An Inspiring woman: Maria Sibyalla Merian (art & insects inside)

Hello Lovelies!

 The art of Maria Sibyalla Merian: Masterful insect drawing in the late 17th century, beginning of the 18th century. image via Jane's blog.

I have a board on pinterest called "Inspiring Women" - the inspiration for it obviously comes from Jane Flanagan's series of posts that are all about discovering the lives and deeds of incredibly "Inspiring Women" on her wonderful blog (a must daily read).

 Cover of the book "Amazing Rare Things". Art by Maria Sibylla Merian



On her blog, Jane has criticized our collective (mis)use of pinterest, and I fully understand her position. I try my best to not "hoard", as Jane puts it, that is I try not to mindlessly collecting beautiful images all day long while neglecting my own life.

That said, I find pinterest practical for the time being, as a virtual bookmark of sorts, especially now that we can have secret boards. I personally avoid pictures of hairdos, beauty products that are not organic, weddings, babies and tattoos on my pinterest boards.

 Maria Sibylla Merian, Passion flower plant and flat-legged bug, c. 1701-5 image via a great article on insects in art.

Some other boards I created aim to share the work of artists I admire, my own artwork, as well as other interests I think are valuable enough to share. That is why I mention the masterful art of the insect illustration by Maria Sibyalla Merian here today.

Maria Sibyalla Merian was a woman, an accomplished artist, an "insect lover" or rather a naturalist with a pioneering spirit, all wrapped in one. Her accomplishments as a woman living in the late 17th centurey are beyond amazing. Read more about her here.

So here am I adding today a "pinnable" image of one of her plant/insect illustration, so that anyone not aware of Jane's blog can see it on pinterest and get to know Maria Sibyalla Merian and many, many other inspiring women.



Enjoy!

-Naomi of TeaButterfly.

Beauty Secrets of A French Gal - Summertime

Hello Lovelies!

 this is me sporting my braided paper hat, yes, a hat made of paper! very light-weight and perfect for that light summer luggage. photo (c) Lipson 2012.

I have been taking some rest at the hospital lately and so had time to think and come up with a new idea! how about an e-book? a small pdf that will allow me to share with you my best kept beauty secrets, season after season?

I'm a French gal, so i might know a thing or two about beauty. I love to look at it from an organic, simple and lovely point of view. I'm also close to nature and will organize my beauty tips by season, so you'll find beauty essential tips for summer, fall, winter & spring.

 instagram me with Jackie O style sunglasses. photo, my own. (c) Lipson 2012.

Here's an excerpt of a perfect vanity for a simple, happy and beautiful summer 5i WILL explain more about the products I recommend, why, how-tos etc...).

some of my organic beauty products for summer. photo, my own (c) Lipson 2012.

For summer you'll need in your luggage:

• 100ml shea butter (I recommend Melvita's karité soft)
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• mosquito repellent (mix HE citronnelle et HE géranium)
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• paper hat (see image above) or a beekeeper's folding white canvas hat
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• sunglasses I like the Jackie O look (img)
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• sun protection on-the-go Avène
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• footcare HE palmarosa vetyver
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• 10ml tea tree essential oil
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• arnica montana 5cH - homeopathy remedy against pain after a chock or bruise.
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• after-sun moisture masque hydratant weleda à l'iris 
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• citrus-scented cologne or have your fave perfume in its summer, lighter version
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• liquid organic soap that's good for skin, face body and hair (centifoliabio.fr base lavante neutre img
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• muji's travel kits and accessories.

-Vic from TeaButterfly