Café Sundaze Menu: April 2025

From what I plan to read to spring recipes, here’s what’s on the cards this month.

Sundaze Book Café is the home of everyday magic, joyful living and conversations likely to be had over a hot drink with a friend in your favourite café, capturing the syrup-slow feel and glow of a Sunday. I’m Michelle, and I’ll be your host today.

Hello April!

Look what we did: we complained that January lasted 800 years and now we blinked and April is here. More importantly, spring has arrived and I’m really happy about it. I feel rested and recharged after putting myself in hibernation mode, and I’m feeling optimistic about the new season. From our big trip to spending more time in the garden, it’s going to be a fun one.

On the TBR

• Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer

• Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton

• Perfection by Vincenzo Latronico

• Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

What I’m searching for on Vinted

I’m not sure if I’ve spoken about my forever wardrobe quest on here before, but I have been working on mine since I was 25. That’s nine years! In short, I’m on a mission to own the perfect extended capsule wardrobe of clothes that’ll last me forever-ish. For me, that means investing in sustainably made pieces from equally sustainable brands, in quality fabrics that are as natural or regenerative as possible, or buying secondhand. (Can you tell I love sustainability? I used to write for Stella McCartney!) And, I have a strict one-in-one-out rule if I do want to add something more trend-led to the edit.

Anyway, I wanted to add in a section to my monthly Café Sundaze Menu to include what I’m searching for lately on Vinted (and at my local charity shops). I like to be focused so that I don’t impulse buy, secondhand pieces or otherwise.

• Damson Madder waistcoat: I’m besotted with these quilted, patterned, reversible jackets at the moment. Perfect for adding a warm layer in the unpredictable British weather.

• Cream lace turtleneck top: Recently I’ve become obsessed with the idea of a delicate lace top that I can pop underneath other long-sleeved pieces, like a dress or light knit. I feel like there’s some great 70s pieces out there somewhere.

• Ursula K. Le Guin: Did you know that Vinted has a great books section? I’m trawling the entire Internet for some copies of Ursula K. Le Guin’s books with good covers.

• M&S patch pocket jeans: I saw these jeans a few months ago, but don’t want to support M&S’ fast fashion agenda¹ by buying new. I’m hoping to rehome a pair!

• Red crew neck cardigan: A bright pop of colour never goes amiss, and this will be the perfect layer for spring and autumn outfits.