Parenting Pointers: Tips from Madame Chic

Disclosure: I received complimentary products to facilitate this post. All opinions are my own. 

AT HOME WITH MADAME CHIC is an illustrated, gift-sized treasure trove of chic secrets in which author Jennifer L. Scott reveals Parisian strategies that elevate every aspect of daily life. From how to host the perfect Thanksgiving feast, to crafting a balanced and relaxing schedule for your children, to designing a chic and beautiful home office, Jennifer explains her simple practices with infectious energy. 

It was a great book, with lots of good advice. It's perfect for anyone who wants a little bit of style without a ton of effort or expense. It really is worth it to take things up a notch just a little bit, and in this book and on her YouTube channel here she has a lot worth listening to. I had a chance to interview her to learn more.

1. Why did you decide to write this book?

 

We as a culture have become so distracted with things that are not worthy of our time, that we no longer make our home life a priority.

Living with Madame Chic, I witnessed first hand how an orderly home and a positive perspective can set you up for success and happiness in the outside world. I wanted to inspire people with AT HOME WITH MADAME CHIC to cultivate simple pleasures at home, to get our focus back on track and to get people to approach their domestic life with enthusiasm again. The changes people make from reading this book might seem small, but ultimately act together as a catalyst for readers to lead a much more fulfilling and purpose-filled life.

 

2. What is one way that women can simplify their wardrobe to save money and still be stylish?

 

The best way for women to simplify their wardrobe is to clear out all of the clutter. Most women have way too many clothes — clothes they never wear for one reason or another, yet they hesitate to get rid of them. These extra outfits cause style confusion, create dilemmas in the morning when deciding what to wear and unveils a pattern of shopping that ultimately wastes money. I write about the ten-item wardrobe and anyone interested in cultivating one must first get rid of a large portion of their clothes. Once you do this, you are able to hone in on your true style, assess your shopping habits and save for high-quality clothes that are perfectly "you".

 

3. Many mothers make goals to spend more family time. Can you share some tips to make preparation for regular family meals easier?

 

I highly recommend sitting down once a week to plan the week's menu.

Write down any food that needs to be purchased and have it ready. Take a day at the beginning of the week and do preparation for future meals. Make the mashed potatoes for tomorrow's Shepherd's pie, for example, while you're cooking this evening's dinner. If you are at the stove already, you might as well make good use of your time. Then when tomorrow comes you will have much of your work done for you already. I also recommend having a "capsule wardrobe" of recipes that you have perfected and that your family love. You will become known for these old favorites and will be able to make them with ease.