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

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.

Have you ever thought about living on a boat!

It's a particular dream of mine, my boat (in my dreams) would be docked somewhere in the Mediterranean, not in front of Barclays London - but anyway.... I used to draw my converted tugboat on napkins when I lived in San Francisco - I promise you there was more than one drunken drawings of my lovely boat and I can still make that sketch if you ask me (it involves a hammock). So when this beauty came up on the Dwell blog I started to count my money, unfortunately I didn't make it... Maybe next time!

The details on this boat are amazing, the rustic outside compared to the quite beautiful and luxurious inside - pared down to the essentials but still, somewhat luxurious (I mean there's a queen size bed for gods sake!).  So the price quoted by Dwell... $424k! Not bad... two bedrooms, two bathrooms, living space and even outdoor living space. I mean it takes a very special life situation to live on a boat, but who knows, maybe that's YOU!

click here to see the full story on Dwell

KALON giveaway

Just passing this on as these guys are my favorite furniture people! Enter their contest and you have a chance to win $$ towards your new babies room and also clothing!

Kalon has teamed up with Rylee + Cru and Coyuchi, two other California brands all about clean aesthetics and relaxed luxury, to give away $1500 ($500 per brand) to one lucky winner. Two additional winners will receive $100 gift certificates to Rylee + Cru.

Entry form and full contest details here.

In partnership with Mother Mag.


GOOD LUCK!

Matcha Latte Recipe

Here it is folks... I've had a few frantic texts requesting the recipe so here you go!

So yes, this is my new JAM as the young kids say (haha) - bye bye coffee... HELLO MATCHA! I've been telling you all for years about taking Astragalus for your immune system, but since I have been drinking Matcha instead of coffee in the morning there is no need! My allergies are at bay and I have no need for coffee. This is terrific! I also think it's good for our bodies to switch things up. I think it would be optimal to fast each month or so... but I never seem to get that done. In the mean time just drink this... it's super delicious!

I got my recipe from my niece while we were on our summer vacation in Colorado.  She made them for us every day so when I got home I ran out and got everything - I will say this, this stuff is NOT CHEAP but it's a big initial investment but it will have you set for a long while. I think it's also a good idea to mix things up a bit and come up with your own recipe. Mine is different every day so let's say it's a variation on the below recipe.

MATCHA LATTE
you will need a blender or vitamix - if you don't have a vitamix go out and get yourself one it will change your life!

ingredients
1 tbsp + hemp seeds - to make the milk
1 tsp + matcha (finely ground matcha green tea - it's basically a powder)
1/2 - 1 tsp morniga (again finely ground leaves) - immune booster
1/2 - 1 tsp ashwaganda - I love the SUN POTION brand - their website has all the benefits listed and they are many!
1/2-1 tsp collagen
my neice uses 1/2 a date I like a whole date
(she also adds cashew butter or something and I will do that if I am not going to have breakfast but if it's just a drink I leave that out)
1/4 - 1/2 tsp vanilla (just a few drops)
1/2 - 1 tsp cinnamon
filtered water
... I think that's it, however you can add anything!

take the hemp seeds and about +/-2 cups of water and blend those into a milk. It will get a bit warm and this is good to help mix in the tea. You can also make the whole thing warm/hot with hot water! (my sister likes it like that but it's too thick for me)
When you have your milk put in your other desired ingredients and blend for a while so that it gets warm and a tiny froth. I pour over a 2-3 ice cubes so that it's not too thick - I guess I like it watered down (I'm a weakling). When I drink it it's not cold but not hot either... healthy!

I can't wait to hear from everyone... tell me how MUCH you love this!

natural disasters and otherwise

In the past I have been silent when it comes to these natural disasters, I think I do what everyone does and I try to get all of the information, from the REAL press - yes that would be the free press that we have here in our country, we are so lucky to have it - we can complain about it all we like but when something like Hurricane Harvey comes along we can see what's going on, we can come together and help as much as we can from afar and we can send our prayers because we are seeing the devastation. Doing what we can, that's the name of the game and not just closing our eyes to what is going on in the world around us. This could be a moment to donate to the RED CROSS and it could also be a moment to find a pet climate change project and donate to that... these both seem viable to me. In our short lives on this planet we have been through our share of natural and not natural disasters, Sandy, what was the name of that fricking snowstorm after Sandy which was equally devastating and left us with no electricity for a week in the wintertime! And then there is the reason we left NYC... we were just blocks away from World Trade Center. So we do know how the government can help because FEMA provided us with water when we were afraid to drink the water in lower Manhattan and they gave us a place to go to get information. I was pregnant at that time so I was a bit on 'high alert' in my mind about being careful about my health - they handed out face masks, they were kind and helpful. That meant a lot at that time and when you are in a situation such as this you have now idea how much having somewhere to go, someone who has answers - how much that helps.

Now I am going to go into the flip side because I am also a business owner and only another business owner knows how something like this can affect our business. It is pretty devastating when you are a small business - so while we have our minds on what's going on in Texas, we are also trying to keep our businesses going in the best way possible. We donate as a business and a family but after listening to many MANY NPR fund drives I have realized the benefit of using my business to raise money wherever I can so here we go...

Donate to the Red Cross and get a match of your donation from Amazon -
I have checked around and I think this is the most effective way that we can help Texas in the immediate situation and get the most bang for your donating buck. Now that Whole Foods (a favorite) has combined with Amazon (not a favorite) we can use the Amazon resources to get double the impact, they will match your donation through the above link.

Dontate to the Red Cross - get funds directly to Red Cross as efficiently as possible, the website gives you a choice of what you want your money to go towards - Harvey Relief, your local Red Cross or other choices.

All Hands Volunteers - A network of volunteers to help - hands on - in a way that only people can, over 200,000 volunteers have helped over 500,000 people so far through All Hands Volunteers.

Houston Humane Society - maybe you don't want to help humans and you only want your funds to go towards helping animals

The Houston Food Bank - This will be essential in the coming days so help them replenish their shelves by donating.

Or find your way to help as you can. We will be donating 10% of our sales in the coming week to the Red Cross - doing what we can to help, don't worry too much about who you are donating to just donate!

love to all - carina

South Hampton :: interiors

Through July 31st get yourself to see the interiors project by R & Company (another mailing list you might want to get your name onto) They have this fun instillation with works by The Haas Brothers, Wendell Castle, Rogan Gregory, Carlo Hauner, Greta Magnusson Grossman, Joaquim Tenreiro and Jeff Zimmerman at Jeff Lincoln Art + Design. It looks fun and should be filled with wonderful inspiration.

Jeff Lincoln
200 North Sea Road
South Hampton, NY

renovating a mobile home

renovated Winnie!

I know I am not the only one with this dream, does your heart jump when you drive by a sweet looking Winnie? Who cares about a Porche when you can have an Airstream? Well if these are your dreams as well take a look at this 1982 Winnebago that was renovated by a young couple and they did a pretty bang-up job! Just gives you an idea what a little imagination and a bit of elbow grease can get you. And your days of touring the USA could be just a hearbeat away!

add your own personal touch with handmade handles etc...

this image gives you a full view

This renovation took them a bit longer than they thought but the result is so comfortable and just like HOME. These two quit their jobs and set out on a cross country trip for a year - time to find a new place to call home, maybe it's the open road!

The story was in an online Dwell magazine article - see the full article here.
It will give you all the details and quite a few BEFORE/AFTER images that will knock your socks off!

LET'S HIT THE ROAD....

zenbunni - new moon: rabbit report

I don't know about you but the newsletters I choose to get have become a slim group of lovely happy emails that I am actually excited to get... I look forward to them - some for their graphic beauty and some for their delightful information. ZenBunni is a bit of both, this is a youthful couple who always enlighten me about things be it - biodynamic chocolate or the moon phases (I think they have a lot to do with each other...) - and I also just like who they are and how the move in the world. If you have a friend that is going to California I have one suggestion, ask them to bring you back some of their chocolate! Or you can sign up for their chocolate club (yes, you heard me right there's a club for chocolate and why are you not ALREADY part of this club you may ask!) I have been trying to bring their chocolate into the shop for a while now, but haven't gotten around to it, I promise to try to make it a priority! But for now sign up for the CHOCOLATE CLUB: 


On each Full Moon you'll receive a variety of ZenBunni chocolate goodies not available in shops + other delights ranging from Biodynamic Seeds and Teas, the highest quality skin care products, hand crafted art pieces, and endless more collaborations with Makers and Earth Friends.


Now, doesn't that sound delightful! It's $39per full moon cycle and so wonderful. Don't miss signing up for their new moon rabbit report, it's a check-in and for instance the one I got today reminded me to check-in with natures cycle. I think the summer is a very busy time for everyone, carting our kids from camp to sleepovers, etc... and we rarely take the time to give to ourselves, slow down, walk into the garden and find the wonder that is growing in our back yards. We ask our kids to do it, but sometimes we forget to do it ourselves. They reminded me to take a nap in the afternoon, which I shall do tomorrow just because they told me to - they used the term "self-nourishment" and I like that term!

enjoy and I hope you sign up for their newsletter! (and I HOPE you have signed up for mine too!)

click here to visit their blog
or
click here to visit their website

IRENE PEUKES

racer top tied to reveal a burst of color and beautiful back of top

I know it's late in the season but Irene Peukes works on her own calendar and I respect that - besides I love these pieces all year round. I know they are not for deep winter but I'm telling you will use these pieces for just about anything and travel - just fold them up and throw in your bag and you are ready for anything!

gorgeously fitting with a racerback shape

Irene Peukes takes a different approach to fashion, and I like her approach. She works together with weavers to create these beautiful pieces, crafted and created on the loom. Each piece a work of art in it's own, so much so that each piece has the mark of the weaver on the bottom hem of the garment where their signature is stitched. These garments don't hang like a sac, they have folds and pleats, she adds a tie here and there so that you can leave it open or tie for another shaping of the top or dress.

Gorgeous pieces for a womans body.

shop on the website here

What the future looks like for Nonchalantmom - hint: it's sunny and bright!

I think some people think that being a shop owner is one of those jobs that doesn't really count, maybe it's a job that is just a bunch of fun or maybe there isn't a lot of talent involved.... you know what I mean. I've always been a bit "shy" when I'm at a party and everyone is talking about what they do for a living and I do my best to keep my name out of the conversation. But really these days I feel like it takes so darn much talent that I'm proud of myself that I am still in the game, when so many have fallen by the wayside, I'm still here. It is not easy to navigate the retail landscape, and these days, well... it's just not what it used to be - there was a formula, buy wholesale bring it into your shop and get as many people in to see said wholesale item and sell it, wait 90 days and put whatever is left on sale, it was followed and we were all fine. But not anymore!

I should take some credit here as I was one of the first to internet-tise the local shop, but the absolute upside down of retail these days is so very hard to understand, much less try to make a living at it! For a couple of years now, I have been in - "what the heck is going on" and "what are we going to do?" mode and I must say that we tried it all - but I do know this... it's not about the S A L E, that's the beginning of the end, it might be hard for you the consumer to hear that because the consumer has been reaping the benefits of all the retailers not knowing what else to do so just go on sale and then maybe you will be able to pay your rent. I watch, I listen and I hear what's going on - with my closest friends also shop owners we are all having the conversation about what and where do we go next.

I am still not sure where it is we will go, but I do know this - it's changing. And these are the things that I am thinking about:

- I know where I want to spend my money, I know WHO I want to give my hard-earned money to and I know what their face looks like - I want to know the person who made it, designed it, had the idea, sewed it, polished it, found it, pieced it together - yes, that person who MADE it.

- I want to go to my local grocery store and find things on the shelves that are well-designed, have less ingredients (and I can READ them), and I now will be good for me - I don't have to question that very basic thing that makes it a FOOD. And the only place I can do this is the Farmers market, my local co-op or Whole Foods (lucky you if you have other options in your area).

- If a company is making something somewhere else, they are being socially responsible about it. They are spending time in that place and helping the people realize that what they are making are appreciated by consumers and sharing that benefit. But, I am always checking to make sure there is sincerity in this outreach and it's good to do your research here and know the people you are dealing with on food, clothing and home items.

And most of all there is no place for greed in this bright new world, that's the world that I want to help create with my business and it's what I want to foster and grow. It's the people I want to be with, these are the people that I want to walk into my shop and I want to spend time with them. Because otherwise this project is just not so much fun or meaningful.

So back to my shop, because things ARE changing. You are not going to see my shop full of Fall 2017 collections, my vision is that you are probably going to get a few new things for yourself in the next season and I hope to have those things for you. I am going to focus on more seasonless clothing, wear-now clothing, less is more and special pieces are yes... special! I will have just a few, I am in it to sell through it and move on. Since I am not going deep into clothing I will have other special items that I think you will like and peek your interest. Slowly introducing incense to make your room more enveloping and luxurious. Oils and scents that will help you move through your day in a calm and awakened state. Jewelry that will make you feel like you are your own person, a unique individual even if you are wearing a white t-shirt and jeans. Things for your whole family so that they can be proud of what they wear. I hope to teach you to mend your things that are broken, make your current clothing more YOU and maybe even make some of your own jewelry. And if that all works out we will add lots of exciting things that will bring a smile to your face and make your body heal itself.

I do feel that second had has a place in this landscape, I have always been a huge fan of second hand - - one persons trash is another persons treasure! It's so terrific to give life to what might otherwise be thrown away and since I have a lifetime of experience at this I am pretty choosy and I think I am pretty fair about how to price things. I hope you find treasures for yourself in the flea market section of my shop.

I am going to continue to deepen and make more jewelry, pottery and some other projects that I can't wait to get my hands into, I want half of my shop to be things that I have made myself (that's a long term goal!) and surround that with vintage, talented makers and designers, and things I find along life's journey. Because we are all in this together and I can't wait for the next chapter to unfold. Now that I have created my own website I am so much more flexible to move and change on a whim. I am sure that some of you have ideas for me and I am always happy to hear from you, it's been so special to meet so many of you in my shop, many people that I have known by name for 14 years and now getting to know with your once a year visit to beautiful Rhode Island.

now THAT'S the future!

Jao :: PATIO OIL

Recently, sitting outside at a party, I was reminded to put my Patio Oil into my summer handbag - you know, just in case... I heard that this summer there will be a bumper crop of nasty mosquitoes so you can be the hero of any party if you bring your Patio Oil! It smells delightful, more nature than buy spray. And nothing makes me more irritated than someone pulling out a horrible bug spray and letting it float all over the party! GREAT FOR KIDS!

Keep bugs away with lemon eucalyptus soybean and other essential oils. Enough said right...

Plus like it says on the bottle, it cools as it refreshes and moisturizes skin with chamomile, calendule, hemp and jojoba oils.

get yours here

Hedi Lamar : icon, immigrant, inventor

I haven't seen this movie yet but it looks terrific (but I'm a fan for biographies) - it seems she was quite the scientist and had a lot of great ideas. There's an interview with her from 1969 on utube which is terrific. She is the kind of person who wasn't wasting any time in their life, using every bit to find and do more. Her interests are vast and she even helped her boyfriend, Howard Hughes build a faster aircraft with ideas she had about the wing span, which she picked up from watching birds and  fish and there you go... Howard made his planes faster.

watch the clip here

and this fantastic clip from the Merv Griffin Show

She seems like a fascinating woman.

Education at Sea :: Oliver Hazzard Perry

If you are thinking that a cruise is not for you, well maybe the Oliver Hazzard Perry is your answer. The name Commodore Oliver Hazzard Perry is a familiar for anyone in Rhode Island, it's the name for one of our most traveled roads here in the South County, but did you know that he led us to victory over the British in the Battle of Lake Erie in the War of 1812. His namesake ship is now in port at Fort Adams in Newport, Rhode Island. It is the first ocean-going, full-rigged ship to be built in the United States in over 100 years.

Here ends your history lesson, this amazing ship takes 32 trainees and 17 professional crew members as a 'sailing school vessel' on a voyage that leaves from Newport or Boston up to Nova Scotia (there is also a shorter legs available). But don't think you will be kicking back and laying around this ship... On the Oliver Hazzard Perry you will take on the duties of any sailor. This ship doesn't take passengers, everyone has a role - which includes working the sails (crewing), working in the kitchen (galley), and keeping things neat and tidy. Everyone is involved, this program is focused on growth and leadership development for students of all ages.

Get a taste of life on a tall ship! Hands-on, inspiring, innovative learning - experience climbing aloft, hauling lines and being at the helm. This ship is some 200 feet, with 7 miles of rope, 160 belaying pins and 20 sails!

From what I can understand the ship is traveling the seas so you need to check the website to see where it's at and where you could pick up your journey. At the moment they are offering voyages for the summer of 2017, including the eastern seaboard up to Nova Scotia, Canada. There are 7 day legs or 15 day legs of the journey that you can take, this is a non-profit ship and you will be working all the while so accommodations are NOT luxurious. There are two, 16 bed berth with 2 shared bathrooms - which means you are sleeping in a tiny bunk with 16 people! But what a fantastic experience for any teenager (or any age for that matter!).

Get all the information from their wonderful website www.ohpri.org

Summer Travel and a Solar Eclipse!

You might want to plan your summer travel around the solar eclipse that is going to happen this summer on August 21st. We have not experienced this kind of solar eclipse since 1918! And it won't happen again until April 2024. I know, I know - doesn't it feel like this moon and sun stuff happens all the time? Well yes and no... This does happen but it isn't always visible from the United States, in fact, this eclipse will only be visible by a narrow, 70 mile path, across the country. You can watch the video of the path and where it's going here - the path begins in Oregon and crosses through portions of Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, and North Carolina before ending in South Carolina (but check the map to see exactly where it's going to be) and depending on where you are the moon will be covering the sun in a total solar eclipse for 2 minutes and 30 seconds. But remember you cannot watch a SOLAR eclipse without protective eyewear, you can look at the total eclipse with the naked eye, but nothing leading up to it or afterwards - that can cause permanent damage to your eyes.

Should you plan a trip to the Grande Canyon for that very special day... YES! I'm sure you will not be the only one with that idea but what an amazing sight! Apparently at the time of the exact eclipse you can actually see planets and stars! You will also notice a difference in temperature and birds and nature will go quiet. It all sounds very amazing doesn't it. So make your plans early and get yourself in the path of the eclipse. Read more about it on the National Geographic website in an article by Andrew Fazekas, the Night Sky Guy, who is the author of Star Trek: The Official Guide to Our Universe and host of NG Live! Mankind to Mars presentations. He writes a wonderfully detailed article with all the facts and additional photos. It also includes a map for the path of the eclipse. If you are not in the path of the eclipse you may see a partial, depending on where you are in the country.

It's all very exciting isn't it!

It's time for a Lucky Fish Saturday Workshop!

LUCKY FISH PRINT WORKSHOP!

It's time to spruce up all your tired clothes...

COME PRINT WITH US

SATURDAY, JUNE 3rd

1-4pm

Bring your own things to print - each print is $5 or we will have a stash of kids and adult tshirts to print if you forget ($10) This time we are also going to have a patch workshop going choose a Lucky Fish patch and sew onto your jacket, vest or pillow! (or whatever!) We will have the sewing machine out and it's a day of fun and creativity!

email me to sign up 

(so that we can get an idea for supplies, etc.. we don't want to run out!)

carina@nonchalantmom.com