This past weekend felt like a true spring weekend. Although I inherently know it was just a tease, the weather was divine, which made for fun adventures hiking and exploring in the Marin headlands and a relaxing day in Lafayette Park.
Fresh flowers never fail to being me immediate joy. After the busy weekend it was the best feeling getting into bed with rosy cheeks from the sunshine and the smell of hyacinth, a true token of springtime. Simple pleasures indeed. And now, it's raining...
Meet Libby Kirwin. Libby, is my former boss, mentor and friend who played a large role in the beginning of my career. She is, more importantly, the founder of Libby Kirwin Real Estate ("LKRE") a boutique real estate and property management firm headquartered in Newport, Rhode Island.
From the moment Libby and I met, we clicked and I couldn't wait to work for her - I never felt so confident trusting someone so quickly. She has the most discerning eye, infectious work ethic and unrelenting passion for her work. She is akin to that senior girl in high school that was untouchably cool. I couldn't wait to learn more from her every day and every moment with her was a learning experience.
As Director of Marketing for LKRE, I was responsible for developing and executing all marketing and PR strategies as well as leveraging our brand strategy. In time, LKRE really took off and exemplified the modern leader in what was traditionally, a rather stuffy, stale industry.
Above: My first marketing campaign at LKRE, our "Inspiration Campaign" in 2011.
Given Libby's keen eye and exquisite taste, I believe one of her strengths is her design and renovation consulting business. Below are an assortment of transformations she is behind. Be sure to visit her website for the full LKRE experience. Thanks for your inspiration, Libby!
17 Oliver Street: Before
17 Oliver Street: After
22 Thurston: Before
22 Thurston: After
18 Burdick: Before
18 Burdick: After
Photo credit: The talented Melissa Quintal Photography
What a champ! Sky (pictured above), won "Best in Show" at the 138th Westminster Kennel Club Tuesday evening. Sky is a wire fox terrier, a breed that was developed in the British Isles in the 17th century to chase fox and small game. Although I tend to prefer a D-O-G, that is, a larger sized dog with some physical presence (i.e. a lab, retriever, etc.), I find Sky to be charming.
I cringe every time I see a handsome lad in my neighborhood walking some measly little dog knowing his wife or girlfriend encouraged him to walk the thing. Definitely a turn-off.
Be sure to watch Sky in all his glory, here.
I will most definitely be keeping tabs on The Two Faces of January, a thriller based on the 1964 novel by Patricia Highsmith. The film, expected to be released in a few months, stars Kirsten Dunst, Viggo Mortensen and Oscar Isaac who are caught up in a murder in Athens. Behind the film is the author of The Talented Mr. Ripley, which alone, will seduce many movie goers and is perhaps responsible for the film's old school noir trope style.
...I hope it has gold brick sundaes.
This past weekend, I re-visited my bookshelf and found the above book my Grandfather gave my Grandmother Trudy for Christmas in 1981. (I love the gift of literature - I think it's madly romantic in any form, whether it's a book of maps, a coffee table book full of photographs accompanied by minimal text or a hardcover novel). My re-discovery immediately gave me a deep sense of nostalgia thinking about the time my family and I have enjoyed in Sea Island, Georgia. It's been some time since we have visited (the resort has changed considerably since then), however it was a place we looked forward to visiting every year and perhaps part of the reason I want to spend a part of my life living in the south one day.
Time spent in Sea Island was the epitome of carefree. My sister and I would spend our days swimming to our hearts' content, searching for sand dollars on the beach, or playing shuffle board while our parents and grandparents would soak in the sun reading the paper. Afterward, my sister and I would reward ourselves with the resort's iconic "gold brick sundae" and in true southern style, a Mr. Pibb, to satisfy our thirst.
Cocktail hour seemed to always start an hour earlier when on vacation, and the adults were easily obliged. They'd sit outside on our terrace with their gin and tonics overlooking the marsh while discussing topics completely foreign to us youngsters. In the early mornings, my Grandparents would zip off on their bicycles to play tennis, and upon their return, they would ride with my sister and I in the driveway. By nightfall, we'd head to The Cloister for dinner, dancing and bingo. I would be taken by the elaborate bird cages lining the hallway of the foyer of the building with beautifully colored parakeets flooding the room with their sweet music. To this day, I have visions of dancing to Frank Sinatra after dinner with my Grandfather Jack, looking up at him with admiration as he hummed to the tune of the music, alive in his own euphoria.
Sea Island was indeed a "happy isle" for us and I look forward to going back sometime in the near future. I think it's lovely to share a destination as a family to cherish for a lifetime, whether it may be close or far from home. Do you have a "happy isle" you enjoy with your family?
I'm finding myself incessantly crave the sea, sun and sand. Salty hair, sun-kissed skin and the smell of the ocean are some of my favorite pleasures. It seems everyone battling the polar vortex back east found shelter in sunny climates this past weekend which has made me insanely envious.
image via
Above, my Grandmother Gertrude "Trudy" and Father in New Orleans in 1958. I always loved the name Gertrude - the name actually translates to "spear of strength" which is relevant because Grandma Trudy was a tiny, southern belle with a dose of punchy pep and resilience. While I won't get my share of king cakes and Mardi Gras this Carnival season, I'm looking forward to enjoying the annual Jazz Festival in New Orleans in just a few months.
The White Turf races in St. Moritz are most certainly high on my bucket list. Underway this month, the Engadine valley in Switzerland welcomes many skijoring racers eager to be crowned "King of Engadine". The sport, over 100 years old, was invented by the Swiss and today, The White Turf is regarded as one of the world's unique, top-class events. On the 16th of February, race-horse owners, jockeys, trainers and fur-adorned spectators will gather around the lake and snow-capped mountains of St. Moritz for more winter races. The final day of races will take place on the 23rd of February. Until then, the champagne will continue to flow, the oysters shucked and athletes keen on becoming the new legend of White Turf. Read more, here.
I've always known she was a bit of a loon, and her sons were spoiled to no end, but has she really lost it? Regardless, Stephanie Seymour is hot to trot in my book, but why oh WHY would she pose with her sons in the March issue of Harper's Bazaar U.S. in lingerie? (Especially after this controversy three years prior). It's just plain weird.
See the full spread, here.
Every night before I fall asleep, I watch Jimmy Fallon in bed. I absolutely adore him and think he just oozes with candor, wit, and genuine charm. I'm very much looking forward to his transition next week where he'll take the helm from Jay Leno and host the inaugural "Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon." My most favorite Jimmy Fallon skits include "The History of Rap", "late night hashtags" and "Slow Jamming the News". He better take all of those with him, including Questlove and his band mates. Watch my favorite slow jam with guest star (and my other love), Brian Williams, here.
xoxo,
Jimmy & Moi
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