Victoria Magazine

Happy happy dancing feet!!!  My favorite magazine is being lazarus'd!  Yep it's true.  According to this news release, Hearst, in partnership with Hoffman Media is reviving my Tea Party Lady's most favorite mag, Victoria. 

Color me ecstatic.

If you haven't experienced this magazine, put it on your list.  It was sumptuous! It had the most beautiful photos of antiques, roses, beautiful gardens, silver and china and linens, homes, anything to do with romantic and gracious living.  The articles and features were good, of course, but I have to admit I was addicted to the eye-candy that could be found on almost every page.  I just hope this new Victoria lives up to the standards of the old one.

I still have all my old Victoria magazines, stacked on a shelf.   I confess, not all of them are whole and hale.  Some issues are quite dog-eared from searching for recipes and such.  And some have little teeny cutout holes in the pages. 

I know, I know.  Sacrilege.  But, a few years ago I was decoupaging a tea tray.  Much as I hated to do it, there were no better sources for beautiful pictures of tea things at that time, so I started cutting out little pictures to decoupage onto my tray. GASP.  It seemed vitally important at the time.  Of course I regretted it later, especially when I needed a recipe only to find I had cut out the tea cup on the other side of the page and was missing half the ingredients list! 

There's a url for the mag: www.victoriamag.com, which I assume will have subscription information eventually.  Right now it goes nowhere.  The new Victoria will be coming out in October 2007 (WOOT!), with a Nov/December issue.  Bimonthly just isn't enough for me, but I guess it's better than nothing at all.  (double WOOT!)

Comments

[Genoire!]

Oh my God!! Thank you! You have just made my day!! I wanted to cry when this magazine went out of print!!

Love your blog, btw :-).

[Gata]

You just brightened up my year! I have so many back issues and have rhapsodized about Victoria on my blog. I can't believe it's coming back. In the words of Gloria Gaynor, I Will Subscribe! (Huh?)

[Ms Cin]

You know, it's a silly thing, but knowing that people are working on this *right now* puts a big smile on my face.

Have a lovely Thursday!

[mary ann]

OMG!!! THIS is wicked great news!! i used to love getting my monthly mags until they disappeared in 2002! i was totally crushed...but wow, this sounds very hopeful!

[Brenda]

Did you know that you can subscribe early to the new Victoria?!!! The number is (205)262-2121

[Mary]

Was anybody else disappointed with the Big Change that took place around 2001? I let my subscription lapse 'cause everything got too modern. I hope the new version is as romantic and pretty as the original.

[Kimberly]

The website is up and running. You may do advanced subscriptions now. Woo hoo!

[VictoriaGurl78]

What's really great is getting in on the ground floor with the premier issue. I hear it's going to be amazing! Tell ALL your friends!!!

[Melissa]

Always buy two copies of your favorite mag. One to read and cut things out of and one to save forever. Ask for an extra subscription as a gift.

[Charlene Handford Barlow]

I, too, was estatic when I heard that Victoria Magazine was going to be revived. I have many back issues and read them over and over. I keep trying to locate some of the early back issues to purchase but have never had any luck. I think we Victoria admirers are a kind of cult. I often wondered why someone did not revive this wonderful magazine. However, it will not be easy to live up to the standards met by the previous editors: Lindemeyer and Kennedy.

Charlene Handford Barlow

[Charlene Handford Barlow]

Brenda, I just read your comment and I agree. I was not happy with those changes and even wrote the editor. She replied that they were trying to just keep afloat. Apparently, they were low on subscriptions and adv. The fact that so many wanted to purchase back copies and have written to editors of other magazines (such as Romantic Homes) how much they miss this publication is an indication that there is a need here.

[Tracy Kuchar]

I have about 10 years of Victoria magazine from about 1989 to 2000 that I am looking to find a good home for. It seems a shame to me to throw them out because I know that so many people enjoy them, and I read and re-read them many times over the years. If there is anyone who would like some I am willing to ship them to you via UPS for just the cost of the UPS postage. They are in generally good condition with no pages ripped out, only the normal wear that happens to magazines over time. If there is anyone who is interested they can email me at takuchar@earthlink.net

[Mrs. U]

Hi there!!!
I was doing a Google search for all things Victoria Magazinish and found you! I wanted to let you know that I am celebrating my 1 year anniversary on my blog and one of the prizes is a 2 year subscription to Victoria Magazine!

Just in case you'd like to enter... :)

His,
Mrs. U

[Angela]

I loved the old Victoria Magazine and was a long time subscriber, but when it folded, I was not notified and my subscription money was not refunded. I was upset to be treated that way. I just got an "invitation" to subscribe to the new one in the postal mail and find that quite insulting. Buyer beware.

[melissa]

this is fabulous news! I just received the invitation to get the first issue. That magazine was my fave and I was sad to see it end. YAY!

[Lorie]

For anyone looking for old issues, you can always find them on eBay - they are still heavily hunted by those of us who LOVED this magazine.

I'm just thrilled to learn its coming back. I just wonder if they were not staying afloat because they ruined it artistically with the 2001 change. I don't mean to insult but the new editor just did not understand the gist of the magazine. I found myself actually mad at certain issues. Sounds odd, I know, but that's how much that magazine meant to me.

I too have every issue every published and most of the hard bound books sold during the many years it was in publication.

I just can't wait!

[Gail]

My mother has all old issues of Victoria magazines (including first issue) can anyone tell me the worth of the magazines. She wants to sell them.

[melissa]

hi. I have quite a few back issues of the old VICTORIA. I think they start early 80's. If anyone is interested in buying them,I will look and see what years I have. Melissa
if interested,email me at califpoppy55@yahoo.com

[Nancy]

It was fun to read all the comments and see that many others felt the exact same way I did about that wonderful magazine, VICTORIA! I, too and so thrilled to know that it is being revived and I hope that it is more like the pre-2000 issues.

[deborah smith]

Oh happy day.

[Sherry]

I am thrilled that Victoria is coming back! I too wrote a letter against the changes made in 2001 - they totally changed the soul of the magazine.

Note to Mrs. U: For what it's worth, I too was a long-time subscriber. However, I DID receive a postcard from them telling me that Victoria was ceasing and that they were going to send me "X" magazine or I could choose another. Maybe your postcard got lost???

[Sherry]

Oops - I meant Angela, not Mrs. U.

Sorry

[Kj]

Wow! I never dreamed that this magazine would be resurrected from the dead! As many have written, it's demise began with compromise in 2001. I never understood how a new century could erase the beauty of an era! Anyway, I am doing a HAPPY DANCE! And, I have already gone to the site to reserve my copy!

[Susan]

What wonderful news that Victoria magazine will once again grace my home. Let's hope the new magazine is in keeping with the original. I still have all the back issues...and only can hope the new issue will be as glossy and intriguing as those of the past!

[Frivolitea]

I am thrilled with the news that Victoria will again be published! Also thrilled to have discovered your blog. I'll be back!

[Sandi Mooney]

I still have every issues that was published by Victoria Magazine - every issue!! Through the years I always go back and look through them. I was so, so sad when they stopped publishing them, just couldn't understand why - I called, emailed, and wrote them. So many people loved the magazine. I loved reading about Tasha Tudor and her dogs. And honestly - nothing has compared to Victoria - not even Oprah. Now picture this, last week I walk out to my mail box and I have an invitation to receive the first issue that is going to be published again. I screamed and danced with joy. It's just such a graceful and gracious magazine - if a magazine could be those things, and makes me feel the same way. Walk in amazing grace ladies.

[Sandi Mooney]

I'm back, I just discovered this site, I was looking for info on Victoria Magazine and found this site. Can someone tell me if you become a member, do you chat with other ladies with the same interest? I would love to know so I can join.

[Joni]

I am also very happy that Victoria Magazine is coming back! I have so many old issues that I still look through. Your little site here seems to be a treasure as well.

[Joni]

I am also very happy that Victoria Magazine is coming back! I have so many old issues that I still look through. Your little site here seems to be a treasure as well.

[Sulma Abrilz]

Words cannot espress my joy in knowing that my most favorite magazine is BACK!
I cried when I found out it was being cancelled. Anxiously waiting for my comp. issue. Thanks

[Sulma Abrilz (Sandy)]

Sandi Mooney ditto to everything you said, you expressed my feelings as well. I also have many old issues which every once in a while I read and look at because I missed Victoria so much.

[Judy K]

Check for Victoria mags on ebay!

I filled in some of the "Holes" in my collection that way.

It was interesting to watch ebay when Victoria first ceased publication. Premier issues were selling at ove $100 apiece, with the others selling from $25-$40 each. Silly people!

[mary macdonald]

We in N.Z. ARE DELIGHTED TO HEAR WE ARE GOING TO HAVE OUR MUCH LOVED AND ENJOYED MAGAZINE AGAIN, PLEASE ADVISE WHEN I CAN ORDER A TWO YEAR SUBSCRIPTION BY EMAIL, I ALSO GET THE SOUTHERNLADY, TEA TIME, VICTORIA HOMES AND ROMATIC HOMES BUT VICTORIA WAS ALWAYS MY FAVOURITE HAVE MOST OF THE OLD ONES AND LOVE TO REREAD THEM EVERY NOW AND AGAIN . AWAITING TO HEAR FROM YOU.. MARY

[Mary E.Dadds]

I Had a subscription before,and when it stopped publication i was told i would get a certain magazine in the place of Victoria.
I would have liked a refund.Never the less im delighted that Victoria is back.
And I am looking forward to getting it in my mailbox.

[Frances]

I am beside myself with joy over the news that Victoria is to make its debut in November. The only magazine that even comes close to it has been The English Home. and speaking of which, I remember all too well, a photo of an English home in Victoria that had a wonderful yellow sitting room. I tried in vain to get a copy of that particular issue(as I had passed mine on to a nonagenarian) and was never was able to. If anyone knows of what I speak please post.

[Holley]

I, too, have every copy of Victoria Magazine's original publication. Along with many other readers, I was absolutely devastated when the magazine just disappeared. I regularly get out my old copies and look through them for decorating ideas and just for the sheer sake of a calming afternoon. I am thrilled beyond words that they are bringing my all time favorite mag back! I hope it is as well written as the pre-2001 issues. Glory, Glory!!!!!

[connie frank]

What a surprise to find Victoria is coming back! I have missed it these past years and also hope like others that it will have the same quality as the lst editor started out with. Please, let's keep it English, Scottish. Irish and Welsh as it began. If it doesn't have the same quality then it will be lost.

[donna garton]

WHAT MARVELOUS NEWS!

I HAVE ALL THE OLD ISSUES, WHICH I CARRIED TO ENGLAND WITH ME WHEN I MOVED HERE.

AFTER IT BECAME A BUSINESSWOMEN'S MAG, IT LOST ITS ROMANTIC WAY.

I DO HOPE THEY STICK TO THE ORIGINAL IDEA OF THE MAGAZINE: HOLLEY IS RIGHT.

DONNA

[Irene]

I was just doing some research on Google, trying to find out when the first issue of Victoria magazine was and I happened across this blog on the new release of Victoria. Although I've already suscribed to the new magazine, I'm just starting to look for the old issues.

Does anyone have a collection of the Victoria magazine that they are willing to part with? Since I have none to start with, I'd rather buy a large collection than one issue at a time. Also, I'm still trying to find out which month in 1987 was the first issue.

signed... a Victoria affectionado ~Irene

[Irene]

oops.... here's my email address if anyone would like to contact me about those back issues of Victoria magazine. Thanks! ~Irene

ihs19460a@msn.com

[melissa]

Irene,I have several issues of old VICTORIA that I am willing to part with. I have issues from 1988-2001,not all months,but still a good representation of the magazine. I wish I did have the first issue from 1987,it is a collectors' item. ebay has some issues,but not 1987. The first two years I remember were published four times a year.if you are interested in the collection,contact meat my email address: califpoppy55@yahoo.com

[Irene]

Thanks! That would be a good start...

[Jeanne Marie]

Donna, The first issue of Victoria was actually a "Spring/Summer 1987" issue. I am lucky enough to have it along with the first 50 issues. It's funny, I was in college when it came out. I saw it on the newsrack, but decided I just couldn't spare the $1.95. When the second one came out (fall and winter) I bought it. Then I really regretted not getting the first one, so I ended up spending $6 to buy it as a back issue!

The second issue is still one of my all-time favorite issues of any magazine. For me, it is absolute magic! Not only was it beautiful, but it smelled wonderful. It had some sort of insert with the smell of a potpourri. Just sitting down with it takes me to a happy, happy place. It's not on my shelf with the others. I must have taken it out to read it and not put it back!

A magazine that can have that effect is a powerful thing! I agree with everyone else about the unfortunate changes not long before it folded. I think they tried to make it more mainstream to save it, but may have hastened the demise. When they changed it, you may have noticed that they changed the nameplate as well. "Victoria" was no longer slanted, but became more upright. The website is using the older, slanted nameplate. I'm taking this as a sign that Hoffman Media knows why people want Victoria back and which version.

I have very high hopes. Anything less than a "return to loveliness" will be a disappointment. Good luck to Hoffman Media. They have HUGE shoes to fill!

[Irene]

Jeanne, I'm trying to build my collection and will make special efforts to get that 2nd issue of Fall/Winter after reading how good that issue was! The style is just so classic that it's still appealing after all these years. Hoffman does have huge shoes to fill... I've already shown my support with a 6 month suscription!

[lesley lane]

hi just heard the news that my favourite magazine is coming back i live in england and picked up my first copy while on holiday in the states in 1990 and have kept eve.ry one since,roll on october

[Catherine]

I too, was one of the loyal readers of Victoria--am so happy it's back. Am also concerned that it might not return as the "original Victoria", but am hopeful that the publishers received enough "feedback" from readers that they were sensitive to all the requests to go back to the original format. I'm also an avid reader of "English Home", the closest I've found to "Victoria". It's really a beautiful magazine. Try it if you also love "Victoria".

[Laura Kennedy]

I agree with Brenda. If it looks like it did when it died, I'm not interested. Any hope of getting Nancy Lindemeyer back on board, even as an advisor? Her vision was unmatched in magazines anywhere!

[Debbie]

I stumbled across the news about the resurrection of Victoria last week. It was my favorite magazine for years until the format/style change in 2001. I didn't want another contemporary lifestyle magazine. I wanted the soft focus images, lace, tweed, and quiet articles that made up the original Victoria. I loved the Christmas and Valentine’s themed issues. When I saw the ad for the resurrected version and noticed the return to the original type face, I took heart and ordered a subscription for me and added in one for my Mom (who used to snag my copies out of the mail and read them before I got them)--she misses the original Victoria too, after the change in 2001, she stopped appropriating my copies--it wasn't the same to her either. I let the subscription lapse shortly after the change over. I would flip through a copy once in a while at the store to see if it had gotten better and I was always disappointed.

I was surprised by the intense efforts of loyal readers to get Hearst Publications to undo the damage created by the format/editor change and later attempts to get them to reconsider ending the magazine. Hearst Publications did not listen to the loyal readers in either instance. I hadn't realized how many people found solace and enjoyment in the original Victoria.

I am so happy to have it back, I don’t even mind the return to the six issues/year publication schedule it had when it first started. It gives me something to look forward to.

I wish the new version well and hope that it finds a loyal following.

[rina seccia]

I too love this magazine, though I only discovered it a couple of years before they stopped publishing it.
I have many old copies that I have found through antique stores and bookstores that sell old and used books.
I am thoroughly excited to have it come back, however I liked the new format
What was wrong with showing women entrepenueres. I became very motivated to create my own home business because of them.
The magazine was awesome in which ever format they published it in.

Be very thankful that its back. I can't wait to recieve my first copy.

[Iris]

My heart leapt for joy when I discovered Victoria is returning. As with many other followers, I also have every issue published...even the post-2001 ones. I, too, agree that once Nancy Lindemeyer left, it was a different magazine and not as "warm and romantic" as the original. I look forward to Victoria's revival and hope it will be just like the pre-Kennedy era. In this age of violence, tension, crudity, etc., we need to escape from reality and relax with some gentility...even if just for an hour.

[Honey Pace]

Hello,

As I sit here in my Victorian decorated home...lots of lace, Fru-Fru stuff, antiques and an embarassing (spelling?) collection of Tea Pots and Tea Cups and my collection of Victoria Magazines among others. I am very happy.

The posts from you dear ladies are great reading and it is so nice to know that there is a very large following for Victoria.

My oldest daughter, in New Orleans, called me this morning with the wonderful news. She Googled and got us both subscriptions.....yaaaaa.

So I got on my lap top, googled and found this site....a great site...where have you been?

I search tea sites daily looking for tea/romantic magazines and never came across you.

I am a tea lover, all things tea. Although I came to learn this rather late...in my 50's. When my mother was dying from lung cancer, I found tea....loose tea in a coffee shop....this tea was soooo calming...it came with flavors. My first was Rose Petal (the rose is my favorite flower and the fragrance is my signature) then I found Jasmine Jazz and the list goes on.....

I now run amuck telling everyone the benefits of tea, types of teas and the wonderful calming effect of just brewing a pot of tea.

Naturally tea goes with romance which means Victoria fed my need for many years.

I too was crushed when Victoria changed their format and I lost interest.

Then I found Southern Lady. This is also published by the Hoffman Media, LLC in Birmingham, AL.

Next they offered Tea Time, another wonderful magazine from Hoffman. These magazines were as close to Victoria I could get and I do so love them....and now to have Victoria back....Oh happy day....

I will probably have to move to a larger home just to have room for all my magazines....old and new.

If there is a way to join this site or group I am interested.

Can anyone help?

Oh my, as usual I have gone on and on...I am a talker....I do hope that I have not done wrong.....small grin

honeypaceis@yahoo.com
Thank You and have a Tealiteful Day,
Honey

[Joan Leach]

After reading all these messages from so many other lovers of Victoria magazine, I looked at my collection. I didn't know I had such a treasure, I guess, but I happily have the Premier issue (1987 Spring/Summer) and also the Winter 1987/1988 issue! I have all the rest that were ever published, and now am delighted that more will added soon! I am trying to pass that word along. . .

[Judith]

I am so happy to find this website. As a former subscriber to Victoria, I received a card inviting me to re subscribe, and I was thrilled to do so.
I am so glad to find this site and read about so many others who enjoyed the magazine and the feeling it instilled. I love reading your postings and intend to follow up often.
As a crafter and floral designer, this is my busy time, so I love finding this relaxing place to come to.

[Rhonda Kay]

I have every issue of Victoria from the very first one in hunter green "Victoria" holders under my piano. Victoria spoke to my heart and soul and, for me, was a little bit of heaven in the mailbox every month. Victoria, however, lost its "soul" when Ms. Lindemyer left..becoming, alas, just another Better Homes and Garden or even less. Where was the romance? Where were the roses and lace? Where, for goodness sake, was the logo. I stopped after two issues under the leadership of the new editor. I am so hopeful and await the new issue excitedly. Maybe the real Victoria is back! I can't wait!

[mdvlist]

Donna hits the nail on the head way up there in the comments-- the problem with the new (old) Victoria was it's refashioning as a businesswoman's magazine. The format change around '99 was what drove me away, despite my having been a subscriber for a decade, but I now see the aesthetic decline as a consequence of the increasingly commercial slant of the magazine. Not that it wasn't always kind of materialistic, but the material focus was mitigated by a good bit of historical and literary content that has prevented me from getting rid of any of my old issues, even after moving across the country. As fluffy as it was, the old Victoria introduced the youthful me to a variety of literature that I respect as an over-educated adult: poems of Edna St. Vincent Millay, memoirs of Patricia Hampl, stories of Sarah Orne Jewett, and M. L'Engle's Crosswicks Journals. I will definitely buy the first issue of the resurrected Victoria, but I'm waiting to subscribe until I see if the new magazine will have any of the old literary substance.

[Mary]

I, too, am so excited that Victoria will be back in print! I felt like I had lost a friend when I received that awful little card notifying me that it was no longer being published. Must say I was dissapointed even before that when Nancy Lindemeyer left and the format changed. It was certainly the beginning of the end...
Happy though to find this blog and know I was not alone. (Toshi Otsuki was my favorite photographer...I could always tell his work!)

[Cathy P.]

My Mothers name is Peggy. She has gone to be with the Lord 12 years ago this year. In the fall of 1987 I drove my Mother to Dana Point,Ca for a businsess meeting. Waiting for her, I went into a Ralphs Market. Looking for a magazine....I found Victoria! My world opened up, pulling estate sales finds out of cupboards..decorating just started flowing, a home of Grace emerged. I relate to Frivolea,in her July 5th entry...my experience is so similar! I really did cry when I received the post card. I felt like a beautiful friend had died. For years I asked Father God to prompt some one of passion for the former Victoria..to pick up the torch and bring her back. I do not want to dwell on the last issues...yes it did change...Lets be grateful for the "new beginning" and those of us that prayed for "HER" return.........Well, I am going to dance in front of my mail box at receiving my first New Victoria!!
Thank you Lord for hearing our prayers!
Mother, I will think of you with each issue. How we enjoyed talking about each wonderful issue of our Beloved Victoria.

[Cathy P.]

The above notes are not from Mary, but Cathy P. Not sure how that happened :)
Cathy

[Janice]

Love this site! So glad to find other Tea and Victoria magazine lovers. I too bought the first edition at the grocery store and have missed it terribly. I signed up months ago for a re-subscription, but until I found you all I wondered if I'd imagined sending the postcard back. Do you know when we will start receiving the dear magazine again? Has anyone heard?Lovely to find so many kindred spirits!

[Janice]

Love this site! So glad to find other Tea and Victoria magazine lovers. I too bought the first edition at the grocery store and have missed it terribly. I signed up months ago for a re-subscription, but until I found you all I wondered if I'd imagined sending the postcard back. Do you know when we will start receiving the dear magazine again? Has anyone heard?Lovely to find so many kindred spirits!

[Diane Porazzo]

I am patiently awaiting my October issue. PLEASE HURRY. When I got notice Victoria was coming back, I was ecstatic. Nancy Lindemeyer was the best and she should have stayed with the magazine, after that, it wasn't the same. I hope it comes back as a monthly magazine. It was always my favorite, this made my whole summer knowing I could look forward to Victoria.

[noreen]

Aloha - I just happened across your website and saw the good news about the rebirth of Victoria Magazine. I frequently bought it at the local book store but my favorite was their annual March issue that covered England. I was so sad one year when I went to the book store only to find that they had stopped publishing. I saved several issues from March 1993 thru 2003 that I still look through. I have not been able to travel to England yet but always hoped to, the issues brought England to my doorstep.Can't wait to go to my local Borders Books to get the new copy!

[Judy Lowder]

Wouldn't it be wonderful if all of us who love Victoria so much could get together sometime?

[Jeanne Marie]

For those of you who can't wait, go to Victoria's website: www.victoriamag.com. It's been updated and shows a release date of Oct. 30 on newstands for the first issues and shows the first cover. There are a few other things that hint of what's to come. Less than three weeks to go. I can't wait to get mine in the mail. I hope it's before Oct. 30! I'll post as soon as I receive mine if no one else has yet.

Let's hope for the best. Expectations are high!

[Barbara Stopinski]

I received the new Victoria magazine today.

While the format is very similar there are some major differences and none of which I like.

Missing is the rich, dark photography of the old magazine. Missing is the great writing whether it was a story or a description of Favorite Things. The descriptions under Favorite Things are very skimpy indeed.

There is nothing about Thanksgiving in this magazine labeled November/December issue.

There is a story about Alexandra Stoddar but there is nothing on her background, books she wrote, etc. There is no description on any of the photography at her home.

I am so disappointed I want to cry.

Where is Toshi Otsuki's photography? Where is the rich content that Nancy Lindemeyer provided? There is not heart in this magazine because Nancy did not put it together.

I will cancel my subscription.

I will continue reading my old magazines. This new one does nothing for me when I open it or read it.

It is much better than the junk Peggy Kennedy put together, though.

[Jeanne Marie]

Barbara, that is so disappointing! I haven't received mine yet, but what you are describing was my fear. I get Tea Time from the same publisher. It's terribly lightweight and has nowhere near the content that Victoria did. I wondered if they were up to the challenge. It sounds like they aren't.

I picked up Romantic Homes the other day. They had a cover story on British Colonial style. It was a disappointment compared to a story I remember years ago in Victoria celebrating Katharine Hepburn and style from the African Queen. Photography, writing, design. Victoria was so much above any pretenders that have come along since. Does anyone putting out this magazine understand why people love it? I'll probably not cancel right away, but you really have to bring your best the first issue. They won't have a second chance to make that first impression with many people.

Why bother to bring it back if they couldn't do it right?

[Barbara Stopinski]

Jeanne, I remember the Katherine Hepburn piece in Victora. It was SO well done. I got some absorbed in that story and mesmerized by the photography.

In my opinion, they blew it during the first issue. I don't see how they are going to improve with future issues.

Why didn't they hire Nancy Lindemeyer as a consultant or at least get opinions from us loyal readers what we wanted to see there.

The old Victoria was a creation straight from Nancy's heart. No one can duplicate that. That woman had the correct vision and from what I can see, Hoffman Media does not even come close.

I feel like crying again.

I will do what I have been doing for the last 7 years - I pull out my old magazines for each month and read them from cover to cover. I get so lost in those magazine as they are so mesmerizing. Those magazines are the best meditation for me.

[Mimi]

Well, now I really cannot wait to get my first issue. I, too, picked up a copy of Tea Time and also found it flimsy and lightweight.

I'll form my own opinions, of course, but I want substance, not fluff. The original Victoria never talked down to women, and it assumed we cared about literature, art, ideas, etc, not simply style.

We'll see...

[Jeanne Marie]

Barbara, I'm with you. Did they do any market research or focus groups with people who had been longtime subscribers? Hoffman Media bought the lists from Hearst as part of the purchase. It's insulting that they thought they could pass off an inferior product on us. The production values were incredible. I remember reading about Spencerian script, the beautiful calligraphy. Who knew such a craft existed? Victoria celebrated the finer things in life and an age when having manners, making things by hand and interacting with other humans mattered. These concepts are on the decline more now than ever! I drink tea, I send note cards, I read books, I sew. My computer is a tool, not a way of life. I'm so glad I never got rid of my old issues of Victoria. At this point, I'm thankful that it existed at all, and that I can still savor the old issues. Thank you, Nancy, for what you gave us. I hope she takes satisfaction in the fact that so many people still cherish her vision.

[Barbara Stopinski]

Jeanne, you are a person after my own heart.

Phyllis produced something entirely different. She never did promise us it would be like Nancy's. Shame on us for thinking it would be. But how could it? Nancy and Phyllis are 2 different people.

How I wish Nancy was a part of this venture!

My heart is broken twice - once when Nancy left and now again when someone is trying to introduce magazine content that doesn't fit the title.

What Phyllis should have done was introduced this magazine as as a Victorian type and not the Victorian that Nancy envisioned. I would have been ok with that. I still would not have subscribed but at least I would have know it was an imitation on purpose not the real thing.

I want to cry again....

Barb

[Dawn]

I always loved Victoria Magazine and was so sad to see it discontinue. What a relief that it's coming back. I hope it has the same lovely feel to it that it had years ago. Can't wait to get my first copy! :-)

[Jeanne Marie]

Barbara, you make a great point about Phyllis and Nancy. I think Nancy is a true legend among magazine editors, and Phyllis is a different person. I'm sure she's bringing her own vision of Victoria to the market. I should be thankful that she has tried. It's a very gutsy move. In my full-time job, I oversee the periodicals of a large professional association. In my daydreams, I've thought about publishing a magazine in the sprit of Victoria, but Phyllis has actually gone ahead and done it. I have to respect the attempt. After I peruse my copy, Instead of bemoaning what it isn't, I think I'll write in and offer constructive advice about what I'd like to see it include and wish her well. Phyllis must have had an affinity for the original Victoria to even do this. I think I'll do what I can to support her vision, for a while at least. It's possible it can grow into something worth reading, even if it's not exactly the same.

[Barbara]

Like many of you I am so excited TODAY, yes TODAY I received my new Victoria Magazine. After reading all the comments I feel like kindred spirits with all of you. Isn't great that one magazine can bring so many of us togeter with thoughts and ideas. I can not wait to curl up with a cup of tea and savor every minute with my Victoria Magazine....Im sure you feel the same.

[Susan T.]

Ladies, I've received the new magazine and have read it front to back. While not the same as the original Victoria -can anything ever really be the same? Things change.
I am giving it a thumbs up and will continue to support it. I think like all things it will mature.
I do plan to give gift subscriptions to support the effort to reinstate this magazine.
Only with subscriptions will this magazine evolve.

Susan in San Diego.

[Jeanne Marie]

I finally received the first issue of Victoria today and just leafed through it. I have to say I am pleasantly suprised, but then my expectations were extraordinarily low. Just seeing the page of calling cards made me smile! Granted, the caliber of writing and photography is nowhere near the level of our cherished original Victoria, but it is far too early to write off the new Victoria. I like think it has the potential to grow into an approximation of Nancy Lindemeyer's vision. I am going to vote my support for Phyllis Hoffman with a subscription check. Let's all give her the constructive feedback she needs to get better and better from here!

[jay walthall]

My wife and I enjoyed the original very much and hope the new one will eventually get there. We have lost one of our favorite holiday recipes that came out of the old magazine. The recipe was for Orange=spiced brandy and I want to say it was in the 1998 issue either October or November. If you can find it it would be greatly appreciated.

[Lisa in Birmingham]

I have lost my Fall/Winter 1987 issue with the wonderful Thanksgiving recipes. As the magazine has changed publishers, they do not have access. Does someone have the wonderful cranberry chutney recipe from that issue?

[Jeanne Marie]

Lisa, I have the Fall/Winter 1987 issue of Victoria. Here is the cranberry chutney recipe:

1 pound (4 cups) fresh cranberries
2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced
1 pear, peeled, cored, and diced
1 cup golden raisins
1/4 cup minced onions
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon grated orange peel
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
2 tablespoons Cointreau or orange liqueur
2 tablespoons cognac

1. In a heavy, 3-quart saucepan, combine cranberries, apples, pears, raisins, onion, sugar, orange peel, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir in orange juice.
2. Bring to boiling over high heat. Reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, till thick, about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Stir in orange liqueur and cognac. Cool. Serve with Pheasant Wellington. Store leftover chutney in the refrigerator.
Yield 4 1/2 cups.

Enjoy!

[Judy]

I was re-reading the December 1993 issue this past week, just several days before I happened upon the new issue of Victoria. I did not know Victoria was being revived, so was really happy when I saw it on the rack.

I am disappointed.

The cover of the 11-12/2007 issue appears to have been taken from the 12/1993 issue: tree, chair with a throw across it, and background items, but when you compare the covers from those 2 issues you see the huge differences.

1993 cover is sumptuous.
2007 cover is modern, attractive, but not in the Victorian style.

That is the difference between Nancy's creation and the versions that have been produced since her editorship: She "got" the Victorian lifestyle.

Maybe they should just change the name of their new magazine, and we will have to treasure our saved copies of the old Victoria.

[Shelly]

I just got my new Victoria and, although it sort of looked like the old ones it was lacking the depth and richness. Where are my old favorite writers, Claire Whitcomb? Faith Andrews Bedford? It was the writing I loved not
the aspect of the magazine that was sort of like a glorified catalogue of things to buy. Sigh. Perhaps the next issue will be better

[Stacey]

I just found this website and am delighted! I have signed up for a subscription, but have yet to get my first issue. I have also inquired to the archive department for assistance, which apparently was not part of the new beginnings and may explain the described lack of continuity.. Would it be possible for anyone of you to help me in recovering a picture of a beautiful wrought iron bed with "twisted birdcage" features. Although I was a long time subscriber, I believe it was in an issue between 1996 - 1999. It was part of a main story and the photo waseither a fiull page or more. I do not recall the bed was part of the story, only a beautiful piece of furniture. If you can assist, please email me at anasztaizia@hotmail.com. Thankyou.

[Peggy]

This may seem strange, but I used the magazine for my hair cut. I can not find the original one it was in, but just for me it reappeared in the issue November 1991 on page 87. If anyone can help me know which one it first appeared in, I would greatly appriciate your labor of love for me. I had given away that first copy, and when I went to purchase it again, it was already time for the next months copy. Please let me know at cooperjamaica@yahoo.com.
My girlfriend gets upset with me for keeping the issues I have and I am so happy to see that so many others cherish them as I do, just looking at the cover lets me drift away to dream land, and wish it was me standing there looking through the camera lense as the photographer snapping the picture. I truly agree, yahoo its back!!!!!

[Stephanie]

I have now received my second issue of the new Victoria. I was so excited to hear that it was coming back to life, but I'm very disappointed with the new magazine. The writing is mediocre and forced. The editor's letter, for instance, talks of two new contributors living "artfully and blissfully." Or in an article about paper-cutting: "Smiling as her scissors sing their snip-snip song. . . " Or this: "Delightful aromas can seem as warm as a wool sweater." It would be nice if the magazine combined beautify AND intelligence. I'm giving it one year. . .

[Rachelle Cox]

Hi girls. I am delighted as well to see that Victoria has returned. I bought it for several years before 2001 and am thrilled it has been revived. I am of Irish/English descent and love anything to do with western Europe. (Esp. if tea or English gardens are involved.) I have recently subscribed to the new Victoria with high hopes. I am also a writer and have a new, intermediate novel out that has to do with English history. Its title is Willie of Bennington Abbey and I'm quite sure that some of you ladies would enjoy it. My website is www.earlyteacreations.com and I invite you to visit me there as well as on this blog. I'd also be happy to write back if you'd like to chat. My email address is rachelleacox@aol.com. I'd love to know what you think of both the new Victoria and my new book!

[Diana]

After reading through my first copy of the new Victoria. very eargerly anticipated, I might add -- I felt flat - nothing else describes it. Totally disappointing. There was nothing there to capture my interest. Pages and pages of photos. I don't buy a magazine just for photos - they certainly add, at least they did in the old Victoria, a huge amount to the feel, but there is no substance to the new Victoria. I just can't come to grips or understand why anyone would think that pages of snow covered branches are interesting. The word that best describes how I felt after reading the old Victoria - inspired.
I was honestly in shock the old Victoria died so suddenly with no warning and no explanation. I remember searching and searching in different stores wondering what was going on. I have tried I don't know how many subscriptions to countless other magazines and have found no substitute. I just read that they cancelled Victoria because they were launching the 'Veranda' magazine. I remember buying one Veranda magazine and after plowing my way through thinking it was one magazine I would never be buying again.

Well - I'll give the new Victoria a few more months and hope for the best,

[Candice Campbell]

I did not find out about Victoria magazine unill last Febuary when the home next door sold and a lovely and bright young lady, mother of 6 boys, moved into the victorian home next door. I could not get enough of her old copies so I started searching ebay and now have a considerable amount of my own. I was then introduced to the Bliss book about ladies opening their own shops and how their dreams blossomed. After my government contract come up for renewal I made the jump and opened And Everyhting Nice, Antiques and Consignment. I opened last April 17th 2007 and hit the ground running. I operate out of an old church. We carry Le Chocolatier Gourmet chocolate, O,Canada Soapwaorks hand made soaps and lotions as well as all kinds of itmes that could easily bless the pages of Bliss Victoria in a heart beat. I also made the ministers office in the back a cozy reading room. there is so much to see that sometimes ladies bring lunch, tea, hot chocolate or just go back to feed the baby in the big 1920 sofa and matching twin chairs in the original burgany floral imprint upolstry with wooded carved frame. It was only Jan 2nd that a customer came in and let me know about the magazine starting up again. All of my customers know that I collect by the big sign inside the front door WILL TRADE FOR BLISS VICTORIA BACK ISSUES. I have yet to see the new ones but can hardley wait. I stumbled on this wonderful site while trying to find how to get a subscription but can't seem to get and infomation can someone help me out. By the way 68 % of my sales are china, mostly tea cups and saucers. andeverythingnice@telus.net

[Diana]

Hi Candice - sounds like your shop is in Canada - whereabouts?

The website for Victoria Magazine is www.victoriamag.com - you should be able to get a subscription there.

Diana

[Luciana (Brazil)]

Hi, I am writing from Brazil...I really love this issue. Congratulations !!
Have a great year!!

[Juli Mahoney]

Thanks to everyone here for all your comments regarding the relaunch of Victoria. I too am thrilled with the news, but have to say, I'm now a little worried that I'll be very disappointed-- as were some of you. Like many, I still have every single back issue of the old magazine, and I have to tell you-- each and every dog-eared copy served me well last year, when I was at home recovering from a spleen injury.

With so much bad news in the world, that magazine always did a great job of transporting me-- away from the bad news and into beauty. And nothing was more inspiring. I still look at those back issues nearly every week-- and will be looking forward to my new subscription.

I work for a magazine and would encourage all of you to write letters to the editor of Victoria-- keep them on their toes-- let them know what you like, what you don't like, what you want, and what you don't want. It is after all the readers who will keep this version going.

Take care,

Juli

[Matthew Hilden]

Hello All,

I was helping my Aunt move recently and she has every issue that was printed before the new issues. She enjoyed them but would like to pass them on to someone else. Is anyone out there interested?
They are very heavy. I can put them on ebay or something? Let me know.

Matt

[Debra]

Ladies, please help. I loved Victoria as well and in one of the issues ( most likely 80's ) there was a wedding dress much in a 40's style, with color and short cuffed sleeves and at the hem it was embroidered with I DO, I DO...if you have info regarding that dress, please share...thanks so much!

[LiLi]

Hello Matt,

I'm interested in your aunt's Victoria collection. Please contact me at liliinblue@yahoo.com
Thanks.

[Carrie]

I TRIED MY VERY BEST???!!! My mother was so in love with Victoria magazine--that I tried to get her a charter subscription to its new "incarnation". Well, I just found out (from Customer Service) that they shipped the PREMIERE issue to the wrong address?! Does anyone have an extra copy I can purchase for her? Please let me know via this bog...

[Carrie]

Ooops! I mean "blog"-- I'm such a sad, nervous wreck now that I figured out what happened to what would have been "the perfect Christmas gift" for my mom?! Choosing a gift fo her has never been easy...:( I sure hope I can find a copy of November/December 2007. Thanks in advance!

[Cathy Perks]

Hello again, my name is Cathy P. Early on I sent my sentiments on how BLESSED I feel to have my Victoria back!
It has been awhile since I checked the Blog here....and I am disappointed in the negitive press I am reading here Girls! For any of you that do not "get" the beauty of the come back by Victoria.....please do not try to spoil it for others that may be finding her for the first time!!! I have every issue of my original Victoria's and plan to save every issue of the "New Victoria." Every issue is going to be different...some may appeal more to us than others at times...this does not diminish the fact that this is a beautiful publication..that I will encourage and cheer on!! If SHE is not for you...then read Cosmo.

[Judy Mullis]

I am so grateful to have found this site. I have read the comments and think that we as romanticists are in for a delightful future with the Victoria magazine. I do pray that they will continue to bring to its consumers the magnificent era of time past. This will allow the freshness of old times past to be once again enjoyed. Thank you. I just found my magazine of March/April at the Sam's club here in Concord, North Carolina. I have been wanting this magazine for five years now. Yeh! it is here. Bless all of you that still sense the need of an era gone by, or has it? We still have the awe of this era within us. God Bless!

[Millie]

Can someone help me? I am trying to locate an issue which featured an article about decorating a window with a lace stencil? I am guessing it might be back from years 2000-2002. I would be so happy if someone could identify the issue so I can search for it on ebay or buy it from someone who is interested in selling it. I really, really need it.

[Madeline]

If GAIL sees this post, I am interested in a magazine that I think was between 1995-97. It was not a winter one and possibly spring. One of the features was 'an island romance'. If you want to find that one I would be interested or any of the others during those years. I too was disappointed with the last issues.
Thank you