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.

In today's final video before going on maternity leave, I share a brief update for skin, diet, and how I was doing at the end of the pregnancy.



This video was shot three days before I gave birth. Those of you who follow me on Instagram know that I delivered last week, a healthy baby boy! We are so thrilled with our little man.

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

I plan to take a few weeks off from the blog and channel to spend more time with my family. When I return, I look forward to sharing the birth story with you, as well as kicking off a new fall season on The Daily Connoisseur.

If you miss the blog while I'm away, and you haven't taken one of my eCourses yet, consider doing so. Create Your Own Ten-Item Wardrobe and Chic Financial Principles for Debt-Free Living are my two courses.



They are packed with hours of video instruction, notes, and quizzes, plus a lively comment section with other fellow daily connoisseurs. There is a wonderful community over there. I also try to actively engage with every student who leaves questions and comments.



Here are some testimonials on the eCourses:


This course was amazing! I am debt-free, but you have inspired me to save more, love my home life, be happy with what I already have, etc. Thank you, Jennifer! Everything you produce is of such a high quality and truly gives so much value to your audience. I am looking forward to your next course! -Nora

I so appreciate you and the financial e-course! I loved the encouragement and can do attitude!! I encourage everyone to take it, the quizzes at the end of each lecture were fun and helpful!!! - Laura

I'm a long time subscriber and just want to say how much I enjoyed this course! I really like the direction your channel is going in while maintaining your chic sensibility. Thank you for all the great work you do. -DeAnna

I have enjoyed the course and your blog. It has helped me tremendously as I down size my wardrobe and home. Thank you! - Mary Ann

Jennifer, thank you so much for your time, advice, and inspiration. I've gained a lot by taking this course and am even sad that it has ended. I know I will revisit lectures when I need a refresher. I also know I will come back and update on any new debt-free milestones I may reach in hopes that it will inspire others. God bless! - Melissa

WOW! What can I say that others haven't?! It has been a pleasure watching this course other the last few days. It has been an eye opener for sure. The exercise at the beginning to open up and share your debt story. That was a first for me. I never comment on anything and I have felt such appreciation throughout this course, that I couldn't hold back from commenting. I will be doing my best to apply all your principles and tips. All the best to all your course attendees and a HUGE thank you to you, Jennifer. -Candice

Jennifer, thank you so much for this course. Your books and vlog have improved my life in so many ways! I'm struggling to create my Ten-Item Wardrobe but with your help I've cleaned out my closet and discovered my personal style. -Terri

I just completed your e course on Chic finances and it’s incredible! Thank you for sharing your wisdom and inspiration- it’s a course where everyone can get something great that will improve their life and their finances. I love your “Yes, we can do this AND live well,” mindset, Jennifer. You’re a treasure! -
tandcocoapuff


These are just a few of the amazing testimonials that have come from the eCourses. Thank you to everyone who has joined us in the connoisseur community over there.

I appreciate each and every one of you who reads this blog and watches my videos. Thank you for your support. I look forward to returning to you soon. Until next time, as Lucia would say, *Au Reservoir* :)

With love,

Jennifer


Visit my Author Website

*New* Shop my favorite things

Facebook facebook.com/JenniferLScottAuthor

Twitter @JL_Scott

Instagram @dailyconnoisseur

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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.

Visit my Author Website

*New* Shop my favorite things

Facebook facebook.com/JenniferLScottAuthor

Twitter @JL_Scott

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

Thank you so much to everyone for your well-wishes about the baby. We had our baby last week and we have had such a wonderful weekend. I have a few blogs and videos that I pre-recorded from before the birth, including today's video, that I will publish this week. After that, I will go on a brief maternity leave from the blog. When I return, I will definitely share a video about our birth story. Thank you, again, for your wonderful wishes on social media after we announced the birth of our baby boy.



In today's video, I'm doing an unboxing of Londontown's fall/ winter collection for 2018/ 2019. This is a gorgeous collection with unique colors. I've been wearing them for the past few weeks and many of you have asked about my nail colors so here they are. Londontown love The Daily Connoisseur readers and are generously offering 25% off your order when you use the code JenniferS.



I love Londontown's nail polishes because they have Florium Complex enriching botanicals infused into their beautiful colors, which are also 9-free, cruelty-free, and vegan.

What does 9-free mean? It means that the polishes are free of 9 potentially harmful chemicals: formaldehyde, camphor, toluene, DBP (dibutyl pthalate and phthalates), formaldehyde resin, xylene, ethyl tosylamide, parabens, and lead.



They have a new brush in their latest collection, which makes application even easier. I can honestly say that my nail polish lasts 7 to 10 days without a chip. They are high-quality colors.



Iconic is a bold and vibrant electric blue...



Kissed by Rose Gold is a gorgeous metallic rose gold color. It's beautiful...



Jane Austen is a light pink toned lavender crème fit for a heroine. This was the color I was wearing when I delivered our baby. It's so pretty!



Vendetta is a deep scarlet red hinted with a slight blue undertone.


I would love to know what your favorite color is from Londontown's fall/ winter collection.

I hope you enjoyed today's video. Thank you to Londontown for your generous discount code for the readers of The Daily Connoisseur.

I'll see you on Thursday for a What's In My Hospital Bag? video. Thankfully, I packed my hospital bag early because I sure did need it! :) See you then.

With love,

Jennifer




Visit my Author Website

*New* Shop my favorite things

Facebook facebook.com/JenniferLScottAuthor

Twitter @JL_Scott

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

In today's family blog, Ben builds two arch trellises for our totally out-of-control vegetable garden. If you watched our previous vegetable garden video, you know that we made many mistakes this year, including not properly propping up our tomatoes and climbing vegetables.



Ben has a solution and builds his own DIY trellis. He and I truly are clueless gardeners, but we sure do have fun with our hobby.



The following are the supplies we used for anyone who is interested in building their own arch trellis.

First of all, let's start off with the most important supplies:



His Lordship mug



to go with my Her Ladyship mug

And now that we've gotten the coffee out of the way... Here are the other supplies we used to build the trellis:


Wire Mesh Fence


18 inch stakes These are the stakes Ben used to secure the fencing into the ground.



Wire cutters


Sledge hammer


We plan to document our garden the whole year, so we will definitely update you on the success of the arch trellis. We get heavy winds in the area we live, so I'm curious to see how the trellises hold up. I hope you enjoy the shenanigans in today's video.

Please note: the music used in the video is Dvorak no 12 in F Major Op 96 and Kingdom of Baghk.

News


I posted Natural Home with Jennifer yesterday (instead of Friday) so anyone who is interested can take advantage of Grove Collaborative's fall scented cleaning products. Some people have told me that the mum scent has already sold out, but my favorite, apple cider, is still available. To see my honest review from yesterday (and yes, my daughter had some funny describing words for the pumpkin scent) click here.

Thank you to everyone who continues to take and comment on my eCourses, Create Your Own Ten-Item Wardrobe, and Chic Financial Principles for Debt-Free Living. I really enjoy connecting with you over these courses.


On Instagram
Lessons from Madame Chic in Russia...

A post shared by Катя Лукашевич (@katerinaluka) on Aug 13, 2018 at 5:50am PDT

Comment of the Week
On last week's parenting chat, Hana G writes,
"You know it's funny, I still remember my mum saying to me once when I finished making my bed, that out of all of our family, I was the one who made it look the most neat and stylish. To this day, I still remember this comment and really enjoy making my bed every morning :-D (I am 30 now) Affirmations are really powerful!"

Hi Hana, I agree! We really do remember the things we were encouraged in as children. Affirmations for our children are very powerful, indeed.

I hope you enjoyed today's video. Please let me know if you'd like to see more family vlogs from the Connoisseur family.

I would love to know... do you have a kitchen garden? What tips do you have for us clueless gardeners? Thanks for joining us.

Visit my Author Website

*New* Shop my favorite things

Facebook facebook.com/JenniferLScottAuthor

Twitter @JL_Scott

Instagram @dailyconnoisseur

Take my eCourse on the Ten-Item Wardrobe

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 contains affiliate links.

In today's Natural Home with Jennifer, I'm reviewing the Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day fall scented cleaning products. We discuss, pumpkin, apple cider, and mum. I'm posting this video on a Wednesday so you can take advantage of Grove Collaborative's free fall gift set before the best scents sell out.





The pumpkin scent has a very authentic pumpkin aroma. It is spicy and aromatic, not sweet. This scent will not be for everyone. When you watch my video, you'll find out what my daughter thought of it! It does remind me of fall, however. If you like strong pumpkin smell without the sweetness, you might like this scent.



The mum scent (short for chrysanthemum) is a sweet, floral fall scent with a hint of blackberry. It's really delightful. Right now I only have this in the hand soap, but I am looking forward to trying the dish soap and multi-surface spray too. This one is great! A lovely floral for fall.



My absolute favorite is the Mrs. Meyer's apple cider. It perfectly captures a hot, steaming cup of apple cider, spiced with cinnamon. It's a sweet, tart, delightful fall scent. If I were to recommend one scent for fall, this would be it!

I would love to know... have you tried the Mrs. Meyer's fall scents? Which one is your favorite?



I get my natural cleaning products from Grove Collaborative. Grove has a wonderful promotion for September for new customers where they are giving away a free Mrs. Meyer's dish soap, hand soap, and multi-surface spray in whatever fall scent you choose (pumpkin, apple cider, or mum). Plus, you get a Grove replaceable head dish brush. Existing customers get a Grove walnut scrubber sponge.


I hope you enjoyed today's Natural Home with Jennifer. Which Mrs. Meyer's fall scent is your favorite?

I'll see you tomorrow for a fun family vlog involving our totally out-of-control vegetable garden :)




Visit my Author Website

*New* Shop my favorite things

Facebook facebook.com/JenniferLScottAuthor

Twitter @JL_Scott

Instagram @dailyconnoisseur

Take my eCourse on the Ten-Item Wardrobe

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 contains affiliate links.

Summer is coming to a close and fall is nearly here. Today I have the perfect seasonal transition recipe for you: my pumpkin spice zucchini bread.



If you watched my vegetable garden tour video, you know that we produced a lot of zucchini in our garden this year. I have made everything from zucchini lasagna to zucchini noodles, and everything in between. This zucchini bread, however, is my favorite recipe.



The secret ingredient is pumpkin pie spice. I use a tablespoon in this recipe. If you are not a fan of pumpkin spice, you can substitute this with cinnamon. I have tried both versions and they are both delicious.



You will need two cups of shredded zucchini for this recipe. That was one giant zucchini for us, but you might need two smaller ones to make two cups.



This bread is moist and delicious. It also freezes really well. My recipe makes two loaves so you can enjoy one today and freeze one for later.





I hope you enjoy today's video.

News
You asked and I listened. I am now making my recipes printable for you on the blog. Please let me know if you like this new format. Also, my posts and recipes are now shareable on Pinterest.

I am enjoying connecting with everyone on my eCourses, Create Your Own Ten-Item Wardrobe, and Chic Financial Principles for Debt-Free Living.

On Instagram
A beautiful photo of Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic...

#PolishYourPoiseWithMadameChic book is such a beautiful writing. I should say that many of Jennifer's suggestions are so resonate with me. Seems like she wrote what's in my head 💕 Thank you so much for creating this beautiful content!

A post shared by Fauziah Hafidha (@fauziah_hafidha) on Jun 4, 2018 at 6:39pm PDT

Comment of the Week
Today's comment is a review of Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic on Amazon. I appreciate everyone who writes reviews of my books. Thank you!

Lauren A writes that Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic is a must-read. She writes, "I read this with my 88 year old great grandma. She is French and we both enjoyed the read.

Now I am eager for Mrs. Scott’s new YouTube Videos and new book releases."

Lauren, I love that you read the book with your grandmother. The topics in the book are relevant and relatable to all ages. Thank you for sharing your kind review.


I hope you enjoy the recipe in today's video. Let me know if you make it. Also, please let me know what you like to do with zucchini this time of year. Your comment could be chosen as comment of the week on the blog.


Visit my Author Website

*New* Shop my favorite things

Facebook facebook.com/JenniferLScottAuthor

Twitter @JL_Scott

Instagram @dailyconnoisseur

Take my eCourse on the Ten-Item Wardrobe

Take my eCourse Chic Financial Principles for Debt-Free Living

Sign up for my Seasonal Author Newsletter


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