Curated by Mel
Wintertime Sundays, Perfected
There are endless reasons to set aside a full, uninterrupted day of rejuvenation—the winter forecast, the political landscape, and the day-to-day blur of tech-driven agendas. I’d like to invite you to enjoy one of my favorite pastimes, cozy Sundays. Even if it’s just once a month, I set aside a full Sunday for off-grid delights—vinyl records, reading, puzzles, and all things cozy and rejuvenating. The perfect Sunday will look different for each of us—from watching World War II documentaries to sipping ceremonial cacao next to the fireplace. As a bonus, many of the ideas here make beautiful Valentine’s Day gifts.
SUNDAY CLUB
Subscribe to this lovely no news newspaper—a less than 20-page paper full of nothing but puzzles. Good ol’ paper and pencil puzzles, including crossword, word search, sudoku, and more. Select from subscriptions packages that include monthly delivery and bonus items, and shop for themed goods like totes and sweatshirts.
Info: sundayclub.com
HEIRLOOM WOOL MOMO BLANKET
Consider this magnificent throw from Intertwined for an intentionally cozy Sunday. It’s handcrafted by Mayan artisans in the mountains of Momostenango, Guatemala. The sheep’s wool is gathered, cleaned, and hand-spun into yarn’s, which are then dyed using natural materials like seeds and vibrantly hued fauna. Each blanket is then carried to a natural volcanic hot spring, where it’s felted and softened. Info: intertwinedforgood.com
HAND-FORAGED HOT TODDIES
The perfect snow-bound Sunday means something different to each of us, and I’m definitely open to a leisurely day of sipping hot toddies. Recently, I tried one using The Botanist Gin (of Islay, Scotland fame), known for its hand-foraged botanicals. It’s sublime. Here’s the recipe: 1.5 ounces of The Botanist gin, a quarter ounce of lemon, 3 ounces of Earl Grey tea, and honey. Enjoy!
Info: www.thebotanist.com/en-us
FRENCH ONION SOUP
It’s Sunday, and it’s bone-chillingly cold. Hunker down and make a cozy batch of French onion soup topped with the cheese recently named the best in the world at the 2025 World Cheese Awards. Switzerland’s Gruyère AOP Vorderfultigen Spezial went up against 5,200 other cheeses for the title and was crowned victorious. Read about it in Food and Wine Magazine and get your soup crocks ready. Info: www.gruyere.com/en/home
SUNDAYS ARE FOR PAJAMAS
Olive & Cocoa’s Radiant Rouge Striped Pajamas are as comfortable as they are stunning. Lounge all day, reading or binge watching your favorite shows. Whether your Sunday goals include croissants or bowls of lazy-day cereal, this set is ready for whatever your cozy day agenda has in store. The tailoring is roomy and the colors are vibrant—perfect for a day of indulgence.
Info: www.oliveandcocoa.com
WANDERLUST, DELIVERED
A postcard subscription? The company Around the World in 80 Cards has managed to merge the nostalgia of childhood pen pals with the wonder of world travel. They describe it as a “curated monthly postcard subscription that delivers authentic, handwritten postcards from locals or travelers around the globe.” In a world of high-speed everything, these postcards provide moments of slow, authentic connection. Info: 80cards.com
TEA, OF COURSE
Mark T. Wendell Tea Company dates back to 1904, and the depth of their tea roster is staggering. As the cold weather continues, explore their winter teas, including Marzipan Walnut Rose (black) and Vanilla Bourbon Rooibos (herbal). You can also read about and stock up on teas with targeted health benefits. Personally, I adore lounging by the wood-burning fireplace with a pot of piping hot tea, but it’s just as satisfying enjoyed from a travel mug, on a blustery winter walk. Info: marktwendell.com
NAKED CASHMERE
Naked Cashmere’s Evelina Brushed Cashmere Polo is hands-down my favorite Sunday wardrobe piece. It’s insanely soft and thicker than you’d guess from looking at a photo—one of those pieces that makes you audibly ooh and aah when you open the package. It feels wonderful against the skin and is perfectly chic with leggings or jeans if you decide to dash to the coffee shop.
Info: www.nakedcashmere.com
SATURDAY SAUCE
The label says Saturday, but it’s equally delicious on Sundays—or whatever day you’re craving some savory goodness. Sababa Foods seems to have bottled up my lazy weekend goals—a soulful dinner without too much effort. A jar of Saturday Sauce and fresh fish. That’s a meal, and it’s aromatic and entirely satisfying. I added fresh vegetables, roasted it, together, in a pan, and served over quinoa.
Info: www.sababa-foods.com
CEREMONIAL CACAO FROM PERU
I enjoyed ceremonial cacao every morning while in Guatemala last year, so I was delighted to discover the Peruvian brand Cacao Adventures. All of their products are created from heirloom cacao, grown in small Peruvian communities. The brand offers everything from quick-melting coins to cacao pastes and blocks. Keep a bag of High-Amazon Basin Ceremonial Grade Cacao on hand to create a healthful Sunday sipping ritual.
Info: www.cacaoadventures.com
ZERO-PROOF BLISS
Beautifully crafted zero-proof mocktails also offer an opportunity to create small ritual-centric moments. I make edible flower ice cubes on Saturdays, in preparation for coupe glasses full of non-alcoholic SeedLip mocktails. The brand’s Spice 94 ia favorite this winter with its warm cardamom and citrus notes. I mix it with elegant sparkling water varieties, ranging from elderberry to blood orange.
Info: www.seedlipdrinks.com/en-us
DARK HUMOR TO BRIGHTEN THE DAY
Thurber Prize-winner and New York Times bestselling author John Kenney’s latest book, I See You’ve Called in Dead, proves to be this winter’s literary elixir. Described as, “The Office meets Six Feet Under meets About a Boy,” it’s the story of an obituary writer who is afraid to live and finds a zeal for everyday life through a series of dark-yet-laughable work follies.
Info: zibbymedia.com