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At Home with Madame Chic: Becoming a Connoisseur of Daily Life
Approach life at home the Madame Chic way: a beautiful, illustrated toolbox of tips and ideas for organizing, entertaining, and savoring a stylish life.
When she arrived at Madame Chic’s Parisian apartment as a foreign exchange student, Jennifer Scott was a casual California girl who thought sweatpants were appropriate street attire. Madame Chic took Jennifer under her wing and tutored her in the secrets of how the French elevate the little things in life to the art of living.
Years later, Jennifer was back in California with a husband, two young daughters, a dog, and her first home. Every day she confronted mundane duties like folding laundry and unloading the dishwasher, and she began to think about Madame Chic’s home—how the breakfast table was set beautifully the night before, the music that always played in the background, the calm of Madame and Monsieur Chic’s ritual cocktail hour together. Jennifer wanted that life. She decided to see what would happen if she didn’t perform her chores impatiently or mindlessly, if, instead, she could live like Madame Chic.
At Home with Madame Chic reveals the secrets to having a happy, fulfilling, and passionate life at home. Jennifer explains the morning send-off need not be chaotic, it’s possible to look stylish with minimal time and effort, a little forethought makes it possible to serve a home-cooked dinner every night, and details like music and scented candles can set the tone for the whole family’s evening. Organized by the pleasures that can be found throughout the day, this charming, helpful book is full of ideas, playlists, recipes, beauty routines, and advice that can turn an irritating day into an enjoyable experience.
When she arrived at Madame Chic’s Parisian apartment as a foreign exchange student, Jennifer Scott was a casual California girl who thought sweatpants were appropriate street attire. Madame Chic took Jennifer under her wing and tutored her in the secrets of how the French elevate the little things in life to the art of living.
Years later, Jennifer was back in California with a husband, two young daughters, a dog, and her first home. Every day she confronted mundane duties like folding laundry and unloading the dishwasher, and she began to think about Madame Chic’s home—how the breakfast table was set beautifully the night before, the music that always played in the background, the calm of Madame and Monsieur Chic’s ritual cocktail hour together. Jennifer wanted that life. She decided to see what would happen if she didn’t perform her chores impatiently or mindlessly, if, instead, she could live like Madame Chic.
At Home with Madame Chic reveals the secrets to having a happy, fulfilling, and passionate life at home. Jennifer explains the morning send-off need not be chaotic, it’s possible to look stylish with minimal time and effort, a little forethought makes it possible to serve a home-cooked dinner every night, and details like music and scented candles can set the tone for the whole family’s evening. Organized by the pleasures that can be found throughout the day, this charming, helpful book is full of ideas, playlists, recipes, beauty routines, and advice that can turn an irritating day into an enjoyable experience.
285 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2014
About the author
Jennifer L. Scott
8 books483 followersJennifer L. Scott is the New York Times bestselling author of Lessons from Madame Chic, At Home with Madame Chic and Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic (Simon & Schuster), Mademoiselle Chic (Daiwa Shobo), and Connoisseur Kids (Chronicle Books). She is also the creator of the blog and YouTube channel, The Daily Connoisseur, where she explores the fine art of living. Jennifer has been featured on CNN, BBC, and CBS News, and in The New York Times, Vanity Fair, USA Today, Newsweek, and The Daily Mail. She and her husband, Ben, have four children and they divide their time between Southern California and the English countryside. Learn more at www.jenniferlscott.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 342 reviews
March 25, 2015
Back in the '60s, the newspaper had "women's" pages, with Erma Bombeck columns, receipes, Hints from Heloise, coupons, etc. Everyone bought a weekly copy of Family Circle or Women's Day, and had a subscription to Good Housekeeping and McCalls.
This book reminded me of those days because it has a little bit of everything to embrace--dare I say it?--being a housewife. Scott encourages us to enjoy the moment of cleaning, organizing, cooking and arranging. Let's face it, the men aren't EVER going to look at the curtains and say, "you know, Saturday I'm just going to wash and iron them, look at the dust!"
Hey, that's a good reason to write a book.
But Scott keeps throwing in memories of a Madam Chic and I just don't get it. There's no je ne sais quoi about being organized and efficient. When the house is in order, bills paid, food available, clothes cleaned, etc of course le Madam will be relaxed (or uses her "free time" for huge gardens, quilting, volunteering, canning, taking care of older relations, etc.) Before Scott there was the Fly Lady and then the Sidetracked Sisters and before that Heloise. Doing chores on a weekly rotation isn't new. "This is how we wash the clothes, all on a Monday morning," as the nursery song goes.
The writing style's fine. I don't know why she put in pages of different types of tea or her beauty routine (really? Directions on how to give yourself a manicure?). It seemed like she was stretching the page count on small pages. I'll give her credit because she did have a diagram of folding towels, which I wish The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing would have done. Many of us in Northern Virginia live in townhouses as Scott does, but we don't refer to them as apartments.
What was new to me was the 10-item wardrobe, but she must have covered that in her previous book.
This book reminded me of those days because it has a little bit of everything to embrace--dare I say it?--being a housewife. Scott encourages us to enjoy the moment of cleaning, organizing, cooking and arranging. Let's face it, the men aren't EVER going to look at the curtains and say, "you know, Saturday I'm just going to wash and iron them, look at the dust!"
Hey, that's a good reason to write a book.
But Scott keeps throwing in memories of a Madam Chic and I just don't get it. There's no je ne sais quoi about being organized and efficient. When the house is in order, bills paid, food available, clothes cleaned, etc of course le Madam will be relaxed (or uses her "free time" for huge gardens, quilting, volunteering, canning, taking care of older relations, etc.) Before Scott there was the Fly Lady and then the Sidetracked Sisters and before that Heloise. Doing chores on a weekly rotation isn't new. "This is how we wash the clothes, all on a Monday morning," as the nursery song goes.
The writing style's fine. I don't know why she put in pages of different types of tea or her beauty routine (really? Directions on how to give yourself a manicure?). It seemed like she was stretching the page count on small pages. I'll give her credit because she did have a diagram of folding towels, which I wish The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing would have done. Many of us in Northern Virginia live in townhouses as Scott does, but we don't refer to them as apartments.
What was new to me was the 10-item wardrobe, but she must have covered that in her previous book.
October 8, 2014
We’ve all seen those women. You know the ones I’m talking about. The ones who seem to have it ALL together without trying. They have that – oh, what do the French call it? Je ne c’est quoi – that certain something. When it comes right down to it, it’s an inner peace and I’m not going all New Age on you. To take it a step further it’s called biens dans sa peau, or in English, they’re comfortable in their own skin. In one word, they’re chic – they have an air of mystery about them. And remember, not all chic people are rich, and not all rich people are chic.
Imagine if you too could have that certain something or be comfortable in your own skin. Maybe you’re lucky and you already are, congratulations. I’m sure I’m accurate when I say most of us aren’t. Jennifer Scott, best known for her hugely popular blog the daily connoisseur has packaged all the tips you need to create your own signature style and elevate your life into a chic existence in her latest book AT HOME WITH MADAME CHIC (SimonandSchuster).
It’s a fun read and a lot of what Jennifer writes you’ve read before, but you need to stop and injest. In order to enjoy our lives, we have to slow down, look around and fall in love with our homes and lives again. Jennifer helps us on the journey to finding fulfillment in the routine and ordinary. You need to be a willing participant. Personally, I’ve checked my attitude at the at the door and replaced it with gratitude, just like Miss Scott suggests in the big book.
All of this follows on the heels of her previously successful tome LESSONS FROM MADAME CHIC: 20 Stylish Secrets I Learned While Living In Paris. Oh, to be in Paris.
Thanks to http://www.netgalley.com and Simon and Schuster for providing a kindle copy for an honest review. Check out http://www.dailyconnoisseur.blogspot.com for all things Jennifer. And check out my blog http://www.writeoncindy.wordpress.com
Imagine if you too could have that certain something or be comfortable in your own skin. Maybe you’re lucky and you already are, congratulations. I’m sure I’m accurate when I say most of us aren’t. Jennifer Scott, best known for her hugely popular blog the daily connoisseur has packaged all the tips you need to create your own signature style and elevate your life into a chic existence in her latest book AT HOME WITH MADAME CHIC (SimonandSchuster).
It’s a fun read and a lot of what Jennifer writes you’ve read before, but you need to stop and injest. In order to enjoy our lives, we have to slow down, look around and fall in love with our homes and lives again. Jennifer helps us on the journey to finding fulfillment in the routine and ordinary. You need to be a willing participant. Personally, I’ve checked my attitude at the at the door and replaced it with gratitude, just like Miss Scott suggests in the big book.
All of this follows on the heels of her previously successful tome LESSONS FROM MADAME CHIC: 20 Stylish Secrets I Learned While Living In Paris. Oh, to be in Paris.
Thanks to http://www.netgalley.com and Simon and Schuster for providing a kindle copy for an honest review. Check out http://www.dailyconnoisseur.blogspot.com for all things Jennifer. And check out my blog http://www.writeoncindy.wordpress.com
July 14, 2015
I find Jennifer's blog to be very charming and enjoyed her first book, but I did not like this at all. I'm sad to leave a negative review as I'm sure she has a true passion for her subject matter, but this book is lacking almost entirely in content and character. Her enthusiasm for French living comes across very cliché this go-round and she just seems to be grasping at straws in her attempt to connect with readers. This felt like a shallow and half-hearted effort.
January 3, 2016
This is the second book I've read in this series and I was not disappointed. I enjoy the author's vision of life and her advice is easy to follow if that is the lifestyle you are looking for. It is filled with tools to make daily life a journey not a day to forget. It is possible to slow down a touch, without losing that crazed forward momentum we all feel the need to hold on to. I found that after incorporating a few of her simple techniques I did have a better day, a better outlook. I listened to different music, invited friends to tea, I took time to feel better about my appearance even when I wasn't going out. Honestly I thought some of her ideas were off base but I gave it a go anyway and some really did alter my day. I felt more at peace, relaxed and less worried about outside opinions.
Is it for everyone ? Of course not, but there may be something in here that makes one part of life less of a chore for each of us. There is a fair amount on the parenting of younger children, which I am past. She is going through this herself and added her "ah ha" moments to the pages.
I am glad I read it. I enjoyed her outlook and her observations.
Is it for everyone ? Of course not, but there may be something in here that makes one part of life less of a chore for each of us. There is a fair amount on the parenting of younger children, which I am past. She is going through this herself and added her "ah ha" moments to the pages.
I am glad I read it. I enjoyed her outlook and her observations.
January 15, 2016
At first, this seemed like it would be a light, fun read. But, after that first section, it turned into a book of I’m-Ms-Perfect-so-do what-I-do book, which grew increasingly less and less fun.
Not only is the book supposed to be about her French “mom” from her time as an exchange student but is about her instead; it also has exceptionally cryptic descriptions of how to do things (like your hair--choose one of these few styles so you can be chic, like me) that I actually know how to do, but was absolutely confounded by the description; even though I had bought the hardcover book, there were no pictures to help. Then there’s a list of music to listen to at breakfast. Not, these are examples of things I like, but listen-to-this-so-you-can-have-happy-children; if you don’t, your children will be miserable. Oh, and I can't forget to mention that, by the way, every chic makeup application involves liquid foundation, under eye concealer, spot concealer, which need to be set with powder! Seriously? I'm supposed to take a woman's advice on how to eat well and what is good for my skin when she needs to wear four different types of concealer on her skin? How is the "natural" look achieved with all that makeup? Who wears face powder anymore? A healthy glow is much more attractive and chic, if you ask me. I don’t know if I’m going to be able to finish this book.
This book appears to be a sequel to another book, which was written based on her blog which is based on her trip to France. There are a bunch of references to things written in her first book. References which read like remember-when-this-happened-in-my-first-book? I believe a blog about these things could be amusing, but not this “do this!” style book. I’m not a fan.
I gave the book to goodwill.
Not only is the book supposed to be about her French “mom” from her time as an exchange student but is about her instead; it also has exceptionally cryptic descriptions of how to do things (like your hair--choose one of these few styles so you can be chic, like me) that I actually know how to do, but was absolutely confounded by the description; even though I had bought the hardcover book, there were no pictures to help. Then there’s a list of music to listen to at breakfast. Not, these are examples of things I like, but listen-to-this-so-you-can-have-happy-children; if you don’t, your children will be miserable. Oh, and I can't forget to mention that, by the way, every chic makeup application involves liquid foundation, under eye concealer, spot concealer, which need to be set with powder! Seriously? I'm supposed to take a woman's advice on how to eat well and what is good for my skin when she needs to wear four different types of concealer on her skin? How is the "natural" look achieved with all that makeup? Who wears face powder anymore? A healthy glow is much more attractive and chic, if you ask me. I don’t know if I’m going to be able to finish this book.
This book appears to be a sequel to another book, which was written based on her blog which is based on her trip to France. There are a bunch of references to things written in her first book. References which read like remember-when-this-happened-in-my-first-book? I believe a blog about these things could be amusing, but not this “do this!” style book. I’m not a fan.
I gave the book to goodwill.
November 16, 2015
Her first book was great. I somehow liked this one a little better. Maybe it's because I'm in my first year of being a SAHM and feel that much of what she says is such a help in all aspects of the home. I love how she organizes her day according to morning, afternoon and night. I also really appreciate her music recommendations for each part of the day and I am in the midst of listening to the ones I can find at the library. It helps me stay motivated. It also breaks everything down into a manageable amount. I tend to try and do too much at once and then get completely overwhelmed. She has already helped me with that and I feel better and with less guilt hanging around my shoulders, and the house looks better to boot!
October 1, 2014
I loved this book! While not all of the suggestions apply to my lifestyle, the thinking behind them -- simplifying, appreciating time and beauty and people, experiencing life -- are universal. I think the book definitely will be more useful for women who stay at home, but there are tips included for working moms and most tips can apply to women who work in an office setting. In addition to some great entertaining ideas and some basic recipes, the book includes suggested routines to help you accomplish more as well as tips for organizing and beautifying your home. This book is on my gift list for a few women I know, and I'll be purchasing a copy for myself.
November 24, 2014
One star because zero isn't an option. This is literally one of the worst books I have ever read. I am so baffled by some of the glowing reviews this book got here on Goodreads. Jennifer Scott says precisely nothing here. She talks about being "chic" and thinks that her time as an au pair in Paris qualifies her to be a lifestyle expert. Puh-lease. She writes that women should listen to their bodies and take time out of their busy days to relax. No shit, Sherlock. The whole book is drivel like this. Grrrr. Ridiculous. So basically the lesson is slap a cute illustration on the cover and put a few words in French in the title and people will fall for it. Non merci.
October 21, 2014
A bit too preachy since the author's life experience has not extended beyond parenting a preschooler. Not a complete waste of time, as she gives lists of french and classical & other music to try. Maybe I am just not the target audience. Also, the title is misleading. There is very little about "Madame Chic", she is mentioned a few times. I thought I had it all together when my children were 2 and 4 and then real life hit. You have a lot more control of your daily life when your children are still at home all of the time. She will learn.
July 15, 2016
I decided about a third of the way through that I don't really care about a "chic" home. Or choosing a signature drink. Or which of the 10 hairdo ideas to choose (apparently, assuming all readers have long enough hair to pull up). Or if I have a small hair on my chest (gasp!). Or if I am perfectly groomed and devoid of cat hair before I leave the house. Or the idea that embracing one's "femininity" means putting on a dress and lipstick and fancy hair and perfume...for a regular day (at home, of course, as a good example for the children).
October 10, 2014
Lovely book with good intentions but clearly emphasized youth and young women with families. I found nothing in it particularly different or noteworthy. It was basically rehashed information from the author's blog and quite a boring read. I was very surprised the author got the go-ahead for publication.
January 27, 2015
Within this genre, I found this book not terribly inspiring. Don't get me wrong, it's not bad and would probably make a nice gift, but the author lost me when she described warm water with lemon as "loosening the toxins" in your body.
The idea that we are full of "toxins" is misleading and fear-inducing (though lucrative for "cleanse" sellers) for reasons too numerous to list here. Suffice it to say, your liver and kidneys exist for a reason, as do the lymphatic, digestive and circulatory systems that keep everything moving.
Also, if you don't have kids, at least 25% of this book will be of no use to you. On the upside, you'll be able to happily flip past the pages about things like scraping Play-Doh off your floors.
The idea that we are full of "toxins" is misleading and fear-inducing (though lucrative for "cleanse" sellers) for reasons too numerous to list here. Suffice it to say, your liver and kidneys exist for a reason, as do the lymphatic, digestive and circulatory systems that keep everything moving.
Also, if you don't have kids, at least 25% of this book will be of no use to you. On the upside, you'll be able to happily flip past the pages about things like scraping Play-Doh off your floors.
April 1, 2022
On rereading: giving it tentative two stars - I might use some of the ideas now that's my outlook has changed a little. Will come back and share how it went.
***
On first reading: The author does for stay at home mums everywhere what teachers who say they work even up to ONE HOUR a day after classes do to teachers who do their work right - that is, not much good. Don't read that before you become a SAHM - it may give you a completely unrealistic vision of the lifestyle.
A nice toolbox of pleasant ideas - hard to implement when you're a SAHM, impossible if you're a working mother.
***
On first reading: The author does for stay at home mums everywhere what teachers who say they work even up to ONE HOUR a day after classes do to teachers who do their work right - that is, not much good. Don't read that before you become a SAHM - it may give you a completely unrealistic vision of the lifestyle.
A nice toolbox of pleasant ideas - hard to implement when you're a SAHM, impossible if you're a working mother.
October 21, 2014
I loved Jennifer Scott's first book, Lessons from Madame Chic, and this book didn't disappoint. I especially appreciate the music suggestions and easy recipes. Ultimately the message of the book is about being present to all the seemingly insignificant moments of the day, and using those moments to live passionately.
June 2, 2021
Imagine grown-up Fancy Nancy telling you how to be domestic and that pretty much sums this book up.
I liked it because I like books of this genre and I like thinking about ways to make my home beautiful and my daily routines effortless and life-giving, but Scott really doesn't add anything new to the genre here. There are many better gurus out there for the topics she covers--cleaning routines, style, daily routines/organization, home decor/entertaining, etc. There were a couple of things she mentioned that, while not *new* ideas are new ones to my routines that I will try to incorporate. I would not recommend this to someone who is just starting out with this kind of stuff. Scott is woefully lacking in actually telling the reader HOW to do anything. She just tells you that you should do it. And enjoy it. Then all of a sudden you will have je ne sais quoi in your life and be tres chic! Oooh la la, as Fancy Nancy would say.
What I found slightly absurd was the organization of this book. It is divided into morning, afternoon, and evening and addresses the routines and elements of each part of the day--which was fine. But within each section she jumps from one thing to another without any connection. For example, in the afternoon section, she has a very serious few pages talking about budgeting and paying your bills on time. In a very big-sistery way she tells you to pay all your bills for a month and then voila! it will be a habit and you will never be late on a bill again (again, actually telling you how to do anything is not a strength here). But then, right after that on the next page without explanation, the heading is "Afternoon Tea" and there is an illustration of a tea pot and, I kid you not, 5 1/2 pages listing out different kinds of teas! What the what? Why are we going from a very serious talk about overcoming the anxiety of money by paying bills on time into telling me the difference between black tea, rooibos, chai, etc.? For five pages?? Before ever actually saying anything about afternoon tea? That was ridiculous.
I liked it because I like books of this genre and I like thinking about ways to make my home beautiful and my daily routines effortless and life-giving, but Scott really doesn't add anything new to the genre here. There are many better gurus out there for the topics she covers--cleaning routines, style, daily routines/organization, home decor/entertaining, etc. There were a couple of things she mentioned that, while not *new* ideas are new ones to my routines that I will try to incorporate. I would not recommend this to someone who is just starting out with this kind of stuff. Scott is woefully lacking in actually telling the reader HOW to do anything. She just tells you that you should do it. And enjoy it. Then all of a sudden you will have je ne sais quoi in your life and be tres chic! Oooh la la, as Fancy Nancy would say.
What I found slightly absurd was the organization of this book. It is divided into morning, afternoon, and evening and addresses the routines and elements of each part of the day--which was fine. But within each section she jumps from one thing to another without any connection. For example, in the afternoon section, she has a very serious few pages talking about budgeting and paying your bills on time. In a very big-sistery way she tells you to pay all your bills for a month and then voila! it will be a habit and you will never be late on a bill again (again, actually telling you how to do anything is not a strength here). But then, right after that on the next page without explanation, the heading is "Afternoon Tea" and there is an illustration of a tea pot and, I kid you not, 5 1/2 pages listing out different kinds of teas! What the what? Why are we going from a very serious talk about overcoming the anxiety of money by paying bills on time into telling me the difference between black tea, rooibos, chai, etc.? For five pages?? Before ever actually saying anything about afternoon tea? That was ridiculous.
March 12, 2020
When a good friend of mine gave me this book as a gift, I have to admit, I questioned whether she really grasped what my life is like. I’ll be honest, I’m not one of those people who really worries about cleaning the house. It’s not that I live in filth, but I don’t feel bothered by a small amount of clutter, especially if it is kid-generated (toys, etc). But this book made me wish I was one of those people who truly devotes time to being tidy. This book managed to get me actually (a little) excited about cleaning the house. The tips on decluttering the hot spots were particularly useful for my lifestyle.
On page 125 the author mentions something very timely for the current day. The tip is regarding processing the daily news while trying to stay informed of current events. We all have the potential to get sucked in, and this is some good advice on how to handle the negativity and sometimes plain-old manipulation present in today’s news media. I know many people who need to read this advice. I also know many people who already follow it, and their wisdom is to be admired. “If a situation is upsetting you and causing you to live in fear, take a few deep breaths and bring yourself to the present moment. Right in this very moment, you are okay. If you can do something today to help the situation, do it. If not, try to send the situation love and move on with your day.”
Beyond the ideas presented in the book, I simply love the design of the book - it just looks beautiful and the layout is exquisite.
Even though I’ve already tried and abandoned her method of folding towels, there is something for everyone to learn in this book. A good, tip-filled read!
On page 125 the author mentions something very timely for the current day. The tip is regarding processing the daily news while trying to stay informed of current events. We all have the potential to get sucked in, and this is some good advice on how to handle the negativity and sometimes plain-old manipulation present in today’s news media. I know many people who need to read this advice. I also know many people who already follow it, and their wisdom is to be admired. “If a situation is upsetting you and causing you to live in fear, take a few deep breaths and bring yourself to the present moment. Right in this very moment, you are okay. If you can do something today to help the situation, do it. If not, try to send the situation love and move on with your day.”
Beyond the ideas presented in the book, I simply love the design of the book - it just looks beautiful and the layout is exquisite.
Even though I’ve already tried and abandoned her method of folding towels, there is something for everyone to learn in this book. A good, tip-filled read!
July 27, 2022
I have enjoyed reading each of Jennifer Scott's Madame Chic books, which feature tips for living well, finding joy in the mundane, and adding extra class to what you do (particularly if you are a SAHM). Several of her suggestions are ones I have either incorporated or concur with, such as listening to music to make tasks more fun, choosing clothing and home decor to suit you rather than just following trends, and delegating tasks to make home life more manageable. That being said, there are a few elements of Scott's self-help books that do not sit well with me:
-She claims you can cultivate joy and beauty for practically free, but then she will explain all the pleasures she derives from her material possessions (some or many of which would be unaffordable for most people). Although there is nothing wrong with enjoying what you can afford, I found some of her descriptions of how to improve self-care routines to be borderlined materialistic.
-Her book ends with basically saying, "Now that you know how to be chic, everyone else will want to be like you, too." This should not be the emphasis. If she had focused more on how the work we have to do has been given to us as part of our vocations, then fulfilling those tasks before us is gratifying in and of itself...not just to impress our friends and neighbors.
-She claims you can cultivate joy and beauty for practically free, but then she will explain all the pleasures she derives from her material possessions (some or many of which would be unaffordable for most people). Although there is nothing wrong with enjoying what you can afford, I found some of her descriptions of how to improve self-care routines to be borderlined materialistic.
-Her book ends with basically saying, "Now that you know how to be chic, everyone else will want to be like you, too." This should not be the emphasis. If she had focused more on how the work we have to do has been given to us as part of our vocations, then fulfilling those tasks before us is gratifying in and of itself...not just to impress our friends and neighbors.
September 19, 2020
I am not familiar with the author's previous book, nor her blog, but saw the book reviewed by a fellow book blogger and felt like it could be something I enjoy since I typically enjoy anything relating to French living. As a young adult, Jennifer spent some time in Paris as an exchange student. She was hosted by a woman whom she has come to call Madame Chic, whose effortless style, grace, and fabulously put-together home were an inspiration for the casual Californian. Now as an adult with a husband and children of her own, she aspires to instill the idea of 'chic' and 'je ne sai quoi' into her daily living, specifically in the day-to-day workings in the home. These two French terms are repeatedly used since they define the aesthetic and lifestyle Jennifer is all about, but it got a bit nauseating to hear them over and over again. In Jennifer's version of their translation, they both reflect having that elusive something that sets one apart and causes people to turn their head and think, wow, she's got her life together. It's an inner peace from being confident in who you are and what you are about as well as having a clean and inviting home. After explaining this in a few chapters, she spends the rest of the book going through a typical day with routines, tips, and habits that can help a woman become more chic at home. She divides this portion into chapters on Pleasures of the Morning, Pleasures of the Afternoon, and Pleasures of the Evening. There were a ton of suggestions, some of which seemed unpractical and undesirable for my own life (the idea of a capsule wardrobe is lost on me; I love having variety and spontaneity to my wardrobe. To each their own, but I am sure it saves time for some, but it actually brings joy for me to find something different everyday). Maybe a quarter of her suggestions were ones that I have already implemented into my own life without reading this book (meal planning, weekly cleaning schedule, using scented candles and music to set the tone in the home), and maybe around another quarter of the suggestions were ones I felt I could try out in the coming weeks and months (such as finding new up-do hairstyles to freshen my look, 15-Minute Tidy at the end of the day to clean and declutter, and to be aware of hot spots where things typically accumulate). All in all, I appreciated the practical suggestions, but wasn't keen on the idea that doing all, or even some, of these things will truly bring me inner peace, joy, and contentment. I think too much stock was placed on these circumstances. Coming from a Christian faith, I believe joy, peace, and contentment are derived from a deeper source than having the right outfit and a clean, well-managed-home (though these things have merit and can help out a lot!). And I scoffed at her comments on eagerly looking forward to mundane tasks like unloading the dishwasher and opening the mail. I definitely agree that we shouldn't complain and whine about things that should be done around the house, but I also don't think I will ever be that "chic" that I will be anticipating sorting through junk mail and bills with relish! Her über bubbly personality and outlook were a tad much for me in this stage of life when I am trying to wedge in me-time, housecleaning, organizing, and running errands during short nap windows and late nights after my little guy is asleep. I ignored some of her zen-like mantras and repetitive chic, chic, chic, and instead tried to brainstorm how I could incorporate some of her routines into my life. Nothing life-changing for me, but definitely some practical things that might streamline some aspects of my home routine.
July 16, 2019
Cuốn này nằm trong series sách về Madame Chic mà bên Bloombooks đã phát hành, trong đó thì em này là cuốn thứ hai được xuất bản tại Việt Nam.
Làm thế nào để tận hưởng những khoảnh khắc thường ngày, những công việc nhà chúng ta thường ngại ngần làm cho xong? Hãy cùng đọc cuốn này nhá 🐳
Với tớ thì em nó thực sự là một trong những cuốn sách phù hợp để đọc sau cả ngày dài đi làm, người mệt mệt, mắt hơi díp lại vì buồn ngủ, nhưng vẫn muốn đọc một cái gì đó cho không phí hoài thời gian buổi tối. Và em nó cũng là một trong những cuốn sách khiến tớ cảm thấy dễ chịu vô cùng bởi cảm giác thư thái khi đọc, và chắc chắn sẽ là một cuốn tớ cầm lên mỗi khi muốn thư giãn.
Trong cuốn này có rất nhiều phần thú vị, như là một lịch trình dọn dẹp cho người đi làm (ví dụ như giặt đồ trước khi đi làm để rồi trở về nhà khi quần áo của chúng ta đã thơm tho và sẵn sàng để được cất đi), hay cách để xóa tan sự bừa bộn của căn nhà bằng cách giữ những điểm ‘nóng’ được sạch sẽ. Tác giả cũng chia sẻ về cách để tận hưởng các bữa ăn trong ngày, với sự chuẩn bị không tốn quá nhiều thời gian, kèm theo những công thức làm bánh, những list nhạc cho mỗi ngày êm ả hơn.
Có một phần tớ rất thích, đó là đoạn tác giả chia sẻ về trà chiều, trong đó tác giả giới thiệu các loại trà phổ biến cùng buổi trà chiều với những món ăn nhẹ cùng bè bạn, hay chỉ là tách trà nóng bên một cuốn sách hay. Thật sự là chỉ đọc thôi cũng thấy dễ chịu rồi huhu. Mọi thứ không hề khó áp dụng đâu, dù bạn làm việc tại nhà, tại văn phòng, hay là một bà nội trợ, đều có thể tìm được phần phù hợp với bản thân mình đó.
Nói chung lại thì đây là một cuốn rất nên đọc nếu anh em muốn đọc những trang viết nhẹ nhàng về cách để tận hưởng những khoảnh khắc đời thường một cách tối đa và thư thái nhất đó, tớ thì rất thích cuốn này và đã thêm em nó vào kệ my-fav-of-all-time trên goodreads rồi.
Làm thế nào để tận hưởng những khoảnh khắc thường ngày, những công việc nhà chúng ta thường ngại ngần làm cho xong? Hãy cùng đọc cuốn này nhá 🐳
Với tớ thì em nó thực sự là một trong những cuốn sách phù hợp để đọc sau cả ngày dài đi làm, người mệt mệt, mắt hơi díp lại vì buồn ngủ, nhưng vẫn muốn đọc một cái gì đó cho không phí hoài thời gian buổi tối. Và em nó cũng là một trong những cuốn sách khiến tớ cảm thấy dễ chịu vô cùng bởi cảm giác thư thái khi đọc, và chắc chắn sẽ là một cuốn tớ cầm lên mỗi khi muốn thư giãn.
Trong cuốn này có rất nhiều phần thú vị, như là một lịch trình dọn dẹp cho người đi làm (ví dụ như giặt đồ trước khi đi làm để rồi trở về nhà khi quần áo của chúng ta đã thơm tho và sẵn sàng để được cất đi), hay cách để xóa tan sự bừa bộn của căn nhà bằng cách giữ những điểm ‘nóng’ được sạch sẽ. Tác giả cũng chia sẻ về cách để tận hưởng các bữa ăn trong ngày, với sự chuẩn bị không tốn quá nhiều thời gian, kèm theo những công thức làm bánh, những list nhạc cho mỗi ngày êm ả hơn.
Có một phần tớ rất thích, đó là đoạn tác giả chia sẻ về trà chiều, trong đó tác giả giới thiệu các loại trà phổ biến cùng buổi trà chiều với những món ăn nhẹ cùng bè bạn, hay chỉ là tách trà nóng bên một cuốn sách hay. Thật sự là chỉ đọc thôi cũng thấy dễ chịu rồi huhu. Mọi thứ không hề khó áp dụng đâu, dù bạn làm việc tại nhà, tại văn phòng, hay là một bà nội trợ, đều có thể tìm được phần phù hợp với bản thân mình đó.
Nói chung lại thì đây là một cuốn rất nên đọc nếu anh em muốn đọc những trang viết nhẹ nhàng về cách để tận hưởng những khoảnh khắc đời thường một cách tối đa và thư thái nhất đó, tớ thì rất thích cuốn này và đã thêm em nó vào kệ my-fav-of-all-time trên goodreads rồi.
February 25, 2019
Đọc cuốn sách vào những ngày đầu năm Kỷ Hợi, cảm thấy quá tuyệt vời. Đây là một trong những cuốn sách truyền cảm hứng nhất cho mình để thay đổi và tạo lập lối sống Thanh lịch.
3 điều mình nhớ nhất, đó là: Sống trong từng phút giây hiện tại là như thế nào (Enjoy the present), Bình An nội tại dù hoàn cảnh ra sao, Lắng nghe cơ thể, cảm xúc (Thiền) và chăm sóc bản thân.
Quá nhiều tips dễ thương, thiết thực và thực sự thanh lịch cho bất cứ cô gái nào muốn trở nên thanh lịch, đúng như tựa sách.
Phải cám ơn Sách Chuyền Tay (FB page là Sách Chuyền Tay- Books in the city) vì nhờ bạn đọc nào đó tặng team cuốn này mà mình mới biết đến và enjoy việc đọc bạn ấy khủng khiếp luôn. Mình tin là cuốn sách sẽ còn theo mình trên hành trình dài sắp tới.
3 điều mình nhớ nhất, đó là: Sống trong từng phút giây hiện tại là như thế nào (Enjoy the present), Bình An nội tại dù hoàn cảnh ra sao, Lắng nghe cơ thể, cảm xúc (Thiền) và chăm sóc bản thân.
Quá nhiều tips dễ thương, thiết thực và thực sự thanh lịch cho bất cứ cô gái nào muốn trở nên thanh lịch, đúng như tựa sách.
Phải cám ơn Sách Chuyền Tay (FB page là Sách Chuyền Tay- Books in the city) vì nhờ bạn đọc nào đó tặng team cuốn này mà mình mới biết đến và enjoy việc đọc bạn ấy khủng khiếp luôn. Mình tin là cuốn sách sẽ còn theo mình trên hành trình dài sắp tới.
January 24, 2016
"Becoming a Stepford Wife" might be a better alternate subtitle for this book. I'd hoped for chic French tips on how to create a better living space for myself. I didn't need at-home manicure tips or advice on how to vacuum in my silk blouse.
Don't get me wrong -- I enjoy elevating the mundane to the special and I advocate looking your best to feel your best. I just found very few tips in here that didn't apply to a 40ish white woman, a middle class housewife, living in the US suburbs with her husband and 2.4 kids. If you equate "chic" with "zen" and simply want to learn how to make life smooth while you keep both your home and yourself looking well groomed, this is your book.
Don't get me wrong -- I enjoy elevating the mundane to the special and I advocate looking your best to feel your best. I just found very few tips in here that didn't apply to a 40ish white woman, a middle class housewife, living in the US suburbs with her husband and 2.4 kids. If you equate "chic" with "zen" and simply want to learn how to make life smooth while you keep both your home and yourself looking well groomed, this is your book.
January 20, 2015
I want to be charitable, but wow, what a stupid book. If the premise was like the first Madame Chic book, it might have been okay, but the author just gave us a rundown of her own California lifestyle, with the usual lifestyle tips and tricks thrown in: here's a fruit salad recipe, and here's how to fold towels. And a recipe for green smoothies? Not that I know a ton of Europeans, but I highly doubt Madame Chic blends up a green smoothie in the morning.
September 3, 2015
Perhaps geared more toward the stay-at-home or work-from-home mom, this little book is filled with a number of good ideas to incorporate joy into daily living. From how to get the day off to a good start to winding down at night, you will feel a desire to become more je ne sais quoi and relish more peace in your life as you put into practice suggested routines and calming practices.
December 7, 2014
Good things to keep in mind, but obviously this is mostly advice for stay-at-home parents with extra money.
July 22, 2017
I got nothing out of this book. It was just a hodgepodge of the same dopey advice you get from women's magazines. Nothing new, interesting or inspiring.
June 4, 2017
This is the second book that I’ve read by her and all I can say is that her books are pretty and inspiring. Much of it is common sense, but the tips are wonderful in reminding us to find joy in tasks that often become mundane. The more that I read by her, the more I like her.
Some of my favorite quotes:
“This is not a race. The destination is not important. It is in the journey where all of the critical steps are taken. So enjoy this, my friend. Because life is meant to be celebrated. All of it.”
“You may think that being chic has nothing to do with the most insignificant and mundane moments of the day. Moments like preparing your meals, emptying the dishwasher, and paying bills. But the secret is: those moments aren’t insignificant. Au contraire. They are very significant. That’s right—if you can change your attitude about making the pasta sauce, choosing your clothes for the day, folding the laundry, setting the table, or dealing with the incoming mail, you can completely change your life.”
Some of my favorite quotes:
“This is not a race. The destination is not important. It is in the journey where all of the critical steps are taken. So enjoy this, my friend. Because life is meant to be celebrated. All of it.”
“You may think that being chic has nothing to do with the most insignificant and mundane moments of the day. Moments like preparing your meals, emptying the dishwasher, and paying bills. But the secret is: those moments aren’t insignificant. Au contraire. They are very significant. That’s right—if you can change your attitude about making the pasta sauce, choosing your clothes for the day, folding the laundry, setting the table, or dealing with the incoming mail, you can completely change your life.”
April 21, 2021
Rather than spending a lot of time and energy "fixing" everything in your life, find joy in the way out is right now. It sounds so simple, which is frustrating because we think we can just achieve it like a snap of the fingers. This book gives insight and practical tips on how to be a poised woman (she knows her audience) at home and to be joyful even among chaos.
She wants you to find your own style, something to keep in mind if you don't feel a connection with her own. I'm slightly more casual than her, but I've been implementing some of the more formal ideas (getting dressed in more than workout clothes, having tea time and doing a quick tidy everyday) and it makes me feel far better than I could imagine. It all works together to help me keep my patience with my kids, too.
I listened to the audiobook, so I don't know if I could give it a full five stars. If I was reading it, it might take longer to read than I could manage while still gaining the benefits. The audiobook allowed me to listen while I was doing the aforementioned tidying up.
She wants you to find your own style, something to keep in mind if you don't feel a connection with her own. I'm slightly more casual than her, but I've been implementing some of the more formal ideas (getting dressed in more than workout clothes, having tea time and doing a quick tidy everyday) and it makes me feel far better than I could imagine. It all works together to help me keep my patience with my kids, too.
I listened to the audiobook, so I don't know if I could give it a full five stars. If I was reading it, it might take longer to read than I could manage while still gaining the benefits. The audiobook allowed me to listen while I was doing the aforementioned tidying up.
April 17, 2020
Mình ôm cuốn này chắc khoảng từ đầu năm nay rồi ấy, không nhớ từ ngày nào luôn. Đợt đấy mua cùng Lagom và Hygge và bắt đầu thích tìm hiểu về lifestyle; mà từ cái hồi còn trẻ đang say mê tìm đường đi du học có đọc về nước Pháp và quyển này nên mê luôn từ đó tới giờ.
Cơ mà đọc rồi thì mình lại hơi hẫng, tại vì mình nghĩ "at home" ở đây rất chi là đơn giản: ở nhà. Nếu bạn giống như mình, muốn tìm cách để chill và tận hưởng cuộc sống không nhàm chán ở nhà mà vẫn thanh lịch, thì quyển này hơi xa hơn như thế, kiểu quán xuyến gia đình và chồng con đuề huề nhiều hơn.
Thế nhưng mà ở một góc độ nào đấy, có rất nhiều thứ và nhiều giá trị cốt lõi mình có thể học được từ đây và ngay bây giờ. Cách trân trọng và yêu thương bản thân mọi lúc, thiền và tìm bình yên từ nội tại, hay sắp xếp cuộc sống gọn gàng ngăn nắp là những thứ mình nên luyện tập và biến nó thành thói quen từ hiện tại.
Nói chứ sau này thành mẹ bỉm sữa chắc mình sẽ đọc lại.
Cơ mà đọc rồi thì mình lại hơi hẫng, tại vì mình nghĩ "at home" ở đây rất chi là đơn giản: ở nhà. Nếu bạn giống như mình, muốn tìm cách để chill và tận hưởng cuộc sống không nhàm chán ở nhà mà vẫn thanh lịch, thì quyển này hơi xa hơn như thế, kiểu quán xuyến gia đình và chồng con đuề huề nhiều hơn.
Thế nhưng mà ở một góc độ nào đấy, có rất nhiều thứ và nhiều giá trị cốt lõi mình có thể học được từ đây và ngay bây giờ. Cách trân trọng và yêu thương bản thân mọi lúc, thiền và tìm bình yên từ nội tại, hay sắp xếp cuộc sống gọn gàng ngăn nắp là những thứ mình nên luyện tập và biến nó thành thói quen từ hiện tại.
Nói chứ sau này thành mẹ bỉm sữa chắc mình sẽ đọc lại.
March 5, 2023
This was a sweet, short inspiring read. I don't think I would have enjoyed it much if I had not already watched several of Jennifer Scott's YouTube videos. She is a lovely and encouraging voice on the homemaking world. There were many practical takeaways from this book. I love the challenge to tidy up for 15 minutes a day in a messy/disorganized area of your home. I enjoy her outlook of making things of beauty in your home and approaching the mundane with appreciation and dedication. Many helpful ideas all spoken with kindness and positivity.
January 29, 2023
I enjoyed this one much better than the first madam chic book. This was more about being intentional in your life, in all the daily mundane tasks that make up a life. It had cute playlists for different times of the day, recipes for food and drinks, and even tips on cleaning solutions. There were tips I would leave and others I would take… she did inspire me to take 10 minutes to clean out a couple spots in my house that were cluttered and I feel great to have those spots tidied up!
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