I know for the last few weeks I have been raving about my favorite author Jennifer L. Scott and her book At Home with Madame Chic. I just love both of her books! I found an interview on Youtube of Jennifer and it is a perfect introduction to her and her books. Enjoy the interview!!!
I love having friends and family over whenever we can all find the time. Everyone is just so busy these days. I like to have a stress~free way to entertain friends. While reading At Home with Madame Chic the author Jennifer L. Scott gave ways to create a simple brunch that can appear to be bountiful. Here are some ideas:
* A bowl full of enticing bagels (lay a cloth in the bowl before adding the bagels and allow the edges of the cloth to hang over the side of the bowl).
* A pretty platter with artfully arranged sliced tomatoes, capers, sliced red onions, and lox.
* A little dish with cream cheese and a unique serving knife.
* A bowl of fruit salad
* A savory breakfast casserole
* Croissants or pain au chocolat
* Quiche (caramelized onion, spinach, broccoli or whatever your favorite is)
* Assorted salads
* Sparkling water
* Juice
* A signature brunch cocktail like mango mimosas (sparkling wine with a splash of mango juice)
* Assortment of teas & coffee
Cleaning our homes is something that has to be done. There is no other way unless you can hire someone to do it for you. I don’t have that luxury and I do enjoy cleaning so it doesn’t really bother me. But for those of you who hate cleaning, there are tips you can try to help you get it done. Of course, these tips are from the glorious book At Home with Madame Chic. I have just devoured this book over the last several weeks. It is just fantastic!!! Below are some tips from Jennifer about things you can do to motivate yourself into cleaning.
I love cleaning my home! I know that may sound weird but I do enjoy it. I posted a blog entry about Home-keeping with a Pet in April (see here) if you missed it. I have my own cleaning schedule and it helps me keep my home in order. While reading At Home with Madame Chic, author Jennifer L. Scott gave a sample cleaning schedule. I love cleaning schedules! Now you don’t have to create the same schedule but this list just gives you an idea of what a cleaning schedule for your home could be. Below is the list and also a video from Ms. Nikki. Enjoy!!!
Monday: Laundry (darks, and dedicates), dust, vacuum, mop floors, empty all trash
Tuesday: Laundry (whites and towels), ironing, bathrooms
Wednesday: Dust, vacuum, wash windows, change children’s sheets
Thursday: Kitchen detail cleaning, empty all trash
Friday: Change master bedroom sheets, dust, vacuum
I recently watched this video below from the Daily Connoisseur about how to fold a towel. I thought it was great!!! Check it out!
I have been continuing my reading in At Home with Madame Chic by Jennifer L. Scott. Today I want to give a list from Jennifer on tips for working women. We are all working women whether you are a stay-at-home mom or you have a career. Most women today are working. I just loved these tips from Jennifer and I thought they were very helpful.
Getting Ready:
1: Pack your briefcase and tote the night before. While you’re there, make sure to clear out any clutter, such as old receipts, tissues, loose change.
2: In the evening, lay out your clothes you will wear the following day (I do this every night), right down the corresponding accessories, so you are not pulling out the contents of your lingerie drawer to search for the right shade of tights in the morning rush. I know a chic working woman who keeps her stockings in separate bags according to color so she’s not trying to figure out which is blue and which is black in the dim morning light. This would come in handy if you forgot to lay your clothes out the night before.
3: Plan what you are going to have for breakfast the night before and set out any necessary ingredients (keep the refrigerated food together, set dry ingredients on the counter-top). Blend your morning smoothie drink and keep it in the fridge ready for the next morning. Set the timer on your coffee machine so you awaken to the fresh aroma of your favorite brew.
4: I still advocate sitting down to eat breakfast, but on those mornings which you are running late for the train, you can always put that smoothie in a to-go cup or thermos.
5: If you are taking the kids to daycare on the way to work, make sure everything is packed. Layout their clothes for the day, keep the sunscreen accessible, and pack any snacks and water bottles that might be needed, Keep this all by the front door so you don’t forget anything.
Well, 2014 has been an interesting year for me. This has been my first year as a blogger. It is still new to me and I am still learning about what to share and what not to share. But I have enjoyed it very much. A few of my friends have told me that they really love reading my entries every week and the support has been just wonderful.
Thank you all for reading my blog! I am not as fancy as the others but I want my blog to be “my own”. I want to be faithful to who I am and not try to be something else. So with that being said here are my most popular posts from 2014!
1. 100 Ways to be Elegant
2. Looking Presentable at Home
3. Afternoon Tea Etiquette
4. The Peony Garden
5. Blue and White Dinnerware
6. Small Details Around the Home
7. Naming Your Home
8. Chic Affirmations