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Find Your Fundati

By | Inside Rhody, restaurant, Whats Happening | No Comments

Nestled in the heart of Lincoln, Fundati Coffee serves more than just coffee, it offers a unique experience to those who journey through its doors. The shop’s name, “Fundati” comes from the Latin word meaning “to be grounded; stable.” Not only do the coffee beans Fundati brews and serves come from the ground, its owner, Alicia, has created a space where visitors can feel grounded—a place to “Find Your Fundati.”

The business is founded upon four main pillars: experience, quality, community, and sustainability. Fundati is dedicated to serving high-quality products and delivering a premium coffee experience. They use fresh ingredients that they small-batch cook, bake, and prepare on-site to provide wholesome food and beverage options, and this coffee shop even features a pour-over bar. Although the pour-over method of brewing coffee requires more time and care than typical large batch approaches, it allows Fundati to achieve an unparalleled standard of quality and flavor. This technique eliminates the bitterness and acidity that often accompanies large-batch brews. At Fundati, each and every cup is brewed on-the-spot, in a small batch, just for you.

In addition to offering a range of coffee products and refreshing beverages, Fundati’s kitchen serves up a variety of delicious food products. Whether you are craving a fresh-baked good like a handheld waffle, breakfast like their burrito, or a wholesome bowl like their salads or overnight oats, they have a variety of options all made fresh on site. Craving a cocktail and nice atmosphere by evening? Fundati is also open Friday and Saturday from 5 – 9 pm for specialty cocktails, wine & beer, charcuterie, and appetizers. If you thought it couldn’t get better, there is always live music during their evenings! Stay tuned for spring and summer as they expand seating into their outdoor patio.

A major part of the inspiration for the business stemmed from a desire to create a space where those within the community could gather and feel grounded, together. The team at Fundati is not merely driven by a passion for the products, they genuinely care about their customers. Owner, Alicia, wants guests to feel comfortable, content, and satisfied during their time at Fundati. She wants people to come to Fundati for more than just a cup of coffee or a quick bite, she aims to offer guests a happy place—a space that brings a sense of zen, positivity, and joy to everyone who walks through its doors.

Fundati holds sustainability near-and-dear. From production to distribution, the Fundati team ensures that each part of their business operates in an eco-conscious way. By roasting our beans on-site with the Bellwether, the only zero-emission coffee roaster in the state, sourcing environmentally-friendly materials, relying on a small-batch production process, and composting, Fundati weaves sustainability into all of their practices.

With high-quality ingredients, a community-oriented mission, and a passion for sustainability, Fundati delivers a unique experience that you cannot find at just any ordinary coffee shop. Next time you seek to feel grounded, come on down to Fundati. There is nothing like a delicious cup of coffee paired with good conversation and good music to help you find your zen. Follow Fundati on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about the Fundati Coffee experience.

Fundati Coffee
Order online for quick pick up!
https://www.fundaticoffee.com/

HOURS
Monday – Friday: 7am – 3pm
Saturday & Sunday: 8am – 3pm
1525 Old Louisquisset Pike,
Lincoln, RI 02865

8 Plants That Will Boost Your Curb Appeal

By | Inside Rhody, outdoors, Whats Happening | No Comments

The weather is getting warmer, which means it’s time to get started on growing your garden again! Start your season off strong by cleaning up your garden and watch your plants (and home value) begin to grow.

Don’t know where to start? Here are a few plant varieties you can start pant in April that can withstand the changing temperatures:

Flowers and Shrubs

  • Hydrangea – This shrub is great for smaller spaces, it can grow in full sun or partial shade and blooms light green flowers in the spring that turn pink in the summer.
  • Happy Face – This bush blooms bright yellow flowers that require low maintenance, drought tolerant once established, requires full sun, stands two to three feet in height.
  • Forsythia – This plant is excellent for fence borders and foundation areas, bright yellow flowers that require full sun and lots of watering, and grow up to six feet in height.
  • Viburnum – This plant is a great choice for hedges and borders, blooms pretty white flowers in the spring and berries in the summer, great in full sun or partial shade.

Trees

  • Paperbark Maple – This tree can grow to be 30-40 feet tall, prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade, exfoliates bark, and looks burgundy, bronze, and red in the fall.
  • Weeping Katsura – This tree is known for its heart-shaped leaves, emerges in the spring with red and purple and transitions to bluish-green in the summer, and smells like a brown sugar and cinnamon fragrance in autumn.
  • Tupelo – This firey red and pumpkin orange tree produces irresistible nectar to bees, makes the famous tupelo honey, stands 30-50 feet tall and 20-30 feet wide, and requires full sun or partial shade.
  • Japanese Stewartia – This tree stands 20-40 feet tall, blossoms pure white with bright orange anthers, and turns yellow, red, and purple in the fall.

What You Can Do To Prepare

  1. Start your cleanup of the lawn and begin planting beds.
  2. Remove broken or diseased branches from plants.
  3. Pick up a handful of soil, if it falls apart you can start digging.
  4. Fertilize trees and shrubs at the beginning of the month.
  5. Have fun and enjoy the nice weather.

Looking for more guidance? Violet Hill Landscaping and Nursery has you covered! Located in Warwick, RI, Violet Hill is dedicated to delivering creative designs and installation with minimal disruptions. Whether your property needs renovation, restoration, or a complete makeover, Violet Hill is your answer.

Visit www.violethilllandscaping.com for more information or give them a call (401) 738-1077.

Violet Hill Landscaping and Nursery
60 Knight Street
Warwick, RI 02886
(401) 738-1077
violethills@verizon.net
Hours of Operation
Monday – Saturday
7:00am – 4:00pm

Touring The Ocean State

By | activities, Inside Rhody, Whats Happening | No Comments

Spring has sprung! It’s time to get outside and enjoy all the wonderful outdoor attractions that Rhode Island has to offer. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to take the kids or searching for the perfect date night spot, the Ocean State truly has something for everyone and every occasion.

Get your steps in as you take in amazing views at Newport Cliff Walk

As the weather gets warmer and the sun shines brighter, there is no better time to go for a hike on the water. Looking for an easy, scenic hike along the coast? The Newport Cliff Walk is a 3.5-mile trail that is suitable for all ages and features beautiful ocean views at every turn!

Cliff Walk, Newport

Fun for the whole family at Roger Williams Zoo

With 8 exhibits and 160 species, the Roger Williams Zoo offers visitors the chance to get up and close to some of the most fascinating species in the world. This beloved attraction is a favorite among children and tons of fun for the whole family!

1000 Elmwood Ave, Providence

A romantic spring night at Rustic Drive-In

Need ideas for your next date night? How does a movie under the stars sound? Rustic Drive-In has opened for the season and is the perfect place to take your special someone for a night on the town.

1195 Eddie Dowling Hwy, North Smithfield

An active afternoon with your four-legged friend at Lincoln Woods State Park

Spanning over 627 acres of land, Lincoln Woods State Park is one of northeastern Rhode Island’s greatest gems. Whether you like to swim, fish, hike, or mountain bike, there is no limit to the possibilities at this park. It is also an ideal place to take your furry friends for a stroll.

2 Manchester Print Works Rd, Lincoln

The Woods Yoga

By | fitness, Inside Rhody, Whats Happening | No Comments

Named Providence Journal Readers’ Choice for Best Yoga Studio in 2020 and 2019, The Woods Yoga is the ideal place to begin your journey with yoga. It all started when the studio’s owner, Christine Maguire, launched a yoga-in-the-park program in Northern Providence back in 2016. The program immediately became a wild success—people just kept showing up. As the days grew colder, preventing the program to continue into the winter months, it became clear to Christine that there was an obvious need within the community for a brick-and-mortar space to practice yoga. This inspired Christine to open The Woods in January of 2017.

It wasn’t long before they outgrew the initial space. In 2019, they began construction to expand the studio, while remaining on the original property at Limerock Center. Not only does the new space include a huge reception area suited for mingling with fellow classmates, but it also features an in-house shop offering a variety of yoga essentials and unique, USA-made, specialty products.

Although the studio is offering limited capacity classes in accordance with CDC guidelines, they understand that many of their clients may not feel comfortable coming into the studio just yet. To address this, The Woods offers free online, on-demand, classes. In addition to posting a variety of video classes to their website, the studio also provides private and virtual shopping sessions, with the option to have products from the shop delivered straight to your door.

When it comes to classes, The Woods has it all. It is primarily a vinyasa studio, meaning they practice a kind of yoga that flows breath to movement. Vinyasa is not a stationary practice—it is athletic and challenging, and each class is a comprehensive practice that incorporates the entire body. Whether you’re looking to build muscle or work on yourself spiritually, The Woods offers a range of classes that are guaranteed to help you achieve your goals. From their Gentle Yoga + Guided Meditation and Mindfulness Yoga classes centered around relaxation, to their Sculpt and Strengthen classes focused on fitness, there is truly something for everyone.

Christine’s husband, Anthony DiLugio, is one of the studio’s main instructors and has pioneered several fitness-focused classes at The Woods. From training NFL teams to A-list celebrities, Anthony has a highly impressive background in the fitness and yoga industry. The internationally-known trainer developed the studio’s Kettlebell Cardio and Strengthen Yoga classes, which are designed to make the body stronger and more resilient. The Strengthen Yoga program is an integrated concept—it incorporates kettlebells, suspension, and traditional yoga movements to help build physical strength, which in turn, enables one to practice yoga more safely and effectively.

Christine and Anthony have built more than just a yoga studio, they have created a unified, highly-supportive, and welcoming community. The Woods is a sacred, safe space where people can come together and engage in this healing practice that is both physical and spiritual. It is a place where people of all ages and fitness levels can enjoy the benefits of yoga without fear of judgment of any kind. Clients leave the studio with more than just a sense of peace, they leave with newfound friendships and acquaintances.

If you are completely new to yoga, the team at The Woods urges you to set aside any doubts you may have, come into the studio, and simply give it a try. They encourage you to leave your worries at the door and immerse yourself in the peaceful bubble that is The Woods Yoga. Visit www.thewoodsyoga.com today to learn more.

HOURS
Monday, Thursday, Sunday: 6am – 7pm
Tuesday, Wednesday: 6am – 8:30pm
Friday: 7:30am -7pm
Saturday: 8am – 5:30 pm
1525 Old Louisquisset Pike, Lincoln, RI 02865

HOT HOT HOT Spring: Get Your Home Ready To Be Sold In The Spring Market

By | business, Inside Rhody, Whats Happening | No Comments

The weather isn’t the only thing heating up this spring.

If you’ve been following William’s & Stuart’s market updates, then you know we’re in the midst of an unprecedented seller’s market. Homes are in high demand, prices have been going up, and the homes that are available are getting sold almost as soon as they’re listed.

With so much time spent at home due to COVID-19, people across the country were forced to reassess their housing situation; including its size, location, and conduciveness to spending quality time at home. There was a large trend towards the suburbs and bigger homes with more rooms, more yard space, and a suitable work-from-home environment. The coastal regions and top suburbs in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts saw an influx of out-of-state buyers, particularly from New York, Connecticut, and California, paying top dollar to settle back into their New England roots and work remotely, while other out-of-state buyers invested in second and vacation homes.

So 2021 is a great year to sell – now how can you as a homeowner maximize value?

Plan now
Selling a home is a process that should be started well in advance if you want to earn the highest sale price possible. It can be intimating at first, but the sooner you get started – the better prepared you’ll be to get the best value for your home as possible.

Declutter your storage areas.
Use your time planning to also clean out your closets, basement, and garage in order to highlight these spaces that are increasingly important to today’s buyers. This is especially important when taking eye-catching photos and when hosting showings. The less space taken up by clutter, the more open your home will feel.

Work with an experienced agent
Now more than ever, sellers are seeking an expert to guide them through one of the most complex and competitive markets we’ve ever seen. An experienced real estate agent can make selling a home easy – helping to navigate through the process, and highlighting value to prospective buyers. The expert agents over at Williams & Stuart have decades of experience doing just that and are committed to supporting you in every way they can.

If you are looking to buy or sell a home, Williams & Stuart can help. Give them a call at 401-942-0200!

williamsandstuart.com
CRANSTON (MAIN OFFICE) | NEWPORT | NARRAGANSETT | PAWTUXET VILLAGE | WARWICK & EAST GREENWICH

RetroBlast- Iggy’s Doughboys and Chowder House

By | food, Inside Rhody, RetroBlast, Whats Happening | No Comments

With locations in Warwick and Narragansett, Iggy’s Doughboys and Chowder House is one of Rhode Island’s most well-loved seafood spots. It all began when the restaurant’s founder, Gaetano Gravino, started picking up shifts at a doughboy shack located on Oakland Beach. When the chance came to buy the shack in 1989, Gravino quickly jumped at the opportunity, and thus, Iggy’s Doughboys and Chowder House was born.

After several years of running Iggy’s, Gravino eventually passed away leaving his son, David, to carry on the legacy. Having made a promise to his father to preserve the family business prior to his passing, David made it his mission to keep the original spirit of the shack alive no matter what. Just as his father was driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, David was constantly seeking new ways to grow the business. David believed that Iggy’s could be more than just a shack. He had a greater vision in mind for the Iggy’s brand.

In 1999, a dining room was added to the Warwick doughboy shack, and in 2000, the Narragansett location opened its doors. Flash forward to 2008, and the original shack in Warwick was renovated from the ground up. Its new aesthetic had a classic New England feel, honoring its Rhode Island roots while complimenting the delicious seafood sold at Iggy’s quite well. Several years later in 2015, Iggy’s expanded once again with the construction of The Boardwalk Restaurant in Warwick, a completely new establishment in Narragansett, and an ice cream shop, Iggy’s Creamery.

Although Iggy’s has come a long way since its days as a small doughboy shack, the essence of the original Iggy’s is very much alive and thriving. Just as in 1989, the red chowder maintains its spot on the menu and is still a favorite among guests. Over the years, Iggy’s has received considerable praise for its flavorful food, earning spots on lists like USA Today’s “Best Clams in Rhode Island” and msn.com’s “America’s Best Seafood Shacks.” Despite the business’s wild success thus far, Iggy’s remains a work in progress and will continue to grow and transform for years to come.

Come try our chowder out for yourself! Both our Warwick and Narragansett locations are open for the season. Visit https://www.iggysri.com/ for more information.

Wise Ways to Manage Your Stimulus Check and Tax Refund

By | Inside Rhody, service, Whats Happening | No Comments

Stimulus checks are back AND it’s tax season! It’s time to figure out what to do with the extra cash sitting in your bank account. If you’re going back and forth wondering if you should save the money or spend it, Dream Builders Financial Services is here to help! Check out their tips to see which choice is right for you:

Invest

  • Pay Off High-Interest-Rate Credit Card Debt – Use your stimulus check or tax refund to pay off credit card debt. The return on your money is equal to the interest rate, plus it’s guaranteed and risk-free.
  • Invest Against Future Expenses and Emergencies – Having cash in a savings account means you don’t have to put another transaction on a credit card for future expenses or emergencies.
  • 401k Contribution – Increase the amount of money you’re contributing to your 401k by investing your check or refund.
  • Help Pay Your 2021 Taxes – Save your stimulus check or tax refund to help pay your taxes for 2021.
  • Save for Retirement – Invest in a traditional or Roth IRA for 2020 (you have until May 17, 2021) or invest for 2021.

Spend

  • Support Local Businesses – Buy gift cards to local stores and restaurants.
  • Little Luxuries – Invest in yourself! Spend some money on something you wouldn’t normally treat yourself to.
  • Give Back to Others – Use your money for others; pay for dinner, buy a gift card and slip it in your neighbor’s mailbox, give your server a generous tip, etc.
  • Shopping – Head out for some needed retail therapy. Some retailers offer promotions around tax season, which makes it even more irresistible!
  • Home Repairs – You’ve been spending a lot of time in your house, which means you’ve been able to notice the little projects that need to be done.
  • Fund Your Hobby – Invest in something you’re interested in that will help take you to a new level and do something you are passionate about.

Dream Builders is dedicated to helping everyone unlock their potential and realize their dreams. Their Life-Centered Planning process begins with understanding who you are, what’s important to you, and how they can help give life to your dreams. Let Dream Builders assist you in finding the best way to use your stimulus check and tax refunds.

Dream Builders Financial Services
https://www.dreambuilder-ri.com/
hello@dreambuilder-ri.com
(401) 241-6693
Life Insurance ~ Annuities ~ Long Term Care Solutions ~ Disability Insurance ~ Retirement Coaching

Traveling Is Uncanceled At Hammetts!

By | Inside Rhody, service, Whats Happening | No Comments

Hammetts Hotel located in Newport, RI is the perfect destination for your next “stay-cation”! With on-site parking and walking distance to plenty of restaurants and shops, this is one of the best places to stay when visiting Newport.

The rooms at Hammetts are beautifully designed with a modern flare. From ocean-facing sunsets to people watching on the bustling streets, there is no such thing as a room without a view. During the summer the boating dock is open for those who want to check out the boats or even dock their own. The lounge and deck is the perfect place to enjoy a drink once the weather becomes warm again.

If art is your thing, Hammetts has its own art gallery. The Sarah Langley Gallery is a celebration of the artistic energy that flows through Newport! The gallery features a rotation of work that showcases art inspired by Newport and the Northeast Region.

During your visit be sure to check out some of the restaurants in the area. Currently, Giusto’s located in Hammett’s hotel is closed due to Covid-19 and will open when it is safe to do so. A quick walk brings you to Bowen’s Wharf and other Newport favorites including Diego’s, Red Parrot, The Black Pearl, and The Mooring Seafood Kitchen and Bar!

Traveling is uncanceled at Hammetts! Hammetts is offering special discounts to Rhode Island residents or people outside of the state who just want to get away for a few days! Rhode Island residents can enjoy a special locals-only offer, and stay for as little as $69 per night. Interested in booking ahead for the summer season? There is a discount on that as well. Anyone who books a stay at Hammetts 90 days in advance will save up to 20%. Lastly, there is the ocean state deal, anyone who books a stay at Hammetts on a Sunday through Thursday will receive 25% off. Book your “stay-cation” today at hammettshotel.com!

Spring Tips For Your Favorite Four-Legged Friends

By | Inside Rhody, Whats Happening | No Comments

Spring is finally here! As the weather gets warmer and you spend more time outside with your pet it is important to check out these tips for their health and safety!

Be careful with flowers

    1. Some flowers are toxic for dogs. Some common plants that are toxic for dogs are azaleas, daffodils, hyacinths, tulips, Lillie’s oleander, and foxglove.
  1. Pets get allergies too
    1. Sometimes seasonal plants can cause allergies. If you notice irritation call your vet!
  2. Protect your pets from fleas and ticks
    1. Consult your vet for proper treatments to repel fleas and ticks before they bite. It is also recommended that you do a quick tick check after heading back indoors. Keep a lint roller handy to quickly remove unwelcomed guests on your pet’s coat.
  3. Identification
    1. Whenever you are outside make sure your pet is wearing their collar with their ID tags! Make sure to double-check that your information is up to date.
  4. Cleaning products
    1. Most cleaning products are toxic to pets. Make sure to store your cleaning products out of reach and in a safe location!
  5. Grooming
    1. As the weather gets warmer make sure to get your pets groomed to keep them comfortable and looking their best.

Check out Diamond Hill Animal clinic for all of your pet’s needs! https://www.diamondhillanimalclinic.com

Spring Home and Garden Tips

By | Inside Rhody, service, Whats Happening | No Comments

Spring is coming and with it, we can take back our outdoor living spaces. This past year, people have been spending more time at home than ever. With a few simple projects, you can turn your backyard into an extension of your home and a new place for you to escape and relax!

  1. Spruce up your backyard with a fire pit
    1. Adding a fire pit to your backyard creates a fun new, socially distanced, hangout spot.
  2. Add torches for some flare
    1. Torches add beautiful ambient lighting to your deck or yard and keep pesky mosquitos away too.
  3. Find your green thumb
    1. Including plants in your yard’s landscaping adds color and makes your outdoor space look more complete. Plants also provide a natural habit for pollinators and insects.
  4. Don’t forget the mulch
    1. Don’t forget to add mulch to your newly planted beds for a much more polished look. Also, mulch protects soil compaction during rainstorms and slows down water evaporation so you don’t need to water as much.

Looking for more inspiration to turn your yard into your own private oasis? Check out outdoor escapes for all of your outdoor living needs! outdoorescapesne.com