The DM | Issue Twenty Seven
Or the one where Meg lives out her dream job fantasy
If you were to ask me what my dream job would be, I have historically said, without hesitation, a talk show host. I get to be funny, charming, to both humble and befriend celebrities, I’m probably sent a boatload of free clothing, I don’t have to write my own jokes and the entire show is named after me. Isn’t America swell? (But Meg, when you say it like that, it sounds like a sham! Well….)
ANYWAY, today it is my great pleasure to introduce our special guest in lieu of my fabulous co-host’s absence. Devon is taking a much-deserved break and I hope for once in her busy and important life laying down. Do you hear me, Devon? Lay down. Lay.
Today, my guest is the lovely Mackenzie, hailing out of real-life sunny OC (Is it the same as on the show? Should we all go rewatch the show? Is Summer Roberts not the best name ever?) and her recs are already going in my shopping cart, reading lineup, social media feed.
At this point in the show, I think my theme music would play. Since no one has stepped up to write my own melody (yet), I will instead play the best song of all time. Hit it, Carly!
Welcome, Mackenzie. On with the show.
From Meg
Reading: a ridiculous obituary. Family members, take notes. This is how I want to go out. Also, this McSweeney’s article. Can one sigh and lol at the same time? A laugh sigh? Asking for mothers/women everywhere.
Addicted to: What we do in the shadows!!! I know it looks weird and the concept is strange but it’s basically The Office that only comes out at night. I’m also on a bit of a vampiric binder as of late (Ian Somerhalder is a SNACK) and this show is so deeply underrated. The entire past three sentences are to be read with a vague northern European accent. If you know, you know. Please find me on Instagram so we may discuss in more detail.
Cooking: This short rib onion soup. Oh baby, my first braising experience awaits. About once a month, I get all domestic and decide to make something that falls dramatically outside my culinary wheelhouse. Last month, I explored making my own mole. We ate it for weeks because I didn’t know it made about 7 quarts of the stuff. Holy moly, my husband never wants it again. *Smiles angelically*
Coveting: I certainly don’t NEED $185 gingham mittens, but I’m just saying how cute I’d look wearing them.
Learning: 52 new things. Biggest takeaway: When CBD is taken orally (as in a pill, food, or beverage), as little as 5% of it enters your bloodstream. “If you’re at the coffee shop and like ‘oh, yeah, give me a CBD,’ you’re just wasting $3.” Ok great so I’ve wasted like $75 dollars. Cool.
From Mackenzie
As our girl, T-Swift said best - IDK about you, but I’m feeling (20)22! But before we bid the doozy that was 2021 adieu, let’s acknowledge the bright spots that came from last year via an Oprah-style 2021 favorite things list, shall we?
Favorite Follow: I know I’m late to the game on this one, but I just can’t get enough of my new favorite follow on Instagram @itsmetinx, aka the internet’s big sister. I have screenshotted and saved countless of her Instagram stories – ranging from hot sauce finds, friendship advice, job interview prep, actually useful gift recs – the list goes on! She makes me lol on the daily and has excellent life tips – if you’re not already following her, I highly recommend.
Favorite Book: The plotline of this thriller is as if Taken meets The Americans and I could not. put. it. down. Honorable mention also goes to this one, which despite its cheesy cover, also had me on the edge of my seat.
Favorite Beauty Splurge: Ok, this was hands down my favorite purchase of 2021, and dare I say, fave beauty purchase ever?! When I say splurge, I mean splurge, but the LED Light Salon Boost Mask is worth every penny and truly lives up to the hype. I had this in my cart sooo many times last year and finally convinced myself it was an important investment in some #selfcare during the newborn phase with my daughter, and let’s just say I looked FAR more well-rested than I was. And newborn life or not, I am a firm believer in treating yourself! Besides the skincare benefits (strengthens, rejuvenates, brightens, lifts and plumps), it is stupidly easy to use, which is a must for me, otherwise, I simply will not use it. You literally strap it over your face, press a button, go about your morning routine, and 10 minutes later, you look noticeably better. I keep it on my bedside table for easy access and charge it once a month or so – couldn’t be easier! Side note – if you’re on the fence, you can always purchase via Nordstrom and take advantage of their v. generous return policy should you change your mind 😉 Just sayin’!
Favorite Foodie Find: These homemade tortillas are handmade in Mexico, shipped right to your door, and actually fairly comparable price-wise to their (not remotely as tasty) grocery store alternative. Delicious, buttery goodness—my garlic shrimp tacos have never tasted better!
Favorite Loungewear: Speaking of buttery goodness – my mom had me for Secret Santa this year and gifted me this cashmere leisure rib-knit set – I have not taken it off since! As much as I don’t want to admit it, we are now entering season 3 of the pandemic, so it’s high time I upped my loungewear game. This set is more than comfy enough to lounge in but polished enough to throw on sneakers and run errands in. Added bonus – it’s currently 30% off with code HOL25.
Favorite Show: Ok ok. I can’t narrow it down to just one show – but the final 2 would be:
Love Island UK If you’re still sleeping on Love Island UK, exit this email and get to Hulu STAT. Even if you hate The Bachelor and watch zero reality TV, you will still love it (as evidenced by my husband and all-male coworkers who are now equally hooked). Yes, there are 50(!) hour-long episodes per season and no, I’m never sick of the Islanders by the end of each season. The incredible music is an added bonus. Start with season 3 or 5 and thank me later.
The Durrells in Corfu I’m going to be honest and say I put off watching this forever because the description sounded so bleak and quite frankly, boring: The Durrells in Corfu sees impoverished but sparky widow Louisa Durrell make the radical decision to leave 1930s England to seek out a new destiny for her family. Needless to say, I wasn’t rushing to turn on that snoozefest. However, once I got over the description and finally put it on, I was SO pleasantly surprised by this feel-good and hilarious story. It is laugh out loud and I seriously cannot pick a favorite character because they’re all so good. A must-watch!
Loved the Obit!