Nonchalant Mom News

It was the Summer of 2004, with a rough idea of what I wanted to do and with some amount of courage, I started Nonchalant Mom. It’s hard for me to believe that I’ve come so far with my original idea to create a shop where the focus would be on just about everything the mainstream wasn’t focused on - a place where children’s and women’s fashion would be about the handmade and ethically sourced. Working with other young moms who were creating something good while knowing you had to pay fair, living wages to those who worked for you. I had all of these friends making great things and I knew that everyone would want them if they just knew about them. I knew if I combined a thoughtful shopping experience with information on parenting in a more natural and healthy way that other parents, like me, would want to be a part of it. I know that there is a new and young audience out there who is still craving that information - they want it from a trusted friend, and that’s what I became. When I meet other parent’s now with kids my age I am so humbled by the praise of how they used my information and shopped in my store for themselves and their kids. This “new family” community is so strong and thriving today and it’s so exciting to be a part of it. It’s with great pride that I look back over these last 15 years and say that my idea for something modest, something conscientious, something caring, something creative, and something unique has continued to grow and didn’t buckle under the weight of challenges big and small.

But, now the time has come for me to move on. With my family, I’m going to be moving this Summer. I’ll be moving away from Rhode Island after 15 wonderful years here! With this impending move, I’ve started thinking that it might also be time to move on from my original idea for Nonchalant Mom. My kids are no longer little, both are now teenagers (no more free models) and, with that, my interests have evolved too. I’m finally ready to get back to my own creative endeavors - meaning that I want to return to making my own art and jewelry. It’s not that I think the idea of  Nonchalant Mom is finished, on the contrary, it needs someone NEW to take over the shop, to bring to it a new freshness and spirit. I think it’s time for someone new to put their own fingerprint on it, take it further, and bring it a new life! With that in mind, I’m now seeking someone interested in just that - taking over the business and moving it further forward. There is much
potential for Nonchalant Mom, whether it be in the form of a brick and mortar shop, or online - even BOTH. There is the idea that
Nonchalant Mom can stay here in  Rhode Island in it’s current location, or move on to another location far and wide. The main thing that Nonchalant Mom needs is someone who is looking (just as I was all those years ago) for a challenge. Nonchalant Mom needs someone who has the creative energy and enthusiasm to build something unique. It is perfectly suited for that person who wants something they can call their own, who wants to have their own business, whether it grows BIG or remains modest. Of course, it will help if you have some business acumen. There are many things that can be done with the business, many directions to take it or even rename it, but the base is there. You only have to have a dream and some passion. Nonchalant Mom has grown over the past 14-15 years and now incorporates a following both for the actual shop and in it’s online presence! I’ve met so many wonderful people in this journey and I’ve done much of the hard work
necessary to get it off the ground and gain recognition and loyal following. There’s no definition to the type of person who may want to take this on - you could be young or older, single or married, with or without kids. All it really needs is someone who wants to make something special for the future.  And, maybe most interesting is that it won’t take a lot of money (or at least as much as you might think) to take it over. This business isn’t about money as much as it is about doing something you love and making a difference and creating a
community. I’m really hoping that there might be someone out there with the same kind of principles, and same kind of verve that I have had for the business all these years. And, I’m willing to help you! So, if you think that this might be the thing you have been looking for in your life, then let me know and let’s discuss it. Who knows, it might just be YOUR dream come true...... share this with a friend if you know someone who is looking for something that will be incredibly rewarding in their life!
love, carina

If you like our home, then you will love the home of Meta Coleman!

The home of Meta Coleman was brought to my attention by my sister, we are both big fans of Svenskt Tenn and the Josef Frank textiles. So when my sister came upon the home of Meta Coleman on Cup of Jo she forwarded it to me. She didn't even notice that within the text there was a reference to our mom's *fantastic* waffles (if you don't already use the recipe it's here on my blog). We had a good laugh about the whole thing all the while drooling over Meta's drop-dead gorgeous home!

Turns out we have similar dogs, our kids are close in age and we are both born from Immigrant parents. It's amazing how many people I have found through my shop and the internet who have gone on to become my closest friends. I look forward to a long friendship with Meta too. I encourage anyone to reach out when you find someone who seems to have the same interests as you do - I do it all the time, sometimes I am WAY off... but from time to time it's magic!

our home

Meta's home

I wish my dog had been sitting in front of our photo!! but yea, I'd say we think alike - but I am oh so jealous of her amazing credenza! Read all about Meta and see additional photos of her BEAUTIFUL home in Utah on Cup of Jo.

There's a new AIRSTREAM available

If you're like me anything that has to do with camping and my ears perk up! so when I heard rumblings that there was a new LIGHTER Airstream (it's aptly called NEST) on offer I got pretty excited. And yes, it's true... the cost is approx. $45k which still sounds steep to me, how about you!? They managed to cut the weight in half but not the cost. But at least it's good enough for dreaming.....

It seems just enough room to travel comfortably, well more than comfortably if you ask me! I think I still might have to go for the Scamp! But it looks incredible - see the full story here.

A home renovation that will blow your mind

back of home

yes, if you are like me I am always into a home renovation story - it's impossible for me to skip them but when I took a look at this one I was so impressed. It's as if they left the center of the house and then just added the surrounding outdoor spaces onto it and completely changed the entire home. I can almost picture doing this to any style home - incredibly inspiring. The story was in Dwell magazine here's the complete story.

front elevation

This home is in Austin, Texas so they needed all this outdoor space, it's really the best outdoor space I've seen in a long time. With all the time we spend on our phones etc, we need a more appealing outdoor space and this is IT.

before

after

Crazy right! The couple, two architects, really did their thinking outside of the box - as they say!

see more interior photos and more of the story on Dwell

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

In celebration of International womens day we are offering 20% off sitewide
use code 'womensday' ending at midnight on 3/9/18

a percentage of the proceeds (or all proceeds depending on the items sold - we will take the largest amount we can - for instance I am able to donate much more from my jewelry sold, than I can from other purchases) will be donated to GIRLS WHO CODE - this fantastic non-profit teaches young girls the root of succeeding in the workplace of tomorrow. There is a terrific interview on NPR with the founder, take a listen and it's very interesting to see how this simple work with coding can change the mindset of young girls to succeed and be strong young women.

take this day to educate yourself on how you can be a part of making the future for young girls that has nothing to do with sex and sexism in the workplace.

ARTIST SERIES :: Nikki Juen

opening reception

Friday, February 9th - 5-7pm

drinks, hot tea and light snacks

Nikki Juen is one of our excellently talented local artists who takes every opportunity to share her knowledge through teaching and lecturing. I honestly don't know where she finds the time to create her art as well, but I am sure that it is essential to her process. Nikki is a strategist and national organizer of Brick x Brick, and a founding member of Public Displays of Affection Collective - it's possible you have seen this work with particular focus at the last two Womens Marches of 2017 and 2018 - taking a stand to visually represent the incredible number of social crisis our country is experiencing today. She is also a founding faculty member of the MFA in Graphic Design at Vermont College of Fine Arts her research focuses on the body as media as well as the contemplative mind in higher education. Her classes and workshops explore the development of the individual through the cultural roles of art and design in society.

I am so excited to introduce Nikki's works on paper, join us for an opening reception with the Artist as she will share a cocktail and discuss her process and give us a wider knowledge of her work. Friday, February 9th from 5-7pm and we will continue to show her work through February.

This Artist series began in 2017 when I realized that most of my friends and patrons were Artists and my shop was the perfect showcase for art, in our open and minimal shop. In these winter months when it's cold outside we welcome everyone into our warm shop for some great conversation, laughs and loving camaraderie. I hope you can join us and don't forget to bring your friends.

nonchalantmom

556 Kingstown Road

Wakefield, RI 02879 

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

We look forward to this day in our family, we take the family time (dinner) to do some learning about Dr. Martin Luther King and his values. Last year my daughter was lucky enough to have a teacher at her Middle School who teaches Kingian Nonviolence - in a way that went directly hand in hand with who Franny is as a person, she found this to really ring true with her heart. She asked me to join a monthly parent group which teaches the principles and I can say that it has changed me life as well. I am not far into it yet but the ways of conflict resolution have helped me so much in my home and in my work.

The approach is quite simple, and when you get into it the approach is so well thought out and practical that we can all gain from learning from the ways that Dr. King took to approach nonviolence. I consider myself well educated about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. - I've seen countless movies and show's about him but until I learned from my daughters teacher, Mrs. Robin Wildman, about Kingian Nonviolence, I feel I did not know the essence of what he was doing. Now going back to see, listening to stories, I hear the references to the movement.

The Triple Evils of POVERTY, RACISM and MILITARISM are forms of violence that exist in a vicious cycle. They are interrelated, all-inclusive, and stand as barriers to our living in the Beloved Community. When we work to remedy one evil, we affect all evils. To work against the Triple Evils, you must develop a nonviolent frame of mind as described in the “Six Principles of Nonviolence” and use the Kingian model for social action outlined in the “Six Steps for Nonviolent Social Change.”
(taken from the website: www.thekingcenter.org)

The Six principles of Nonviolence will pull you in but it is the six steps to social change that will help you start to use this method for yourself, in your family and in your community. I will take this opportunity today to learn more and try to pass on more of this social change that we all need today, but most importantly - use this method in your day to day life to create social change in your community.

SIX PRINCIPLES OF NONVIOLENCE
Fundamental tenets of Dr. King’s philosophy of nonviolence described in his first book, Stride Toward Freedom. The six principles include:

1. PRINCIPLE ONE: Nonviolence is a way of life for courageous people. It is active nonviolent resistance to evil.
   It is aggressive spiritually, mentally and emotionally.
   
2. PRINCIPLE TWO: Nonviolence seeks to win friendship and understanding. The end result of nonviolence is redemption and reconciliation.
   The purpose of nonviolence is the creation of the Beloved Community.                                                                                                      
   
3. PRINCIPLE THREE: Nonviolence seeks to defeat injustice not people. Nonviolence recognizes that evildoers are also victims and are not evil people.
   The nonviolent resister seeks to defeat evil not people.
   
4. PRINCIPLE FOUR: Nonviolence holds that suffering can educate and transform. Nonviolence accepts suffering without retaliation.
   Unearned suffering is redemptive and has tremendous educational and transforming possibilities.  
   
5. PRINCIPLE FIVE: Nonviolence chooses love instead of hate. Nonviolence resists violence of the spirit as well as the body.         
   Nonviolent love is spontaneous, unmotivated, unselfish and creative.
   
6. PRINCIPLE SIX: Nonviolence believes that the universe is on the side of justice. The nonviolent resister has deep faith that justice will eventually win.
   Nonviolence believes that God is a God of justice.  
   

 SIX STEPS OF NONVIOLENT SOCIAL CHANGE
The Six Steps for Nonviolent Social Change are based on Dr. King's nonviolent campaigns and teachings that emphasize love in action. Dr. King's philosophy of nonviolence, as reviewed in the Six Principles of Nonviolence, guide these steps for social and interpersonal change.

1. INFORMATION GATHERING:To understand and articulate an issue, problem or injustice facing a person, community, or institution you must do research. You must investigate and gather all vital information from all sides of the argument or issue so as to increase your understanding of the problem. You must become an expert on your opponent's position. 
2. EDUCATION:It is essential to inform others, including your opposition, about your issue. This minimizes misunderstandings and gains you support and sympathy. 
3. PERSONAL COMMITMENT:Daily check and affirm your faith in the philosophy and methods of nonviolence. Eliminate hidden motives and prepare yourself to accept suffering, if necessary, in your work for justice.
4. DISCUSSION/NEGOTIATION:Using grace, humor and intelligence, confront the other party with a list of injustices and a plan for addressing and resolving these injustices. Look for what is positive in every action and statement the opposition makes. Do not seek to humiliate the opponent but to call forth the good in the opponent. 
5. DIRECT ACTION: These are actions taken when the opponent is unwilling to enter into, or remain in, discussion/negotiation. These actions impose a "creative tension" into the conflict, supplying moral pressure on your opponent to work with you in resolving the injustice. 
6. RECONCILIATION:Nonviolence seeks friendship and understanding with the opponent. Nonviolence does not seek to defeat the opponent. Nonviolence is directed against evil systems, forces, oppressive policies, unjust acts, but not against persons. Through reasoned compromise, both sides resolve the injustice with a plan of action. Each act of reconciliation is one step close to the 'Beloved Community.' 

Based on Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "Letter from Birmingham Jail" in Why We Can't Wait, Penguin Books, 1963.

All of this information is from the website: www.thekingcenter.org - and don't miss reading about The Beloved Community! And remember it is possible for your schools to teach this as a grounding principle - it takes a dedicated teacher, one who will not waver. We are so lucky to have this taught in our school in our area, it is solely the work on ONE teacher, it's taken her ten years to work on bringing this approach throughout our schools, how lucky are we!

Let's MARCH

myself, Jann and Carole at the Womens March on Washington 2017

 Just about this time a year ago we (all women) made history, it felt good to participate in democracy. If you didn’t march last year, you have another chance, if you are not happy with what is happening with your government it’s your right!
Get your friends together and make your voices louder, bring your signs, get your message out there and don’t worry, each city will have their own march - check with www.womensmarch.com for marching locations - this years march is about getting out the vote!
Womens March is January 20th - see locations in your city - larger Marches are expected in Washington DC and New York City.
Las Vegas March is January 21st
If you want a fistacon t-shirt we have some on the website, or just get a white t-shirt and write your own message on there!

Funny enough, it’s also the anniversary of making my necklaces... previous to the march I was making them for friends and family, then I brought them with me to the march. I made a few necklaces for everyone (we had a bus of 50 people) and found that it was all about the power - amplifying our power from within. This was when I realized that it wasn’t just me who needed this... we all do! Maybe it's because until I'm are comfortable with power I need a reminder of how powerful I am, of keeping my strength, and growing it. My crystals are not the answer but they help me to remember, every day!

use code: ‘power’ for 25% off my crystal necklaces

I’m making more, to bring with me, so adding new pieces every day! I hope you can place your order and get your piece in time for your march! Or just take this opportunity to get yourself a crystal that you have been looking at... I have a renewed stash of crystals, my favorite part is finding crystals to make the necklaces with - so if you are not seeing what you want please drop me an email and I will make anything you need!

I took my new stock of crystals down to the ocean at sunrise this morning and did a nice mediation and laid them out in the water to take in the clean ocean water. They are in the sun and will take in the moon in the clear sky tonight. It's my happy place. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to make these lovely pieces.

click here to see my current stock or email me if you want something in particular.

Many Moons :: 2018 volume 1: January - June

I am so happy to be able to offer you these magnificent books, I hope you take advantage of them. They are as much a book as a workbook and no matter how 'enlightened' you are, or at what level you are in your practice this book will be wonderful for you. Even if you are a beginner like me, you can touch your toe into the pool of becoming stronger, more focused and moving to your 'center'. I found that this book gave me the tools to look deep inside and come out with a way to work that makes me happier and 'lighter' because I like what I do so much more, it has more meaning. Through her text Sarah makes it all feel so welcoming and as if you are talking to a friend. I honestly can't say enough about this book, if you get one for yourself I would suggest to get one for a friend you know will appreciate it, I feel so good that I can share this book with as many people as I can.

Each moon phase is explained with ceremonies to do for each - which is my favorite part! To sit with a candle, crystal and meditate - she gives you suggestions or you can make up your own ideas to mediate on, it's powerful and magikal.

And I am sorry to say that this is the last year that Sarah will be writing this book, it was a three year journey for her and then she will send us all off like little snowflakes to do good in this lifetime. I hope you enjoy!

shop the  book on my website here - they sell out fast and when they are gone, they are gone!

love - carina

conscious city guide

I stumbled upon this wonderful website Conscious City Guide which lists events going on all over the world, with one thing in common - these events are all good for you, good for your soul and good for you as a human being, they are 100% created to make you feel better about yourself and why you are on this planet. AND I am pretty sure that some events are free others have an option to purchase a ticket. With headline words like: RETREATS, MOVE, INSPIRE, NOURISH, CREATE, GLOW, and CONNECT you can easily find something going on near you, there are completely obscure or large events - it's all good. I would suggest a visit and see what's going on near you, this is new so I predict it's just going to get bigger and bigger!

Or maybe you want to list your won event... host a meditation!

 a bit about the founders Mel Nahas and Kiki Falconer -

we are women who woke and want the world to wake.

we come from many fields with a unified mission: to raise consciousness.

we have come together to collaborate because now is the time to unite, to gather our tribe and allies.  

the earth needs us. we need us
I am excited to see this community grow! Perhaps if you are traveling it's nice to check and see if there is anything interesting going on in your destination.... more to do, always more to do!

Conscious City Guide

navigating this new landscape....

Because my circle of friends includes lot's of makers and shop owners, when we get together we can't help but talk about "what the heck is going on....", yes this has a lot to do with politics but I try to steer my conversations to something we can have an impact on... our businesses! In this age of something crazy happening just about every day, be it large and horrifying, or small and trivial but none the least absurd, it's hard to keep focused on our businesses. We all feel compelled to care and help and well... try to figure this shit out!

I think the biggest change is the dwindling number of small shop owners like me who have a business that is sincerely our job and what we do to keep our family going, THESE are the businesses that I like to talk to - to see what they are doing to stay alive in this time of upheaval and change. There was a time when a great tragedy would render silence from me and others with businesses - but today, there is a necessity to keep going, keep working, do what we can - I really like the way that Jess Brown pulled together with her friends and neighbors in Northern California to create an auction (btw it ends soon so if you haven't got in there yet get yourself in there and shop the terrific maker wares with 100% of proceeds going to California Fire Relief - click here for more information). But if we are quiet our businesses will die, and that's not good. In my small town there are so many shuddered businesses, large and small, it's incredible and I honestly wonder what our small towns are going to look like if we don't keep the small guy in business!

I have taken a lot of time, and I certainly still do not have it figured out, but I have decided to change my business. When I started in 2004 the idea for my shop was quite unique mostly because it was a 'boutique' online, but I knew I needed to include my information on raising healthy children in a macrobiotic way (that was the smart part) because that information was just not on the internet at the time... well THAT'S changed! You can get so much great information online but sometimes it's not from a friend, like me (I hope I have become a friend after all these years!) so I want to keep it going, friendly recipes and links to people I trust to help you make choices in the larger landscape of the internet that's out there.

I am also changing my shop - my kids are growing up - they are now 12 and 15 years old! As I talk to most of you, your kids are growing up as well. I am getting back into my creative life, it took a lot of courage but I am so happy to have made the move into making things again. I spent many years making clothing and sweaters but now I am moving into new horizons... so exciting for me. I have been making pottery here and there for the last five years and I am finally moving into something I am proud of so offering some of my pottery pieces in the shop (unfortunately they sell pretty quick here in the shop so not much makes it online - I'm working on that). The pottery has also brought me closer to making my own artwork, which is still a bit of a work in progress and when it evolves fully you will be the first to know.

When we opened our first shop in our small town eight years ago I shared the space with a friend who made jewelry, she introduced me to a bit of beading, which was fine while I had little kids running around, but I was very intrigued by the art of jewelry making and my friend is a master - she came from a prominent family of jewelry-making here in Rhode Island (did you know this was the jewelry making capitol years ago-before it all moved to China) - she has been a voice for me and such a strong mentor, Robin Mollicone has created a jewelry collection that is as much her as it is at the forefront of new ideas and art-jewelry. Her jewelry speaks to a whole new generation of people wearing something 100% made by hand and unique. Robin helped me take my ideas and make something concrete, she showed me that you can make every single thing by hand if you are willing to work hard and she took me to my first gem and mineral show... I was hooked!

Enough about me but it's safe to say there will be quite a bit in my shop that I have made myself... especially if you visit our shop in person, I have made scarves, ceramics, jewelry, bags, terrariums... If I have an idea I will make it. I will continue to carry my favorite designers - the ones I can not do without (Lucky Fish & more...) as well as newly found, unique, and very special things be it for home, jewelry, clothing... you name it! But what I am not going to do is have collections of clothing for Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter - because I just don't shop that way anymore for myself so I don't think you do either. I feel pretty secure in the thought that you want things that can't be found somewhere else and I want to have my shop filled with things that will make you happy, healthy and more secure in yourself. I want your home to look like place you love to be in and I want to help you make yourself strong and powerful (you probably already are but I'll help you to be MORE so!)

It's a slow process but you will see new things and that's the point, but don't be afraid to drop me a line and let me know if you like it... or if you don't! And if you don't get enough of me here on my blog then follow me on Instagram where it's easier for me to post frequently and keep you going - either @nonchalantmom or @carina.schott for my jewelry and pottery making escapades!

California Fire Help

My friend Jess Brown got together with some of her friends to create a website of artists and makers - 100% of all the proceeds go to help victims of the California Fires. Check out the website here: www.californiafirehelp.com

The donations keep flowing in and as long as they are coming in she will keep the website going. So far they have raised $19,000 with 100% of sales to Redwood Credit Union North Bay Fire Relief Fund.

(I even have a piece on there :)

Swedish Death Cleaning... it's not what you think

When I read this article in TreeHugger it just rang so true to me, at some point in my life my mom just began referring to things as "when I die, you can have this bracelet"... but it's not just one thing, it goes through just about everything - dishes, pots, pottery, christmas decorations, you name it. It's a private thing and I am sure my sister gets it on her side as well, however my sister does not appreciate the finer things in "stuff" like I do - so I'm pretty sure I get it more often than she does. So when I found this story on 'Swedish Death Cleaning' something inside me perked up. Part of me thought that it was going to be about some kind of hard-core cleanliness cleaning type thing, which of course is possible with Swedes, but it's not... and there is a book about it, written by a Swede of course, The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, by Margareta Magnusson.

In Swedish, the word is "Döstädning" and it refers to the act of slowly and steadily decluttering as the years go by, ideally beginning in your fifties (or at any point in life) and going until the day you kick the bucket. The ultimate purpose of death cleaning is to minimize the amount of stuff, especially meaningless clutter, that you leave behind for others to deal with. Who can resist doing something called Death Cleaning anyway....

I think that a big part of this is cleaning up your life so that your family doesn't have to deal with it after your death, practical right. Magnusson says that the first secret to effective death cleaning is to speak about it always. Tell others what you're doing so they can hold you accountable.
She writes: "If you vocalise it, it will come. Or something like that." Pass on your belongings in order to spread the happy memories. The second key point is not to fear death cleaning:

"Death cleaning isn’t the story of death and its slow, ungainly inevitability. But rather the story of life, your life, the good memories and the bad. 'The good ones you keep,' Magnusson says. 'The bad you expunge.'"

Finally, Magnusson encourages those engaging in Swedish death cleaning to reward their efforts with life-enhancing pleasures and activities, such as going to watch a movie, spending time in the garden, or eating an enjoyable meal. Besides, you need to enjoy yourself after purging all those belongings. I am pretty sure I would enjoy this book, but I'm not ready for it.

I have to say that personally I can't picture this happening with me, if you know me and you've seen my home you know I love all my 'things' and can't imagine life without all of these memories around me. You can pick up anything in my home and I have a story behind it... many of those stories include how I hide any of my thrift shopping from my husband.

And don't tell my husband about it... I will never hear the end of it.

link to purchase book here 
link to full article on Treehugger here

WASTED! The Story of Food Waste...

I don't care how careful you are to use the whole plant in your cooking this is going to open your eyes! What a great movie for all Americans to see - it's not shaming, because maybe you didn't even know this but this movie will teach you how to eat the whole pant... it's okay and even delicious!

This movie is in Theaters and On Demand now....