Jennifer L. Scott's Blog, page 36

Batch Cooking Fresh for the Week | Being Chic is Being Prepared

I normally share batch cooking freezer meals with you on the channel so today will be a different change of pace. I'm batch cooking fresh for the entire week. When I cook for the freezer, I tend to make heartier fare: casseroles, chilis, heavy sauces and pot pies. These freeze well and feed a crowd with ease.



Today, you will see how I like to cook lighter choices when I make items fresh for the week. Today's video is a collaboration with my friend Kim from Free to Family. Kim is the Queen of batch cooking! She does batch cooking videos every Sunday and when she asked me to collaborate on one, I said an enthusiastic "yes".

In today's batch cooking session, I'm making seared ahi tuna, white dover sole with lemon and butter, roast chicken with onions and rosemary, grilled chicken sausages, acorn squash with maple syrup, basmati rice, and lentils with kale.



I take a nice, thick ahi tuna filet and marinate it for 30 minutes in sesame oil, soy sauce (a few tablespoons), chopped garlic, and green onions. I seared it for 1 1/2 minutes on each side and then slice.



My favorite way to cook fish is in a foil packet. The fish is always moist and never overcooks. I place one pound of dover sole filets in foil sprayed with cooking spray. On top, I put salt and pepper, one tablespoon of butter, sliced lemon, sliced basil, and green onion. Use whatever herbs you have on hand. I baked this at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes.



I love making roast chicken. We kept this in the fridge and had it sliced cold all week. It was delicious. I have many different ways I make a roast chicken, but here's what I did today: I rub the chicken with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. I fill the cavity of the chicken with a full apple. I place sliced garlic under the skin and top with onions and rosemary. I baked this for an hour and a half at 350 F in the roasting pan on the rack. For the last 20 minutes, I raised the temperature to 400 degrees. Just make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.



The acorn squash is sliced in half, de-seeded, and placed in a Bain Marie, or water bath. I fill the cavity with butter and maple syrup and cook this alongside the chicken in the oven. As for the lentils, I sauté chopped onions in the Instant Pot on the sauté feature with some oil. Then, after rinsing and draining the lentils, I place two cups in the instant pot and cover with 8 to 10 cups of water along with a heaping tablespoon of boullion and chopped kale from the garden. I cook on high pressure for 15 minute for soft lentils (for al dente lentils, cook for 8 minutes). Meanwhile, I also cook rice in the rice cooker, and grill sausages on the La Creuset grill pan.

The genius of batch cooking is that you get all of the work out of the way, and get the kitchen messy one time, yet enjoy the meals all week. We really enjoyed the meals this week. We ate the fish first and everything tasted great. I would love to know... do you batch cook?

I hope you enjoy today's video.

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Athleisure is Dying? Loungewear as Self-optimization & Tommy Lee #dresscodewars | 3 Articles on Dress

Welcome to another episode of 3 Articles on Dress. Today we are discussing the athleisure trend (is it dying?), looking good in loungewear, and another dress code violation... but this time from a famous rocker.



Here are the three articles discussed in today's video.

Loungewear as ‘Aesthetic’ Is a Symptom of Constant Self‑Optimization

Athleisure is losing stamina in the fashion world

Emeril Lagasse laughs off Tommy Lee's complaint that he was kicked out of his restaurant

I would love to know your thoughts on all of the articles discussed today. Do you think athleisure is losing steam? Do women struggle with self-optimization in their loungewear? What are your thoughts on all of the recent dress code violations? Let us know and your comment could be chosen as comment of the week.



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The Chic Assignment September 2019

Welcome to The Chic Assignment for September. I have a beautiful new classical music piece for you this month as well as an amazing poet. We are also going to delve seasonally into our accessories and home decor. So let's get started!



Chic Assignment no. 1: Listen to: Sicilienne in E flat major by Maria Theresia von Paradis

This hauntingly beautiful piece has been a favorite of mine for years. Special thank you to Katie Riggs for helping me to identify the composer and title!

Here is a beautiful violin performance...
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Maria Theresia Paradis (also von Paradies) (May 15, 1759 – February 1, 1824), was an Austrian musician and composer who lost her sight at an early age, and for whom Mozart may have written his Piano Concerto No. 18 in B-flat major.

Here is Sheku Kanneh-Mason performing at the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Windsor
"Sicilienne" by Maria Theresia von Paradis




Chic Assignment no. 2: Enjoy the poetry of Robert Frost



Robert Frost was born in San Francisco, but his family moved to Lawrence, Massachusetts, in 1884 following his father’s death. The move was actually a return, for Frost’s ancestors were originally New Englanders, and Frost became famous for his poetry’s engagement with New England locales, identities, and themes. Frost graduated from Lawrence High School, in 1892, as class poet (he also shared the honor of co-valedictorian with his wife-to-be Elinor White), and two years later, the New York Independent accepted his poem entitled “My Butterfly,” launching his status as a professional poet with a check for $15.00. Frost's first book was published around the age of 40, but he would go on to win a record four Pulitzer Prizes and become the most famous poet of his time, before his death at the age of 88. You can read more about Robert Frost from the Poetry Foundation.

Here is a great list of the 10 Best Robert Frost Poems Everyone Should Read



The Road Not Taken
BY ROBERT FROST
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.


As for books, check out The Poetry of Robert Frost: The Collected Poems Complete & Unabridged.
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Selected Poems of Robert Frost: Illustrated Edition
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Chic Assignment no. 3: Curate Your Seasonal Accessories As we head into fall, we are going to continue to switch out our capsule wardrobes. Let's also include accessories. Get intentional and thoughtful about what accessories you'd like to display this season: everything from boots to jewelry. I'll be doing many fall ten-item wardrobe videos on the channel for you to help you along the way.

Chic Assignment no. 4: Switch Out Your Seasonal Decor This is something you're likely doing anyway, whether you are rotating your throw blankets, or bringing in herbs from the garden to dry and preserve. I'll be doing a fall home decor video for you this month to get you in the mood for the upcoming season. Relish and enjoy the process.

Please note: My dress (new for fall!) is Draper James and my earrings are Ana Luisa use code Jennifer10 for $10 off.

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My Biggest Dressing Faux Pas

In today's video, I'm sharing the story of my biggest dressing faux pas. This story is the major catalyst for why I decided to finally live like I lived in Paris...



You might think that once I got back to America from Paris that I'd immediately jump into my new way of life. But actually it took me several years and much contemplation to decide to want to change and live more like Madame Chic. In today's video I share a story about a very embarrassing dressing faux pas and how it spurred me on to create my ten-item wardrobe and also admit that not only what we wear matters, but how we wear what we wear too.




I'm wearing jewelry pieces from Rachelyn Jewelry. Rachel Carns is a Daily Connoisseur and Madame Chic reader and is also an artisan jewelry maker.



She hand makes her beautiful, modern, dainty, gold-filled jewelry and sells it on her Etsy store. Rachel sent me these beautiful cracked glass and gold necklace and earring set. The earrings have a lovely flower detail. Use code Jennifer15 for 15% off your order. Also visit her on Instagram. We are running a giveaway over there so be sure to enter. Thank you, Rachel!

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Gorgeous Neutral Nails Fall 2019 Londontown | 9-free Nails | Modern Opulence

I look forward to unboxing Londontown's 9-free nail polish every season.



They are very thoughtful and always send me their newest shades and nail care products. This fall and winter, their Modern Opulence collection really surprised me: beautiful taupe and plum smoky neutrals that, I believe, would compliment every skin complexion.


Honeymoon This is a note-worthy, opaque nude


Crowning crumpet a sheer nude that is reminiscent of Barefoot in Barcelona.


Cashmere A plum color as luxurious as your favorite cashmere sweater.


Starstruck a silvery shimmer polish. I have one coat on my pinky and two coats on my other nails.


"9-Free" products do not contain: Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, TPHP, Acetone, Ethyl Tosylamide, Xylene, DBP, Toulene, Camphor
Vegan
Cruelty-Free
Made in the USA
Florium Complex Infused
Londontown polishes are certified by PETA!


Illuminating nail concealer A universally flattering iridescent brightener that protects from yellowing while adding a healthy brightness and illumination to the nail.

Also featured: soft touch nail scrub, gel genius base coat, gel genius top coat and accelerating drying oil.

Use code JenniferS for 25% off your order (first time orders). Thank you, Londontown for sending me your beautiful polishes! I hope you enjoy today's video. I would love to know, which shade is your favorite?




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The Homemaker's Biggest Obstacle

My Homemaker Series continues on The Daily Connoisseur. Today, I’m going to share with you the homemaker’s biggest obstacle.



In this series, I aim to explore the secret world of homemaking, its delightful aspect as well as the darker side to it. So far in the series I’ve revealed three enemies to homemaking, as well as the homemaker’s best friend.

Today we are going to reveal the homemaker’s biggest obstacle. How is an obstacle different than an enemy? Aren’t they the same things? Well, yes and no.

An obstacle is defined as a thing that blocks one's way or prevents or hinders progress.

An enemy is a thing that harms or weakens something else.

Today’s exploration is definitely an obstacle. It’s a beast that almost every homemaker deals with. Are you ready to find out what the Homemaker’s biggest obstacle is?

CLUTTER

Yes, the homemaker’s biggest obstacle is clutter. Let’s think about that definition again. A thing that blocks one’s way or prevents or hinders progress.

How many times have you wished to do something in your home, but got choked up by the clutter? Perhaps you have a hard time finding things, or you’d like to do a deep clean, or you’d like to finally get organized, but one look at all of that overwhelming clutter and you just fold. It’s too much.

CLUTTER: the biggest obstacle of homemakers.

Clearly, something needs to be done. There are many ways. There are many thought processes. There are many techniques. But ultimately, the clutter has to be dealt with. Systematically. I suggest timing yourself (Do you remember the homemaker’s best friend?) Give yourself a realistic amount of time to work with each and every day and, without fail, even if you do it at 8pm or midnight, address that clutter. Clear those hot spots and stagnant spaces.

I write about clutter in my Madame Chic books. Mainly because Madame Chic was an incredible anomaly as a homemaker. She never had clutter. I mean never. Did you fully grasp that? JAMAIS. Ha!

I lived with my French host family for 6 months and I never saw clutter. And no, Madame Chic didn’t follow KonMarie, or Sweedish Death cleaning or Flylady or any of the other trending systems (which, by the way, are all excellent systems that could greatly help you). She just did it.

Systematically go through your belongings and tidy them up. Get rid. Donate. Throw away. Don’t overly consume. Establish routines every day and make sure the whole family is involved. Clear that clutter. Because that clutter is the biggest obstacle you face as a homemaker. It’s what’s blocking you from blossoming truly.

Here’s a four-pronged approach to how Madame Chic dealt with clutter:
1. She dealt with her tasks and belongings immediately and never let anything collect where it shouldn’t be. In other words, she didn’t allow clutter to build up in the first place.

2. She did not over consume. She wasn’t constantly buying things to bring into the home. She was very selective. Those of you who follow my ten-item wardrobe will get this deeply.

3. The whole family was on board. Train your children young. Train them to pick up after themselves immediately. Never leave it. These habits are easier instilled when the child is young.

4. Take joy in the process. Don’t dread it. Be excited about what you will be able to accomplish now that this obstacle is out of your way.


Thank you for joining me for my Homemaker series. Be sure to share today's video with a friend who needs homemaking encouragement.

Featured in the video:

English Etiquette with Alena Kate Pettitt and Jennifer L. Scott

Today on The Daily Connoisseur, I'm interviewing the lovely Alena Kate Pettitt from The Darling Academy.



We chat about every from proper English teatime etiquette to the royals. We also discuss her new book, English Etiquette: The Motivation Behind the Manners.

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This is not another etiquette book detailing the antiquated, excruciating, and frankly confusing minefield of rules lauded by traditionalists. Let’s face it, many of us will never need to know which side a snail fork should be placed at the dinner table, nor are we likely to ‘take tea’ with the Queen. Yet we could all do with a little help in perfecting our manners, self-confidence, and social graces for everyday living.

English Etiquette details everything the English know about why etiquette matters, in a modern, understandable, and unpretentious way – while teaching you how to cultivate a traditional and charming countenance to rival any royal.

Covering topics such as gallantry and grace, common decency, lifestyle choices, the quintessential English wardrobe, and behaviour in the home, you will learn how to shoehorn a little English gentility from this practical field guide into your daily life.

So pull your socks up ladies and gentlemen, pour yourself a cup of tea, and join The Darling Academy as we return to a culture of good manners, civility, and chivalry the world is longing for.

A proper, polite, and graceful way of living is making a comeback. Long may it prevail.


I hope you enjoy today's interview!

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Ten-Item Wardrobe Look-Back Spring Summer 2019

The fourth Chic Assignment this month was to prepare your wardrobe for the upcoming season. Most people, when preparing for the season ahead, just skip to the fun part... the shopping! But it's critical with a thoughtful wardrobe, to first analyze your wardrobe from the most recent season so that you can learn from your mistakes and go forward with a clearer purpose regarding your true style.



Today, I'm analyzing my spring/summer capsule wardrobe. How did it perform? What did I love about it? What didn't work? How will I change going forward? These are all questions answered in today's video.

For links to every article of clothing mentioned, visit my original ten-item wardrobe blog .

Items not listed there, but mentioned here are my new Mott & Bow jeans, and the late summer jumpsuit,


Let's talk about the pro's from this season:

The Chic Assignment Check-in August 2019

*UPDATE*
Hello friends,

It is a very sad day in the YouTube community as fellow mother, homemaker, and YouTuber, Andrea Mills, has passed away. If you have ever been touched by Andrea's videos and her commitment to her family, please consider donating to the family's Go Fund Me. Any amount helps. She has left 9 precious children behind. Thank you for your consideration...


Welcome to The Chic Assignment check-in for August. I have really enjoyed hearing from you this month! Today's video is nice and long and takes its time as we delve into the various assignments.



Chic Assignment no. 1 Scott Joplin
Here are some interesting facts on Scott Joplin from Kid's Music Corner
He was the greatest composer of ‘ragtime’. In fact he is often called the ‘King of Ragtime’. (Ragtime is a mixture of Black American folk music and classical music. It is not quite jazz, but is certainly where a lot of the ideas for jazz came from.)

He made ragtime very popular. This made people ready to hear and write the jazz that came afterwards. It also set the scene for American popular music over the last century. Put simply, Scott Joplin has had a very big influence on jazz and popular music over the last 100 years.

Like classical music, Scott Joplin’s rags are written down exactly. They are pieces to be played as written on the piano. This is quite different from jazz, where it is normal for the musicians to make up some of the music as they play.

He became famous with his piece ‘Maple Leaf Rag’. This piece appeared in 1899. It sold over 75,000 copies in the first six months! The piece was named after the Maple Leaf Club where Scott Joplin used to play the piano.
His father had been a slave.

He was very lucky to learn music. Most Black American children around the time Scott Joplin was born would not have had this chance. His father certainly didn’t want him to learn music. However his mother was keen. And a kind local music teacher taught him for free.

He also composed two operas as well as some other classical music. Scott Joplin tried very hard to make these operas popular, but didn’t succeed. In the end he died very disappointed with the failure of his operas.

After Scott Joplin died, ragtime music was almost forgotten about as jazz became popular.

His music became popular again in the 1970s—especially when ‘The Entertainer’ was used in the 1973 film ‘The Sting’. His music has been popular ever since!

Chic Assignment no. 2 Frederick Childe Hassam

Discovering Childe Hassam has been such a joy for me this month. His paintings really speak to me. Here are some of the ones discussed in today's video:


The Room of Flowers, 1894


Bowl of Goldfish, 1912


Listening to the Orchard Oriole, 1902


The Terre-Cuite Tea Set, 1910


Street Scene, Christmas Morning, 1892


At the Grand Prix in Paris, 1887


The South Ledges, Appledore, 1913


The Avenue in the Rain, 1917

Chic Assignment no. 3 Letter Writing
When I recently uncovered my treasure trove of vintage Victoria Magazines, I also uncovered a box of old letters from my past. Letters from family and friends brought me back in time and it was so amazing to read these letters. I hope that letter-writing makes its way into your regular routine.

Chic Assignment no. 4 Prepare your wardrobe for the upcoming season
This week you will see my recap of the ten-item wardrobe from spring summer 2019. I have had many revelations about my wardrobe. With the ten-item wardrobe, you never stop learning. Truly!

The book I mention in the video is Introverted Mom by Jamie C. Martin

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Flipping Through Vintage Victoria Magazine | August 1994

I recently uncovered a treasure trove: a box of "vintage" Victoria Magazines from the mid-90s. Those of you who subscribe to Victoria will know what I'm talking about. Those issues were just pure gold for people with our Connoisseur sensibilities.



I loved flipping through Victoria Magazine as a teenager and looking at the stunning images, reading the poetry, and learning about new people and places that have all since become dear to my heart.

Uncovering these old issues brought back so many memories! I thought it would be fun to flip through an August issue from 1994, which was 25 years ago (can you believe that?). Join me for today's relaxing video as I flip through a vintage issue of Victoria. I'm seeing this one with you for the first time in 25 years.

I apologize because at some points in the video there is a glare on the page. I have learned a few things about filming the pages of a glossy magazine at night! Despite the filming issues, I thank you for joining me today and hope you enjoy the video.

Mentioned in the video: Victorian nightgowns. I love to wear these long, white Victorian nightgowns. They are my favorite gowns to wear at night.

If you are interested in subscribing to Victoria Magazine, click here.

My earrings are by Ana Luisa Jewelry Use code Jennifer10 for $10 off your order and here is a link to my velvet hair tie.

On my nails: Londontown Illuminating Nail Concealer Use code JenniferS for 25% off your first order.


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