When I was a 4-year-old, my mom, a very creative, crafty person, made a Halloween costume from a Domino’s Pizza box. She painstakingly colored deconstructed, greasy cardboard with marker, and in her steady artist’s hand, replicated the Crayola logo. With the box wrapped around my middle (I must have been petite!), sporting red sweats, a red turtleneck, rosy cheeks and a red birthday hat, I was effectively transformed into a sharpened red Crayola crayon.
It still reigns as my favorite costume of all time, and makes numerous appearances in family conversations when we reminisce at special gatherings. It also makes me miss the childhood activity of making a costume and getting permission to pretend to be someone else, if only for an evening.
While this issue isn’t solely focused on Halloween (it’s actually our Health & Wellness and Food & Drink issue), we are giving you a few tips how you can celebrate the holiday as an adult. Our feature details, from lake-area specialists, how to throw your very own grown-up Halloween party, complete with cocktails, décor and finger food.
If All Hallows Eve isn’t your thing, fear not—we’ve also got inspiring stories of community members who’ve transformed their lives. Like Katy Tessman, a breast cancer survivor who self-published a book for young children that helps explain the disease. Or Andrea Odenwald, of All Bodies Pilates, who overcame an addiction to start a boutique health club.
Whether you’re craving a party how-to or need an inspirational boost, this issue is for you. Enjoy—and happy Halloween!
Nicolle
P.S. Voting for the 2015 Best of Lake Minnetonka wraps up this month. Vote online for your favorite local shops, restaurants and people—and keep your eyes peeled for the winners to be announced in March!