André 3000 on new creative pursuits

“Even now people think, Oh, man, he’s just sitting on raps, or he’s just holding these raps hostage. I ain’t got no raps like that. It actually feels…sometimes it feels inauthentic for me to rap because I don’t have anything to talk about in that way. I’m 48 years old. And not to say that age is a thing that dictates what you rap about, but in a way it does. And things that happen in my life, like, what are you talking about? ‘I got to go get a colonoscopy.’ What are you rapping about? ‘My eyesight is going bad.’ You can find cool ways to say it, but….”

André 3000 for GQ

truly inspiring to see how creativity evolves and changes because that’s ok and it’s a part of life which leads me to…

I just ordered a set of Crayola crayons to draw with and, most importantly, to play again.

Afternoon Drawing Session

This is supposed to be a bok choy. i like how the colors turned out. All of this is courtesy of making art with the kiddo this afternoon which was really nice…and, much needed. However, for two seconds I was paralyzed — I couldn’t put the crayon to paper because I didn’t know what to draw. But then, I looked over at the kiddo going hog wild and he inspired me to just have fun.

I’m forgetting to have fun and I think that’s been the crux of my creative block. There’s so much pressure to make it “something.” So, I need to play more and maybe it’s with crayons.

Water bottle and carrying case…

1989 (Taylor’s Version) Eras Water Bottle & Holder $34.89

SOooOOOoOOooOoo tempting to order this just for the carrying case BUT (a) I love my Owala bottle too much and (b) I’m not one to carry a water bottle with a strap – it’s usually shoved into a bag or backpack.

Instead, can Taylor and her team offer up just the strap separately because then I’d definitely use it.

Apple Picking at Mann Orchards in Methuen, MA

Rosalee apples from Mann Orchards in Methuen, MA

We were able to get in some family apple picking time just as the season winds down. We usually get out there earlier but every weekend has been rainy. Much thanks to Mother Nature and an invite because we had a blast. The orchard at Mann Orchards now ranks as tops on our list for the following reasons:

  • plenty of sweet apples to pick from (Our fave was the Rosalee. We were disappointed with the Ludacrisp which was tart. There was so much potential with that name.)
  • free tractor ride
  • fresh and piping hot apple cider donuts – beautiful crispy exterior and soft interior
  • no crowds
  • there was a DJ bringing tunes like the Macarena
  • nice sand pile for the kiddos as well as corn hole, slide and spider net
  • up the road is their farm store with produce and a bakery stocked with homemade pies, breads and cakes
Our second fave was Ever Crisp.

Though it’s an hour away from Boston, it’s worth it.

1989 (Taylor’s Version) merch is out

1989 (Taylor’s Version) Viewfinder

The 1989 (Taylor’s Version) collection is out. I love the sea breezy color vibes of light blues, pinks and creams. Will I be getting anything? As if I don’t have enough Taylor Swift t-shirts, I am adding the charcoal photo distressed t-shirt to my collection. The viewfinder is tempting but I’m terrible at displaying objects and I don’t have much space at the moment.

1989 (Taylor’s Version) collection

Dunkin’ Spider Donut Halloween merch

a six-foot-tall Inflatable Dunkin’ Spider Donut ($99.99)

Dunkin’ Halloween merch and, of course, donuts on the way. I don’t have the space for the 6ft inflatable Spider Donut, but the keychain and donuts I can do. The inflatable will be available at 12pm EST on 10/3 online and everything else in-store on 10/11.

Embracing the fanfare around the Spider Donut, the brand has crafted a trio of ways to revel in the spooky season. First, Dunkin’ created a first-of-its-kind inflatable with Halloween super fans in mind. The larger-than-life creation reflects the charming donut design and marks Dunkin’s first foray into Halloween décor. Perfect for decorating porches, lawns, front stoops, and more, the sweet orange glow of the Inflatable Spider Donut sets the stage for more treats to come at Dunkin’.

“Our Spider Donut has increasingly become a symbol of the Halloween spirit here at Dunkin’,” said Kemma Kefalas, Director of Brand Engagement at Dunkin’. “Every October, we watch our guests celebrate the spooky season with Spider Donuts in hand. This year, we wanted to create a new and out-of-the-donut-box way for Spider Donut super fans to showcase their love for the season with this inflatable masterpiece.”

Dunkin’ Newsroom