Jennifer L. Scott's Blog, page 27

Ten Elegant Things You Own But Probably Never Use

I hope you had a beautiful Mother's Day and felt celebrated. We had a wonderful day.

In today's video, I'm sharing ten elegant things you own, but probably never use. Now I realize The Daily Connoisseur audience is more likely to use many of these elegant things, but the truth is that most people struggle with using their best on a daily basis. Lessons from Madame Chic discusses this very topic in the chapter, Always Use the Best Things You Have.



Today I'm sharing ten elegant things we have at home that we might not use on a regular basis. So let's have a look.
⚜️ A letter opener This is the one I forget to use the most. I frequently open the mail with my bare hands (like a barbarian. Ha!) But a designated mail section in the home can ensure that you open the mail elegantly (and avoid paper cuts) with a letter opener.

⚜️ A fountain pen (or other elegant pen) and ink. We often receive these elegant pens as gifts but rarely do we use them. I know I avoid using my nice fountain pens because my handwriting is not very good (that is actually an understatement). I'm using The Art of Cursive Penmanship right now to practice changing my bad handwriting habits.

⚜️ Your china teacups Now I know many of you don't struggle with this one. I see the Instagram photos you tag me in. So this audience probably does use their very best teacups on a daily basis... but how many people have a beautiful teacup that collects dust on a shelf while they drink their tea from an old mug? Now is the time to use those teacups...

⚜️ Your fancy dishes Much like the teacups, our fanciest dishes tend to sit in the cupboards until a special occasion arises. The trouble is that special occasions only arise a few times each year and we rarely use our nice dishes on a regular basis.

⚜️ Daily tablecloths Now tablecloths aren't for everyone and they might not work in your home, but I do like to drape tablecloths on both our dining room and kitchen tables. Our kitchen table is relatively new and has a beautiful wooden top. To avoid the children smashing bits of food into the grooves, I place a clear plastic tablecloth on the table to protect the table from spills and then lay a beautiful cloth on top of that. I then wash the tablecloth at the end of each day (sometimes I'll gather them to wash and will wash them every other day). I find that this protects the table and looks attractive.

⚜️ Using cloth napkins on a daily basis is a wonderful practice, not only because it is more elegant than paper napkins but also because they are better for the environment. These are similar French blue napkins to the ones I show in the video and these are the exact ones I use.

⚜️ Your best clothing on a daily basis. Now, this does not mean we wear our ballgowns to Walmart. This does mean, however, that we wear our nice clothing on a daily basis and not save it for "later". Many men and women spend every day in their comfy sweats and exercise gear. I love to encourage both men and women to dress well on a daily basis. Presentable clothing can be comfortable too and it is always the most elegant choice. For more, check out my Spring Ten-Item Capsule Wardrobe for 2020.

⚜️ Luxurious bath products I know many people who receive luxury bath products as gifts and then proceed to never use them. They sit collecting dust as a decoration in their bathroom. Use your best products just as you would use your best clothing. If you use it all up at least you enjoyed it. The two bath products I feature in the video are Bend Soap Co. Use code DC10 for 10% off and Azalia Spa Goods aromatherapy body oils (Aimee, the owner, is a Daily Connoisseur!).

⚜️ Your best posture This one is free and available to most of us. Unless you have a health condition that prevents you from using good posture, striving to sit and walk straight creates an elegant effect with our appearance. It's also one of the Chic Assignments this month.

⚜️ Classic literature We have beautiful leather-bound volumes of the classics on our shelves, but how often do we take those dusty books of the shelves and read them? I like taking my Leather-bound Sherlock Holmes volume down on a regular basis and reading a short story. I do this with my other classic volumes too. It's food for the mind and very elegant.

Thank you to The Chic Connoisseurs for bringing us today's video.
The Chic Connoisseurs are one of the upper tiers in my YouTube membership feature.

A Better Life with KAT (Flylady Cleaning System)
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Melinda Loustalot
Michele Kieffer
Michelle Henderer
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Monique Egelhoff
Natalie Dougherty
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Shannon Biddy
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Sheila Hopfensperger
ShushLorraine
Space.For.Home
Stacy Fournier
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This and That with Denise Jordan
Tiki Pié
Tracy Lopez
Wendy Cassara
Yen Lee

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Stylish Face Masks, Dr. Birx's Scarves & No Pants News Anchor? | 3 Articles on Dress

Stylish face masks (according to Vogue), Dr. Deborah Birx's scarves, and the news anchor who thought he could get away with not wearing pants on camera... yikes! Welcome to 3 Articles on the Subject of Dress.



⚜️ The first article we discuss comes from Vogue and shares 87 of the most stylish face masks on the market right now. I enjoyed this article and looking at the various masks because we are going to try to replicate these at home with our sewing machine. If we have to wear masks, we might as well make them stylish. I would love to know... which mask was your favorite? If you are looking to buy handmade face masks, you can find a good variety on Etsy.

View this post on Instagram

04.23.20 | Hermès “Retour a la Terre”

A post shared by Scarves of Dr. Deborah Birx (@deborahbirxscarves) on Apr 23, 2020 at 5:59pm PDT

⚜️ The second article is from The Philadelphia Inquirer and discusses Dr. Deborah Birx's scarves. Dr. Birx's scarves are an elegant, yet professional signature style. An Instagram account has been dedicated to her scarves and analyzes the various ways in which she wears them.

Here are two good resources for silk scarves for you to check out: Mont Kiji and Nordstrom.

⚜️ The final article comes from The Wrap and discusses ABC news anchor, Will Reeve (Christopher Reeve's son), who appeared on camera without his, well, pants on! Many people joke that when they work from home, they dress on top for the Zoom calls and wear shorts or other non-professional items on the bottom. This is a funny story, but I have another take on it that you'll hear about in today's video.

What I'm wearing: Jewelry My earrings and necklace are from SKYE code Jennifer20 for 20% off

I hope you enjoy today's video.

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Homemaking: A Week in the Life | The Pleasure of Everyday Routines

“You may think that being chic has nothing to do with the most insignificant and mundane moments of the day. Moments like preparing your meals, emptying the dishwasher, and paying bills. But the secret is: those moments aren’t insignificant. Au contraire. They are very significant. That’s right—if you can change your attitude about making the pasta sauce, choosing your clothes for the day, folding the laundry, setting the table, or dealing with the incoming mail, you can completely change your life.”
― a quote from my book, At Home with Madame Chic: Becoming a Connoisseur of Daily Life



Welcome to a new homemaking: a week in the life. In today's episode, I'm cooking dinner, growing potatoes, enjoying breakfast, and looking after the home (with lots of tea breaks in between).

I truly believe that joy at home is all about perspective. If we frame our day with enjoyable routines and seek the pleasures of the morning, afternoon, and evening, we can enjoy our everyday life... even the most mundane parts.

I have really enjoyed spending time outside in the late afternoon. We like to have dinner outside and afterwards will spend up to two hours in the garden. I'll give you a garden update soon. The potatoes we are growing in bags are really taking off. This is so surprising and exciting to me (it's the little things!)

Also, I experimented making jam tarts for tea. I will share the recipe with you in an upcoming afternoon tea video so stay tuned for that. In the meantime I hope you enjoy today's video.

Here is a list of what was featured in the video:

Kitchen:
yogurt maker
Blue willow pattern plates
copper measuring cups
Le Creuset red pots
Meatless Farm Co. (vegan) Also available at Whole Foods
Oregon blueberries
French Apron
Earl Grey tea
potato growing bags
Burpee for seeds and potatoes

Home:
e-cloth microfiber cloths
Cellar Door Candle Company
Cezanne painting is from Great Big Canvas
Flower arrangement is from Horchow

Books:
At Home with Madame Chic
Alexander Hamilton
Pablo Neruda Captain's Verses
Audible subscription (audiobooks)
Oh Wondrous Grace Magazine

Style:
My robes from Plush Necessities
My nail polish is by Londontown JenniferS for 25% off
LuLu's black floral jumpsuit
white jeans JLS10 for 10% off
blue & white dress (similar)
Floral blouse
Amazon essentials cardigan

News

The Chic Assignment | May 2020

Welcome to The Chic Assignment for May. If you are new to The Daily Connoisseur, The Chic Assignment is a monthly assignment where we expand our knowledge in culture, beauty, and the arts.



This month we have some exciting choices, so let's jump right in:

Chic Assignment no. 1 Capricho Árabe by Francisco Tárrega (1852–1909) I love classical guitar but know little about the genre's most famous composers. This month we will study Spanish classical composer, Francisco Tárrega. I have a wonderful performance for you by Isabel Martinez.



Chic Assignent no. 2 The Poetry of Pablo Neruda We are studying Nobel Prize winning poet, Pablo Neruda this month. You can check out some of his most popular poems here.

My favorite volume of his poetry is the very romantic, The Captain's Verses

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Neruda's early poetry is romantic and electrifying and worthy of the Nobel Prize. Please note that when I choose artists for The Chic Assignment, I am not endorsing their life choices of political views. We will discuss this more in the check-in. For now, let's study the art.

Chic Assignment no. 3 Beautify your bedroom If your bedroom has any undesirable aspects to it, such as piles of clutter, or decor that you don't particularly enjoy, take some time this month to beautify your space. Sometimes just rearranging the furniture, clearing the surfaces and adding fresh flowers can create an appealing change.

Chic Assignment no. 4 Practice good posture while dining We are revisiting the subject of posture this month as we can definitely let ourselves go, especially during quarantine. This month, be aware of your posture as you sit at the dining table. We are going to try to avoid hunching over our phones or slumping over our food. This will help us to enjoy it more and be more present while dining.

I hope you enjoy The Chic Assignment for this month. Thank you to everyone who is taking my new eCourse, Carry Yourself with Poise. We have a wonderful community of women over there who are enjoying the sessions immensely.

Jill writes, "Jennifer this is your best course yet!!! Keep them coming. I will be a loyal supporter of the the beautiful work you do."

Thank you, Jill!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on The Chic Assignment this month. I will likely do a livestream for the check-in later in the month. Make sure you're subscribed to my YouTube channel and click the bell to receive notifications on the livestream.


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The Best Spring Sleepwear Styles for 2020 | Casual to Elegant

I'm sharing the most beautiful sleepwear styles for spring, 2020 in today's video.



Presentable sleepwear is one of my favorite subjects. I have loved wearing pretty pajamas ever since my ratty pajama horror story from Paris, which you can read about in my book, Lessons from Madame Chic. I've done my research and have contacted the most innovative top brands in sleepwear today to give you thorough reviews of the best sleepwear on the market. Many of these fabrics are high-performing to make your sleep sweeter. I have procured discount codes for most of them. I will also list some budget "dupes" at the end of the post if you are on a tight budget but need to update your sleepwear.

If nothing else, I hope this post inspires you to wear your best sleepwear on a nightly basis.

Let's first look at Ettitude (DAILY10 for 10% off expires 5/31/20), which has classic sleepwear in a sustainable bamboo fabric.


Bamboo Lyocell Short Sleeve PJ Shirt and shorts I love the contrast piping on this PJ set. Please note that the shorts run small so order a size up. DAILY10 for 10% off expires 5/31/20

The Ettitude line uses innovative Bamboo Lyocell CleanBamboo™, which is hypoallergenic, has a luxurious silk-like texture and is 100% organic with 300 thread count.


The Bamboo Lyocell Sleep Shirt is my favorite. I love sleep shirts as they are presentable yet so comfortable to see in. Code DAILY10 for 10% off expires 5/31/20

Next, let's look at Fleur't code Jennifer20 for 20% off

Fleur't Camisole and short is restoratively soft. I love the glamorous champagne color and the little details found in the trim and shorts tie. Made from buttery-soft and breathable Tencel Modal™ fabric, this relaxed Camisole can easily be worn under the sheets or paired with your favorite jeans. It features include a delicate scooped satin neckline with intricate accents. Code Jennifer20 for 20% off

Also from Fleur't is the French Terry Hoodie and Jogger

This is a pretty, feminine Terry suit that adds interest to the traditional "sweat suit". It won't be for anyone, but as I mention in my video, my daughter absolutely loves this look! This soft set is made of eco-friendly Tencel Modal™ fabric and is trimmed with Art Deco lace and has a satin drawstring. Code Jennifer20 for 20% off

Now let's look at Lusomé Lusome20 for 20% off

Lusomé Lusome20 for 20% off... This lovely sleepwear brand uses XirotexTM which is proven to eliminate night sweats. The cami has a built-in shelf bra and feminine lace detailing. The fabric's moisture management technology definitely works, I do not experience night sweats when wearing this set and I like the lace detailing. Lusomé has more than short and cami sets so check out their other sleep shirts, etc. here.

Let's look at Montelle Intimates DailyC20 for 20% off

I love the Montelle Intimates Bust-Support Chemise. It's flattering, comfortable to sleep in, and so, so pretty. I love the added paneling for bust support. It is made up of ultra soft microfiber and lace. The chemise is 33" in length from the shoulders. DailyC20 for 20% off

We are going from casual to elegant with beautiful silk sleepwear from LILYSILK code Daily12 for 12% off

This Lilysilk 22 Momme Relaxed Fit Long Silk Nightgown is so classy and elegant. I love wearing this. Use code Daily12 12% off Material: 100% silk of 22 Momme silk weight.

We are continuing to look at elegant sleepwear with Rya Collection JEN4RYA for 10% off

Rya Collection JEN4RYA for 10% off

The Kiss Robe will make you feel like true royalty. Its sophisticated detailing will be sure to showcase the elegance and poise of the wearer, while the light fabric allows for a comfortable and dramatic silhouette.
This set is available in a champagne color. The robe has all over embroidery. It is so elegant...


Charming Chemise and cover up
The Charming chemise is a beautiful lightweight chemise featuring chiffon fabric and a delicate sequin detail in bust and back area.

Also featured or discussed in the video:
⚜️ My earrings: SKYE Léa 18K gold freshwater pearl earrings Jennifer20 for 20% off

⚜️Victorian sleepwear from Alexander Del Rossa

⚜️ Plush Necessities for robes and slippers

Budget options:
⚜️ Sleepwear from Target

⚜️ Sleep shirt from Amazon

⚜️ Sleepwear from Old Navy

⚜️ My phone case is Casetify.



News

5 Reasons Why I LOVE Wearing Jumpsuits

You know I love jumpsuits... but do you know how much I love them??



Today I'm sharing 5 reasons why I LOVE wearing jumpsuits and show you all of the fabulous jumpsuit trends for 2020. This video is a collaboration with the lovely Marie-Anne Lecoeur. Check out her video where she is going to share 5 reasons why she loves wearing striped tops. If you do, be sure to tell Marie-Anne I said, "bonjour!"

Before I tell you my five reasons, I know what you're going to say... "How do you go to the bathroom in a jumpsuit!?"

Yes, with most jumpsuits, you have to pull them down in order to use the restroom. Most of us are out of toilet paper by now, however, so what's one more inconvenience?

Only kidding... :)

I do not find that it is a great inconvenience to use the bathroom and wear a jumpsuit. I feel the pros largely outweigh the cons. So let's look at why I love them.


This jumpsuit is from Morning Lavender

One Week of Outfits from my Spring Ten-Item Wardrobe | Quarantine & Easter Edition

Welcome to one week of outfits from my ten-item capsule wardrobe: quarantine edition!



This week sees (not surprisingly) a lot of time spent at home. I enjoyed wearing my outfits each day and looking presentable... Let's take a look at the outfits. I hope you enjoy today's video.


Saturday: I'm wearing my blue and white dress from Target (linking similar here and here) with a cropped sweater and sandals. It's still chilly outside and the sweater helps to keep me warm, but not too warm. My phone case is by Casetify and my nail polish is Londontown JenniferS for 25% off. Lipstick is A'DEL shade "cherry pop" and my earrings are by SKYE (Odele) Jennifer20 for 20% off, Okabashi sandals


Easter Sunday: I'm wearing white all day as an experiment (check out my video on how it turned out). I am linking a very similar dress here. Two more similar options: here and here and I'm linking all white dresses from Target here. My earrings are by SKYE Jennifer20 for 20% off, and this is my velvet scrunchie


Monday: Oh, how I love jumpsuits. I feel so happy when I wear them. This one is from Lulu's and the sweater is from Amazon essentials. I'm doing a video on jumpsuits on Monday... you won't want to miss it.


Tuesday: This is about as casual as it gets for me, but we all have those days! I'm wearing my Très Chic sweatshirt (my sweatshirt is printed on demand in America), white jeans JLS10 for 10% off, and slippers.


Wednesday: This is an active, yet casual day. I'm wearing my billowy white blouse from Loft with my dark denim jeans (code JLS10 for 10% off) and sandals. My earrings are by Rachelyn Jewelry.


Thursday: I'm wearing my Draper James chambray shift dress with my Hipstik pantyhose (JEN15 for 15% off) because it's a chillier day. Pearl earrings (Jennifer10 for $10 off) round out the look. My makeup is by A'DEL Natural Cosmetics shade Cottage.


Friday: On this chilly day, I'm wearing a big, chunky sweater with my long floral blouse, white jeans JLS10 for 10% off, and sandals. My earrings are Rachelyn Jewelry. My eyeshadow is espresso and my lipstick is barely there, both by A'DEL.

News

The Chic Assignment Check-In | April 2020

Welcome to The Chic Assignment check-in for April. It's always refreshing to tune the noise out and refresh our souls with a bit of culture and elegance. This month we are diving in to Appalachian Spring, Georgia O'keeffe, cooking from scratch, and at-home elegance.



Chic Assignment no. 1 Aaron Copland's Appalachian Spring
This month we are listening to Aaron Copland's Appalachian Spring, which was a piece he was commissioned to write for a ballet and won the Pulitzer Prize for. My favorite part of the piece is when he references the Shaker Hymn, Simple Gifts. The lyrics to Simple Gifts are the following:

Simple Gifts
Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free
'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.
Till by turning, turning we come round right.

When true simplicity is gain'd,
To bow and to bend we shan't be asham'd,
To turn, turn will be our delight,
Till by turning, turning we come 'round right.


Chic Assignment no. 2 Georgia O'keeffe
In today's video I read to you from Georgia O'Keeffe's biography. She led a very interesting life and was a pioneer for women artists and was considered the mother of American Modernism. You can look at a list of her full paintings here. Also check out the following books:

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Chic Assignment no. 3 Make something from scratch that you previously relied on from the grocery store Many of my videos this month have focused on cooking from scratch such as Meditations on Homemaking: A Week in the Life, and Making Bread and Yogurt from Scratch. I have personally enjoyed the challenge of making bread, yogurt, and other items from scratch that I have become accustomed to buying at the grocery store. What have you enjoyed making this month?

Chic Assignment no. 4 Cultivate elegance at home This might seem totally irrelevant in such a time, but I do feel it is important in order to keep our spirits up. I launched the eCourse, Carry Yourself with Poise, and so many women are enjoying the lectures and fellowship found there. We are sharing our stories and committing to elegance. It has been a beautiful journey. I also challenged myself to wear a white dress all day with four kids and found the results to be surprisingly pleasing.





Thank you to the Elegant Connoisseurs for bringing us today's video:
All the King’s Morsels – Kristen King
American Blossom Linens – Janet Wischnia
Awesome Possum Powers – Shannon Beers
Azalia Spa Goods – Aimee Flor
Cynthia Rehbein Create Your Own Lookbook
Inspired by Nikki
Julie Kolman – My Confident Closet
Katy Rose, Artist
Not-So Desperate Housewives
Oh Wondrous Grace Magazine
Something to Cherish- Cherish Flieder
Katherine Rae
Christine Bolla
Caroline Haydu
Denise Gende
Jet Rowley-Herron
Heather Barrera
Jenny Candelaria
Linda Eklof
Marie Caudill
Maria Conder
Mercedes Gilligan


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Mrs. Meyers Rose Scent, The BEST Pantyhose + Mother's Day Gift Guide | Connoisseur Reviews

In this month's episode of Connoisseur Reviews I'm sharing my (strong) opinions on the new Mrs. Meyer's spring scents along with the most comfortable and high quality pantyhose, as well as many wonderful options for Mother's Day.



Let's jump right in...


Mrs. Meyers have released their spring scents: cut grass, rose, and mint. I expected to hate cut grass as I generally don't like a grass smell, but it is fresh and green smelling. It is not my favorite, however. I love the rose scent. It is everything I hoped it would be. If you like Stella perfume and that sweet rose scent (think double delight), those are the notes of this fragrance. It does not disappoint. Mint has a very green/ minty fragrance, more mouthwash, less herbal.
I got my shipment of these spring scents from Grove Collaborative.



I love the Bend Soap Company and each season await to see what amazing natural scents they will feature for their seasonal products. This season, for spring, they are issuing their English Garden scent (a very green, herbal, floral scent... it's delightful), Lemon Lavender (my absolute favorite of all of the scents... I feel like I am running through a lavender farm in Provence.... with lemons!), and Citrus Mint (a strong, fresh citrusy mint scent... it is just as you would imagine). Their Coconut Lime lip balm is just delightful too. They have these scents in their milk baths, sugar scrubs, deodorant, goat milk soaps, chapsticks, and more. Use code DC10 for 10% off at Bend Soap Co.


One of my favorite natural candle companies, Cellar Door Candle Co., have launched their new spring scents: Oregon Lavender & White Verbena - a true spring fragrance at its foundation. Soft and powdery Lavender and mild Verbena blend and create something totally different than expected. Complicated, but so subtle in its transition and reaction to each other.

Rosewood & Bergamot - The Rosewood in this blend is similar to Sandalwood blended with a mild and subtle cream. The Bergamot used is such an attractive citrus fragrance that is almost indescribable. Bergamot has characteristics of natural citrus perfume that completes this fragrance in a way that will invoke chills of delight.


Next, I am reviewing the Hipstik Legwear brand: the world's most comfortable tights. I can certify that these pantyhose and tights feel so soft and comfortable. I love that they do not ride down. The lace tops stay in place and sit low on the waist. Use code JEN15 for 15% off
The waistband is made of a soft decorative lace that stays put and never rolls down — and if the lace happens to peek out of the waistband of your skirt, shorts or pants, it’s actually quite alluring. Hipstik sizes by height and body shape, not weight, making the fit revolutionary.

Here is a link to Hipstik sheers
and Hipstik Opaque tights code JEN15 for 15% off






The Illustrated Life is a lovely artistic stationery company run by Lydia Carns. I love her recipe binder and custom stationery cards. Her artwork is just delightful. Use code DAILYCONNOISSEUR, which will give anyone with that code 15%



The Sudsy Soapery Organic Hand Refresher in peppermint and lavender supports purifying and moisturizing the skin in the absence of soap and water. It has been carefully developed so as to support the hand's delicate skin health and its protective oil balance. It acts as an excellent chemical-free alternative for conventionally-used antimicrobial agents including Benzalkonium Chloride and Triclosan, both of which are associated with skin toxicities, sensitivities, and long-term health effects.

Frequent use does not tend to dry the hands. Organic cane alcohol (the key ingredient) is odorless and approved by the CDC for use in killing bacteria, germs, and other disease-causing organisms. The addition of pure Glycerin boosts moisture levels to prevent over-drying and safeguard the skin's protective barrier, keeping your hands visibly soft, refreshed, and protected against external irritants. Added to all of this your skin will indulge in the invigorating, Lavender and Peppermint to help control the unappealing odors.



MYK Silk scrunchies come in 3-packs and make excellent gifts. I love the classic combination of red, pink, and black. Code JENNIFER15 for 15% off


The Preserve Journal is a beautiful journal that your family can write in whenever you have a celebration (birthday, Mother's Day). This is an excellent gift for any special mother you know. Code JENNIFER15 gives 15% off






Rachelyn Jewelry is doing a giveaway of 2 $50 gift cards. What a treat! Please see the widget to enter down below. Her delicate, handmade jewelry is so beautiful and special.


Kerimade Hand-stamped Jewelry is a lovely handmade jewelry shop in Etsy run by my dear friend. She takes custom orders and this could be a lovely and affordable Mother's Day gift. I'm giving my sister the On Grace circle necklace.
SKYE 18K gold freshwater pearl jewelry would make a show-stopping gift for Mother's Day. Code JENNIFER20 for 20% off


Azalia Spa Goods make gorgeous aromatherapy body oils. I love Aimee Flor's formulations.


Emile Cordon are the high-end lip pots that are a complete luxury indulgence. They would make a great Mother's Day gift. JENN10 for 10% off


A'DEL Natural Cosmetics has a wide range of organic makeup and skincare that is highly giftable.


Londontown Nail Polish makes a great gift for all ladies who love to do their nails at home. Code JenniferS for 25% off


American Blossom Linens carry high-quality organic cotton sheets that are made in America. They would be a special and luxurious Mother's Day gift option.

The following art stores carry beautiful options for Mother's Day gifting:


Katy Rose Collection art is a sophisticated online art store run by a fellow Connoisseur.


Something to Cherish has a beautiful online store of products decorated with her beautiful paintings.


Inspired by Nikki has a lovely Etsy store featuring her beautiful watercolors.

Giveaway for 2 $50 gift cards to Rachelyn Jewelry. Please note, the only requirement to enter is that you are subscribed to my YouTube channel. You can earn more points toward winning by following us on Instagram and tweeting a message.

a Rafflecopter giveaway



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Meditations on Homemaking: A Week in the Life

Welcome to meditations on homemaking: a week in the life. In today's video, we do all sorts of baking: a blueberry breakfast cake that my son helped me with. I used canned blueberries for this as we are not able to get fresh fruit as often because of the quarantine and it turned out beautifully.



Before we discuss the video further, I would like to thank everyone who is taking my new eCourse, Carry Yourself with Poise.

Susan writes, "Thank you Jennifer, I am so glad to have discovered you. You are an encouragement to so many of us who want to set a good example of what it means to be a woman of "noble character" in a world that seems to have lost its way. You are appreciated!"

Thank you, Susan! I'm so happy you enjoyed the course!

Back to today's video...

My daughter and I also experimented with sourdough. We made a starter and four days later made the bread. It turned out well! My only critique is that it could have tasted more "sour", but the kids said it was the most delicious bread they ever had! Here is the recipe for the starter and the recipe for the San Francisco sourdough bread.

We are also planting potatoes in bags as an experiment this year. I got a 3-pack of potato growing bags and we are growing Princess Larette and Blue potatoes. I am still waiting for my sweet potatoes to come in. I ordered the potato shoots from Burpee. So far I am still waiting for the shoots to appear. Once they do, I will add more layers of soil until it comes to the top. I will keep you updated on how the potatoes do!

Homemaking can be beautiful, rewarding, and deeply satisfying. I hope you enjoy today's video.


I have included links to other items featured in the video here for your convenience.

Kitchen equipment
kitchen Aid
Citrus press
copper measuring cups
Apron
French cloth napkins

Beauty
Paula's Choice SPF 50
Vitamin C boost
Londontown Nail Polish (shade is Cheerio) JenniferS for 25% off
Londontown hand serum JenniferS for 25% off
A'DEL Natural Cosmetics is the makeup used

Style
Silk scrunchie is from Lilysilk
Jumpsuit (from Morning Lavender)
Blue & white dress (linking a similar one here)
Mott & Bow dark denim jean JLS10 for 10% off
Slippers are from Plush Necessities

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