CUPPA 07.11.25
Culture & entertainment blog feat. Too Much on Netflix, new singer Nectar Woode, wild flower workshop, thrifting pop ups, Jane Win at goop Marin, and Erin Fong's rainbow!
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been reconnecting with women I haven’t seen in years—either at my reopened co-working space (The Hivery) or with those who’ve reached out since I launched CUPPA. It’s been surprising and lovely to catch up one-on-one, to hear how they’ve navigated life’s ups and downs, and how that journey informs the way they create and put new things into the world with a wiser lens.
These conversations remind me that connection is key—and that we see ourselves in other people’s stories. The storytelling I seek out in entertainment can inspire, reflect our own experiences… or simply offer a welcome escape from real life.
Speaking of escaping, I’ve also been researching where to visit, thrift, and eat around Amsterdam and Paris (recommendations welcome!). I’ll be signing off for the next few weeks to be fully present with my family, so see you at the beginning of August!
🎤 Music: Nectar Woode, It’s Like I Never Left album
I haven’t stopped playing this new album since I discovered this soulful up-and-coming singer through “BBC Introducing at Glastonbury 2025”. If you enjoy the laid-back vibes of Cleo Sol or Olivia Dean, or agree with Elton John, who compares her vocals to Nina Simone, check out this promising young talent!
📺 TV: Too Much on Netflix from July 10th
A new series written and directed by Lena Dunham follows a quirky young woman, played by Megan Stalter (Hacks), who accepts a job and relocates from New York to London after a breakup, where she befriends a musician played by Will Sharpe (White Lotus). The show has an impressive supporting cast, including Naomi Watts, Richard E. Grant, Rita Wilson, and Andrew Rannells. It is from the creator of Girls and the producers of Notting Hill, so there are running jokes about whether Americans and Brits speak the same language—something expats can relate to.
Watch Too Much trailer
📺 TV: Smoke on Apple TV+
Taron Egerton (Rocketman) plays an arson investigator partnered with a detective (Jurnee Smollett) to uncover a twisted trail leading to two complicated arsonists who ignite dark secrets and suspicions. I’m a couple of episodes into this series, created by Dennis Lehane, who wrote Gone Baby Gone, Mystic River, and the Apple TV show Black Bird (also starring Taron Egerton). The chemistry between the two leads is already heating up. The cinematography of the fire—done without special effects—feels like a character in itself and reminds me of the ’90s movie Backdraft. Taron is always great to watch, and this character is more than meets the eye.
Watch Smoke trailer
🎧 Podcast: Cropped: A Mid-Life Minute by Wendy Euler
If you want a bite-sized podcast (under 10 minutes) to accompany micro moments that matter—perhaps while you’re driving or enjoying a cuppa break—then this podcast is for you. A friend recently turned me on to Cropped: A Mid-Life Minute. It’s hosted by writer, age activist, and style enthusiast Wendy Euler (who is currently writing a book). This podcast isn’t new but feels timeless, as it addresses real-life topics like “The Weight of Words,” “The Reality of Family Estrangement,” and “Reclaim Your Agency.” The clear and concise way Wendy explains and reframes common challenges is insightful, and her “less is more” approach makes the message easier to remember.
🌸 Creative Workshop: UNBOUND FLORAL on Sunday July 27th, at 5 - 7 pm at Poet And/The Bench, 11 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley, Get Your Tickets
Bonnie Powers is one of the most generous community builders I know and the co-owner of the beautiful Poet and/the Bench. They’ll be hosting a wild floral workshop at the end of the month called UNBOUND FLORA!
It’s a collaboration between esteemed floral designer and stylist Tiffany Blaylock (@MatadorStudio) and ceramicist Ian Hazard-Bill (@ihbceramics).
Each participant will create an arrangement using one of Ian’s vases—made especially for this workshop—which you’ll take home along with your floral creation. Light bites and drinks will be served by Paseo Bistro. Tickets are limited and selling fast!
🎨 Art: Rainbow tunnel & installation by artist Erin Fong in Strawberry Village, 800 Redwood Highway, Mill Valley, 94941 (free)
Artist Erin Fong loves color, and she injects it into public spaces as well as her beautiful paintings. She has transformed a dull hallway at Strawberry Village—a shopping mall in Southern Marin—into a vibrant, immersive rainbow gradient tunnel designed to uplift and inspire. It also features large-scale reproductions from The Friendship Project, offering inspirational sentiments like “Risk Being Seen” and “Learn from Your Differences.” Next time you’re in the area shopping at West Elm or picking up lunch (Tartine Bakery is opening later this year), be sure to take an inspiring stroll to brighten your day!
👖 Thifting: Sweet Jean Flea Maketplace, 19th & 20th July at 9 - 5 pm, Alderney Road, San Anselmo (next to Memorial Park entrance), San Anselmo
On the third weekend of every month, there’s a great vintage and pre-loved pop-up featuring clothing, accessories, jewelry, home goods, and furniture—all set up in a garage and driveway. I’ve found some great pieces in the past, including dresses, throws, and ceramics. It’s a fun outing with girlfriends or even your kids to get them into thrifting!
🇫🇷 Thrifting: The French Market Marin, Bastille Day on Sunday July 13th, 9 am - 3 pm, Marin Civic Center, at The Armory Parking Lot, Civic center Drive, San Rafael, 94903 (Free admission and parking)
After July 4th activities, you can celebrate French Independence Day (Monday, July 14th) at this antique and vintage market on Sunday, July 13th. It has 140 vendors offering estate jewelry, books, farmhouse-style home goods, pottery, rugs, and some vintage clothing, alongside French café-style music, and made-to-order crepes.
💎 Shopping: Jane Win Trunk Show at goop Marin, Marin Country Mart, July 1st - 28th, 2215 Larkspur Landing Circle, Unit 25A, Larkspur, 94939,
I wear a gold-plated pendant almost every day that sparks compliments. It’s the HOPE pendant by Jane Win, which features the four seasons on one side and “hope” on the other (my word of the year when I got it in 2021). Jane Win has a month-long trunk show (in one of the display cabinets) at Goop Marin where you can find a selection of her coin pendants and cute charms.
If you’re visiting Marin Country Mart, be sure to enjoy a variety of sweet or savory crepes and pastries from my favorite nearby bakery, Buvette. They make the most incredible Pain Suisse (filled with chocolate and Crème Pâtissière).
SPILL THE TEA: Let me know if you are planning on checking out any of these recommendations, or whether you have seen any culture or entertainment recommendations or have any of your own in the comments below:
ABOUT: Hi I’m Sophie Davies, I’m a culture obsessed Brit who lives in Marin County (30 min north of San Francisco). I like to share what’s going on - in entertainment and my community, as bringing people together and soaking up culture refills my cup! I hope CUPPA inspires you to try new things, visit new places, and bring some joy to your inbox!