Jennifer L. Scott's Blog, page 73

Get Ready with Me: Tired Mom Edition

As mothers, we all have one of those days. You know what I'm talking about... when you didn't get much sleep the night before, your back hurts, and your work load seems endless. Well, this is one of those days for me! But in true Daily Connoisseur style, I'm not letting that deter me. I find having a sense of humor is vital when you are feeling out of sorts. But what about when you need to get it together to attend something important? In that case, in addition to a sense of humor, all you need is 5 to 10 minutes :)

In this week's video, I show you how I get ready with a 5-minute makeup routine and quick hairstyle in order to look presentable for my daughter's back-to-school night.

I hope you enjoy this video! If you are unable to see the video above, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or visit my channel: www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur

Makeup used in this video:

CHANEL Perfection Lumiere Velvet foundation

Benefit Fake Up Under eye concealer[image error]

Benefit Boi-Ing concealer[image error]

Shiseido Shiseido Translucent Loose Powder[image error]

CHANEL crayon sourcils sculpting eyebrow pencil in brun[image error]

Urban Decay primer potion[image error]

Laura Mercier Eye Art Artists's Palette (I used the shade vanilla)[image error]

CHANEL kohl eyeliner in ambre

YSL faux cils mascara in burgundy

CHANEL Les Beiges healthy glow sheer color stick ( N°22)[image error]

Clinique Chubby Stick by Fuller Fig[image error]

News
Daily Connoisseur reader, Amy, sent me this photo of Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic in Poland. Thank you, Amy!

#MADAMECHIC in Poland! Thank you to reader, Amy, for sending me this photo ❤️

A photo posted by Jennifer L. Scott (@dailyconnoisseur) on Sep 20, 2016 at 9:21am PDT

Comment of the Week

Kathleen writes:

Hi Jennifer,

I would like to share about my night time routine. Growing up the only person in my family to have a night time routine was my father, and it simply consisted of setting up the automatic coffee maker so he'd have coffee to drink on his way to work. All of us would toss our clothes on the floor (my father had a valet stand) and climb into unmade beds when we got tired. I am married and have a toddler with another little one on the way now and I was so overwhelmed by life that a few months ago I started to implement a before bed routine for the first time in my life. I actually made it a check off list so that I could see when I succeeded in my calendar.

My list is as follows:
-Set the temperature and close the curtains.
-Put my child to bed.
-Make lunch for my husband.
-Empty the sink and start dishwasher.
-Take out the trash and recycle.
-Lay out tomorrow's clothes.
-Start a load of laundry.
-Brush teeth/wash face/put on pajamas.
-Drink a glass of water.

A couple of times over the last few weeks I have thought quietly to myself, "I'm not going to bother with the list tonight I'm tired." Only to say, "Well maybe I'll just do this before bed..." And next thing I know my one thing turns into the complete list!

Mornings run so much smoother when I've gotten ready for them the night before. My husband has had clean nice clothing for work since I started and hasn't had to run to Burger King for lunch. Additionally, I don't feel as if the day has conquered me before it's started.

~Kathleen

Dear Kathleen, your comment made me smile! One of the great things about running your own home is, you get to set your own routines. I do the same thing. Sometimes when I'm tired, I think I'll just do one thing... and then before you know it, it's all finished! Thank you for sharing your routine with us.

Mimianderly writes:

I have a set routine that I follow every morning in a specific order. It makes things so much easier, especially if I don't feel well or have slept poorly the night before. I can still get everything done, because I can accomplish my tasks on autopilot. A few of my "tasks" involve taking time for me while I can, like exercising, meditating, and getting dressed. I think it's important to ensure that your own needs are taken care of, too -- not only your family's.

One task that I no longer have to do is set out my clothes the night before. Since I implemented the 10 item wardrobe, I no longer stand in front of the closet wondering what to wear. I check the weather, reach in and pull out clothes that suit the conditions and what I'm doing that day, and no matter what I pick, I know that it will look good together and will be attractive.


Hi Mimianderly, yes! With the ten-item wardrobe you don't need to lay your clothes out the night before because it is so easy to choose what to wear the next morning, and you know you'll look presentable. Thank you for pointing this out!


This week I would love to know, do you ever have "one of those days"? How do you cope? Do you have any fun 'look presentable always' stories to tell us? Let me know in the comment section and your comment could be chosen as comment of the week on the blog.



FTC: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. All makeup used was purchased by me. Some links may be affiliate links.

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Morning & Night Routine with Baby? Reader Q&A

Our week of reader Q&A's conclude with today's question from Akila, who asks about my morning and nighttime routine with baby. I shot these videos in mid-August right before the children went to school, so I have had time to let my routine sink in. It is working well for us and we are now in a lovely rhythm. In the video, I mention I was experimenting with getting up at 6am with the baby, but that has shifted lately to 6:30am as every precious drop of sleep I get is needed! As I start to get more sleep, I will revert back to 6am.

Another change, since the girls have started school, is that I no longer need to work at night, as I did during the summer. I can get my work done during the day so my nights are free to read or watch a film. This demonstrates how routines with children will change with the seasons...


I hope you check out my video this week. If you are unable to see the video above, click here,look in the sidebar of this blog, or visit my channel: www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur

I always enjoy answering your questions, it's one of my favorite things to do on the blog! Especially because it opens up the discussion in the comment section and I love reading what you have to say. Thank you to everyone who submits questions to me. Hopefully yours will be answered in the next Q&A segment.

Mentioned in this week's video**:

Pamela Druckerman's Bringing Up Bebe

The devotional I read to my children at night: Our Daily Bread: 365 Meaningful Moments with God (We love reading a page from this book every night. It's become a meaningful tradition.)

Comments of the Week

Nadege writes:
Jennifer, I look forward to every single one of your videos. Funny story - I have a chronic illness, some days peeling myself from the bed takes a tremendous amount of work. Well, on Monday I woke up in a great deal of pain. So feeling quite sorry for myself, I decided that the day was lost and may as well be a slothfest. I went into my closet and reached for my clean yet threadbare and totally unpresentable sweats and t- shirt. Then it hit me like a lead ballon that after watching your closet tour, I had again reviewed my closet and THREW AWAY all items that would embarrass me . I cussed under my breath (so not chic) at my beautiful and tidy closet and pulled out a lovely dresses. In the spirit of the book "If you give a mouse a cookie", seeing how nice I looked in my dress, thought a little bit more effort ought to be made.

I fixed my hair, hmm, might as well fix my face (looking even more put together), said a prayer of gratitude and began my day feeling and looking much better.

Needless to say, making that effort to look respectable must have had a psychological affect on me. Though I was still experiencing pain, my mindset had changed and my spirit was lifted. To top it off, my neighbor decided to stop by without notices - yet I didn't have to pretend I wasn't home.

Working Messy Jobs Ten-Item Wardrobe Help Reader Q&A

Today I answer a question from Caleb (yes, men also watch The Daily Connoisseur!) :)

He works a job that requires him to get dirty and wants to know how that fits in the ten-item wardrobe world. I hope you'll check out my video this week because this topic applies to not only people with messy jobs, but also to people who work in the corporate world, or anyone who has to wear something "different" to work.

If you are unable to see the video above, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or visit my channel at www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur . Don't forget to give the video a thumbs up and subscribe to my channel. I appreciate your support!

News

Simply Emily is in love with the ten-item wardrobe concept and writes about Lessons from Madame Chic on her blog.

Comments of the Week

Godaifi writes:
Totally agree - the clothes feel like brand new when I pull out last season's wardrobe and I can't wait to wear them again :) I've follow your system since 2012 and this year I started to do the same with my 2 toddlers' wardrobes.

Hi Godaifi, it's nice that we can still get the "rush" from buying new clothes, when we simply pull out our wardrobe from last year. I'm glad the ten-item wardrobe has worked so well for you!

Luisa M writes:
So glad you're back! I discovered your channel a few weeks ago and you've been my best friend this summer. Honestly! I'm between jobs at the moment and me and my husband just moved to our first family home. So I'm spending a lot of time at home, on my own, sorting out our new home. I watch your videos over and over again, I just let them running in the background to keep me company. It's been such an inspiration. You've motivated me to get dressed everyday even if I don't have to. I say hello to all my neighbors. I take more pleasure (and pride) on everyday tasks. Life feels... better. I guess I just want to say thank you for your work :) Enjoy the rest of your break and congratulations on your baby boy!

Thank you so much, Luisa! I'm so happy that my YouTube channel has been a source of inspiration for you this summer.

Today, I'd love to hear about your ten-item wardrobe experience. Do you work at a job that requires a unique dress code? Let us know about your ten-item wardrobe experience below and you could be chosen as comment of the week on the blog!

See you on Friday, when I answer a question about routines. See you then!



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Chic in College? Reader Q&A

This is a special week on The Daily Connoisseur. There will be three blogposts and videos answering your questions, starting with today's question, which comes from Caroline, who asks about how to be chic in college.

What a perfect time to address this question as everyone heads back to school. I have a lot to say about college life. It's not exactly conducive to living elegantly! In addition to my advice on avoiding the pajamas-in-class trap, I give important advice on how not to succumb to peer pressure in college. I hope you check out my video and share this with anyone you care about who is entering college.

If you are unable to see the video above, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or visit my channel at www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur. Be sure to "like" this video and subscribe to my YouTube channel (it's free!). I appreciate your support!

News
Shamikia from Beauty Fold writes about her favorite parts of At Home With Madame Chic in her article called, Fashion and home life the French way.

Comments of the Week
Lillian writes:
Hi Jennifer, I just finished "Polish your Poise" this month. I have to say that some of your advice has really helped me lately. Recently I got into a political discussion with a family member I don't always agree with. I've really been taking your advice to heart, especially about not letting others affect your inner peace. Instead of getting defensive about my position, I maintained my cool and listened. Then when there was an opportunity for me to respond, I thoughtfully suggested my stance as an alternative way to look at the issue. The person still didn't agree with me, but I realized that was ok. Just because they didn't agree with me didn't mean my opinion was wrong. We both listened to each other, and the conversation and the rest of the evening was very pleasant.

This weekend my friend and I went shopping for some fall updates. When he found a shirt he liked, he went back to buy it in every color. I stopped him. After a little discussion, it was clear that the color he had instinctively grabbed to try on was the only one he actually liked. His strategy is usually to buy a lot of one thing he knows works for him (a useful strategy for someone who doesn't particularly like shopping). I suggested instead "What if you just wear this one a lot? This one will be your favorite anyway, you'll probably chose it over the others whenever you can, so just don't buy the others to begin with." He saw my reasoning. We'll see, but you might have another 10-item wardrobe convert soon!

Hi Lillian, I am so happy to hear that Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic helped you to keep your cool with your family member. During this heated political season we are inevitably going to come across people with strong and differing opinions to us. Keeping your poise will not only deliver your point more effectively, it will also help to keep the situation pleasant. I was also glad to hear of your friends' a-ha moment with the ten-item wardrobe concept. Well done!

Sissy826 writes:

Jennifer, just wanted you to know that you have really inspired me to focus on owning quality items and fewer of them. I am almost finished with my fall/winter capsule wardrobe (I live in Idaho, so it's a little more urgent for me. LOL!) for this year and I could not be happier with it. I feel I have upgraded my look and everything just goes together so nicely. I even took some time and found a pre-owned, but excellent condition, Coach bag for my wardrobe. Its not just clothes, either. For Mothers Day last spring I asked my family for a new, super awesome, gourmet pizza stone. My husband and adult kids all happily pitched in so it didn't strain anyone and I got something useful I really wanted. Tomorrow I am going to the doctor and running a few errands and will wear one of my new skirts, even though I know everyone will wonder what I am dressed up for. It feels so good not to just shlep around in jeans every day. Buy quality! Use our best! Keep spreading the word!

Hi Sissy, when you start to truly implement the look presentable always/ ten-item wardrobe/ high-quality clothing concepts from Lessons from Madame Chic, exciting changes happen in your life. I was so pleased to read about your experience. It truly is the small things!

Testimonial
Tawny C. writes:

I've been reading lessons from madame chic and I haven't been able to put it down! I love it so much, and I'm very glad I found your channel

Closet Tour 2016 Ten-Item Wardrobe

Today I have a closet tour for you. Come with me as I show you our walk-in closet and how I store my clothes. This is what a ten-item wardrobe looks like! Many will be relieved to see that there aren't just ten items in there. The extras are mixed in as well. You can see how I store my out-of-season clothes and extras (swim, scarves, etc.) and hopefully you can get inspired to organize your closet the Madame Chic way.



Here are some tips:

If you don't have a chest of drawers, use canvas bins to store your clothes. I get mine from Bed, Bath & Beyond. Place a cloth at the top of each out-of-season bin so your clothes don't attract dust.

Be sure to regularly go through your bins to make sure you aren't holding on to clothing or accessories that you never use or wear.

Make all of your hangers uniform. Get rid of wire hangers and invest in hangers that will treat your clothes well. This will also improve the visual appeal of your closet.

Use scented sachets for everything from your tee shirts to your undergarments. In this video, I show you ones that were gifted to me by a family friend from her company, The Linen Souk.

If possible, only hang up the clothes that are relevant to the season you are in. This will bring clarity on busy mornings when you are trying to figure out what to wear.

Regularly go through your closet to organize and assess. Enjoy your closet space and make it look like a chic boutique.

Check out this week's video to see my closet. If you are unable to see the video above, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or visit my channel (and don't forget to subscribe!) at www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur

News

Thank you to ballerina, Kathryn Morgan, for featuring my YouTube channel and books in her August Favorites video. If you don't know Kathryn, you will love her videos! She is a wonderful example of a poised lady. Thank you, Kathryn!




Also, Travelettes includes Lessons from Madame Chic in her article, 4 Books You Must Read Before Visiting Paris.

Comments of the Week
Bosendorfer32 writes:
This might be one of my favorite videos ever, Jennifer! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this! It is so refreshing to have someone be so upfront and honest with the struggles of dressing ourselves through the different stages of our lives, especially during pregnancy and nursing, when most women still have some weight to lose. I have had seven children myself and for some reason, I felt like I could only have a 10 item wardrobe when I was at my pre pregnancy weight. I was honestly so confused on how to implement it during the first few months of pregnancy, when regular clothes don't fit, and the first 4-6 months postpartum when very few of my clothes fit and feel like they should! I would usually end up buying several really cheap items to get me through, but the quality was poor and they made me feel worse and affected my self esteem. I hated feeling like that at such a joyful period in my and my family's lives! Now I know that especially for these times when are bodies are not as they usually are, to keep quality rather than quantity in mind, and it's ok to gave a 5 item wardrobe of beautiful and flattering clothes and to just keep an eye out for what you need and to not feel the pressure of having certain things right away(for instance a pair of jeans.) This week's video was so very helpful and I think I can speak for a lot of us when I say your candor and your beautiful but down to earth way of handling life is so refreshing. You look beautiful and congrats on your precious baby.

Thank you for your kind words! It's true, our bodies go through so many different phases that we need to stay centered and commit to dressing well, no matter what phase we are in. If that means paring down the wardrobe to a very small size, so be it! I love the feeling of peace I get from my small wardrobe. I love to share the ten-item wardrobe and see how it positively affects other people's lives.

Jo K writes:
Dear Jennifer,
I thought you might be interested in my recent experience with a limited wardrobe. I have just started a new job after many years of working from home and raising my children. My immediate instinct was to go shopping for new clothes – although my work environment is not very formal, I do need to look presentable. Financially, a shopping trip (or, more likely, a catalogue-shopping binge) was out of the question.

So, with you in mind, I did a thorough review of what I already had and found three serviceable dresses, two summer dresses that I’ve had for several years and another dress that I bought for a special occasion and have not worn since. With two cashmere cardigans, one of which I repaired, I have enough to be presentable five days a week. I have some tailored trousers for when the weather cools and I am on the lookout for a neutral skirt to mix and match.
Aside from the convenience of the limited options, some interesting things I have realised are:
New is not necessarily better. I have always thought that confidence came from new clothes. In fact, the same feeling can come from having my outfits well planned.

The two summer dresses were not favourites. In fact, one of them I did not like very much but being ‘forced’ to wear it has made me value and like it more.
There is a satisfaction that comes from ‘wearing up’ clothes, rather than adding new ones. It is like the feeling that comes from using up the last bits and pieces of food in the fridge at the end of the week.
Finally, when I do purchase new clothes for my work wardrobe in the future, I will have a clearer idea of what works best and what I really need.

Dear Jo K, thank you for sharing your experience with us. What I like most about your process, is that it was thoughtful, disciplined and not rushed. I am so happy you are taking satisfaction out of the ten-item wardrobe concept.

Testimonial

Sharon B. writes:
I picked up "At Home with..." from the library. Thank you so much for writing this book. It is beautifully written and exactly what I needed.

Sharon, thank you so much for your email. I am so happy that At Home With Madame Chic has brought you joy!


This week I would love to know what you thought of my closet tour. How do you organize your closet? How is your ten-item wardrobe coming along? Let me know and your comment could be chosen as a comment of the week on the blog.

See you soon!


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Ten-Item Wardrobe Prep Fall Winter 2016

Happy Labor Day! In this week's video, I am sharing my process of transitioning the ten-item wardrobe between seasons. I show you how I store my out of season clothes (in canvas bins from Bed, Bath & Beyond) and discuss my unique situation this year with the ten-item wardrobe. I hope you join me and that this video inspires you to organize your closet the ten-item wardrobe way.

If you are unable to see the video above, click here, look in the sidebar or visit my channel (and don't forget to subscribe!) at www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur

Be sure to tune in for next week's video where I give you a tour of my closet!

News
For my Japanese readers: I have a newly released DVD book in Japan that includes 18 original videos, all in Japanese, that I made just for you! This wonderful DVD is brought to you by the Young Corp. I hope you enjoy it!



Also, Deanne, from Smart Solutions for Busy People tries out the ten-item wardrobe. Have fun, Deanne!
Question of the Week

Hi Jennifer,
Congratulations on your new little boy!
I enjoyed your video about getting ready for the Coldplay concert. I loved your nail polish and am wondering if you would share the brand and color.
Thanks,
Frances

Thank you, Frances! The nail polish I wore in last week's Get Ready with Me video was Essie Mademoiselle.


Comment of the Week

Summer Smith writes:

Looks like you had a blast! I saw Coldplay in college when they were just getting big in the states, at a small theatre in Indianapolis. It was right when Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow started dating and he got her to very shyly poke her head out and say hi. It was a blast and I love the way he rocks out on the piano. No one does it quite like Chris does! I too cannot pick a favorite song of theirs because so many of their songs have good memories for me.

Hi Summer, that must have been so fun to see Coldplay in a small venue! Some of my favorite songs of theirs are Yellow, Lovers in Japan/ Reign of Love and A Sky Full of Stars. I love their whimsical lyrics.

This week I would love to know... are you prepping for your fall ten-item wardrobe? Are you having any trouble? (If so, leave me your concerns and I can address them in a question of the week segment.) Are you having any success? Let me know everything. See you next week for a closet tour!

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Get Ready With Me Coldplay Concert

Last weekend we saw Coldplay live at the Rose Bowl for their Head Full of Dreams tour. The tickets were a surprise gift from my husband. I was thrilled because I have loved Coldplay for so long... they are one of my very favorite bands. This was my first outing after having the baby, so it was nice to do something so out of the ordinary.

#datenight #coldplay ❤️

A photo posted by Jennifer L. Scott (@dailyconnoisseur) on Aug 20, 2016 at 11:14pm PDT

Get ready and come along to the concert with me in this week's video. I do my makeup, share my outfit and show you a bit of the concert! If you are unable to see the video above, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or visit my channel: www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur

Here is a list of all of the makeup I used:

Armani foundation primer (I used a sample packet of this... I like it!)

Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

Benefit Fake Up under eye concealer

Benefit Boing concealer

Shiseido translucent loose powder

Urban Decay eyeshadow primer

Urban Decay Naked eyeshadow palette

Mac eye shadow as eyebrow powder

YSL Faux Cils mascara in burgundy

MAC bronzer

CHANEL blush in rose bronze

MAC Mineralize skin finish highlighter in soft and gentle


Cailyn lip stain extreme matte tint in no. 17 Absolutist (this is a great lip tint that lasts all day)

** Please note: I ended up using my Louis Vuitton pochette as a purse because it is much smaller and compact. I wanted to be able to dance and not worry about my purse :)

News
My TEDx talk is featured on TED's website, in an article called, 6 talks on getting rid of stuff.

Comment of the Week

Maureen writes: I'm three weeks postpartum and just starting to feel like cooking again. This video couldn't be timed better! Thanks for reminding me of some simple, tasty homemade dinners. Planning this week's menus feels much less daunting now!

Congratulations on the birth of your baby, Maureen! I'm happy that my video last week has inspired you with your menu planning.


This week I would love to know... did you attend any concerts this summer? Who did you see? What did you wear? Do you love Coldplay? What's your favorite song of theirs? (I love too many... I can't pick just one!)

See you next week!

Jennifer xx


FTC: All makeup featured in this video was purchased by me. All opinions are my own.

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What's For Dinner? (One Week of Meals)

Hello, Daily Connoisseurs. I am back from my summer break! It feels wonderful to be back. I always miss the blog when I leave. We have had such a nice summer. We have thoroughly enjoyed our "staycation" at home with the baby. He is so snuggly and cuddly and delightful, I am enjoying every single moment with him.

My oldest daughter is back to school and we are back into our routine again. The baby is very happy to go along for the ride.

While I was away from the blog, I shot this video, showing you one week of dinners in our house. This is a typical week for us, full of many family favorites.

Here was the week's menu:

Sunday: Turkey meatloaf with mashed potatoes and broccolette

Monday: Pasta marinara, spinach avocado salad and bread rolls

Tuesday: Turkey and spinach tacos on corn tortillas with salsa and guacamole

Wednesday: Cottage Pie with steamed corn and tomato salad

Thursday: Rotisserie chicken with sautéed squash and spinach

Friday: Furikake salmon with brown rice and broccolette

Saturday: Chicken nuggets with mashed sweet yam and sweet corn

Be sure to check out this week's video to see all of the meals. If you are unable to see the video above, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or visit my channel (and be sure to subscribe!) at www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur

News
I am featured in the BBC's article called, Meet the people with almost nothing in their closets.

Comment of the Week

Jen M writes:
Hello Jennifer, It would be a year ago that I watched your Ted lecture on the 10 Item Wardrobe. I was fascinated and loved the idea, so I bought and read your first book, and have been working on incorporating so many elements that you present in my daily life since then! What a joy you are! I love your honesty and transparency in your weekly messages and feel each time like I am catching up with a dear friend! Thank you Jennifer for being a voice of common sense and elegance. I am looking forward to reading your other books and hope that your message of everyday beauty continues to spread!

Dear Jen, Thank you for your kind comment. I enjoy hearing from the people who find the ten-item wardrobe via the TEDx talk. Welcome to The Daily Connoisseur community!


I am so excited for this new season of The Daily Connoisseur. I have many videos coming up that I know you will enjoy.

I would love to know what your favorite family dinners are. Did you enjoy this video? Would you like to see more videos like this? Let me know in the comment section below. Also, if you have any requests for the upcoming season of The Daily Connoisseur, please leave them below as well.

See you soon!

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Baby Story + Summer Favorites

I hope you are having a lovely and relaxing summer. This past week we have seen scorching heat, not only in California, but what seems like all across America. There are terrible brush fires near Los Angeles and we are seeing the effect with darkened skies and ash all over our streets. I hope that everyone affected by the fires in California are safe and able to return to their homes soon.

Last week I celebrated my birthday. It was a quiet, happy celebration with my family. My husband, the children and I dined at one of my favorite French bistros in Culver City, Meet in Paris. I just love it there!

It's my birthday today and this little man has been the best gift ever. ❤️

A photo posted by Jennifer L. Scott (@dailyconnoisseur) on Jul 18, 2016 at 9:44am PDT

I will be taking a few weeks off from the blog, but before I do, in today's video I share the birth story of our son as well as some summer favorites.

If you are unable to see the video above, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or visit my YouTube channel (and don't forget to subscribe) at www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur

All of the favorites mentioned this summer fall into the entertainment category. Because I am nursing my baby, I have a lot of downtime and am able to read more, as well as catch up on some shows and YouTube channels that I love. Here are the favorites mentioned in this week's video:

Book:




Amy Snow by Tracy Rees. I did a giveaway for this book in June and, after reading it, am back to tell you how much I loved it! It was a page turner that I did not want to end. I highly recommend it.

TV Shows:



Hart to Hart on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries has given me such pleasure. It is a TV show from the early 80s starring Robert Wagner and Stefanie Powers. I love it, of course, for the mystery, but also for the nostalgia of how people used to dress well on a daily basis. A very high-class show, indeed!



Bringing Up Bates on UP TV. I have fallen in love with the Bates family, a large family living in Tennessee. A while back I read an online review from a reviewer who said she didn't want to like the show, but ended up loving it. It is a heartwarming show that is family-friendly.

Film:



Love & Friendship, directed by Whit Stillman, is an adaptation of Jane Austen's novella, Lady Susan. This movie is sharp, funny and a feast for the eyes. I loved it.

YouTube channels
I adore She's in Her Apron because Kimmy is funny, down-to-earth and endearing. Plus she is a great motivator for housework.

Kathryn Morgan is a former dancer for New York City Ballet and both of her YouTube channels are so fun to watch. If you want to see an elegant, poised and classy YouTuber, you must check out her channel.

If you watch either of these channels, please tell Kimmy and Kathryn that I said, "hello!"

News

I am featured on BBC in an article called, Meet the People with Almost Nothing in Their Closets.

Lessons from Madame Chic is featured on Glommable's article on Books for Unabashed Francophiles.

My TEDx talk on the Ten-Item Wardrobe has been featured in Apartment Therapy's article, Flirting with Minimalism or Downsizing.

Comment of the Week
There were many great comments on my recent Comparing Yourself To Other Women? Q&A. Here are two highlights...

The Wool Fairy writes:
Whenever I find myself feeling a bit down on myself compared to others I repeat this quote by Theodore Roosevelt, "Comparison is the thief of joy." It snaps me out of the funk quite quickly! It's a good one to keep top of mind. Thanks for another great video Jennifer!

Thank you, Wool Fairy. That is a great quote to remember.

Emma Knight Peel writes:
Comparison is the death of joy. I recently saw a quote that said, "Admire another's beauty without questioning your own." I love that! In the past, I've admired the beauty of other women and immediately tried to make myself look more like them. Now, I know what enhances my own beauty and what doesn't work, and I can admire someone else's qualities without trying to adopt them.

Hi Emma, I love the emphasis on admiration, rather than comparison. Thank you for sharing!

I would love to know what your summer favorites are. What are you reading and watching or loving this summer? Let us know in the comment section below.

I will be taking a few weeks off of the blog, as I do every summer. I will see you back, refreshed and renewed in August. See you soon!



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Comparing Yourself to Other Women? Reader Q&A

The final pre-recorded Q&A is up today. I have really enjoyed publishing this content and staying in touch with you, while still caring for our newborn baby. He is doing great, by the way!

Today's question comes from Georgina, who asks a question about comparing yourself to other women. I hope you check out my video to see my full response. If you are unable to see the video above, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or visit my channel: www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur

News
Thank you to the Polish readers for your wonderful reception of Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic!

Polish fashion and lifestyle writer, Kasia Tusk, reviews the third Madame Chic book on her excellent blog, Make Life Easier.

Here is some promotional artwork from the Polish publishers that discusses facebook etiquette, texting and staring at your smartphone.


Book News
Congratulations to my friends, Cliff Simon and Loren Stephens, on the publication of their book, Paris Nights: My Year at the Moulin Rouge. This book shares a behind the scenes look at the Moulin Rouge from a man's perspective.


Little did Cliff Simon know that a single phone call and a one-way ticket to Paris would ultimately change his life forever. Now the acclaimed television and film actor shares his journey from Johannesburg to the Moulin Rouge to Hollywood in his debut memoir, Paris Nights: My Year at the Moulin Rouge.
From a young age Cliff Simon knew he was headed towards big places. Having grown up as both a skilled gymnast and a competitive swimmer, performance was in his blood. But with the onset of Apartheid and the looming threat of war, he and his Jewish family soon retreated from Johannesburg, South Africa to the London countryside. Before he knew it, he joined the British swim team and was near Olympics-bound with a full-ride offer to a United States university. But something wasn't quite right. Instead, Cliff returned home and enlisted in the South African Air Force. Cliff's habit of impulsive risk-taking would continue but ultimately pave the foundation for an experience most of us would only dream of.
After he was honorably discharged, twenty-seven-year-old Cliff worked a series of odd jobs at a resort near the Indian Ocean until he received a phone call from an old friend inviting him to join him at the iconic Moulin Rouge. Here begins the story of Cliff's meteoric rise at the Moulin from swing dancer to principal in the glamour filled show, Formidable; his offstage encounters with street thugs and diamond smugglers; and the long nights filled with after parties and his pick of gorgeous women. Encounter the magic, the mayhem, and the glory that was and still is the Moulin Rouge.

Congratulations, Cliff and Loren!

Testimony

Diane writes:

Hello Jennifer, It would be a year ago that I watched your Ted lecture on the 10 Item Wardrobe. I was fascinated and loved the idea, so I bought and read your first book, and have been working on incorporating so many elements that you present in my daily life since then! What a joy you are! I love your honesty and transparency in your weekly messages and feel each time like I am catching up with a dear friend! Thank you Jennifer for being a voice of common sense and elegance. I am looking forward to reading your other books and hope that your message of everyday beauty continues to spread!

Dear Diane, Thank you for your lovely testimony! I am happy to hear that the books and blog have impacted your life in such a positive way. I love my readers and feel that you are all dear friends as well. Have a wonderful week.

This week I would love to know your thoughts on comparing yourself to other women. Do you struggle with this? Do you have daughters, friends or family members who struggle with this? Let us know your opinions in the comment section below and your comment could be chosen as comment of the week!



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