Jennifer L. Scott's Blog, page 39

3 Current Event Stories on Dressing and Looking Presentable

In today's video, I'm sharing 3 interesting current events articles pertaining to dress. We discuss the etiquette behind dress, the psychological effects behind dress, and the real-world consequences that revolve around proper dress.



Bridesmaid shares photo of Bride's dress on Facebook

Here is an excerpt from the article:

More often than not, a bride's wedding dress is kept a secret from her fiancé until the big day. And that was the wish of one bride, until her bridesmaid took it upon herself to share a photo of the dress on Facebook.

Over the weekend, the upset bride turned to the online forum Mumsnet to share her situation and ask for advice. "I know I probably am but just wanted to hear others opinions on whether they would be sad about it or if I just need to get a grip," wrote the bride in a post. "Getting married soon and after trying on a lot of different dresses I finally found the one, something I never thought I would due to being very body conscious and anxious. Went back for final fitting at the weekend and took one of my bridesmaids as she wanted to see."

The bride continued to say that during the fitting, the bridesmaid decided to post of photo of her in the dress on Facebook. To make matters even worse, the bridesmaid tagged the bride's partner in the post. Since she posted the photo during the appointment, a few hours passed before the bride even noticed what her bridesmaid had done.

"When I asked her to remove it her response was ‘it doesn’t matter if he’s seen it he’s a man so he will have forgotten what it looks like in 5 minutes time,'" continued the bride. "My dad had also seen it as well and it was going to be a surprise for him on the day too."

A few years ago I posted an article on Facebook etiquette that discussed my thoughts on this matter and my thoughts remain the same... I think that the actions of this bridesmaid were in very poor form. Social media is changing our brains so we feel like we need to share absolutely every aspect of our lives, even to the detriment of others. This bridesmaid should have been sensitive to the fact that the bride wanted her dress to be a secret to her fiancé until the day of the wedding. By sharing this premature photo of the dress online, she ruined the surprise and likely her friendship as well. What do you think? Would you be upset by this?

Hospital Patients Urged to Dress Up to Recover Faster

Here is an excerpt from the article:

Hospital patients across the country will be told to get up and dressed in the daytime in a bid to end “pyjama paralysis” which can cause premature frailty.

Britain’s chief nursing officer will today launch a national campaign to get patients moving after pilot schemes found that getting patients out of bed boosted their health and got them home earlier.

Studies show that three in five immobile, older patients in hospital had no medical reason requiring bedrest. Salford Royal Hospital was one of the first to adopt the campaign, which saw staff setting up group meals, encouraging visits from therapy dogs, and setting up activities for those recovering from ill-health.

Ward managers said the efforts saw the average number of falls recorded per month fall from 12 to just two. Staff said it was crucial to encourage a “sense of normality” among patients, to avoid feelings of institutionalisation, which could result in frailty.

I loved this article because it exemplifies and backs up my thoughts on how what we wear actually matters. If we wear our pajamas or similar relaxed (read: sloppy) clothing everyday, we behave and feel differently. What do you think?

Woman Gets Kicked Out of Golden Corral Restaurant for Wearing Inappropriate Crop Top

Here is an excerpt from the article:

A woman in Pennsylvania is speaking out against the restaurant chain Golden Corral after getting kicked out of its Erie, Pa., location because of her outfit.

Sueretta Emke took to her Facebook to share her grievances from a visit to the family-style restaurant where she went with her husband, son and some friends to celebrate her son’s birthday. However, the group didn’t have the dining experience that they anticipated since they were ultimately asked to leave.

According to her post, the manager of the particular franchise told Emke that she was dressed “too provocatively” for the restaurant and suggested that she cover up. When asked what was inappropriate about her outfit, the manager couldn’t provide an answer.


This article reminded me of the recent news story I covered regarding the dress code for parents. Inevitably, when a dress code is instituted, certain people will be unhappy about it. I believe each business should be able to dictate a dress code for proper presentation as they see fit and think the manager was within his rights in this situation. What do you think? (I am not posting a picture of the woman in the article on this blog, but you can see for yourself when you click on the article link.)


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Patch Bamboo Bandages + Makeup Remover Cloth | Natural Home with Jennifer

On today's Natural Home with Jennifer, we explore, organic bamboo bandages and makeup remover cloths.



We are exploring all areas of natural living on this channel. It's true with today's amazing consumer market that you can upgrade most of the items you use in your home to make them more sustainable and natural. Let's start with Patch Bamboo bandages.



Patch bandage strips are hypoallergenic, free of irritating chemicals & toxins, as well as latex free, silicone free, plastic free, sulphate free, & paraben free, allowing for suitable protection and soft support for all sensitive skin types. PATCH strips are both vegan and environmentally friendly. The tube packaging is made from recycled cardboard & printed with a natural color dye, and the bandage strip is made with 100% compostable rice paper, certified bamboo fiber & mineral-based adhesive with no added chemicals, and have tested to break down in soil within weeks.

Here are the different types of bandages. The description is taken from their website. All of the bandages are available on Amazon.

Natural Organic Bamboo bandage
NATURAL & HYPOALLERGENIC WOUND CARE: PATCH strips are made from 100% organic bamboo fiber and mineral-based pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) to gently adhere to the skin without causing reactions - a natural alternative to common wound care, perfect for those with highly sensitive skin!

Patch Aloe Vera Bandage
ENRICHED WITH ALOE VERA EXTRACT: The gauze of PATCH Aloe Vera strips is enriched with the natural goodness of aloe vera to help repair and sooth burns, blisters, & minor abrasions, and promote a natural recovery.

Activated Charcoal Bandages
ENRICHED WITH ACTIVATED CHARCOAL: The gauze of PATCH Activated Charcoal strips is enriched with the natural goodness of activated charcoal to support bites & splinters by helping to draw out impurities from the skin and reduce redness, and promote a natural recovery.

Patch Kids Coconut Oil Bandages
ENRICHED WITH COCONUT OIL: The gauze of PATCH Kids Coconut Oil strips is enriched with the natural goodness of coconut oil to assist the natural repair of minor bumps, grazes, & scratches, and promote a natural recovery.



The second natural selection I have been exploring are makeup remover cloths. How did I not know these existed? I have been using the disposable variety for over a decade. That is a lot of waste. Makeup remover cloths are gentle, high-quality cloths that work to remove makeup with just water. I found out about them because a reader of mine sent me a message about how good the one on Grove Collaborative was. So order it, I did. And it is amazing! If you watched my skincare routine video from last week, you caught a glimpse of me using it. The one from Grove is long, so you can use it twice before washing it. If you are not with Grove, I have also found multi-packs of the makeup remover cloths on Amazon here and here. In order to make these work for everyday use, you would need several of them because you should wash them after each use. They really take the makeup off and get quite soiled.

I hope you enjoyed today's video and that it gave you new ideas on how you can incorporate sustainable natural products into your life. If you have any recommendations for future Natural Home with Jennifer features, please let us know in the comment section. Thank you for joining me for today's video and I'll see you soon!


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Breakfasts of the Week | Jennifer L. Scott

I'm so used to saying, "Welcome to one week of outfits from my ten-item wardrobe", that I almost said, "Welcome to one week of breakfasts from my ten-item wardrobe." Ha!



Rest assured, this is actually a food post, not a fashion post, and I hope it gives you inspiration for your breakfasts. Many people have asked me where my beautiful China comes from. Much of it is from my mother-in-law and some are from my great grandmother. (The waffle plate is from her.)



The first breakfast is this fruit and yogurt parfait with coconut granola. I normally like to make my own yogurt, although I haven't since we did our kitchen renovation. I use this yogurt maker. The iced coffee is inspired by Lynette Yoder on YouTube.


Ok, I know I have promised you my poached egg tip, so here we go. Boil water in a shallow pot (I'm using my copper sauce pan). Drop your eggs in and let them boil for exactly 3 1/2 minutes, then take them out with a slotted spoon. You will need to monitor the eggs as they boil so the water doesn't overflow. Just keep scooping the foam that rises to the top out of the pan. Voilà! The perfect poached eggs. I'm also having my fruit-infused water. I use this pitcher, which has a built-in strainer.


At least once a week, I make these heart-shaped waffles. I've had my heart-shaped waffle iron for over ten years. My older son and I especially love this breakfast.


I forgot to make oatmeal the night before in the slow cooker, so I make it in my instant pot. I'm having it with chopped peaches and cinnamon toast. I'm drinking my coffee in my Daily Connoisseur coffee mug.


I made cherry vanilla overnight oats for today's breakfast. This recipe has 1/2 cup oats, 1/2 cup ripple pea milk, 1/2 cup plain yogurt mixed with Whole Earth stevia and monk fruit sweetener, chia seeds and vanilla extract. I layer with frozen pitted cherries and top with flax seeds. I place it in the fridge overnight and have delicious oats the next morning.


Today, I'm having a strawberry yogurt parfait and drinking the Bloom tea from Teami (They gave us a discount code: JLS25 to get 25% off). I normally drink coffee in the morning and then tea the rest of the day. On this day, however, I was having breakfast unusually late because I got busy with the kids and making a roast, so I already had my morning coffee. I would love to know... do you drink coffee or tea first thing in the morning? Do you switch it up as the day goes on like I do?


Poached eggs are my favorite breakfast and sometimes I have them every day for a week! I'm enjoying them again with sourdough toast.


I'm having a smoothie bowl today with kale from the garden. By the way, I have some great recipes in my new book, Connoisseur Kids, including smoothie bowl recipes. Basically, if you would like to make a smoothie bowl, just create a "thicker" smoothie by adding less liquid. Pour it in a bowl and top with your favorite toppings. Children love smoothie bowls!

I hope you enjoy today's video.

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Outfits of the Week + Swimwear | Ten-Item Wardrobe

This week had me visiting a splash pad, working at home, and visiting a giant convention center, and my ten-item wardrobe served me every step of the way.



I hope you get some ten-item wardrobe inspiration in today's video.


On Day 1, I visited a splash pad with the kids. I like to wear what's called "modest swimwear" as I have had the very unpleasant experience of running around after kids in the water park in a bikini and I vowed to never do that again! It's not for everyone, but for me, I feel comfortable, classy, and prepared for any situation, plus I shield my skin from the hot sun. I bought this suit a few years ago, but am linking similar tops here and similar bottoms here. Here is a link to a similar navy visor I like to wear to shield my face form the sun. My phone case is by Casetify.


On this rather quiet, yet productive day, I'm wearing the LL Bean floral dress and the Kork Ease sandals. On my nails, Londontown guilty pleasure Use code JenniferS for 25% off


Ben and I visited the Homeschool Convention today and attended a casual concert in the evening. To be comfortable walking around, I am wearing my flat nude patent sandals, olive dress, and denim tie-up blouse (the Morning Lavender one is nearly sold out, so I am linking a similar one here from Lulus). I ran into Daily Connoisseur reader, Evangelia, at the Homeschool Convention. Hi Evangelia! xx


Day two of the convention and this time I am with the kids and they are attending a concert, which means a lot of movement. I'm wearing my new Mott & Bow Jeans (I love these jeans! Use code JLS10 for 10% off and the short sleeve sweater (which is in my extras).


On this final day, I was recovering at home from being ill. I'm wearing my navy brushstroke dress, braided headband from Madison Braids (I am linking the fishtail braid as their brunette two-stand is temporarily out of stock) For other hair colors who are interested in the two-strand, click here. All braided headbands can be found at Madison Braids and navy bow flip flops (linking similar). My friendship bracelet is from Ana Luisa Jewelry Use code Jennifer10 for $10 off

I also show my exercise-wear on day 5. Here I am linking my joggers and Nike (similar) shoes.

Thank you for joining me for this outfit of the week video.

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My Full Skincare Routine | Body and Face | Jennifer L. Scott

My skincare routine is quite simple. It consists of daily care rituals, intermingled with weekly, and monthly rituals. In today's video, I'm sharing my full skincare routine for face and body.



Skincare shouldn't be a complicated thing. I remember when I first started watching YouTube a decade ago, I loved to watch skincare tutorials. Unfortunately, I picked up some bad habits from those tutorials as I took what the YouTuber was saying as appropriate for me. As you watch my video today, please remember that we all have different skin types and skin concerns. My routine might not necessarily work for you. On the other hand, you might glean a life-changing tip that you can benefit from forever!



Let's start with the evening routine. I start off removing my makeup. I do this every evening. Even if I haven't worn makeup that day, I like to use a wipe to take off anything on my skin. My logic with this is that if you do not prep by removing the makeup, you are simply rubbing the day's makeup and debris further into your skin when you are at the cleansing step. I have traditionally used makeup remover wipes, the packages you can pick up from the drugstore (I like the Simple brand, as well as the Rooted brand from Grove). However, recently a viewer told me about this reusable makeup remover cloth. I was skeptical. How could a cloth remove mascara and a day's makeup with just water? But it works really well! Grove Collaborative customers, you can find a high quality makeup remover cloth there (that's what I'm using in today's video). I have also found makeup remover cloth pack on Amazon (I haven't tried these yet, they are less expensive). What a great, sustainable way to remove your makeup every day! Plus, ultimately it is a money saver.



Next, I use a natural cleanser with water and massage it into my face and neck. Three to four times a week, I will exfoliate. Lately, I have been using a konjac sponge, but I have also used exfoliating scrubs or serums. In the past, I have really loved using the Clarisonic, as you know I wrote about in Lessons from Madame Chic. After cleansing and exfoliating, I apply a light toner and then moisturize with an evening cream and lightly place an eye cream around my eyes.

Of course, you can accomplish this with any skincare line you choose that is right for you. In today's video I'm using Pellu's natural skincare system (the link sends you to a 50% off offer). I always return to Pellu. Like I mentioned in my past skincare review for Natural Home with Jennifer, the Pellu line is high-quality and high-performing, yet still natural. I love it!

Regarding exfoliation, the konjac sponge I use in the video is from Pellu. You can also find them on Amazon[image error] and Teami blends (yes, the tea!) has a tea-infused konjac sponge (use code JLS25 for 25% off your order of $39+) which is pretty neat.

Now, when I watched those skincare videos on YouTube all those years ago, I was led astray because the influencers I was watching were doing complicated morning and evening routines. I learned over the years that in the morning, all I need to do is splash warm water on my face and apply moisturizer. Of course, apply an SPF, if needed, and apply makeup if you plan to do that.



Let's talk about skincare for the body. On a regular basis, I like to dry brush my skin. This is the dry brush I use. When you dry brush, always move toward the heart. Here are the benefits of dry brushing: it exfoliates dry skin, increases blood circulation, promotes lymph flow and drainage, unclogs pores and stimulates the nervous system. (Information from the Cleveland Clinic).

I also moisturize my body on a daily basis. I like to use Bend Soap Co.'s all natural goat milk soaps (use code DC10 for 10% off order) or any other natural moisturizer. I also use natural deodorant. I mention the Sudsy Soapery deodorant

I also use this foot file, which is the best foot file ever! If you have dry skin on your heels, this will take care of it.



Once a week, I will apply a face mask. Some of my favorite masks are Epicuren, Honey Belle and Generation Clay (what I'm using in today's video). I am also interested in trying Teami's green tea mask (JLS25 for 25% off of $39+), which has great reviews. I can do a skincare review of that soon.

As for electronic devices, these are not necessary for an effective skincare routine. However, they do serve a function and can be useful if you are not able to get a professional facial. I have used the Clarisonic in the past and currently use the Nurysh Lyft's laser treatments for my skin.

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Chic Assignment Check-in June 2019

Thank you for your wonderful reaction to our latest Things Daily Connoisseurs Say video. Ben and I had so much fun filming it and laughing along with you!



Today, I am going to update you on my Chic Assignment findings for this month... To see the original Chic Assignment post for this month, click here.


Chic Assignment no. 1 Maurice Ravel's Boléro
I have found the mesmerizing and methodical beat of Maurice Ravel's Boléro to be a wonderful piece of music to accomplish things to. Here is a video of Valery Gergiev, conducing with a toothpick (yes, a toothpick!), and here is a video of the Boléro flash mob, which has 14 million views!


Chic Assignment no. 2 Shakespearean Sonnet
I chose the most famous sonnet to read to you this month... Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?
Sonnet 18:
BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?
Thou art more lovely and more temperate:
Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,
And summer’s lease hath all too short a date;
Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines,
And often is his gold complexion dimm'd;
And every fair from fair sometime declines,
By chance or nature’s changing course untrimm'd;
But thy eternal summer shall not fade,
Nor lose possession of that fair thou ow’st;
Nor shall death brag thou wander’st in his shade,
When in eternal lines to time thou grow’st:
So long as men can breathe or eyes can see,
So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.


Chic Assignment no. 3 Is it al fresco? Or alfresco? What say you? Actually the Italians don't call it al fresco dining... al fresco means "in jail" now in Italian

Things Daily Connoisseurs Say: Part DEUX

Oh dear... I couldn't help myself! Today, I present to you another Things Daily Connoisseurs Say. This time we travel to the ballet, the airport, the shops, and deep into nature to see what happens in the mind of a Daily Connoisseur.



I think we can all agree that Ben is a very good sport for putting up with me!


What do Daily Connoisseurs say to their family at the dinner table?


What do Daily Connoisseurs do when they get stressed?


And is it too much to ask for five minutes alone for some fine reading and a cup of tea? Apparently!

Featured in today's video, my friend Alena Kate Pettit's new book, English Etiquette.

As Daily Connoisseurs, it's important to laugh at ourselves. I hope today's video gives you a good laugh :)

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Get Ready with Me | Wedding Guest Edition

In today's video, I invite you to get ready with me to attend a springtime wedding. I love dressing up for weddings and today I'm wearing my floral maxi dress from my core items.



Normally a wedding guest outfit will call for pulling from your extras (a fancy cocktail dress, or other special occasion dress) but I was able to dress up my core item floral maxi and make it look dressy and fashionable.


First, let's start with the makeup: Here is a list of all makeup I used in today's video.
barePro liquid foundation, bareMinerals under eye concealer, Finishing powder by A'DEL natural cosmetics, primer potion (for the eyelids), Osmosis eyeshadow in spice berry, A'DEL eyeliner pot, burgundy mascara (and primer), Osmosis blush, Osmosis highlighter (on top of the cheekbones), A'DEL lipstick in Deep and Osmosis lip gloss.



On my nails: Londontown Teatime (use code JenniferS for 25% off).



I flat ironed the frizzy parts of my hair with the n:p beautiful flat iron, and then used the curling iron to curl the ends.



I am wearing the floral maxi dress (also linking similar here, here and a budget option here), a tan pashmina, the Ferragamo pumps, and a clutch (linking similar here). The gemstone jewelry adds a dressy touch.

When you dress for a wedding, the goal is to look beautifully presentable to honor the occasion. One of the most frequently asked questions I receive about special occasions is, "What do I wear to a wedding in [insert location or time of year here]". If there isn't a specific dress code on the invitation, simply think about the venue, location, and time of year. A simple dress paired with a classy shawl, low heels, and a clutch (a hat, if you live in Europe) will do the trick. Just think of wearing a beautiful color that will stand out in pictures.

Some wonder if you can wear white or black to weddings. The rules have really changed, but I would still shy away from wearing white. Black is more acceptable, especially if it is a night wedding. Several guests wore black to the wedding I attended and they look beautiful as they dressed up their black dresses with lively jewelry, and shawls, etc.

These are my thoughts on wedding attire and I would love to hear yours below.

I hope you enjoyed today's video.

Comment of the Week
Edel M writes, "Your videos have inspired me to read books (Madame Chic Series/Mapp and Lucia/No 1 Female Detective Agency), listen to music, wear my apron and wear my good clothes (even around the house). I am inspired by your message and I look forward to trying the 10 core items wardrobe! Thank you. I needed to hear your message. I'm so glad to have found your channel."

Thank you, Edel! Welcome to the channel! I am thrilled that the books have made an impact on your life.

Thank you for watching today. I hope you have a lovely weekend and I will see you on Monday!


Visit my Author Website

*NEW* Shop my Amazon page for a comprehensive list of my favorite things and mentions on the blog.

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Husband and Wife Talk About STRESS | Ben and Jennifer Scott

In part 3 of my stress series, I invite Ben on the channel to cap off our conversation about stress. We discuss stress from both a man and a woman's perspective. Ben, as usual, has some very insightful ideas to share and I hope you enjoy listening to him in today's video.



The statistics discussed in the video were taken from this Gallup poll.

The article lists the top two things to cause stress in one's life as children and work. Would you agree with that?

Would you say that stress for men and women is caused by different things? Is your significant other stressed out by the same things you are?

These are all interesting insights into the world of stress and we would love to hear from you in the comment section.

To see my previous videos on stress click here and here.


Today's post is sponsored by Home Chef. Thank you to Home Chef for being such a loyal supporter of The Daily Connoisseur.

Use code JENNIFERS80 for $80 off ($20 off each of your first 4 boxes).


Thank you for joining us today. I'll see you tomorrow for a Get Ready With Me: Wedding Guest Edition.



Visit my Author Website

*NEW* 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 ten-item wardrobe, debt-free living, and efficiency at home

Sign up for my Seasonal Author Newsletter

FTC: This video is sponsored by Home Chef.

Ten-Item Wardrobe Burnout | 5 Tips

Yesterday, we discussed how the Ten-Item Wardrobe can help with your shopping addiction. Today, we are going to discuss the ten-item wardrobe and burnout. Is it extreme minimalism? Is it sustainable?



Here are 5 tips to help you deal with ten-item wardrobe burnout:

Tip no. 1 It's OK to update your wardrobe when you experience a burnout. Burnouts normally occur as you approach the end of a season. You might feel tired of wearing the same items over and over and feel like doing some major shopping. Rather than going on a shopping spree, know that it's OK to update your wardrobe with key items. Just make sure your purchases are intentional and fit into your wardrobe. You might buy a beautiful summer blouse to wear to replace a heavier one you had in your spring wardrobe, for example.

Tip no. 2 Shop your other seasons. Since you store away your out-of-season clothes with the ten-item wardrobe, sometimes going through those clothes to find any ways to update your wardrobe (with a cardigan or a scarf, for example) can help with burnout. This is also especially handy if the weather changes and you are in need of clothes to adapt to the change in temperature.

Tip no. 3 Get creative with how you wear your outfits. Pair your core items with different sweaters, scarves, shoes, and jewelry to freshen up your outfits. You could also style your hair differently or do your makeup and nails in a new way to fix the burnout you're experiencing.

Tip no. 4 Plan for the upcoming season. Sometimes burnout is just restlessness. You can help this restlessness by planning for the upcoming season. Go through your stored clothing and assess what you will keep or donate and make a list of what you'll need to update your ten-item wardrobe going forward. Sometimes the "business" of these actions really help when we feel restless.

Tip no. 5 Rest in your decision to do the ten-item wardrobe and allow your discontent to pass through you. Let the discontent go and remind yourself why you're doing the ten-item wardrobe in the first place. Think about how much better your life is now that you are intentional about your wardrobe. You are saving money, you are looking presentable always, you are exhibiting your true style, plus so much more. Rest in the choices you have made with your intentional and minimal wardrobe.

For more on each of these tips, check out today's video.

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