French Christmas Market in Sonoma, My Denim Renaissance + A Few Other Things

Today on weekend meanderings, my denim Renaissance, our mid-winter garden replant, a visit to Chateau Sonoma’s French Christmas market, and a couple of gift ideas (that Jim and I are giving each other). Oh, and today’s the Army-Navy Game. Go Navy! Obviously.  

Happy Saturday, friends!

It’s time for the weekend post with Kim and Elizabeth. Our weekly roundup of inspirations and goings on.

Holy moly it’s mid-December. How the heck did that happen?

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This is my final dispatch of 2024. What?! I know. I’m a little behind and plan to spend next week shopping, wrapping, shipping, and delivering Christmas presents to friends and family … and doing a little holiday baking. Jim and I have a few more holiday fun things coming up and then we’ll hunker down for a low-key Christmas and New Year’s at home.

 

Denim Renaissance

Denim and I have been going through a rough patch. It’s hard to say what’s wrong or who’s to blame, we’re just not vibing. That’s not to say I haven’t acquired some awesome denim over the past year. I most certainly have. It’s just one of those ‘it’s not you, it’s me’ situations. If we can have some real talk, I’ve gained weight. The bottom line, no pun intended, I’ve been unhappy with how I look in my jeans and, more importantly, how I feel (uncomfortable). Many newer styles are reminiscent of the 90’s … and the 90’s were my denim heyday. But they’re not working on my 2020’s body. Sad, sad, sad. Or so I thought.

The barrel jean is the very last style I would have considered to address my current denim conundrum. But when I put on Madewell’s darted, barrel leg style I was instantly smitten. Do I look tall and slim? No, I do not. Because I’m neither. But I love the way they look and feel and that makes all the difference.

Darted Barrel Jean in the dressing room and in the wild

A week or so ago I stopped into Madewell to pick up an online order (kitten heeled booties recommended by Kim to wear with my holiday party ensemble). I had some time on my hands and decided to try as on many jeans as I could. Guess what, I found a couple more styles that felt instantly right. My denim renaissance has begun.

First up I highly recommend the Superwide-Leg, Softdrape Edition … emphasis on soft. They need to be taken up just a skoosh. BTW the darted barrel comes in a softdrape edition too. Adding to cart.

Superwide-Leg, Softdrape

The Curvy Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg is another pair I put on and instantly loved. The denim is soft, not super soft, but soft enough to be easy to move in and very comfortable. A really good everyday, hang out at home, run errands pair.

Curvy Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg

What I appreciate about Madewell denim, in addition to the flattering styles, comfortable fabrics and fit, is the price point. Not cheap, but certainly far from the sky high prices that some snootier brands command. Let’s be honest, is there really any big difference in denim quality whether they come from Target (where I’ve found some of my favorites) or a $250+ style from higher end brands? Maybe, but I’m judging denim by look, feel and fit … and how often I reach for it when getting dressed. I’ve been wearing the dart barrels and perfect vintage nearly everyday because they’re comfortable at home and totally presentable out and about. If it’s helpful, I’m slightly over 5’4″, weight about 125 lbs and wear a 27 consistently in Madewell styles … I like my jeans a little looser so if I wanted them more fitted I’d go for a 26.

I also brought home this polo-style sweater which is exactly the sort of thing I like to wear everyday in the cooler months. It’s roomy and I’m wearing XS. It’s perfect paired with my new denim … layered over a favorite white tee.

White Tee | Polo-Style Sweater | Denim | Birk Clogs

P.S. Reader Meredith recommends Madewell’s Low Slung Baggy.

 

Winter Garden Project

This week we began the process of replanting our front garden. We planned to take on the project ourselves but quickly realized we were out of our element so we decided to utilize Yardzen, an online garden design company. We purchased their Botanical Garden Design plan to ensure a proper plant selection for our planting zone AND plants that suit us and Snowberry’s aesthetic. Easier said than done when we want an English garden but live in a warm, dry climate. Anyway, I’ll share more about our experience with Yardzen after the holidays, in the meantime, here’s what the week’s progress looked like.

The first item on the agenda was to relocate our lemon tree. The tree is thriving, but she’s too close to the house and starting to smoosh up against it and lean over. She’s now in a more spacious corner next to Rosella – our climbing rose. Rosella was ravaged by deer last spring (gate left open accidentally) and she’s in recovery mode.

Before Ms. Lemon Tree was relocated I picked a bowl full of lemons (the pretty bowl is a gift from Kim, she found it at Home Goods).

Next up the top layer of soil and mulch were removed so gopher wire could be laid.

Our new plants arrived from Devil Mountain Nursery.

And then it rained bringing everything to a screeching halt. Yesterday we had light rain off and on and the plants we placed and, as I write this, planting is underway.

Update: The planting is done. All the new plants were placed in gopher resistant root ball cages. Next week the drip irrigation will be reinstalled and top soil and mulch will go down.

Chateau Sonoma Marche de Noel & Bubble Club

Last weekend Jim and I were in Sonoma to pick up our quarterly French Bubble Club allotment. It happened to coincide with Chateau Sonoma’s Marche de Noel … their French style Christmas market. Ooh la la! The shop is beautifully decorated for the holidays and stocked with tons of gift worthy treasures.

First we stopped for a photo op with a miniature sleigh and two tiny reindeer. Ok I’m trying to be clever, it’s a vintage sleigh and the reindeer are normal size.

Behind the shop the outdoor market was bustling with happy shoppers enjoying all the Bay Area artisans showcasing their beautiful handmade goods and treats. These gorgeous scarves and throws from The Weaving Collective had me swooning.

Le Jardinier Floral created a winter wonderland dripping in the most gorgeous holiday greenery, wreaths and beautiful decorative pieces.

Look a these pinecones!

Jim found his way to the bubble bar and all is well.

Antoine’s Pirouette Crepes were a crowd pleaser. I wish I’d had one.

After enjoying the market and retrieving our bubbles, we stopped for a casual lunch at Mary’s Pizza.

The storefronts on the Sonoma plaza are very festive.

When we got home we unpacked our French bubble bootie.

As I write this it dawns on me that the French Bubble Club would make a wonderful Christmas gift for your significant other … or you. I mean, assuming you like French bubbles … it’s kind of the perfect ‘to you for me’ gift. Or, more generously, ‘to you for us’!

Mark your calendars for next year’s Marche de Noel will be on December 6 & 7.

 

What Jim and I Are Giving Each Other this Christmas

Jim and I  don’t usually exchange gifts because we’re spoiled and selfish and treat ourselves to what we want throughout the year. But this year we each had our eye on a something so why not wrap it and put it under the tree?!

Jim will be unwrapping Peter Millar’s quilted Suffolk Coat in dark olive.

I’ll be surprised and delighted to open Birkenstock’s Highwood Chelsea boot in taupe.

Nordstrom’s Christmas decorations are whimsical and fun.

 

Today’s the 125th Army-Navy Game … Go Navy!

Today’s the day … American’s game and my SuperBowl. It’s the 125th Army-Navy Game. This year’s game will be played in Maryland, home of the Washington Commanders, and it should be good one. Both teams had very successful seasons, so what is sometimes a lopsided or lackluster game should be very competitive and fun to watch. I love CBS’ promotional video narrated by Kathy Bates (are you enjoying the new Matlock?). The Commander-in-Chief trophy is on the line … and I’m confident Navy will be returning it to its right home in Annapolis.

We’ve watched and attended a lot of Navy football games over the years, my dad went to Annapolis, Class of ’55 (“You Can’t Exceed 55“) so I’ll be thinking of him a lot today and telling funny dad stories. Navy’s uniform theme for this year’s game is Jolly Rogers, to honor Navy’s storied aviation squadron. My dad had a huge Jolly Rogers flag from his Navy days and he ran it up the flag pole every Halloween. I wish I knew what happened to that flag. Anyway, Go Navy, Beat Army. Obviously.

Odd & Socks ~

Kim shared her annual gifts for guys ideas this week. Guys are the hardest to buy for  – for me anyway – but she has great suggestions. Jim would love receiving everything on her list.

My Cranberry-Tequla Punch post has been getting a lot of visits this month, so I gave it a quick update.

This Raspberry Kir Royale bar is a good one too … I should update it.

I’m going to make chocolate dipped shortbread cookies this week, here’s the recipe.

Current Favorites ~

 

And that’s what I have for you this week. Let’s see what’s inspiring Kim and Elizabeth.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA STYLE

PINECONES AND ACORNS

In case you missed last week’s post you can catch up here.

I’ll rejoin Kim and Elizabeth on January 11th.

I’m incredibly grateful to you for your support of the blog and for sharing part of your weekend with me. Wishing you the most magical holiday season and I hope you ring in the New Year in style. Even if that style is in your PJs, on the sofa, in front of the TV (I’m projecting).