Staying in
Books and Soups
This is the monthly free edition of this letter. If you’d like to keep reading it, you can upgrade to paid here. If you’d like to work me, you can email melanie@drinkghia.com
When I was young, my cousin Romain who was a few years older than me passed unexpectedly. I was shocked, and I remember his funeral very vividly. It was a glorious day, warm and without a cloud in the sky. The birds were chirping and it felt unfair. I wanted dark clouds and a raging thunderstorm: I wanted the entire world to mourn.
Today however, the weather matches the news: cold and violent, and unlike natural disasters, mainly avoidable. If you’re feeling it extra hard, I’m sorry.
I love occasional snow days. They’re a forced day of rest and draw a perimeter around your day. You don’t go far, you don’t do much, you pay extra attention to what, or who, is within reach. I especially love the quiet they bring to the city. New York without sirens is rare and awesome.
The Danish have a word for this mood, hygge, but the internet has ruined the word for me. This snowstorm is more like Covid, minus the anxiety. Here’s how I’m making the most of it.
Working from home
Everyone at Ghia is working from home next week. This was decided before it was mandated, and my snack drawer is ready for it.
Books
I broke a personal rule and have two books going at once. I’m having a bit of trouble making it through Lost Lambs (so well written but a little too much voice for me). My library hold came through just in time for the storm. I started Heart the Lover yesterday and haven’t been able to put it down. Hoping to finish both by the time the temperature rises.
A candle
Flamingo Estate Leather appointment and Madame Grey Aquarii to be precise - it comes with the most beautiful pewter snuffer. I was saving it for a rainy day and it happens to now be an actual shitstorm, so I’m lighting it up!
Soups
I loosely adapted my friend Clare de Boer’s stewy lentil pasta to what I had on hand, made a huge pot of beans, and cleared out my spice drawer. Anything “only” expired in 2025 is currently boiling on the stove as an infusion. Everything else goes in my Mill (an appliance I really love - this link gives you $150 off). There’s a chicken braising on a bed of fennels in the oven. So far so very good!
Soft pants
Per the working-from-home situation above, I’m in a full regression and really, really enjoying soft pants. The best thing I bought in 2026 is these Suzie cashmere pants I found on The RealReal, they are so soft but also very chic, and I was gifted these nice wide legs that nicely cover storm appropriate boots!
At-home workouts
Yesterday I forced myself to the office/gym for a light Pyro workout and a sauna. I had a bit of an endometriosis episode this week, which is partially why this newsletter is coming in late. If I’m physically able to, gentle movement always helps. Today my glutes are sore and it feels like they earned the right to stay put on the couch. This is a week for recovery. This 39-minute deep stretch class remains one of my favorites: it requires no equipment and helps undo the neck, shoulder, and finger tension that comes from too much tech-ing.
Moisturize
For the first time in six years, I’m getting a few months of zero sun. My skin is dry and a little marked from the hormonal roller coaster of the past few years, so I’ve been exfoliating and moisturizing like it’s my job. I’m loving this at home triple acid peel, which I’m doing weekly for eight weeks in a row. I also booked a mandelic acid peel at Sofie Pavitt’s studio next week. To repair, fight the cold, and protect, I love SkinFix, but the Substack chat also had a lot to recommend. You can join us, here.
This Hair Treatment
This launched this week, but I got an early look and I am very, very impressed. No sulfates. It promises “princess hair” and delivers! You can use Melanie15 for a discount.
Working on the finishing layer of my home
I’m looking for vintage frames on the world wide web for my “bathroom ledge”. Went back to my “saved” pictures and messaged a few artists to find pieces for empty nooks and crannies of the loft I’m probably going to move out of soon. Ordered a valet hook for my closet, to stack all the “work bags” currently on the floor. I’m listing furniture I’m not going to take with me to the next place on Facebook marketplace, and maybe in return saving a Ficus from a negligent man in Greenpoint. I never have time for this stuff and I find it so, so nourishing.
Organize
Because I had a system in place already, I can go drawer by drawer. The tea drawer, in particular, is in very good shape.
Planner
I finally finished my planner and started sending a few emails I’ve been sitting on, especially as I begin planning my cookbook launch in the Spring. If anyone has any tips, I’d be so grateful!
Hope you’re staying warm and happy.
xx
Melanie
❤️ Thank you for being here. If you liked this newsletter, clicking “like” helps more people discover my work. (Or leave a comment — it truly makes my day.)
I really enjoy your posts, your recommendations and thoughts. Regards from Germany!
I always look forward to your posts! Thank you for being my trusted advisor for all things fashion, cooking, interior design, travel, etc. If/when you move, would you consider sharing your fb marketplace listings for your furniture and home things here or in the subscriber chat :)?