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gracefullypunk's review against another edition
2.0
"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.
yodamom's review against another edition
4.0
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.
cherrymaple's review against another edition
2.0
I saved a few inspiring quotes. Most of the book did not have useful information for me, personally. I will be trying the blueberry cake recipe.
kingkela's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
3.75
dawnp23's review against another edition
3.0
Overall, I truly appreciate the advice Jennifer Scott has to offer. Trying to model her life after the simple yet sophisticated French lifestyle, she does a great job at describing what makes the French life so elegant.
Also, considering that this book was started from a blog, I expected it to be short and lacking transitions or cohesive ideas that brought it all together. But it was quite substantial and very well written!
However, Jennifer does not necessarily do a very good job of convincing me why I should abandon my own lifestyle in favor of the French life, or what this lifestyle could do for me.
I could see many people taking offense to Jennifer's advice. She lacks connection to our current way of life. Especially for those who are very far removed from any sort of elegant lifestyle! How could we incorporate these traits into our already existing routines and habits?
Having said all that, this lifestyle can really help lead to a more mindful, fulfilling life--a life in which every day is an important one! That message is one that I can get behind.
Also, considering that this book was started from a blog, I expected it to be short and lacking transitions or cohesive ideas that brought it all together. But it was quite substantial and very well written!
However, Jennifer does not necessarily do a very good job of convincing me why I should abandon my own lifestyle in favor of the French life, or what this lifestyle could do for me.
I could see many people taking offense to Jennifer's advice. She lacks connection to our current way of life. Especially for those who are very far removed from any sort of elegant lifestyle! How could we incorporate these traits into our already existing routines and habits?
Having said all that, this lifestyle can really help lead to a more mindful, fulfilling life--a life in which every day is an important one! That message is one that I can get behind.
mereoshop's review against another edition
3.0
In her sophomore novel Jennifer L. Scott invites us into her home and shares her lessons and experiences as a homemaker.
While I did not enjoy it a thoroughly as I did [b:Lessons From Madame Chic: The Top 20 Things I Learned While Living in Paris|13124151|Lessons From Madame Chic The Top 20 Things I Learned While Living in Paris|Jennifer L. Scott|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1328218980s/13124151.jpg|18299895], I don't consider reading it a waste of time. Right now I work full time and have no children, so much of her suggestions regarding 'doing things at home during the day' left me wistful for this type of relaxing day. Elevenses and coffee cake- yes please!
Overall I think the book offers gentle suggestions for anyone who didn't have an example of this type of home life growing up, or for any woman looking to add a bit of calm, structure and ease into her daily life. A gentil read.
Some of the highlights of the book for me were:
- Making the bedroom for sleeping/rest only.
- Basking in the sunlight when you rise (I did that this morning)
- Making (and sticking to) a weekly cleaning schedule.
- The diagrams for folding towels!!!
- The chest hair story made me laugh out loud!
- Organizing my day in segments.
- Setting the table for dinner.
Looking forward to reading more by [a:Jennifer L. Scott|3871301|Jennifer L. Scott|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1442515823p2/3871301.jpg]
While I did not enjoy it a thoroughly as I did [b:Lessons From Madame Chic: The Top 20 Things I Learned While Living in Paris|13124151|Lessons From Madame Chic The Top 20 Things I Learned While Living in Paris|Jennifer L. Scott|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1328218980s/13124151.jpg|18299895], I don't consider reading it a waste of time. Right now I work full time and have no children, so much of her suggestions regarding 'doing things at home during the day' left me wistful for this type of relaxing day. Elevenses and coffee cake- yes please!
Overall I think the book offers gentle suggestions for anyone who didn't have an example of this type of home life growing up, or for any woman looking to add a bit of calm, structure and ease into her daily life. A gentil read.
Some of the highlights of the book for me were:
- Making the bedroom for sleeping/rest only.
- Basking in the sunlight when you rise (I did that this morning)
- Making (and sticking to) a weekly cleaning schedule.
- The diagrams for folding towels!!!
- The chest hair story made me laugh out loud!
- Organizing my day in segments.
- Setting the table for dinner.
Looking forward to reading more by [a:Jennifer L. Scott|3871301|Jennifer L. Scott|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1442515823p2/3871301.jpg]
elizareads35's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked this book; it was a good mix of aspirational and practical ideas to add more beauty and pleasure to every day life.
debbiet2023's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
camillewithasea's review against another edition
4.0
Not so much a how-to, and more of a philosophy of living. Not being a parent, I don't know how helpful the parenting tips are, and I'm certainly not a stay at home or work at home mom/wife, but I like her approach.