travel :: Rhode Island

I always get emails from people about travel in Rhode Island and I have never had as much to say about it as I do now, so I figured it was time for a blog. I don't know if you noticed but our tiny state is having it's moment with the Ocean House (in Watch Hill, RI) on the cover of Traveler Magazine and I just got an email saying that Travel and Leisure listed it as one of the top five places in the WORLD... go RHODE ISLAND!

We live in a small community called Matunuck and while it's a terrific place, because of schools, nature, pond-ocean-pool trifecta it's not a hot-spot for lots going on... it's more of a place where you would rent a beach house, hang out at your house or the beach and visit the Ocean Mist for an occasional bar-on-th-beach type thing. We also have a nice pizza place (that doesn't have regular hours but if they happen to be open it's a terrific pizza place!) called La Strada - which is also on the beach. And we also happen to have a good surf spot which I think I am supposed to keep quiet (email me!). Our most-busy spot is the Matunuck Oyster Bar, you may have tried the oysters at fancy restaurants in the city, but you can get them FRESH here in Matunuck!

We are lucky to have an abundance of favorite places to go... it wasn't always like this and in the last couple of years there have been terrific things popping up here and there that I just can't wait to get back to!

Castle Hill Inn lawn

NEWPORT, RI - The first time I went over the bridges to get to Newport I fell in love with Rhode Island and I knew we were going to stay here. They are so beautiful it makes the drive delightful every time, we sing the "lighthouse keeper" song and it's just breath-taking. We have our old favorites like 41 North - which is a hotel, where you can sit outside and have cocktails with heavy hitters of the boat world (I like to take my Swedish cousins here because it's always a bit crazy with the big boats!). But a new favorite, which just opened is the Midtown Oyster Bar - we had a wonderful dinner and the newly built restaurant is a really nice structure, soaring ceilings and decks everywhere - it gets crowded so go on the weekdays or make a reservation.

Castle Hill Inn

Just a step out of Newport is Castle Hill Inn on Ocean Drive (take the drive for gorgeous views and beautiful homes). Castle Hill Inn is our new favorite spot, with deck chairs outside (with drink service!) lawn games, cliffs and a really beautiful bar and restaurant with amazing food. If you want a real New England picture perfect holiday this is your place! You can stay in the Inn or rent out a cabin, there are quite a few options and all have authentic, beautiful details! If you hear people talking about this place - believe whatever they say.. it's gorgeous! (I like it better for a visit than the Ocean House, it's more contained and has a rustic charm that is true to Rhode Island). If you are in Rhode Island for the weekend come to Castle Hill Inn for Sunday Brunch (live jazz and views forever!) don't bother planning anything for the rest of the day, this is all you need!

Cottages at Castle Hill Inn

I really like the Tennis Hall of Fame as well, they have lots of events going on so if you are in town see if it's going to be open for anything - grass court tennis at it's best! Recently, the GOOP website put up a post on Newport which was very good - I agree with all her suggestions Newport makes for a great trip.

JAMESTOWN, RI - On your way to Newport you will travel through another island called Conanicut where you will find Jamestown - we love a simple place in Jamestown called Slice of Heaven it's the perfect place for simple and excellent food for breakfast or lunch, in the style where you place your order and get a number and find a table.. but seriously good food, try the fish nanwich - I will drive miles for this sandwich! You can even take a boat that will drop you off in Newport, just in case you are dying to get yourself in the water. Don't miss your chance to climb on some rocks and burn some energy at Beaver Tail (if you look across the water you will see Castle Hill Inn-you may need binoculars!). Also great in Jamestown is the Village Hearth Bakery and the pizza on Sundays (from 4-7) perfect for home made sandwiches and great coffee or try their home made Chai - but the greatest pizzas! (only on sunday)

medelise is the best surf coach in Rhode Island and my new (old) board

NARRAGANSETT, RI - The Narragansett beach is a terrific beach and kids love it for it's shallow easy water for kids and great for making sand castles (some beaches have the big waves that crash on top of you - like our Matunuck Beach). We like to go very early in the morning to miss the crowds (8am) and do some surfing. Part of this beach is marked off for surfers and most often has a nice break. On your way from Jamestown to Narragansett you will pass by Casey Farm, they have a great farmers market (seriously the best in the area) on Saturdays from 9-12:30 - we surf and then go for the amazing tacos by Tallulah on Thames tacos! yum!

Traveling South from Narragansett to Watch Hill you will pass by Daves Coffee... BEST Coffee! (by far, there is no one else who can make coffee in Rhode Island, trust me!) so if you need your java this is your spot, and the only spot!

beaches forever! Watch Hill Beach

WATCH HILL, RI - I have written a few times about my favorite place the Olympia Tea Room, and this year it was even better (maybe new chef?) have a great dinner and then make your way over to the dunes for a great photo-op - if you are friends with me on Instagram you know what I'm talking about.. you will get yourselves the BEST photos ever! This quaint little town is also home to The Ocean House - which is a grand hotel, newly rebuilt, and it's absolutely grand! Large decks, a beach that is one of the most beautiful I have seen and an authentic "Library" for cocktails. Across the street visit the church - the interior is amazing! and last but not least one of the oldest merry-go-round in existence.

If you are looking for good antique shops you can come to our town, Wakefield - our favorite is Verdigris (next to the Alternative Food Co-op) or if you want a top rate liquor store (also a good one in Charlestown) - Wakefield Liquors.

Then there is the town of Westerly, which isn't on my radar at the moment... so we don't go often. But come and enjoy Rhode Island this summer - it's sure to not disappoint you! and email me if you want any specifics, I love to talk about Rhode Island!

the Summer SALE is ON!

End of SEASON SALE is ON... check the website and all prices are marked...

all sales final - return for exchange or store credit

shop NOW!

Pinterest and more...

I will admit, I am a frequent pinner... If you visit my pinterest board (nonchalantmom) you will go crazy. I have lots of favorites and I use Pinterest for so many things.. on a rainy day I go to my CRAFT board and have the kids pick out their favorite craft project and we make it! When I want to make a special dinner and I'm not getting enough ideas from Bon Apetite magazine or Martha Stewart (love them both for great recipes!) I check out my FOOD board on pinterest and find something new that I can make and I am sure it will always have a nice photo (I almost hate making a recipe if I can't see a photo of how it's supposed to look!). When I get bored with our house I go to my various boards "For the Home" or "Dream House" or "Things I Like - home"... I have lot's of home boards because I have used them for my home-design projects (if you want me to overhaul your home just drop me an email! - but watch out.. I might have you making some BIG changes). But you can see where I am going... I even have a board for "My Style" with things I would like... if I could do/have them all...

The night I found this illustration we passed it around to the family and we all thought it was wonderful! I am endlessly fascinated but other cultures, and mostly the fact that other cultures are so different than ours. Chalk it up to my extended family in Sweden but I KNOW that the United States is not the center of the universe... too many Americans feel this way and if everyone got out to travel more often I think there would be more compassion for others. whew... got that off my chest... didn't mean for this to get heavy on you there... Enjoy and share with all you know, these are delightful!

I found the original site that posted this great Illustration and it's a site called Maptia, click here to see the post on their blog. I haven't used the Maptia tool but it does look interesting if you are a traveler. This was posted on their blog - but don't miss a visit to their site and check it out to see if it's something you can use... and then tell me if you do!

fathers day is on it's way!

We have to think ahead a bit for Fathers Day, each year my husband is in Switzerland with his gallery during Fathers Day for Art Basel (follow him on Instagram as he makes his way though the Art shows: @aureuscontemporary ) We like to shove a few things into his suitcase for a tiny surprise while he is away. So here are some of our favorite things right now for Fathers Day.

fathers day gift ideas from top left: APC handbag, Dram Apothecary bitters make all your drinks and cocktail making that much better!, Junya Wantanabe handbag,  HOPE sunglasses, U-NI-TY pocket square, Robert Geller bar bracelet, a nice handmade whiskey go to your local liquor store and get some tips, My FAVORITE mens products are by Ursa Major - this kit gives your Dad a chance to try it all (and don't miss trying them for yourself!)

The Soma Water Filter - I know this may not sound like a Fathers Day gift, but trust me it's a nice gift for the whole family and sometimes that's the best gift for Dads too! I found ours at Heath Ceramics but you can probably find them online from other folks.

I think the new Bon Appétit magazine is just great and I feel like it has sort of a Men's-attitude, could be the editor Adam Rapoport. This travel issue was one of my favorites! (I'll listen to anyone talk about food and travel!!)

Have a Happy Fathers Day and most of all spend it together (because we're not... :(

LOTS going ON at NonchalantMOM!

We have taken our first markdowns of the season... don't miss them... and also Wovenplay swim is 20% off (for a short time) and don't miss the last week of our Kallio SALE!

SO much fun in ONE place...

shop Layla here
shop Tuss here
shop nico nico here
shop Wovenplay here
shop Kallio here

shop NonchalantMOM here!

Back IN STOCK! - recycled Thai textile bags

We are now stocked up on these great recycled Thai bags, last summer we quickly sold out but we have more in-stock now! plus we added these great large beach bags! I love them both for toting general goods. I don't know about you but we tote here and there and then back again so a big bag is essential!

have fun with the handmade goods Thai recycled bags!

visit our Pop-UP with Kallio

When I met Karina Kallio I knew we would work together, besides the fact that we have the same name (!!) I loved that she was doing. For her namesake collection she takes vintage shirts and makes one-of-a-kind kids clothing. I thought it would be fun if we do a Pop-Up together! 10-12 vintage shirts that have been lovingly re-created into dresses! Each piece made in one size (as listed) and your little girl can have her very own re-creation dress!

In each style you can see the work that Karina has put into each piece, finding a way to use the shirting details to their strengths. Shirt-tail hems, button plackets that button up the back for easy venting and a whimsical detail.

One of our favorites is this shirt dress! possibly the closest to the original but she still manages to slip in her fun details like - shirt-tail hem, roomy pockets the collar is left as is and makes a cute over-sized shirt collar for girls!

Karina makes good use of chambray shirts in these denim dresses that are soft and easy for kids! shirt-tail hems, buttons up the back and shirt cuffs.

The beach dress is easy and perfect for summer, with adjustable ties , button up the front and a shirt pocket at front. Karina has taken care in choosing trims with a sense of humor and juxtaposing stripes and solids... This may inspire you to make your own re-purposed dress! I hope so.... get your sewing machine out!

Visit our Pop-Up Kallio shop HERE and remember, it's just here for 2-WEEKS and then it's gone (that's why we call it Pop-Up!) - The Kallio sale will be over June 13th!

shop Kallio on Nonchalantmom HERE

and watch out for MORE Pop-Ups happening at Nonchalantmom we are planning some fun things for you but keep your eye on the ball!

Jao products

There is a story here.... a friend gave me a tube of goe oil about a year back and I used it from time to time, I hadn't really read the label closely and I didn't realize how natural and 'clean' from loads of ingredients this oil was until we were on a vacation in Florida recently. It was the only cream I packed and when sun-burn and general sun-dry skin hit us I reached for the goe oil! Franny happens to have this kind of skin that gets a rash from everything synthetic or not natural (I kind of love that...) okay so her sensitive skin matched with sun-burned sensitive skin, well let's just say I was a bit worried about trying this new thing on her skin - not only was it perfect, she loved it and asked for it each morning and night, it soothed her burn and felt GREAT!

I followed suit very quickly and now it's all I use on my entire body (and hair) every since! I love the scent, the amazing softness and I just like the way it comes out of the tube in a slightly thick form and then melts into your skin... it feels great! It just takes a little bit and it goes a long way... it's the perfect summer all over, for the entire family, oil. The fact that it soothes the sun burn is the best part!

Goe oil has been written up in the NY Times (see below) and I love what they had to say too!

Jao products were created by a father/daughter team - which I like - they are determined to keep things close to their heart. These products are made in the USA and 100% natural, you will find hundreds of uses for you and your family.

give it a try and I KNOW you will like it... we also use ALL the products now, we keep the bugs away with patio mist - I roll-on the scent and keep that in my purse all the time! (it's very light and incense-like scent is my favorite!) and there is more to come... I promise this line of products will grow with us!

shop Jao products here...

New Lucky Fish

New Lucky Fish is rolling in, but brace yourself I don't have as much as I would like, in other words if you see something you like -- get it Fast!

Jann and I had a bit of a mishap -- this happens sometimes.. "when are you going to ship my order" I said and she said "I already did.. Months ago" then I said "I don't have it" and there it started, I got left in the dust! Lucky she's a good friend or I would have been worried!

So we pulled this together.. It's a bit of a trunk show.. More will arrive as fast as she can make them.. So stay tuned..

Oh the joys of small business.. But that's life you know... 

These are some of my favorites so I am very happy!!

Shop now!

Indigo dying and Tie Dye

Instagram shot - follow me @nonchalantmom

Well this is something I have been waiting to do for YEARS (so you are not alone in putting this off forever) and I figured mothers day weekend was the perfect time. I had bought the kit LONG ago, so I was all ready. I had been putting items that I wanted to dye into a bag for years, so I had about 5-6 shirts including some of my husbands - they were washing mistakes, things I spilled on etc...

kids creations!

It was perfect to be outside and dye, we had enough to do about 20 shirts so we also made some tie-dye, they had so much fun with that.. when they open up their creation -- they LOVE it!

It's pretty darn easy and I don't know why I put it off for so long, you have to give it time though, there is a lot of 'stir the vat, then let it sit for an hour' type thing. We just followed the directions, the pieces that we wanted darker we just dyed a few more times. When we were done, we had the neighbors come over and dye too!! (you don't want it to go to waste.. it's so fantastic!)

If you don't want to go into the indigo dye, you could easily do the same with a Rit dye - I would just do all my blacks... more black...!

Have fun!

stir it up!

Happy Mothers Day!!

Love to all mamas!! Glad there is a day to sit back and share the love with your family and friends!!

Happy MOthers Day!!

love mom... mothers day special!

 15% off - sitewide* use code: 'lovemom'

(*not included: personalized jewelry, hollie & harrie sun shades, w//r//f lab ceramics)

www.nonchalantmom.com

one family / one car

lone car in the driveway

For the past, well it's almost two years now, we have had just one car in our family. I wish I could say this was out of some stewardship of ecology but no, it was because of my silly mistake, my selfish idea that I could have my ultimate car... but then that car only worked for 6 months, now it's sitting at our local 'garage' (which happens to be called "Pitchers Garage" - yea, I'd like to pitch it at this point!). Anyone looking for a Mercedes wagon 1992 300TE navy blue with camel interior - yes the perfect car, which sorely needs a new engine - email me. Can I add what a GREAT feeling that was for 6 months! kids loved the jump seat in the back, I actually felt like I had to get a bit dressed up to drive around in it, it made going to anyplace at all such a DELIGHT. Unfortunately it came at the beginning of a time that we could not sink money into fixing it, so there it sits.

I know this story was not going to be about MY car but when it comes up I must take a moment to wax-on about my beautiful car. For the last two years I have been eating it -- every time we could use a second car, every time I want to go someplace while my husband has the car with my son at soccer - I eat it. But I have to say that it DID come around to a learning experience, a realization that yes, you CAN just have one car per family, it's not easy but it can be fun.

Maybe fun is not the word, there are numerous times when I walked out to the driveway to hop in my car to run an errand only to realize, um... I have no car. My husband travels a lot, this helps, he has hardly noticed we only have one car. We both work from home, you may think this helps but it doesn't. At the beginning of the day we usually announce what errands we need the car for throughout any given day. "I am going into town, post office, grocery store - let me know if you need anything". A movie presents a special little problem, make sure you don't need the car for about three hours! It's usually on the weekends with soccer for the kids and other things that I start to hope that some day we might have another car. Meanwhile, it's driving, dropping off, running an errand as fast as possible or taking your time... trying to fit it into the pick-up time.

Here's the joy, from time to time, you drive together to do something... now, I ask you, when do you do THAT when you have two cars!! In my memory, never! I don't know in the end if it is helpful, economical, or saves anything... but it is an exercise in communication, patience, and time management so that can be a good thing!

For now, I am hoping to get another car, it just feels like a bit of craziness in my life that I don't think I need. One of these days I will be able to fix my Mercedes... it's STILL my favorite car!

for a short time... Lucky Fish 20% off

20% off Lucky Fish - use code: 'luckyfish'

for a short time....

lucky fish baby

lucky fish kids

lucky fish woman