Book review: At Home with Madame Chic

I was lucky to receive a copy of At Home with Madame Chic. I have admired the author, Jennifer Scott, since her first book Lessons with Madame Chic and through her insightful blog posts and videos.

Her books are about living your life the best you can by presenting yourself, home and family well, celebrating everyday life and making the absolute most of what we have. 

One of my favorite quotes in this book is in reference to morning madness and learning to slow down, enjoy life:

"Life is in the present moment... Anxiety is caused by thinking about the future."

Image source // via Design Sponge 

I feel like it's so important to enjoy all life's moments and processes, not only the destinations. This was such a great reminder for me...

In this book, the author also shares her perfected 10 item wardrobe pieces, brings new meaning to 'exercise' and why it's ok not be a 'gym person,' and provides yummy recipes and hostess tips. She has a fabulous brunch layout and music playlists that really make me want to be her next house guest!

Image source // Quote by Jennifer Scott

I hope to implement many of the wonderful concepts and ideas into my own life and with my own family. I especially look forward to reading this book again (one day) when our family grows and learn how so many of these things will help us to be better parents and a stronger family.

Huge congrats to Jennifer Scott for her second book, which was released yesterday! It's a keeper... and you should definitely pick up a copy!

The Weekend Edit

Happy Monday! I can't believe its already mid-September. This year is going by a little too fast!

Here's what my world has been all about lately- pretty sunsets, more biking and getting back into the grind.

We are currently staying at my parent's house, until we can move into ours. You can't beat the view from their place. Unbelievable!

Barre is going well. I still feel like a mess in class... but I think I'm improving.

I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of Jennifer Scott's new book, At Home with Madame Chic.

Here is my review of her first book, Lessons from Madame Chic. I love her and her books are soooo good! I will definitely be doing a review on this one too!

And a couple more random shots from the weekend.

Acre Coffee Shop, so lovely // More biking, I love it! // Mateo's Restaurant, One of our local favs

Linked with B Loved Boston and Join the Gossip

Books worth reading

I have been in a major book kick lately.

Here are a few I have flown through in the past couple months:

What Alice Forgot // Fault in our Stars // Eleanor & Park

The Husband's Secret // Me Before You // Where'd you go, Bernadette

These were all such quick reads and each one of them sucked me right in. That to me is the perfect kind of book.

I am almost finished with Where'd you go, Bernadette and am looking for my next recommendation. Any suggestions?

Book review: Lessons from Madame Chic

I never used to be the reading type. In school, I despised reading. Mostly because I would fall asleep halfway through a sentence and end up reading that sentence 10 times before moving on.

But lately, I'm constantly on the look out for a new read. I love a good memoir, a summer chic 'flick,' and a book I finish that truly changes me.

Lessons from Madame Chic: 20 Stylish Secrets I learned While Living in Paris did just that.

This book touches on so many aspects of life, from style to food to culture. It made me think about my own life and want to live a more fulfilling, respectable life.

• One of the things we've made more a habit to do over here already is eating without the presence of tv, phones, etc. A little background music and some good old fashion conversation is worth being disconnected for 30+ minutes.

• My closet and shopping habits have also taken a turn for the better. I love shopping as much as the next blogger girl, but what the book talks about is quality over quantity. She goes into more detail about "never having anything to wear"- which is something I often say as I stare into my overflowing closet. Overall, she recommends a minimal wardrobe with quality, stylish pieces that can be mixed + matched throughout the week.

 

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• And the last piece I want to touch on is making everyday a special occasion. I have always been a 'saver,' meaning I always want to save my best outfits, our wedding china and new purchases for a special occasions and special guests. But something I hadn't thought about is that my husband and those I see most often are the most special. I am slowly transitioning into this one (as I hesitantly remove new tags from gifts I received months ago)! Eek!

The author also has a blog called The Daily Connoisseur, consisting of videos and excerpts from her fabulous book.

Do you have any good book recommendations to share??

Books & Clubs

I recently came across this book list on Pinterest and was thrilled! I am always looking for the next great book to read. Especially at night... it is such a good 'wind down' for me.

book list

via

Do you have any other recommendations?

 I have read and/or attempted a couple of these.

The Time Traveler's Wife is amazing... also such a tear jerker!

 

Oh, and also... Do you know of any good online/blog book clubs out there?

Book worms

Something about traveling always get me in the mood for a new book. While on my travels, I picked up a couple. They are complete opposites of one another, but I love them both!

On one hand, I am a chick-flick kind of reader. I love all the books by Jennifer Weiner, Lauren Weisberger & Emily Giffin.

On the other hand, I am a memoir fanatic. I love intriguing true stories. Like these two books, couldn't get enough and was so interested in them!

Like I said... complete opposites!

So for this trip, I purchased one of each genre. The memoir I picked up, I finished in 2 days! It was incredible.

I'm sure you have heard the story. Her book just came out this year and it is an amazing book! I cried & laughed and felt true inspiration from reading it. Here is a great review if you're interested.

Here is the second book I picked up:

This was my fun read! And by the author of Sex and the City, it has to be good! This one I just started (because I seriously could not put down 'a stolen life'), but so far so good.

Do you guys have any other book recommendations for me? I am all ears! I love finding a good book I can get lost in :)