Victorian Circassian Beauties

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In the 1860s P. T. Barnum exhibited women as Circassian beauties. They wore a distinctive hair style, which had no precedent in earlier portrayals of Circassians, but was soon copied by other performers, known as moss haired girls.

These were typically presented Turkish sexual slaves who had escaped the harem for freedom in America.

Their distinctive hairstyle was held in place by the use of beer.

For some reason I am compelled to share this with you – it is something I have never heard about before and am going to be reading more about it. If I find more information about this I will update this post.

 

Valentines Day Table Spread

550253_154771884675058_1691459005_nWhat a great table spread – for a sweetheart – or a party with lots of guests. Just little cake fancifuls on the most of elegant dinnerware. Decorated with colorful pastels to match the different dinnerware designs. Add some lace and roses to make a complete setup.

Happy Thanksgiving

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“Country Victorian” Decorating

Victorian Era style reflects home decor during the reign of Queen Victoria from 1837 – 1910. “Country Victorian” focuses primarily on the feel and look of Victorian countryside summer homes. While this decorating style is very similar to traditional Victorian decor, it incorporates a more airy and relaxing feel.

Colors: “Country Victorian” decor incorporates a variety of colors such as pastel pinks, greens, blues, and peaches. These can be paired with darker hues of mauve and incorporate the occasional navy, indigo, or deep forest green. “Country Victorian” homes often inspire picturesque images of the countryside or seaside. Pick an idyllic image of a rustic vacation spot and use this to influence your color selections. Sea foam green and varying shades of blue with a touch of peach will invoke an image of the seaside while pink, mauve, mint green, and forest green will speak of a countryside filled with flowers growing down a rolling hillside. Rich patterns are common in Victorian home decor on everything from the furniture to the wallpaper.

Materials: “Country Victorian” decor typically uses lots of lush and luxurious fabrics such as silk, velvet and lace. Your “Country Victorian” home should still have an abundant supply of interesting fabrics, but you should not to use those with a light and airy feel such as cottons and chintz. Use lace or gauzy fabrics at the windows to let plenty of sunlight in. Embroidered blankets, rugs, pillows, and throws will lend to the Victorian feel and look of the home. Tassels and ribbons

are also distinctly Victorian. Furniture with a lacquered grained wood finish will give the home a bit of a rustic feel. Wicker is another material frequently associated with “Country Victorian” homes. Couches and chairs should be plump and a bit overstuffed.

Accessories: In a “Country Victorian” style home, it is the little touches that often bring the look together. Victorian decor is often associated with a business and somewhat cluttered look. Placing antique items and Victorian era prints and artwork throughout the home will complete your “Country Victorian” theme. Dried flowers are a popular feature in homes of this style. Nature-inspired knickknacks such as seashells and pebbles work with this theme as well. Opt for pewter and brass light fixtures. Painted plates and porcelain dogs and other small creatures are fine finishing touches for a “Country Victorian” home.

Happy Valentines Day

Wishing you all the special love you deserve on this very special day: Valentines Day! May your home be filled with laughter, family and most importantly LOVE! Valentines Day has always been a special day for my family and I and hope it is for you and yours also! Happy Valentines Day!