Reading Material - Halloween Edition

Vineyard | North Fork, Long Island | Image: Laura Messersmith

Welcome to the all trick-or-treat edition of Reading Material in which I tip my pointy witch’s hat to Halloween. I thought this photo of the vineyards at dusk I took last weekend was appropriate to accompany the moody occasion, yes?

Hope you're all ready to go - treats acquired, costume elements collected, I have my black horn rimmed glasses all ready to go to fulfill my decades-long dream of doing a couple's Wayne & Garth costume when Mike and I attend an SNL-character themed party on Saturday night. What? Don’t tell me that Alice Cooper’s thoughtful discussion of Mil-ee-wau-kee isn’t one of the best scenes ever. Also, I personally prefer Tia Carrere's version of Ballroom Blitz - she wails!

Anywho, without further ado I give you some cool Internet links that celebrate tomorrow’s spooky and sweets-centric fun.

Reading Material:
All hail Chrissy Teigen for donning the scariest food-inspired Halloween costume evar. Hint: he has spiky blonde hair... (via Eater)

These food shots inspired by The Shining are hilariously macabre – who knew cupcakes could be so creepy? Yes, I have been saving this for today since I saw it oh, four months ago in The New York Times. Please don’t judge my commitment to sparkle motion.

Oh Pinterest. You are both a source of delight and heartbreak. I’m using that term loosely to describe these Halloween #pinterestfails, some of which are truly horrific. (via Buzzfeed)

I originally read about the fake restaurant/art installation Lura Café in Providence on Eater, but this piece at City Lab goes a little deeper. Quite a trick on the unsuspecting hipster population.

If you haven’t organized a costume yet Vogue has a great list of iconic and cult characters from TV and movies to help inspire you. Edward Scissorhands might be a triffle hard to pull off in 24 hrs, but I have faith in you!

Lastly, I came across this interesting piece from The Atlantic archives on how candy became synonymous with Halloween.

Reading Material: Milestones Edition

Today I turn 35. This seems impossible and my brain refused to compute that information mainly because I don’t feel that old or like I could really be in my mid-thirties, no way. I woke up just the same as yesterday! I think I’m supposed to be worrying about eye cream now (why are there so many?), but instead I’ve decided to reflect on my blessings.

I’m grateful that I started my birthday on a long walk with Maddie pup. The air is crisp, the leaves are finally starting to turn, and the rising sun illuminated the plane trees in the park making them look like sculptures. I’m grateful that we came inside to a cozy apartment and that breakfast was a giant cup of coffee and a bowl of oatmeal.

I’m thankful to be loved and supported by my husband, family and friends. The calls, cards, and well-wishes began to roll in from across the globe starting early this morning and that later this afternoon Mike and I are going on a little adventure to the North Fork this weekend to celebrate.

In the end I’m grateful for the years behind me and the experiences they contain. I hope the years to come will be as kind. For now, I hope the future holds more time with my family and friends – preferably gathered around a table with something delicious cooking in the kitchen.

Reading Material:

This cocktail called the “522 North Pinckney” from the Joseph Leonard menu sounds perfect for a birthday celebration. (via Bon Appétit)

SO, so delighted to hear that Aran Goyoaga of the gorgeous blog Cannelle et Vanille is teaching a workshop at Sunday Suppers in Brooklyn this May!

Personally, I don’t think the black & white cookie needs any updating, but if you’re in the market for some new ideas Grubstreet has some thoughts…

The Kitchn applied Marie Kondo’s The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up to, well, the kitchen. Particularly helpful for those of us living and cooking in small spaces!

Not food related, but I thought this one question style quiz on Apartment Therapy was fascinating and accurate! I’m a Simple Chic with a New Traditional rising, in case you were curious.

Reading Material: Pumpkin Edition

Farmer's Market Pumpkins | Image: Laura Messersmith

Ina Garten continues to be an inspiration in so many ways – culinary, of course, but I also love her philosophy on life, career, and knowing when to say “yes” and when to say “no.” (via Eater)

Fall wouldn’t be complete without a seasonally appropriate reading of this classic, and comedically expletive-filled McSweeney’s piece. It is decorative gourd season and now you can celebrate with a commemorative mug.

Bradley Cooper’s new movie Burnt about a Michelin star-seeking chef looks interesting, but what I’m really anticipating is the new Bond movie: Spectre…! (via Wired; YouTube)

Bon Appétit asked Sloane Crosley, author of I Was Told There’d Be Cake, about her morning routine. Her book that made me laugh out loud as I read it, and now that I know about her love of cereal I’m pretty sure we’re kindred spirits.

Buzzfeed has gathered and actually cooked several horrific mid-century recipes just in time for Halloween! These are serious crimes against food - think Jell-O molded everything and a lot of boiled ham (eww.)

In this, the season of pumpkin spice, it seemed appropriate to introduce you to Pumpkin the Raccoon. Yes, I feel ridiculous following a raccoon who already has 253,000 followers on Instagram. But, look at that face! Also, the images are hilarious and well-shot, so. (via Bored Panda)

Pumpkin the Raccoon | Image: Rosie Kemp

Reading Material + Columbus Day

Maddie | Image: Laura Messermith

Columbus Day weekend is one of my all-time favorite holidays and after years of having a three-day weekend right in the most glorious moment of fall it was a rude awakening to discover that it’s not common across. People in Texas looked at me like I was nuts when I asked about it and it seems like there’s a slow creep to eliminate it from the list of company-recognized holidays.

Politics of its origin aside – seriously name it for someone worthy – it’s bliss to have a little window of calm after the whirlwind of back to school. And the timing at the peak of leaf peeping, apple picking, and bright Indian summer sunshine is perfection - as you can see, Maddie knows what's up. So, here’s hoping wherever you are the folks in charge see the wisdom of a little break at the top of the hill before the long downslope to the end of the year.

Reading Material:

Point 1: These S’mores Cupcakes posted on Smitten Kitchen look unreal. Point 2: thank goodness I’m not the only one who still loves cupcakes, regardless of their “cool” status. Point 3: this is relevant because there’s a cupcake post coming your way next week. Point 4: how many times can I say cupcake? Cupcake. Cupcake. Cupcake.

I adore these clever illustrations by Gretchen Röehrs – her eye for shape and detail is so inventive. I now wish I had a place to wear an elegant artichoke dress. (via Man Repeller)

This list of rules for success in the restaurant world on Medium was rather illuminating. Reminded me of the design “rules” - followed until you break them.

Food halls featuring street-style dining seem to be a trend and now The New York Times reports that Chef Anthony Bourdain is opening one on a pier in downtown Manhattan. Mark your calendars for 2017!

It’s a Messersmith family trait to give toasts early and often, and this piece on A Cup of Jo confirms it – a toast makes any occasion noteworthy. Here are some tips to help raise a glass with class.