For our American readers, here's best wishes that you've had a wonderful, relaxing and fulfilling Thanksgiving holiday! ("Fulfilling" can mean so many things...) One wonders what Victorians would have thought of Black Friday... or Cyber Monday! And now the Christmas season is just weeks away, which means it's definitely time for a bit of Christmas Victoriana!
So, needless to say, our December issue of Victorian Times is packed with articles on Victorian Christmas, from tips on decorating to a look at how a somewhat less traditional holiday was spent "down under."
Once again, this issue is available not only by direct download but through DropBox. If you're already a DropBox customer, accessing the issue will be a cinch. If you're not, when you click the link I'll provide below, you'll be invited to sign up for their free service. That's what I'm using, and so far, I have not been bombarded with ads or otherwise given cause to regret it. I also want to make it clear that I'm not pushing or promoting DropBox in any way - but it does seem to be an effective way to transfer large files, like this one.
The current issue of Victorian Times will remain in DropBox until the next issue is released; then it will be removed, but will continue to be available through the regular web-link. Please let me know if you have any problems downloading from either source!
And now, here's what we have in the December issue:
Visit http://www.victorianvoices.net/VT/issues/VT-1512.shtml to download this issue!
Download it from DropBox: https://www.dropbox.com/s/lujq3vyoam4xksx/VT-1512.pdf?dl=0
We're delighted to announce that the latest issue of Victorian Times Quarterly is available to order in plenty of time for Christmas! This issue contains the full text of our October, November and December 2015 issues of Victorian Times, in a gorgeous print volume that is sure to have a permanent home on your bookshelf.
Packed with stories, history, recipes, craft projects, and, of course, loads of fascinating information on how to celebrate a true Victorian Christmas, this collection makes a wonderful holiday gift. If you know someone who loves Victoriana, why not give them a thrill with this unique volume?
This edition of Victorian Times Quarterly is available on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. Last I checked, it had not shown up yet on Amazon.ca, though I believe it's supposed to eventually. (Amazon has promised that its CreateSpace titles are now available in Canada but it seems to be a bit "scattered" in actually getting those titles posted.
Find out more, including the direct order links, at http://www.victorianvoices.net/VT/VTQ/VTQ02.shtml
As we're all lovers of Victoriana, I want to take a moment to mention a product that I think you might enjoy. It's not mine and I'm not an affiliate or connected with this business in any way - I just wanted to share some fun.
Every year, British e-card designer Jacquie Lawson creates a charming "advent calendar" that plays out, day by day, on your computer. Each day brings a little animation or an activity, such as decorating the tree or creating traditional "paper" snowflakes. This year, the theme of the advent calendar is "Victoriana." Every day will bring viewers some new element of Victorian Christmas.
Now, since the calendar doesn't even start until Tuesday, I can't tell you if it's fabulous or not (some years, to be honest, have been "so-so" but others have been terrific). But it looks wicked cool, and I am definitely looking forward to starting it. The Advent Calendar costs just $4 and can be accessed at https://www.jacquielawson.com/advent. I believe it can also be used on an iPad. Again, I don't get anything out of mentioning this - just thought some of you might enjoy this holiday treat!
Time for Tea: Victorian Tea-Time Treats & Decadent Desserts is perhaps the most tempting book you're likely to encounter. It brings you more than 600 authentic Victorian recipes - for cakes, puddings, scones, cookies, biscuits, custards, and more!
A Victorian tea was more than just a meal. It was a special time, a time of quiet celebration. It was a moment to be shared with friends, or with your loved ones... and sometimes, just a chance to be alone to relax with your thoughts and dreams.
It was also, to be honest, a time to nibble on some truly delicious, sinfully sweet delicacies. Many of the tea-time treats and desserts that made their debut in Victorian times remain so popular that you'll still find them in British tearooms today -- and now you can bring them to your own table!
In Time for Tea, you'll find:
Time for Tea brings you nearly 650 authentic Victorian recipes perfect for afternoon tea or evening dessert. Charm your family and friends with old-fashioned deliciousness -- no mixes, no chemicals, just the pleasure of good food and good company!
Find out more at http://www.victorianvoices.net/books/tea.shtml
Or order it directly from Amazon! (Also available on Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.ca)