The Ultimate Apple Pie Milkshake Recipe

Hi, Creative Friends-

“In the era of handshakes and headshakes, I prefer milkshakes.” ~ Unknown

The end of summer is drawing near and it’s time to get big! Let’s blow out the remaining summer days of everyone’s favorite season in a BIG way.

This week, here are 3 BIG creative ideas, to find joy & happiness in creating…

1. Shake It Up: Creating in the kitchen is a great way to dream up BIG ideas. Right now, Zeal Grass Milk Creamery is sponsoring “The Great American Milkshake Competition.” Get a team together and dream up the ultimate ooey-gooey milkshake. Make BIG flavors come alive and enter your concoction here at Zeal Grass Milk Creamery The Great American Milkshake Competition. My daughter and I had an awesome afternoon planning out and whipping up our secret milkshake and the recipe can be found here: The Ultimate Apple Pie Milkshake For bigger inspiration watch “Ben & Jerry’s Clash of the Cones” show on The Food Network to see how joy and happiness can come from creating different ice cream flavors.

2. Greetings For Fall Y’all: The cool days and big, bulky sweater season is almost here. Get a BIG jump on greeting fall with this “Happy Fall Y’all” art print and other fine gifts such as this beautiful autumn leaf-inspired wrapping paper from Society 6. These lovely artifacts will spread joyful greetings and happiness in a BIG way.

3. Breaking Big: It’s usually easier to start small and get BIG but sometimes it’s better to start BIG and get small! The incredibly talented artist Rebecca Green breaks down her bigger process in her blog “My Blank Paper” where she talks about colors, steps, and thoughts on creating. Rebecca has even teamed up with Holbien to create an Arcylca Gouache set that is absolutely stunning! This paint set is a limited edition so purchase it while you can Creative Friends and let BIG make ideas that invite in joy and happiness.

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or what BIG milkshakes you have planned.

Also, thanks for reading. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

“A Party Without A Cake Is Just A Meeting.” - Julia Child

Hi, Creative Friends,

Happy Birthday to all the readers who fall into the astrological sign of Taurus!

Birthdays are sneaky. One day, we glance at our calendar only to realize someone we love has taken one more trip around the sun!

This week, make a birthday joyful, with these 3 simple creative ideas.

1. Let Them Eat Cake!: Molly J. Wilk’s French Pastry Class: I just finished one of Molly’s Virtual Pastry classes. First, they are as good as they sound and I now have an Ultimate Chocolate Tart birthday cake sitting in my refrigerator. If you need an extra special birthday gift, Molly offers accessible french pastry classes virtually from her kitchen in Versailles, France which can be found here on her website Molly J. Wilk Virtual Pastry Classes. All classes are held on Zoom and she provides recipes and the ability to access a private Facebook group to interact with other bakers. Molly also has a cookbook coming out in June called “French Pastry Made Simple” which can be pre-ordered! Either or both the pastry class and her book would be a great way to say happy birthday to anyone!

2. Olive A Good Party. Olive & June is a women-owned company that has transformed the art of the at-home manicure. They have some of the most modern polish colors around such as AW & CV. However, it’s Olive & June’s Nail Tutorials that will inspire and help create an at-home self-care, birthday bash! Pair some polish with these cozy and plush slippers, hop on a Zoom call with the gals and paint anyone’s birthday happy.

3. Homemade Happy Birthday. Create a lovely thank you card with these Strathmore Watercolor Cards & Kuretake Gansai Tambi Watercolor Palette to create and say happy birthday in the sweetest way possible. Try your hand at making a calorie-free birthday cake with this Beautiful Birthday Box video tutorial or purchase a special piece of art from Society 6 like one of these Zodiac Art Prints: Taurus Art Print or Taurus Quote Art Print.

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or a creative idea on how you will say happy birthday!

Also, thanks for reading. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

Hi, Creative Friends,

Who’s enjoying hints of spring this week? Perhaps the flowers are blooming, the sun is glowing and if you are a bit like me, Spring is an amazing time to renew the mind with creative ideas.

This week, in the spirit of Spring, here are 3 things that inspire & renew creative thinking:

1. Take in a good book about empathy and renewal, as you soak up the sweet spring sunshine and read “Maybe You Should Talk To Someone: A Therapist, HER Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed. ” by Lori Gottlieb. This book offers an interesting perspective on what really drives the behavior of others and their struggles through the lens of a therapist. If renewing a sense of childhood creates joy, the book “Charlotte’s Web" By E.B. White, is a classic. Not only did my 7-year-old find it lovely, but it also provided a renewed sense of friendship and empathy that carries through and speaks to adulthood.

2. Spring days are longer, which means we spend more time outside soaking up the sunshine. The time to make dinner is now limited. Here is a secret, simple recipe that will create so much joy even when the sun has set and bedtime looms. Cacio e Pepe, the simple Roman pasta dish appeared centuries ago among shepherds tending their flocks in the spring and summer. Read all about the history of this amazing dish here: “Cacio e Pepe: Italy’s Beloved 3 Ingredient Pasta Dish.” at BBC Travel. Make this dish tonight with 3 simple ingredients and my favorite Cacio e pepe recipe found here.

3. Spring landscapes all but call us to go out into nature and sketch what we see. This is a great weekend to dust off the old sketchbook or pick up a Stillman & Birn Zeta Series field-sized sketchbook and a package of Markart Colour Charcoal Pencils and head outside to just breath, renew and sketch the spring world around us.

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or something that renews you.

Also, thanks for reading. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

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Hi, Creative Friends,

It’s women’s history month and Monday was International Women’s Day!

Let’s celebrate 3 phenomenal creative women this week that inspire and help stir a creative habit.

For this week, here are 3 women, and a few more, that inspire creative thinking:

1. Trying to get started on a creative journey? Try this book “The Creative Habit: Learn It And Use It For Life” by Twyla Tharp. It is a great resource for digging deep to find work that is magically meaningful. For everyone out there asking “Who is Twyla Tharp?” she is an American creative artist and choreographer who has created stunning Broadway productions such as “The Lion King” and “Moving Out.” However, it is her genius and understanding of the creative process that makes her a great guide into making ideas come to life.

2. I mentioned it last week but if you haven’t you, should read all about Christina Tosi here at Eater. Then buy her Cookbook “Milk Bar: Kids Only: A Cookbook.” With St. Patrick’s Day right around the corner, the “Pot of Gold” shake recipe is a great way to bring happiness to kids of all ages. Also, following Deb Perleman on Smitten Kitchen is always a good idea to keep the creativity flowing out of the kitchen. I’m looking forward to trying her Irish Soda Bread Scones this weekend and hoping her baking tips can make my Apricot Irish Soda Bread Muffin recipe even better.

3. If connecting with a mystery this weekend sounds fun, try the documentary “Finding Vivian Maier” about Vivian Maier, a street photographer from the 1950-1990s. It’s a film brimming with question marks, drama and beautiful photographs. If you would rather just look at Vivian’s amazing photographic prowess, the book “Vivian Maier: Street Photographer” is full of inspiration.

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or a woman that inspires you.

Also, thanks for reading. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

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Hi, Creative Friends,

If you are a bit like me, you might find Spring is a great time to dust things off.

The Create & Change newsletter has a fresh new look to inspire creative content that is more accessible, consistent, and fun!

This newsletter should pop up in your inbox every Friday and will contain 3 suggestions to inspire your creativity. Future newsletters might include, books, other artists, supplies, recipe ideas, thoughts of the day, or just about anything that will help you make a habit of being creative.

For this week, here are 3 ideas to inspire creativity:

1. Are your kids still home? Is winter still keeping you inside? Try this book for ideas on how to make and do “Art Workshop For Children.” By Barbara Rucci. It’s a lovely book chocked full of easy activities to get your creative juices going. Combine the book with OOLY Lil’l Pods Watercolor and Arteza Watercolor paper for kids of all ages.

2. Have heard of Milk Bar? If you haven’t you, should read all about Christina Tosi here at Eater. Then buy her Cookbook “Milk Bar: Kids Only: A Cookbook.” With St. Patrick’s Day right around the corner, the “Pot of Gold” shake recipe will be a great way to bring happiness to kids of all ages.

3. How is your home office looking these days? Wouldn’t be cool if you purchased art from female artists for Women’s History Month and hung them in your office? There are a ton of amazing female artists out there. You can find them on INPRNT like this abstract piece called “Fenced In Ambition.” by yours truly. You can purchase “Fenced In Ambition” here at INPRNT .

Drop me a message and let me know how you like the new content or what you are working on.

Also, thanks for reading. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

Join The 5 Day Love Your Mind Challenge Here!

Hey Beautiful Friends,

Who’s Feeling Stressed Out?

When was the last time you hit pause and loved your mind?

If you are feeling your mind is in chaos, something exciting is launching next week and I think you should sign in!

Join me with my yogi friend Renee Gauthier on Instagram Monday, February 15th through Friday, February 19th the FREE “Love Your Mind Challenge” 

In this 5 day, challenge, learn to hit pause and create simple moments to Love Your Mind through creativity and self-care.

Here’s how it works:

• Follow us on Instagram @andrawebercreative and @renee_gauthier 

• Tag a friend who needs this too

• Check-in every day to find FREE downloads and tips on how to calm, destress and be creative.

Jump on Instagram and tag a friend who needs this.

See you on Monday friends!

xoxo,

Andra

P.S. Check out Renee’s fabulous Live Yoga Class schedule this week and my Skillshare Class “How To Unlock Creative Magic Everyday!” get started on creating Love In Your Mind this week.

// Hello, Friends-

We are living in strange times. With a pandemic circulating the globe and shelter-in-place orders restricting our freedoms, we find ourselves suddenly forced inside, together, for who knows how long.

Schools are shut.

Our workplaces are closed.

Food insecurity is running high.

Toilet paper is the new currency.

Panic is the new normal.

We feel alone and overwhelming.

However, there is always light in dark times. Let me offer up a solution for at least a few minutes a day. Tap into your creative magic. How?

Adults and kids join me at 10 am PST, Monday through Friday, on Instagram Live for little creative projects that will distract, entertain and make you giggle just a bit.

You don’t need many supplies. Just paper, markers or crayons and your imagination.

If you miss the live event, it will be available for 24 hours afterward on Instagram Stories. Here is where you can find the FREE Instagram Live project.

1) Go to my profile andrawebercreative on Instagram and then click on my image in the upper left.

2) Next, a window should pop up like this. Click on “Live” in the lower right. Voíla! A FREE class to get your creative juices flowing.

I promise it’s fun, it might give adults a few moments to unload the dishwasher, make a phone call or just take a moment to take a deep breath. It’s also a great way for anyone to just let go, adults included!

Look at this “Sunshine In A Jar” done during an Instagram Live event!

Sunshine In a Jar by Wyatt Pazdan

Will, I see you tomorrow at 10 am on Instagram Live friends? I hope so!

Sending lots of love and light. //

This post contains affiliate links.

Hello, Friends,

The holidays are full of delightful, surprising moments, like when we find sweet, sparkly greeting cards stuffed in the frozen grey corners of our mailbox. The clomping footsteps of our mail person trudging up our front steps this time of year, gives our hearts a little leap as we imagine sorting through the mismatch of insanely materialistic catalogs, giant depressing bills and finding if we are lucky, tucked in between the holiday chaos, crisp envelopes stuffed with heartfelt season’s greetings. When these crisp paper wonders appear, it’s like getting a free slice of peppermint chocolate cake on a cold winter day; unexpected, delightful, and warms more than our bellies during winter’s icy, dark moments.

These envelopes stuffed with love from everyone, everywhere, reminds us we aren’t alone in this journey called life. (Thank You, Prince)

To make our greetings even more special, let’s create our own one-of-a-kind cards.

And making cards has never been easier with a salad spinner.

Yes, a salad spinner!

This project is GREAT for kids but every kid at heart will enjoy the mystery of the salad spinner vortex too.

Salad Spinner Greeting Cards

• Salad spinner {affiliate link} (IKEA has $6 spinners.)

• 4.25” x 5.5'“ blank cards with envelopes {affiliate link} or I used PaperSource Scalloped A2 White cards.

• Sax Liquid Washable Sparkle Watercolor Paint {affiliate link} (blue food coloring with glitter added in a squeeze bottle will work too.)

• Alphabet Stamps {affiliate link}

• Small stamp pads {affiliate link}

• White card stock {affiliate link}

• Small snowflake punch {affiliate link}

• A glue stick

Step 1: Place a blank greeting card in the bottom of the salad spinner. Drop 3-5 drops of watercolor onto the card.

Step 2: Securely close the salad spinner lid. Give the salad spinner a whirl for about 30 seconds. Open the lid and see the cool design in action.

Step 2: Stamp a message on the card and punch out snowflakes out of the card stock. Glue on the snowflakes to the card.

Step 3: Write any personal message desired and send these winter delights out to everyone on your holiday list!

Lots of love and Swirling Season’s Greetings, Friends!

Oh hey. Good news. The doctor is in! How are we feeling these days? Is life going well? Never been better? Is everyone maximizing talents and living out dreams? Are you happy and content? No? Like most, it's hard to make time to make the change we seek in ourselves. Feeling like we don't have time can make us feel stuck. Stuck in a job, a moment, a relationship and ourselves. We might even feel we don't have a spot in the universe. Before creating everyday, I felt suck too. After creating for 237 days, I wish someone had written me a prescription to create everyday years ago. I can report that creating everyday provides time to practice limitless possibilities and provide the change we seek in ourselves. By creating everyday, we make time to find the life we want to live. Today, I am going to write you a prescription. 

Today Write One Funny Thing To A Friend. Create A Belly Laugh.

Now, doctor's orders.  Go create and then e-mail me how this prescription made you feel. That's it for today. See you tomorrow Patient Zero.

Day 138 - Hey guys! Whew. The sprint of the altMBA is almost over. It has become apparent that I haven't had time in the last four weeks to spend with my kids. They were both begging for attention today. One needed a nap but the other one begged me to draw with her this morning. She pulled out her set of ninety-six Crayola crayons and we went to work. It was magical, as I sat and we drew together. Her imagination is remarkable. We drew the following gumball machines.

A 30 Somethings Version Of A Gumball Machine.

A 4 Year Old Version Of A Gumball Machine.

Look at these two drawings. Which one is more interesting? Yes, completely agree. The 4 year olds version. Look how she put fruit in the top with the gumballs and the shape it self is more energetic. She told me I needed to add clouds and a sunshine on my drawing. I asked her why. She said because the gumball machine was outside. Of course!

What happens when we get older? Why do we lose the art of possibilities? Why do we tell ourselves that a gumball machine can't be outside? Today's project is to pull out the Crayolas and draw like a kid again. Maybe it's a hot dog at a circus, a panda self-portrait or ice cream truck in a snow storm. Think of something and then add something that you would think would never go together.

I need to get back to drawing with my Crayolas but let me know how it feels to create like a kid again and see you tomorrow!