Etsy Artist of the Week

This week's artist is Flor Larios.  I love her paintings of the Virgin Mary.  She's a big fan of Frida Kahlo too!  Just like me!  From her site..."I'm a self taught artist & illustrator. I love to paint and create decorative art pieces for the home and for you to wear.  I like angels, fairies, madonnas, nativities, butterflies, and ladybugs. I love art! I get my inspiration thru Frida Kahlo's art and religious icons."



Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

  I've admired this artist for quite some time, choosing this particular item to showcase because it has a personal significance for me.  My sister, her daughter, my daughter and I got to visit the Shrine of the Miraculous Medal when we were in Paris last summer.  The site was so unassuming,  nestled in among the other buildings along a Paris sidestreet.  

Outside the religious site



A sculpture inside the courtyard

Inside the courtyard - a close-up of a carving of the actual medallion that many Catholics wear

Inside was a beautiful chapel where we happened upon the beginning of mass (in French, of course).  There was school of children visiting.  We listened to their angels' voices singing every song during the mass.  By far, this was absolutely my favorite part of Paris. 

Inside the chapel

Statue of St. Vincent de Paul

Etsy Artist of the Week

This week's featured Etsy artist on my blog is a chef, Sparkles Kitchen!  I traveled to Paris last summer with my family and I'm really missing the macaroons! 

From the chef:

"I’m not a professional cook and I can’t explain why I love baking so much! I guess it’s because i feel that there is nothing more heart-warming and satisfying in the world when people I care smile and enjoy the food I made for them. I am the happiest person in the world when they say “yummy” to my food!"

Take a look at all the flavors:

- Valrhona 72% Dark Chocolate
- Black Sesame
- Macha Azuki (Green tea with Red Bean Cream)
- Passion Fruit
- Raspberry
- Salted Caramel
- Sumiyaki coffee
- Rose
- Lavender
- Coconut
- Madagascar Vanilla
- Ume (Japanese Plum)