Lillian Lee – Page 2 – A blog about art, design, books and random things

Apple Picking at Mann Orchards in Methuen, MA

On October 17, 2023

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

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

Bubble Tea (Taylor’s Version)

By lillian

On October 13, 2023

In fandom, food

This is a super cute post by Gong Cha featuring bubble teas and their Taylor Swift eras. My fave is Reputation.

1989 (Taylor’s Version) merch is out

By lillian

On October 6, 2023

In fandom

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.

Dunkin’ Spider Donut Halloween merch

By lillian

On October 3, 2023

In Boston, cute things, food, stuff i like

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

Croisshark

By lillian

On September 28, 2023

In cute things, food

A beautiful, perfect concept.

[source: X]

How was your summer?

By lillian

On September 20, 2023

In personal

Catching up with the other parents on how their summers were – they did a lot of out-of-the-country traveling. We just stayed local cuz husband didn’t have enough PTO accrued. Also, we don’t plan very well.

Back to School

By lillian

On September 14, 2023

In personal

…never sounded so sweet.

The last few weeks have been T-O-U-G-H. The rain-battered flower above best expresses the state of my soul as the husband and I juggled work, facing the consequences of failing to sign the kiddo up for extended summer camp options and then – to top it all off – the kiddo contracted a virus and bacterial infection a couple weeks before the start of school. He may have missed the first few days, but he recovered in time to make the week.

We survived…

Interstellar Work Productivity

By lillian

On September 14, 2023

In listen, space, work life

Tiktok told me that if you listen to the Interstellar soundtrack while you work, then you’ll be more focused and…it’s true. Enjoy this 10-hour loop.

Oil Paintings by Noah Verrier

By lillian

On September 13, 2023

In art i like, food

This painting – and many more – by Noah Verrier is sweet perfection. A colleague shared it in a Slack channel and I have been pining after it ever since.

[source: Threads]

The real reason for food allergies – boredom.

By lillian

On September 12, 2023

In science

So why have our immune systems suddenly gone haywire? One theory notes that we (mostly) eradicated hookworms by the 1980s in the United States. And tapeworms. All the classic parasites are mostly kaput. Without those actual threats, our immune system downshifts to tackle the biggest possible threat on the horizon. Which, these days, might be cashew butter or Camembert.

“It’s looking for stuff to do and it’s staying busy,” Warren said. “But it’s busy doing stupid stuff like reacting to walnuts and birch pollen.”
The Washington Post

Seriously?