The DM | Issue Twenty Two
Or the one with a few guest appearances
Ciao, friends! Devon here. I’m back in the States, while Meg is still in Italy. Yes, I’m having some Italy withdrawals - grazie mille for asking - so, please, join me as we sit here, eating Reese’s Peanut Butter Pumpkins on the couch, being just a tad bit jealous that she continues to sip Negronis, eat all the pizza, and soak in those Amalfi Coast views without us.
To help fill the void where Meg’s charm and wit would usually be, I’ve roped in three fab, always-in-the-know pals to share their current likes and loves, and they defs delivered. It’s also been a week, and the recs (mine included) are dished up in list form - it’s a ‘not a long time, but a good time’ reading kind of situation this week, y’all. Saddle up.
And, before we do the DM dive in: let it be known that Issue 22 is going out on October 22 (HBD to Mackenzie + Daisey, btw!). Let’s hope this is some sort of good luck omen because, no joke, a black cat crossed my path yesterday, and while I’m not totally superstitious, it is spooky szn so you can’t be too careful. Anyways, happy reading, happy weekend, happy Halloween - whatever is it is for you, I hope it’s just all-around stellar.
From Devon
Here’s what I’m currently:
Obsessed with: a) the fact that Taco Bell has a ‘taco gifter,’ b) these adorable flannels/vests/sleeping bags for canned bevvies, and c) these quirky brooches
Drinking: an easy to make, easier to drink apple cider whiskey smash
A fan of: justifying that snack boards = dinner. See also: Big Night BK, a ‘dinner party shop’ from which I would like to order evrything, but especially these wine coolers and cheese plates
Loving: the idea behind the organization, More Love Letters, because isn’t that exactly what we all need? Similary, Archer Paper Goods and their pencil bar.
Rationalizing: that you can never have too many blankets, especially when they are cute, cozy, and $30
Reading: this poem
I’m dedicating this issue to Trevor Jones, another incredible life that was lost incredibly early, and his sister, Kaitlin, whom I love with all of my heart. Irvine kids - if you’d like to donate to his memorial fund, check it out here, and to everyone else, ‘choose joy’ every chance you get.
From Madeline
Dwells in New York City | designer with impeccable style and taste | follow Mads for swoon-worthy scenes, ‘Things I Saved’ aka a weekly recap of the best posts on the Interwebs, and Humphrey (her golden retriever puppy) content
Here’s what Madeline is currently:
Curing: my post-Italian honeymoon blues by swapping out Campari for this local Brooklyn bitter for my at-home negronis. The bottle also looks tres chic on the bar.
Regretting: not buying every single glass from this brand I discovered at Field + Supply last weekend.
Listening to: my morning playlist every day to set the day on a peaceful note.
Reading: The Maine House and pretending it is still August.
Knowing: it's almost time to switch out my current body lotion for this hero shea butter that got me through months of outdoor dining in NYC last winter.
From Bryant
Dwells in Denver | marketing rockstar, tennis enthusiast, and dapper dude | follow Bryant for travel adventures, the newest F&B spots in (any) town, and v fun content
Here’s what Byrant is currently:
Flying to: NYC for his friend Allison's 32nd birthday party, so, is also….
Eating (and Drinking): The Four Horsemen in Brooklyn, a vegan soul food joint called Cadence, and the revamped Temple Bar on Lafayette
Wearing: Obsessed with Todd Snyder because of this and this and this. #sweaters
Viewing: The Whitney
Envisioning an alternate life: because of this job
Reading: I've fully embraced the Sally Rooney hoopla and think everyone should read Beautiful World, Where Are You.
Also reading: I also love urging people to read The Sisters Brothers by Patrick DeWitt, Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi, and Stoner by John Williams, which is not at all about weed.
Listening to (on repeat): Grapefruit Season by James Vincent McMorrow
From Lauren
Dwells in Denver | event planner and mover + shaker | follow Lauren for delicious food + drink pics, adorable toddler videos, and smart, inspiring content
Here’s what Lauren is currently:
Loving: that I found a greener solution for laundry thanks to Dropps, which offers plastic-free and gentle detergent pods that are delivered right to my door. I'm loving their dryer balls, too, which come in four shades for color sorting purposes.
Drinking: Lights Out tea from The Tea Spot in Boulder. This blend of hibiscus, chamomile, licorice root, peppermint, valerian root, and lavender is the PERFECT sleepy tea, and with a little microdose Ripple Balanced sprinkled in, it's truly the perfect bedtime concoction.
Watching: Impeachment: American Crime Story on FX (via Amazon Prime, in case you don't get FX). This is the third season of this anthology true crime series, and between the performances and make-up/costume design, it's incredibly well done.
Cooking: all of the soups, and pumped to try this Khao Soi, which might just be autumn soup swap worthy.
Excited: about the return of Food52's Annual Holiday Swap and already planning the care package I'll put together for my recipient.
Looking forward to: my offerings for trick-or-treaters this year, which may or may not include treat-sized Hidden Valley Ranch...