Happy Halloween!

S: Last year, Chris and I took the Dork Route and were characters from Star Trek.

S: This year, we're still on the same path, as hex tiles from Settlers of Catan, a German-style board game we both love. Hope everyone has a lovely, fun-filled night! And I couldn't resist posting the cutest Halloween costume I've seen so far this year.

(Image via HelloGiggles)

Top 10 Records: 9 & 10

C: I thought I'd do a series of blog posts about my ten favorite records I own. Here's the first post about #9 and #10.

C: Neutral Milk Hotel's In the Aeroplane Over the Sea (#10) is one of the most moving records ever made, and it sounds even better via the warmth and intimacy that only vinyl can provide.

C: No need for clutter. A monochrome insert keeps things simple.

C: While many prefer early era Genesis, Invisible Touch (#9) is 80s pop at its best. This seemingly simple graphic has a surprising number of layers, and the hand is partially embossed providing an enjoyable texture. A fitting metaphor for the sound contained within.

C: Collins shows his playful side in this photo of the band contained on the record sleeve.

Contigo Brunch

S: My bff Amy from New York just flew into town yesterday, and we ventured out to Contigo in east Austin for their new brunch today. (The waitress mentioned it was only the second day of brunch service ever.) I got this gorgeous mess: flapjacks, with persimmons, creme fraiche, and Vermont maple syrup.

 S: Here's a peek at a bit of their menu.

 S: Can't wait to show Amy more of Austin in the coming days.

Jeffrey Eugenides at BookPeople

S: Jeffrey Eugenides signed my new copy of The Marriage Plot last night. I love Middlesex and The Virgin Suicides and can't wait to get started on this new one.

S: A friend also got her book signed—but only partially! In his hurry, Jeff forgot to actually sign his name:

S: We didn't want to go back and ask for a re-sign, out of fear of appearing rude. Would you have after waiting in line?

Post-it Watches

S: Aren't these Post-it watches from PA Design great?

(via Swissmiss)

St. Vincent at ACL Live

S: Chris and I went to see St. Vincent Monday at the new ACL Live theater. We got a limited edition white vinyl record of her new album.

C: And the record was grammatically correct. Get it...records and grammar.

C: This was my first time at a St. Vincent concert. She was amazing, like seeing David Bowie.

S: The show was great! Love the venue, love the girl, love Chris. Also, love the video for Cruel.

St. Vincent's Cruel from Arianna Tomasettig on Vimeo.

Backpacks

C: I finally got my first issue of Wallpaper and found this great-looking backpack from Herschel Supply Co.

S: The Little America one is my favorite. Also, cute name!

(Images via Herschel Supply Co.)

Books

S: I gave Goon Squad to Chris after I finished reading it in eight hours on a trip to Philly. I'm on to The Imperfectionists now.

C: Goon Squad is taking me a while to finish by Sandra's standards.