The Victoria Magazine

A classic blue-and-white design scheme has timeless appeal, whether used for whole-house interiors or simply to provide a cheerful note here and there.

Our Hearts Are in England offers an impassioned salute to our most cherished destinations.

From the history-cloaked towns of Normandy and the fragrant lavender fields in Provence to the dew-kissed vineyards of Burgundy and Aquitaine, nothing compares with the beauty and the romance of France. The latest offering from the editors of Victoria magazine, Our Hearts Are in France takes readers on a memorable journey through this majestic country, where centuries-old chateaux rise from the riverbanks and snow-dusted mountains give way to rolling hills and fertile valleys sprinkled with tiny villages, each one more enchanting than the last. We visit the eternally alluring City of Light, where Julia Child honed her culinary skills, Parisians stroll pocket gardens brimming with roses, and love blooms beneath the graceful curves of the Eiffel Tower. Our Hearts Are in France is replete with page after page of beautiful interiors, from the idyllic retreat of Marie Antoinette and a pastoral farmhouse in Provence to the quaint quarters of an American in Paris, as well as with ideas for creating personal Gallic-inspired sanctuaries. And should one's palate long for a taste of French cuisine, we offer a cache of delectable recipes that are certain to delight both sweet and savory yearnings. Equal parts travel guide, design compendium, and cookbook--and a must for any Francophile-- Our Hearts Are in France honors and celebrates this magical land that holds such a special place in our hearts.

More than one hundred beautiful photographs and illustrations from Victorian writers and poets provide ideas for gift giving, collecting, and gardening.

“Entrepreneurs who daydream about converting a hobby into a career should consult The Business of Bliss.”—USA Today Share the inspiration, and then make your own dreams come true. Behind every successful woman is a tale of self-reliance, persistence, and the joy of following one’s heart. Former fashion editor Cornelia Powell abandoned stressful corporate life to open a vintage bridal shop. Homemaker Patti Upton built Aromatique, now a 500-person company, on a product that she created “just for fun.” They, and each of the 30 women profiled here, have turned their passions into profitable businesses. Their wonderful stories will encourage you to do the same. A companion to the much praised and highly successful titles, A Shop of One’s Own and Turn Your Passion into Profits.

Table of contents

Victoria magazine pays tribute to private spaces, special places where a joyful love of life thrives and every day offers a round of pleasures. With the help of the magazine’s experts and 85 exquisite color photos, a haven can exist right in your very own home. All it takes is some imaginative decorating and “emotional furnishings” devoted to your personal pursuits. For example, you might install a cushioned window seat for solitary reverie, keep a basket with stationery and pen at the ready, or showcase favorite collectibles that will delight your eye. Bedrooms and baths emphasize grace and light, with creamy linens, flowery coverlets, and gossamer-sheer curtains. Inspirational writings from beloved authors such as Virginia Woolf, Balzac, and Saki accompany the superb photos.