We Will Miss You, Ciba...

We are sad to report the passing of a talented Victoria magazine contributing editor and a dear friend, Ciba Vaughan.
Read here to learn a bit more about this wonderful woman.

We will miss you, Ciba.
NL

Dear Friends,

When I was editing Victoria magazine, the historian/archivist in me always set aside a number of issues to be sent to my Iowa home for safe keeping. I did not really have any specific purpose at the time. My assistant Helen could be a bit erratic in the number of issues she sent: Sometimes there were six issues and sometimes 50!  I smile now coping with these packages, each one a surprise.

For some years no, all of those issues have been in storage. Recently, it came to the attention of the Schlesinger Library at Harvard that I was harboring this collection and they asked to have one issue of all the ones I have. And so, we have been delving into the storage unit (by we I mean my husband, son, and me) and assembling Victorias by year. The magazines will be archived by the library for

the women's studies program at the university.

Since we were doing this for Harvard, we searched for other libraries that would benefit from having access to the magazine. As of now, we are happily sending collections to Hofstra University, The Yaphank Historical Society (Long Island, NY), The Brumback Library (Van Wert, Ohio), and the University of Connecticut.

What to do with the rest of the issues? We are working with an organization for literacy for some of the many remaining issues--they distribute them to organizations that benefit from the donation of magazines.

Victoria brought pleasure to many of its readers. And now through the archiving at libraries, new generations will have access to it. It makes me particularly happy and I trust the readers who supported the magazine so faithfully are indeed proud as well. We send the magazine off with the chant that greeted Queen Victoria on the event of her diamond jubilee: You've done it well.

Happy Mother's Day!

NL

Bring the Romance and Rustic Charm of Corsica Home

Corsica is a storied Mediterranean Island. Owned by France today, it has a heritage that includes Italian, Greek, and many other European influences. And so it inspired Hooker Furniture to create a collection based not only on its romantic past, but its very contemporary casual lifestyle. Here, enjoy a pictorial tour of Corsica, which inspired Hooker Furniture’s delightful Corsica Collection for today’s casual lifestyle.

Romantic, Rustic Corsica is Melting Pot of Style, Culture

The waters of the Mediterranean have brought many different cultures to the island of Corsica, beginning with the Greeks, centuries ago. It is what makes this rugged island, primarily mountainous, so intriguing for visitors today. Corsica belongs to France, but its history, like the languages spoken and its food heritage, has a definite Italian imprint from the occupation by Genoa once upon a time.

Visit its markets, its farm inns, and even its most elegant restaurants and discover a unique cuisine and way of life in my latest blog for Hooker Furniture Corporation.

Romantic Ideas for Rose Lovers

Romantic roses & delicious sweets-the perfect combination!

Roses take center stage as Valentine’s Day approaches. But my favorite flower is never out of fashion, whether with the sophistication of a single blossom or in profusion in a bouquet. Roses are ever popular as a motif in fabrics and wallpapers. And as gardens are now dormant in most of our climes, you can still bring the luxury of a rose garden to your life. Tarry here for lovely ideas.

Your answer to cold temps: Cozy up at home!

Hang a wreath like this above a mirror for unexpected touch.
Photo credit: Mikkel Vang

All across the United States, temperatures have dipped to record lows for the most frigid January in a century. Never have the comforts of home been sweeter. The best answer to harsh weather conditions is to COZY UP at home. Here are some ideas in my latest blog for Hooker Furniture to do just that.

For a special winter sentiment, Lexington’s “Welcome to the Cabin” is fun and cheery.

Holiday Decorating from Nature — Ideas Abound!

Burlap, cranberries & walnuts adorn Christmas tree

How lovely to create trees, as well as home decorations, from natural materials. Why not organize a Santa’s workshop with your children or friends as your elves? Magazines abound with delightful ideas—many easy. And whatever your home’s decor, naturals will enhance its beauty at this special time of year. Read about some great ideas, inspired by our ancestors who relied on the woods around them for boughs and berries at this time of year, in my latest blog for Hooker Furniture.

Wishing you the happiest of holidays,
NL