4.16

3

Mar 23, 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 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.



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4

Oct 08, 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, 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
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2

Jan 23, 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.

4

Dec 30, 2015

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 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. ...more

5

Oct 01, 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 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. ...more

2

Oct 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 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. ...more

5

Oct 06, 2014

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 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!

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1

Aug 27, 2015

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 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. ...more

1

Nov 23, 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 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. ...more

5

Oct 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.

1

Oct 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.

4

May 26, 2015

I am a college student. I found myself really enjoying this book! One doesn't get an opportunity to learn much about cultivating a home. This book was refreshing, in how it taught how valuable it is, and the ways one can make their house or dorm a home. This book gave a lot of great advice, and I highly recommend it.

2

Jul 14, 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 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). ...more

4

Aug 19, 2014

As a serious Francophile, I take any opportunity to study French women and their lifestyles and try to apply them to my life. They seem to have it all together and I admire that. I stumbled across the author's YouTube channel when searching for French lifestyle tips and from there devoured every video she put out. I borrowed her first book, Lessons from Madame Chic , from the Library, and loved it. I plan to purchase a copy of that to keep at home. I adore Jennifer's style. I am old enough to be As a serious Francophile, I take any opportunity to study French women and their lifestyles and try to apply them to my life. They seem to have it all together and I admire that. I stumbled across the author's YouTube channel when searching for French lifestyle tips and from there devoured every video she put out. I borrowed her first book, Lessons from Madame Chic , from the Library, and loved it. I plan to purchase a copy of that to keep at home. I adore Jennifer's style. I am old enough to be her mother...well, maybe a much older sister lol, and yet have learned so much from her.

In this second book by Jennifer L Scott, she expands on Lessons From Madame Chic, and gives us tips and tricks to make our home life chic. If you are a fan of the first book , you will love this one as well. I really enjoyed it. There was a section on the book on de-cluttering your home, which was the only section in the book I found zero interest in, because my home is the castle of minimalism and de-clutter...I've already got that one down, so I skipped that part. However, if you suffer from too much clutter, you will find it helpful. I also skipped the parts that had to do with little children, since my son is now an adult.

As for the remainder of the book...fabulous. I really resonated with everything she talked about and plan to apply every tip in the book that I don't already apply in my daily life. I loved the recipes, and my favorite part of the book was the music recommendations. It was a refreshing , positive read and I recommend it to anyone who is looking to add more Chic to their lives. I look forward to more from this author.

6/19/15
A re-read. Have reference this book many times since initial read but read it all the way through again today. Love love love this book and look forward to more books from this author.
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2

Aug 05, 2014

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 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. ...more

2

Jul 19, 2015

On rereading: giving it tentative two stars - I might use some of the ideas mów that's muly outlook has changed a little. Will come back and shareware 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 On rereading: giving it tentative two stars - I might use some of the ideas mów that's muly outlook has changed a little. Will come back and shareware 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. ...more

4

Sep 02, 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.

3

Dec 02, 2014

Good things to keep in mind, but obviously this is mostly advice for stay-at-home parents with extra money.

4

Jun 04, 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.” 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.”
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4

Jun 29, 2018

Enjoyable book about cultivating inner peace (well, it touches on it, talks about it) and being happy with who you are - while making positive changes you might want to make.

5

Jan 10, 2019

Love all of the Madame Chic books but this is my favorite in the series.

4

May 20, 2016

Where do I begin? When I first starting reading this book, I was reading from the perspective of "this is ridiculous" and "who really has the time for this". But as I read through each page, I started to see ways in which I could adapt my life in a similar fashion and baby steps do count! You will not have an over night transformation and go from a chaotic crazy household to a chic Parisian perfect home just with the snap of your fingers like Miss Mary Poppins.

When this "how to" book begins, Where do I begin? When I first starting reading this book, I was reading from the perspective of "this is ridiculous" and "who really has the time for this". But as I read through each page, I started to see ways in which I could adapt my life in a similar fashion and baby steps do count! You will not have an over night transformation and go from a chaotic crazy household to a chic Parisian perfect home just with the snap of your fingers like Miss Mary Poppins.

When this "how to" book begins, Jennifer was an exchange student visiting Paris from California, as we all know, California has that cool laid back vibe! So imagine what Madame Chic must have thought when this girl walks in with a messy bun and a pair of sweats and claims this is "street chic" in the US! I would pay to see her face!

As you read more, Jennifer takes us to current day California where she resides with her children and her husband. Madame Chic had such a profound impact on her back in the day and Jennifer is trying to uphold many of those principles in her current daily routine. We truly all could use a little "chic" boost to our lives to live each day to the fullest!

When I look at some of the "tips" and tricks from my perspective I can see this that would truly help me in every day living! Here are a few things I can really relate and emulate:

Set aside ME time

Dress up even when just working from home (no sweats and jammies here)

New approaches to helping children tidy up the house

Set aside 15 mins. to clean up and not get overwelmed

Meditation is key throughout the day



These are just a few takeaways I had - there are so many more! Read this book today and you will see ways in which you can live Parisian Chic in your own home!

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3

Jun 12, 2016

I picked up the audiobook from the local library. It was well read and an overall enjoyable listen on evening walks. Jennifer included a lot of advice and very specific details from her own life on how she embellished "must-dos" throughout her day to make the mundane feel more luxurious.
However, I felt there was very little mentioned that was unique.

A dive into my particular woes: When the book opened with a description of how negative feelings towards the mundane responsibilities of adulthood I picked up the audiobook from the local library. It was well read and an overall enjoyable listen on evening walks. Jennifer included a lot of advice and very specific details from her own life on how she embellished "must-dos" throughout her day to make the mundane feel more luxurious.
However, I felt there was very little mentioned that was unique.

A dive into my particular woes: When the book opened with a description of how negative feelings towards the mundane responsibilities of adulthood really suck the "chic" from life, I was spurred into excitement! Finally, someone who understood just how I felt. I could barely wait to discover her solution. Sadly, the advice was overly simplistic and rather obvious: change your perspective on all the things that cause irritation because you would rather not be doing them. But exactly how do I do that? There was no real "how" for the hard problems. Perhaps for the hope was following the suggestions would become the "how." As if opening the windows in the morning while doing the dishes would somehow make doing the dishes pleasant. I would've preferred a deep dissection of the thought process behind acceptance of the responsibilities and chores of being a grownup.

Warning: Listening to how to do makeup and achieve certain hairdos does not translate well to an audiobook. ...more

3

Jan 24, 2016

Book #1 was better... and truly was about Madame Chic. In this book it seems like Scott herself has become Madame Chic. I don't think there's a lot here that isn't common sense... but maybe that's the beauty and necessity of this book: it's not common sense any longer!

The one thing I really appreciated about Scott was her ability to embrace the role of "housewife" and "mother" - two titles that our current society tends to look down upon these days, but which are so important. I appreciate that Book #1 was better... and truly was about Madame Chic. In this book it seems like Scott herself has become Madame Chic. I don't think there's a lot here that isn't common sense... but maybe that's the beauty and necessity of this book: it's not common sense any longer!

The one thing I really appreciated about Scott was her ability to embrace the role of "housewife" and "mother" - two titles that our current society tends to look down upon these days, but which are so important. I appreciate that Scott didn't feel the need to apologize for being what she was: a housewife. She stood up for the role, and more power to her! Even though she IS a bestselling author, that barely comes up because she seems more concerned with providing her daughters with a home full of memories. I loved that.

There were a few good (and timely, for me) reminders included, like actually walking away from the computer for lunch and eating it at the table, and just doing the boring chores (like emptying the dishwasher) because you'll feel better. Overall, it's not a bad little book if you need some encouraging reminders, but Paris doesn't factor into this book like it did the first one. ...more

2

Jan 06, 2015

I like the premise of being a "connoisseur of your own life" and taking genuine pleasure in all those routines that you need to do anyway to keep house and care for yourself, instead of cursing that time or wishing it away. I like the idea of finding a zenlike peace in something as simple as painting a shelf or washing a dish. I like the idea of using your best china and wearing your best clothes all the time, because every day is a special day! However, the more I read this book, the less it I like the premise of being a "connoisseur of your own life" and taking genuine pleasure in all those routines that you need to do anyway to keep house and care for yourself, instead of cursing that time or wishing it away. I like the idea of finding a zenlike peace in something as simple as painting a shelf or washing a dish. I like the idea of using your best china and wearing your best clothes all the time, because every day is a special day! However, the more I read this book, the less it felt like an inspiring call to action to grab life by the teacup handle and bask in the pleasure of the life you have worked for and set up to suit yourself, after all; and more like a stepfordy handbook to learning to find tranquil complacency in the endless toil and drudgery that is your natural lot as a wife and mother. ...more