Happy May Everyone,

I have been busy with many events in  early May,

A new roof on my house and carriage barn!  The clean up will take all summer! Ugh!

I need to tell you the winner of the  May Day Give A Way too!  The winner is  Nancy!

Here are some funny and inspirational quotes I found, hope it helps your day!

Thank you again for your emails, hope you can come and visit me at the shop soon.

I have a new line of re-purposed clothing, at moderate prices,

Summer Camisole, Antique Lace

So, until the next newsletter, have a great May!

Celeste

Grey Poly Jersey with Antique Lace and Button Hem

SZ:  Medium/Large                           72.00

S  O  L  D

Summer Now Camisole

Poly Beige Camisole with Antique Lace and Buttons

SZ: Medium/Large                           52.00

Happy May Day!

I am having a Give-A-Way for May, so be sure to read this newsletter and enter to win!

What exactly is “May Day”?

In the Celtic countries of Europe it is called Beltain, or Beltane, and is the celebration of  the coming warmth of the Sun, celebrated on May 1st.

It also is  International Workers’ Day, celebrated on May 1st, a holiday founded to honor the long and bloody struggle of working people throughout the world against their oppressors.

Personally, I like the Celtic version myself, because this also involves the fun of the May Pole,  and legends of Faeries and Goddesses!

Of course my favorite interpretation of the day is when my children were in grade school. They would make May Baskets in class. After school I would hear the front door bell ring, go to the door and no one would be there, however I would find a beautiful paper cone or basket filled with paper flowers hanging on the door!  What a sweet time that was!

Here is a egg carton flower wreath to make for your May Day!  You could also use pipe cleaners to make stems, roll a pretty paper cone and fill the cone with your flowers.

You will need, Plastic or Paper egg cartons, Paper Plates, Fabri-Tac Glue, buttons, jewels, felt, or fabric scraps,

1.  Cut the egg cups from an egg carton. 2.  Cut the four corners of each little cup, slightly fan out, paint your favorite color, or just keep the color of the Styrofoam cartons. 3. Cut out the center of paper plate, glue the little flowers onto the rim.  4.  Glue buttons, jewels, felt or fabric onto the centers of the flowers. 5.  Tie a ribbon around the top and hang!

If you want to put stems on your flowers, simply poke a hole with a toothpick in the bottom of the flower, stick the pipe cleaner in, put a dab of glue on, bend the end of the pipe cleaner onto the glue.

Look at this great idea for a May Day Tea!

Sandwich Cake

You will need a round loaf of bread. Slice into  layers the thickness you would like it to be and as many pieces for the layers depending on how many layers you want.  I find 3 layers is just the right size. You will need a knife and fork to eat it with if you frost the cake. Or leave the frosting off and put a top on a top layer, then you can eat it with your fingers! Just stick a colorful toothpick through the piece that you cut.

Use your favorite fillings for each layer. You could start the bottom layer with  a mousse made with smoked herring, or smoked trout. On top of each filling put your favorite veggies, or condiments. Such as red onions, watercress, broccoli, or black olives. Layer until you have 3 tiers of bread , each one filled with different ingredients.   Here are some other suggestions for layers and filling. Smoked salmon, a sweet mustard sauce and shredded romaine lettuce.  Also olives, watercress, celery, etc.

The final step is to “frost” the cake with a mixture of cream cheese and sour cream and then decorate with  smoked salmon, shrimp, hard-boiled eggs, radishes and parsley.

Use your family favorites and imagination, there are endless combinations of ingredients you could make into this!

And now for the Give-A-Way,

I am giving away two peet pot May Day Baskets,

As a Thank You for your email address and your visits to my shop and wonderful emails you send to me

I would love for you to win these baskets. They are about 3 inches tall and wide and filled with antique shredded silk, lace, a gift tag, and a sweet vintage feathered bird. A basket for you to keep and another one to give a way to someone else if you want to. You could  also fill with flowers or candy .

To enter you must write me a note  at this email address:

cataldo@victoriantailor.com

saying you would like  to be entered, please enter by this Friday the 26th, to give me time to send to you by May Day , the 1st of May,

Thank you all for your emails, visits and notes, hope to hear from you,

Have a blessed week!

Celeste

Join us this weekend April 12, 13, 14,

At the Victorian Tailor shop inside  The Maple Street Mall in Mason Michigan, sample delicious cakes while you shop!!!!

Come in and visit while you shop for spring and summer dreses, tops and accessories at the Victorian Tailor shop!

Hope to see you there!

Have  you ever wondered  why or what the “Victorian Era” is?

Here is a brief summary:

It all begins of course with Queen Victoria.

Born:  May 24, 1819    Died:   January 22, 1901

In 1837 Queen Victoria took the throne after the death of her uncle William IV , Victoria was barley 18 years old.

On Feb 10th, 1840, only three years after taking the throne, Victoria took her
first vow and married her cousin, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. Their
relationship was one of great love and admiration. Together they bore nine
children – four sons and five daughters:  Edward VII of the United Kingdom , Victoria, Princess Royal, Alfred, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, Prince Leopold, Duke of Albany, Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll, Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn, Princess Beatrice of the United Kingdom, Alice of the United Kingdom, Princess Helena of the United Kingdom

On Dec. 14th 1861 Albert died from typhoid fever at Windsor Castle. Victoria remained in self-imposed
seclusion for ten years.

In 1887 Victoria’s Golden Jubilee was a grand national celebration of her 50th
year as Queen. The Golden Jubilee brought her out of her shell, after the death of Prince Albert, and she once
again embraced public life.

Therefore having said,  this is why we refer to our lives of this time as  the “Victorian Era”, encompassing everything from fashion, food, to polite society. Then in 1901, after Queen Victoria’s death, her son  Edward took the throne and the “Edwardian Era” started.  Fashion silhouettes did start to change at this time, however much of the “Victorian Era” fashion did merge into the early teens. Many people understandably confuse the two era’s because of this transition.

I will have more interesting facts next week. Meanwhile, from my family to yours,

Have a blessed Easter Sunday!

Celeste

Antique Lace Yoke, satin ribbon woven through for size adjusting,

Underlining with antique lace gussets for a comfortable fit,

Questions and price, please write or call:

517.525.3583  or

cataldo@victoriantailor.com

Wishing you all a wonderful Easter Sunday and new beginnings for Spring!

Here are some fun crafts to do and great dinner recipes.

Here’s a sweet centerpiece to try, fill vase with water, stand up peeled carrots so they lean and group together, poke in flowers among the carrots ! Tie ribbon, burlap ribbon or twine around the vase.

I found this cute picture for a Easter Bunny Basket.

Take 2 paper plates, cut one at the top in a half moon shape, staple together as shown. Take another paper plate and cut ears, staple those onto the top of the basket, insert pink construction paper for the inside of the ears. Staple on or punch out holes at the top for a ribbon handle. Decorate the face with felt marker eyes and mouth, use pink construction paper for the nose and cheeks and some cotton balls for the fluffy part on the face.

Fluffy Sheep

Glue cotton balls on the back of a paper plate.

Cut out shapes for the head, leg and tail from construction paper or felt.  Glue onto the cotton balls, use craft store eyes or even little buttons for the face, use a different color felt for the nose and mouth.

Baked Asparagus

1 Package phyllo dough, defrosted (you will not use it all)
1 stick unsalted
butter, melted
1 bunch green asparagus, trimmed
½ cup Parmesan cheese,
grated
Coarse ground black pepper

½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon
grated horseradish
1 teaspoon capers, minced
2 teaspoons whole seed
mustard
salt and pepper to taste
If making immediately, preheat your oven to 350F.

In a small bowl,
combine the mayo, horseradish, capers and mustard. Taste and adjust seasonings.
Reserve until ready to serve.

Bring a large pot of heavily salted water
to a boil. Toss in the trimmed asparagus and blanch for 2 minutes, or until
bright green. Drain into a colander and shock in a large bowl of ice water. Pat
with paper towels and set aside. (This can be done a day ahead)
Remove phyllo from package and place a barely damp towel over it to keep it from drying
out. (If the towel is sopping the phyllo will get mushy. And that is no
good.).

Remove one sheet and lay it out on your work surface. Brush with
a thin layer of melted butter, then sprinkle on some Parmesan and then pepper.
Place another layer on top and repeat with the butter and cheese, until you have
3 layers.

Divide the phyllo into 5 equal strips and then down the center
so you have 10 rectangles.

Position a stalk of the asparagus on the
bottom edge of a rectangle and roll it up. Brush the tips and outside with more
butter and place on a lined sheet pan, seam side down.

When ready, bake
until golden brown, approx. 15 minutes. Serve hot with the sauce.

Lemon Brownies

Sift  flour and salt together, add to beaten sugar, butter, egg, juice mixture,

bake at 350  for 25 to 30 minutes, frost with glaze when cool.

Thank you again for visiting me at my shop and your wonderful email notes. The next time you come into the shop you will see  many new beautiful pieces of clothing for spring. Antique lace Gypsy skirts,  antique lace tank tops, and  antique lace dresses. I still have some felted wool mittens in spring colors left also.

I will be offering Free Shipping again for the month of May also here at my web store.

You can also see me at my Facebook page, just click on the icon below, take a minute to “like” my page, I would really appreciate it!

Blessings to you all for the Easter Season!

Celeste,

www.cataldo@victoriantailor.com

fresh scent in the air!!!  These early days of spring are so encouraging, and make

me want to keep busy. Here are two of our latest additions to the Victorian Tailor merchandise.

The Nightshirt and Spring Bag will be featured and ready for sale soon!

They are currently in my shop at The Maple Street Mall!

Victorian Lace Nightshirt

Spring Lace Bag,  Front

Spring Lace Bag, Back

Enjoy a Lacey Day of Sun!

Celeste

Willow Faerie

Saint Patrick’s Day!

Green Beer, pot of gold, good fortune, “Luck of the Irish”, these are all typical things we hear about on this fun day.

They say we are all Irish on this day.  My mothers side of the family is Irish and  Scottish, so I certainly am,  and love to hear tales and read about the Irish culture. So what does St. Patrick’s Day really mean?

Here are just a few of the tales and reasons that  I remember hearing my grandmother, Maude,  talk about, (her maiden name Kirk, Kirkpatrick in the old country, County Court, meaning church)

Saint Patrick:

While much of St. Patrick’s life is clouded by legend, there are some
generally agreed-upon facts. Most historians agree that he was born in Scotland
or Wales around 370 A.D. and that his given name was Maewyn Succat. His parents,
Calpurnius and Conchessa, were Romans living in Britain.

It was only after finding his true spiritual self that Patrick felt he could
answer the call to return to Ireland to “care and labour for the salvation of
others.” He returned as a bishop around 432 A.D., traveled throughout Ireland
spreading the word of God, and built churches and schools

Why find a four leaf clover?

The Celtic Druids believed that a four-leaf clover could
help in spotting witches or other demons. Some modern-day spiritualists claim
that a four-leaf clover releases energy and helps one’s judgment. Yet others
feel that finding a four-leaf clover brings good fortune, not just on St.
Patrick’s Day.

Fae Folk:

Fairies fill Irish folklore. These make-believe creatures can assume various
human or animal forms. They love music and may even lead humans astray with
their pipe playing and singing. Irish fairies fall into two main groups:
sociable and solitary. Perhaps the best known of the solitary fairies are the
leprechauns. Leprechauns have the distinction of being the most solitary of the
solitaries, avoiding contact with humans, other fairies, and even other
leprechauns! These two-foot tall, unfriendly, gruff men (there are no female
leprechauns) prefer to pass their time making shoes for other fairies. They
usually wear a green coat, a green hat, and a shoemaker’s apron.

Lemon Cilantro Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 c. dry bowtie pasta
• 2 c. spinach
• 1 bunch cilantro
• 1/4 c. onion finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves finely chopped
• 2 avocados diced
• 1 can chickpeas (or navy beans) drained and rinsed
• 1 c. cherry tomatoes cut in half

For the Dressing:
Juice of 1 med/lg or 2 small lemons

• zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tsp. olive oil
• 2 tsp. dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp. cumin
• dash of salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Fill a pot with water and a sprinkle of salt and bring to a boil. Cook pasta until done, about 7-9 minutes. Once done, drain pasta and set aside and let cool.
2. Using a food processor (or a really good knife), process cilantro and spinach until it becomes finely chopped.
3. Add greens to a medium bowl and fold in diced garlic and onion. Next fold in tomatoes, avocado, and beans. Toss in cooked pasta, then pour dressing on top and fold into salad until coated.
4. Set in fridge for at least 10-15 minutes to let flavors set.Ingredients:

Shamrock Pretzel

Ingredients:
Package  of Yogurt Pretzels
White Chocolate Chips , about 1/2 a bag, or 1 cup
Green Frosting
Green Sprinkles

Directions:
1)  Place about 1/2 cup of white
chocolate chips in a glass dish, and microwave for 30 seconds
Stir.  Do this two or three times, until you are able to completely melt
the chips.  DO NOT OVER HEAT! You should be able to stir the chocolate smooth and free of lumps.
2. Line a surface or baking sheet with wax paper.
3.  Dip the bottom half of a pretzel
in the melted chocolate, making sure each side is nicely coated.  Place the
pretzel onto your wax paper. Continue with each pretzel and join together as shown.

4. Break a pretzel in half, dip in the chocolate and attach for the stem. Let cool and harden.

Felt Flower:

Use leftover felt, quilted cotton, or other plush fabric and cut shapes, why not Shamrocks?

large, medium  and small,  glue or hand stitch in a decorative stitch together, sew or glue on ribbon for necklace,

sew a pin on the back for your lapel, or use on a  package for decoration,

Maudie’s Irish Coffee:

Pour Irish Whiskey at the bottom of your glass , (to taste)

1 or 2 teaspoons of brown sugar,

Put a teaspoon in the glass and pour good strong  coffee on the spoon to temper,

Now this is the only tricky part:

Have ready lightly whipped cream, you don’t want it too thick for this, (use real whipping cream)

Take your  spoon and put it with back turning up against the side of the glass, just at the top of the coffee.

Pour  cream gently over the back of the spoon. If your Irish Coffee is well made it will be dark brown or black with just a covering of the cream floating on the top!

Enjoy!

Detox Water (for after a few Irish Coffee’s)

Ingredients:
2 lemons
1/2 cucumber
10-12 mint leaves

Slice ingredients, put in bottom of jar, fill with water,
Chill Time: Overnight or 8 hours

This water just looks so refreshing, especially after a day and night of celebrating!

Hope you have a fun St. Patrick’s Day!

Watch for my Easter letter in a couple weeks.

Thanks so much for your email.

Old Irish Blessing:

Celeste

Lace, Lace, Lace, Layers and Layers of Antique Lace in this beautiful skirt

A fun to wear skirt with leggins, cowboy boots, jeans, or

dress it up with pearls and heels!!