Jennifer L. Scott's Blog, page 34

The 4th Biggest Enemy to Homemakers

Hello my daily connoisseurs, in today’s video I’m going to share with you the fourth biggest enemy to home makers. Can you guess what it is?



I like to explore the world of homemaking because our jobs as homemakers are complex, satisfying, and important, but also deeply fraught with enemies. It's a good practice to call the enemies out so we are better able to move on with our tasks at hand.

Let's discuss the fourth biggest enemy to homemaking.

Comparison



Yes, that’s right, comparison. The act or instance of comparing.

We have all heard the expression: comparison is the thief of joy. Well, a truer statement could not be uttered. And in today’s modern social media age, comparison is easier now more than ever.

If you call yourself a homemaker, then I’m guessing you have a place to live… a house, an apartment, a townhome, a place where you dwell. Let’s pause right there. If that is the case, and we have a roof over our heads, food on our tables, and a bed to sleep in at night. We should rejoice with gratefulness.

But instead, what do we do? We hop on Instagram and instantly feel pangs of jealousy that so-and-so’s home looks so amazing. Look at that sofa, that rug. Those houseplants. That person has better dishes than you. That person just wallpapered. That person has a swimming pool, That person just redid her master bathroom.

Comparison.

We start to look at what other people have… and it all looks so perfect. When we look at our own things… they can start to look shabby. Outdated. Awful.

Yes, our joy is being stolen every time we look at what someone else has and wish that we had it ourselves. We must not compare our homes to others. Some people have larger budgets than we do. Either that or they are going deeply into debt to live in such a beautiful space. You never know the true story behind the glossy Instagram picture. We must be content with what we have and budget responsibly for upgrades in the future.



I understand this struggle just as much as you do. I compare my home all the time. How do you think I’m able to write this? We were blessed to be able to renovate our kitchen this past year and guess what I’m longing to do now… the bathrooms. All of them! One thing I have learned about decorating and upgrades is, you are never satisfied. So let’s cease all comparisons and just be joyful and grateful for what we currently have. Let us make our homemaking a tribute and an act of gratitude for our homes. And when we finally get to do the upgrade, we will appreciate it so much more.


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5 Ways to Keep it Classy as a Parent

Continuing last week's discussion on how to keep it classy in a trashy society, today we are veering in a slightly different direction: how can you keep it classy as a parent? Parenting is a beautiful calling— one that brings us so much joy. But parenting can also be very trying. Even the most level-headed people can lose their cool. In today's video, I'm sharing 5 ways you can keep it classy as a parent.

Emmy's Best & Worst Fashion, Celebrity Modest Clothing Line & Presentable Sleepwear | 3 Articles on Dress

Welcome to another edition of 3 Articles on Dress. Today we are analyzing Emmy's fashion, including best and worst dressed, discussing a modest clothing line endorsed by actress, Mayim Bialik, and underscoring the importance of presentable sleepwear.



I normally have this series sponsored on my channel and I've had some great sponsors in the past. Today's post is not sponsored, but I wanted to bring a great resource to your attention: The Eat at Home Meal Plans. This is a service that provides you with complete color coded shopping lists as well as recipes. They have four different categories: Traditional plan, Wholesome Traditional, No Sugar no Flour, and Instant Pot/ Slow Cooker. You can get plans for the month, or get them for the entire year. I'm currently doing the Instant Pot/ Slow Cooker plan and am learning so much. I roasted a whole chicken in the slow cooker on Sunday with their recipe and it turned out so well.

The Eat at Home meal plans are a great resource for frazzled home cooks or any cooks who are experiencing burn out coming up with meals every night for their family. They are having a sale today and tomorrow for 30% off their annual plan, which gives you access to all four meal plans (traditional, wholesome, no sugar/ no flour, Instant Pot). Discount code FALL.

Let's get into the articles on dress.

✏️In the first article I discuss some of Cheat Sheet's best and worst dressed selections for the Emmy's.



My best dressed was Emily Hampshire, who looked gorgeous in this crimson J.Mendel dress.

I would love to know who your best and worst dressed picks are.

✏️In the second article, I discuss actress, Mayim Bialik's, endorsement of the modest clothing line, Kosher Casual. Mayim was both praised and criticized for aligning with this brand as some people take offense to her use of the word 'modest'. I applaud Mayim speaking up about her dressing preferences, even if is not a popular perspective in Hollywood. What do you think?


✏️In the final article, we see a real life scenario that exemplifies how important presentable sleepwear is: Jason Donovan tackles neighbour's fire in underpants

Actor, Jason Donovan, noticed a fire across the street from his Notting Hill home and ran with his fire extinguisher to help. Only trouble was... he was in his underwear! He jokingly tweeted that this "was a good reason to always wear pjs to bed".

One of The Chic Assignments for October is to wear presentable sleepwear. I am planning a presentable sleepwear video, that will hopefully be ready for you soon.


My dress in today's video is Draper James and my charm bracelet in this video is by Jeulia and I love it. I'll talk about it more in a ten-item wardrobe video. Code JENNIFERAV15 gives 15% off. These are the three components of the bracelet: bracelet, star and moon chain, blue stone charm.

I hope you enjoy today's video.

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Outfits & Makeup of the Week | Ten-Item Capsule Wardrobe | A'DEL Natural Cosmetics

I'm chronicling my fall outfits and makeup for the week in today's video. It's still sunny here in Southern California, so I am dressing with fall colors, but still with the weather in mind. I have been thoroughly enjoying my fall wardrobe.



Today's post is sponsored by A'DEL Natural Cosmetics. The owner of A'DEL, Arlene Dohtery, has been a long-time reader of The Daily Connoisseur. She is just lovely and not only is A'DEL a marvelous small family business, but the products are really outstanding too. Organic, natural and pure, this is makeup and skincare you can feel good about. Arlene gave us the code TDC20 for 20% off first-time orders. Thank you, Arlene!

As a fun challenge, I try out A'DEL's fall makeup each day this week to create beautiful smoky, yet natural looks.

The eyeshadows can be found here. From top left to right: Safari, Dusk, Ferris Wheel, Autumn. Bottom left to right: Brown Sugar, Espresso, Sahara and the cream blush is coral reef.


The lipsticks are cherry pop, memory making, southern belle, and serenade.


The Restore Body Butter is a luxurious body butter that boasts Mango Butter and Camellia Oil which are known for their restorative and regenerative properties. Sweet Thyme brings healing to areas that need a little extra indulgence. This body butter is so luxurious and moisturizing as are the two Blue Lagoon moisturizers. The oil is great to apply when getting out of the bath and I have been enjoying the face balm for its nourishing properties. You can find all of A'DEL skincare here.

And now for the outfits:


Monday:
Plaid dress
black t-strap sandals
Ana Luisa Jewelry
code Jennifer10 gives $10 off first orders

My phone case is Casetify


Tuesday:
Black Mott & Bow jeans use code JLS10 for 10% off first time orders
white v-neck tee (similar)
grey cardigan
black driving shoes (similar)
velvet scrunchie


Wednesday:
Floral burgundy dress
cropped denim tie top (similar)
Blondo boots
velvet hair tie
On my nails: Londontown illuminating nail concealer nail polish
(code JenniferS for 25% off first-time orders)


Thursday:
Loft wrap blouse
Mott & Bow dark denim jean use code JLS10 for 10% off first time orders
nude ballet flat (similar)


Friday:
Everlane dress
tan cardigan (similar)
leopard sandal

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Teatime with Jennifer: Meme Edition 2019

Before we begin today's video, I would like to thank you for 60,000 subscribers on YouTube! I am so thrilled that our channel is growing. I want to thank everyone who has subscribed and participated. Thank you!



It's time for Teatime with Jennifer: Meme Edition, 2019! I couldn't resist but to do another Meme review here on The Daily Connoisseur. Today's video is lighthearted and fun, so I hope you will make a cup of tea and join me.

Who do you relate to more? Belle? Or the lady who needs 6 eggs??


You all know that this is actually what I look like after I've gotten the kids to sleep.


Sad, but true!


"Mommy is in shut-down mode."


Husbands!


Just sayin'


Get ready...


#Truth


Another sad, but true!


Where are my fellow introverts?


#lookpresentablealways


Not anymore!


Jenny Elizabeth Williams of Carrot Top Paper Shop has some very sweet memes on her Instagram. I loved these! :)


Told ya so!


Why?


Ah, Paris!


I love this.


Yes

5 Ways to Keep it Classy in a Trashy Society

If you've read certain news headlines lately, you might agree that society has gotten a little bit trashy. You might have noticed this in the way people dress, speak, and entertain themselves. It can feel awkward to remain classy in a trashy environment, especially if you don't like to draw attention to yourself. In today's video I'm going to share 5 ways you can keep it classy in a trashy society.

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

Welcome to one week of outfits from my fall ten-item capsule wardrobe. I like to document what I wear on the channel so you can see how a ten-item wardrobe translates to real life. This week starts off warm in California and heads into chilly rain toward the end of the week so you will see a range of adaptability with my fall wardrobe in today's video.





On this warm Sunday I'm wearing the Everlane Japanese picnic dress, a cropped cardigan (similar), the Kork-Ease wedges and carry my LV tote handbag. My art deco phone case is linked here. On my nails: Londontown shade Honeymoon (code JenniferS gives 25% off first-time orders).


The black cinch-waist tunic dress paired with leggings linking similar here and here, and my leopard sandals makes this a chic and casual Monday. My earrings are Ana Luisa (code Jennifer10 gives $10 off first orders)


On Tuesday I'm wearing the oversize tunic tee (linking similar here) with my Mott & Bow jeans (code JLS10 gives 10% off), leopard sandals, Rachelyn Jewelry earrings, and Ana Luisa necklace (code Jennifer10)


On Wednesday I'm wearing the Target Wild & Fable burgundy floral dress with a tan cardigan and my nude patent sandals. This worked really well for a breezy day at the park.


On this rushed Thursday I'm wearing the floral midi dress (linking similar) with Ana Luisa earrings and nude patent sandals. A velvet scrunchie is in my hair.


I am wearing the Draper James dress with navy ballet flats and Rachelyn Jewelry earrings for Friday's special interview.


For a mom's brunch on a rainy Saturday, I'm wearing the J.Jill charcoal wrap dress with the plaid scarf and riding boots.

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The Homemaker's Biggest Obligation

My Homemaker Series continues on The Daily Connoisseur with today's video, The Homemaker's Obligation. Can you guess what it is?



In this episode, we are going to explore the biggest obligation to a homemaker. And you might be surprised by what it is. First of all, what is an obligation?

An obligation is defined as an act or course of action to which a person is morally or legally bound; a duty or commitment.

Let's look at that last part again: a duty or commitment.

OK, are you ready to hear the homemaker’s biggest obligation?



To be frugal.

Yes, a homemaker’s biggest obligation is to be frugal. This isn’t the funnest obligation, but typically obligations aren’t exciting or fun. But it is your duty as a homemaker. And yes, your commitment as well… even if you are prosperous.

Yes, even if you are prosperous and thriving financially, it is still your obligation as a homemaker to be frugal.

Let me clarify what I mean. Being frugal will vary from homemaker to homemaker, of course, as we all have different household salaries and lifestyles. So why should we all be frugal then? And what does that mean?



Well, I particularly hope that my new and younger homemakers are paying attention here, because even if you are doing well now… chances are that could change in the future. I’m not trying to be a downer here. I’m just being practical.

Illnesses come, jobs are lost, hard times can be ahead. Thankfully with much of this there is also restoration— peaks and valleys where we are doing well and not. I don’t know a single family who hasn’t gone thr ough hardships. Not a single one. So trouble will come. Just be prepared for it and you will be able to weather the storm much more gracefully.

Like I mentioned, being frugal will look different for different people… but here are some ideas and ways that I stay frugal:

Want to Write a Book? Must-See Interview | Alan Watt + Jennifer L. Scott | 90-Day Novel

My interview series continues on The Daily Connoisseur with my esteemed guest, Alan Watt. Al is my writing teacher and mentor. I've mentioned him to you many times over the years. Taking Al's class back in 2007 and the years that followed completely changed my life. I most likely would have never written my books without learning his methods for successful writing.



Whether you are an aspiring writer yourself, or you simply would like to be motivated to complete a project, today's video will be eye-opening for you.

Al runs the LA Writers' Lab and is the author of The 90-Day Novel, The 90-Day Screenplay, The 90-Day Rewrite. A successful novelist and screenwriter himself, Al teaches writers all over the world how to not only write a good book, but how to adopt the successful writing habits that all writers need.

This has been my favorite interview to date as I love everything about the writing process. I hope you enjoy today's interview.

Mentioned in our chat: The LA Writers' Lab Tuscany Retreat (oh, how I would love to go on this!), which is a 10-night retreat in May of 2020.

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Laundry with a Capsule Wardrobe is SO Important

The other day, I had a sobering incident with the laundry. You might be wondering, is it possible to have a sobering incident with laundry? Yes, it is. Especially if you have a capsule wardrobe.



I was in one of those "mom" moments. The children needed me for various things at the same time and I had about a dozen pressing items on my to-do list. I just needed to throw in a load of laundry so I wouldn't get behind.

I normally wash my clothes separately from my family's clothing. After all, you never know what could be lurking in their laundry, even if you've gone through it carefully.

On this day, however, I was in a rush, so I combined my clothes with my children's clothes. Half-way through the wash, I realized I used the "normal" cycle (I normally wash my clothes on cold on the delicate cycle). But that's not the worst of it. When I went to take my clothes out of the washer, I noticed a strange substance was covering my garments.

Watch today's video to find out what it was.

I was thankfully able to save my Draper James chambray dress, but it was a close call. I also show you how I care for my new Everlane dress in today's video. I hope you enjoy and take on my cautionary tale. Laundry is very important when you have a capsule wardrobe.

The earrings I'm wearing in today's video are by Rachelyn Jewelry. And here is a link to my favorite steamer.

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