The DM | Issue Eighteen
Or the one where we metaphorically sail off into the French Riviera
Ah, Paris. The city of love, the city of carbohydrates, the city where they smoke like chimneys but all look like they are permanently 25. While neither Devon or I are French (though we do look 25, thank you), we like to think we’re getting closer with each glass of wine and each casual merci in place of a more traditional thank you.
And so, in the spirit of being more French, we’ve decided to take off the entire month of August to do as the French do. That is to say, give you a kiss on both cheeks, wish you a wistful adieu and sail off on our yacht wearing impossibly white silk dresses while giving a final fluff of our wind-resistant perfectly coifed hair.
Au revoir until September 10, nos amis! Between now and then, please take these delightful pictures of our dogs as a parting gift of our love.
From Meg
One life hack: Just invest in a USB lighter already! It’s a never-ending spark so you don’t have to buy yet another BIC lighter that we both know you’re just going to lose. Also, did someone mention Millennial Pink as an option? Yes, I did. Très chic, non?
Two songs I’m listening to: There’s a certain je ne sais quoi about songs in a foreign language that make me feel like I too almost speak a foreign language even though I do not and mostly I just make noises that sound like words and hum during it. Regardless, the song Dilemme by Lous and The Yakuza in this Tiny Desk Concert just does it for me over and over. Tell me I’m wrong.
And after you’re all French and in the mood, add in a magical sprinkle of my favorite song by Polo and Pan and dance around your living room with a baguette. You deserve it.
Three things I bought this week:
In my forever pursuit of the perfect picnic blanket, I found this one that rides the line between TOO preppy and just right, but I’m also going through a serious beige and plaid phase so I took an online shopping plunge into the unknown. Let the charcuterie boards begin.
Humble brag, just finished my 23rd book of the year and will be binging this gal as my 24th.
Ok yeah, fine. I bought a nap dress too.
From Devon
An album to keep on repeat this weekend: Brittany Howard’s ‘reimagined’ Jaime album, particularly ‘Stay High’ with Childish Gambino and ‘Short and Sweet’ with Bon Iver
Might you consider: going coastal with this Max Wagner print or staying positive with this one / buying Selena Gomez’s makeup brushes which are apparently *fab*, per Sam’s rec / going for a splurge-worthy summer wardrobe staple / or throwing it back to my Southern California roots with Quiksilver tees (for the gals, for the dudes, for anyone who likes tie-dye)
Articles to read: an interactive, music-packed article about ‘How K-Pop Conquered the Universe’ (for you, Kez!) / ‘Screenshots Tell The Real Stories of Who We Are’ since apparently, I’m not the only one who’s got lots o’ screenshots I rarely delete / and, just in case you didn’t already do so, dive into GQ’s profile on Jason Sudeikis because I love him and you love Ted Lasso
And, lastly, four recipes to make in August while farmers markets are top-notch:
A quick n’ easy summer fruit galette that only requires frozen pie crust (storebought or homemade), fresh fruit of your choice (blueberries! peaches! the options are endless!), a few pantry staples, and ice cream for a la mode moves.
Frozen spicy watermelon mezcal margs because, well, you just must.
Molly Baz’s tomato toast with cheddar and smoky mayo, which I (and my cookbook club) can vouch is v good
Queen Ina’s fresh corn salad is a surefire win at BBQs, potlucks, etc.