8.02.2021

Book Organization for the Elegant Home | Mega Motivation

6:13 AM 6 Comments

 




Mega Motivation continues this month as we look at book organization for the elegant home. I hope you enjoy today's video. 

"Fill your house with stacks of books, in all the crannies and all the nooks." - Dr. Seuss 


   

Welcome back to The Daily Connoisseur. Mega Motivation continues this month as we look at books and magazines. How should we store these in our homes? What should we keep and what should we get rid of? I’m leaving a playlist here, be sure to check it out so you can see how all of the other lovely youtubers handle this very individual issue. 


 Ok, so you’re probably talking to the wrong person for this subject because, as you know, I am an author. And I think if you talk to any author in the world, we will all be of the same mind: you should have lots of books. You should have them in every room, and they should be everywhere. That’s certainly the case in our house. Books are in all of the bedrooms, the living areas, the kitchen, the school room, our offices. I think the only place we don’t have books are in the bathrooms and the dining room (although I keep books in my bathroom because I like to read in the bath! And yes, I have dropped my books in the bath… oops!). Also, you will frequently find a stack of books I’ve been looking through on the dining room table. So, scratch that, we do have books in every room. But I’m here to tell you that’s ok. 


I have cookbooks, design books, classic books, my books, children’s books, poetry books, absolutely everywhere! And that’s as it should be. My only advice is to have them in stacks and to go through them regularly. Rotate them. Give yourself something to look at so you feel encouraged to read instead of watch too much TV. 

“I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book.” ― Groucho Marx 


Regarding magazines: only display your favorites. My favorite is Victoria Magazine, of course, and I have many of my editions out dating back to the 90s, for example. Those are always fun to flip through. You want to avoid having too many magazines out everywhere. Make sure the ones you do have out are edifying and interesting to you. If you have a stack of celebrity gossip magazines, for example, and you don’t know why, recycle them and get rid of them. But books, just like plants, should be a part of every home. They are like family members. They transport us to different worlds. We can escape. When having finished a good book, we come out changed. Elizabeth Barrett Browning said, "No man can be called friendless who has God and the companionship of good books". 


If you find that you’ve gone through much of your adult life without reading… consider picking up one of those books off your shelf and treating yourself tonight. Get lost in a book. 

"Sleep is good, he said, and books are better." - George R.R. Martin 

So, in my world, books should be stacked on nearby tables, on nightstands, on countertops, mantlepieces, and of course bookshelves. If you are a major minimalist and don’t like that look, that’s ok! We all have different styles and I find most people like to be surrounded with something… for some people it’s plants, for others it’s paintings. I actually like all of that. But I agree with Cicero:  "A room without books is like a body without a soul". 

Elements of Style, Matisse, Kings & Queens, Romantic Country Style

So, think about this video as permission for you to indulge in keeping your books. If there are some you don’t want anymore, donate them. Absolutely. But books add beauty and soul to a room and invite you to pick them up. They add character to your life. And time spent with a good book, will never be wasted. 


⚜️ What I'm wearing
Lilysilk silk nightgown DAILY15 for 15% off
SKYE Charlotte dress (yellow) Jennifer20 for 20% off
Pearl Bracelet by SKYE Jennifer20 for 20% off
Londontown nail polish shade: Full Monty JenniferS for 25% off

News

📍The Chic Assignment is on hold for the month of August as I will be taking a two-week break from YouTube and the blog. We will resume the assignments in September. 

📍Please note: the blog will be under construction and moving to Wordpress very soon. I'll make the announcement with more details as soon as I can. Those of you who get this blog delivered into your email might see a temporary pause in email notifications. Thank you for your patience. 

📍*NEW* The Ten-Item Wardrobe eCourse is newly updated and back online with all new video, text, and new lessons. If you have previously purchased the ten-item wardrobe eCourse, you can access all of the new changes for free.

📍If you are looking for more content, consider becoming a member of The Daily Connoisseur through the MEMBERSHIPS feature. I publish one vodcast every Friday and do one livestream or zoom call once a month. It only costs $1.99 a month. There are also upper tiers available for people who are interested in supporting the channel on a higher level and receiving monthly mentions in the videos. 

On Instagram

Comment of the Week Joanna F. writes, "I don't care for tea, but I have started an afternoon coffee break. It is so nice to just sit down for 15-20 minutes in the afternoon and just BE." Hello Joanna, an afternoon coffee break sounds absolutely delightful. It is very refreshing to take that time for yourself and I'm glad you are enjoying it!

I hope you enjoyed today's video on book organization. I'd love to know how your family approaches book storage in your home.


NEW* Join The Chic Society on YouTube and become a member of The Daily Connoisseur.


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Twitter @JL_Scott

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7.29.2021

Intermittent Fasting What I Eat in a Day | 2 Days 16:8 Method (No Diet)

5:57 AM 3 Comments

 




I'm back with another intermittent fasting what I eat in a day video. I'm sharing two frenzied days in today's video. I need you to know that I don't curate these (clearly) and want to show you what it's like sometimes for a busy mom. 


This is a "relaxed summer edition" as I tend to go light on the cooking in the summer months. This always refreshes me for fall, when I prepare to make hearty meals again. I hope you enjoy today's video. 

*Disclaimer: this video and blogpost are for entertainment purposes only. Please consult your doctor before trying intermittent fasting. This is not intended to be nutritional or medical advice. 


I've been enjoying whole fat Greek yogurt mixed with flax seeds, and topped with pecans, and seasonal fruit. I'm drinking coffee in my Keep Calm and Remain Classy Mug.  Dishes are by Portmeirion. Rattan placemats and table linens on Amazon. 


I assembled these quick turkey and spinach wraps for lunch today. I like to use interesting spreads when I do these and this time I used a sour cream spinach dip along with Havarti cheese. This was delicious! 

The main thing to remember with intermittent fasting is that it's not about what you eat, but about when you eat. You can combine this lifestyle (with the approval of your doctor) with any way of eating you prefer. I don't do any special diet and (as you'll see in today's video) am enjoying very normal foods today. 

I always take time for tea when I can. This is my famous (in my house, anyway) chocolate chip banana bread. Plates are Spode and teacup is Victoria Magazine. 

For dinner, we enjoyed Indian food. Saag Paneer is one of my very favorites. 

During the summer months, I don't feel like cooking. Does anyone else experience this? I rely on easy-to-assemble meals or quick favorites so I'm not spending too much time in the kitchen. I want to relax just like everyone else. Today shows a sampling of what two busy days look like in the world of 16:8.

I had to go to the doctor unexpectedly today so I didn't have breakfast (only coffee at 7am). We had chicken burgers for lunch with a side of fruit. 


I made my (also famous in our house) jam tarts for tea today. And enjoyed these along with Plum Deluxe Earl Grey tea. JENNIFER10 for 10% off. 

I normally have light dinners, but today, Angel Hair Marinara with Rao's sauce did the trick. Dishes by Spode. Once I finish having dinner at 5pm, I don't eat until the next morning at around 9 am. That gives 16 hours of fasting. I enjoy feeling "done" after dinner.

⚜️What I'm Wearing
Necklace by Jackie Mack  TDC15OFF for 15% off 


News

📍Please note: the blog will be under construction and moving to Wordpress very soon. I'll make the announcement with more details as soon as I can. Those of you who get this blog delivered into your email might see a temporary pause in email notifications. Thank you for your patience. 

📍Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic is now available in pocket-size in Japan from Daiwa Shobo. 

📍Connoisseur Kids is now available in Poland and Vietnam.

📍Join us for The Chic Assignment for July.

📍*NEW* The Ten-Item Wardrobe eCourse is newly updated and back online with all new video, text, and new lessons. If you have previously purchased the ten-item wardrobe eCourse, you can access all of the new changes for free.

📍If you are looking for more content, consider becoming a member of The Daily Connoisseur through the MEMBERSHIPS feature. I publish one vodcast every Friday and do one livestream or zoom call once a month. It only costs $1.99 a month. There are also upper tiers available for people who are interested in supporting the channel on a higher level and receiving monthly mentions in the videos. 

On Instagram Madame Chic in Italy...
Comment of the Week
Anon writes, "I have been following your blog and reading your books for years. I love The Daily Connoisseur! I typically do not leave comments on blogs, but today’s post on homemaking is taking me out of my comfort zone and leaving a comment! I think you would really enjoy reading the book “The Liturgy of the Ordinary” by Tish Harrison Warren (if you have not done so already). It is a Christian book on “sacred practices in everyday life”."

Dear Anon, thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely comment and also for the book recommendation. It sounds delightful! 

I hope you enjoyed today's video. Are you trying intermittent fasting? Let us know what your experience is. Your comment could be chosen as comment of the week. 


NEW* Join The Chic Society on YouTube and become a member of The Daily Connoisseur.


Visit my newly designed Author Website

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 POISE *NEW course*, debt-free living, and efficiency at home


FTC: This post is not sponsored. I use affiliate links, including Amazon affiliate links. Thank you for your support. 
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7.26.2021

The Repetitive Nature of Homemaking

6:02 AM 3 Comments

To continue my series on the art of homemaking, we are exploring the repetitive nature of our daily work.




Today's video is dedicated to my friend, Cliff Simon, who we tragically lost in March of this year. Cliff was one-of-a-kind: a talented actor, author, adventurer, and dear friend. He will be greatly missed. 

In loving memory of 
Cliff Simon
1962- 2021


The Repetitive Nature of Homemaking 
By Jennifer L. Scott 

The repetitive nature of homemaking… something we all have to deal with. What mindset do we need? How should we approach it? What joy can we derive from it? That’s what we are exploring in today’s video.

What prompted me to explore the repetitive nature of homemaking? Filming this video. I’m often doing the same things in my videos… washing dishes, laying tablecloths, straightening the sofas, wiping surfaces. 


Homemaking, particularly cleaning, is a repetitive business, isn’t it? In our modern world, our brains are wired for excitement. Our attention spans are short. We all long for very nice things… certainly interiors. So how does the mundane, repetitive and necessary care of our home… the thing that rarely changes… fit into this modern world? That could be why homemaking is often dreaded, or shall we say, misunderstood? 

 I’ve written about this in my Madame Chic books, but homemaking tasks can certainly be compared to Sisyphus. Sisyphus is a figure from Greek mythology. Zeus gave him the punishment of forever rolling the boulder up the hill in Hades. Well, I’m not going to lie and say that homemaking sometimes doesn’t feel like that. Because it does. We clean something once and sometimes within an hour, it needs attention again! Certainly every day, various tasks need to be done. Over and over again. So, for our brains, which are tuned for excitement. How do we avoid becoming bitter, like I’m sure old Sisyphus was? The key is in deriving comfort and joy from these repetitive tasks. If they are tasks you must do, then you must learn to enjoy them. 





Not all tasks are created equal, and some are more glamorous than others. Scrubbing the walls is not a favorite of mine. I usually get other people to do this, but this particular wall, with its crayon marks and dirt, was really bothering me. These high-traffic areas need cleaning on a regular basis if our homes are to look tidy. So if you’re doing a task that is by nature, rather unenjoyable, focus on the result, which will be a clean, sparkling place. That is enough to bring me joy. But truly, no matter what you’re doing, aim to look on the bright side and find the one aspect of the task, which can spark positive feelings in you. If I’m alone and no one is around, I like to focus on the sounds of cleaning. Those quiet, everyday sounds that we take for granted, but can bring us comfort, can also bring us companionship. If you are surrounded with a loud family, and oftentimes we are, aim to find the joy in that. And hey, give them a broom and they can help! 



 Let’s talk about self-presentation. Because that, for me, brings about joy as well. It’s important that I get dressed and look my best every day. Many homemakers fall into the trap of thinking that because they are doing these mundane, repetitive tasks, they don’t need to dress up for it. So many will sentence themselves to a life of “cleaning clothes”… you know, misshapen, old clothes that you don’t care about if they get ruined. Or perpetual workout clothes. The trouble with this, is that our repetitive homemaking tasks are never going away. They are repetitive. They are Sisyphean. And so each and every day we will find ourselves doing them. So, you ask yourself. Each and every day do I want to wear clothes for drudgery? Or do I want to get dressed and present my true style to the world? Even if it’s just me? Life is short, my friends. Dress to express yourself. Dress for dignity. Put an apron on if you have to. But you don’t want to go through your whole life realizing you were saving your best clothes for that special occasion that never came. When I dress for the day, I feel better. I feel joyous. I feel dignified, even if my task is the same old task I do every day of my life. 




And finally, my fellow connoisseurs, don’t forget to take time for yourself. Indulge in the restorative rituals every day that bring you pleasure. Because yes, we have repetitive cleaning tasks, but we can also have repetitive breaks that revive our spirit and recharge us for what’s to come next. Sisyphus never took a tea break… but we can. I hope you enjoyed today’s homemaking video. 


News

📍Please note: the blog will be under construction and moving to Wordpress very soon. I'll make the announcement with more details as soon as I can. Those of you who get this blog delivered into your email might see a temporary pause in email notifications. Thank you for your patience. 

📍Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic is now available in pocket-size in Japan from Daiwa Shobo. 

📍Connoisseur Kids is now available in Poland and Vietnam.

📍Join us for The Chic Assignment for July.

📍*NEW* The Ten-Item Wardrobe eCourse is newly updated and back online with all new video, text, and new lessons. If you have previously purchased the ten-item wardrobe eCourse, you can access all of the new changes for free.

📍If you are looking for more content, consider becoming a member of The Daily Connoisseur through the MEMBERSHIPS feature. I publish one vodcast every Friday and do one livestream or zoom call once a month. It only costs $1.99 a month. There are also upper tiers available for people who are interested in supporting the channel on a higher level and receiving monthly mentions in the videos. 




Comment of the Week
Stacie writes, "I love your tip about sitting down to eat your meals. I have a story I'd like to share. I worked in the OR for more than 30 years, and to say the nurse's lounge during lunch time is chaotic is an understatement. However, there was one nurse that ALWAYS set out her real plate, silverware and glass to have her meal. Sometimes it was a salad she prepared from home or sandwich or chicken strips from hospital kitchen. It was like a little calm in the midst of the storm. I never forgot that and now that I'm retired, I always set a real plate, silverware and glass to have my meals--even if I'm by myself.... Stacie"

Dear Stacie, I loved your story. It expressed how elegant people stand out so perfectly. In the chaos of the lunchroom, she stood out and left a great impression on you. I loved that. Thank you for sharing it. 

I hope you enjoyed today's homemaking video and that it gave you much to ponder. See you soon!

Love,

Jennifer 

NEW* Join The Chic Society on YouTube and become a member of The Daily Connoisseur.


Visit my newly designed Author Website

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 POISE *NEW course*, debt-free living, and efficiency at home


FTC: This post is not sponsored.  I use affiliate links, including Amazon affiliate links. Thank you for your support.  
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7.24.2021

The Chic Assignment Check-In July 2021 Fauré and Rumi

2:50 PM 0 Comments


Welcome to The Chic Assignment Check-in for July, 2021. We are diving into the life of Gabriel Fauré and the poetry of Sufi mystic poet, Rumi. This has been a fun month.


Before we get into the assignments, I want you to know that The Chic Assignment will not occur in the month of August as I will be taking a small break. We will resume Chic Assignments in September. If you are in one of the upper tiers of The Chic Society, your mentions will be going into a different video in August. Also, Chic Society weekly vodcasts will resume in August. 

 


Chic Assignment No. 1 Enjoy Gabriel Fauré's Pavane Op. 50

Gabriel Fauré was a French composer (1845-1924) and was one of the foremost French composers of his generation. As a lover of classical music, I'm not entirely sure how Gabriel Fauré's work has escaped me until now, but Pavane Op. 50 is one of the most hauntingly beautiful works of classical music I've ever heard. This month I'm sharing an actual recording of Fauré playing this piece that dates back to 1913, Paris. I truly hope you enjoy it. We are learning ten interesting facts about Fauré's life from ClassicFM. 



Chic Assignment No. 2 Explore the poetry of Rumi 

Rumi was a 13th century Persian poet and Sufi mystic. He believed strongly in music, poetry, and dance as a way of communicating with God and his poems and famous quotes are steeped in deep wisdom.  I find his quotes to be particularly insightful. Here is a resource with some of his famous quotes. You can read his poetry online here.  The Essential Rumi is a book that contains his most important work. In today's video we are reading some of Rumi's most beautiful poems and phrases. 

Chic Assignment No. 3 Do a 15-minute Declutter

You would be amazed to learn how much you can accomplish in 15 minutes. I often set the timer when I'm facing a daunting task like cleaning the kitchen or folding a mound of laundry. We can apply the same 15-minute principle to our intimidating decluttering tasks. This month I shared a 15-minute decluttering challenge that I hope proved motivating for you. 

Chic Assignment No. 4 Prepare your wardrobe for the new season

Summer is upon us and it's time to go through your wardrobe to determine if any changes need to be made to account for the warmer weather. I shared my thoughts on elegant swimwear and ten-item wardrobe summer updates in this blogpost. 

⚜️ What I'm wearing
Lilysilk white blouse DAILY15 for 15% off
SKYE Lena pearl choker necklace Jennifer20 for 20% off

Thank you to The Chic Society for bringing us The Chic Assignment. The Chic Society is the private membership group on YouTube. Membership is only $1.99 a month. I release a "vodcast" (a video podcast) every Friday and we go live (either on YouTube or Zoom) once a month. There are also two upper tiers who receive recognition in The Chic Assignment check-in. 



The Chic Connoisseurs: 
A Better Life with KAT (Flylady Cleaning System), AAM Truthteller, 
Adrienne Cormier, American Blossom Linens, Alexa Moradi, Allison Jennison-Smith, Amy Kennedy,
A Return to Simplicity, A Sparkling Vintage Life, Amy Thibodeaux, Andrea Saavedra, Andrea Andrei,
Angelika Greenhalgh, Angie Helmly, Anny Schreier, Audrey Coyne, BewitchedCrafts.com, Ausra Mewa,
Beata, Bliss Peterson, Brenda Ramsey, Candace V, Cari Leigh, Caroline Logan, Catarina Alexandra, Catherine Huang, Chantal Brinkies, Chelsea Kochevar, Clare's Classroom, Cyndie Lake, Dawn, Deb Reardon, Denise Gende, Diana McNease, Elizabeth Doan, Ellie YG, Elizabeth Yang, Efstathia Kositzidou, Freda Masoud, healthywithluba.com, 
Heather Phillips, Helena O, Jackie W, Jane Lynch, Janet Williams, Jasmine Christian, Jeanetta Loubser, Jennifer Fiedel, Jennifer Lamont Leo, Jennifer Timm, jkp62, Judy Moore, Katherine Williams, Kathy Feliciano,  Katie Kolodzy, Kimberly Campbell, 
Lakeisha Bell Cadogan, Lenora Ellis, Liliedaisy, Lois Shank- Retiree, 
Loraine Tadman, Lori Skees, 
Maria Gerlicz-Pogorzelska, Mary Lewis, Marija B. Bingula, Space.For.Home, Marybeth Nelson, 
Megan Lawrence, Melanie Adkins, Melanie Riddle, Mama Mitzey, Maria Gerszewski, 
Melinda Loustalot, Melissa Ricci, Mercy Burton Russell, Michele Kieffer, Michele Pokorsky,
Michelle Henderer, Michelle the Italiagal, Monique Egelhoff, Monique Hernandez, Natalie Schultz, 
Not-So Desperate Housewives, Olivia Johnson, Pamela Gunger, Paula Ellis, Paula Johnson, P C, 
Petra Willnecker, 
Raye Cage, Rebecca Faltot, Rita Fernandes,  Rona,  Rosh S., Sandra Light, Sarah Vitsas, 
S.E. Spracher - Author of Chewy Marmot , Scott Rea, Shannon Biddy, Sharon Smith, 
Sheila Hopfensperger, Shelly Cabler aka "The Art of This & That", 
Shelly Kirby, Sonya Sylvester, Stacy Smith, The Simple Swan, Sue Parker, 
Susan Keyes, Tina Grose, Tammy Griffin,  This and That with Denise Jordan, 
Tiki Pié, Tracy The Tea Lady, Veronica Staudt, Wendy Cassara, Wendy Somerville, Wilma Dean, Yen Lee, Zauger, Zuzaienka23


The Elegant Connoisseurs

Amanda Dykes, Author
Amiee Floor, Azalia Spa Goods
Brandi Still, Silhouette Artist
Jenny Williams, Carrot Top Paper Shop
Elaine Brisebois, Certified Nutritionist
Ashley Buffa Freedom Moms Smart Kid Chore System
Nikki Moreno - Inspired by Nikki 
Julie Kolman - My Confident Closet 
Nicole Brignolle - Founder of Lovely Bits
Rosenda Valenzuela - Little Pink Casa 
Mrs. Shockley - A Home for Elegance
The Shortbread Family - Allen's Scottish Shortbread
Mrs. TJ Sturm, Sturm Brothers Jewelry 
Cherish Flieder- Something to Cherish  
Vicel Victoria - JAFRA Beauty Consultant  
Katherine Rae
Carli Thom - Living in Loveliness
Caroline Haydu
Guy Blaise
Isabelle Clabaut
Janice Leitner
Jen Carlson
Jet Rowley-Herron
Jina Kay Kenry
Jenny Candelaria
Juliet Keeler-LeBien
Linda Eklof
Marie Caudill
Maria Conder
Melissa M
Prudently at Home

I hope you enjoy this month's Chic Assignment. Let us know your thoughts in the comments and your comment could be chosen as comment of the week on the blog. 


NEW* Join The Chic Society on YouTube and become a member of The Daily Connoisseur.


Visit my newly designed Author Website

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 POISE *NEW course*, debt-free living, and efficiency at home


FTC: This post is not sponsored.  I use affiliate links, including Amazon affiliate links. Thank you for your support.  
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