Evolving Appeal

Photographed by William Waldron for Elle Decor, the feature on the Edwardian home in San Francisco's Presidio Heights neighborhood found me while thumbing through the magazine in the park. (I also realized the home is one I admire frequently on my running route in the neighborhood).  Although I personally think the dining room resembles more of a boardroom I'd picture in Aerin Lauder's office for example, I keep examining the space. While I appreciate photography as an art form, I have historically preferred seeing paintings, sculpture and the like in what I believe should be kept as a formal room. This photograph however has me thinking differently. The design elements are modern and fresh but because it's juxtaposed by dark wainscoting and beautiful moldings, it works for me. The home was done by San Francisco designer Palmer Weiss. View more images of the home below.

Thoughts

The alarmingly sad news about the missing Malaysia Airlines jetliner is still plaguing the thoughts of us all. I cannot even begin to imagine what the family members and friends of the passengers are feeling, the thought of the unknown in this scenario is perhaps most troubling. My thoughts are with everyone involved and wishful for some concrete answers soon. Image via

Wes Anderson Delivers

You bet your bottom dollar you'll find me at the movie theater Friday evening with wide eyes for Wes Anderson's latest creation, "The Grand Budapest Hotel." Historically, Wes Anderson's films haven't tickled the fancy of all movie folk, however this one is worthy of giving a second glance. Critics are already calling it "the film of the year" and there seems to be new cheery chatter every day. Be sure to read this article in the NY Times before you buy your popcorn (or hot dog, in my case).

For the Love of Birds!

Our beloved Norman Bird Sanctuary was featured in the NY Times on Wednesday, highlighting the restoration of the 18th century farmhouse on the property. The farmhouse will play host to a variety of visitors going forward, from yoga retreats, artists' residencies and serve as a weekend hideaway for families looking to nestle among the pastoral landscape. The bird sanctuary encompasses 325 acres overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Sakonnet River in Middletown, Rhode Island. For any one that is familiar with the Bird Sanctuary, it truly is a special place, a landmark among the beauty of our community. (I have fond memories of summer camp expeditions on the grounds catching frogs, hiking to Hanging Rock and frolicking among the tall trees). It was the wish of Mabel Norman Cerio, a local artist who actually lived in the farmhouse during the 19th century, to bestow the property “for the propagation, preservation, and protection of birds, and where birds and bird life may be observed, studied, taught, and enjoyed by lovers of nature and by the public generally so interested in a spirit of humanity and mercy.” In 1949, Mabel's wish was granted through the gift of her trust and today, the Bird Sanctuary remains to be an iconic organization enriching the lives of all who value the power of nature.

Currently, the Bird Sanctuary is offering Farmhouse Lunch Tours every Friday so you may get a glimpse of the completed project. Visit here for more details.

Images via.

Like Father, Like Daughter

Above: Salty and I on our job site - our first construction project together.

Yesterday, I touched on the joy of having a sister, and today, it's my Father's turn. My Father has lived the majority of his life with us three girls, which alone, deserves a gold medal. He is responsible for every ounce of practicality in my veins, my love of sailing and all things sea, and perhaps even my type-A perfectionism. I have distinct memories of building my first sandbox with him and my Grandfather, mastering the art of a perfect car wash at home (it's all about the rims and wheels), learning to drive our manual beach car (courageously sacrificing the clutch), and sharing a deep affinity for coffee ice cream and real estate. The Father-Daughter relationship comes in all forms and I am particularly proud to say that I have an amazing guy in my life. Happy Birthday to an old salty sailor - that's you, Dad! The big 6-1! I Love You.

xx,

Caitlin

My Sweet Caroline

If you're lucky enough to have a sister, you know it's one of the most precious relationships one can have. Wishing a Happy Birthday to my Sweet Caroline, one of the biggest joys in my life, always and forever. I Love You!

Sweet Caroline

Good times never seemed so good!

(So good, so good!)

xoxo

Mind Your Methods

When I spent more time working on my creative writing hobby and dreaming up characters, I would paste a collection of photographs torn out of magazines into my notebook as a method of creating and developing the character. If the protagonist was a chic city Mother/renowned architect for example, I'd imagine what kind of perfume she would wear, how she met her husband, her favorite experience abroad, or perhaps think about her most remarkable achievements, and sketch them out on paper. The visuals helped me to connect the dots and bring the character to life. It seems every time I turn around someone is moving, redecorating, or renovating. I find the same method as described above particularly helpful in creating a new space. (Clearly, a little thing called Pinterest figured this out, too). The above images are from Ashley Whittaker's portfolio, one of my favorite interior designers. I find her projects to successfully blend light, texture and tradition into a harmonious balance of sophisticated ease. I have always kept the above photographs in my arsenal for when I needed inspiration to bring interior spaces to life.

And The Award Goes To...

Jennifer Garner in Oscar de la Renta. Always classic and always extraordinary. The dress looked even more remarkable in motion. Charlize Theron looking sensational in Christian Dior Couture. She apparently helped a security guard who was suffering a seizure while in her gown. Lady luck!

Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Lupita Nyong'o, in Prada. What a year she has had...

Matthew and Camilla looked ravishingly regal. Their fashion choices this award season have been superb. Amy Adams in Gucci. I adore the color and silhouette of the dress but was disappointed by the hair and jewels.

Julia Roberts in Givenchy Haute Couture. Dare I say, one of my favorite looks on Julia.

Jared Leto in Saint Laurent. I love that he chose to channel his own personal style on the red carpet - many were curious what he would choose. The red bow tie and white jacket were old school and drew me in.

Sandra Bullock in Alexander McQueen, a look that was true Hollywood however it didn't "wow" me.

My girl crush status just sky-rocketed. Kate Hudson looking DIVINE in Atelier Versace. By far, my favorite look of the evening. Need to know what's in the water she's drinking...

Kevin Spacey in Burberry. I love the navy and black combination and thought he looked clean and sharp. I still need to see House of Cards....

Cate Blanchett in Giorgio Armani. There was a lot of chatter about what she would wear and she certainly delivered. Her look was just as exquisite as her acceptance speech.

Pharrell Williams (left) wore Lanvin. I love the personal style he has curated and thought the shorts were daring, but fun.

The very pregnant Olivia Wilde & beau Jason Sudeikis in Valentino and Prada, respectively.

Hear! Hear!

The Man Repeller beat me to it on Wednesday but I loved seeing her reaffirm my sentiment about double-breasted blazers. (See my prior post on the topic, here). Above, a snippet from the January edition of British VOGUE. Case in point.

The S's of Sacramento Street

I absolutely love Sacramento Street by day and by night. The two experiences are uniquely contrasting and the Presidio Heights neighborhood of San Francisco is one of my favorites in the city.

Many of you have written (citrusandcedars@gmail.com) to ask for recommendations as it relates to restaurants, weekend getaways and even as specific as whether you should pair rananculus or anenome with white roses for a Valentine's bouquet. (I love it!) The two most popular requests seem to be for fabulous date night recommendations and the best place to take the parents when they roll into town. This recommendation below seems to work for both occasions and is one night I could live over and over.

The plan:

1. Secure an 8:00 PM or later ressie at Sociale as soon as you can. (I like Thursdays and Saturdays for dining out. If you're taking a girl out for dinner the first time on a Saturday night, Godspeed to you. Big points).

2. On the eve of your dinner, head to Spruce an hour before your dinner reservation for cocktails. Try their "Bitter Truth" or "Arnaud's Special". Sit at the bar, or, if you're lucky, opt for the sleek couches adjacent to the bar.

3. Stroll across the street and down the brick pathway to Sociale for dinner. Both indoor and outdoor dining are just as lovely, but if you're feeling brave and the weather is cooperating, try sitting outdoors. Bon Appétit!
4. Order dessert. Just do it. Their Chocolate Oblivion Cake is fantastic. And why not order another glass of vino...
5. Stroll down Sacramento after dinner before heading to the car/taxi. It will be quiet by that time, but pleasant. Check out the window display at Sue Fisher King and Kendall Wilkinson.
6. Soak up the rest of the time with your family/lover and off you go.
7. Thank C&C for the recommendation.

Photographs above are courtesy of Tia Harrison, Co-Owner & Executive Chef of Sociale.