The DM | Issue 1
Or the one where Devon and Meg pull back the curtain
Welcome to The DM, our bi-weekly newsletter full of our favorite fun things from around the internet and real life. If you like what you’re reading, why not become a subscriber?
A bright and early top of a Friday to you!
Whether we are reaching you in a mid-rollover phone grab from bed or mid-commute (JK, what is a commute?), it is with deepest pride and greatest pleasure that we welcome you here this morning.
And now, we invite you to relax, let us pull up a chair as your hosts proudly present…
The DM.
From Meg
This is Fine
I’ve spent a lot of time wondering what the opening link/idea/commentary should be for this newsletter and hark, I realized the latest and greatest just won’t cut it. To start, we need to go back to the simple year of 2013, back before COVID-19, back when Trump was still on The Apprentice, back when I was young, broke, and dumb (I’m still one of those things, and it’s definitely young, *bats eyelashes flirtatiously*) to learn how the ‘This is Fine’ meme began and just why it’s still so relevant today.
Because if there is one thing we all can agree on this year, it’s that we are all the This is Fine Dog.
Have your gym and sleep in it too
For those of you who are actually trying to improve upon yourselves and not just merely survive like the rest of us (stares judgingly), I’d like to introduce you to a peak quarantine multi-tasking purchase that is both a bed and a full home gym. Because nothing says the pandemic has stolen my soul like a bed you can do pull ups from after you stress eat your feelings.
Speaking of cake
Any Great Jones fans out there? What are your thoughts on their new bakeware line? While some of their products look like something out of Ancient Greece, I can’t deny how pretty the blue hues of the ‘patty cake’ pan would look against some of the Pinterest dessert recipes I’ve been meaning to make for the past six years.
Well aren’t you sweet
Seriously y’all. Thanks for following. We’re still figuring out the nuts and bolts and your suggestions are welcome. Unless, of course, I don’t like your suggestion and then I’ll nod and smile and say bless your heart.
In signing off, I leave you with three small southern comforts:
And a little something I do decuervo will be the hit of your Thanksgiving absence this year!
From Devon
Pick-me-ups for your cocktail game
Bored of what you’re drinking at the end of the day these days? Turn to Al Culliton for boozy beverage inspiration, bonus points if you sign up for the Cocktail Club. Home mixology just ain’t your thing? Opt for boxed negronis or some super fun (and actually good) canned mai tais and palomas.
‘Tis the season
Though I’m definitely more of a traditionalist when it comes to holiday decor, Cody Foster’s ornaments - including an everything bagel, stick of butter, Saguaro cacti, or my personal favorite, the pinatas - have me rethinking this year’s Christmas tree vibe.
“The Queen’s Gambit Is the Most Satisfying Show on Television”
If you’ve yet to dive into “The Queen's Gambit”, please step away from this email, turn on your TV, and queue up Netflix immediately. However, if you’re also obsessed along with me and 70% of the people I follow on social media, this read will make you want to watch Beth Harmon and her green pill-fueled, graceful chess skills make grown men “resign” all over again.
If you’re dreaming of an ocean view
This French-surfer-turned-painter’s artwork is eye-catching, colorful, and just simply cool. I bought one of his prints earlier this year, and have loved scrolling through his newest scenes via Insta ever since.
Stackable bodega glasses, for margaritas or Cheez-Itz
I'm definitely not the first to sing the praises of these glasses, so I’m just here to tell you that they deserve your attention. Not only are they affordable, easily stackable, and hard to break, these v versatile vessels are perfect for wine or water, salty snacks or sundaes. My personal favorite is the 7.5-ounce size, but you do you.
To all the folks obsessed with their pets
The holiday gifting season is upon us and for the animal lovers in your life (yes, this can include yourself), there may just be nothing better than a custom pet portrait with matching notecards from Samantha Lee Designs. For the fur baby-less, the personalized stationery is another fab option.
And, before you go, a quick snapshot of what I’m currently:
Eating: my friend Virgil’s family recipe-made kimchi, in this and these (a borrowed ‘hot’ tip - adding chili crunch to the latter is a game-changer)
Buying: this spot-on holiday card, for those with a sense of humor
Listening to: This Tennis song radio and Greenlights by Matthew McCounagey (narrated by Mr. ‘Alright, Alright, Alright’ himself)
Baking: this extra fudgy flourless cake i.e. the perfect way to eat your feelings
More so than any other year, it’s incredibly important to shop local, shop small, and shop early for holiday gifts. As such, we put together a holly jolly local shopping guide featuring a few of our favorite Colorado shops and brands, makers, and shakers.
Well now, wasn’t that so much fun? Share the love and pass it on to some friends who need this bi-weekly dose of joy.