Uniqlo U Is Here

WOMEN U 3D MERINO RIBBED MOCK NECK LONG-SLEEVE DRESS

In the 1980s lots of women walked the streets of Manhattan in mink coats. Rarely do I see mink coats anymore. It's not the status symbol it once was; and now we can buy stylish alternatives to keep us as warm as mink for much less.

Next week Uniqlo will launch Uniqlo U, their HEATTECH Ultra collection. This winter collection is designed to be their warmest HEATTECH clothing yet, providing strong protection against extreme cold. The men's and women's wear will include coats, jackets, hoodies, dresses, skirts, t-shirts, tights, leggings and trousers.

WOMEN U A-LINE LONG-SLEEVE DRESS

Uniqlo U was created by (the Paris Atelier) artistic director, Christophe Lamaire, who worked with a team of international designers. The goal was to make basics functional, stylish and ultra warm. The designers used advanced fabrics and cutting edge techniques, plus threw in a contemporary eye.

MEN U MERINO-BLEND BOAT NECK LONG-SLEEVE SWEATER

The Uniqlo U collection reinvents basics, making them fashion-forward and more practical. The pieces are meant to comfort and flatter the body. You get supportive textile with smart details; everyday basics with softness, simplicity and (did I mention) warmth.

WOMEN U WOOL-BLEND SWEATSHIRT 3/4 SLEEVE DRESS

Clothing that is right up THE SAVVY SHOPPER'S alley -- a way to stay warm in ultra cold temperatures, which is kinder to both your wallet and little-fur-ball critters. I can't wait to see and feel the new Uniqlo U line! Preview it here October 5th.

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Tomato Soup With A Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Photo: HardCider International

Tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich go hand in hand anytime, but especially as we begin the fall season. Make your tomato soup from scratch, and you will never go back to eating can soup. Here's a fast and easy recipe:

Tomato Soup

Ingredients:

1 onion, diced
1 stalk celery, thinly sliced
1 carrot, thinly sliced
4 garlic cloves, minced
32 ounces tomato juice
28 ounce can of either plum tomatoes, cut into chunks; or crushed tomatoes. Crushed tomatoes make an excellent tomato soup. Use what you have in stock.
1 tablespoon sugar
2 large (or 4 small) bouillon cubes - any flavor
1 cup leftover red wine (or port or sherry)
12  ounce can of evaporated milk (Yes, you can use 2% milk, or whole milk, or cream. The more fat, the creamier the soup.)

Season to taste: (No salt needed.) I use ground pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried parsley, dried rosemary, smoked paprika, a bay left, Worcestershire sauce and Herbes de Provence, about 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Fresh chopped basil when I have it.

Note: If you grow your own tomatoes (lucky you to have a sunny backyard!), you can simmer about 4 pounds of them (add a little water and salt and pepper) for about 1/2 hour. Let cool and puree in a blender. No fresh tomatoes? Canned tomatoes are an excellent choice too!

Directions:

1) Sauté the onion, celery and carrot in butter, or olive oil. When nearly tender, toss in minced garlic. Cook a few more minutes.

2) Pour in the tomato juice and canned plum tomatoes.

3) Stir in a tablespoon of sugar and the bouillon cubes.

4) Next add the red wine (port or sherry), followed by evaporated milk.

5) Season the soup to taste. Omit salt as bouillon cubes are salty.

6) Bring the soup to a boil. Cover with a lid. Simmer for about 5 minutes, lift the lip and stir it every few minutes, and you are ready to eat.

🍴 🍷 🍴 🍞 🍴 🧀 🍴

To raise money for charity, I once made grilled cheese sandwiches on a food truck. It was a fun day! I learned the chef's secret ingredient for achieving the perfect crust. And since it is an open secret, I will share it below.

Photo: The Today Show

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Ingredients:

Slices of sharp cheddar
2 slices of whole grain bread. Use whatever you like: whole wheat, rye, or multi-grain (You could make a grilled Swiss cheese on rye bread, if you wish.)
mayonnaise
butter

Directions:

1) Stuff 2 slices of bread with sliced sharp cheddar cheese.

2) Spread the outside of each piece of bread with a thin layer of mayonnaise, the food truck's secret ingredient.

3) Grill both sides in a lightly buttered pan (for extra flavor) until golden brown (or you could spread a pad of butter on the inside of the bread, next to the cheese. Works too!) The mayonnaise produces a golden brown crust. 

Cheesy, buttery, tangy goodness grilled to perfection! When a chill is in the air, warm tomato soup with a grilled cheese sandwich is delicious comfort food!


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Shelf Helpers To Organize

Psst ... you. Yes, you! Take a look in my cupboard.

Once started, I enjoy organizing my home. In an effort to prevent clutter I: 

• Try not to buy unnecessary things; 
• Get rid of things I don't use; and 
• Make sure every thing has a home.

It can be challenging. Whether we live in a big, or small space, we need an abundance of stuff to cook; clean; groom ourselves; and entertain visitors. If you think about it, even a minimalist uses lots of items, tools and gizmos to maintain person and home.

Especially in a small space, it is important to consider how you will store the things you plan to buy. This seems like common sense, but when walking into a store, there are aisles of beautiful, but impractical (for your space) temptations! Whenever possible I buy compact appliances like a kitchen hand held mixer (not a countertop mixer); a laptop computer (not a desktop); and an upright vacuum cleaner (not a canister model). Sans the mass, compact tools do their jobs like their Cadillac siblings. 

Fortunately in my small Manhattan apartment, I have cupboards (some New Yorkers don't!), but I still have to get everything in there. Shelf helpers do the trick! (Please don't judge. I have not found a way to live without plastic storage food containers: Unlike glass storage containers, plastic is easy to stack in a limited space and doesn't break when falling over. I never, ever microwave food in them. But I digress.) Back to putting things in order ...

Here are a few helpful organizing tips:

1) Take everything out of a cupboard, then return things, placing the stuff you use daily in front at your fingertips.

2) Don't buy expensive organizers. Get rid of stuff instead! Shelf helpers, at $4 - $6 each, are a cheap, unbeatable tool for organizing essentials -- the things you must keep to make your life easier; happier; or better.

3) About size: Medium and small shelf helpers fit better. The large ones take up too much valuable space inside the cupboard. Often they work for outside areas like counter tops.

4) Usually grouping "alikes": cups; plates; wine glasses; or gadgets together is the best system. If you store small footprint items in front, they won't interfere with grabbing bigger items in the back. As much as possible, I try to avoid the need to move things in order to seize other things. It's annoying to have a job (i.e. move stuff) before you do a job (take out a plate). Organize your things in smart ways to save steps!

A shelf helper separates (and stabilizes) dishes and other things, giving them their own home. Not only do shelf helpers organize horizontal space, they let you use vertical space!

In the top photo: The (12) red, goose, china cups and red plate/platter are Christmas dishes. In hindsight, I would not buy once-a-year festive dishes. They take up too much real estate! Moreover, there are a few possessions in the cupboard I never use ... yet am slow to give away as they are gifts. But one day the never-use-articles will have to go!

Extra Tips: Put self helpers (1) in the back of your clothes closet, on the floor to create an extra level for lining up your shoes, as well as, (2) under a bathroom sink to neatly stash a few cleaning supplies. These organizers don't need to stay in your kitchen and will fit tight spaces elsewhere in your house. Finally, (3) be mindful of overconsumption; and try to limit the things you bring into your home. Get into the habit of buying enough. Less is better!

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The Urban Cowboy Look

Attention City Slickers: Urban Cowboy (or Cowgirl) fashion is hot this fall. Here's Annie Sui's adorable silk printed take exclusively designed for Macy's. The kaleidoscope pattern is reminiscent of a bandana. A split neckline with a (pullover) smock silhouette and bell sleeves are cute details. With a ladylike crochet trim at the bib and bottom of the dress. It's understated enough to outlast the trend. Simply remove the cowboy inspired boots and voila ...🤠 how versatile!

Kick the cowboy fad up a notch with Needle & Thread's Posy dress. With fringes at the bib and bottom of the dress, the sleeves are slender, and the body a colorful, floral, embroidered mesh. Ultra sophisticated. Style the dress up or down with cowboy boots, comfort booties, or high heels. You can wait for this dress to go on sale, or be inspired by it!

Manhattan's Space Cowboy Boots on Mulberry Street (between Spring and Prince) is the real deal for men's and women's cowboy boots and accessories, including Plainsmen hats and western belts with buckles. The leather articles are handmade by skilled cordwainers and gorgeous! The Floral Noir boots are a favorite. (Oh, noo, don't I have enough boots already?) Be still my western heart!💓

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L'Oreal's Infallible Makeup Goes to Paradise

L'Oreal is stepping up its makeup line just like competitor, Maybelline. Now you have another drugstore brand, which gives you luxe quality for less. The moola💰 stays in your wallet ... without compromises!

Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara - is "the bomb," according to Angie, THE SAVVY SHOPPER'S cosmetic-she-devil friend.😈 That gal loves eye makeup and gets me to buy more than I would on my own. The Lash Paradise mascara has a soft wavy bristle brush to create feathery, soft, full eyelashes. With even stokes, create voluptuous volume and length. Top-notch lasting pigments to boot.

Another new product to try is L'Oréal Paris Infallible Super Slim Liquid Eyeliner - With a pen to draw perfect lines every time, the color lasts all day without smudging or running.

Personally I use L'Ordeal's Revitalift Miracle Blur, then skip foundation altogether, but Ang calls L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation "amazballs." Both items have sun protection, which is our skin's most essential anti-aging tool. Apply it every morning of the year. These 2-in-1 products are smart.

L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation makes everybody's best new product's list across America and Canada. Lightweight and creamy, this long lasting foundation gives customers a radiant finish with all day moisture. It goes on rich and natural without ever looking heavy or cakey.

So 3 new products and one old standby to add to your beauty arsenal, my Pretty Readers. Along with retailer Maybelline, L'Oreal Paris is the bomb of quality ... a gold standard at drugstore prices.💛



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Angel's Envy In The Tradition Of Kentucky Bourbon

Last night I had a rare chance to meet Wes Henderson, who came to New York City to promote Angel's Envy, a Kentucky bourbon created by his father, Lincoln Henderson (an early inductee of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame). Over a nearly 40 year career, Lincoln developed esteemed bourbon brands, such as Woodford Reserve and Gentleman Jack before striking out on his own. The family run distillery sits on Main Street in Louisville, Kentucky. If you visit, be sure to book a free tour to see how bourbon is made.

Angel's Envy was creator, Lincoln Henderson's only independent project; and many connoisseurs in the bourbon world say, it is his best. Angel's Envy is a small batch bourbon. Only 8 to 10 barrels are blended at a time. Each batch is tasted for quality control.

Once a year the company releases a limited edition brew. Look for the Angel Envy's label: Cask Strength Bourbon Finished in Port Barrels. Called ''the best spirit in the world" by Spirit Journal, there will only be 8,000 bottles of it produced and available, starting on October 1, 2017.

Cheap it isn't, but definitely worth the splurge for a taste, as Angel's Envy Cask Strength Bourbon is perfection to sip. At 124.5 proof, the bourbon is ultra smooth. Wes Henderson suggests sipping the bourbon straight up, or with a slash of water to release its flavor nuances. Every year this limited edition batch will taste different. This year the special brew has subtle notes of cherry, caramel, chocolate and a shading of cinnamon. (The favor is complex, listed on the website in detail.) A sip bathes your throat in warmth. At last night's launch, a number of people familiar with previous vintages agree, the 2017 Cask Strength Bourbon is their favorite.

But if you're not lucky enough to snatch up a bottle of the limited edition bourbon, you can try one of the two finishes that sell all year around: 1) Angel's Envy Finished Rye; or 2) Angel's Envy Finished Port. Each has unique notes of their own.

Photo: adventureinwhisky.com

By browsing Angel's Envy's website, you can learn more about the tradition of bourbon making and what gives a fine bourbon its flavor. Don't be afraid to expand your taste horizons!


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Turning Leftover Chicken Into A Casserole

The food stylist took the day off, so this didn't make the center of the plate. Oh that's right, THE SAVVY SHOPPER doesn't have a food stylist. (Plus, my phone takes yellow pictures, which is why this is a writing, not a photo blog.) Fortunately the casserole tastes the same. Delicious.😊 

My supermarkets run sales on roast chicken so often, I rarely bake a chicken anymore. The price of a whole chicken (whether raw or a roast) is about the same; therefore, I let Key Food, or C-town do the work. I come home with hot roast chicken ready to eat!

Leftovers are turned into chicken salad, or sandwiches. Last night I turned the leftovers into a chicken casserole. It was my first time making a casserole of any kind; and it was tasty. I used ingredients in the refrigerator that had to go! So feel free to vary the vegetables. Look to my recipe below as a guide. (I doubt I will use avocado the next time I make the dish, if the avocado is fresh and soft to eat with salsa. I had an avocado, which never ripened, so I decided to bake it in my casserole.) If you don't have leftover chicken, you can grill 2-3 chicken breasts in a pan before you start:

Chicken and Quinoa Casserole

Ingredients:

1 cup dried quinoa (Any grain [rice, millet, etc.] can be substituted.)
1/2 water
leftover whole chicken (or 2-3 chicken breasts), cooked and cubed
16 ounce package frozen broccoli florets
5-6 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 red bell pepper, cubed
3 carrots, sliced thin
2 cups milk
2 large chicken bouillon cubes (or 4 small)
1/2 cup flour
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 Parmesan cheese
cooking spray, or olive oil (I use the olive oil.)

Optional: avocado, cubed

Spices to taste: I use salt (taste test first, since some brands of bouillon have plenty of salt), black pepper, red pepper flakes; dried celery powder, dried garlic powder, dried onion powder, rosemary, basil, Herbes de Provence, a few turns of a nutmeg mill and Worcestershire sauce.

Directions:

1) Brush you casserole pan with olive oil (or use cooking spray). Spread the quinoa on the bottom of the pan, and pour about 1/2 cup of water on top of it to soak up. Let the uncooked quinoa absorb the water while you prepare the other ingredients. The water will enable the quinoa to cook during baking. If left dry, it will not get tender. (Some cooks raise quinoa, instead, but I can't be bothered.😏)

2) Next layer with the cubed chicken, broccoli florets, minced garlic, and the vegetables you are using. Season to taste.

3) Make a white sauce in a sauce pan on your stove top by

combining 2 cups of milk with 1/2 cup of flour and the chicken bouillon cubes. Whisk while the mixture heats, then simmers over a medium flame. It will thicken in about 5 minutes. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. After the white sauce thickens, pour it over the chicken, spices and vegetables.

4) Top with sliced, or shredded sharp cheddar cheese; and sprinkle on the Parmesan cheese. I like the green of dried parsley sprinkled on top as a last step.

5) Bake in the oven at 350 F degrees for about 40 minutes.

I love one pot meals! A mesh-mash of healthy and cheesy ingredients that stick to the ribs with an easy-breezy clean up of one pan. Heck yeah! Grab a fork. Bon appétit, friends!


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DIY Cork Bulletin Board

Recently I mentioned to a neighbor I wanted to make a cork bulletin board, but it would take me forever to collect all the corks needed to complete it. He drinks wine, so I joked he should save all his corks for me. Well, low and behold ... 4 months later he handed me a bag of corks. What a good boy he is!! He got me started.

I gathered the the first row of corks, myself, by attending 2 wine receptions. At each reception, I asked my waiter for a glass of Pinot and all his corks.😄 My benefactor's corks got the board 3/4 of the way done.

Next I visited a nearby wine shop and Mexican restaurant, where I picked up the balance of the corks to finish the bulletin board. 

Truthfully, I have no freaking idea what I'm doing, but when has that ever stopped me?😳 So far, I am using materials I have at home: 1) A trimmed side of a shipping box as a backing; 2) Elmer's glue; 3) and I don't know what to do for a frame yet. Do you like the cork board frameless? 

Someone set a clean, flawless block of wood out in the trash. It would be perfect, if I had tools and the skills to cut the wood into a frame. I do not. Alas, I have to let the wood go.

If you are inspired to make a cork bulletin board know: A sturdy card board box as a back and Elmer's glue work fine. Not only did I glue the corks to the card board backing, I glued the tops, bottoms and sides of the corks to one another for extra adhesive strength. I then laid a stack of books on the bulletin board for several days while the glue dried. After drying, those corks are staying put!

You will notice the corks are light and dark shades. I dispersed the different shades, as opposed to, gluing lights, or darks in a clump of sameness. Dispersing the shades look appealing! A few synthetic corks aren't spoilers. It also helps if the corks are mostly the same size, though they won't all be, and I suppose, the imperfections add to the charm of a DYI project.

Also, decide on a pattern before you start. I played with a few ideas, laying a couple of rows down unglued before I committed. Visualizing what you intend to do (i.e. having a plan) is a must. Next, have patience and fun in creating. If you are more crafty than I am, go for it ... design away!

It took an entire bottle of glue to finish the cork board. Luckily, I bought Elmer's glue when my local drugstore offered a 2 for 1 sale. So my new bulletin board cost me nothing in dollars and cents to make and very little time. Plus, the rows-of-corks as a bulletin board are lovely, right?

My 2nd cork board using an old frame. Got it for $2 at Housing Works,  a thrift store.

If you have an old frame at home, you could start with it. Toss the glass (or reverse it as a layer of support inside the frame). Glue your corks on the inside backing (usually it's card board), so the cork side looks out (like a photo would), minus the glass. Likely, fitting the corks to a ready-made-structure is easier than finding a frame after the work is done. Hey, my first effort ... I didn't know what I was doing. Am I Frank Lloyd Wright? Nooo.


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Queen Victoria's Family Pictures

All 9 children together at The Rosenau near Colburg to honor their father, Prince Albert, August, 1865. (Back row) Princess Louise, Albert Edward, the Prince of Wales (Bertie); (front row) Prince Leopold (who, lame at the time, leans on a chair), Princess Alice, Princess Beatrice, Princess Victoria (Vicky) of Prussia; (standing) Prince Alfred (Affie), Princess Helena (Lenchen), (sitting cross legged in front) Prince Arthur {Photos: Royal Collection Trust}

In Great Britain Victoria, season 2 returns to television on Sunday August 27, 2017. A Christmas special will follow that I can't wait to see, knowing that Prince Albert, the Queen's husband, introduced the tradition of Christmas trees to his adopted country.

Season 2 won't air in America until February, 2018; but fans can watch it online with the Brits if they search for it. I don't feel naughty for doing so, as I will watch the series again when it airs here on PBS, which after all is free TV. (Why doesn't the series air simultaneously? Is it a matter of business and contracts?)

Standing: Prince Louis of Hesse (husband of Alice), Prince Alfred, Princess Helena, Alexandra, the Princess of Wales (wife of Bertie), Albert Edward, the Prince of Wales (Bertie), Princess Louise, Prince Ernest II, Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha (their uncle and Albert's brother), Prince Arthur, Princess Victoria of Prussia. Seated: Princess Alexandrine, Duchess of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, Crown Prince Frederick of Prussia (husband of Vicky), Prince Leopold (on Fritz's lap) and Princess Alice at The Rosenau near Colburg, August, 1865. 

Louise, Beatrice, Alice, Alfred, Bertie, Arthur, Helena, Leopold and Vicky - at The Rosenau, August, 1865

The screenwriter, Daisy Goodwin, says season 2 is set in the 1840s, with Queen Victoria juggling consecutive pregnancies, young children and her husband with her job of [constitutionally] ruling an empire. In Europe, the 1840s were years of "revolution, famine and unrest." Even in England, there were hostile republican groups in favor of abolishing the monarchy.

Left photo: Bertie (who became King Edward VII), Vicky, Queen Victoria, Alfred, and Alice, 1854; right photo: Helena, Queen Victoria and Louise, 1850.

I adore these photos of Queen Victoria's domestic life. Prince Albert and the Queen took to photography, recognizing its value in getting images of their family out to her subjects, connecting the public to the Crown. They look very middle class, but in reality had a huge staff of nurses, tutors, maids, ladies-in-waiting and equerries to assist them, not to mention palaces and castles to occupy in London, Windsor, the Isle of Wight and Scotland. By royal standards though, the Queen and Prince Consort were involved parents.

Left photo: 1854 - Queen Victoria with her favorite son, Prince Arthur (7th child, born 1850) and 2 of her ladies-in-waiting. As a child Arthur charmed the court and visitors with cute remarks. When younger brother, Leopold, was born in 1853, nurses reported, Arthur "talks to him like an old woman," calling his brother, "my baby." Victoria wrote that Arthur was "more dear than all the rest put together." Right photo: Prince Albert, Princess Alice, Queen Victoria holding Prince Arthur; (Back corner) Crown Prince Frederick (Friz) of Prussia, Princess Victoria (Vicky). In white hats: Princess Helena, Princess Louise, and Prince Alfred, 1857.

Between 1840-1857 Victoria bore 9 children. She hated being pregnant, but in her era the only effective method of contraception was abstinence. What's more, a dynasty has a duty to produce heirs.

Vicky and Arthur in the Tableau of Dreams, 1854

The cast of Tableau of Dreams dressed as seasons: Princess Alice  (Spring), Arthur with Victoria, the Princess Royal (Summer), Princess Helena (Holding a cross as A Spirit Empress), Prince Alfred with Princess Louise (Autumn), Prince Albert Edward (Winter), May 24, 1854 on the occasion of their mother's birthday.

Prince Albert was a strict, yet loving father. He oversaw the children's education, implementing a rigorous academic curriculum. The oldest child, Vicky, thrived, while her brothers Bertie and Alfred (Affie) less so. The children spoke fluent English, German and French, as well as, studied Greek and Latin. Additionally, the children took lessons in music, painting and drawing, recited poetry and put on plays to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. The girls learned to cook and bake; and all of the children planted their own vegetable gardens. Affie was mechanically minded and skilled at building forts. The boys played soldiers. Queen Victoria thought Prince Albert was perfect and after his death, tried to follow what she interpreted as his plans in raising their children. But the youngsters' world darkened, as they were engulfed in their mother's prolonged period of mourning.

Left photo: 1854 - Prince Alfred (4th child, born 1844) - At his own request his parents let him join the royal navy at age 14. At 17, Affie was away at sea, when Prince Albert died in 1861. Queen Victoria never forgave Affie, her 2nd son, for having affairs as a young man. She was critical of him throughout his life. A boy leaving home at 14 is so very young, though the Prince had a happy naval career. Right photo: September, 1854 - Arthur and Alfred dressed as Skeikh Princes at Osbourne. Four year old Arthur is a little ham! Often visitors to the nursery noticed the 7th child's charisma.

There is no doubt Queen Victoria loved her children (and they loved her), but she was not a natural mother. She was not only their mother, but their sovereign, a trump card she was quick to use when provoked. For all her faults as a mother, she gets cut a little slack. After Albert left her a widow at the young age of 42, she had 8 unmarried children at home. Princess Alice and Prince Albert Edward (Bertie) married within two years, according to the paths their father had sanctioned for them.

Another snap of Arthur and Alfred dressed as Sheikh Princes at Osbourne, 1854

Prince Leopold, Princess Beatrice and Prince Arthur at Osbourne, 1958

Princess Helena, Princess Louise, Prince Leopold and Princess Alice at Balmoral, 1860

It left Queen Victoria with 6 young children to make all the decisions for their well being as a single mother. Granted she had wealth, resources and servants to help her, but still her family's health, education, moral and social development -- their futures rested solely on her shoulders. It had to overwhelm her at times. She was especially fearful when upper-crust boys (i.e., princes) became young men. She believed all too often they grew aimless, reckless and immoral "running up to London" with the wrong set of people. Certainly, only a strong-willed woman could soldier the responsibility of a big brood. According to her biographers, she was a domineering mother. 

Left photo: 1865 - Prince Leopold (8th child, born 1853). Like his sisters Vicky and Alice he was studious and very intelligent. He was a gifted pianist and could paint and draw; right photo: 1866 - Princess Louise (6th child, born 1848). All of Victoria's children could sketch and paint. Louise stood out, becoming a professional sculptress.

Her children hated to disappoint her or incur her wrath. She had a mighty temper and did not like to be contradicted. She had few expectations of Bertie and Affie, who were, in fact, "running up to London," to have a randy good time. Leopold had an independent, feisty nature (but not wild like his brothers). He was miserable to be smothered and criticized as if he did. Helena (Lenchen) and Beatrice (Baby) were the most submissive children. Poor Beatrice (age 4 when Albert died) was raised to submit to her mother's needs over her own. Still ... Victoria loved them, guided them in good faith (if sometimes unfairly or selfishly), selected tutors and caretakers mindfully and allowed each child to marry for love. 

Princesses Alice (3rd child, born 1843) and Helena (5th child, born 1846), 1860. Both sisters played the piano beautifully (like Leopold, Beatrice and their parents).

When the Queen's children persisted in something they desired to do, if they took their mother on with tact and patient diplomacy, she would listen and at times relent (always with a written list of her conditions); however give in she would do, if the child strongly wished to pursue an interest or purpose. Thus Princess Louise attended a public art school (the first royal to do so and married a subject over a foreign prince); Prince Leopold (despite his setbacks with hemophilia and mild fits) was allowed to attend Oxford University, plus marry; and youngest child, Beatrice, (who Victoria groomed to stay unmarried at home with her) was also permitted to marry after a 7-month battle of silence and wills. With the shock announcement that Princess Beatrice had fallen for Prince Henry of Battenberg, Queen Victoria stopped speaking to her most devoted daughter. Written notes were passed between them during the feud at the breakfast table! Moreover, Princess Beatrice continued (as required!) to work as her mother's private secretary. It seems cruel to a modern reader.

Prince Leopold, Princess Louise, Prince Alfred, Princess Alice, Princess Helena at Buckingham Palace, February 29, 1960.

Vicky and the Queen, 1857

When the Queen clashed with one of her children, she wrote detailed letters, explaining her disapproval and anxieties not only to the child who challenged her, but to other members of the family such as eldest daughter, Crown Princess Victoria of Prussia; the child's tutors and doctors; chaplains (and depending on the issue, a college dean or prime minister!) who's consuls {and consoles} she sought in the matter. She sent them copies of the letters: the child's request and her replies. Victoria was always upfront about what she thought!

Fortunately, the Queen was surrounded by many well-intentioned retainers; and the other children who were sympathetic to their siblings.

For all the upset over Beatrice's wedding, Queen Victoria grew to love Prince Henry of Battenberg. The Queen's new son-in-law gave up his military career to marry his English Princess; and the couple had to agree to live permanently with the Queen. Eventually, they gave her 4 more grandchildren.

Left photo: 1862 - Queen Victoria with her favorite and most devoted daughter, Princess Beatrice (9th child, born 1857). Right photo: 1864 - As an adult, Princess Beatrice was shy, but confident and determined if she had to be. She didn't seek nor crave her role as a sidekick to the center of power; it's what the Queen wished. Although Victoria was more maternal with Beatrice than she had been with her older children, it was a double-edged sword. From the age of 4, Beatrice was conditioned to put her mother's needs and happiness first. The Queen expected her two youngest children, Leopold and Beatrice, to live out their days unmarried as her companions. Prince Leopold was too spirited and independent and was unhappy until he was permitted to marry. Beatrice got married but complied. As selfish as Victoria appears to a modern reader, it was more common in Victorian times for one child in a family to remain home to care for parents.

It is not easy for offspring of a mother born to be a ruler ... as she will rule! Despite her maternal shortcomings, I mostly like Queen Victoria because on balance: her children were likable, responsible, respectable adults. They were instilled with a sense of duty and a desire to do good. All of them were gracious, humble and kind.

Even Bertie turned out to be a diplomat and good king. (King Edward VII loved his wife and mistresses, but that's another blog!) Affie, who became the Duke of Saxe-Colburg-Gotha in 1893, won over his subjects also. Mostly the siblings got along and were warm and open toward one another. Princesses Louise and Beatrice had squabbles, which were mended. Beatrice celebrated a happy 80th birthday with sister Louise, her next door neighbor, at Kensington Palace.* Bertie (Victoria's spurned heir) and Beatrice (her beloved confidante) were not close. Queen Victoria treated her oldest son and youngest daughter so differently, and some resentment stayed with the heir. Princess Beatrice was not part of the new King's inner circle (as was Princess Louise), but "remained a presence at court."* Bertie always invited her on the King's yachting trips; and his youngest sister was among the family who gathered as Bertie lay dying in 1910.* Unlike other dynasties, there were no ugly intrigues, plotting, nor backstabbing in Victoria's family. 

They were privileged royals, yes ... but spoiled, no. When looking at results, you understand, Queen Victoria was fundamentally a good person. So were her adult children. As a parent, she must have done many things right. 

Now for the countdown to season 2 of Victoria! Will you watch?

*The Last Princess: The Devoted Life of Queen Victoria's Youngest Daughter by Matthew Dennison here

Blogger changed something so writing captions for pictures messes up the format of a paragraph, therefore, I will identify the Royals in the last photo (above) in this spot: Standing: Alice, Louis of Hesse, Bertie, Helena. Sitting: Louise, Queen Victoria, Beatrice, Alexandra (Bertie's bride), and kneeling: Leopold. Poor Alexandra. It's her wedding and she holds a photo of the dearly departed Prince Albert, as her in-laws surround his statue, 1863.



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It's Christmas Once Again    
Princess Alice Of The United Kingdom   
Remembering Prince Leopold, Duke Of Albany
Queen Victoria & Prince Albert: Books & Series