Special Announcement

Simon & Schuster have moved up the publication date for my upcoming book! At Home With Madame Chic will be published now on October 7th, 2014 (previously November 4th). Not long to wait now...

A Midsummer Night's Makeup Tutorial


This week I have for you an enchanting le no makeup look tutorial, set to Chopin's Raindrop Prelude, fit for a midsummer night's eve. This makeup look utilizes soft pinks and violet shades, and with a little creativity, can be achieved with the makeup you already have on hand. For a list of the makeup used in this video, please see the links below.

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

**Video note: For vibrancy, I shoot my videos on the "food and fashion" setting. Because of this, the eyeshadow, in particular, looks darker on camera than it does in person. Rest assured, this is still a le no makeup look!



Makeup list:



Becca radiant skin satin finish foundation in “noisette”

Beauty Blender (stay tuned for an in-depth review of this next week)

Benefit Fake Up under eye concealer in 02 medium (this concealer is really hydrating and is my new favorite for the under eye area)

Benefit Boi-ing concealer in 03 (And this is my current favorite spot concealer. It does an excellent job and blends in naturally)

MAC blot powder pressed in medium

Urban Decay primer potion (I can't do without this... love it.)

Laura Mercier artist palette (this palette is no longer available but the individual shades can be found on the Laura Mercier website)
Shades used: Primrose, African Violet, Plum Smoke, Sparkly Dew

MAC mineralize blush in warm soul

MAC mineralize skin finish in soft and gentle (I love this highlighter... it's excellent)

Rimmel Scandaleyes mascara in 003 extreme black (A wonderful and affordable drug store mascara)

Sephora eyebrow editor in honey blonde

CHANEL le crayon levres nude lip pencil

NYX butter gloss in “tiramisu” (Affordable and effective... love this lip gloss)

Bobbi Brown long wear gel liner in caviar ink (My favorite eyeliner... dare I say Holy Grail?)


Secrets of the Lighthouse Giveaway


Our summer of book giveaways continues with another book by Santa Montefiore called Secrets of the Lighthouse, which will be released on August 5th.

Set in Ireland on the wild coast of Connemara, this hauntingly romantic novel tells the story of a young woman who goes in search of her family’s past and ends up discovering her future.

Ellen Trawton is running away from it all. She hates her job, she doesn’t love the aristocratic man to whom she is engaged, and her relationship with her controlling mother is becoming increasingly strained. So Ellen leaves London, fleeing to the one place she knows her mother won’t find her, her aunt’s cottage in Connemara. Cutting all her ties with chic London society, Ellen gives in to Ireland’s charm and warmth, thinking her future may lie where so much of her past has been hidden. Her imagination is soon captured by the compelling ruins of a lighthouse where, five years earlier, a young mother died in a fire.

The ghost of the young wife, Caitlin, haunts the nearby castle, mourning the future she can never have there. Unable to move on, she watches her husband and children, hoping they might see her and feel her love once more. But she doesn’t anticipate her husband falling in love again. Can she prevent it? Or can she let go and find a way to freedom and happiness?

The ruggedly beautiful Connemara coastline with its tightknit community of unforgettable characters provides the backdrop for this poignant story of two women seeking the peace and love they desperately need. For each, the key will be found in the secrets of the past, illuminated by the lighthouse.

Simon & Schuster are offering to give away 5 copies of The Summer House to readers of the Daily Connoisseur! This giveaway is open to US residents only (terms set by Simon & Schuster). Please enter via the rafflecopter widget below. Best of luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Happy Birthday Ellen C!

I would like to wish a very happy 50th birthday to Ellen C. of Hendersonville, TN. Ellen's daughter, Emily, reached out to me to let me know that her mom is a big fan of Madame Chic and the Daily Connoisseur and that her special day is coming up.

Ellen, I am wishing you a happy, healthy and prosperous year. It's clear that you are a fantastic role model for your adoring daughters. Happy Birthday! Thank you for your long-time support of the Daily Connoisseur.


News
For all of you mystery/ thriller fans, check out my blogging friend, Kristi Belcamino's, debut thriller, Blessed Are the Dead, which is only 99cents on Amazon kindle. Congratulations Kristi!

Next week stay tuned for a more in depth review of the beauty blender.

This week I would love to know: do you have any fun makeup discoveries to share with us?


Music in this week's video:
Chopin Raindrop Prelude ROYALTY FREE MUSIC

Royalty Free Music by
http://audiomicro.com/royalty-free-music


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My eldest daughter and I both celebrated birthdays last week. Thank you for all of your kind messages on social media! We had a really fun week, which also explains why this blog post is a little late... Thank you for your patience!

Ah, another year older...

Investment Shopping 101

Yes, I'm another year older. This, combined with our recent discussions on the blog, all got me thinking about investment pieces in our wardrobe. As we grow older we are becoming more mature and sophisticated. Is our wardrobe keeping up? Or are we still purchasing low-quality, practically disposable pieces of clothing that are nowhere near as dignified as we are?

So many people have posed questions to me about investment shopping and I'm giving you my answers in this week's video: Investment Shopping 101. I made the commitment in my 20s to stop buying junk clothes and to put some thought into my purchases for long-term satisfaction. If I can do it, you can too!

To get started with investment shopping you need three things:

Commitment- You must commit to a new lifestyle of seeking out higher quality clothes and accessories. This commitment will be tested regularly! You must commit to stop the cycle of compulsive shopping in order to save for the larger purchases.

Discipline- Oh, we need discipline for so many things... It takes discipline to break old habits (like compulsive spending). It takes discipline to save money for your investment piece. Once you buy your high-quality item, it takes discipline to learn to be content with what you have and not immediately set your sights on the next shopping conquest.

Vision- If you're going to invest in your wardrobe you need a vision of what is right for you and your style. A high-quality piece could last several years, if not a lifetime, so you can't make hasty purchases. Think about the entirety of your wardrobe and think long and hard (and save!) before making any purchases.

Check out this week's video to hear the entire discussion and a tale of the first time I decided to go for quality over quantity. 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


Delancey Giveaway


Our summer of book giveaways continues as we explore Delancey by Molly Wizenberg.

In this funny, frank, tender memoir and New York Times bestseller, the author of A Homemade Life and the blog Orangette recounts how opening a restaurant sparked the first crisis of her young marriage.

When Molly Wizenberg married Brandon Pettit, he was a trained composer with a handful of offbeat interests: espresso machines, wooden boats, violin-building, and ice cream–making. So when Brandon decided to open a pizza restaurant, Molly was supportive—not because she wanted him to do it, but because the idea was so far-fetched that she didn’t think he would. Before she knew it, he’d signed a lease on a space. The restaurant, Delancey, was going to be a reality, and all of Molly’s assumptions about her marriage were about to change.

Together they built Delancey: gutting and renovating the space on a cobbled-together budget, developing a menu, hiring staff, and passing inspections. Delancey became a success, and Molly tried to convince herself that she was happy in their new life until—in the heat and pressure of the restaurant kitchen—she realized that she hadn’t been honest with herself or Brandon.

With evocative photos by Molly and twenty new recipes for the kind of simple, delicious food that chefs eat at home, Delancey is a moving and honest account of two young people learning to give in and let go in order to grow together.

Simon & Schuster are kindly offering to give away 5 copies of Delancey to a reader of the Daily Connoisseur. Please enter via the rafflecopter widget below. The giveaway is open to US residents only (terms set by Simon & Schuster). The winners will be announced on the widget and contacted once the giveaway is over. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


and be sure to visit Molly's award winning blog, Orangette here.

Madame Chic Inspiring Thought
Just like one can be addicted to junk food, you can also be addicted to junk clothes. When you make the commitment to eat healthful foods and cut out the junk food, you are aiming to better your life. The same can be said for clothes. This doesn't mean that we never eat junk food (or buy low-quality clothes) again, but it does mean that we no longer exist on only junk food, because that is a recipe for disaster! Break the cycle today and start to make thoughtful purchases. You'll find you save money this way and have much more long-term satisfaction.

This week I would love to know... What was the first investment purchase you ever made? What investment purchases do you plan to make for the future? Are you tired of disposable clothes that only last one season? What are your thoughts on investment shopping?

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I hope you're having a wonderful summer! Before we begin I wanted to share my newly updated author website with you.

Visit www.jenniferlscott.com and let me know what you think! Thank you to Author Bytes for doing such a great job with the re-design.



Reader Questions Answered

This week's blog post will be light on writing. As the summer holidays are here I am devoting more time to my family which means less time to blog! But I still want to provide you with quality, consistent blog and video topics each week as well as answer your questions. This means that sometimes there might be a video, but less writing. With young kids I need to go with the flow. Thank you in advance for your understanding!

Today I answer some reader questions as well as share very wise reader insights. We discuss investment shopping, provocative dressing (dressing to attract), capsule recipe collections and looking presentable always. 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


Sisters of Treason Giveaway

We continue our summer of book giveaways with the newly released Sisters of Treason by Elizabeth Fremantle. Already receiving stellar reviews, this book is a highly anticipated read for me as I enjoyed Queen's Gambit so much. Many readers are saying this is historical fiction at its best!

Here is the book description:

From the author of Queen’s Gambit, which People magazine called, “A must-read for Philippa Gregory fans,” a gripping historical novel about two sisters who tread as dangerously close to the crown as their tragic sister, Lady Jane Grey, executed after just nine days on the throne.

Early in Mary Tudor’s turbulent reign, Lady Catherine and Lady Mary Grey are reeling after the brutal execution of their elder seventeen-year-old sister, Lady Jane Grey, and the succession is by no means stable. In Sisters of Treason, Elizabeth Freemantle brings these young women to life in a spellbinding Tudor tale of love and politics.

Neither sister is well suited to a dangerous life at court. Flirtatious Lady Catherine, thought to be the true heir, cannot control her compulsion to love and be loved. Her sister, clever Lady Mary, has a crooked spine and a tiny stature in an age when physical perfection equates to goodness—and both girls have inherited the Tudor blood that is more curse than blessing. For either girl to marry without royal permission would be a potentially fatal political act. It is the royal portrait painter, Levina Teerlinc, who helps the girls survive these troubled times. She becomes their mentor and confidante, but when the Queen’s sister, the hot-headed Elizabeth, inherits the crown, life at court becomes increasingly treacherous for the surviving Grey sisters. Ultimately each young woman must decide how far she will go to defy her Queen, risk her life, and find the safety and love she longs for.

From “a brilliant new player in the court of royal fiction,” (People) Sisters of Treason brings to vivid life the perilous and romantic lives of two little known young women who played a major role in the complex politics of their day.

Simon & Schuster are generously giving away 5 copies to readers of the Daily Connoisseur. This giveaway is open to US residents only (terms set by Simon & Schuster). Please enter via the rafflecopter widget below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


This week I would love to know... what do you think about provocative dressing (showing too much skin)? What about investment shopping? What are your favorite high-quality brands? Have you thought about applying the principles of the ten-item wardrobe to other areas of your life as well?

For all mothers out there... what are your tips for getting through those (sometimes long) summer days?

See you next week!


Music in this week's video: Johan Strauss Tritsch Tritsch

Royalty Free Music by Audio Micro


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Twitter @JL_Scott

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This week we continue our conversation about dressing well. So many people chimed in about last week's topic on how to make an inexpensive outfit look expensive. Through facebook, email and the blog I received hundreds of comments on this topic.

Here were some of my favorites:

Diana H.S. writes: It's "about presenting the best version of you possible regardless of your circumstances".

Cristina S. writes: "Good taste comes at different price points and the art of curating your pieces in a wardrobe to end up with great style is the goal".

Tiffany W. writes: "Life should be a great mix of things. A dress you feel beautiful in is a great piece, no matter the price tag and adding your collection of finer things helps make it unique to you. That is true style".

Carmen writes: "I think as long as you are perfectly groomed and have great posture, you can easily turn an inexpensive outfit into looking expensive. I believe the key is how you conduct yourself. I've seem many, who swear by expensive clothes and yet look extremely cheap because of the way they behave and act."

Bree writes: "I like to wear a mix of high and lower end clothing and what I've found is that neatness counts! No amount of expensive clothes or accessories can make you look put together if you're sloppy, while a less expensive look applied with care and an eye for detail looks very nice."

Can Do Mom writes: "I agree that quality shoes and nice accessories can elevate any outfit. Also important is proper fit, care and ironing! No wrinkles, please!"

These were just a sampling of the wise comments I received. Thank you for your contributions! As always you inspire me greatly.


This week's video analyzes that je ne sais quoi that is captured when you wear quality clothes and how you can get it no matter what you are wearing. (I also address some haters!) Don't miss this week's video. If you can't see the video above, click here, look in the sidebar of this post, or visit my channel: www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur

The Summer House Giveaway

Our summer of book giveaways continues on the Daily Connoisseur with Santa Montefiore's The Summer House. If you ask me, this sounds like the perfect beach read. Here's the description:

When Lord Frampton dies in a skiing accident, a beautiful young woman named Phaedra appears at his funeral—claiming to be the Lord’s illegitimate daughter. In his will, Lord Frampton has left the priceless Frampton suite of sapphires to this interloper, confirming her claim and outraging his three adult sons and widow. Eventually, however, Phaedra’s sweet nature thaws the frosty relationships. She becomes the daughter that Antoinette Frampton never had and a wise and compassionate granddaughter to the formidable Dowager Lady Frampton. But an attraction grows between Phaedra and the eldest son, David. It seems an impossible love—blocked by their blood connection and by the fury of one family member who is determined to expose Phaedra as a fraud.

Filled with the luscious scenery and enchanting characters her fans adore, Santa Montefiore’s Summer House is an unforgettable story about family, forgiveness, and the power of love.

Simon & Schuster are offering to give away 5 copies of The Summer House to readers of the Daily Connoisseur! This giveaway is open to US residents only (terms set by Simon & Schuster). Please enter via the rafflecopter widget below. Best of luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Madame Chic Inspiring Thought
Dressing well is not about "keeping up with the Joneses". Dressing well is a form of artistic expression. It is a celebration of life. It is a statement about who you are. Dressing well is not just for the wealthy. Anyone can do it on any budget. Don't let our casual society make you feel uncomfortable about dressing well. The fact that other people are in sweatpants, pajamas or exercise clothes all day long has nothing to do with you. You go on shining like the star that you are.

A final thing to ponder: Tom Ford said, "Dressing well is a form of good manners". (Thank you to viewer, Glenda, for reminding me of this gem!).

This week I would love to know: How do you feel about dressing your best? Putting thought into what you are wearing? Do you feel this is about "Keeping up with the Joneses" or something more profound? What are your thoughts on ladylike dressing in our society? Let me know! On social media use the hashtag #MADAMECHIC


Music in this week's video: Johan Strauss Tritsch Tritsch

Royalty Free Music by
http://audiomicro.com/royalty-free-music
Sound Effects by
http://audiomicro.com/sound-effects


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Today I'm sharing my summer reading list with you. I just love a good, juicy read during the warmer months don't you? My lovely editor/ kindred spirit, Trish Todd, knows my interests so well and sent me a goody box with some of Simon & Schuster's most interesting summer reads.



Watch this week's video to hear more about the books. 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

Here are the (clickable) titles and book descriptions:

A Place at the Table by Susan Rebecca White

From Susan Rebecca White, award-winning author of A Soft Place to Land and Bound South, comes a breathtaking story of three richly nuanced outcasts whose paths converge in a chic Manhattan café as they realize they must give up everything they thought they knew to find a home at last.

Alice Stone is famous for the homemade southern cuisine she serves at Café Andres and her groundbreaking cookbook, but her past is a mystery to all who know her. Upon Alice’s retirement, Bobby Banks, a young gay man ostracized by his family in Georgia, sets out to revive the aging café with his new brand of southern cooking while he struggles with heartbreak like he’s never known. Seeking respite from the breakup of her marriage, wealthy divorcée Amelia Brighton finds solace in the company and food at Café Andres, until a family secret comes to light in the pages of Alice’s cookbook and threatens to upend her life.

In her most accomplished novel yet, Susan Rebecca White braids together the stories of these three unforgettable characters who must learn that when you embrace the thing that makes you different, you become whole.

The Summer House by Santa Montefiore

When Lord Frampton dies in a skiing accident, a beautiful young woman named Phaedra appears at his funeral—claiming to be the Lord’s illegitimate daughter. In his will, Lord Frampton has left the priceless Frampton suite of sapphires to this interloper, confirming her claim and outraging his three adult sons and widow. Eventually, however, Phaedra’s sweet nature thaws the frosty relationships. She becomes the daughter that Antoinette Frampton never had and a wise and compassionate granddaughter to the formidable Dowager Lady Frampton. But an attraction grows between Phaedra and the eldest son, David. It seems an impossible love—blocked by their blood connection and by the fury of one family member who is determined to expose Phaedra as a fraud.

Filled with the luscious scenery and enchanting characters her fans adore, Santa Montefiore’s Summer House is an unforgettable story about family, forgiveness, and the power of love.

Secrets of the Lighthouse by Santa Montefiore (release date August 5, 2014)

Set in Ireland on the wild coast of Connemara, this hauntingly romantic novel tells the story of a young woman who goes in search of her family’s past and ends up discovering her future.

Ellen Trawton is running away from it all. She hates her job, she doesn’t love the aristocratic man to whom she is engaged, and her relationship with her controlling mother is becoming increasingly strained. So Ellen leaves London, fleeing to the one place she knows her mother won’t find her, her aunt’s cottage in Connemara. Cutting all her ties with chic London society, Ellen gives in to Ireland’s charm and warmth, thinking her future may lie where so much of her past has been hidden. Her imagination is soon captured by the compelling ruins of a lighthouse where, five years earlier, a young mother died in a fire.

The ghost of the young wife, Caitlin, haunts the nearby castle, mourning the future she can never have there. Unable to move on, she watches her husband and children, hoping they might see her and feel her love once more. But she doesn’t anticipate her husband falling in love again. Can she prevent it? Or can she let go and find a way to freedom and happiness?

The ruggedly beautiful Connemara coastline with its tightknit community of unforgettable characters provides the backdrop for this poignant story of two women seeking the peace and love they desperately need. For each, the key will be found in the secrets of the past, illuminated by the lighthouse.

Sisters of Treason by Elizabeth Fremantle (release date July 8, 2014)

From the author of Queen’s Gambit, which People magazine called, “A must-read for Philippa Gregory fans,” a gripping historical novel about two sisters who tread as dangerously close to the crown as their tragic sister, Lady Jane Grey, executed after just nine days on the throne.

Early in Mary Tudor’s turbulent reign, Lady Catherine and Lady Mary Grey are reeling after the brutal execution of their elder seventeen-year-old sister, Lady Jane Grey, and the succession is by no means stable. In Sisters of Treason, Elizabeth Freemantle brings these young women to life in a spellbinding Tudor tale of love and politics.

Neither sister is well suited to a dangerous life at court. Flirtatious Lady Catherine, thought to be the true heir, cannot control her compulsion to love and be loved. Her sister, clever Lady Mary, has a crooked spine and a tiny stature in an age when physical perfection equates to goodness—and both girls have inherited the Tudor blood that is more curse than blessing. For either girl to marry without royal permission would be a potentially fatal political act. It is the royal portrait painter, Levina Teerlinc, who helps the girls survive these troubled times. She becomes their mentor and confidante, but when the Queen’s sister, the hot-headed Elizabeth, inherits the crown, life at court becomes increasingly treacherous for the surviving Grey sisters. Ultimately each young woman must decide how far she will go to defy her Queen, risk her life, and find the safety and love she longs for.

From “a brilliant new player in the court of royal fiction,” (People) Sisters of Treason brings to vivid life the perilous and romantic lives of two little known young women who played a major role in the complex politics of their day.

Delancey by Molly Wizenberg


In this funny, frank, tender memoir and New York Times bestseller, the author of A Homemade Life and the blog Orangette recounts how opening a restaurant sparked the first crisis of her young marriage.

When Molly Wizenberg married Brandon Pettit, he was a trained composer with a handful of offbeat interests: espresso machines, wooden boats, violin-building, and ice cream–making. So when Brandon decided to open a pizza restaurant, Molly was supportive—not because she wanted him to do it, but because the idea was so far-fetched that she didn’t think he would. Before she knew it, he’d signed a lease on a space. The restaurant, Delancey, was going to be a reality, and all of Molly’s assumptions about her marriage were about to change.

Together they built Delancey: gutting and renovating the space on a cobbled-together budget, developing a menu, hiring staff, and passing inspections. Delancey became a success, and Molly tried to convince herself that she was happy in their new life until—in the heat and pressure of the restaurant kitchen—she realized that she hadn’t been honest with herself or Brandon.

With evocative photos by Molly and twenty new recipes for the kind of simple, delicious food that chefs eat at home, Delancey is a moving and honest account of two young people learning to give in and let go in order to grow together.

A Place at the Table Giveaway



I am kicking off a summer of book giveaways with Susan Rebecca White's A Place at the Table. We are giving away 3 copies to readers of the Daily Connoisseur. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only (terms set by Simon & Schuster). Please enter via the rafflecopter widget below. Best of luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


For more on Susan Rebecca White visit www.susanrebeccawhite.com

Madame Chic Inspiring Thought

Virginia Johnson's delightful illustration in Lessons from Madame Chic

Last week I took my daughter to see a play and came home to unexpectedly hear the rehearsal of a choir coming from a neighbor's apartment. I can't imagine life without the arts... The arts feed our soul. Do what you can to seek out the arts and allow them to enrich your (often too busy) life. Seeing a play, attending a concert, listening to a church choir, visiting a museum, these are all palate cleansers that recharge our battery as we jump back into the fray of everyday life. #SeekOutTheArts

Follow Simon & Schuster on Twitter @SimonBooks and on Facebook

See you soon! xx

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This week we are talking hair and nails. If you follow me on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram, you've noticed over the recent months that I've been having fun experimenting with braided hairstyles. I've always loved braids (it's the Madame Bohemienne in me!) so I was excited when Ulysses press recently sent me the new book by Abby Smith, The New Braiding Handbook.


Abby Smith is a fellow YouTuber with a wonderful channel called Twist Me Pretty. This book is a valuable resource because while I usually just wing it and create a hit or miss hairstyle, The New Braiding Handbook gives you great step-by-step instruction on creating new and classic braided hairstyles.

A while back on Facebook a reader commented that she liked the braided updo but felt she might be too old to wear braids. I don't think anyone is too old. If you pick the right age-appropriate look, your braided updo can look very elegant. This braided chignon, from the Duchess of Cambridge is a perfect example:



In this week's video I start off in pigtails (which is an age-inappropriate look for me!) but it's for a good reason... I give you a classic milkmaid braid updo tutorial half way through the video.



The milkmaid braid might feel too costume-y for you but I think you should give it a try. You might surprise yourself with how chic you look and I think it makes a great (easy) formal updo as well. There's something very regal about it even though it is meant for the look of a milkmaid.

Here are some of the braided looks I've shared on Instagram over the past few months. Which one is your favorite?



And now let's talk about nails. I've been experimenting with various colors this spring, some of which are out of my comfort zone. I've found some beautiful ones! But I also realize that the neutrals and classics are still my favorite. These two in particular, Dior's Incognito and Rouge, are particularly divine.



Check out this week's video for the milkmaid braid tutorial and an even more in depth discussion of these topics. 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

WomenHeart
Last Monday I had the honor of speaking at the West Los Angeles support group for Women Heart: The National Coalition for women with Heart Disease. My talk focused on living a fulfilling life even during life's struggles. I was so moved and inspired by the stories and the bravery of the women in this group. Thank you to Alisa Becket and Amanda Daniels for inviting me to speak. For more information on Women Heart visit www.womenheart.org

Pictured with Amanda Daniels (left) and Alisa Becket (right)

Madame Chic Inspiring Thought

Sometimes, for special events, it "takes a village" to get ready and presentable. We trust our hair, makeup, styling and nails to the professionals. But on a daily basis, empower yourself to be your own beauty team. Don't be afraid to try out new hairdos. Practice wearing them at home if you feel unsure about going out in public with them. You don't need to spend a lot of money at the salon each week to achieve a polished look. Try giving yourself a manicure at home this week. Start with the neutral colors so the mistakes aren't as visible. Have fun with cultivating your own style and beauty routine. #lookpresentablealways

This week I would love to know... what are your thoughts on braided hairstyles? Would you ever wear one? What about nails? Do you like classic shades or do you prefer edgy colors? Do you do your manicures at home? Or do you have them professionally done?

Music in this week's video: Etente Cordiale
Royalty Free Music by
http://audiomicro.com/royalty-free-music
Sound Effects by
http://audiomicro.com/sound-effects

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This week we are talking about clothing care: specifically delicates. I'm such a strong advocate for men and women dressing up on a daily basis. Many times people don't dress up because a.) they don't want to "ruin" their nice clothes and b.) they don't want to spend lots of money at the dry cleaner. Well, I'm here to help. Yes it is possible to wear nice clothes on a daily basis, prevent them from getting ruined and launder them at home. I know because that's what I do! All of those silk blouses and dresses in my ten-item wardrobe? I wash them at home and this week I'll share my secrets with you.

Of course, I would like you to use discretion and common sense when deciding on how to care for a garment. Don't go sticking your prom dress in the washing machine! I don't wash all of my clothes... some of the more formal dresses I have always go to the dry cleaner. I'm talking about those everyday clothes, flowy tops, summer dresses, etc.

Mesh laundry bags

Mesh laundry bags are wonderful and I think everyone with a washing machine should own them. They prevent your clothes from getting stretched and ruined by getting caught on the column during the spin cycle. They are also the only way to wash your undergarments when using a machine.

Detergent

It's important to pick the right detergent for the type of clothes you're washing. Delicate wash for delicates and wool and cashmere shampoo for sweaters. But no need to get carried away. You'll be surprised to know that I wash many of my clothes (even silks) with good old fashioned Tide.

Drying racks


When washing delicate clothes it's important to avoid the tumble dryer at all costs. It will shrink your nice clothing, so I always hang my wet laundry on drying racks and iron them once dry. When you iron your clothes, make sure your iron is set to the proper setting (silks will be a different setting than linen, for example).

Stain remover

Keep a good stain remover on hand. They even make travel sized stain removers for your purse (although I haven't quite got it together yet to purchase one of those). Take care of stains as soon as possible so they don't set in.

For a more comprehensive discussion, check out this week's video. If you are unable to see the video above, click here, look in the sidebar of the blog or visit my channel www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur


Madame Chic Inspiring Thought



Of course the best way to deal with stains is to prevent them entirely and I like to do that by wearing aprons whenever I am doing housework that could compromise my clothes. I love aprons and think they are a chic addition to any outfit when at home. This pretty Cath Kidston apron was a gift from my mother-in-law, Jane. Thank you!

This week I would love to know... how do you take care of your clothes? Do you have any tips and tricks for us? What do you think of these methods? Are you more likely to wear your nice clothes around the house now?

See you soon! xx

MUSIC: Mozart's Marriage of Figaro (I couldn't get enough so I used it in this video too!) :)
Royalty Free Music by
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Sound Effects by
http://audiomicro.com/sound-effects

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I have two treats in store for you on this special Thursday post on the Daily Connoisseur. First is the video tutorial for my Maca Latte, which is set to Mozart's Marriage of Figaro and just might be the most dramatic drink tutorial on all of YouTube! Second is the Wink & Winn gift card giveaway, which I know many of you are excited about.



Maca Latte Tutorial



Maca powder is a Peruvian superfood. It is is a root that grows in the Andes mountains. The Peruvians have used maca for its medicinal properties for hundreds of years. Packed with vitamins and minerals, maca is known as a natural stimulant-free energy booster. It benefits the skin and particularly women's health and mood. You can read more about maca here at VegKitchen.

If you don't have health food store near your home, Amazon have a variety of maca powders on sale at discounted prices. Check out their list here.

To make a standard maca latte you will need:

1 cup unsweetened almond milk (in the video I use soy, which is fine too but I prefer almond)

Splash of vanilla soy creamer (if you use vanilla almond milk you will not need this)

1 heaping tablespoon of maca powder

Sprinkle of Raw Cacao Powder (This is optional. Available from health food store or Amazon)

1 frother (optional)
1 mug or teacup
saucepan and spoon

Heat one cup of almond milk and a splash of soy creamer (to taste) in a saucepan while stirring constantly. Pour half of the milk mixture into a cup. Place the maca powder in cup and pour the rest of the milk mixture on top. Using a frother, mix well (around 30 seconds) to prevent the maca from clumping up. Sprinkle raw cacao powder on top. Serve and enjoy!

This recipe makes one serving. Double it up for two.

**Have fun making different variations: add a spoonful of Nutella for a hazelnut latte, put in a teaspoon of flax seed powder if desired, add more cacao powder for a mocha latte.

If you are unable to see my video tutorial above, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or check out my channel www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur

Wink & Winn Giveaway



A while back I posted a review and tutorial for Wink & Winn's custom handbag service. Wink & Winn have kindly offered to give a $200 gift certificate to a reader of the Daily Connoisseur!

Please enter the giveaway via the rafflecopter widget below. The winner will be announced on the widget one week from today and will be contacted personally. The giveaway is open internationally so all may enter. Best of luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


See you next time when we discuss delicate clothing care...

Music in the Maca Latte video:

MUSIC: Mozart's Marriage of Figaro
Royalty Free Music by
http://audiomicro.com/royalty-free-music
Sound Effects by
http://audiomicro.com/sound-effects

Visit my Author Website

Facebook facebook.com/JenniferLScottAuthor

Twitter @JL_Scott

Instagram @dailyconnoisseur

Sign up for my Seasonal Author Newsletter