The last few weeks for me have been very busy and have gone by in a blur. I would like to thank my readers and fellow bloggers for sticking with me as I have become less the 'daily' connoisseur and more the 'every other weekly' connoisseur. I would, however, like to report that my book is coming along swimmingly and that I am having the time of my life writing it... so thanks again for all of your support.

OK, now on to my exciting observation!

I couldn't be happier to report that etiquette has made a comeback. Over the last few weeks I have noticed an interest and resurgence in the subject (and just in the nick of time too!)

I have mentioned in past posts my obsession with etiquette. With such shows like Ladette to Lady and From G's to Gents you could keep me happily occupied all season long... but this time around there is a new show on the block...

Fresh off of the success of From G's to Gents, MTV, together with producer Donald Trump, has created a new show entitled The Girls of Hedsor Hall. This is the American version of my favorite British import Ladette to Lady- it even has the same instructors! For those of you not familiar with the format, a handful of rather undesirable young... er... women, are sent to a finishing school in the English countryside, with the hopes of polishing up their act and becoming ladies.

As in the original, the young women in the American version are given school uniforms, a strand of pearls and are launched into lessons and experiences they have never had before; such things as: flower arranging, cookery and how to hold a knife and fork. In the beginning, as is typically the case, these women are completely out of their comfort zone. Fighting, binge drinking and obscenity-laden monologues ensue but eventually the weak are weeded out and the true gems are allowed to shine.

I am not sure why I am so excited that this show is on MTV. Maybe it's because I have noticed a recent turn for the worse concerning manners and etiquette, especially from younger girls and maybe this show will reach them and help them realize that there is more to life than a fake tan and a hook-up! I know that on this subject I am no angel, but I do feel that all of this is terribly important and can lead one down the right path in life.

So in honor of The Girls of Hedsor Hall, I have re-read my favorite book on etiquette: Debrett's Etiquette for Girls, by Fleur Britten. This book is for the modern lady and is chock-full of useful information regarding contemporary etiquette dilemmas. It reads like a conversation from a very knowledgeable best friend and even had me laughing out loud at various moments. So, I invite you to raise your champagne glasses in a toast to the art of being a lady... let's hope this is a trend that lasts. Cheers!

Debrett's Etiquette for Girls can be purchased at: www.amazon.com

Image provided by www.whatagirlneeds.co.uk

I'm not sure if the familiar urges for spring cleaning have just reached me early this year or if my home was crying out for an overhaul, but I have spent the past two weeks culling and cleaning chez moi. Not a junk drawer went unturned, not a picture frame undusted.

I tend to be a very tidy person anyway and always have a clean home. Every night before I go to bed I do a once over and make sure there are no dishes in the sink and that the cushions on my couch are propped up in an orderly fashion. There is nothing worse, to me, than waking up to a messy house. And, of course, I make my bed every morning without fail. (I think my mother told me when I was a kid that if I didn't make my bed, spiders would crawl into it- that scare tactic seemed to work wonders as I still do it today!)

However, just because it looks outwardly tidy does not an organized home make. I would hide things away in drawers, cupboards and baskets thinking that out of sight meant out of mind. The trouble is that whenever I would pass these drawers and cupboards I would get an uneasy feeling because I knew deep down that the clutter behind those doors was there to stay... until I dealt with it.

So I decided to tackle my home, one junk drawer at a time. I probably thew away 5 large trash bags full of things that I had been storing- talk about junk! Now, as opposed to having- count them- 4 junk drawers in my kitchen, taking up highly valuable space, I now have one drawer that I call my 'miscellaneous' drawer. It no longer contains 'junk', but has highly useful things like take out menus, nuts and bolts, errant pens and appliance manuals.

The best method for tackling junk drawers for me? Do one at a time. Dump everything out on the floor while you are watching television (preferably some cleanliness motivating show like Clean House, How Clean is Your House? or Anthea Turner Perfect Housewife). You'll be amazed at what you can accomplish in a half an hour- horrified at the trivial junk you've been holding on to- and proud that you have done something productive rather than merely wasting away in front of the television.

I am not sure how long this junk-drawer-free life will last, as I tend to be a very "going through a phase" type of person. But I aim to do my best.

So I would love to know... how many junk drawers do you have?

Image of Anthea Turner, Perfect Housewife courtesy of www.dailylife.com

I must admit that I have been in somewhat of a fragrance slump lately. I still enjoy reading reviews and entering discussions on some of my fellow bloggers' sites about the latest in the world of perfume, but I would find myself going without scent for days. I think I was just recharging my olfactory battery...

So I was surprised when I went to Sephora yesterday and wandered into the fragrance section to test their wares. I came across Guerlain's Figue Iris from their Aqua Allegoria collection.

The bottle was the first thing that called to me. Simplistic, yet opulent looking, I picked up Figue Iris. Figs are my favorite fruit and I have enjoyed iris scents like Prada's Infusion d'Iris, so I thought I'd give it a try. I was skeptical, however, as I have yet to find a fig fragrance for the body that speaks to me (I'm still not a fan of L'Artisan Parfumeur's Figure- although I haven't given up on it yet).

Let's just say that I got my proverbial "groove" back with this scent. Light and effervescent (perfect for one who is slowly entering back into the fragrant world), Figue Iris has a succulent fruity and powdery note. It is green and fresh and feels like the perfect fragrance for the emerging Spring.

In fact, I'm so used to not wearing scent lately that I forgot I had it on throughout the day and wondered what that 'heavenly aroma' was... I think that is always a good sign!

Guerlain's Figue Iris contains notes of Fig, Iris, Vanilla, Vetiver, Bergamot and Pink Grapefruit

Figue Iris can be purchased at: www.sephora.com

What a wonderful day to be alive...

A day of hope and new beginnings...

A proud day in American history...

Congratulations Mr. President.

Last night I went to see Revolutionary Road, the film directed by Sam Mendes and starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. I must admit, I was terribly excited to see this film. Not only do I love both leading actors but this is the first time they have reunited on screen since Titanic, over a decade ago. Also, Winslet just won the Golden Globe for best actress for her portrayal of April Wheeler, a truly desperate housewife on the edge.

The film chronicles the marriage of Frank and April Wheeler, a young suburban couple living in Connecticut in the 1950's. Frank works in a cubicle at a steady office job, and April is an aspiring actress and a stay at home mom who watches over their two children. Their relationship is clearly disturbed, however, and they decide they want more from life than the typical suburban cliche that they are living. So they create a grand scheme to quit their jobs and life in Connecticut and move to Paris. The film follows this couple through their fights, infidelities, romances, scheming and more.

The film, for me, had its high and low points. Both performances by DiCaprio and Winslet were staggeringly good. There were also some stellar supporting characters that were thoroughly interesting. Unfortunately that was where my praise ends. The constant arguments by Frank and April were draining and left me feeling without compassion for their situation. Perhaps the film was too realistic for me- I think I wanted something more. I have heard that the original book by Richard Yates is a masterpiece, so I think rather than revisit the film in the future, I shall read the book.

I don't recommend giving the film a miss all together, however, as Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio have exhilarating chemistry. They truly are first class movie stars of the old school variety and even through the frustrating plot, the duo shines like a gem.

If you have seen the film, I would love to hear what you thought of it...

Image courtesy of: www.dailystab.com

Over the next three months I am going to be undertaking a challenge- to finish the first draft of my novel. This isn't necessarily a New Year's Resolution... just something I've been wanting to do for at least 10 years. And the time has come.

So over the next three months my posts on The Daily Connoisseur will be less frequent (probably down to one a week). I want to thank you in advance for your understanding and I hope that you will stay with me on this journey!

Now on to the life changing stuff...

Over the Christmas break I read one of the best books I have ever encountered on the subject of procrastination entitled, The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. This book, aptly described by Esquire as "A vital gem... a kick in the ass", is the ultimate handbook for anyone that has ever wanted undertake something- be it writing a novel, starting a business or a new exercise routine. The book strictly addresses resistance, perhaps better known to us as procrastination.

Pressfield, author of such bestsellers as: The Legend of Bagger Vance, Gates of Fire, Tides of war and Last of the Amazons put together The War of Art at just 165 pages- each page contains a major eye opener. The book is broken down in to three sections entitled:

Resistance: Defining the Enemy

Combating Resistance: Turning Pro

Beyond Resistance: Higher Realm

Pressfield describes resistance as a repelling force- one whose aim is to "shove us away, distract us, prevent us from doing our work". With each section of the book, he defines it, he personifies it and he gives us the inspiration to combat it, warrior-style.

For all of us that have ever experienced resistance (and I don't know anyone who hasn't) this book is the ultimate guide that can help you live and realize your dream- no fear necessary. For the next three months I am going to be referring to it religiously... I know I'll need it!

The War of Art can be purchased at: www.amazon.com

To all of my wonderful readers and fellow bloggers, I am wishing you a very happy new year full of joy, good health and prosperity!

It was a quiet New Year's eve for me, spent at home with family. A healthful and delicious dinner was made... followed by a sinful dessert of crepes and ice cream... lots of laughter and the Ab Fab marathon on BBC America.

Today is a new day, a new year and I am going to go celebrate by going on a hike with husband and dog...

I hope your New Year's day is full of joy...


Image courtesy of: www.tvgasm.com

Until next time...

Out of all the lovely presents Santa brought me this year, my favorite was the Voluspa Creme Candle gift set. Packaged in a gorgeous maroon and cream patterned box, this delightful collection of glass encased votive candles instantly brought a smile to my face.

I have always seen Voluspa candles in high end bath shops and spas, but for some reason had never purchased them for myself. I'm not sure what I was thinking (or smelling, rather) but these clean burning candles provide a powerful and sensuous fragrance while they burn and long after they flame has gone out.


I am usually highly picky with home scent, particularly with candles, so that is also why I was so surprised that each and every one of the ten scents appealed to me.

The collection contains the best of Voluspa's Creme Collection, including:

Sawara Cypress- currently burning right now- it has an exotic, peppery scent... love it!
Pomegranate & Patchouli- sweet incense... lovely...
Saija Persimmon- heavenly for winter
Grapefruit Mint Cuttings- a great scent for the kitchen...
Honey Orange Blossom- clean and fresh smelling with a touch of sweet...
Casimiroa- an exotic, tropical fruit scent...
Clove Pomander- another wonderful winter delight
Vanilla Jasmine Tabac- the tabac adds a slight masculine edge to the otherwise feminine scent.
Hawaiian Maile Vine- a mysterious, tropical scent
Paheri Mango Leaf- sweet like a mango but with a certain je ne sais quoi...

This sampler set would make a lovely hostess present...

It's also a great way to treat yourself if you want to become familiar with the line...

Whichever way you look at it, Voluspa Creme Candle gift sets are a decadent treat!

For more information about Voluspa candles, please visit: www.voluspa.com