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.  

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things...

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...

LKRE

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: Before17 Oliver Street: After22 Thurston: Before

22 Thurston: After

18 Burdick: Before

18 Burdick: After

Photo credit: The talented Melissa Quintal Photography

The Renaissance

Wallpaper is most certainly having a renaissance. I love Pierre Frey's "Toiles de Nantes" collection featured in Author Alex Hitz's powder room above. I was very pleased to read Mark D. Sikes' post on the editorial featuring the ravishing Hilary Rhoda accompanied by a collection of wall papered homes. Mark and I certainly share the same sentiment about wallpaper and most other subjects. Be sure to follow his blog too! (Image via).