We sat down with real estate agent, Tammy Bass and asked her a bunch of questions about her favorite things about Newport. From where to get a cocktail — to the best home fragrance. Tammy is bubbly + energetic with a great sense of dedication!

Favorite store? Frazzleberries, it’s so cute. I like the beachy feel to it and I can get Newport specific items there. It’s very customizable.

Favorite restaurant? I like Ida’s in Middletown, it’s Italian and they used to have a restaurant in Newport. The owner is really personable and they have amazing customer service. We booked my son’s graduation party there and the owner called after to make sure everything was good.

Favorite street? Tuckerman Ave in Middletown. I run on it everyday and it has waterfront homes, and it’s sort of the surfers end. It has a very New England feel.

Favorite waterfront location? Surfer’s End, Second Beach. I like that it is so untouched and not commercialized. I do boot camp there in the morning.

Favorite book to bring to the beach? Kristan Higgins, she’s has fun, romantic, and quirky books.

Broadway or Lower Thames? Lower Thames, I just like the feel of it better. More stores as opposed to restaurants.

Favorite place to grab a drink? I like 22 Bowens, the setting there is great—you get to people watch and it has views of the water. They also have big portions.

If you’re hosting a party (clam bake vs. fresh steaks?): Steaks definitely, I don’t really eat seafood.

How do you prefer to get your seafood? Off the boat or served to you? Not at all, but if I was to eat seafood it would have to be prepared by someone else. I’m slightly hesitant to prepare it myself.

What’s your open house “signature”? I always aim to make people feel comfortable, laid back, and welcome.

Your perfect client/buyer gift? I usually get them a gift card to Lowe’s or Home Depot, I try to go for something practical.

What’s/ Where’s your dream house? Definitely that Tuckerman Ave side. Something waterfront on Indian Avenue, I’d like to have a little bit more space around the house. I don’t need a huge house, just something kind of cozy.

Best place to get furniture locally? I love Ben’s Furniture Co. they have cute slipcovers and they sell white slipcovers. They have more basics, beachy, kind of Nantucket feeling.

What song can’t you get out of your head right now? Shut Up and Dance by Walk the Moon

What was your most memorable real estate experience? It was my very first sale to an amazing Indian couple. They ended up inviting my family over and served us the most amazing traditional Indian food. It was such a lovely show of appreciation.

What color do you believe always looks good? I would have to say any type of grey, Revere Pewter.

What’s your favorite part of your own home? I have a huge window in my living room and we have big stonewalls all around the house, so the window lets you overlook the walls and there are always wild turkeys—there is always something to see out that window.

What’s your favorite home show? I like Fix Upper it’s on HGTV; it’s the husband and wife team.

What’s your work motto? Just work really hard, and you will reap the rewards one day.

Most memorable client? Any time a client refers someone else to me, I am so appreciative of that and it’s memorable to me.

Do you believe in the American Dream? Yes, I just believe if you work hard you are rewarded for it and you have the opportunity here to do that.

Who is your interior design soul mate? Rachel Ashwell’s sort of shabby chic.

Your favorite design trend right now? I love the all white and minimalism of the Scandinavian design trend.

Your favorite home accessory? An Italian water dispenser and I went to the factory where they’re made, it’s a water dispenser. It’s really pretty.

Favorite home fragrance? Clean, there was a beach sand Yankee Candle scent and it was very clean and soft.

The post THE NEWPORTER: Tammy Bass! appeared first on Living with Libby.

We sat down with the owner of Newport Boxfit, Jesse Macrae and ask him a few questions about his Implant from New Zealand to RHODE ISLAND. His wife has locked him in — and we are happy he is here keeping NEWPORT fit!

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1. How long have you lived in Newport? I am originally from New Zealand and before moving to Newport, I was living and playing rugby in Canada and United Kingdom. Rugby is what brought me to Newport & my wife is what kept me here (brownie points). I have been here on and off for the past seven years. Not a bad spot to end up, right?

2. If you could live anywhere else, where would it be? If I wasn’t living in Newport — I would without a doubt be back home in New Zealand.

3. Why did you choose to open a boxfit studio? Were you a boxer? I competed in boxing for about 15 years. I would compete in boxing whenever I could during my off seasons in rugby. I love a challenge and nothing has challenged me more both physically & mentally than stepping in a boxing ring!

When I moved to Newport I tried to find somewhere on the island to continue my boxing training, because nothing else keeps me in better shape. I couldn’t find anything so decided to start something myself. What started as two classes a week at the Boys & Girls Club has now transformed to an eleven class scheduled and private sessions.

4. How do you feel about the movie “The Fighter” with Mark Wahlberg? I just had to watch the trailer to remind me which movie it was…However, I will say that Irish Micky Ward (Wahlberg’s character) vs. Arturo Gatti is the best fight trilogy ever!

5. What is your favorite restaurant in Newport? Anywhere with great chicken wings! Everytime I would leave this country I would always miss them. Don’t know why we don’t have them back in New Zealand or in the UK. They are the greatest thing ever!

6. If you weren’t running Newport Boxfit – what would you be doing? Figuring out how I could live summer here in Newport & summer back home in New Zealand. That way I would never ever see a winters day again!

7. What was the last thing you Googled? How to stop a baby from crying (I have a 10 week old daughter)

8. What Newport street is your dream house located? I have no desire to have a large mansion. Something small with sea views is what I would buy if I could. Oh and an infinity pool…

9. What is one thing you can’t live without? I have 2 things. My daughter Maia and my best friend Ralph (my yellow lab).

The post THE NEWPORTER: Jesse Macrae! appeared first on Living with Libby.

We spent some time with Alisha Juzapavious, an international sailor girl gone top-notch Newport, ri realtor.

Favorite store? Lotus on Thames, I go there for dresses and bags. I’m pretty much guaranteed to buy something when I go in there.

Favorite restaurant? I would have to Perro Salado, they have these short ribs that are in a really thick sauce and they’re amazing. But everything is good there. The watermelon margaritas aren’t bad either. It’s in a cool old building too.

Favorite street? I would have to say, Kay Street. It’s pretty, it’s not crazy like in town and it’s nice to walk down. The houses are old and fun to look at.

Favorite waterfront location? The Deck. We keep our boat down there and we know the manager, the chef is really good and there is a nice vibe. It’s not pretentious and the food is great.

Favorite book to bring to the beach? A history book, I like historical fiction mostly.

Broadway or Lower Thames? Lower Thames, because I like a lot of the shops down there.

Favorite place to grab a drink? The IYAC because I can bring my dog, Sawyer, he’s a dachshund beagle mix.

If you’re hosting a party (clam bake vs. fresh steaks?) More formal, I usually do pork tenderloins and spaetzle. We always have people around, so I’ll do a sit down dinner for twelve sometimes.

How do you prefer to get your seafood? Off the boat or served to you? Served to me, I don’t want to be bothered with the cleaning or the shucking. I’ll watch someone else do it though.

What’s your open house “signature”? I don’t really have a routine yet. I’d maybe make some cookies or put out some Pellegrino.

Your perfect client/buyer gift? A nice Italian wine.

What’s/ Where’s your dream house: It could be a lot of places, maybe down in the islands, in Tortola, just a nice beach bungalow.

Best place to get furniture locally? I’d have to say the Armory Antique Marketplace, it’s an antique secondhand place. I prefer to buy old pieces, they just have more character.

What song can’t you get out of your head right now? MGMT- Kids

What was your most memorable real estate experience? I would say my first closing, it was quick. I sold a house to myself and my boyfriend, it wasn’t terribly intimidating. I learned a lot from it and it wasn’t daunting.

Best tip for getting ready to sell your house? Declutter! It’s so simple and yet people have a hard time with it. Everyone’s definition of clutter is different.

What color do you believe always looks good…I’d have to say Behr’s Eastern Amber, it’s a gold yellow.

What’s your favorite part of your own home? Our yard, we have a really big yard. We have a pretty large garden and we barbeque a lot, and we have some Adirondack chairs and a table set.

What’s your favorite home show? I used to watch a lot of House Hunters, International. I love seeing the rental and sale properties in Europe. 

What’s your work motto? To be efficient, I like to get things done and not procrastinate.

Most memorable client? I had a guy in the Navy and I spent a lot of time with him and his family. He was very particular. I’d have to really research to get all the answers to his questions. I learned a lot. His wife was Japanese and he had two young kids. They were a cute little family.

Do you believe in the American Dream? Yes! If you work really hard!

Who is your interior design soulmate? I don’t subscribe to a particular designer, there’s more of a classic New England vibe in my home.

Your favorite design trend right now? Warm metallics, it’s a nice accent. You can pretty much use it anywhere and you can mix finishes.

Your favorite home accessory in your home? My KitchenAid mixer, it’s silver. You can do anything with that.

Favorite home fragrance? Clean linen, I think it’s Glade. It’s neutral and not overwhelming, plus it smells clean.

The post THE NEWPORTER: Alisha Juzapavious appeared first on Living with Libby.

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1. How long have you lived in Newport? I actually live in Narragansett, but I spend majority of my day in Newport for work + play! Permanently moving to the island is my plan – so can we just consider me a Newport now?

2. If you could live anywhere else, where would it be? That’s a tough one! I do love Rhode Island but if I could go anywhere I’d have to choose Australia. I went there once when I was younger and they had me at “g’day mate.”

3. What encouraged you to open Studio Barre, were you a ballerina? I was a ballerina since the age of 5! After leaving the professional ballet world, I knew I wanted to pursue something fitness related and the dancer in me just needs to be in the studio everyday. When I found Studio Barre, I was completely hooked! I have never done a workout that was not only challenging, but brought results SO quickly! When I took my first Studio Barre class I was shaking & sweating like crazy but somehow found myself losing myself in the music and even laughing here and there at some of the teachers’ comic relief. I knew I had to bring this new, different and FUN workout to Rhode Island! I’m all about self-love and wanting to help women to feel good in their own skin.

4. What is your opinion on the movie The Black Swan? My first thought is, ALL BALLET DANCERS ARE NOT THAT CRAZY! However, I love seeing movies based around ballet on the big screen. It gives the world a glimpse into the everyday life of a dancer and creates an appreciation for ballet dancers and how competitive the art really is. The movie definitely freaked me out!

5. What is your favorite restaurant in Newport? My favorite Newport restaurant would have to be the Mooring! I have Celiac Disease since I was a baby — and their gluten free menu is just to die for!

6. Do you have any hobbies outside of the Studio Barre world? Does laying outside in the sun count as a hobby? I am such an outdoors girl and can never get enough Vitamin D. Nothing makes me more happy than laying outside at the beach in the sun with a good book in hand!

7. What was the last thing you Googled? I wish it was more exciting but I was looking up dealerships because my car has 3 recalls on it and I figured after several months it was time to get that fixed! Should I blame my procrastination on being a business owner?

8. What Newport street is your dream house located? Easy… Ocean Drive!

9. What is one thing you can’t live without? Aside from barre, I’m having a hard time choosing between guac & my bed pillows..

The post THE NEWPORTER: Kelsey Collard appeared first on Living with Libby.

Favorite store (local)? I would have to say Bellevue Beauty Walk. I had worked there part time, it’s really fun and centrally located. I probably bought half the store’s accessories and jewelry. Everything was so beautiful and sparkly.

Favorite restaurant (local)? I love date night at Easton’s Beach and I love their twin lobster rolls!

Favorite street? At the risk of sounding lame, I love my street, Norman Street. I live in the 5^th Ward and I love the proximity of my street to Ocean Drive and Fort Adams. My street is one of the most beautiful suburban streets. Everyone knows each other; it’s true essence of a neighborhood.

Favorite waterfront location? I love Fort Adams because the camp that I work at sails out of Fort Adams and it’s been a part of my life for 19 summers now. So when I think of summer I think of those docks.

Favorite book to bring to the beach? I don’t necessarily find enough time to read; when I do I’m really open to suggestions from my sister or my friends. I like something fun and easy, something that is the quintessential beach read.

Broadway or Lower Thames? I would have to say Lower Thames cause I’m a Fifth Ward girl. I actually love the shopping on Lower Thames and it kills me that some of the best restaurants are on Broadway. I love being able to walk down to the wharf to go to The Deck.

Favorite place to grab a drink? It depends on the time of day. I love an afternoon drink at Diego’s but Willy’s Burger Bar might have one of the best espresso martinis for a nightcap.

If you’re hosting a party (clam bake vs. fresh steaks?) I’m much more casual, we’ll go from hanging out in the front yard to hanging out in the backyard into a full on barbeque. Sometimes more formal things stress me out a bit too much. We keep it pretty classic, burgers, hot dogs, and chicken.

How do you prefer to get your seafood? Off the boat or served to you? I’m kind of high maintenance when it comes to my seafood, I like to have it served to me already prepared. My boyfriend’s mom had a dinner one time with a full lobster and I had no idea what to do with it!

What’s your open house “signature”? One of my open house staples is a blazer, a month ago, I was showing a condo and I arrived before my client. I had a white blazer on, someone else asked if I was a relator and bought a condo from me the next week. It’s really important to look professional.

H&M BLAZER $25.00

Your perfect client/buyer gift? I love to do a bottle of nice champagne and usually a gift card to the Newport Restaurant Group.

What’s/ Where’s your dream house: I’m pretty simple, I think a really simple beach bungalow would be the ultimate beach house for me. Just the dream beach bungalow in any location.

Best place to get furniture locally? My style is, well it’s not even really my style I like more affordable options. I don’t really like to spend a lot of money on that kind of stuff. My house is furnished by Target.com.

What song can’t you get out of your head right now? I woke up in the middle of the night with a song stuck in my head. It was Shut Up and Dance by Walk the Moon.

What was your most memorable real estate experience? It would have to be my first sale, it was a few months after getting my license, we went under verbal agreement in 24 hours and we had a signed contract in three days.

Best tip for getting ready to sell your house? I would have to say be prepared for how quickly it could go and makes sure it looks beautiful and the staging is great. Even if the house isn’t the most beautiful make sure you accentuate the assets.

What color do you believe always looks good…I would say grey, its one of the best neutrals then you can accent with different pops of color and even change up the whole look of the room based on the accents colors.

What’s your favorite part of your own home? My kitchen, we have a nice open layout and I love to cook. Our kitchen was re-done when we first moved. So it’s just beautiful and I love being in there.

What’s your favorite home show? I really love some of the shows on HGTV that deal with buying real estate in really remote parts of the world. There is one about people who buy cabins in Alaska. It’s just really interesting. One is about buying islands, they aren’t expensive just deserted and remote.

What’s your work motto? Never stop, never really be satisfied. Keep reaching for bigger and better.

Most memorable client? That’s a hard one; I’ve gotten to know certain clients really well. I love the personal nature of this business, getting to know someone and matching their personality to a property that they will call home.

Do you believe in the American Dream? Oh of course, I come from a family of really hard workers even my Dad worked multiple jobs to support our family and to allow my mom to stay and raise all of us. Despite not growing up with the newest and best, they taught us how hard work is how you achieve your wants and needs in life.

Who is your interior design soulmate? I really admire Libby’s style, when I started working with her four years ago as her assistant. I had always admired her entrepreneurial spirit. The office is amazing and people would always come in and compliment how the office looked.

Your favorite design trend right now? I love minimalism, just black and white and grey with little accents of color, just a simple and clean look.

Your favorite home accessory or part of your home? I personally love centerpieces for my table, I love changing them around or having fresh flowers in there. Having nice statement pieces-it something that can be changed often. Right now I have a beautiful tray with heavy marble candlesticks but also just abstract pieces too. I have a vintage globe that I like to move around too.

Favorite home fragrance? I love a more musky smell, it’s weird cause I love it all year-round. It’s a Bed Bath & Beyond scent called fireside, it’s really rich and musky and they made one for the summer called marshmallow fireside, it’s a little sweeter. I have them plugged in now and it’s really nice, like a summer night by the fire kind of smell.

The post The Newporter: Sarah Kirwin appeared first on Living with Libby.

Favorite store (local)?

Egg & Dart, they have so many cool little trinkets. From sweet little printed cocktail napkins, fabulous artisanal soaps, to (my favorite!) freshly cut bouquets of flowers from local farms. Honestly, you can’t get a better-looking bouquet for under $20 anywhere else on the island!

Favorite restaurant (local)?

I am a sucker for a summer night at the Clarke Cooke House upstairs in the Sky Bar. There’s nothing more romantic than the pink and white striped canopies billowing in the breeze and white-tuxedo-clad servers bustling around you, all while you sip on a nice glass of wine! For a more low-key date, I love sitting at the bar at Stoneacre Pantry with my husband.

Favorite street?

I love Paradise Avenue in Middletown. The houses are all set on rambling green lawns with gorgeous stonewalls. You occasionally drive by a little farm stand selling dahlias or fresh corn. It’s so lovely!

Favorite waterfront location?

Ocean Mist in Matunuck during the day.

Favorite book to bring to the beach?

Currently reading Girl on a Train—riveting so far. I only get to read a little bit when I’m on the beach, most of the time I spend building epic sand castles with my son James.

Broadway or Lower Thames?

Lower Thames for sure! I used to live on Thames (now out in the sticks of Middletown) so whenever possible, I love to dive into the hustle and bustle of downtown. I love the people, the excitement, the energy.

Favorite place to grab a drink?

(Temporarily not drinking because I am pregnant!)

If you’re hosting a party (clam bake vs. fresh steaks?)

Steak. Grilled tenderloin only. I like a very specific portion of lean meat and I don’t like cutting around a bunch of fat. A perfect piece of beef paired with some grilled veggies and a fat glass of cabernet is a dream meal for me.

How do you prefer to get your seafood? Off the boat or served to you?

In my younger days I didn’t mind scaling a fish. Now, I appreciate it being served to me and being ready to eat.

What’s your open house “signature”?

I like creating a photo montage of property-specific details and posting them on my social media accounts. It tends to show the house in a different way, which draws some nice attention.

Your perfect client/buyer gift?

A simple bottle of Veuve Clicquot is a typical closing gift for my clients. Classic, elegant, and certainly celebratory!

What’s/ Where’s your dream house?

Do I only get to pick one place? I love Rhode Island but would also love an island retreat in Barbados and a villa in the South of France.

Best place to get furniture locally? Style you mimic?

I am currently obsessed with India Hicks and have been for several months. I love her island style when it comes to interior design. Lots of neutral colors with palm accents.

What song can’t you get out of your head right now?

Nothing at the moment. I do have Brandi Carlile’s “Firewatcher’s Daughter” on repeat in my car in preparation for her performance at the Newport Folk Festival this month!

What was your most memorable real estate experience?

(No answer—nothing juicy enough yet!)

Best tip for getting ready to sell your house?

Deep clean and de-clutter! Also, it’s very important to set realistic expectations. Have your realtor give you comps throughout the sales process to see what similar homes are selling for in your neighborhood.

What color do you believe always looks good…

Black. Always.

What’s your favorite part of your own home?

I love my bedroom, it’s my sanctuary, where I go to recharge and rest. I recently got a new bed including mattress, bedding, and pillows so my bed feels like a hotel bed, which I love. The colors are whites, light aqua with some botanical and nautical prints. It’s very light and simple.

What’s your favorite home show?

I don’t watch any. I do however spend (probably too much) time on Pinterest- crushing on beautiful interior design.

What’s your work motto?

Work smarter, not harder.

 Most memorable client?

(No answer—no one amazing yet L )

Do you believe in the American Dream?

Most definitely. I am living it.

Who is your interior design soul mate?

India Hicks.

Your favorite design trend right now?

Functional living spaces! Not sure if it’s an actual trend per se, but I am a huge fan of homes with beautiful, LIVABLE spaces. There’s nothing worse than feeling like you’re in a museum and are constantly worried about staining or breaking something. I like sturdy furniture, comfortable accessories and durable décor.

Your favorite home accessory or part of your home?

I have an heirloom Danish teak table surrounded by silver Tolix chairs. I had my husband install a simple drum light fixture above it this spring. I love the whole look, especially when the table is set for a dinner party with candles lined down the center.

Favorite home fragrance?

I have an incredible candle that someone bought me at a shop in Newport. I will have to get the name. Its aroma is warm and inviting—not like food—but more like a clean, masculine vanilla. I absolutely love it and keep it next to my bed so I fall asleep smelling it and wake up to it each morning.

The post THE NEWPORTER: REBECCA KING appeared first on Living with Libby.

Anne Jenkins, an original native of Newport, attended Parsons School of Design for fashion design which later transitioned to North Bennet Street School for Preservation Carpentry, in Boston — resulting in the start of her business Ten Pounds of Feathers. Living with Libby was intrigued with her creative spirit, so we sat down and picked the brain of this woodsman…woodswoman. 

WHOA! Why such a transition?

Well, my father own a construction company and I grew up around the business. Within school from North Bennet, I learned how to use traditional hand tools to preserve and respect historic homes and museums. I have applied that skill-set to my career as a jewelry designer. Do what you love and you will never have to work a day in your life! 

How long have you lived in Newport?

Born and raised

If you could live anywhere else, where would it be?

Jamestown, it’s so beautiful over there.

Why did you choose wood as your medium?

Not only is it beautiful, but also a challenge that makes it very fulfilling when you finished a piece.

Do you feel bad for trees and use recycled materials?

Yes I do! I’m a lover of all things, so when I see a fallen tree I pick it up. Also my father owns a construction company and I received amazing quality pieces of wood he was otherwise going to burn.

What is your favorite restaurant in Newport?

TSK (Thames Street Kitchen) no doubt about it. Fresh and amazing every time.

If you weren’t making jewelry – what would you be doing?

I’d probably be gardening. I’m doing it now part time to pay my bills, but I love it almost as much as I love making my wooden pieces.

What was the last thing you Googled?

How to make lavender essential oil. Pretty easy… popov vodka with all the lavender I harvested..let it soak, strain and evaporate voila ..lavender oil. Great for cleaning, linen spray and soap. Or you can just stop at the vodka step and then you have homemade lavender vodka!

What Newport street is your dream house located?

Aborn Street it’s my first home and I’d like to call it my last too. It’s my happy place.

What is one thing you can’t live without?

My soon to be husband Chris Loftus. Supporter, best friend, comedian, and lover!

One lucky winner will be chosen to win the “Betty Necklace”! Double layer chains, simple and beautiful. Click here to enter.

SPOILER ALERT: Stay tuned. This fall, Anne will be opening a pop-up shop next to Cabbage Rose on lower Thames, selling her collection to the public!

The post THE NEWPORTER: ANNE JENKINS appeared first on Living with Libby.

Favorite store (local)? My favorite store is Frazzleberries, a country décor type store. It has cool little wooden signs, it’s owned by a friend of mine.

Favorite restaurant (local)? Sardella’s is my favorite, I like to go there in the wintertime because my birthday, my Mom’s birthday and Dad’s birthday are all in the same couple months. We’ve gone there the past few years. It’s just a nice environment there. They have a band. I always get the lobster ravioli.

Favorite street? Spring Street, I look out on it all day. It’s great for people watching.

Favorite waterfront location? Battery Park, I really like going down to the park and the point and bringing my dog or just going there and sitting in a beach chair and reading a book. You get a great view of the beach. There’s a loading ramp there. It’s quiet. It’s a little slice of paradise.

Favorite book to bring to the beach? I’d say anything by John Greene or Jodi Picoult, Jodi Picoult‘s books are just so intricate you can’t put them down.

Broadway or Lower Thames? Lower Thames definitely, once you get past O’Briens and once you get to Wellington Square that is where the foot traffic ends and you can go to Kings Park. More locals are down there. I’ve been meaning to try Scales & Shells too.

Favorite place to grab a drink? Fastnet Pub or Pour Judgment. I do like Broadway for the bar scene, you have so many choices right there. There is not a certain type of person that goes there. It’s really low key.

If you’re hosting a party (clam bake vs. fresh steaks?) Not formal at all, definitely grill and not so much of a clambake, I’m not into shellfish really. I’d do burgers and dogs. Chicken too. BBQ’ed grilled chicken is the best thing ever.

How do you prefer to get your seafood? Off the boat or served to you? I would say I would get it served to me, but I do support local fishermen who catch it themselves. I love the stand at Long Wharf and get them off the boat there.

What’s your open house “signature”? Cold water, is always there. I think it’s always a nice touch. People come in thirsty, they don’t realize they want one. There is always a lot of foot traffic and sometimes people have been walking around for a while before they come in.

Your perfect client/buyer gift? I’ve always liked the idea of giving someone a personalized cutting board; I think the kitchen is the heart of a home. It’s useful and thoughtful; I’d get their new address engraved in it. Hopefully it would help them remember their good experience.

What’s/ Where’s your dream house? My dream house is in Middletown, it’s a little beachy cottage house, it has a loft and it would have boogie boards and paddle boards. Just a beach bungalow with a little bit of yard.

Best place to get furniture locally? Style you mimic? I’ve never really had to buy, I’ve inherited a lot of furniture from my grandparents. They had a ton of wooden furniture. I love the craftsmanship and story behind inheriting pieces.

What song can’t you get out of your head right now? Heart of Glass by Blondie, I was walking downtown in the Long Wharf mall and this band Abbey Road was playing; this woman’s voice was so good and she was singing that song.

What was your most memorable real estate experience? I got a gift all the way from New Mexico from a landlord whose place I helped rent. It took a lot of time and they lived out of town. They wanted to make sure everything was correct. It took a lot of work, and they sent me a care package. Flavored coffee and salsa. Spicy stuff. It was so thoughtful.

Best tip for getting ready to sell your house? Declutter! I knew everyone is going to say it but that is what Libby says. Invest some money in landscaping to up your curb appeal. It’s the first thing people see.

What color do you believe always looks good
Hues of green and blue, we are by the ocean and they mix well with any type of furniture. Hues of green and blue also help bring the outdoor colors inside.

What’s your favorite part of your own home? The deck in the back of my house, I love to sit out there in the morning with a cup of coffee and read the Newport Daily News in print.

What’s your favorite home show? Property Brothers, I just love seeing before and afters in a renovation and how clients trust their vision. I like seeing what kind of strategies they use to gain peoples trust, and how I can use them in my own real estate business.

What’s your work motto? Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life!

Most memorable client? Probably the first rental I did to some Salve girls, I got them a house for this coming school year and it felt good to see them so excited. They are really looking forward to their senior year. It’s just one thing I did to help make them happy.

Do you believe in the American Dream? Yes, well I believe everyone has the ability to do exactly what they want to do. People have the ability to attain their dreams.

Who is your interior design soulmate? I’m not really into design stuff, but I really like the way my sister designs her house. It’s a hodgepodge of repurposed details and old meets new. It’s very minimal and has staple pieces, white couches, a striped rug. She even has an old wooden milking stool.

Your favorite design trend right now? I really do love a more minimal Scandinavian approach to design. Having signature, classic pieces. Classic staples.

Your favorite home accessory or part of your home? The gas lamps that are above my driveway—they are so New England.

Favorite home fragrance? I love the cinnamon scent of a Yankee Candle, it reminds me of my mom. She always used to light one before company came over. You can’t go wrong!

The post THE NEWPORTER: Kelley Kirwin appeared first on Living with Libby.

Favorite store? Saltwater Edge in Newport, it’s a fishing store. I love to go saltwater fishing, spear fishing, and I fish from the shore.

Favorite restaurant? Fifth Element. It’s casual, but the food is good, and they have live music—kind of fun acoustic bands, funky jazz. I like to mix it up my orders, but they have good pizza.

Favorite street? Ledge Road in Newport. because it’s my favorite place to go spear fishing. I did the cliff walk when I first moved here, I always thought it would be a good place to fish.

Favorite waterfront location? Castle Hill, because I’m a bartender there. It’s the best view in town.

Favorite book to bring to the beach? I don’t really read at the beach, but I’d bring Bocce. I grew up outside of Philly, I always played Bocce at the beach with these old Italian guys.

Broadway or Lower Thames? Broadway. It’s more locals and the restaurants are as good as Lower Thames but have more reasonable prices. No tourist traps either.

Favorite place to grab a drink? The Top of Newport at The Viking Hotel. I always get the gin and tonic made with Bombay Sapphire.

If you’re hosting a party (clam bake vs. fresh steaks?) Fresh steaks, the best place I’ve found to get great meat and produce is Shaw’s.

How do you prefer to get your seafood? Off the boat or served to you? I like to cook and prep my seafood myself. For seafood I would say scallops, pan sear ‘em with a little bit of butter and I finish them in the oven. Serve them with fresh veggies.

What’s your open house “signature”? A box of Joe from Dunkin Donuts and French Café radio on Pandora.

Your perfect client/buyer gift? Clicqout champagne.

What’s/ Where’s your dream house? The Playhouse on Ocean Drive. It was Dorothy Hamilton’s old house; it’s definitely a Cape Cod style directly on the water. There’s an infinity pool in the front yard. It’s not a huge house, but it’s classy. It’s not too much.

Best place to get furniture locally? Style you mimic? Aardvark Antiques, they have a lot of cool stuff from the mansions. It’s a consignment shop.

What song can’t you get out of your head right now? Wagon Wheel by Darius Rucker, I listened to it on my way here this morning.

What was your most memorable real estate experience? My first listing appointment, I was so nervous and had no idea what to do. It went well, I didn’t get the listing but I learned a lot.

Best tip for getting ready to sell your house? Keep everything clean and organized. No one likes walking into a home with stuff everywhere.

What color do you believe always looks good…Grey with blue undertones, it’s a great neutral and goes both ways.

What’s your favorite part of your own home? My kitchen, my girlfriend doesn’t cook, so I make all the dinners I enjoy cooking.

What’s your favorite home show? House Hunters International, I like to pick what house they’ll ultimately end up choosing, if I guess the wrong house I get upset.

What’s your work motto? Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard.

Most memorable client? I worked with two guy roommates who both had big dogs, it was really hard to find a rental for them, but we got them a spot eventually.

Do you believe in the American Dream? I do, houses are still affordable and people can still find a home and raise a family.

Who is your interior design soul mate? Joanna Gaines, she’s from Fixer Upper on HGTV.

Your favorite design trend right now? I like farmhouse chic. I love repurposed furniture and woods for different more unexpected functions.

Your favorite home accessory or part of your home? I’ve got a lot of pictures of travel and family, we have a little gallery wall. In the kitchen there are a bunch of pictures around the table. It just reminds me of cool trips we’ve been on and good times we’ve had.

Favorite home fragrance/ scent: Bacon. I cook bacon all day long.

The post THE NEWPORTER: Adam Reed appeared first on Living with Libby.

Favorite store?

The Pink Pineapple—I want everything in that store, I got my wedding dress there and I’m still wearing it five years later.

Favorite restaurant?

Diego’s. It’s kid friendly and it’s the perfect spot. I always order the Fifth Ward salad.

Favorite street?

Brewer Street. I met my husband while he was living there and it was the street where we had the conversation about eventually getting married. It’s also now the name of my son!

Favorite waterfront location?

Fort Adams. We roll up with our truck and have picnics.

Favorite book to bring to the beach?

Any children’s book for my kids or maybe, “What To Expect When You’re Expecting“.

Broadway or Lower Thames?

Broadway. I love all the little restaurants up and down. Plus it’s not as crowded and it’s perfect for date night.

Favorite place to grab a drink?

Pour Judgment. It has a great selection of craft beer. It’s a great local spot with an amazing selection of appetizers too.

If you’re hosting a party (clam bake vs. fresh steaks?)

Very casual, very laid back, maybe hot dogs and hamburgers but most definitely craft beer and sangria.

How do you prefer to get your seafood? Off the boat or served to you?

Off the boat! I like clams, we take ‘em home and steam them right up.

What’s your open house “signature”?

It’s a doorknocker shaped like a horseshoe crab. You have to have a cool doorknocker at any house; it’s just so memorable.

Your perfect client/buyer gift?

A decorative Newport sign from Frazzleberries.

Where’s your dream house?

Sweet Berry Farm, the actual structure of the farm. It has a nice big loft and sliding barn doors.

Best place to get furniture locally? Style you mimic? 

The side of the road. We’re big fan of yard sales and DIY. Once we’re done using it we give it away again.

What song can’t you get out of your head right now?

Geronimo by Sheppard.

What was your most memorable real estate experience?

This woman walked into the house with her son and said ten negative things about the house and then I got her in the living room, and I offered some suggestions. But it really was the son who wanted the house; he saw that there was room for a basketball court. They ended up buying it and the mom said she never would have considered it if I hadn’t made her take a second look.

Best tip for getting ready to sell your house?

You have to walk through it as if someone else wants to live there. Depersonalize and declutter. And if you can bake some cookies. Make it smell nice!

What is color do you believe always looks good…

I love canary yellow. It makes any room feel bright and sunny, even on a rainy day it looks lovely.

What’s your favorite part of your own home?

I love the drapes in our living room. We had them handmade by my aunt, but it took me five years to find something that was just right. They have orange squids on them and scalloped edges.

What’s your favorite home show?

Backyard Crashers on HGTV.

What’s your work motto?

Give your focus to one or two clients, find them something amazing, and you end up finding them a home.

Most memorable client?

This woman sent me an email, and said we’d love for you to show us a house. I emailed them back, even though I thought it was spam. They put in an offer almost immediately. They only found me because we had both gone to Springfield College.

Do you believe in the American Dream?

Of course! I’m living it. I grew up in upstate New Hampshire, in the 28^th poorest town in the United States and now I live a quarter mile from the beach in my own home. I have a house. It works and it fits my family. I am really lucky.

Who is your interior design soul mate?

Dotty Kirwin, I just love her. She can turn it around in a hot second. Once she is dedicated she knows what to do.

Your favorite design trend right now?

Wallpaper, I am a big fan of wallpaper.

Your favorite home accessory?

Coffee tables. They’re really useful. You can put all different kinds of things on them. My kids work on them and used them to balance when they were first learning to walk.

Favorite home fragrance?

I love the smell of linen. It smells clean and fresh, it’s a good neutral smell.

The post The Newporter: Kelly Powers appeared first on Living with Libby.

We sat down with LKRE agent Laurel Handel to discuss her favorite aspects of Newport, Real Estate and her home life.

Favorite store?

Kristina Richards, it’s on trend but not trendy. You always end up wearing the best. Whenever I go in, she’s like my own personal shopper and I’m always in there for two hours every time I go.

Favorite restaurant?

Brick Alley. It always has consistently good food. I like the steak tip wrap with banana peppers. The sparkling sangria and the Ahi Tuna sliders are always delicious too.

Favorite street?

I think I love Second Street and the point. Anywhere in the point. All of the quaint homes are so sweet and picturesque. It’s quiet. You’re in Newport but you feel removed from the craziness.

Favorite waterfront location?

Forty steps because when I first moved to Newport, my good friend (who is now my boyfriend) and I spent a few minutes jumping in the water there and cooling off. It brings back fond memories of that summer.

Favorite book to bring to the beach?

I am more of a magazine girl. I like Vogue and W, the photographs are gorgeous. They inspire me!

Broadway or Lower Thames?

Broadway has really come around. I love to support local businesses. All of the restaurants are so good. Pour Judgment is consistently good. Norey’s is really yummy, they have a cheese dip that is amazing.

Favorite place to grab a drink?

I recently went to the Vanderbilt and it has the best view in town. It’s my go-to spot for my first cocktail of the night. Sparkling Rosé!

If you’re hosting a party (clam bake vs. fresh steaks?)

I’m the queen of hosting, I love to host. It just depends on the theme whether I go casual or fancy.

How do you prefer to get your seafood? Off the boat or served to you?

I like it off the boat, I like Anthony’s, it’s a great place to pick up fresh seafood.

What’s your open house “signature”?

I always wear my Michael Kors purple heels, they tend to bring me luck.

Your perfect client/buyer gift?

I love to give different, personal gifts that relate to each client that I have. I had a first homebuyer and it was her and her son. Her son was a huge factor in the move. So I got her a gift, but I gave him something too, just so she knew that I was thinking of them both.

What’s/ Where’s your dream house:

There’s so many places I’d love to live or at least have a house. But most importantly on the water somewhere. If I were to move to Newport, I’d love to have a house in the point on the water. Facing the bridge.

Best place to get furniture locally?

I love the consignment shops in Wickford, RI. My best find so far is this sea foam green vintage armchair, it was so not me at first, but it was my first piece and I built my entire living room around it.

What song can’t you get out of your head right now?

Zack Brown Band, Loving You is Easy.

What was your most memorable real estate experience?

My first house sale. I had my license for four months and I sold it in seven days. It was a million dollar home. We had both sides of the deal as well.

Best tip for getting ready to sell your house?

De-personalize and de-clutter your house. It’s so huge. If someone can’t see himself or herself in that house they won’t buy it. It’s such a personal experience.

What color do you believe always looks good…

Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore.

What’s your favorite part of your own home?

The sunsets, we have this great big yard and we just got chickens. I love sitting in my backyard and looking at the chickens. They’re really relaxing.

What’s your favorite home show?

Million Dollar Listing: New York. Just seeing another perspective on the same business and a different world of real estate. New York is so different from Rhode Island. Your success is limitless.

What’s your work motto?

Treat people the way I would want to be treated and put yourself in your client’s shoes.

Most memorable client?

One of my rental clients. She was looking for a short-term summer rental, we’ve kept a relationship since then and she keeps referring me out which is very thoughtful and much appreciated.

Do you believe in the American Dream?

Absolutely. Life is what you make it!

Who is your interior design soulmate?

I don’t really have one, it depends on my mood and so I can’t really pick just one person.

Your favorite design trend right now?

Painted stairs, either plain or with a pattern.

Your favorite home accessory?

My two vintage chests that I’m using as a sidetable in my living room. I just stacked them on top of each other.

Favorite home fragrance? I

t’s a Jonathan Adler candle, the Muse D’Or Ceramic Candle.

The post The Newporter: Laurel Handel appeared first on Living with Libby.

What is your favorite restaurant in Newport? I love the Clarke Cooke House down on Bannister’s Wharf, but my absolute favorite restaurant is Thames Street Kitchen; I was pretty disappointed when I heard that they are closing the restaurant come January 1st.

I would love to live on Washington Street, it’s right on the water so I would have easy access to work!

The post The Newporter: Eli Dana appeared first on Living with Libby.

1. Kyla Maher, how long have you been practicing yoga? I’m a fairly young yogi! About 6 years.

2. What is your favorite type of yoga? Kundalini yoga.

3. What is your favorite part about owning a yoga/pilates studio?  I actually totally suck at running a yoga studio, hence why the partnership with Patti Doyle works so well. We feed off each other’s strengths. I do retail, she does yoga. The best part of that? Having awesome yoga at my place of work!

4. How long have you known your business partners Patti Doyle and Danielle Rinaldi?  I’ve known Patti for years. She’s one of Rhode Island’s best yoga teachers! But we really didn’t connect personally until we taught a couple fundraiser events together this past year. Patti introduced me to Danielle and the three of us hit it off immediately.

5. How did the group decide on the name “Shunya” for your studio?  We tossed around so many names! Danielle came up with the tagline “skin, style, soul” which we all loved. We finally decided on the name Shunya, one, because it sounds great with the tagline, and two, it means Oneness. We all found we could relate to that meaning.

6. What type of yoga do you teach? I teach Kundalini. I love teaching it because it’s SO different than other forms (some say “weird,” I’m going with “different”). My goal in teaching it is to make an ancient, foreign, somewhat odd practice accessible, fun, and cool. It’s a powerful yoga that has the potential to really heal people.

7. Describe your daily routine. I wish I could say I get out of bed mindfully, have a 2 hour meditation practice, listen to the birds while I sip my tea…but that’s just not the case. Wake up, check the phone, answer any e-mails that need immediate attention. Three mile morning run with a friend. 10 minute visualization, meditation, and centering for the day. Off to the boutique (where I also run an online yoga retail business). Hustle and bustle till 5 pm. Evening yoga class. Home to my boyfriend who usually makes an awesome dinner. And then, of course, I watch The Voice. Pretty great routine.

8. What is your favorite healthy meal to make? My man does most of the cooking. Luckily, he’s a health nut! Grilled salmon, sautéed spinach, and quinoa. One of my faves on our weekly menu.

9. Describe some of the benefits of Kundalini yoga. It’s a practice that strengthens the nervous system, balances the glandular system, works deeply on the subconscious mind, and clears away energetic blocks that keep you from connecting to your intuition. Intuition and inner guidance is one of the keys to happiness. If none of that matters to you, most of my classes are a great workout, we laugh a lot, and it’s just simply fun.

Visit longtimesunapparel.com

See Kundalini schedule in Newport

See Thames Street Yoga schedule in Newport

The post The Newporter: Kyla Maher appeared first on Living with Libby.

We sat down with accountant Kate Manning to discuss holiday budgeting, dog toys and the pressure of working for your friends.

How long have you lived in Newport and why have you chosen to make it home? I moved to Newport in 1999 when I transferred to Salve Regina University.  I moved to San Diego for a few years but overall I have been here for 13 years.  I enjoy the close knit community and the support everyone has for one another.  When building my own business this was key for me and helped me grow my client base faster then I could have ever imagined!

Before you were a bookkeeping queen, what were you doing for a living? Previously I was a Controller for a local boutique hotel and prior to that I worked in food and beverage management.  And no, I can never stay in a hotel or eat in a restaurant without analyzing every detail of my experience!  It is curse!

What is the hardest part of being responsible for other people’s accounting? The hardest part of managing other people’s books is the pressure and responsibility I put on myself.  All my clients are previous colleagues, friends or referrals from people I know, so the relationship I have or begin to build becomes part accountant, part friend, part life counselor and part business advisor.  I have many sleepless nights, not only as a small business owner myself, but on the behalf of my clients!

Now that is the holiday season, what are a few tips you can give on holiday budgeting? Holiday budgeting is the key to staying grounded during this time of the year!  Having a list of people, items and how much you plan to spend keeps you on track, down to each card and packaging.  Unsubscribing from email solicitations, canceling catalog subscriptions you receive in the mail and simply staying out of stores you know you don’t need to be in helps you not get distracted by items that you did not attend to buy.  Also, keep in mind all the pop up events that happen this time of year as well when planning your budget.  Lastly, always remember that putting $20 a week aside for the next holiday season prepares you for the cash out flow in December that hits us all hard!

Out of all the presents in the world, what is the biggest waste of money? I love the holiday season but the best part is the people you get to spend it with!  I do not believe in exchanging gifts with friends and family just for the sake of doing so.  I would rather go to dinner or do something with those special people then buying them items they may not like or want.  Narrowing down you list of recipients and making a pack with each other NOT to exchange gifts is the best idea.

If I had to chose something in particular that would be a biggest waste of money though, for me personally, I would have to say dog toys.  My dog Rye loves the same few toys she already has and doesn’t care for much more.  Even though I am a sucker for cute animal items I learned years ago to simply wash the ones she already has and put them in her stocking.  Even though she probably knows they are hers already pulling them out of her stocking is so much fun for her!  You can always donate new items to your local shelter instead of them sitting in your dog’s pile of unused items!

Contact Kate Manning.

The post The Newporter: Kate Manning appeared first on Living with Libby.

A single strike of lightening has kept local Newport photographer, Tyler Leno, in line with his passion for photography! Between the Pell Bridge and the cliff line, Leno has captured some sultry images waiting to be framed in your home!

Leno is offer 25% OFF all his prints for LWL readers! USE CODE: libby2016

How long have you been a photographer?

I have always been interested in art. My earliest memory was using a big VHS video camera to make silly videos with my friends at the age of twelve. It slowly stemmed into something bigger. I went from filming skateboarding videos to shooting photos if my surroundings, which I fell completely in love with. I’ve been serious about photography for about 7 years now.

What is your favorite location in Newport to photograph?

My favorite place to photograph in Newport is a very, very hard question to answer. We are some of the luckiest people to be surrounded by so much beauty – natural and man made. If I had to choose, my favorite area is by the Newport Bridge. Hearing the sound of the cars passing over the bridge is soothing to me. I also love to shoot at Cliff Walk in the middle of the night. Being under the stars and next to the ocean by myself is one of my favorite things to enjoy.

If you could photograph any celebrity in the world, who would it be?

Another hard question. There are many celebrities I would like to photograph but the one that popped in my head instantly today was Bill Murray.  He has class and humor all rolled into one. I mean, I can only imagine how fun it would be. Plus, I would like to pull the old Bill Murray trick and buy him a beer than tell him “no ones going to believe him”!

What it your most memorable moment as a photographer?

My most memorable moment as a photographer has to be when I took THAT photo which made me realize how much I love photography. I had a 10 megapixel Fujifilm point and shoot with a tripod. I went out to practice long exposure night shots. I noticed a storm coming in right passed the bridge. I pointed my camera at the bridge and took an 8 second exposure. BOOM! Lightning during the exposure made me smile. Than as soon as the exposure was over, I looked at the photo and caught my first lightning strike. It was a extremely memorable moment and I will never forget it.  Whenever I feel unmotivated, I look at that picture and remind myself how much I love it!

View his portfolio, here.

The post The Newporter: Tyler Leno appeared first on Living with Libby.

Let’s take a look inside of some of Newport’s most unique homes! Marketing director and creative, Marial Eve Maher lives on Hall Ave and has turned her one-story, two bedroom house into a magical bohemian ranch.

LWL: How would you describe your style when it comes to decorating your home?

MM: This is the first time I have ever designed an entire house. I was previously living in New York City, so I was renting very small apartments. The goal was: less is more!

LWL: This ottoman is incredible! Where did you find it?

MM: I actually made this ottoman with my father. I follow Driftwood Gypsy on Instagram and she has made one with white fabric. It motivated me to try. I followed her steps and I saved myself a few hundred dollars and bonded with my old man.

LWL: Black and white seems to be a common color pallet. Are you afraid of color?

MM: No! I actually love color. Green, yellow and navy blue are colors I am most attracted too. But, I have been trying to keep the house neutral so my boyfriend loves being home! Mixing his sports memorabilia and my old school rocker photos is a fun challenge.

LWL: Where do you find such great home decor? There are so many unique things here!

MM: My dad hits the local yard sales, HARDCORE! Every weekend he visits anywhere from 20 – 30 homes selling their stuff. He has an amazing eye for vintage, antique and valuable furniture. The picture above is a 1930’s French Brass table. I love it! That bullhead is from HomeGoods. Nothing special.

LWL: Now that is a pretty hip breeze-way. Instead of storing coats and hats, it looks like you have a nice little listening station.

MM: When I first moved into this house, this space was extremely cluttered and under used. I love utilizing every inch and that shelving unit fit my record collection perfectly!

LWL: Exposed brick!? Hello.

MM: I love that little strip of brick. From what I understand, the owner of this house did a MAJOR renovation after he bought the property. Leaving the brick is a little reminder of it’s history.

LWL: Please explain this dining room!

MM: If you don’t like the spider, I don’t take offense, LOL! I bought it off my friend for $5.00 in NYC and love it. When I grew up, dinner conversations were NEVER serious. It’s a nice reminder that eating together should be fun and a little messy.

LWL: Loving the pop of green! How do you feel about your kitchen?

MM: My kitchen is the hardest place to keep clean and decorate. It’s due for an upgrade. My boyfriend and I are always entertaining so dishes remain in the sink. I am proud of my new ‘OYSTERS’ sign because I am a massive fanatic of them. I eat them every week.

MM: The oyster sign and the fresh succulents were gifts from my friend Brian Weeks. He owns Carlone’s Florist. Shop local!

LWL: Your headboard is INCREDIBLE. This room is a paradise. How did you make it happen?

MM: Ryan Ellis (my landlord and friend) built it for me. The headboard was already there when we moved it. With some work exchange between us two, he built a thick sturdy base while I painted the trim on his new house. Everything else just fell into place around it.

LWL: This trunk could not be more perfect. Where is it from?

MM: Let’s just put on record, almost everything in my house has been found by my dad! If you need to get in touch with him for some personal finds, his Facebook is Seatown Woodwork!  (P.S.) That trunk is cedar-lined!

The post THE NEWPORTER: Marial Eve Maher appeared first on Living with Libby.

Where are you from, where are you currently living?

My wife and I moved to Newport two years ago from NYC.  We left the mold of careers behind to pursue more creative and rewarding ventures, and live on the ocean.

Can you tell us a little bit more about your wooden boat building company?

I began studying wooden boatbuilding through the IYRS boatbuilding and restoration program shortly after moving to town.  I have worked on and off as a carpenter for years while consulting for an environmental firm, and after having been immersed in this historically nostalgic maritime community, I decided to build boats.  I started using Instagram as a way to log and document my work but as I experimented more with customized side projects, a brand evolved.  Now WouldBoat is simply the vehicle for me to share the incredible boats being restored and push limits of reclaimed materials.  I still subcontract as a residential carpenter but have been taking on more marine carpentry and boatbuilding jobs, custom works too.

Can you tell us a little bit more about your reclaimed artwork. Do you do the burn drawings yourself (is that the right term?). 

Yes, I do all the wood burnings myself and make the frames.  The frames are reclaimed planks from a 55′ wooden schooner that is currently undergoing a full restoration.  The best part about wood burning is its quiet and I can do it late at night.  I enjoy the drafted lines of ship plans, so burning lines plans into old boat planks was a way to maintain some of the spirit of the ocean enraptured in these old materials.

How long does it take you to make the custom guitars? 

Most of what I create depends on what materials are available and how much of it I can get my hands on.  The first guitar I built was built from mahogany planking from a Beetlecat and the neck was hand carved oak from the sprung keel.  It took about 3 months start to finish but much of that time was spent thinking and designing as this was the first time I built a guitar (and I had expectations of playing it).  Having a gig and needing a guitar for it was a good motivator. I have another guitar in the works but am taking my time in the design.

What is your biggest achievement to date?

Leaving a good job in New York for a lot of unknowns in Rhode Island was a bit daunting.  But creating the WouldBoat brand has been an awesome experience and has provided me many connections and acquaintances across a global community of woodworkers and crafts folk.  Aside from custom woodwork and boatbuilding, I am a musician as well.  I recorded an EP last summer which will be available 1/19 Anthony Daniels Music.  My music and wood working are kind of motivators to each other.  There’s always something being worked on, either a song or a boat.  Of course, all of this works because there’s an incredibly talented, smart woman driving this bus.  My wife Meridith (@thewayfaringweaver), is very much responsible for making things happen.  She has her own amazing textile weavings and pottery that she manages and produces on top of keeping me in check.  The last 2 years have really been our biggest achievement.

The post THE NEWPORTER: Anthony Daniels appeared first on Living with Libby.

1. Furniture Design is a huge factor in the real estate world and crucial for staging homes. How did you become interested in furniture design?

Both my aunt and grandmother are insanely successful interior designers out in California and Nevada. They both use a ton of antiques to create a warm, inviting, truly unique home. I always loved their style, what they did, and the work that goes into making a home feel perfect. I have always been “a creative,” but it took me a long time to figure out how to express that creativity. I dabbled in lots of creative outlets before I started (out of necessity), re-purposing found furniture. I had my first apartment and couldn’t afford to furnish it with nice things… so I created them! That kind of grew and evolved over 5 or 6 years into making said furniture instead of re-purposing what others had built. It gave me even more creative freedom and I really thrive on that.

2. All of your pieces have a rustic, country feel and effortlessly chic. Did you have any inspiration or is each table an experiment?

Well, first, thank you! It definitely started out with everything as an experiment. I knew what I wanted the end product to be and I would mix and layer and distress until we got there. Now that we have more of a social media following and portfolio, most clients just reference a piece that we’ve already done and tell us that they want that, or some variation of it!

3. The table your built for Carey School is gorgeous. What was the biggest challenge with this piece, if any?

Thank you! It’s probably my favorite table thus far. It’s going to sound silly, but when I thought of this big farm table for the city-by-the-sea, all that kept popping into my head was the movie, “The Pirates of the Caribbean”. I was thinking of the brown found in the hulls of old pirate ships, and the tables in those taverns, and the blue of the ocean. I wanted to create a piece that looked like it would be at home in the captains quarters on one of those ships, or in the tavern where they find all of the pirates. Creating that color was by far the most difficult part. I put eight coats of stain on it to find exactly what I wanted. I was panicking until the very last coat– that’s standard operating procedure for me.

4. What is your ultimate goal with Ruff Wood Design Co.?

We’re looking at store fronts now, actually. Currently we build everything out of our garage, custom and made-to-order. I love the freedom of expression that it gives me and our clients, but it’s a ton of work! Ideally in the next year or so we’ll have a showroom and retail store that is a mix of our handcrafted farm style furniture, home decor, and carefully curated local goods that support the “farm-to-table” vibe that we love so much…. Almost like an indoor, curated farmers market. There is SO much creative talent here (I’m obsessed with Ten Pounds of Feathers and Lazuli Handcrafted) that I would love to showcase. I’m from California and whenever I take my family gifts I always find myself saying “this was made in/near Newport”… I still would love to do some custom furniture, but we’d like to also have an inventory of already created tables that people can see and then get into their homes within a few days instead of 6-8 weeks.

5. If you had to design a piece of furniture for a celebrity, what would it be and for who?

Oh, that’s tough! Probably Kathryn Budig. Kind of an obscure celebrity, I know. She’s a yoga teacher and I follow her on all the social media platforms. She lives in Charleston, South Carolina and has the most amazing taste. From her wedding to fashion to her home… I just die over everything that she posts. She would be a really fun client to work with.

SEE RUFF WOOD DESIGN CO. WEBSITE

PLEASE JOIN LIBBY KIRWIN, RUFF WOOD DESIGN CO. AND FRIENDS THIS JANUARY FRIDAY 29TH FROM 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM! 

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1. Melissa Quintal, between the various subjects you photograph, what is your favorite area of focus?

My favorite area of focus would be architecture, interiors, lush gardens, and craftsmanship of exteriors; the home. No two homes are alike although there are many similarities of course. I find fun in the uniqueness of ones taste in decorating, their furnishing choices, organizational skills and just overall efficiency of how the house runs is fascinating to me. A home tells many stories, and I like sharing some of those stories through what I capture. I’ve been in some homes that I could easily spend a whole day photographing sharing all the details. I feel so lucky to live here and have the privilege of photographing such beautiful homes in and around Newport. A close 2nd is weddings. I love photographing weddings. I relate to the feeling I had as a child on Christmas morning. You can’t wait to see what Santa brought and then share the rest of the day with your closest family and friends. There is so much excitement and pure emotion that is so raw, I feel blessed to be a part of capturing those details they spent the past year planning out. It’s completely opposite of a quiet home.

2. If you could photography a celebrity, who would it be and why?

This was not easy to choose just one. There are so many amazingly talented and intriguing individuals in our world that I would love to photograph and have a few minutes to chat with. But since you asked, Sandra Bullock was first to pop into my head. She’s not only a great actress, she’s down to earth and is a very giving and caring person. She donates time and money to great causes and just seems to be and all around cool human with an amazing spirit guiding her journey here. I would love to capture some of that joy and love she exudes.

3. When did your realize that photography was going to be such a huge element in your life?

I was about 7 yrs old when my parents gave me a Polaroid camera. Previously I just loved looking at and playing with my parents cameras, they were hobbyist photographers and always seems to capture such beauty while on vacation or out in our gardens. I just loved seeing a memory captured forever in an image others can see and experience too. Just like the saying, a pictures tells a thousand words. Imagine how many stories a photo has that has been seen by a million people, enough to write a novel I’m sure. I went on to museums, local art schools and continued to study photography through college. It’s been a lifelong journey that gets better every time I pick up my camera. It’s an adrenaline rush it’s a natural high that continues through the editing process. I love love love what I do!!!!

4. If you could offer one piece of valuable advice to aspiring photographers, what would that be?

Explore. Explore the world with your camera. Take it everywhere. And discover what you like to photograph the most. Growing up we were taught that if you’re an artist you are either a “Starving artist”, or you don’t become truly famous and appreciated until you are dead. Thankfully that is not the case and if you are passionate about your talents, make great connections in your community and educate yourself in the basics of business you will be successful in whatever area you choose to focus on.

5. Do you have a bucket list of things to photograph? And if so, what is the number one thing on that list that is waiting to be checked off?

You stumped me on this one. I don’t have a bucket list of actual things I want to photograph but I am full of wanderlust. The dream is to travel the world, starting right here in the US and document the beauty that surrounds us. Then maybe publish a few books and share our travels with the world.

See full portfolio, here.

Join Melissa Quintal this weekend at the Carey School Residences from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm.

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When you were looking for a home in Newport, what were some of your expectations? 

Looking for a home in Newport was so much fun – you never know what you’re going to find and we definitely learned that you cannot judge a home by it’s front door. When we walked into this house, we were blown away because it looked so small from the outside. Turns out, this house is an endless maze of surprises.

What is your most sentimental item in this living room? 

Definitely the picture book that sits on our coffee table! It’s a book made by one of my dearest friends full of photos from my husband, Jason’s 40th birthday party – and, one of the most thoughtful gifts we have ever received. It was an amazing weekend – all of our friends and family came in from around the country to enjoy Newport and celebrate a great guy. Newport has become an incredible home for us and that book, filled with our smiling family and friends, really captures that spirit.

Did you furnish your house locally…or just epic finds along the way? 

Our furniture and art has been collected over years and throughout many travels…and multiple cross-country moves. I love finding odd pieces in local antique shops and mixing those the with sleek modern lines of new furnishings. I’m always on the lookout for something unique.

What is your best memory in your kitchen? 

Easy! Any time our friends and family are gathered around the enormous island and we’re all enjoying a great bottle of wine, good food and some laughs.

White floors and vintage doors…Was this your idea? 

Not our idea at all, but definitely one of the major reasons we fell in love with this home. The vintage doors and fixtures are everywhere – and, make our home feel like a quirky work of art.

The bathtub in amazing! Please tell me you use it regularly? 

Ironically, we are not bath people…at all! But, when you turn the corner there’s a giant walk-in shower that’s pretty awesome too!

If you could give advice to your younger self, what would it be? 

You can travel the world, but nothing is as sweet as coming home.

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