There is one thing in Newport that we can’t get enough of, and that is nautical inspired ANYTHING. Our friend John Zuerner, the owner and designer of Zürner Oceanic sat down with us to discuss his jewelry company, his process and his favorite parts of Newport, Rhode Island. John is also giving one lucky winner a piece from his collection. Enter your e-mail for a chance to win, but to also join our mailing list for future give-a-ways!

1. What sparked your idea/interest in creating Zürner Oceanic?

After working on racing yachts for almost 10 years, I was looking for a more creative outlet and really wanted to create something of my own. I had been making rope bracelets, inspired by the sailors bracelets I used to wear as a kid in sailing school at Saunderstown Yacht Club, for friends and family for a couple of years. They really liked their unique look quality and authenticity. When other people starting asking where they could get them my wife Jennie convinced me to start selling them. I never thought a career in sailing would have ended up here.

2. Where do you get the materials to make your line? Do you use reclaimed roping from actual boat use?

All of our materials are 100% marine grade line. It is not cheap cotton or plastic rope that you can go grab at your local hardware store. It’s line that we actually use on sail boats. Some of it is very high-tech, like the Dyneema that we use in our “Softie” bracelets, which are based on soft shackles that we use on racing yachts. It’s stronger than steel.

The best thing about using authentic rope is that it lasts forever and it just gets better with age. We try to source as much of our line from companies in the region, like New England Ropes. These ropes can really curate a nice patina on it. I recommend wearing our products in the ocean and never taking them off. They just get better and better and can really tell a story.

Occasionally, we use reclaimed line. When designing a product its very difficult to find reclaimed line that fits the correct style, dimensions, condition and amount that you are looking for. While exploring I often find old line that inspires me and I create a limited run with it.

3. What is your favorite thing about Newport, Rhode Island?

I think my favorite thing about Newport, as well as probably most people, is the ocean. Besides the predictable answer of the ocean, my favorite thing about Newport is the history. I love all the classic architecture, narrow streets, and hidden gems that can be explored. A lot of other places in New England and the U.S. have history, but not a lot of the physical presence is still there. It’s great that you can sea it on and under the water as well. It’s something unique to Newport. All this gives Newport an almost European feel.

4. Do you have a local shop here in Newport? If you don’t, what are your plans and goals in the future for your company?

We do not have a local shop in Newport. At the moment we only have our online store zurneroceanic.com and do some wholesale to other retailers. It’s not something that I would say is out of the question for the future though.

As For the future of Zürner Oceanic? I would love to see the brand expand into a well rounded lifestyle brand. An authentic nautical brand that Newport deserves with its rich heritage. I’m always developing new products and as a designer there is nothing more satisfying than seeing the creations in your head come to life.

5. Would you consider writing off part of the proceeds to a charity? And if so, what charity would you focus on?

Yes, I am definitely considering it. I want to do my due diligence and find a good charity that supports something that I am really passionate about and a charity that would want to work with us as well. Maybe something to do with ocean exploration or ocean conservation, either locally or worldwide. Maybe The Cousteau Society?

At the moment we have done product donations to some local charity auctions such as The Boys and Girls Club, Child and Family Services, the Confetti Foundation and the Herreshoff Museum.

The post Explore The Zürner Oceanic Collection appeared first on Living with Libby.

Living with Libby revisits 11 Whitewell, a renovation project executed by Libby Kirwin Renovation + Design consulting. The team had not visited this property since it was sold to the beautiful Ellen Nichols, so we popped in to discuss her obsession with lighting, summer happy hours and pop-punk pillows.

See full renovation before + after photos.

11 Whitwell was a project that was executed by Libby Kirwin Renovation + Design Consulting. How was your experience working with the LKRDC team?

One word, easy. Our initial introduction to Libby’s work was on a house she renovated on Elliott Street also in Newport. The design work was so much to our liking that we put a bid on the property. We were trying to sell our house in Portsmouth at the time and had a Hubbard Clause in our agreement. Unfortunately, our Portsmouth home did not sell before another offer came through and we lost Elliot Street. However, in hindsight the location was further out of the Newport hub then we wanted, so we were happy when Libby told us about a complete overhaul they were in the process of doing on 11 Whitwell Avenue.

Libby tipped off our realtor and luckily for us we were able to buy it before it hit the market. While the contractor was unwilling to allow us into the house while construction was in process – I think for fear that we would attempt to change his plans – when we did finally did go into the house we were very happy with all of Libby’s design features and have changed very little. Long story short, we were literally bouncing on our bed like high school girls the night we moved in and our still pinching ourselves amazed that we live here. My other half recently said that this is his favorite home that he has ever lived in and suffice to say he has lived in plenty of digs.

When renovating the property, did you have any specific vision or expectations, or did you let the LKRDC take over completely?

LKRDC had demonstrated its design and room layout incredibly well at Elliot Street, so even though we were anxious to see 11 Whitwell, we trusted that the end results were going to be good on this old farm house. The design exceeded our expectations on all levels. Libby had a great feel for what can be added in contemporary design and what should remain historic. She restored the historic front porch and façade to just as it would have looked back in 1877 when it was built. She also left all of the old iron floor grates and tiger eye door knobs. But then she brought in clear acrylic barstools that are perfectly proportioned to the kitchen island. She found a sconce (centered on the wall in the upstairs hallway) that has both antique and contemporary accents.

Lastly, Libby provided this home with all the efficiencies of a newer home (brand new appliances, updated electric, HVAC system, new roof and skylights in all 4 upstairs rooms while preserving the original one in the center of the house). One minor detail that I am nuts about is room lighting. The first time I went through the house, while playing around with the light switches, I noticed there were dimmers set up for majority of the lighting. You would have thought I was dancing on air after realizing this. One of the best assets of this house is the various light fixtures that have become conversation pieces!

This double-hatch door is beautiful. We love all the original details. Do you ever keep it open in the summer months?

We serve drinks through it at happy hour!

You have a creative collection books. Are you a Kindle girl, or do you still go for a good ol’ hardcover?

Nothing like flipping through paper catalogues page-to-page. I had to reluctantly throw out all my old Dominoes magazines that I collected when we moved back to Newport.

During our visit, you had such an amazing glow. Do you have any beauty tips for our readers?

You are way too kind to say this. I attribute this to my mother’s Polish gene!

These side-tables are rustic beauties. Where did you get them?

These came from my employer – the company designs and produces home accessories. They are made from teak wood. They have been used as a coffee tables, side tables and now are used as night stands.

We were laughing about the over-sized bed-skirt. I think you are starting a trend. Any other details you take pride in when decorating your home?

Ahhhh right now I am feeling overly accessorized. I need to strip down each room in order to carefully choose a few right pieces or leave it without for the time being. My passion is creating functional and aesthetically pleasing rooms that are small, confined spaces.

The punk-pop throw pillows are so cool! Do you find inspiration or are these purely your own ideas?

The pillow covers were designed by Kelly Shea from Fabric Connection who had a vision for the day bed and came up with the idea for the coordinate black, animal print bolster pillow. I didn’t think it would have worked, but she knew it was a good fit.

See more property photos here! 

The post Welcome To My House: Ellen Nichols appeared first on Living with Libby.

If you ever need advice on Newport luxury living, you should only ask one person and that is Bettie B. Pardee. Author of multiple books, national lecturer, former magazine editor and founder of PrivateNewport.com; Bettie knows it all.

We sat down with Bettie and learned about her love for the ocean, “no-water-garden” trends and her Instagram secrets.

LWL: Could you please tell our readers your favorite part about writing your latest coffee table book, Living Newport: Houses, People, Style? What made this project special to you?

​BP: I always referred to my first book, Private Newport, at Home and in the Garden,​ ​as my valentine to Newport. It meant a lot to be back writing about a town that I love so much. And in just the 10 years since that book, Newport has proven again its ability to evolve and stay viable for 376 years. This time we have technology to thank and​ the flexibility that this new frontier has made possible in that people can now live and work year ’round from the location of their choice (ie. Newport).

LWL: When you decided to move to Newport with your husband Jonathan, what did you look forward to most about the seaside town?

​​BP: Being back on the ocean. I grew up and went to college in Los Angeles, moving to (landlocked) Atlanta after graduation. While​ ​I was only in the South for 15 years, ​my soul was really missing a water orientation, specifically the ocean.

LWL: Now that is “garden season” what tips, advice, or latest garden trends can you give to the residents of Newport?

​​BP: First, that the quality of a “garden season” is very much affected by​ how much snow we have the previous winter. So try to overlook the annoyances and value what snow does for the spring/summer garden…serving as a blanket that protects the plants from winter winds and bitter cold, while at the same time watering the dormant plants as the snow melts.

And speaking of water, the latest trend is designing with low or no-water-requirement plants. While the image of a sand pile with cactus in it usually comes to mind, I’ve seen 2 gardens recently in my travels that prove it’s all about design and creativity. Be on the lookout for gardens that actually look like one you would have in Newport, without a cactus in sight! I’ll be doing a blog on one such garden very soon.

LWL: Your Instagram is absolutely stunning! It appears as if you know all the elegant locations in Newport. What is your favorite place to visit for the most picturesque experience?

​​BP: ALL of Newport is a favorite place for Instagram possibilities…from a spectacular sunset to​ ​the bridge early in the morning​ to the architectural details of a Colonial house or one of the PSNC mansions to the incredible “viewscapes” of Cliff Walk and the Newport landscapes with their stately trees.

LWL: Who is your biggest style inspiration? If you could to trade a closet with anyone, who would it be?

​BP: ​Oh, don’t get me started…but one person who wraps it all up is Iris Apfel (newportFilm screened her documentary last summer).​ ​While I might not choose to over-accessorize as “creatively” as she does, ​her basic pieces are an inspiration…and we girls all need lessons in “thinking outside the box.” She is fearless! Did I mention that she has closets that are actually warehouses?

The post The Newporter: Bettie B. Pardee appeared first on Living with Libby.

1.) Can you please tell us a little bit about Kristina Richards and the brands they can expect to find?

Kristina Richards been evolving over the years by adding new product lines, but at the same time we are looking to get back to our roots of carrying independent labels. Our customers can expect to find a well curated mix. Our selection of clothing can take you from a yoga class straight to dinner on the town.

2.) You recently have consolidated your two stores in ONE beautiful store front on William. Can you tell our readers why you are excited about the William location, and the benefits on focusing on just one maximized location?

Being able to focus on just one location will naturally improve the shopping experience for my customers. I’m super excited about our William St. location because of our neighbors Newport Power Yoga, Empire Coffee, Studio Barre, Tennis Hall of Fame and so many other great businesses!  I’m also look forward to being part of the Bellevue Avenue Merchants Association and getting Newport visitors fashionably ready for the beach!

3.) If you were to go on a tropical vacation and could only bring five items (from your store) – what would they be?

The Jetset Diaries Island Tunic. $198
Illesteva Sunglasses $220
Herbivore Botanicals Sea Mist Hair Spray $20
LSpace Swimsuit $152
Cocobelle Sandals $92

4.) Libby Kirwin is a huge yogi and visits your new neighbor Newport Power yoga frequently. Do you guys offer yoga apparel? If so, tell us about the brand!

We do! It is a product line we added last spring when we saw the exploding trend of athleisure clothing. We carry Prism Sport, Koral, and Alo Yoga. Yoga is such a vital part of Newport’s community — so I wanted to make sure I offered some stylish options.

5.) What is your favorite hotel in Newport, favorite restaurant in Newport and favorite beach in Newport?

I tend to like smaller boutique hotels and I think The Attwater does a beautiful job. For a small seaside town, we have some great food — but if I had to pick one, it would be Stoneacre Pantry. I love watching the surfers at 2nd Beach but my all time favorite place to spend free time is Cliff Walk (off season) when it’s not as crowded.

The post The Newporter: Kristina Richards appeared first on Living with Libby.

1. Can you tell us a little bit about your business and how it all started started?

My husband and I started our business the Antique Yacht Collection to combine all the good things in our lives, travel, sunshine, Narragansett Bay, beautiful classic yachts, working together and meeting new people. We bought our first boat Temma in the Fall of 2013, a 1928 wooden motor yacht and we spent the winter working together to restore her. The idea of naming our company a ‘collection’ was optimistic, but three years later we have added several more classic boats with more to come.

2. Out of your collection of classic sail and power yachts for charter, which one is the most popular and why?

All our yachts are really special and have their own strengths. Our most popular yacht is Temma, a 1928 42 ft wooden power yacht. She is versatile, comfortable and available for groups of up to six people–keeping it a fun but still intimate experience. Being a motorboat in a town with many sailing options, she really stands out for people who prefer a motorboat experience. One of our favorite things about Temma is that she is still small enough to throw down an anchor and go for a swim. This is something very few charter boats in Newport do.

3. During your years in business, what has been your most memorable moment?

We have had some really great days out on the water. Our guests are amazing and it’s pretty awesome to hang out on the bay all day and tell people about how great Newport is. The best thing about the bay is that it’s always changing. We average four charters a day and every time we will see something new. Last summer, we noticed a huge pod of dolphins swimming near Clingstone. You will occasionally see a small pod of three to five, but there were about fifty dolphins hunting small fish. We turned off the engine and floated while the dolphins swam all around us as the sunset. It was so beautiful and it was a very humbling experience for me. It reminded me that the bay is not only magical, but an amazing and delicate ecosystem.

4. What is your favorite location to sail to in Rhode Island?

As Rhode Islanders, we are really lucky to have the Narraganset Bay. The bay offers some amazing sailing, cruising and anchoring. My favorite trip is leaving Newport Harbor, passing Castle Hill, rounding Beavertail and then anchoring at Dutch Island in Jamestown. It is really secluded and you can swim to shore and explore the abandoned light house, and then cruise over to the Tallulah Taco Shack.

5. If you were stuck at sea, what three items would you want to have with you?

This is a great question and I actually put it out on Facebook because I was having a hard time answering it! I had about twenty great answers; from the serious to super silly. I would want a water filtration system, fishing pole and a knife. If I can get an extra, probably rum.

6. We can only imagine that the summer months get super busy for your charter business. Could you give our readers some tips on the best time to book and the best time to take a sail?

There is no better place to be in the summer then Newport RI, but it can be a busy place. July and August book up quickly because the weather is great and the water is warm. We suggest booking at least two weeks in advance for July and August. Guests can book online or over the phone. September is actually my favorite month in Newport because the crowds have settled down, the water is at its warmest and the sunsets are spectacular.

Just a tip, our favorite trip of the day is the Sunset Charter. It is a really peaceful and beautiful time to be on the bay, having a glass of wine and just relaxing. the sunsets also make the best pictures.

The post The Newporter: Alana Markowitz appeared first on Living with Libby.

1. How was your experience working with Libby Kirwin on the Carey School penthouse?

Collaborating with Libby and her whole team was fantastic. Libby has such great energy, knowledge of what people are looking for in a home and a keen eye for design, so it was a huge bonus having her talent on which to rely. It was a real pleasure woking with her and I think we complemented each other’s styles well.

2. What was the biggest challenge when designing for the Carey School penthouse?

The short time frame in which we had to complete the project. It is always challenging trying to design a home that is cohesive, filled with unique items and looks great on short time frame – because many of the items that you may ideally envision using aren’t available immediately. For instance, you do not have the luxury of waiting to find that perfect piece of furniture or great antique. You have to be flexible and really creative and switch gears if something just isn’t materializing the way you initial intended. That being said, I think that Libby and I rose to the challenge on this particular project!

3. What was your favorite room inside the Carey School penthouse?

The main living and dining area which is one large open room. The architecture is so dramatic, not to mention quite unusual for Newport, especially with its large dramatic black steel beams. It reminded me of loft spaces in NYC instead of your typical Newport residence. Sourcing pieces that could hold their own in the space while still being sophisticated and comfortable was so much fun. And, although not a room, the main hallway was another favorite space of mine with its large diamond patterned platinum rug, black steel beam and what I like to call our industrial porthole mirrors in black! Just three simple elements that worked perfectly together. The hallway needed nothing more.

4. Did you custom design any of the furnishings? If so, which one was your favorite?

Yes, Libby and I collaborated on designing a few custom items in the condo.  I would have to say my favorite is the large custom ottoman/coffee table in a black herringbone vinyl for the main living room. The space was calling for a large ottoman or coffee table so we decided to make it both and luckily our upholster and our woodworker did us a huge favor and complied on short notice! The large scale of the piece and the herringbone pattern which is really highlighted by all the natural light streaming through the banks of windows both work perfectly in the space. It’s that “unique cool” piece in the condo!

5. If you could pick one celebrity that you could see living in the penthouse unit, who would it be?

No one is coming to my mind immediately but I would have say one who is down to earth and approachable yet has an understated elegance and sophistication to them. And, of course a sense of fun. A celeb like that would feel right at home in the Carey School penthouse!

The post The Newporter: Nicole Gammino appeared first on Living with Libby.

Tell us a little bit about IMSY.

I grew up an athlete and my teammates chose to call me by my last name, Imswiler, which got shortened to IMSY, which stuck as a nickname. It’s pronounced with a hard “i” — a lot of people get that wrong when they first see the name. We had a soft launch in 2011. I saved all the money I made that summer from teaching surf lessons and put it towards starting my business. I made some samples and brought them with me to Bali, where I source materials. I worked closely with my printer and manufacturer because I’m big into details. I like to make sure the suits function and fit well and that the colors and patterns are lined up correctly. Currently, the production is split between the United State and the Dominican Republic.

Describe your dream home.

I grew up in Point Judith and my home had amazing light, open space and ocean views. Even in winter, the ocean inspired me and gave me a strong sense of purpose. Functionality and great use of space is a must. It’s important to me to have a sanctuary. When I build my dream home, I know it’s going to be near the ocean.

Has being a surfer prepared you for the business world?

Being an surfer, especially in New England, has helped me learn the value of patience, perseverance, and dedication. First, there are the flat spells. Then, even when we have surf, not every day is lollipops and sunshine. Some days you’re shoveling your car out of a foot of snow and slipping on ice as you struggle to pull on a wetsuit. It definitely hardens you and makes you stronger. It’s the same in the business world. Things don’t always go right. It’s hard not to get discouraged sometimes, but you have to have goals and keep pushing yourself to attain them. It doesn’t come easy. If it did, everyone would be doing it.

Where do you draw your inspiration?

It’s endless. My lifestyle, architecture, cool tile work, bridges, elements in nature… I really like mixing in geometric lines with organic lines. I’m also inspired by other cultures historic textiles, which have inspired trips throughout Europe, South America and Asia. When I’m creating, it looks like a bomb went off around me. I’m surrounded by all my notes, photos, fabrics, and I just play. I’m pretty rudimentary when it comes to design. I still sketch and use my colored pencils before I put my ideas into Photoshop.

What’s the best part about owning your own business?

I really like doing fashion shows and seeing my work come to life. But to be honest, just seeing girls in their natural space at the beach, being themselves, and wearing suits that I created makes me feel really good. They get to strut their stuff and feel confident. If they only knew how much work it took to get there. It’s also pretty cool to see hundreds of yards of my artwork printed out on fabric.

If you had the opportunity to hold a fashion show at any location on the island where would it be?

Hard question! I’m partial to Goat Island…Pineapples on the bay would be the perfect space! I also adore the historic charm of the mansions and forts. Getting involved with the Surf Fest at Fort Adams would also be pretty epic.

What separates IMSY from other women’s swimwear lines?

IMSY seamlessly bridges the gap between fashion and function. Each suit is handcrafted and surf-tested to achieve a secure and flattering fit. All of our encompassing signature prints are fully reversible and feature our tie-free pulley system. IMSY is intended for the free-spirited, adventurous, and active woman who is ready to make a statement no matter where she is.

What would you never live without?

All of the essentials; surf boards, art supplies, various textiles acquired throughout my travels, to name a few… driftwood paintings I’ve made while living on Block Island serve as a reminder of how I’m inspired by the ocean and elements found in nature.

What is your go-to artist to get the creative juices flowing?

This summer my theme song has been ‘Kings of Summer’ by Ayokay.

If you could offer advice to the next generation of entrepreneurs, what would that be?

Set goals. Never stop striving to be better. Stay positive. Trust your struggle. Surround yourself with people who inspire and encourage you to achieve your dreams. #goodvibesonly

The post The Newporter: Katie Imswiler appeared first on Living with Libby.

This year Libby Kirwin Real Estate has built a strong bond with Movement Mortgage. After their Rhode Island team spoke at our company meaning, all agents were instantly intrigued with the Movement business model and their generosity back to the community. We sat down with lender Matt Kelly to discuss the business and to seek advice for our readers.

1. Tell us a little bit about how you got into mortgage business?

I played basketball regularly with an executive at a mortgage company who said my personality would be a great fit. I was hesitant because I heard some bad things about the industry and had some preconceived ideas about how things worked but quickly realized that you could be successful by doing things the right way and treating customers properly. I stuck to that idea and haven’t looked back since!

2. What is the most common problem clients run into when applying for a mortgage? How can that problem be avoided?

The biggest mistake is taking advice from too many people or from the wrong people. I don’t know how many times I have customers tell me “this guy at the gym said….” Or “I was talking to a stranger at the grocery store and they think….”. You have to trust the advice of your mortgage professional especially if they came referred by your real estate agent. If at the end of the day you don’t trust them enough to explain things and get you the best deal possible, then it might be time to switch lenders.

3. How do you think Movement Mortgage is set apart from companies?

Movement Mortgage just thinks about things differently. I personally feel that there is a general attitude across the industry that the customers owe something to the banks and they should be grateful for the loan they’re receiving. I think the company I work for does the opposite of that. We are grateful for every customer we receive and will do everything we can possibly do to properly serve that customer and then in-turn use our success to serve our communities. My company is built on that foundation of doing things the right way with our customers and our communities and everything else will naturally fall into place.

4. What is your greatest tip for future home owners?

Have the right combination of real estate agent and mortgage professional! Let us work for you and guide you through the process. We’re here to help.

5. If you were to live anywhere in Newport, where would it be and why? 

Those mansions on Ocean Drive look awfully nice but realistically I would choose the Fifth Ward. I love that it’s a beautiful little area that is quiet but is still very close to downtown. I rented there once a few years ago and have always thought about going back.

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

After Living with Libby sat down with Newport real estate agent Lauren Mailloux, we realized that this fierce woman has a love for decadence!

LWL: Where did you grow up?

LM: I grew up in Portsmouth, RI, which was actually voted the “The best city in every state if you want to buy a home” by Business Insider.

LWL: If you could live anywhere in Newport, where would you live?

LM: Can you live in the Breakers?

LWL: If you weren’t living in Rhode Island now, where else in the world would you want to live?

LM: I would be living in New York City. I try to visit as much as I can.

LWL: Where is your favorite place to shop in Newport?

LM: Royal Male, both locations.

LWL: What is your favorite restaurant?

LM: This is tough. Fluke has been one of my favorite restaurants since I was in high school. My order is usually: the Fluke Sunset Cocktail and Bacon Wrapped Dates and Crispy Wellfleet Oysters to start. Then the Pan Seared Scallops for my entrée, and then Goat’s Cheesecake for dessert.

On the contrary, my love affair with the Clarke Cooke House is so real. You cannot go wrong with an Espresso Martini, the Candy Store Burger, and a Snowball in Hell.

LWL: Your favorite memory during a summer in Newport?

LM: Far too many! The Folk Festival, random weekend raft-ups, and Newport Polo in Portsmouth are always fun. I went skydiving in Middletown this past summer which was incredible.

LWL: What was the last thing you Googled?

LM: Women’s ski-suits for a ski trip later this month.

LWL: What is your favorite interior design trend?

LM: A gallery wall of art and photos, and a pop of fun wallpaper.

LWL: What is your goal for 2017?

LM: Work-Work-Work, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and travel to as many new places as possible!

The post The Newporter: Lauren Mailloux appeared first on Living with Libby.

Living with Libby visited Farmaesthetics in Newport, Rhode Island to discuss the latest in natural beauty trends. Founder, Brenda Brock, opens up about the usefulness of her products and the long term benefits for your mind and skin.

The Inhalation Oils are very attractive. How are these best used? I created these organic oil blends to be most impactful when used in a hot bath soak or in a vapor tent ( a vapor tent is when you place a couple of drops of oil in palm of hands, then hold to the face while deeply breathing) to redirect any imbalanced thinking or emotions, which can so profoundly influence our well-being.

Could you tell us about moment in you life you needed them the most? When my father died, I made Dreaming Oil for my Mother. She would place a few drops on her hankie, and tuck it beneath her pillow at night. The therapeutic scents comforted and calmed her fears so she could get meaningful rest, which is so important to managing grief. My need to do all I could, on every level, to help comfort my Mom, led me to a whole new way of understanding and utilizing the therapeutic powers inherent in herb and flower oils.

The Handmade Rainwater Bath & Beauty Bar Soaps are beautifully colorful and have aromas that bring you close to mother earth. If a customer was looking to purchase a few for entertaining home visitors, which ones would you suggest and why? Among my favorites are Cinnamon Rose, Field Lavender and Rosehip & Vetiver, but I absolutely love our Saltwater Rain Organic Bath & Beauty Bar the most. I was inspired by the clean scents of a seaside cottage garden in summertime; geraniums, saltwater air, garden roses, seaweed, mint…. It’s a favorite recipe of mine and if I might brag a bit, The Wall St Journal Fashion and Beauty Editor agreed, naming it to their “best of summer” list…

The Pink Petal Roses Solar Salt, you expressed to me that this product was one of your best sellers. What’s your ideal home bath experience you could suggest to your customers? Any specific oils to match, your favorite book, maybe a glass of wine? I love to go all pink sometimes; in fact I created a pink rose treatment for our spa, The Retreat at Castle Hill by Farmaesthetics, called Rose Immersion; but you can absolutely recreate at home. Take time for yourself with a Farmaesthetics Pink Petal Rose Mineral Bath Soak, to destress and detox the mind and body. Best taken with a glass of Pink Champagne, a gorgeous Linnea Lights Rosepetal candle, and a liberal application of our Organic Sweet Soy, Rose & Geranium Body Oil.

The Complexion Conserve Remedy Reserve Serum is a product that was gifted to all the women at our Living with Libby holiday party. It’s a total obsession. Is there any secret application processes we (women) could use with mixing make-up? This is a versatile, multipurpose treatment serum that I created for the face and neck, but also for adding to your moisturizer to boost the skin smoothing, regenerative properties. So when applying moisturizer – at night or under makeup; in an oil, lotion or cream- like Farmaesthetics Nutrient Dense Fine Facial Oil, Nourishing Lavender Milk or Nourishing Herbal Cream, just add a small amount of Complexion Conserve to boost the skin tightening, brightening benefits. This is a powerful skin plumping formula not only for the face, but for use on hands. It’s very important to pay attention to your hands!

The Fine Herbal Cleanser, I feel like I have seen this product all over social media and magazines. Have you have any experience with celebrities and your products? We are really proud to have many celebrity clients; from movie stars, models and athletes, to politicians, socialites and musicians…and although we would love to shout it from the rooftops, we are respectful of people’s privacy and tend to stay pretty quiet about who we have the privilege of providing Farmaesthetics products and services.

The post The Newporter: Brenda Brock of Farmaesthetics appeared first on Living with Libby.

LWL: Where did you grow up?
SR: Southern California- small (ish) town of Moorpark.

LWL: If you could live anywhere in Newport, where would you live?
SR: At Castle Hill! I always feel like I am at the edge of the universe when I am at the waterfront there.

LWL: If you weren’t living in Rhode Island now, where else in the world would you want to live?
SR: I have to admit, a place where it’s warm and sunny year round. Love the Island and the connectedness the community brings, but the winter weather is a big adjustment.

LWL: Where is your favorite place to shop on Aquidneck Island?
SR: Before we lived here, we came here and ordered a wedding present for friends of ours who were getting married. We bought them a custom ceramic tray with the words of their wedding invite, a timeless treasure that I found at Primavera on Bowen’s Wharf.

LWL: What is your favorite restaurant? 
SR: I could eat at Midtown Oyster Bar almost any day of the week! I love the ahi tuna tacos! Off Island, Al Forno! It’s the place I choose for every celebration. I love red wine, it goes with everything, but in the summer, I will enjoy a cocktail at Midtown with watermelon juice.

LWL: You favorite summer activity on Aquidneck Island?
SR: Early evenings potlucking with friends and watching the kids play at Second Beach.

LWL: What was the last thing you Googled?
SR: Do you really want to know?! It was capital gains question for taxes

LWL: What is your favorite interior design trend?
SR: I am very much loving herringbone and also the reclaimed wood design for backsplash in showers.

LWL: What is your goal for 2017?
SR: To strike the best balance possible between work and play.

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2018 has been off to a roaring start for LKRE and the energy alive in our office is so inspiring. Our team continues to expand, most recently with the addition of Miss Mara Terchunian.

Mara’s focus at LKRE is in both the rental property division and design division (LKRDC). She has a strong sense of style, a desire to curate, and is a skilled stager which has proven to compliment our current initiatives beautifully. Below, a quick Q&A for you to MEET MARA. To contact Mara, send her a note (mara.terchunian@libbykirwin.com) or give her a ring (631.902.7082). Welcome, Mara!

Where did you grow up and why Newport?

I’m originally from Westhampton Beach, New York. I’ve always been drawn to the water and while on the hunt for colleges, I simply fell in love with Newport! I haven’t left since! 

Tell us a little bit about your work with LKRE.

My focus at LKRE is with the rental property division and design work for LKRDC. I work hard on finding lasting relationships between tenants and landlords as well as help making spaces beautifully livable. My favorite part of the job is finding people a space that they can walk in and love while making all the nitty gritty of life comfortable and organized. 

We’re not the only real estate shop in town! Why LKRE?

I joined LKRE because everyone here truly believes in finding properties that fit not just their client’s life today, but a place that will evolve with them overtime, and will do so beautifully and comfortably as well. 

Three words you believe are synonymous with LKRE and its culture?

Vibrant, Elegant and Timeless 

Thank you, Melissa Quintal Photography for your beautiful captures of Mara. Your work shines, as always!

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