11.07.2020

Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide 2020 | Unique Ideas | Small Businesses

6:49 AM 3 Comments

Welcome to The Daily Connoisseur Holiday Gift Guide for 2020. This is the best gift guide yet on the blog as I am featuring the most unique and excellent small businesses and independent artists. I hope today's video gives you many ideas for gifting friends and family in your life. 



In today's video, I break down the selections in the following manner: My Top Picks, Jewelry & Accessories, Art, Candles, and Gifts under $40. I am listing my finds below in no particular order. All links and discount codes (if available) are provided. Enjoy browsing!

Before we get into the gift selections, I must present my own offerings: The Madame Chic collection and Connoisseur Kids. My books make excellent gifts because they are so beautifully designed. They are high-quality books that will not only be fun to read, but will enhance your decor as well. 


Consider gifting Daily Connoisseur merch to a Daily Connoisseur fan in your life. My merch store contains Daily Connoisseur mugs, posters, and other fun items, like the Keep Calm and Remain Classy collection that will delight any Daily Connoisseur fan. 




At Sonoma Lavender, you can find weighty spa blankets, footies, heated luxury spa neck pillows all with a delicate fragrance amongst other things. These would all make excellent and unique gifts. My favorites are the Timberlake Spa and Lavender fragrances. The Timberlake line has the woodsy scent of pine, frankincense and myrrh and the lavender scent is very true to form. These gifts would be excellent for both men and women as well as children. THEDAILY gives 20% off 




Pinrose Perfume  is my favorite perfume company. I discovered them earlier this year and am blown away with the pleasant and complex nature of their beautifully crafted perfumes. Pinrose have created a Madame Scott holiday gift set collection, which is a tremendous honor! They have many options, including fragrance petals, travel sprays and full-size perfumes with Madame Chic books! These gift sets all feature my three favorite fragrances: Secret Genius, Mystical Misfit, and Merry Maker. Code JSCOTT for 20% off all starter kits.




John Robshaw has beautiful textiles, including bedding, throw pillows, and table linens. Any of these gorgeously curated items would make unique gifts for men and women. I can attest that their place mats, napkins, and napkin rings are the highest quality and would make a welcome present. 






Riverbend Home is an excellent resource for high-quality holiday china and decorations. They are the premiere carrier of Spode china, one of my absolute favorites. They have the most comprehensive collection of both the Woodland, Christmas Tree, and Blue Italian and majorly discounted prices. It is a great idea to start someone's collection or add to it. In addition to those fine lines, they also have more casual everyday holiday plates, and a plethora of decorations. DCHOL10 for 10% off




SKYE jewelry and hair accessories SKYE is one of my favorite clothing and accessory brands. Their jewelry is of the highest quality and so unique. They also do hair
accessories like beautiful bow scrunchies and elegant headbands. Code Jennifer20 for 20% off





The Carlin by Mihoko is the most unique present and would make an excellent gift for both ladies and girls alike. I stumbled across an ad for this on Facebook and was intrigued. It is a velvet hair piece with a wire that allows you to do chic and effortless updos with little effort. The Carlin eliminates the need to use countless bobby pins. Mihoko gave us a code madamechic for 10% off




Let's talk jewelry. Custom jewelry is always a treasured gift. The Capsul Jewelry line is beautiful and has price points for everyone. Take this custom 14K gold custom block bracelet. I chose the initials of my children, but you could chose anything that is special to you. They also come in sterling silver or brass at much lower and affordable price points. These would make amazing gifts as well. JENNIFER15 for 15% off sitewide



Custom gifts are so thoughtful. Name Stories is another unique business that allows you to create a custom print with the gift recipient's name on it. The wall art tells the story of the name along with its history. You can choose from many colors for your print and also, whether you want it framed or not. This would make an excellent gift for a child or special person in your life. DC10 for 10% off 





Our Hearts are in France from the editors of Victoria Magazine. From the publishers:  Our Hearts Are in France takes readers on a memorable journey through this majestic country, where centuries-old chateaux rise from the riverbanks and snow-dusted mountains give way to rolling hills and fertile valleys sprinkled with tiny villages, each one more enchanting than the last.

Our Hearts are in England from the editors of Victoria Magazine From the publishers: Our Hearts are in England is an idyllic sojourn through this “green and pleasant land” of scenic byways and quaint villages, glorious gardens, and quintessential cottages. Filled with lush photography and enchanting prose, this exquisitely bound 232-page hardcover book is one to savor as we voyage together in search of England’s very essence.

The Art of Tea from the editors of Victoria Magazine. From the publishers: The ages-old tapestry of taking tea is woven with a prismatic palette of threads, from the golden strands of tradition and the silver cords of friendship to the rainbow ribbons of taste bud–tempting refreshments and the brightly hued filaments of an elegantly set table.


Victoria Magazine and April Cornell blue roses tea set is a limited edition porcelain tea set that is so remarkably charming. Who wouldn't be delighted to receive this beautiful set? 



Londontown nail polish is my favorite nail polish brand. Not only are the polishes high quality and packaged to perfection, they come in the most beautiful colors and are 9-free (free of 9 of the harshest chemicals found in traditional polish). These high-quality polishes are found at Neiman Marcus and other high-end retailers. I have been a long-time supporter of Londontown and they have given me a 25% off discount you won't find anywhere else. JenniferS for 25% off 


E-cloth make high-quality cleaning cloths that require only water for use. They have many holiday bundles this time of year. The cloths are an investment and that's why they make an excellent gift. Most people would love to have beautiful and effective cleaning cloths like this, but might not buy them for themselves. 
JENNIFER15 for 15% off (valid until Nov. 12th) 


Laura from Allen's Scottish Shortbread is in The Chic Society and their delicious and unique shortbread would make an excellent gift. Not only is the shortbread delicious, but the artwork on the boxes make these unique and special. 
Allens Scottish Shortbread uses their Scottish Grandmother's heirloom family recipe to bake small batches of buttery shortbread that pairs perfectly with a pot of tea, and they are holding an 85% off clearance sale at www.allensscottishshortbread.com. 



American Blossom Linens is a small business that makes 100% organic cotton bedding. All of their items are made in America. The quality here is excellent and any of their items would make appreciated gifts. Jennifer20 for 20% off



The Cellar Door Candle Company  is one of my favorite artisan candle makers. This is a small business you can feel good about supporting and their candles are superior to all of the usual box chain candles that are so popular. Their new scents for the holidays are Cassia (cinnamon tree and clove leaf) and Spruce Needle & Cedar Leaf. Perfection!  Code 10%TheDailyConnoisser gives 10% off 


Alora Ambiance is another wonderful home fragrance company I have discovered. It is the result of sisters Annie and Therese Gibbons' 15-year adventure living in Lake Como, Italy. When they created their first “reed diffuser” in 2000, they not only launched a company but created an entirely new home fragrance category. And now, nearly 20 years later, it is their commitment to using only the finest ingredients, materials and combinations that has kept theirs the most popular, longest-lasting and best smelling diffusers in the world. My favorite scent is Pino, which is a beautiful pine holiday scent. Code JS20 gives 20% off. 





Brandi Still is a new member of the Elegant Connoisseurs and I thought her art would make an amazingly unique gift. Her dainty scissors in hand, Brandi can render your likeness within a few brief minutes, keeping alive the art of Silhouette Portraiture that dates back to 1700’s France… she is one of only an estimated 200 practicing Silhouettists left in the world today according to a 2016 documentary.




Katy Rose Fine Art Katy Rose is an Elegant Connoisseur and I have enjoyed getting to know her and her beautiful artwork. Her final art collection of the year, Good Tidings, is inspired by landscapes around our globe in this time of strengthening through struggle. As 2020 comes to an end, may we offer the bold and brave tidings of kindness and goodwill, reminders that hope is ever-present. This collection contains 14 original paintings, an assortment of unique vintage pieces for the home, and fine art prints. Code JENNIFER2020 for 10% off any shop purchase through the end of 2020. (Expires Dec 31, 2020)


Dwell Happy Home Portraits would make an excellent gift. Surprise someone you love with a custom portrait for your home. Jan and Amy created a home portrait for our family and we love ours. Dwell Happy is an organizing company run by sisters, Amy (a former social worker) and Jan (a former art teacher and stay-at-home mom of three). A portion of the proceeds from the sale of their paintings and wreaths go toward helping foster and single-parent families create simple and organized homes. Wreaths and paintings are sold through their Instagram account @dwellhappymakes. They have monthly giveaways on their account and they will be giving away a home portrait gift card in December.




My good friend, Kim, from Free to Family has created a line of affordable journals, meal planners, and lists book. These make excellent, affordable gifts or stocking stuffers and would be great for friends and family who are into organizing and neat living. You can find her books on Amazon


Another great friend of mine, Nikki Moreno from Inspired by Nikki, has a beautiful stationery shop on Etsy. Her watercolor designs are delightful and would make beautiful and thoughtful gifts. 


Something to Cherish is an online boutique run by artist, Cherish Flieder. Cherish is so talented and her shop is full of beautiful and affordable gifts. I picked up a fire elements scarf for under $35. It also feels great to support independent artists in this way for holiday gift giving. These are unique gifts that you won't find anywhere else. 



The Illustrated Life Co. is another wonderful shop run by artist, Lydia Carns. Her recipe binder and tabs would make a delightful gift for your friends and family. Lydia also sells beautiful stationery, journals, artwork, and other goods. Her illustrations are just delightful. 


Rachelyn Jewelry handcrafted jewelry sold on Etsy by Rachel Carns, has beautiful and affordable jewelry options for girly girls. This beautiful marble and gold tassel necklace is the perfect statement necklace. Made with 14K gold-filled chain and gold-plated howlite pendants. Wrapped in pink tissue paper and tied with a silver satin ribbon.

News

📍Check out my appearance on Inside Edition discussing the importance of a well-stocked pantry. 

📍Thank you for 100,000 subscribers on YouTube! What an amazing honor. I appreciate each and every subscriber. Thank you. 

📍Join us for The Chic Assignment for October. 

📍Take my new eCourse, Carry Yourself with Poise. There are so many amazing ladies on this course, bonding and building friendships as we rally around elegant living. Rachel M. writes, "Thank you Jennifer for this beautiful course. It was the breath of fresh air I needed during this lockdown. I will definitely be returning to this course again."

📍Become a member of The Daily Connoisseur through the MEMBERSHIPS feature. I do one livestream as well 3 episodes of my new Vodcast (a video podcast) per month. (Link must be accessed on a computer.)


📍Thank you for your wonderful support of my new book, CONNOISSEUR KIDS.

On Instagram
Madame Chic in Poland... 



Comment of the Week

Dear Nale, welcome to the channel! I am happy to have you here. There is a lot going on in the world right now and I'm glad The Daily Connoisseur provides a simple joy for you.

I hope you enjoy my holiday gift guide. If you have any great gift ideas, please leave them in the comments! Have a wonderful weekend and I'll see you on Monday for a highly requested video. 



*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. 

11.05.2020

A Highly Unusual Day in the Life | Inside Edition Appearance

6:41 AM 3 Comments

Welcome to another highly unusual day in the life. Get ready with me as I prepare for an appearance on the television show, Inside Edition. 



 I wear heavier makeup for the occasion, but also answer many frequently asked questions about my recent makeup and hair changes.

Thank you to Skillshare for sponsoring today's video.


The crew for Inside Edition was wonderful. We had a fun shoot. It's interesting to see what goes into producing a television show like this. 


And you can read the article here (also includes the video). 

We took a lot of footage and they boiled it down to this small clip. To get camera-ready for the appearance, I put on heavier makeup, focusing on full-coverage application of foundation, and lots of bronzer and eyeshadow.

Here are the links to the makeup I use in the video. 


⚜️ Makeup
Makeup sponge (5-pack)

⚜️ Style Plum Dressing Gown by Fleur't FALLBEAUTY20 (20% off) Kate Kasin plaid skirt Lilysilk camisole Daily12 for 12% off Cropped cashmere sweater (similar) Daily12 for 12% off Oliver Cabell mules code JSCOTT10 $10 off SKYE Theodora earrings Jennifer20 for 20% off Capsul custom block bracelet JENNIFER15 for 15% off


In the segment, I discuss my prepper (or victory) pantry. Why is it important to stock up on extra supplies right now? With the pandemic as a regular and uncertain aspect of our present and future, it's important to be prepared for any eventuality. I was convicted of this when reading, The Long Winter, to the girls earlier this year. When Laura and her family nearly ran out of food, I felt the undercurrent of dread her parents must have felt. This is not meant to be alarmist. You know my motto is, "being chic is prepared". Let's get prepared together. I hope you enjoy today's video. 

This is the recipe for the apple cider vinegar tea I was drinking. It's from The Homesteading Family. 

News

📍I did a cooking episode for Celebrate Sausage making Mild Italian Sausage. This was filmed in the summer and only recently posted on 2 Guys and a Cooler. Check it out and tell them I said, "hello"! 

📍Thank you for 100,000 subscribers on YouTube! What an amazing honor. I appreciate each and every subscriber. Thank you. 


📍Join us for The Chic Assignment for October. 


📍Take my new eCourse, Carry Yourself with Poise. There are so many amazing ladies on this course, bonding and building friendships as we rally around elegant living. Rachel M. writes, "Thank you Jennifer for this beautiful course. It was the breath of fresh air I needed during this lockdown. I will definitely be returning to this course again."


📍Become a member of The Daily Connoisseur through the MEMBERSHIPS feature. I do one livestream as well 3 episodes of my new Vodcast (a video podcast) per month. (Link must be accessed on a computer.)


📍Thank you for your wonderful support of my new book, CONNOISSEUR KIDS.


On Instagram

Madame Chic in Japan... 

View this post on Instagram

𝑪𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒆𝒕 𝑶𝒓𝒈𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒛𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏♡ "日常のなかに、ささやかな喜びを見つける。" ・ ・ ・ 『フランス人は10着しか服を持たない』 3〜4年前に購入したこの本が、今のご時世にぴったり。 もう一度読み返そう。 クローゼットの整理後、掛かっているのは部屋着中心で、もはや10着も外に着て行ける服がないかも😅(⇦丁度いいができない) 片付けは苦手ですが、がんばりました!! ・ ・ #クローゼット整理 #断捨離 #片付け #クローゼット収納 #クローゼット #掃除 #おうち時間 #日々の暮らし #日々の暮らしを楽しむ #フランス人は10着しか服を持たない #本 #読書 #ブックカバー #持たない暮らし #手放し #満月 #closet #kondoing #cleaning #minimalist #closetorganization #stayhome #stayhappy #book #reading #bookcover #lessonsfrommadamechic #fullmoonday #strawberrymoon #withgirls

A post shared by 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒆 (@maries.place) on


Comment of the Week

Sharon writes, "Thank you for such fun assignments. My most favorite poem ever (actually an excerpt from Aurora Leigh) is by Elizabeth Barrett Browning. 


Earth's crammed with heaven,
And every common bush afire with God;
But only he who sees, takes off his shoes,
The rest sit round it and pluck blackberries,

That's how I want to see life, and this poem reminds me to do just that. I keep it posted on my refrigerator door."

That is a beautiful excerpt, Sharon. Many people on YouTube expressed the same thoughts on that passage. Thank you! 

I hope you enjoyed today's highly unusual day in the life. I would love to hear your thoughts below. Your comment could be chosen as comment of the week on the blog. Have a great day and I will see you on Saturday for the holiday gift guide. 


*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 Skillshare. I use affiliate links, including Amazon affiliate links. 

11.02.2020

The Chic Assignment, November 2020

6:08 AM 6 Comments
 
Welcome to The Chic Assignment for November, 2020.  The Chic Assignment explores music, artists, and poets, as well as encourages us to elevate our everyday lives through a fun monthly challenge.




Chic Assignment no. 1 Enjoy the music of William Grant Still (1895 - 1978) Serenade for Orchestra


William Grant Still was an American composer and conductor. He was the first African American conductor to conduct a symphony orchestra in the United States. 

I have a wonderful performance from The Cape Cod Chamber Orchestra of Still's Serenade for Orchestra. This is truly a delightful performance! 




Chic Assignment no. 2 Enjoy the poetry of Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806 - 1861)

Elizabeth Barrett Browning 


Elizabeth Barrett Browning was an English poet of the Victorian era. She was one of Emily Dickinson's favorite poets. A framed portrait of Barrett Browning hung in the bedroom of Dickinson, whose life had been transfigured by the poetry of “that Foreign Lady.” (from Wikipedia). We are reading, A Flower in a Letter, today. I encourage you to read more of her poetry this month. Check out the resources I have below. We will learn more about Barrett Browning in the mid-month check-in. 
 

Elizabeth Barrett Browning on The Poetry Foundation. 





Chic Assignment no. 3 Explore the art of the seasonal table setting




With Thanksgiving upon us, let us refine the art of the seasonal table setting. Choose something unique to place on your table this year, whether it is a seasonal bouquet, cloth napkins, placemats or other special touches. Use what you already have to make your meals special. 

Chic Assignment no. 4 Prepare for gift-giving season
The holidays are upon us. Let's do all we can to prepare in advance so we can slow down and enjoy the month of December. Make lists, order gifts, wrap presents, and get prepared for a jolly gift-giving season. My holiday gift guide will be going up this month and I'm looking forward to all of the Christmas videos I'm planning on the channel. This was a hard year for everyone, but let's make it special closing it out. 


I hope you enjoy this month's assignment. Let us know your observations in the comments and 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.