period of time, it is a must for me to buy affordable clothes that grow with me through to the third trimester. Because we are in winter, fleece leggings and tights are also a must.

In this week's video I show you how I layer my clothes and how you can make a tunic and leggings look more stylish.

Please watch this week's video to see all. The shoes I'm wearing in the video are booties from Aerosoles.

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

In the video, I reference Jen Hatmaker's very funny video on why leggings are not pants . Enjoy!


News
Lessons from Madame Chic tops the list of 6 classy nonfiction books to read on the plane from Hepcat Hannah.

Taylor Jenan is bringing Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic in her carry-on luggage.

Enter to win a copy of Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic, along with a set of luxurious Christy linens and towels in their generous giveaway. Enter here (for US residents only).

Comment of the Week
Jane writes:

My Goodness this is so on time, Jennifer. I have been making some small steps toward de-cluttering and simplifying, but honestly as a stay-at-home-mother without a morning routine I find myself making so many excuses for why I am still in a bathrobe even into the evenings on some days! The truth is I just haven't developed the self-discipline to get myself together. When my husband has a day off I have an impetus to get ready to go out, but if I know I will be home all day I will excuse myself from looking presentable as "no one will see me." The truth is my son sees me everyday, and setting a good example for him should be reason enough. However, it took a surprise visit from my brother-in-law and his wife the other afternoon, while I was in said robe, to realize that it was in my best interest to start taking some pride in my appearance. I was totally mortified. I would never leave the house looking like that, so why subject myself and everyone around me to looking at a woman who literally resembles an Abilify ad, wearing that all-too-comfortable fluffy blue robe? I don't want to be a hot mess (visual clutter) anymore! I am going to start implementing a morning routine because I know deep down, I have been waking up on the wrong side of the bed and staying stuck and wishing I could "catch up." I am going to try to model my routine after some of you ladies! Thanks for sharing & inspiring!

Hi Jane, It's wonderful to hear how excited and motivated you now feel to start a morning routine! I find it to be very important to the function of the whole day. Madame Chic had a morning routine too and she never strayed from it during the time I lived with them. Check back in and let us know how it goes!

Artistic Recommendation


Check out my blogging friend, Jenny Williams', adorable Etsy shop called, Carrot Top Paper Shop. She has created beautiful artwork of famous literary heroines like Anne Shirley, Jane Eyre and Elizabeth Bennet for little girls' rooms. I just adore the idea and her artwork is beautiful. Jenny is so kind to offer my readers a 20% discount all this week. Use the code madamechiclove. Thank you, Jenny!


This week I would love to know about your experience with maternity clothes. What works and what doesn't work for your maternity wardrobe? What do you feel most comfortable in during your pregnancies?

See you Thursday for a special bonus video on the importance of play as adults...




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