The DM | Issue Two
Or the one where Devon and Meg talk about conspiracy theories and California citrus
“I’m a subscriber.”- Devon’s Dad
To both of our dads, thanks for reading. To everyone else, you’re welcome for the surplus of Boy Smells candle ads on your Instagram feeds the past two weeks.
And speaking of things you never knew you always needed, did you know The DM is the perfect gift for a friend you’re trying to get friendlier with? Or a coworker who always wants to know ‘what you’re up to’? Or just anyone with a lingering desire to drop knowledge to strangers in elevators?
Why not drop us into their DMs?
Anyway, welcome to Issue #2. This episode goes well with Hilary Duff circa 2002, butterfly hair clips, and living in the freakin’ moment.
From Meg
Capitalism at its pinkest
If you’re looking to get some leisure attire that is quite literally money, may I suggest these limited edition Morgan Lane Monopoly collection pajamas? All you have to do is pass go, collect 200 (twice) and it can be yours all for the grand total of 430 dollars (before the luxury tax, of course).
...Actually, it turns out that if you want to pay a lot of money for a monopoly set, you have options! There’s this $295 set that is ‘crafted of wood in Livingston Gray finish with a textured faux leather inset’ from Pottery Barn, this $400 ‘heirloom’ set in rich mahogany from Orvis, AND for you Detroit lovers out there, Shinola’s limited edition Detroit-themed board game for $395.
Honestly, if you’re rolling in that kind of dice, it’s all just Monopoly money anyway, right?
Raising the game
If Monopoly isn’t really in your playbook, consider the once homely puzzle which has received a cool kid makeover ala every teen movie ever thanks to nine months of social distancing and many a bored design studio.
And why not? It’s an opportunity to reconnect with your fingers outside the doom scrolling they’ve come to know. Pick some forbidden fruit, stare into a dark sky until your eyes cross, take a vacation on your kitchen table. You deserve this!
Riddle me this
Speaking of puzzles, anyone following along with the great monolith mystery of 2020?
TLDR; a mysterious monolith sculpture appeared in Utah about two weeks ago. Then it disappeared and REAPPEARED in Romania. And this just in… it’s now disappeared from Romania as well. Honestly, aliens after this year wouldn’t surprise me but I’m also waiting for Apple to release their latest product launch when this thing reaches its third location.
One small step for mankind
If life-size monoliths are the best aliens can do however, I think we’re good. Time Magazine just put out their list of the 100 best inventions of 2020 and humankind, despite the odds, you still did good this year. One of my favorites is Supernatural, a subscription-based VR fitness app. Because nothing says, ‘2020 y’all!’ like doing squats next to a simulated volcano in Ethiopia.
Oh and while we’re on the subject of heating up, here are three hot items I’m adding to my wishlist this week:
Something to fuel to the flame
And a little place to store your stash
From Devon
Orange crush
Welp, the cold weather has arrived (or, at least it has here in Colorado), and blame it on my Southern California roots, but I’m leaning in big-time on all things citrus for the foreseeable future. Some particularly good immunity boosters and spirit brighteners include this delightful crate of sunshine, these a-peeling aperitifs made using Golden State fruits, adding zest and juice of lemon and orange to this elixir, and satsuma body butter.
That’s a wrap
Given that IRL holiday parties and rocking around the Christmas tree with our pals are out for this year, we’ll have some extra time on our hands - so, why not use it to master furoshiki? I’ll forever be a fan of the classic wrapping-paper-with-a-bow look, but there’s no moment like the present (get it?) to learn this eco-friendly Japanese style of gift wrapping, using a square of fabric - like western-inspired bandanas, recycled fabrics, or eye-catching wrapping cloth - and not much else.
Let’s talk about feelings
Any Brené fans out there? Well, this one’s for you (and probably some of your nearest and dearest, too). This gem recently debuted a “support deck” aka a deck of cards to help with stress and anxiety. Created in collaboration with a therapist, these bright, well-designed cards contain tips and tricks to help boost you up when you’re feeling out of sorts, be it from 2020 or just #life.
However, if the whole feelings thing just ain’t your cup of tea, have a cup of this lovely French-style whisky instead, which, fun fact: is made by a former ballerina. (Thanks for the rec, Bob.)
Don’t just stand there, bust a move
Sorry if this is now stuck in your head, but it had to be done - this print set and others in the mix will strike all of the right cords with the music lover/letterpress lover/minimalist design aficionado in your life.
Anywhere but here (the pandemic edit)
Though there is hope for 2021, most of us likely won’t be traveling too far incredibly soon. Enter the New York Times’ newish ‘Around The World At Home’ series, which provides ideas on how to bring the culture, taste, and sounds of locales like Paris, Tokyo, and Hawaii into your quarantine life. Will it replace the feeling of eating a fresh-baked croissant outside a patisserie or sipping a Mai Tai as waves crash in front of us? Hell no. But, at the very least, it can give us ideas for some old French movies to watch from the couch.
For the cookie monsters
Sure, home baking was a thing all pandemic long (never forget banana bread’s heyday), but we’ve now officially hit peak baking season. If you’re looking to make (or eat) a holiday cookie (or seven), might I suggest: a new take on the fan-favorites, these pretties, chocolate peppermint dreams, THE cookies, a classic, sophisticated biscotti, and the project.
And, before you go, a quick snapshot of what I’m currently:
Coveting: a lot of jewelry, including this necklace from Maggie, this ring from Reidie, and this beaded mask chain from Julie.
Listening to: Bleachers x Bruce Springsteen on repeat
Cooking: Pimento cheese because why not / Deb’s roasted squash with tofu and ginger because #balance
Donating to: The Loveland Foundation, which offers therapy support to black women and girls across the country
There’s nothing quite like dining out here in Colorado during December - the air might be chilly, but everywhere you go, decorations are merry, spirits are bright, and good cheer is high. However, given that local restaurants and bars are indefinitely closed for indoor dining, finding ways to festively celebrate with food and drink has new look in 2020.
As such, we’ve put together a list with a few of our go-to F&B spots in the Denver area, along with our thoughts on the best things they’ve got to offer for outdoor dining or takeout/delivery. Please be sure to support our independent restaurants this season - and happy reading, eating, and drinking!
Great volume 2! I actually am quite enlightened by many of your links, though admittedly, Devon, you had me at whisky...
Dads Rule