The DM | Issue Four
Or the one where we hopefully use the word 'bombinate' correctly
Our country feels particularly divided this week and we certainly don’t have the right things to say to make it less so. In The DM’s first issue of 2021, we welcome you to take a minute, turn on some Enya, and enjoy a bit of bombinating in our whimsical, delightful, lighthearted word goo.
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From Meg
We’re not a regular government agency, we’re a cool government agency
If your resolution is to be more relevant this year, may I suggest a rebrand a la the CIA? Just kidding. Please file this classified under ‘how to not do a rebrand’.
In what appears to be a creative move to be more diverse, culturally relevant, and ‘hip’ with millennials (lol), the CIA released their new branding on Twitter this week and Twitter did as Twitter does and proceeded to mercilessly mock their new lewk for appearing to be everything from an Urban Outfitter pop up store to a millennial toothbrush app.
Brand together
In other news of brands that do get their creative right, I’d like to introduce you to ThingsTesting, one of my favorite spots on the internet to find brands that don’t just add junk to your trunk but actually add meaningful purpose (with beautiful aesthetics to boot) to your life. The ThingsTesting team recently released their top brands they are looking forward to in 2021 and it does not disappoint.
Some of my favorites from the list? Canned espresso martinis, casual art supplies for the art-curious quarantiner, and a farm startup that lets you pick a plot, design your plant farm, and receive your own weekly harvest right to your door. And speaking of plants...
I’m on mushrooms
…On the mushroom lifestyle trend that is.
But before you give me a side eye, allow me to elaborate into my recent pursuit into the wonderful world of mycology. It all started with a decor throwback to a 70’s Italian design institution. You know the ones. The beautiful all-glass two thousand dollar Murano lamps. And while I can’t afford said vintage lighting, I am very much on board with the trend sprouting up more accessible mushroom design across the internet.
For example, did you know you can buy shroom perfume? Or wear a mushroom AS A HAT (someone please buy this)? What about S&P shakers? Some fancy earrings? This wreath? A puzzle, perhaps? How much time do you have to talk about this? Ok, fine. I will conclude by stating just how mushroom in my heart there is for this delightful design trend.
Oh, and for all you fungis (and gals) out there, here are a few small things I spied with my tiny eye this week...
A mini portable personal fireplace
These adorable baby mushroom lamps (I’m sorry, I’ll stop)
And the most stylish use of 100 square feet that you may ever see
From Devon
Talking about a resolution
If you, too, are attempting to walk into 2021 slowly, quietly, and without breaking anything, you might also be a bit wary of making any lofty resolutions. So, how about we push those things aside on this go-around and instead, keep it simple by opting for a New Year’s word to keep in mind? If you need some inspo, head over to this 'word of the year generator,’ where you can keep spinning until you land on a word you and your 2021 self can jive with.
When your walls need a glow up
It may just be a 'new year, new look' vibe, but I’m sure many of us (raising my hand) are itching to get some new art up on our walls after being home **more than ever**. My go-to budget-friendly source is Juniper Print Shop, from which you can purchase images for download, print to your size-of-choice at FedEx, and find a frame at Michael’s or Ikea. Other faves include Minted, LEIF, and Saatchi, and I was also recently tipped off that Adobe Stock has some cool options to snag for printing, too. Happy perusing and printing!
To Dry January or not to Dry January?
Given the start of 2021, the answer might be “not to” - but, if you are staying the course, good for you (and Godspeed). While I will not not be drinking this month**, I do truly enjoy a good non-alcoholic beverage, in January or anytime really. Seedlip is a lovely NA spirit worth adding to your home bar (bonus: you can use it in ‘real’ cocktails come February, too); ginger citrus bitters or pineapple tamarind syrup make for a zingy addition to your Topo Chico; and salted rosemary palomas and refreshing tiki-inspired mocktails sound pretty stellar. And, since you’re reducing your alcohol $$ spend, why not get some ‘bikini bananas’ rocks glasses or colorful coupes to serve those booze-free bevvies in?
**Meanwhile, my January plans include making these olive ice cubes, aka many dirty martinis are in my future.
Send a little love
To echo the sentiments in our intro, the past few days here in the U.S. have been disheartening and disturbing, to say the very least. Given the state of things/everyone’s emotions, this is a good time to check-in with your nearest and dearest and send some ‘just because’ snail mail love. (I’m linking to cards again? Shocking, I know.)
Snag this card for your BFF, this one’s good for all those pandemic era-parents, this choice is sure to brighten a junk food lover’s day, and these cute tiny cards would be fun to sneak under pillows, in purses and backpacks, or at front doors along with some New Year treats. A free e-card from Paperless Post is also an easy, quick way to send a virtual hug to your people, too.
A truly genius sheet pan recipe
We’ve (i.e. me, probably you, and the internet) all made a few great sheet pan recipes over the past few years, but I think my new favorite is the NY Times’ basic yet pretty brilliant bacon and eggs take. Perfect for a small crowd, easy to use in breakfast sandwiches, or a smart way to assemble a hash with leftover veggies, this one will certainly be on repeat.
And, before you go, a snapshot of what I’m currently:
Cozying up with: this blanket, which sparks joy and is worth every penny
Listening to: The Black Pumas’ ‘Fast Car’ cover and ‘The OC’ season one and two soundtracks, just for nostalgic kicks
Watching: ‘Death to 2020’ on Netflix
Thinking of attempting: DIY faux marble pottery (and then buying these if I fail)
First of all, if you’ve made it to the bottom, thank you! Second, by reading this, we’re assuming you’re a Denver reader - and, since we’ve got a whole year and *hopefully* many issues ahead of us, we want to keep The Denver DM chockful of local tidbits y’all want to know.
As such, if you feel so inclined, we’d love to hear about the type of Denver/Front Range/Colorado things you’d be jazzed to read about through this form here. Alternatively, don’t tell us, and just sit back to see what happens.
We’ll be back with a Denver DM in the next issue, but in the meantime: a friendly reminder to support your local restaurants (check out our past list of DM faves) with takeout, outdoor dining, or, due to this week’s shift to Level Orange restrictions, indoor dining, if you are able!