6.14.2021

Rude Questions Part 2 | Observations and Reaction

5:42 AM 7 Comments

 



My initial post sharing 5 rude questions and how to respond, received a tremendous response from The Daily Connoisseur audience (and beyond!). It seems that most people have one question they have been asked (or asked repeatedly) that grates on them over time. 


I received an outpouring of comments, both public and private, about your life experiences with these questions. In today's video I'm sharing my observations and reactions. 

There are a few key takeaways that I'll write about here, but I do encourage you to watch the video to hear a more in-depth discussion. 

⚜️Don't put yourself down when met with a rude question. Many people said their response to "When are you due?" was, "I'm not pregnant, I'm just fat!" You don't need to put yourself down in order to make light of the intrusive question. 

⚜️Avoid saying something rude back. It can be so tempting. Sooo tempting, sometimes, to say something rude to someone who is rude to you. But avoid this temptation and take the high road. You will never regret it and will come off as a class act.

⚜️Wanting privacy does not equal being ashamed. It is perfectly acceptable to guard your information when you first meet someone. People need to show themselves approved to us before we trust them with information about ourselves. Follow your instinct. Some people might accuse you of being ashamed of who you are if you don't want to share various aspects of your life. Don't pay those people any attention. They will try to shame you into feeling bad for wanting to maintain your privacy. Don't fall for it. 

⚜️What I'm Wearing
SKYE Charlotte dress Jennifer20 for 20% off
SKYE Genevieve earrings Jennifer20 for 20% off


Today's video is sponsored by Ritual code DAILYC gives 10% off your first three months. 

News

πŸ“Connoisseur Kids is now available in Poland and Vietnam.

πŸ“Join us for The Chic Assignment for June  

πŸ“*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.

πŸ“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

Lessons from Madame Chic on Instagram... 

Comment of the Week 

Charlotte K. writes, "Isn’t there a quote that says, “There is beauty in the mundane”? I have been a homemaker for 45 years, and always gently corrected those who called me a “housewife”! πŸ˜‰ It isn’t always fun, but so rewarding to look back on with satisfaction that while I was not always the most skillful or best household manager, I always cherished and was grateful for my life at home. I appreciate your homemaking series and love your outlook on life, Jennifer."

Thank you, Charlotte! Your comment was so lovely.

Thank you for joining me for today's video. I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments. 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 sponsored by Ritual.  I use affiliate links, including Amazon affiliate links. Thank you for your support. 
Continue reading...
# Daily Connoisseur # Etiquette
at 7 comments: quickedit quickedit
Labels: , , , ,

6.10.2021

10 Life-Changing Homemaking Secrets from Mrs. Beeton's Book of Household Management

5:49 AM 2 Comments


My homemaking series continues today as I share ten life-changing homemaking secrets from Mrs. Beeton's Book of Household Management. 




Mrs. Isabella Beeton’s 1861 guide on household management remains one of the must referenced and popular guides to managing a home over 160 years later. Here are my ten observations from her book that could provide life-changing homemaking inspiration for you. 




 


⚜️The “mistress of the house” or in our case “homemaker”, is like the "commander of an army. Her spirit will be seen through the whole establishment" (p. 1). If that is the case, what spirit do you see when you look at your home? 

⚜️The members of the household are “perpetually dependent” on the homemaker for the happiness, comfort, and well-being of the family (p.1). While that may seem daunting, it should give you a sense of purpose and raison d’Γͺtre. 

 ⚜️"Early rising is one of the most essential qualities which enter into good household management" (p. 2). Getting up early is the “parent of health”. If the mistress of the house gets up early it is “almost certain that her house will be orderly and well-managed”. (It also says that if she gets up late, her servants will also become “sluggards”.) Most of us do not have live-in servants so maybe we can attribute this tip to the rest of our family. 

⚜️ Frugality and Economy are home virtues. Mrs. Beeton quotes a Dr. Johnson, who says, “Frugality may be termed the daughter of Prudence, the sister of Temperance, and the parent of Liberty. He that is extravagant will quickly become poor, and poverty will enforce dependence and invite corruption.” Mrs. Beeton believed that whether you are rich or poor, practicing frugality is a necessity. 

⚜️Good temper should be cultivated by the homemaker. The welfare of the household rests on the homemaker’s good temper. “Her influence can hardly be over-estimated, as it has the effect of moulding the characters of those around her, and of acting most beneficially on the happiness of the domestic circle. Every head of a household should strive to be cheerful.”  (p.5). This one convicted me. 

⚜️The dress of the homemaker should always be adapted to her circumstances. Ok, in Mrs. Beeton’s Book of Household Management she’s literally talking about changing outfits for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We can’t relate to this Downton Abbey-esque wardrobe change life, but let’s look closer here at what she’s saying. She’s saying dress for the day, but dress appropriately. So, does that mean wear yoga pants all day long since you’ll be cleaning? Not necessarily. You can get dressed for the day in your cute day clothes that express your true style and still get a majority of your cleaning done if you wear an apron and gloves. If you’re going out in the garden to weed, for example, you probably won’t want to wear your nice clothing. Change your clothes for that. 

⚜️Keep a housekeeping account book (p. 9). Mrs. Beeton suggests that you write down every single expense you have throughout the day. This will be very helpful for those of us who are prone to overspending or who are trying to stay on a budget. This way “one month’s expenses may be contrasted with another”. Judge Haliburton said, “No man is rich whose expenditure exceeds his means, and no one is poor whose incomings exceed his outgoings.” 

⚜️Method and order are the keys for good housekeeping. On p. 27, it reads: “Order, again, is indispensable; for by it we wish to be understood that “there should be a place for everything, and everything in its place.” Method, too, is most necessary; for when the work is properly contrived, and each part arranged in regular succession, it will be done more quickly and more effectually. 

⚜️The daily duties of a housekeeper are regulated by the extent of the establishment she superintends (p. 29). In this instance, Mrs. Beeton is now discussing a paid housekeeper position, but we homemakers can apply this to ourselves. We should base our daily duties on what our home (our establishment) needs. Do you live in a large house that needs regular sweeping and vacuuming? Do you live in a small house that needs constant reevaluations of clutter and storage? What does your establishment need? 

⚜️Prepare in the evening for the next day’s duties (p. 31). A good homemaker “will often busy herself with the necessary preparations for the next day’s duties. Numberless small, but still important arrangements, will have to be made, so that everything may move smoothly.

⚜️ What I'm Wearing
Rungolee Louise blouse DailyC for free silk face mask
Lulu's Sebastian Trouser (these shrink, order a size up)
Earrings SKYE Theodora Jennifer20 for 20% off
Bracelet SKYE Laure Jennifer20 for 20% off
Nail polish Londontown Dragonfruit JenniferS for 25% off


I hope you enjoy today's video. 

News

πŸ“Connoisseur Kids is now available in Poland and Vietnam.

πŸ“Join us for The Chic Assignment for June  

πŸ“*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.

πŸ“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 Japan... 



Comment of the Week
Amber writes, "My heart leapt for joy when you said you're going on the Homemaker Chic podcast again! πŸ₯° Shaye and Angela are my absolute favorite podcasters and I regularly listen while cleaning around the house. You also happen to be my favorite guest on their podcast so I am excited to hear all three of you chat it up again! Listening to you on their podcast is actually what helped me discover your channel so cheers to that as well! Hope you have a great virtual visit with them again and thanks for all your wonderful content!"

Thank you, Amber! Our episode has already aired and you can find it here: Wait, This Job Needs a Uniform?

I hope you enjoyed today's life-changing homemaking secrets video. Let us know your favorite insights 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. 
Continue reading...
# cleaning tips # Daily Connoisseur homemaking
at 2 comments: quickedit quickedit
Labels: , , , , , ,

6.07.2021

One Week of Outfits from my Spring Ten-Item Capsule Wardrobe

5:51 AM 0 Comments

 


Welcome to one week of outfits from my spring ten-item capsule wardrobe. It's warming up in Southern California and spring is in full bloom. I'm sharing my outfits of the week to inspire you to dress well every day and look presentable always. 


I'm also sharing handbag, makeup, and accessory styling in today's video. Let's take a look at the week of outfits: 

Paige denim jumpsuit, Lulu's sandals, American Leather Co. dome satchel, half camisole, 
Casetify phone case, Jackie Mack Designs necklace TDC15OFF for 15% off  Oliver Peoples sunglasses



Rachel Pally Marion dress, American Leather Co. satchel, cork wedges (similar) JEN10 for 10% off SKYE Cosette earring Jennifer20 for 20% off 




Rungolee Porto dress DailyC for free silk face mask, Lulu's sandals

SKYE Risette dress Jennifer20 for 20% off, Teddy Blake handbag TBJennC20 for extra $20 off,
 Spanish Sandal Co. black slides JEN10 for 10% off, Besame dusty rose lipstick, Lilysilk scrunchie Daily15 for 15% off 


Lulu's Sebastian pant (order a size up... this shrinks), Spanish Sandel Co. black slides JEN10 for 10% off, Lilysilk v-neck camisole Daily15 for 15% off, Neiwai Barely Zero bra JS10 for 10% off 


SKYE Charlotte dress Jennifer20 for 20% off, Teddy Blake handbag TBJennC20 for extra $20 off, cork wedges (similar) JEN10 for 10% off, SKYE earrings Jennifer20 for 20% off


Mott & Bow jeans JLS10 for 10% off,  Lilysilk blouse Daily15 for 15% off, Spanish Sandal Co. taupe sandals Jen10 for 10% off, Jord cork handbag thedailyconnoisseur25 for 25% off



Thank you to Native Sunscreen for bringing us today's video. Use code DAILYC4 for 30% off. 


News

πŸ“Connoisseur Kids is now available in Poland and Vietnam.

πŸ“Join us for The Chic Assignment for June  

πŸ“*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.

πŸ“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

nightingale writes, "It's been said the state of your home reflects your current state of mind. Creating the right ambiance in a space and being choosy with what I bring in has made a world of difference."

Nightingale, I couldn't agree more. When my home gets in a bad state I pause, reflect, and take care of it. Thank you for your observation.


I hope you enjoyed today's outfits of the week video. How is your ten-item wardrobe performing this season? Let us know 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 sponsored by Native.  I use affiliate links, including Amazon affiliate links. Thank you for your support. 
Continue reading...
# 10 Item Wardrobe # capsule wardrobe how to
at No comments: quickedit quickedit
Labels: , , , , , ,

6.03.2021

Therapeutic Homemaking | Clean with Me

5:35 AM 5 Comments

 


Welcome to a new homemaking episode. This time we are talking about the therapeutic aspects of homemaking. 



 In today’s homemaking video, we are doing some necessary cleaning. Cleaning often feels daunting and undesirable, but if we change our thoughts on the subject, we can allow it to be therapeutic. When we think about it as homemaking and break that word down: making a home, it gives cleaning a higher purpose. 

The word therapeutic implies healing. In medicinal terms, it refers to healing of an ailment. Certain treatments can be therapeutic. I often try to think of homemaking as a healing treatment. That’s because in general, it’s not the first thing I want to do each day. In fact, even after all these years, my body, mind, and sometimes soul, resists homemaking a bit. I might have fantasies of doing other things… anything really, other than wiping, cleaning, moping, doing dishes, and cooking. But wash the windows we must. 




 As I’ve mentioned many times I require shifts in my perspective, otherwise I won’t enjoy daily mundane tasks at all. So, I look at the therapeutic properties of cleaning and making a home. Let’s look at cleaning. How can that be therapeutic? Well, there is deep satisfaction to be found in cleaning a dirty space. It’s like righting a wrong... sorting something out. I focus on the tangible change that has taken place. Something was unsightly and now it’s beautiful. There is healing when you look at it like that. Making a smudged glass clear. Wiping the dirt off of an outside table. These things provide instant upgrades in satisfaction. I also take moments of deep appreciation for my space and focus on the beauty around me. This is why we should decorate our homes in a manner that pleases us. This also helps because when we finish cleaning, we enjoy our beautiful space even more. 

 Sometimes I’ll shut out the rest of the world and listen to music or an audiobook with my headphones. Other times I’ll allow myself to be present with my own thoughts. Sometimes I’ll have wild daydreams. Or cook up a great idea for a story. Or even write a poem in my head. Which does require me to run to my journal to write it down. 




Now, is everything done perfectly and gracefully? No, my therapeutic cleaning usually involves doing what I can, when I can. But I try to make the experience as pleasant as possible. Many times, I’m in a rush. Or I’m exhausted and am trying to get things done quickly. Sometimes I’m able to go slow and I actually enjoy it. I focus on the sounds around me. There is healing in those sounds. Everyday sounds we take for granted can be as beautiful as a symphony. 




 And finally, I wanted to share this perspective with you. We all want to live beautifully at home. Each step we take in our daily homemaking tasks brings us closer to beautiful living. Pleasure should not escape our daily life. Whether we take pleasure in lighting a candle, enjoying a delicious luncheon, picking herbs from the garden, laying a tablecloth, arranging a flower bouquet, or ending the day with a cup of tea and a good book. There is pleasure to be found in the everyday and when our home is running optimally, we can elevate these daily pleasures. I hope you enjoyed today’s video. 





Thank you to Blueland for bringing us today’s video. Use code DAILY to get 15% off your first kit. 

News

πŸ“Connoisseur Kids is now available in Poland and Vietnam.

πŸ“Join us for The Chic Assignment for June  

πŸ“*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.

πŸ“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

Connoisseur Kids on Instagram...



Comment of the Week

Nadia T. writes, "I was given several embroidered tablecloths of various sizes and matching napkins for my first holy communion and for years I considered them too traditional and old fashioned and I stored them away. Decades later I realized how ridiculous it was not to use them! These vintage tablecloths are now used with love and often get compliments from our dinner guests. Thank you Jennifer for encouraging the art of a beautifully dressed table!!"

Nadia, I am so happy to read your comment. Most of us own beautiful things we don't use because we are "saving" them for special occasions. The realization that every day is special is cathartic. I'm so glad you are enjoying them now. 


Thank you for joining me for today's video. I hope it inspired you in your homemaking today. 

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 sponsored by Blueland.  I use affiliate links, including Amazon affiliate links. Thank you for your support. 
Continue reading...
# At Home With Madame Chic # Daily Connoisseur
at 5 comments: quickedit quickedit
Labels: , , , ,

6.01.2021

The Chic Assignment June 2021

6:29 AM 0 Comments


 Welcome to The Chic Assignment for June. 


Chic Assignment no. 1 Enjoy Handel's Largo from Xerxes 

A beautiful and hauntingly enigmatic piece, Handel's Largo from Xerxes performed by Hauser will astound you. We will learn more about German composer, George Frideric Handel, in the mid-month check in. 




Chic Assignment no. 2 Explore the artwork of Frida Kahlo 

Self Portrait with Monkeys, 1943 by Frida Kahlo fair use Creative Commons 

Frida Kahlo was a Mexican surrealist painter known for her self-portraits and portrayal of Mexican nature and artifacts. She lived a brief and tumultuous life, but is one of the most famous female painters of all time. We are going to learn more about Frida Kahlo in the mid-month check in. You can learn more about her artwork here. 

Chic Assignment no. 3 Dress the table beautifully




Yesterday I shared my tablecloth routine from start to finish as part of Mega Motivation. I hope it encouraged you to dress your table beautifully this month, even if you are dining alone. 

Chic Assignment no. 4 Write a poem for someone in your life and give it to them 

I don't think I've ever been more excited about a chic assignment in my life! This month I would love for you to surprise someone you know with a poem you wrote for them. You can write this poem for anyone in your life. It can be silly, dramatic, serious, romantic, or whatever you like. Write a poem and surprise someone you know. You will brighten their day, if not their entire month. If you would like to share your poem with The Daily Connoisseur audience, please leave it in the comments here on the blog or on the YouTube video. I will choose a few poems to read in the mid-month check in. Don't be discouraged if I do not choose your poem as thousands of people will see it in the comments and be enriched by it. 


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. 

I hope you enjoy this month's assignments! I look forward to reading your poetry. Tag me on social media with the hashtag #thechicassignment and be sure to share this with a friend. 



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. 
Continue reading...
# Art # Arts and Culture
at No comments: quickedit quickedit
Labels: , , , , , , ,