Jennifer L. Scott's Blog, page 30

The 5th Biggest Enemy to Homemakers

The 5th biggest enemy to homemakers… what do you think it could be? Let’s explore in today’s video.

Welcome back to The Daily Connoisseur. The world of homemaking is deep, complex, and fraught with enemies. In the previous episodes of this series, we have examined the various enemies to homemakers. When we identify these enemies, we are able to isolate them and not let them take over our homemaking, which is a powerful tool, indeed.





Today, I’m going to share with you the 5th biggest enemy to homemakers. Are you ready?



Double-mindedness.

Yes, double-mindedness. What does it mean to be double-minded? Well, here’s the dictionary definition: ADJ. wavering in mind : UNDECIDED, VACILLATING.

Here’s how I see double-mindedness… your heart’s not in it. You’d rather be doing something else. Even if you’re slightly enjoying what you’re doing, there’s still something in the back of your mind wondering, “What if? Could I be having more fun doing… xyz?"

Double-mindedness.

Let’s see how that affects us as homemakers. We inevitably have a list of tasks to do each day. Sometimes this list is dreadfully long, sometimes it’s delightfully short. We have to start somewhere, so we choose where to begin and commence our work. The minute we start, we begin to question our choice. Is this really the best way I could be spending my time? We have the urge to do something else… either another task on the list, or scrap it all together and go have fun doing something else: online shopping, watching television, revising that draft for work, going to work out, everything else suddenly seems more appealing.

Double-mindedness. We are undecided. We vacillate. We do not rest easy in our choice and, thus, we leave half-finished projects all over the house. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to commit to a task from start to finish? Think of the time wasted and the mental exhaustion from being double-minded about our housework?

So my fellow homemakers, eliminate this fifth enemy to homemaking, double-mindedness, by resting confident in your choice and decisions. After all, there is a season for everything. Rest and refreshment are just around the corner. And, oh, it is so much more satisfying after completely a task well done.

Featured in the video:
I clean with eCloth microfiber cloths
The rest of my cleaning products are from Grove Collaborative (I use the cleaning concentrate in this video)
101 Famous Poems is the book I'm reading
My top (similar)
My dress (similar)
My earrings Use code Jennifer10 for $10 off
Velvet scrunchie
Gingham vinyl tablecloth
water pitcher with strainer

Also, if you're curious, I was putting taco meat in the slow cooker for tacos. This is one of my favorite freezer meal hacks. I make a large batch and freeze it off in portions. I can then make tacos or taco salads whenever I like.

Thank you for joining me for today's video.

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Chic Spending Habits | Where I Spend & Where I Save | Debt-Free Living

We all know that saving money is chic, but where do we choose to spend and where do we choose to save? These are conscious decisions we all have to make.



Today's video is a collaboration with my dear friend, Kim, from Free to Family. You can watch her video here.

It's been all over the news lately... Americans are in debt and many cannot meet basic financial needs. It's clear that we need to become smarter savers and that saving money is chic. We also have to live and each of us (particularly women) have areas where we feel we need to spend vs. save. Every person has their own process and priorities. I share mine with you in today's video.

There are certain little luxuries that I uphold and many that I am willing to live without. I subscribe to Victoria Magazine still, for example, but have dropped all of my other subscriptions. I also subscribe to Audible and listen to my audiobooks that way. I know that I could also get them free from the library, which is an option that many people utilize.

Another little luxury I won't skimp on is natural deodorant. I could buy cheaper versions from the drugstore, but those are filled with aluminum. Over ten years ago I decided to only use high-quality natural deodorant. The one I repeatedly buy over and over is from Bend Soap Company (my favorite are the grapefruit and lavender) code DC10 gives 10% off.

I also buy high-quality skincare because I believe it will pay off in the long-run. I am currently using Paula's Choice. I also prefer high-quality natural or organic makeup over drugstore makeup. My favorite brands are Osmosis[image error] from Amazon, A'DEL Natural cosmetics, and The Organic Skin Co. I also frequently buy from bareMinerals.

Let's talk about where I save...

I do my manicures and pedicures at home, saving hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars each year. Salon manicures are very pricey and I have really perfected the art of the at-home manicure (look out for another French manicure tutorial coming very soon on the channel). My favorite nail polish brand is LONDONTOWN not only because they are 9-free, but also because they are the longest lasting at-home gel nail polishes I have ever used. I know many of you love them too. I always leave my code, JenniferS for 25% off because it is a tremendous discount.

I also do not have any expensive recurring beauty treatments. I don't dye my hair, for example, and I don't do extensions (hair or eyelash). Now here is a prime example about how saving might not look the same for each woman. I have many friends who get eyelash extensions (which can be pricey and time consuming) because they find it saves them time all month long and that they do not need to wear makeup. Those friends budget for this expensive because it is worth it to them. It is not something I'd be opposed to in the future, but right now it does not fit into my budget.

While I tend to buy higher quality "extras" in my ten-item wardrobe (coats, shoes, etc.), some of my core items are budget items. My fall/ winter ten-item wardrobe contained a Target dress and this floral dress (linking similar) was under $25 but I've worn it for over two years, for example.

As far as home decoration goes, I love to pick fresh flowers from the garden. When they are not in season, I do enjoy faux floral bouquets, which have really come a long way and look realistic. My two favorite places to get faux flowers are Nearly Natural and Horchow (I wait until the Horchow flowers go on sale).

What I'm wearing:
My blouse is from Loft
My pearl earrings and necklace are Ana Luisa NY code Jennifer10 for $10 off your order

I was under the weather when I shot this video earlier last week and I ended up getting the flu a few days later. It has been a rough week, but I am finally on the mend. I hope that you are all healthy and happy right now. Thank you for watching.


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The Chic Assignment Check-In | Degas, Adagio, Intentional Rest & Romance

Edgar Degas said, "the artist must live alone, and his private life must remain unknown". While most of us artists do live with family, I'm sure many can relate to this sentiment... I know I can. To create art, one must be alone so as not to be influenced or disrupted by others. Join me for a cup of tea for The Chic Assignment check-in. To see the original assignment, click here.



In today's check-in we are discussing the curious case of Adagio in G Minor. Did Tomaso Albinoni actually compose this piece? Or was it composed by Albinoni's biographer, Remo Giazotto? And if so, why wouldn't Giazotto take credit for it? It is one of the most beautiful pieces ever composed, after all... My humble opinion.

Didn't you love the performance by Hauser? A remarkable masterpiece.



We are also going to learn more about Degas' artistic life and examine some of his beautiful pieces.


Edgar Degas self-portrait, 1855

I would love to know which Degas painting is your favorite... I read to you from this biography today. If you would like a Degas on your walls, you don't need millions of dollars, you can purchase a poster or canvas for your own home.

As far as intentional downtime goes... I am doing better. I have been struggling with the mindless impulses to reach for my phone or to surf the web. I have found that keeping a real book by my side helps here. I am more likely to grab the book if I have a few moments to myself. I have been reading The Jane Austen Diet and A Most Novel Revenge by Ashley Weaver.

As for the romantic self-care item for this month, I have been enjoying a nice, hot bubble bath with my latest copy of Victoria Magazine and a cup of tea (I have been enjoying Earl Grey lately). It was the de-stressing moment I looked forward to at the end of every day...

I would love to know how your Chic Assignment is going this month.

**Correction** In the video I meant to say the "American" artist, Mary Cassatt (not French).

Thank you to the Elegant Connoisseurs for bringing us today's video.
All the King’s Morsels
American Blossom Linens
Awesome Possum Powers
Azalia Spa Goods
Inspired by Nikki
Julie Kolman – My Confident Closet
Katy Rose Artist
Not-So Desperate Housewives
Secret Owl Society – Michelle Rohr
Something to Cherish- Cherish Flieder
Barbara Cristina de Abreu Pereira
Christine Bolla
Caroline Haydu
Denise Gende
Jet Rowley-Herron
Jenny Candelaria
Katherine Rae
Linda Eklof
Maria Conder

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Meals of the Week | What We Ate

I'm sharing our dinners of the week in today's video.



I love watching these types of videos from other people as I always get new ideas. This is a relatively typical week for us, with an assortment of family favorites. I hope you enjoy seeing our meals.


My daughter made dinner tonight and assembled this Cobb salad. All of the kids love this type of salad and each got to choose their dressing of choice.


The kids weren't with us this afternoon, so Ben and I had a light salad with smoked herring, avocado, cherry tomatoes, apples, blue cheese, on romaine lettuce with champagne dressing.


We had beef enchiladas for dinner tonight packed with veggies and topped with salsa, sour cream, and avocado. We usually have one night a week where we have tacos, but this week we had enchiladas instead. I love these pretty antique plates from Ben's mother. They are similar to my favorite Spode Blue Italian.


Tuna pasta salad is a staple in our home and is easy to make when we are low on fresh food. This has pasta, tuna, olives, pickles, cucumber, and caramelized onions (chopped apples are great with this too) mixed with mayonnaise and garlic salt. So yummy. The French blue napkins are from Amazon.


The kids had pasta bolognese tonight and I didn't feel like having a heavy meal so I had heaps of the side salad along with garlic bread.


Beef pot roast is a regular dish in our family. I make this in the slow cooker. First, I layer chopped onions in the slow cooker, then I coat the beef chuck roast with salt and pepper and flour and sear it in a hot pan with oil. I then add the roast to the slow cooker (on top of the onions). I then put about a half cup of water in the pan along with onion soup mix to make a little gravy and pour that on top of the beef. I cook this on slow for 8 hours in the slow cooker.


Tonight's dish is vegetarian. Cabbage, carrots and other veggies are mixed with brown rice and sautéed with a miso sauce. I bought this kit from Trader Joe's.


For Valentine's Day, Ben and I had steamed crab with lemon butter sauce, potatoes au gratin, and asparagus. We had chocolates for dessert. I promise there was a lot more crab to eat for dinner... I just wanted to take a picture of the dish so we could move on to a nice dinner :) The buffalo check napkins you see here are from Amazon.

My earrings are from Ana Luisa NY Use code Jennifer10 for $10 off
My dress is LL Bean.

I hope you enjoy today's video. Please let me know if you enjoy these types of posts and I will do more...

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Oscars Best & Worst, Off Shoulder Top in Commons + Pajama Wearing in Public | 3 Articles on Dress

Oscars best & worst, an off-the-shoulder dress worn in Parliament, and pajama wearing in public as uncivilized behavior? Let's discuss the latest articles in a new 3 articles on dress.



⚜️ The Oscars were this past Sunday and this year's red carpet looks were bold and beautiful. You can see a lot of the red carpet looks in this article here. I loved the following looks from Mindy Kaling, Regina King, and Margot Robbie. Watch today's video to find out who my best dressed was. I would love to hear who your best and worst dressed pics were from this year's Academy Awards.




⚜️ The second article was sent to me by Ashleigh Powles regarding the Labour MP who wore an off-the-shoulder dress to Commons.



Labour MP Tracy Brabin defends the outfit she wore to Commons even though she received a lot of criticism. What do you think? Was her outfit professional? Or did it lack professionalism? You'll hear my opinion in today's video.


⚜️ Jeanette Gadeberg sent me this article regarding China's actions to crack down on pajama wearing in public.

I am not going to discuss the governmental aspect of this story as I don't want to go there... but I found their definition of Uncivilized behavior rather interesting:

"Uncivilized behavior refers to when people behave and act in ways that violate public order because they lack public morals," read a post on WeChat, a common social messaging app, which has since been deleted.

The wearing of pajamas in public "has brought about a kind of complacent, undisciplined mind set," it concluded.

Let us know what you think about the articles discussed in today's video.


What I'm wearing: Ana Luisa Jewelry earrings Use code Jennifer10 for $10 off
Silk blouse by Lilysilk (review coming soon)


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The Best Earl Grey, Plush Robes, Rose Laundry + Current Reads | Connoisseur Reviews

We are going in search of the best Earl Grey Tea along with many other favorite delights in today's video, Connoisseur Reviews.



Here are the items featured in today's video:



Vahdam Teas
Earl Grey Citrus is a citrusy black tea from India that is mixed with premium Bergamot Oil. It also comes in tea bags.

The Darjeeling is a summer black tea from the region of Darjeeling. This is a light, second-flush black tea with crisp, berry-like nuances. The brownish-black leaves are short, tightly-rolled, and interspersed with some green flakes. The liquor is mellow and unimposing, with notes of date palm and fermented barley that are discernible but fade away quickly. This tea has attributes of wood and dried fruit.

You can also find Vahdam teas on Amazon.



Teami Blends skinny tea, tumblers and greens blend
The Skinny Tea contains:
Yerba Mate: Containing brilliant nutritional benefits, we love yerba mate for its clean, plant-based caffeine!
Oolong Tea: Another wake-me-up front runner, oolong green tea has been widely regarded to benefit metabolism rates
Jiaogulan: A super herb, this tea acts as an adaptogen to balance your body from outside stressors

The Greens blend contains: 16 superfood blends including ceremonial grade matcha, wheatgrass, spirulina, and spinach. Vegan, non-GMO, soy free, dairy free, gluten free, nut free and no sugar added.



Plush Necessities Plush Signature Robe and slippers are made of superfine microfiber. So soft and cozy. I love how generous the material is. This is a perfect winter robe. Code TDCVDAY5 gives 5% off. They are also running a buy one get one 20% off for Valentine's Day.



Love Home & Planet rose laundry detergent Made with 94% plant-based cleansers
Dermatologist tested, vegan and cruelty-free
Removes stains effectively yet gently. Suitable for HE washing machines. Works at all temps. Septic safe.
Formulated without parabens, dyes, phosphates, parabens and optical brighteners
Blended with Amazonian Murumuru, and infused with the luxurious scent of handpicked Bulgarian Rose
You can also find the Love Home & Planet line at Target.



e-cloth make a 2-pack for both stove and shower. The stove 2-pack (shown above) has alternating scrubbing bristles on the cloth that do not scratch your stovetop. You can clean greasy messes with just water. Code SCOTTFEB10 gives 10% off until February 17th, 2020.




A'DEL Natural Cosmetics have a lovely line of natural and organic makeup and skincare. The following are the eyeshadows shown in today's video:
Black Beauty - matte black
Frosting - creamy white satin shimmer
Charming - deep lilac satin shimmer
Dreamy - dark taupe satin shimmer

A'DEL's blue lagoon skincare and rose skincare line are also currently on sale.




The three books I am currently reading are:
Glorious Mothering by Sherry K. Hayes (faith-based)
Modern Etiquette made easy by Myka Meier
Jane Austen Diet by Bryan Kozlowski

My earrings are by Rachelyn Jewelry
My sweater is Mott & Bow cream cashmere v-neck code JLS10 for 10% off

I hope you enjoy today's video.

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Homemaker: The Ultimate Career?

C.S. Lewis famously said, “The homemaker has the ultimate career. All other careers exist for one purpose only - and that is to support the ultimate career. ”
Well my fellow homemakers… we are going to examine this assertion today. If it’s true… there is much to ponder.



OK, I know what you’re thinking. How can cooking, cleaning, and raising children really be a career? Can what we do wield actual power like an impactful career should? Don’t people normally get paid for careers? Ha!

Well we know we don’t get paid to do what we do… our reward is a lot deeper. So how can homemaking be the ultimate career?

First, let’s look at the definition for career: an occupation undertaken for a significant period of a person's life and with opportunities for progress. Synonyms are: Profession, occupation, vocation… calling.

A calling.



Let’s look at what a homemaker does on a basic level. Homemakers keep the house clean and organized. They make meals. They raise children. Yes, this is what happens on a basic level, but let’s look deeper at this. There’s a reason why it’s been called the “ultimate career”… there must be more there. How is that a calling?

Homemakers make a home. A home. The most important place you’ll ever know. They orchestrate the environment. They create a safe, loving, comforting space for their families. They pour their hearts into the details of the work that they do, often putting themselves last. They sacrifice, they toil. For what? To create a beautiful family environment. They are literally making memories.

A calling.



When we think of the world out there. Often it can be harsh, cut-throat and competitive. When you come home, you feel as though you are in a haven. Is there any place more important on earth than one’s home? When your home life is in order, everything else falls into place. Isn’t that the truth.

As homemakers we are called to attend to the details of daily life at home. Our little actions may seem insignificant. Scrubbing pots, wiping countertops, wiping noses, fixing collars and pigtails, reading stories, baking treats... But truly, we are raising up the next generation for greatness and instilling good habits in them as well. Habits of love. We are making a home.

So yes, we don’t get paid for our career. Not monetarily, anyway. But it is a calling. And the payment comes in the form of generational blessings and bountiful love that seeps into everything our family does.

And all other careers do exist to support the ultimate career. Because home life is one unifying aspect we can all rally around. We all want to thrive at home for the greater good.

So my fellow homemakers, you might have homemaking as your only profession, or like me, you might also work another job as well. Either way, please see the value you have in your career. Yes, the ultimate career.

I hope you enjoy today's video.

Featured in the video:
My dress
Cropped layering top
navy house slippers
velvet scrunchies
Earrings are by Ana Luisa Jewelry Use code Jennifer10 for $10 off
Laundry detergent Love Home & Planet


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The Chic Assignment | February 2020

Welcome to The Chic Assignment for February, 2020.



In this first Chic Assignment of the year, we are focusing on romance. I have chosen one of my all-time favorite (and most romantic, may I add) classical music pieces, we are studying beautiful impressionistic artwork, and striving to improve our everyday lives.

⚜️ Chic Assignment no. 1 Tomaso Albinoni's Adagio in G Minor. I have raved about this piece many times on the channel, but we have never actually studied it for a Chic Assignment. What a better time than now to dive into the deeply romantic Adagio in G Minor. This performance by HAUSER has over 45 million views, and for good reason! Enjoy this show-stopping performance with your family this month.



We will learn more about Albinoni in the check-in later in the month.

⚜️ Chic Assignment no. 2 Enjoy the works of Edgar Degas. Degas is one of the most famous French painters of the Impressionistic period. His ballerinas are at once dynamic and romantic.


The Star, 1878 by Degas Image from Edgar-Degas.net

You can see Degas' complete works here.

If you would like to buy a canvas print of Degas' works, you can find a great selection here.

Here are some interesting books on Degas: Degas: A Passion for Perfection , Degas: His Life and Works in 500 Images.

⚜️Chic Assignment no. 3 Intentional downtime. Notice how you spend your downtime this month. If you have a few minutes to yourself, do you inevitably reach for your phone? Do you spend it mindlessly surfing the internet? If you would like to get more intentional about your downtime this month, join me in noticing your downtime patterns and perhaps changing them.

⚜️ Chic Assignment no. 4 Do something romantic this month. This does not have to involve a significant other. You can place a pretty bouquet by your bed, read poetry by the fireplace, or enjoy a cup of tea in a bubble bath as some examples. Add some romance into your daily life this month and notice the benefits.


I hope you enjoy today's video and this month's assignments. Be sure to check in with your findings and you could be mentioned in The Chic Assignment check-in later in the month. Share this with your friends and tag me on social media with the hashtag #TheChicAssignment

See you on Monday!

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The Case for Presentable Undergarments

I would love to know... what is the state of your underwear drawer? Many times women focus on the outer garments in the quest to look presentable always. In today's video I make the case for presentable underwear too.



Why presentable? No one is going to see our undergarments, after all. Who cares what they look like?

Good undergarments are the foundation of a beautiful outfit. Wearing presentable underwear can be your delicious secret and really help elevate your confidence throughout the day.

Montelle Intimates and Fleur't both sent over their latest styles and the technology has come a long way! These undergarments are not only beautiful, but don't dig into the skin, don't pill, have no VPL (visible panty line) and give no wedgies (

Handshake Snubs: Classy or Trashy?

Handshake snubs from prominent figures always seem to make the news. Why does something as seemingly insignificant as a handshake mean so much to people?

Handshakes are (for the most part) a universal gesture of mutual respect. It is the greeting of dignitaries, politicians, businesspeople, sports figures, and people just like you and me. So when a handshake is snubbed, it's a major sign of disrespect.



There are generally three reasons why a handshake would be snubbed: genuine mistake, blatant disregard, and germaphobic worries.

Today, we are looking at recent handshake "snubs" that have made the news. Oh yes, we are looking at royalty, politicians, First Ladies, and sports figures. Some of these reported handshake snubs are not as they appear... In fact, out of the case studies we are looking at today, only one of them stands out to me as blatant disregard.

Of course, there are always exceptions, however, I believe that reciprocating a handshake, even if you do not like the other person or disagree with them, is the classy thing to do. It shows that you are able to transcend your differences for a brief moment in time. It does't mean you agree with them, or condone what they do, but it does allow you to "take the high road", if only for that brief moment.

Let us know what you think of the alleged handshake "snubs" featured in today's video.

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