nonchalant mom

CONTEST!! - wovenplay/bobo choses cape!

2012-01-27T13:11:00.000-05:00

wovenplay/bobo choses one of a kind cape!

Here we go... a little (BIG) contest is going on NOW!! WIN this beautiful cape (size 6) - it is double sided, one side (the blue one) was designed by the talented and creative folks at Bobo Choses and the otherside (the pink one) was designed by the wildly talented Katherine at Wovenplay! Together they made this BEAUTIFUL cape that would be the delight of any and EVERY six year old!!

HERE is HOW you can WIN! Everyone who shops the Wovenplay collection at Nonchalant Mom, NOW through Valentines day will be entered to WIN... sorry to make you purchase something (not a trick) but I want to make sure that I have the TRUE Wovenplay and Bobo Choses freaks out there who I know exist! I know you guys... you follow these ladies very closely and this is the only way I can think of to cut to the chase and find YOU, yes YOU... Wovenplay and Bobo Choses enthusiasts!

We will announce the winner on my blog on Valentines day.. and just to make it ALL a bit easier on you we JUST marked down the Winter collection... so jump in and you can WIN!!!

Good luck to all and if you have any questions just email me!! carinanonchalantmom.com

wovenplay/bobo choses cape together with wovenplay stripe l/s t-shirt and gide skirt!

blog :: Bleubird

2012-01-20T15:06:00.000-05:00

roasted root vegetables

One of my favorite blogs to follow is Bleubird, she is so inspiring! AND open with her family on her blog... she has three kids and she recently posted her wedding on the blog which was more than BEAUTIFUL!.. On my visit to her blog today she posted a wonderful diary on what she is feeding her 17 month old toddler - called 'Bird Food'. It looks much like what I fed my kids so I thought it would be a great blog to share with you all, and for some of you, to spark ideas on breakfast, lunch and dinner for your toddler!

veggie burger w/avocado

grapes and steamed vegetables with lentils

This will be a new series for Bleubird so you can stay tuned for more 'dishes' of her daughter Birdie (isn't that just the CUTEST name!!--but I think it's a nickname). Bleubird will help you to feel free about life with your kids, they have so much fun and her kids are terrific! They are an inspiring family and I can see why her blog is so popular, I was introduced, via an email from Miss James... and was instantly hooked! and I know you will be too!

broccoli, bowtie pasta and feta with balsamic dijon dressing

visit Bleubird here and ENJOY!!!!

A new font for dyslexia

2012-01-19T12:26:00.000-05:00

A graphic designer from the Netherlands has developed a new way to help tackle his dyslexia. The font is called Dyslexie and it has proved to decrease the number of errors made by dyslexics while reading. The font works by slightly changing the shapes and appearance of certain key letters of the alphabet that dyslexics have particular trouble with such as "d" and "b" to make them more recognizable. Christian Boer developed the font while at school in the Netherlands and a fellow student conducted a study and found that there was a significant reduction in reading errors by dyslexics when reading in Dyslexie as opposed to Arial font.

this gives you an idea of how the dyslexie font is different from arial

There is a full article in the Scientific American site (click here), which also let's you read the article in the Dyslexie font, that has more specific information. Considering that one in five persons is dyslexic this could be an amazing breakthrough, I also feel that his could be an AMAZING breakthrough for children. One of the first things Boer said he wanted to do was increase the boldness of letters at their base, to make them appear weighted, causing readers' brains to know not to flip them upside down, as can occur with "p" and "d". These details are fascinating and make so much sense!

read on by clicking on the links below:

purchase the font by clicking here
see full article in Scientific American website here

and overlapping idea of how you can see the difference

Tales with my Sister!

2012-01-18T23:08:00.000-05:00

sunset on lake minnetonka

Most of you know my sister and how we get when we are together, this time we were too busy for ginger compresses but we still managed to talk a lot about healing and things we are both doing to stay more healthy. She had a lot to say about digestion, and I was happy about that because it's one of my ongoing issues that I never seem to tackle... we did a lot of walking, eating, and fun while I was in Minnesota over Christmastime. When we get together we spend most of our time in my sisters kitchen, I think this is true for most families over the Holidays, so we are no different.

One of the best things about getting together with my family is that we don't do it often so we play a lot of catch up... I like to cook for her and she likes to share remedies and healing dishes (well this is the way we relate at the moment, it's ever-changing!). At the moment my sister is practicing more macrobiotics than we are... we are pretty far from Macro as a family. I have shared some of her priorities at the moment which are sauerkraut, sprouted seeds and nuts, (see recipes on previous blogs) no dairy, tea and there is probably more but not coming to my mind at the moment, their vice... coffee (good thing, it's the same as mine!). Family outings were to the amazing health food stores and co-ops that Minnesota has to offer! They are SO lucky as the local food scene is the best I've seen anywhere in the country, we like to spend hours at The Wedge and Lakewinds, we practically have to pull our mom out of there!

ice boats on Lake Minnetonka

a bit of hot chocolate after a long walk!

a blonde street gang... on the suburban side streets of Wayzata

Each day we took a long family walk to... where else... the coffee shop! It was delightful for us because we live out in the middle of nowhere and can't walk into town, so my kids and I love that! There was no snow (I don't remember when this has ever happened before!) and the weather was mild so it was nice to be outside, there were ice gliders on Lake Minnetonka, which was frozen but without the snow they were all over the lake!

mor mors jul log!

My mom is the sweet tooth nut, she makes 6-8 different kinds of cookies for Christmas... I couldn't photograph them because we ate them so fast! But I did manage a photo of Mor Mor holding the Jul Log! She waltzed into the party with a standing ovation! Everyone went crazy when they saw Mor Mor and her cake! I don't know how she does it but she managed over 10 Christmas parties, she made deserts for ALL of them.. she works so hard at Christmastime I could never keep up!

acupuncture

When we got back to Rhode Island, I had a sinus pain that I have not felt since.... well LAST Christmas! From all the sweets and crazy things we eat I was not in good shape and ended up on the acupuncture table, this is moxibustion (sp?) and a bunch of needles in my back... I am back at last, in fighting form and feel great after the treatments!

just got these today!!...

2012-01-12T14:32:00.000-05:00

This arrived today from my new friend Gina in Mexico and I am over the MOON! This lovely jewelry came in this beautiful basket... couldn't be more special. Gina pulls together very small artisans from villages all over Mexico, everything is made by hand and has a very special soft appeal. I love it when jewelry can take me from plain to feeling very VERY special. A few of these pieces have raw stones of quartz and aquamarine, they almost vibrate with energy (here is a little trick... if you feel that your crystal stones have too much 'outward' energy, if they feel spiky when you wear them, you can bury them in the ground so that they pick up earth energy, leave them there for as long as you can, just don't forget where they are! and they can help you feel more grounded when you wear them!)

The beaded pieces are all hand loomed by each of the artists, they are filled with color and brightness. I liked these pieces because they were easy and comfortable to wear anytime, to make a statement or not! I should have them online very soon!
... can't wait!!

sauerkraut! for good digestion!

2012-01-12T11:19:00.000-05:00

Good digestion - I won't say it's my theme for this year but I just had a few tips that I got from my sister while we spent Christmas in Minnesota with her. They are on a big sauerkraut kick at the moment and we just joined in! I really love the idea, it's a staple on a macrobiotic plate, but somehow it's one that is usually forgotten, all the while it could be the most important!

A spoonful of pickled vegetables is an important factor in helping you have a healthy digestion. It helps to prepare your food as it goes through your system, I think of it as a bit like Drano - but it tastes better! Try to include it in each meal, and try to eat it first, even kids love it!

Be sure you are using a good pickled vegetable, no sugar (which is usually included in larger brands), good brands are Organic Real Pickles or even Bubbies Sauerkraut. Sauerkraut is fat free and low in calories. It rich in Vitamin C and contains other important nutrients including iron, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, thiamin, riboflavin, fiber, and niacin.

Happy Digesting!

Sprouted Almonds

2012-01-11T13:49:00.000-05:00

I don't know whats going on.. but more people I know are talking about digestive trouble. I know for myself it's always been one of my 'issues' (that, and weak kidneys..) so whenever anyone gives me ideas on how to make things more digestible, I love to try them! My latest and greatest is Sprouted Almonds! Soaking them, then roasting them, just makes almonds more digestible and if you are like me you will like them even better! I feel like they become more delicate and light tasting? does that make sense!?

Take a bag of raw almonds (just about the amount you might eat in 5 - 7 days) and pour into a large bowl, fill with filtered water and salt to your taste (after you do this a few times you will figure it out... I put about 1 teaspoon, maybe less) - cover with a cloth and let them soak for 6 - 8 hours. Pour off the water and bake on a cookie sheet in 225 - 250 degree oven for 2 - 3 hours.

They will become slightly larger (almost puffed up) and a delicious snack for the whole family!

happy snacking!

BLOW OUT SALE!

2012-01-09T11:28:00.001-05:00

BLOW OUT SALE!! now - Monday, January 16th

use code: 'extra30'

*not included in sale: new Spring 2012 Matta collection and customized jewelry

shop till you... DROP!

restock your pantry!

2012-01-06T20:08:00.000-05:00

nice pantry huh!? I found this on a google search for pantry! dream on....

What a great idea for 2012!! Take a real close look at your pantry, do you like what you see in there? if NOT take this time to toss it out and start with fresh new alternatives to processed foods that don't work for you and your family anymore (with your 'Be Healthy' 2012 resolution right!? ha!). Take a good look at things you use a lot and check to see if there is a healthier alternative. In most cases you will find that there is something better you could be using.

love this idea... if my house was the size of a barn! but looks nice, dream on....

I will give you ONE guess where I got this idea... and her name starts with M, you KNOW it was in her January calendar... she was talking about spices but I started to think.. YEA this is a good time for people who are using heavily processed oils, flours (well ALL flour is processed but maybe you can make heathier choices here, maybe even organic!)

this is my 'pantry' it consists of six stuffed shelves and bit of counter space (urgh!) - I can't believe I'm showing you this unadulterated

Here are some ideas:
- replace your Wesson oil with Sesame oil or Olive oil - try different oils and see what works for you and your NEW lighter cooking :)

- Kuzu (or kudzu) as a thickening agent instead of corn starch - it's made from the kuzu root and you dissolve in cool water and then you can add to sauces to thicken them (they will start cloudy but when they are fully dissolved they turn clear in your food or sauce).

- Agar Agar is used instead of jello or pectin - mix with fruit juices and make delicious kanten or your own jello!

- switch your white rice to brown rice! just remember you need just a bit more cooking time (45 mins.) but the added flavor and vitamins, minerals and magnesium are a boost for your whole family! (these are polished off in white rice, which takes off the bran and the germ)

- exchange your white pasta for whole wheat or soba noodles!

- switch your Morton salt for SEA salt - this is an easy change and it will make an impact on all of your meals and your entire families health. There are many mineral benefits that sea salt adds to your diet.

- Instead of using cream in your cooking, use greek yogurt, it thickens sauces amazingly and if you have any leftover give to your kids as a snack with honey... they will LOVE it!

- Green Tea - if you don't like to drink it try marinating your chicken or fish in it instead of soy or other salty/sweet options!

- Buy your organic grains at the healthfood store in bulk, it is much cheaper and if you are worried about bugs or moths just throw in a bay leaf and they will stay away! (really! it works!)

There are many more healthy options to make your kitchen a happier and healthier place... just keep listening for ideas...

And if you haven't picked up an issue of Martha Stewart Living lately, check it out again! Pilar Guzmán is doing an amazing job of modernizing this magazine and making it really luscious and fun to read, try it again!

Dr. Weils new book 'Spontaneous Happiness'

2012-01-06T18:48:00.001-05:00

This particular item has been on my blog list for weeks now, somehow it didn't seem appropriate around the holidays but now I want to share my full cycle thought on this book and depression. I hate to use that word but it is what it is... It started with this article in Novembers New York Times magazine - 'Sleep Medication: Mother’s New Little Helper' - if you missed it click here to read. It goes on to talk about just what you would think how mom's heads spin at night with all of their nagging duties that they can't sleep and then -- Hello sleeping medication... I know I am going to get flogged for this but I think that there are quite a few things to try BEFORE leaning on sleeping medication (which can become addictive, that's just ONE of the side effects). Enter Dr. Weils new book, 'Spontaneous Happiness' he was a terrific guest on NPR (I think it was with Ira Flatow, not the best choice for Dr. Weil but shows you even a scientist can be turned!) Combating Depression with Diet - the interview was filled with dynamic information on what you can do if you are having trouble with depression and also if you are already taking drugs how to wean off the drugs. I learned a tremendous amount from him about supplements (his 'remedy' of choice)

It is the diet exercise conversation, with real solutions that even for a person that doesn't make that connection will make. Especially with the skeptical Ira Flatow interviewing. These may be two different conversations but I feel that in the world of Alternative Medicine these two have similar remedies (have a feeling I will be flatened for this statement).

In the past I have given you some remedies that I feel are very helpful, here is a reminder of them:

- Apple Tea (click here for recipe) - I know this may sound too simple to be helpful but everyone I know that has tried it has really loved it and has said that it is very helpful to them, I know it's extremely helpful to me, when I am wound up and can't see my way out Apple Tea is always helpful.

- Rescue Remedy - by Bachs Flower Remedies this is an overall amazing clarity boost, it's very powerful and should be used when powerful help is needed. It's also terrific for breastfeeding problems, it helps milk come in and is a great go-to for many post natal issues.

Yoga and Acupuncture can play a healing role in many types of sleeplessness and depression. Think about taking a walk every day, or a run, our bodies were not made for sitting at a computer all day or in meetings, they were made for working in the fields and hunting and gathering! no!? These are all things that you can do together with whatever your doctor is prescribing and then maybe bit by bit you can come off prescription drugs.

These are some suggestions, I am sure that our community has more so if you have something that works for you please share it here with a comment! I hope that this is helpful and I really don't mean to belittle anyone if they are using sleep aides or such... it's just a suggestion to try some other alternatives that's all... and I can't wait to read Dr. Weils book!

Stay Active, Be Healthy!

in the year ahead...

2012-01-02T15:07:00.000-05:00

Sydney, Australia's fantastic 2012 fireworks!

This is that wonderful or not so wonderful time of in-between... we have all spent quite a bit of time with our families, which I can say has been GREAT, but in the same breath I can't wait for things to get back to normal tomorrow. Do I really LOVE my work that much... YES I do! I like to set new goals for the new year and with all the distractions, in the last week I haven't really thought further than "What are we having for dinner tonight?" On the horizon are health goals, business goals and personal goals...

Exercise - last year I started running, one mile a day... foolish you may think... but it's a super easy time commitment that I can't pass up, it ONLY takes 15 minutes! I love this idea and I think that EVERYBODY should do it... in my opinion it's SOMETHING rather than nothing. Rather than taking it further I am trying to just run it faster... in this New Year.

Food - last year I spoke about our families food consumption (well maybe just my husbands and mine) If we could just take the lead from our kids and eat, just enough! I am still interested in cutting it back, it's a process... what should our plate look like at mealtime, I think it can be MUCH smaller than it currently is... and I am going to start incorporating some raw food recipes into our diet. Not very macrobiotic, but I like the idea of the variety. I am also taking a clue from my sister and we will include Sauerkraut into all meals that we eat at home... that goes for everyone! (I will write a blog about it later but it makes all of your food more digestible--good gut = good health!)

Business Goals - I LOVE my business, I really don't want to change much but I would like to have a 'brick and mortar' store that I love and I am proud of... as many of you know I have a small store in our VERY small town of Wakefield, RI but I am interested in finding a great spot for a great little store... keep your eyes peeled! We have lots of interesting plans that are a bit secret at the moment but incredibly exciting for me and some collaborations that I am really excited about! Just enough to make this year super exciting and refreshing for NonchalantMom.

I am also looking forward to lighting my personal light more than I have in the past... doing things for myself, so that I grow and change, give back to my community effectively, and make me and my family proud!

I hope that all of you have exciting plans for the new year - I really like the idea of 2012... it's an even number so I am sure it will be a growth year for all!

Happy New Year and look forward to some good blogs that will help you pull yourself and your family together and be healthy and HAPPY!

happy new year!!!

2011-12-31T16:39:00.000-05:00

I promoise to start blogging again in 2012... until then have a very happy happy new year!! (and don't party too much!! - do some sit-ups!)

love - carina

Holiday Shopping in NYC

2011-12-21T09:59:00.000-05:00

There are so many Holiday Fairs going on all you have to do is walk the streets to find a little corner where someone has pulled together a shopping experience. We happened upon one on the corner of Mott and Prince (in the school right there on the corner). It was terrific! Everything was very hand-made, there was even a space where two guys were literally pounding out some leather bags and belts! There are about 20 rooms and each room has it's own experience, coupled with a few vintage clothing dealers, throw in a nice little snack area where you can leave your husband and the kids and you have an excellent Holiday Shop! I don't remember everyone but these were my favorites:

Baggu
three jewelry vendors that had some sweet small jewelry all the way to a woman who is making jewelry out of lego!
one guy who is making his own colorful shoes for men
Handbags!
a few clothing designers (+lingerie...)
a terrific mens store.. lots of good mens accessories in fact!
a kids store
vintage clothing
a fantastic Discover Electronics thing which is hard to explain except that if you are looking for a gift for a 9-12 year old.. this is amazing! (more on this when I write a blog about them later!)

All of this on the corner of Mott Street + Prince in NoLita

Lucky Fish + Tracey Tanner at Chelsea Market

Jann (Lucky Fish) and her friend Tracey Tanner (GREAT leather items) have a Pop Up Shop in the Chelsea Market (downstairs) where you can find super last minute gifts and fun finds for everyone in the family! She will have lots of one of a kind items and don't miss Tracey's terrific leather pieces! (her bright blue and pink leather pouches... amazing!)

Lucky Fish accessories

There are also a nice couple making chocolates right next door to them so you can have a nice hand made snack while you shop and delight in all the GOODIES!

Fine and Raw chocolate!

Find your sale anywhere and if you want me to post your Holiday Sale just send me an email!

Happy HOlidays!!!

holiday fair -- everywhere!! - NYC and more...

2011-12-20T13:16:00.000-05:00

we stayed at the W downtown - we wanted to be away from the congestion and we also wanted to have a view of the new World Trade Center site - this is the waterfalls lit at night!

We just got home from NYC and had such a terrific time, as always during the holidays! I know that it can be a bit frustrating with the crowds and all if you are just a visitor so I thought I would give you some ideas and tips... I hope it's not too late! And even if you LIVE in NYC we have some ideas for you! I promise we don't know it all... I am just trying to help with that holiday frustration that sometime sets in when you visit busy NYC for the Holidays!

get your kids on a scooter so that they don't get tired of walking around (that can happen really quick if they are not used to it) just make sure to visit some side streets so that they can wiz around a bit!

If you can it's best to work a weekday into your trip, this way you can save the things that you KNOW are going to be mobbed with people for that day... like Rockefeller Center.. We took our trip Saturday - Monday. We stayed at the W hotel downtown, because it's where we used to live so we feel comfortable there and it's easily accessible via subway and car (they have a large municipal parking garage). We also wanted to see the Memorial site which was beautiful (we didn't get in but the photo above is the view from our room!). We walk almost everywhere so we bring scooters for the kids and it works perfectly, they NEVER seem to get tired of scootering through the city! (until they wipe out...)

charmaine making the shrinky dinks while the kids watch

this is how tiny tiny they are! that's the pieces through a magnifying glass... TINY!

trying to decide what to write on the necklaces... Marley (our dog) was the result!

On Saturday we spent the day in SoHo and Nolita (our favorite areas) Our event for the day was to visit Charmaine at the Erica Tanov store on Elizabeth Street where she was making her tiny tiny necklaces! (it was last Saturday only.. sorry) Erica Tanov has fun things going on this week too... check in with them to see what is going on!

at Kid Robot

We made it to Kid Robot which is a new fascination with our kids... it's very simple and I don't know what it is but somehow I like the concept that they only sell a few things, it's a small store and my kids are just focused on their 20 or so different figures that they collect as charms ($3-$10 each) on necklaces etc.. or just figurines. (Kid Robot is on Prince between Greene and Wooster). All along the way are holiday windows and lights and small cafe's (The National off of Bowery)... Saturday night was a special dinner for a Birthday Friend at The Fat Radish... Delicious! (sorry I keep talking about the place but it's SO good!)

the Fat Radish plate... steamed radishes + brown rice and delicious dipping! it's like Macrobiotic without the Macrobiotic! Yes, that's a big old glass of red wine nearby!

Bergdorf Goodman and fountain of Christmas trees outside the Plaza!

Sunday we decided to hop in the car at 7:30 am to drive all over town and look at windows! We stopped at Macy's windows, then up to Bergdorf Goodman and Barneys, then to Rockefeller Center for the tree and the Saks Fifth Avenue windows... it was all a delight to see without a single crowd or hardly anyone on the street! (yes, people were ALREADY skating at Rockefeller Center!) Delightful and then a beautiful brunch at Fred's where we ate like ANIMALS because we were so hungry!

Louis Vuitton Circus inspired window

After scootering around a bit more, we made it home for a nap before The Nutcracker at BAM (by The American Ballet Theater company) - it was a gorgeous, beautiful color-filled presentation that the whole family really loved! (when the snow falls and the ladies are dancing silver... Amazing!)

Don't forget a breakfast at Balthazar! It's completely delightful... the flowers are outstanding.. and the food always makes for a fun breakfast! We really had a great time, most of it is just enjoying each thing you do and finding the joy in it all... even the joy in the chaos!

There are Pop Up Holiday sales going on all over the place.. more about them in the next blog!

some of my favorite gifts!

2011-12-14T18:01:00.000-05:00

Some of our favorite gift ideas: (clockwise from top left):
jess brown dolls! - we just got a happy new shipment of dolls and they make a terrific gift together with the new book - Kiki and Coco in Paris! (the story about a much loved jess brown doll who takes a trip with her girl to Paris!
Wovenplay silk tulle tutu! every girl needs a tutu! or also a feather crown!?
Aleishall Girard Maxon (studio deseo) necklaces are one of a kind special and glittery beautiful!
Matta Likir wool scarf colorful and bold in delicate ivory with bright colors!
Britt Beautiful Skin brushing system - This system is ages old, even used by the Romans to keep fit and healthy. My sister has brought together this amazing kit to teach you how to skin brush and she gives you all the tools! this makes a great gift for someone you love!! (or someone you want to set on a healthy path!)
Matta abbha gold dot dress - a clear favorite from the NEW resort collection
Makie wool felt hats! - a great little stocking stuffer gift for kids that will keep them warm AND they are super soft!! bright color tassels are my favorite part!
Atsuyo et Akiko make your own necklace - the kit includes neon string alphabet beads and atsuyo et akiko little baubles! the kit comes in a blue or pink case! terrific!
Matta Yajur yak wool scarf! - This scarf is super soft, lightweight and easy to wear with everything or it makes an elegant evening wrap!
Clare Vivier clutches! - these are REALLY my favorite... I can never decide which color is my favorite... I love them all! look super chic this season and stay a step ahead...

I hope that this helps you and remember!! FREE SHIPPING until December, 18th! (on ground orders only USA only on order of $100 or more) use code: 'freeship'

Happy Holidays!

Nonchalant Mom Gift Guides - 2011

2011-12-11T12:42:00.000-05:00

These are a few of my favorite gifts for the Holiday Season!

BOY :: clockwise from top left: Makie reversible vest ($118), bonne nuit linen pillow ($68), playsam two person car ($40), eco wood ABC blocks ($24-$38), Mickey Mouse bracelet ($30), Make your own necklace (abc - beads) ($24), Dan Zanes Dance video ($20), Veja sneakers ($48), Makie wool felt hat ($44), Illustrate your own book ($14), Circus lion tshirt ($36), Grand Locket ($28), Lucky Fish NEON elephant tshirt ($42).

GIRL :: clockwise from top left: kit+lili sophie purple hearts dress ($68), 'diamond' hairpins ($14), star/tulle hairclip ($18), Makie baby alpaca stripe hat ($48), Makie reversible soft wool felt scarf ($42), Wovenplay cotton ribbon tights ($54 + socks $30), Lucky Fish pink elephant linen bag ($42), pink LOVE pillow ($78), Wovenplay feather headband ($54), make your own necklace (abc-beads) ($24), mask handkerchief scarf ($44), Jess Brown doll ($189), Kiki & Coco book ($18), check+coin necklace ($26)

BABY :: clockwise from top left: Haptic Lab map quilts ($100), Wee See baby music and graphics video ($22), Lucky Fish blue elephant wall hanging ($), Wovenplay dot socks ($30), Atsuyo et Akiko JE T'AiME oneies ($24), Salvor kuma bear ($48), BONNE NUiT pillow ($78), Lucky Fish Edible Schoolyard tea towels ($24), Wovenplay ribbon socks ($30), soft alpaca wool angel sweater and pants ($98), Eeyore cuddle pillow ($42).

and last but not least... something for YOU!

MOM gift guide (+hostess gifts) :: clockwise from top left: Lucky Fish edible schoolyard tea towel ($24), Lem Lem scarf ($125), Clare Vivier green patent leather clutch ($156), Lucky Fish peacock wall hanging ($), Maison de Vacanses navy fur pillow ($128), Britt Beautiful Skin Brushing System ($36), Erica Tanov Gold zip pouche ($89), Erica Tanov Alpaca herringbone pattern scarf ($278), Lucky Fish LION tshirt ($68), Scosha friendship bracelets ($26-$89), Julie Rofman hand beaded bracelets ($75-$110).

click here for even MORE gift ideas!!!
shop nonchalantmom click here

HaPPY HOLIdayS!

New Jess Brown dolls... have arrived!

2011-12-11T11:10:00.000-05:00

don't miss the book to go with your favorite doll!

We have a fresh new batch of Jess Brown dolls just arrived all the way from Jess's studio in California, they are all warm and ready for LOVE! This is such a perfect gift together with the book Kiki and Coco in Paris!

new jess brown doll with liberty floral dress and mask!

Each Jess Brown doll is made by hand, and sewn with love. There is only one of each doll that is photographed on my website, so they are are as you see them - click here to find your jess brown doll!

shop Jess Brown on Nonchalantmom

FREE SHIPPING!! now - December 18th

2011-12-09T16:57:00.001-05:00

Nonchalantmom is offering FREE SHIPPING!!! now - Sunday, December 18th, which is coincidentally that last day for ground shipping to arrive in time for Christmas! So we are jumping in to offer

FREE SHIPPING on USA orders, GROUND shipping on order of $100 or more..

USE CODE: 'freeship'

Happy Holidays to all and to all a GOOD NIGHT!!

LOVE,

Carina

I forgot about these - Gift Guide - Moon Pillows!

2011-12-09T16:52:00.000-05:00

Nocturn by Moon pillow

I just LOVE these pillows and have been waiting to talk about them... and then the chance came in the Gift Guide and I FORGOT! So, you lovely pillows that I want SO badly... here is your VERY OWN BLOG!

These moon pillows are the greatest thing for any astronaut lover... at ANY age! (BOY or giRL!) and their mission is right out of a Star Trek episode (I am a Trekkie so this is meant in a loving way!):
ico lab :: We are a design team focused on creating and bringing to life the variety of emotions to our monotone lifestyles. Utilizing the imaginary, illusory and ideal aspects of time and space, we give meaning to the modern peoples lost dreams through our emotional designs. Our projects are based on art, literature and science. Through international collaborations, we are also creating charity opportunities for global issues.

These full moon pillows and floor cushions use a real image of the moon which includes 65 individual farmes of the lunar mosiac images taken from Nates in Western France by astrophotographer Norbert.

there are crazy animal pillows too!

or just animals staring at crazy pillows! rainbow moon pillow!

Their website is fantastical and take a visit! But most of all OOgle over these amazing pillows, floor mattresses and other moon accoutrements... prices range from: $49 - $790 for the floor mattress... love them ALL.

Visit icolab online here
shop online here

GIFT GUIDES :: 01 - 2011

2011-12-06T12:47:00.000-05:00

I know that not EVERYONE shops from me during the Holiday Season (MOST of you do!), and I'll tell you a secret.... I buy some things from other people too! As always I try to shop small, I was able to find most of our Christmas at our local Waldorf School Holiday Faire. This year there seemed an abundance of Holiday sales all over the place... some very creative names that I loved and one that made me want to hop on a plane out to California! (what WOULDN'T make you want to hop on a plane to Cali!). I am here to give you a few suggestions that I have heard about for online shopping. Then later this week I will give you some ideas on what to get from ME (Nonchalant Mom!).

Top row (left to right): TimoHandmade (etsy shop) Angel ($36), TimoHandmade Custom Family (it's a little late for this... still an idea for next year!?), Second Row (left to right) TimoHandmade Angel ornament, Paloma's Nest-small wood tags, Paloma's Nest-ornaments, Third Row (left to right) Paloma's Nest-Nativity Scene, Undyed wool throws Alder & Co.

Top row (left to right): iFrogz headphones $39.99 (great for kids!), felt wide brim hat OAK $62, Second Row (left to right) TimoHandmade mouse $46, Jane Foster (etsy shop)-Tilda doll $19, Third Row (left to right), Paloma's Nest-kids play table + animal chairs $198, Erica Tanov-sequin necklaces $88 each

Top Row: colorful pearl hem napkins (10 for $60) Adler & Co., Second Row: Aesop ANYTHING! Visit their new store in Nolita or online, gorgeous handwoven pillows ($180) at Alder & Co. and favorite teapot $140 also Alder & Co.

And last but not least... Top Row: R Gallery-the Objects Show (sorry no online) December 6 - December 30, 2011 Designers: Anne Fischer, Karl Fritsch, Kara Hamilton, Serena Mitnik-Miler, Renate Muller, Kiki Smith, Photo Book - A Road Divided by Todd Hido ($75) at Erica Tanov, Second Row: also at Erica Tanov this great horn necklace ($68), green rope silver hook bracelet at OAK ($55), Garland Belt at Erica Tanov ($48), Bottom Row: Rooster PUZZLE! Amazing.. Liberty Puzzle Shop ($100), Give your friend the gift of health! with an Organic Avenue Cleanse!

More gift guides to come!!! good luck with finding your perfect GIFT!!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Bloesem is getting you in the mood for ssshhh - the HOLIDAYS!

2011-12-05T12:57:00.000-05:00

One of my FAVORITE blogs is Irene at Bloesem, and I know I am going to find something spectacular for Holiday crafts when I visit her website. I love this simple wreath, because it's so simple, it's a bit complicated to make (you can obviously make it easier using colored paper) but it's a super fun project for kids that does not need too much overseeing and keeps that reduce reuse recycle thing going...

For complete instructions go to Bloesem blog and check out the easy one to three including a list of what you will need to get this project done...

Visit Bloesem by clicking here

Visit Bloesem kids for more fun information for kids by clicking here

Thank you Irene for always being so inspiring! (happy 5th coming up!)

shopping guide no.1 - IKEA

2011-11-29T15:19:00.002-05:00

very cute book of home inspiration! $13.99

I thought I would start our shopping guides with a recent shopping trip I took with mom (mor mor) and the kids... over the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend no less...

My mom came to visit from Minnesota, and although she went to Ikea before she left, I said maybe we should take the kids to Ikea on Saturday (after Thanksgiving)? YES! (how does she love this place so much...) - so there we were driving the one and half hours to Ikea on the Saturday after Thanksgiving (they call this blue and yellow day!). These days my mom is very upset with Ikea because they are making changes to their food section, getting rid of the Abba swedish caviar and sardines, they long ago stopped selling Felix Lingonberries, and now they have even replaced the Marabou chocolate with their own brand name... are they learning too much from the Americans!? Yes, maybe so... at any rate she is not going to take this lying down, she is going to complain like a true Swede...

These are our favorites from the food section (clockwise from top right): the Jam (sylt) is the best I love the orange marmalade and the kids love the strawberry, mixed berry and blueberry - next is the swedish caviar tradidtional salmon is fine (Abba is BETTER) - the herring is worth it, we like the Matjes but you need to try them all and find your favorite! - the Knackbrod... it's not Siljans but it's maybe even better!? - and last but not least... my favorite, the mustard! truly the BEST and it will make any kid LOVE mustard, also mixed with greek yogurt and dill it makes a great sauce for salmon!

She whispered to me at the checkout "they don't even have Bilar anymore..." it's all gone the way of their own brand. Since this may be hard for many of you, as it is for us, we decided to have a taste test and give you the heads up on what is still worth it and what you will just have to learn live without (unless the ladies of Minnesota all revolt against it, and make them go back to the loved and cherished brands of their home Sverige!). Don't even bother with the chocolate.. NOTHING comes near Marabou!

clockwise from top left: Giflar are tiny cinnamon rolls the kids go absolutely NUTS over... and don't let anybody fool you, the swedish meatballs are the best, I don't care WHAT they're made of! - the Salmon and the tiny shrimps are delicious! - NEVER, never leave Ikea without a jar of Lingon Sylt! we put it on everything... morning oatmeal, the best!!

Last year at Christmas (at my sisters) my mom had the job of meatballs, she makes the best (or so I thought). My mom is a very gourmet type cook, she loves a good recipe, follows it to the T, when I was a kid and the neighbors would come over she would serve Stuffed Peppers! (what the heck!?) anyway... at Christmas, she whispered to me "I just heated up the Ikea meatballs, nobody will know the difference" I just about fell over! So this Christmas, follow our rule, Swedish meatballs, lingon sylt and mashed potatoes and you can get them ALL at Ikea... DONE!

clockwise from top left: santa bags + stickers to make any package look 'finished' - tea candles 40,000 for $3.99 (just kidding) = cheap! - more candles (they have changed slightly from the past but I like the new ones!) - the BEST wrapping paper (and the cheapest) you will find anywhere!!!

And just a few of our favorite non-food items... CANDLES... the ikea candles are the best and they don't have the dirty lead wire inside (that's what makes all that SMOKE) - Swedes would never do that! The best cards and Christmas paraphernalia you can imagine!

So there you go... now run off to Ikea, and the best time is for HOLIDAYs!!

jann :: lucky fish - these are a few of her favorite things.....

2011-11-22T13:30:00.001-05:00

Jann is my constant inspiration, I feel that we have the same amount of curiosity, and of any of my friends she is usually the one to say, 'yea, let's do it!' so I would never give up the chance to travel with her! Someone recently asked me about my favorite things, then I thought I would LOVE to know what are Jann's favorite things... so when I asked her, who knew I would get a list a MILE long.

So here you go... and be inspired!

clockwise starting at top left: indoor plants, farmers markets, her silkscreens, kiln enamel tableware, le creuset dutch oven, all on top of a bright green rug that would make any home happy!

Reasons to be Cheerful -These are a few of my favorite things:

Wild flower Bouquets.
Raindrops on umbrellas, that dont break in 5 minutes.
Kittens on T-shirts.
Birthday Parties.
Bright orange enamel pots-like Le Creuset.
Enamel tableware from Kiln Enamel.
Really bright rugs that I covet.
"Grain" eco-friendly shower curtain.
Pot plants.
Gardens.
Brown paper packages tied up with strings.
Clip Art Books!
Art exhibitions.
Ephemera.
Silk Screen.
Some Bling.
Markets.

clockwise from top left: softest shoes from Morocco, handmade necklaces, dosa sample sale, dirty martini, beach, ceramics/white glazes, the FARM all on a bright purple rug!

New softest shoes from Morocco.
Things people make.
Browsing in Bookstores.
Dosa Sample Sale.
Phone.
Chats.
Outdoor Movies.
New Places.
Outer Boroughs.
Hand Knits.
Crochet.
Patchwork.
Fiber Arts.
Friendship Bracelets.
My friends.
Sunsets.
Dirty Martinis.
Vinho Verde.
Red Wine.
Full Moon.link to moon t-shirt
Neon Colors-not only for the 80's.
All colors.
Hand made Pottery.
White Glazes.

clockwise from top left: glass vases by Verre New York, Cape Town South Africa, Rucola in Brooklyn, World of Interiors, glow in the dark Moon tshirt, shearling clog boots, baby bunnies, cozy handmade socks with leather bottom, winter

Glass Bottles.
Fall.
My Family.
Baby animals on the farm.
Crisp apple cobbler (or crisp.)
Dark Chocolate with chili or salt.
Radio Nova or Spotify
Dinner at Rucola- neighborhood restaurant.
Campfire Cooking.
Cake.
Shopping at the farmers market.
Cheese.
Food my friends and family make.
Millas drawings.
Gabe.
World of Interiors Magazines.
Mystery novels.
Fiction.
New Short haircut by Trish in her apartment on the Bowery (call 917 279 383)
Girls in white dresses.True.
Girls in Jackets.
Men With Funny Beards and Moustaches.
Winter.
Snowflakes outside my window.
Silver white winters upstate.
Ski School.
Winter vacations in Puorto Rico
Cape Town.
Crafting!
Warm woolen mittens and fleece clog boots.
Socks that are slippers.
Scarves.Always.link to lemlem scarf on your website
Summer
Summer at the beach.
Summer in the mountains.
Ice cream.
Weeding.
Garlic.
Walking.Hiking.Running.
Zumba!

These are a few of my favorite things.

Busy Week!

2011-11-14T12:58:00.001-05:00

It's a busy week coming up, I secretly feed off these moments, and tend to get an incredible amount done when the week presents itself this way. Last night I had "the girls" over for a Product Swap - it was just an excuse to get together and see everyone before the busy holiday season starts. We had a great time, but I totally forgot to take photographs... sorry! So here is the concept, invite your friends over (if you need an invite idea see below), everyone brings the products that don't work for them, you know those things.. you HATE to throw them away but you knew as soon as you bought them that they were NOT going to work for you. Thing is.. in a room full of women, what doesn't work for you will usually work for someone else! We had a great time swapping stuff, drinking wine and having a light evening snack (including the delicious Organic Avenue brownies!! recipe below)

To start the week off right I had my daily one mile run, yes pretty silly just one mile but it really helps me get into gear, and my breakfast of champions!

delicious hard boiled egg, Swedish salmon caviar, parsley on Siljans cracker and a cup of tea

finished sandwich!

Then on Tuesday I pack up my car..

full of my store (well as much as will fit!) and drive down to NYC for a Sample Sale on WEDNESDAY, November 16th from 9am to 1 pm, together with my friends at Clover New York, Pappi Pappi, Atsuyo et Akiko, Wovenplay and Jann from Lucky Fish! We will have a beautiful range of baby, kids and mom clothing and accessories at great prices.. We will be in TriBeCa at the Church Street Music School (74 Warren Street-NYC)... it's a great chance to get a jump on Christmas Shopping!

lucky wang new republic jacket! (fleece inside!)

In the midst of that I just got a big box from Lucky Wang! including their wonderful (and MY personal favorite the Republic Jacket), new baby quilts from Haptic Lab, I just made a slew of new nonchalantmom necklaces, new colors in colored denim from ESP no1 and Erica Tanov should be here any minute now... so lots of photographing is in order!!

Then this weekend is the Book Fair at School - which means baking, working the sale and having some fun is in order! Our local Waldorf School has a Holiday Faire this weekend too which I would never want to miss... amazing toys and fun for the kids always! (thankfully my husband is IN town this week... whew!)

So now that I have been sitting here writing my blog I need to move my BUTT and get into action! Have a great week everyone!

vegan brownies

Vegan/Raw Brownie recipe (via Organic Avenue!) - the great thing is this recipe takes about 5 minutes or less... it's crazy easy and everyone loves them -- even your kids!

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups organic walnuts
16 pitted organic deglet dates
1/3 cup cacao powder
1 tsp vanilla bean powder
2 tsp of purified water

dash of sea salt

extra handful of whole walnuts, pulsed on food processor for top

In a food processor, grind the walnuts and salt until fine. Add the dates and process until dough forms. Next add the cacao, vanilla, water and process again until well mixed.

Scoop out a tablespoon full of dough and roll into a ball. Pat down into a mini brownie shape. I pulse a little bit more of the walnuts and then sprinkle it on top and even on the bottom... YUM!

GROUP HuG... GROUP sALe!!

2011-11-13T11:38:00.000-05:00

I am joining my friends from

Clover New York, Pappi Pappi, Lucky Fish,

Wovenplay and Atsuyo et Akiko for a sAMplE SaLE!!

weDNesDAy, NoVembER 16th (one day only!)

9am to 1pm

at the Church Street Music School in TriBeCa

74 Warren Street between Greenwich St & West Broadway

cHAmpagne and MUsic accompanied by a BEAutiFul range of

Spring, Fall and Resort designer clothing and accessories at AmaZIng prices!

I look forward to seeing you there!!

(pssst... tell ALL your friends!)

stay tuned to my blog and I will give you an idea of what I am bringing...

as soon as I figure it out!

Halloween Contest WINNERS!

2011-11-10T10:58:00.000-05:00

the WINNER - Robin!

runner up!

I swear that everyone was really a winner this year.... so many amazing costumes! We had to do some heavy canvasing because I loved all of them! I had the neighbors over, the neighbors kids, MY kids, we laid them out and voted on our favorites - of the over one hundred entries I have to say that every one of them was super creative and so amazingly well executed! We thought we needed to show a few that were constantly in the top, to give you creative guys some ideas for next year...

I would love this supergirl to save me anyday! - so simple yet couldn't be cuter!

we had lot's of baby entries... but we all thought this one was well-made AND oh so cute and unique

I loved this one... there is also a dumbbell involved but this photo.. so cute!

Amelia Earhart complete with clouds on mom!

there is harry potter and then there is Harry Potter from the second book with the car, spiders... AMAZING!! to top if off they are reading the books so this is where they were in the book and decided to make a costume right there...

There are two of these, a butterfly AND a bird... it's amazing really! what a costume!


Yes, just had to include this because... its perfection! (love that she is in her carriage - it looks a little like she may just LIVE every day like this)

AND THE WINNER IS..... BATMAN AND ROBIN!!

The Winners!

Thank you EVERYONE for entering... it was so much fun to see what everyone puts into this holiday to make it fun and creative! My 6 year old said... "this is my favorite holiday! -- well, after that one where we get presents". Happy Holidays to everyone and THANK YOU AGAIN!!!

Mix and Match... LOOKS for FALL that you will LOVE!

2011-11-09T17:53:00.000-05:00

Tuss, Wovenplay, Lucky Fish.. all at once. For details see below...

We pulled together some very fun looks for you from the store that we really love... just to show you that mixing and matching the Nonchalant Mom collections is FUN and looks GREAT! You can click on the descriptions and they will take you to the item on the website! Hope you LOVe them !!

Tuss navy wool jersey poncho, Nico Nico Charlie sweatpant - zig zag mountains t-shirt, Shampoodle elastic/adjustable suspenders

Makie baby alpaca stripe hat, Makie reversible vest, Nico Nico sunrise T in bone, ESP no1 jeans, Super Editions make your own book

ESP no1 pocket sweater, cotton royal blue neck warmer, ESP no1 black jeans, Wovenplay pony necklace, Clare Vivier pebble leather royal wallet

Tuss Ted navy shirt, Super Sky skirt railroad stripe, Wovenplay star belt, Atsuyo et Akiko locket necklace, Lucky Fish silk animals scarf, Clare Vivier natural wallet, Veja sneakers

Lucky Fish blue foil bat hoodie (bat on back!), Lucky Fish pink peacock long sleeve t, Kit + Lili eseme mini skirt, Atsuyo et Akiko fur handbag (fake fur that is...), Wovenplay clementine hair clip

Lucky Fish glow in the dark moon thermal t, Makie navy velvet skirt, Nico Nico organic cotton sherpa vest, Atsuyo et Akiko fur key necklace, Wovenplay + Jess Brown doll

Shampoodle big dot t-shirt, Kit+Lili esme silver skirt, ESP no1 jeans, Lucky Fish pink peacock messenger bag, Erica Tanov yellow fur neckie/belt, Wovenplay couronne

Tuss black denim Tilda blouse, Wovenplay gide stripe skirt, Tuss tights, Lucky Fish animals silk scarf, Wovenplay+Jess Brown doll

Makie Marla dress, ESP no1 jeans, Oeuf snake

Nico Nico organic cotton sherpa poncho, ESP no1 stripe japanese cotton long sleeve pocket t, ESP no1 jeans, Lucky Fish animals silk scarf, Veja sneakers

Wovenplay pink moleskin cape, Lucky Fish faded bunnies long sleeve thermal t, Nico Nico Charlie sweatpants

Kit+Lili grape flora Natalie dress, Nico Nico sherpa vest

Makie baby alpaca stripe hat + reversible vest, Lucky Fish faded bunnies thermal t, Lucky Fish/edible schoolyard tea towel as scarf, Makie navy velvet skirt

BABY!!

Tuss grey heather wrap top and pants, Makie mittens, Benk baby hat, Oeuf ball, Lucky Fish baby blanket

Lucky Fish pink foil onesie (also comes in blue), Makie wool felt booties, Bakker baby bibs

Lucky Fish/Edible Schoolyard tea towel (great for chic baby towel perfect for diaper changing... etc..), Shampoodle indigo 3/4 sleeve t, Shampoodle indigo dipped pants, Veja baby sneakers

Shampoodle Leroy tracksuit (sizes baby through adult!), Lucky Fish pink/gold bee onesie, Uncle Goose wood blocks

Atusyo et Akiko alphabet t-shirts for boy or girl!, ESP no1 jeans, Veja baby sneakers, Playsam car w/two people


Makie orange or grey rib one piece, Makie grey baby alpaca socks, Uncle Goose blocks, Lucky Fish/Edible Schoolyard tea towel (perfect for diaper changing, clean ups etc...)

Lucky Fish baby blanket, Tuss wrap top and pants, Makie bib, Atsuyo et Akiko towel

Hope you love it all and keep MIXING AND MATCHING... if you have questions don't hesitate to email me!

My favorite UNISEX items of FALL 2011

2011-11-08T14:00:00.000-05:00

wovenplay stripe raglan! - perfect unisex

If you are a long-time Nonchalant Mom fan you know that we started it all off as UNISEX... then I had a girl and things changed... I still think that most of my things can swing either way and here are some ideas of my favorites:

Tuss wool jersey cape - perfect for boys or girls!

see!

All of Nico Nico is perfectly UNISEX! I love all these pieces on both boys and girls

see!


both my kids will not wear any other jeans but ESP no1!! LOVE!

coming soon in a few colors! stay tuned - but this blue is GREAT!

even adults... scosha friendship bracelets... for men AND women!

Lem Lem poncho okay, not so unisex, but for the crazy adventurous man.. maybe!?

I just think it's best if everyone can get use out of their clothing! (especially when you are buying an investment piece...)

happy shopping!

last chance for Anniversary Sale...!!

2011-11-08T13:46:00.000-05:00

This is the LAST DAY of the Anniversary SALE!

20% off the entire store ends today...

don't miss this chance to get

your FAVORITE Fall items at 20% off!!

use code: 'birthday' at checkout

sale ends November 8th 2011

as part of our 8 Year Anniversary - we are giving away friendship... bracelets, that is!

2011-11-03T20:49:00.002-04:00

You know that I am crazy for friendship bracelets! So now through Saturday (11/5/11) all Nonchalant Mom orders will receive a free friendship bracelet (while supplies last)! To celebrate our 8 year Anniversary we thought it would be nice to share a little friendship. These beauties were made by Su Vani. Su is a French mom, who shares her life between Ireland (Dublin) and France (Paris) with her family (2 little boys: 3 and 7) - I met Su on Facebook (see good things can come from Facebook!). We were friends of friends... see how that happens!

I asked her to write a bit about her little friendship bracelets and she gave me this delightful story:

At the end of this summer, I wish the summer would never go away.

So I decided to make a little bracelet in neon pink + pink to bring with me some brightness & sunshine.

I offered some to my friends as a reminder of me, as a gift of love & friendship, and therefore they can think of me too when they wear them.

I love this idea that my little bracelets, the few simple threads I plait together, can become love & friendship symbols between people.

Spread the bracelets, spread the love ! -Su

worn together with the scosha signature bracelets

You can follow Su on her blog by clicking here

If we have any leftover you will be able to purchase them on the website.... but I have a feeling they will be flying out the door!

HALLOWEEN CONTEST! open to everyone!! 2011

2011-11-01T12:12:00.000-04:00

Calling all you scary, and NOT so scary, HALLOWEENers!

It's time to send me all your halloween contest photos -- Above you can see what you are up against... a fantastic BLUE dancing FISH! she's great and I am so EXCITED to see all of the new creative costumes that everyone is making! We are looking for every kind of costume possible!!

In Europe All Saints Day is on November 5th... so please also send in your photos of costumes!! we want to see them too!!!

SEND IN YOUR ENTRIES BY:
NOVEMBER 8th, 2011
THIS YEARS PRIZE IS A $100 GIFT CERTIFICATE
TO SPEND AT NONCHALANTMOM!!!

please email entries to me at: carinanonchalantmomcom
(if you don't want me to publish your photo on the blog just write as such in your blog, otherwise by entering your photo... it may appear on the blog!!!)

trick or TREAT!!

Happy Birthday Nonchalant MOM! 8 years old!

2011-10-31T14:03:00.000-04:00

It's hard to believe that 8 delightful years have already gone by, but we wanted to CELEBRATE! We will have some giveaways and fun things going on this week so stay tuned! To start things off and as a THANK YOU to all of our wonderful customers and FRIENDS we are offering 20% off the ENTIRE STORE -- now through November 8th!! It's time to get those things you have been looking for and get 20% off... use code: 'birthday' at checkout and you will see your discount.

A trip down memory lane...

very first photo shoot on our beach 2004! (paulina quintana t-shirts... remember those!?)

the original homepage image! created by Wayne Kogan

very first Makié product shot... not so bad...

We started that first season in 2004 with: Makié, Lucky Fish (I just sold her leftover samples!), Erica Tanov (more of her collection below), Marimekko and Lucky Wang... and we grew from there! I would wait for all the product to come in and then we would do one big photo shoot! We also made a fantastic fold out catalog (we would rush to get it out on time... but then we hardly even had a mailing list!)

Erica Tanov kids - 2005 (or 06?!)

Erica Tanov again... wasn't it just the cutest clothes!

for awhile we photographed product on the mannequin, but then we weren't in love with that headless look!

For our second catalog I had hired Rose Kauffman to work with me, she is a graphic designer and also helped by packing boxes with me. We packed boxes out of our guest house and worked on the website at our kitchen table... those were the days!! (UPS hated our driveway!) Then a few years later Rose and I opened a store together in our town, it was great to share a store space together with a friend like that, she even lived upstairs from the store.

makié FW 06

makié FW06

my Swedish Aunt made these pillows for me to sell in the store - she wove the textile herself! (I have two of these left - click here)

this amazing toy collection was from Amsterdam, now defunct, they are still BEAUTIFUL!

Rose made this homepage for me in 2008 (franny!)

We always had the 'tips and information' on the website but in 2007 we started the Nonchalant Mom blog... this became a much easier way to be in touch with our audience, share new ideas and inspiration with everyone. I do my best to blog 4-5 days a week and for a time there in 2007-08 my husband had a popular 'Nonchalant Dad' following! He certainly had a 'different' viewpoint and it was fun to have that on the blog (click on nonchalantdad in the labels section to see his blogs). To-date one of our most favored blogs was about what to eat during breastfeeding - I still stand by that list and it's super helpful for any new breastfeeding mom - click here to view.

styled photos that were super popular!

these were cut-out dolls I made... LOVE their look!

Two years ago we made these dress-up dolls that were very popular, we have decided to do something like this again each week in the blog... I love to do these, it just get's the creativity pumping and shows you how to mix and match the collections together... I always try to make them work so that you do not have to wear them all together (although I KNOW there are a few Makié devotees out there).

one clean day in the store (2009?)

my inspiration wall... it rarely looks this clean, but this photo shows you I CAN do it! (but too many post-its!) - that small black and white photo at the center of two boys has been with me for more than 15 years... it's always inspired me!

And now we are so happy and thankful that we are still going strong (stronger than ever!) - thanks for taking this trip with us down memory lane... I can't believe it's been 8 years... but I can't wait for what's ahead.... surprise!

shop nonchalant mom between now and Novemeber 8th 20011 and get 20% off if you use code: 'BIRTHDAY'!!

Thank you all for a wonderful 8 years!

scosha - friendship bracelets

2011-10-30T21:20:00.000-04:00

sometimes when I see new things for the shop I just get crazy over them... and this is one of those cases! I met these guys at the last Designers & Agents show in NYC, Schosha Woolridge who is Australian by birth and now lives in Brooklyn. I knew when I saw her pieces that they would be perfect for everyone! I honestly want to give them to all my friends... isn't that what a friendship bracelet is all about? So we decided to share a special price:

10% off for 6 or more...

15% off for 10 or more...

20% off for 15 pieces or more...

(not to be combined with other sale or special offers)

These delicate little pieces make great gifts for the holiday season for just about anyone, they are completely unisex! (but there is even a 'larger' style that is perfect for guys!) - I like to wear them together with the friendship bracelets that I already have, or just beautiful stacked with three, four or more together!

Get some for yourself or share them with your friends! prices range from $26 - $89!!

Shop Scosha at Nonchalant Mom here!

the changing style of parenting - with one parent? sound familiar?

2011-10-28T15:01:00.001-04:00

1970's TV show - A Family Affair

Over the last year or so my husband has been traveling a lot... about two weeks of every month he is away. During the first year there were a lot of ups and downs, family coming to stay with us to help (we don't have any family in our area so this meant a bunch of travel for the Grandmas), and just plain figuring out how to work this deal. Because it certainly takes a 'system', if you get it to go right it can be really delightful, if it goes wrong, it's not pretty.

Lately I have noticed while waiting at gymnastics, watching my son play soccer, and after school activity pickups that there are so many parents who have a counterpart who is traveling, works in another state, or even one woman who lives here in Rhode Island while her husband words in California. I have also heard that sometimes families have had trouble selling their home, so the family stays behind while one parent goes off to work in another state or even in another country. There is a military base here in Rhode Island so some of these are military parents, who never complain or say anything about being home alone with their kids, the others, well we like to complain a bit. Because it's not easy, working, making lunches, doing it all... but when the system is working it can be so much easier and happier for everyone. I have found that if you can find a way for it to work for you, it can be smooth and relatively easy, but I do think that you have to prepare yourself a bit.

It's weird but you would imagine that you would find a whole bunch of playdates and just make that work but really, it's almost easier if you corral your group and keep them under your hat (so to speak). I certainly do not know everything but I wanted to share with you some of my tips that I have found work well for us over the last year and half of doing this...

1) Don't stay up late at night... midnight is tops, never later!
2) Every once in awhile go to bed when your kids do just to catch up with sleep.
3) As soon as your counterpart leaves the house, clean the entire house top to bottom so that you know what, where, how everything is going on (you will feel more in control of your environment).
4) Each time before my husband leaves we sit down together and talk about how we are a family unit and we like to help each other out, and while dad's away we need to be especially mindful of being helpful, getting up, getting dressed, brushing teeth (it helps to be specific)... routines without being told is really helpful. They usually remember this for the first few days and some of it really sticks.
5) lay out lunch boxes at night ready for the morning.
6) each morning on the way to school we talk about what the day has in store, music lessons, phy ed, doctors appointment... etc... so that everyone knows what is going on and you can better remember things.
7) when you drop them off at school/bus take a moment and go an get a coffee or treat yourself, it will only take a few minutes, and it will do a world of good for your day and your psyche..
8) make lists! because it's harder to remember everything when it's all coming at you.
9) food and dinner becomes much more simple, but I try to take the opportunity to have night's out or special dinners, these have become really fun for me and the kids. You know what a foodie I am and from time to time I take them to a 'fancy' place.. it's just fun to see them sit up straight, behave super well and mind themselves just because they know we are in a special place.
10) most of all you have to find a way let go of your anxiety about getting everything done and enjoy the moment with your kids, because chances are you won't get it all done!
11) my friend Nancy swears by an app that her whole family has called "Cozi Calendar". Everyone can insert appointments, add things to grocery lists and it's super interactive. This sounds really helpful and getting everyone onto one page, especially for older kids, is perfect!
12) hire Mr. French! (if you were born after 1970 you may not remember this...)

I have to say that I can appreciate those who single parent all the time, my own mom was a single parent for most of our lives and I certainly remember the times when it wasn't easy... but I also know that she was more 'alone' than we are today - no internet, no blogs, just trying to do it all by yourself... not easy!

If you have great ideas on your 'single parenting' please share them with us so that we have a resource, so the next time you find yourself parenting alone... you won't be!

WOVENPLAY!! just arrived!!

2011-10-27T12:16:00.000-04:00

Wovenplay is finally here... in the store... Hurray!! I love this collection and if I had my way I would dress my kids in Wovenplay all day LONG! I will tell you my favorites right off the bat... the deerskin vest... Sander scooped this up and has had it on every day since!

on the street... NYC baby....

and I love the stripe pieces, the stripe raglan and the stripe gide skirt -- great pieces and great pieces together! (go STRIPES!)

But really I love it ALL!

visit the collection at Nonchalantmom NOW!

bloesem kids craft project - halloween sun catchers

2011-10-27T03:04:00.000-04:00

I thought this was a terrific Halloween project! You can see the whole story at Bloesem Kids by clicking through here.

Leave it to Irene to find this terrific project and how cute! It came from Jennifer Kirk - who is a new crafts contributer at Bloesem Kids - it all looks very easy and all you need is some recycled plastic and some sharpies! (my favorite!) - so get to it and find the directions here.

see complete instructions at Bloesem Kids- click here

eco-kids winners!

2011-10-27T02:30:00.001-04:00

delayed reaction!! I put the winners of the eco-kids play dough and finger paints in an emailer but forgot to write a blog... we are still looking to hear from winner - WESLEY!! -- you have won a set of eco-kids finger paints!!

send us and email so that we can send them out to you!

halloween - some ideas... via Real Simple

2011-10-24T17:32:00.001-04:00

couldn't get more simple than this....

I promise not to get into this too much as I am sure that you are already over your head into Halloween, but I got an email from Real Simple that outlined some easy things you can do at the last minute... and if you are like most people it's ALL last minute! (I haven't even got the FABRIC yet!). We do carve pumpkins each year, but this year, to avoid sagging pumpkins on Halloween, we will make them later on this week. I saw a very cute one with ping pong eyeballs but I can't seem to find to photo at the moment.. I will keep looking! But these... I can think of a few ideas with this basic and easy premise:

As for costumes, these are pretty cute ideas and don't take much work!

what an angel!

take coffee filters and tape them to hangers bent into the shape of wings (or just use old fairy wings!)

in case you can't see close up that's a nipple on a pink bottle cap! (+ felt ears)


raining cats and dogs!

There are lots more ideas on their website - click here!

more costume ideas from Real Simple click here

more pumpkin decorating here

Don't forget to send us your photos and we will do another Halloween costume contest this year!! Send them to me at: carina nonchalantmom com

HAPPY AND SPOOKY HALLOWEEN TO YOU!!

Hugo França at R 20th Century

2011-10-20T13:28:00.000-04:00

If you are in New York City before Novemeber 5th you MUST go to see the Hugo França Instillation at R 20th Century. The casulo (Portuguese for cocoon) series of environments are carved from the trunks of awe-inspiringly large Brazilian trees. This series offers the viewer unique access to França's immersion experience of literally climbing into the tree, transporting the viewer to França's perspective by bringing them inside these massive natural forms. It's beautiful and amazing and certainly worth a visit to the Gallery.

these rings are my favorite, what could be more subtle and gorgeous!

R 20th Century Gallery | 82 Franklin Street | New York NY 10013
www.r20thcentury.com | 212 343 7979
M-F 11-6 | Saturday 12-6

NEW: lem lem scarves!!

2011-10-18T12:53:00.001-04:00

Two things I wear WHEREVER I go... a lem lem scarf AND my clare vivier bag! I just added some new lem lem scarves that are truly delightful! Whether you like the merino scarves or the cotton ones both are accented with the lem lem signature neon colors! (love that...) and as for Clare... she is a bit busy and a bit behind but it's no sweat, the new foldover clutches will be here soon, some with neon trim, some with bright colors and some just simply chic! (well they are ALL chic!) in the mean time who doesn't need a La Tropezienne bag!

shop all at Nonchalantmom by clicking here!

recipe: squash soup

2011-10-17T20:15:00.001-04:00

I think that everyone has their own recipe for squash soup and I could have sworn that I already made a post of this recipe and was surprised to find out that I have not... It's my favorite and I have been making it for years to raves by everyone! (even my MOM!). During pregnancy many women have trouble with Anemia, even if they have never had issues in their life. I think it's also because of the constant monitoring of your vitals during pregnancy that it is detected more, if you are feeling sluggish and tired (sound familiar), you could just have the early signs of Anemia (or you could be just on the edge). At any rate, if you add adzuki beans and kombu (seaweed) to this recipe it can be a great healing dish for Anemia - click here for previous post on my blog about Anemia during pregnancy and full recipe.

kobacha squash

I use Kobacha squash, this squash is used frequently in Macrobiotics, it has lot's of flavor and it is rich in beta carotene, iron, vitamin C, potassium, calcium, folic acid and lesser amounts of B vitamins. The skin of the fully matured kobacha squash makes it almost like peeling a rock, so take care when doing this -- it's certainly a hefty arm workout! (if it's not that hard, it's possible it is not yet ripe - Kobacha squash takes three months to ripen off the vine) - but I promise you, this squash is worth it!!

You can also make this entire recipe in a pressure cooker, it comes out even more delicious and it's easier because you don't have to peel it, the skin get's really tender when in the pressure cooker. Pressure cooker details at bottom of recipe.

CARINAS SQUASH SOUP
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion chopped
1 small/medium size kobacha squash - peeled and cubed
sage - I use about a stem of fresh sage but you can also use dried sage
1 32 oz chicken stock or water (or even half and half)
1 tbsp tamari or shoyu (maybe a bit less...)

saute onions in olive oil (I use a La Creuset 2 quart Dutch oven type thing) - add the cubed kobacha squash and saute for a bit, chop up sage and add it to your saute - maybe 10 minutes or so... heat up chicken stock (just so that you are not starting over cold) or water and tamari and cook for about 30 - 40 minutes until the squash gets tender. I use a hand blender or you can use a blender to puree to the consistency you like and viola! you are done! it's super simple and amazing.

I like to serve it with roasted pumpkin seeds (roast a couple of handfuls in a cast iron pan) or make your own croutons.. kids LOVE homemade croutons! If you want it to be more of a meal and heartier I really like it with a bit of brown rice thrown in! It also makes a great pasta sauce! maybe even on pizza?!

pressure cooker:
saute green onions instead of onions... I don't know why but in the pressure cooker these taste better! in the pressure cooker on medium heat, wash the outside of the squash (and clean out seeds obviously), get all the dirt off and cut into slices (this is SO much easier than peeling a kobacha squash). Use less sage in the pressure cooker as flavors become more intense. Fill water up to the line (you may not fit all the squash in a pressure cooker) and add tamari or shoyu (again, less) - put lid on and cook at high pressure for about 10 minutes - buzz with a hand blender an you are DONE.. it's SO easy this way!!!

cereals organic or natural? what's the right choice...

2011-10-13T11:49:00.000-04:00

WATCH THIS VIDEO!

Funny enough I have noticed the organic seal missing in many products that I thought were organic, and today I found out that it wasn't just my imagination. The Cornucopia Institute (a non-profit organization promoting economic justice for family scale farming) today released an informational video on breakfast cereals that will wake you up a bit and bring back your diligence about looking for the 'organic' seal. Because if you are like me I have totally been relying on my store to be informed, while I just trust them... but this is not the case, even if you are shopping it Whole Foods.

Watch the video by clicking here
or to visit their website for more information and the 'cereal scorecard' click here

blog: minor de:tales

2011-10-12T10:37:00.000-04:00

Today a very fun interview I did with Minor De:tales popped up in my inbox... Annica's blog came onto my radar a few weeks ago and I think they have something fresh and new going for them! (plus the added bonus that she blogs every day!) I love getting information from places around the world and she is in Australia (a Swede, living in Australia to be exact!), it's nice to get a view from somewhere else.

Annica has a section on her blog called "10 minutes with..." and she asked me to be a part of it and, of course, I was happy to oblige (I love these things!). So here you are... 10 minutes with Nonchalant Mom! and don't miss the chance to visit her entire blog.. it's beautiful! (and add her to your weekly read... it's worth it)

click here to see nonchalant mom story on minor de:tales
click here to visit minor de:tales

NYT Food magazine

2011-10-10T09:26:00.000-04:00

I finally got a chance to read last weeks NYT magazine on Food and Drink, did you? It was full of terrific information about what's going on with food today, a bunch of history and recipes... an amazing recipe section in fact by Mark Bittman (of course it was Amazing!) - he took a dinner party and made it four ways: Mediterranean, East Asian, South Asian and Latin American - the same meal plan for each! (drinks, desert and all!) I learned how easy it is to make Horchata! and a bunch more...

Sam Sifton had some good things to say about why it's good to eat together at the table, then he went a step further and photographed nine families eating dinner together and asked them about their dinner, terrific! Here are a few facts that I liked: "Children who eat with their families have stronger vocabularies than those who do not. They do better in school. They are less likely to suffer from obesity. Family meals prevent teenage pregnancy. They are bulwark [nice word usage, it means: any person or thing giving strong support or encouragement in time of need] against depression". And my personal favorite: "Those who eat chicken around a table with kin tend not to sneak off to the park later to huff paint".

One of my favorite sections was "Mysteries Solved, Riddles Explained and Readers' Questions Answered" by Michael Pollan... terrific! I know a lot about food by most of this I didn't know if it was true or not... Michael demystifies this for us, thank you! "Is frozen produce as nutritious as fresh? What must government do to make healthful food as affordable as it's evil counterpart? How can you tell if food is genetically engineered? You will have to move to Europe or Japan for your food to be labeled with this information... or just buy organic, the USDA rules that organic foods must prohibit genetic engineering (whew!).

So, you get the picture... if you are going to read one issue this year.. this is the one to read!

click here for the link to the NYT magazine on food and drink
(not sure but this may only work if you have a subscription? if you don't have one... get one!!)
here's my tip, just get the Sunday NYT, this way you get the magazine, you get T, and it's just about enough information for you to consume in a week, plus you have paper to start your fire, on hand!?

vivian maier - street photographer

2011-10-07T05:38:00.000-04:00

You may have heard of this story, especially if you live in Chicago, where local historian John Maloof purchased a box of Maier’s negatives from an auction house and began collecting and championing her marvelous work. Finally there is a new book coming out, the first time in print, Vivian Maier: Street Photographer which collects the best of her incredible, unseen body of work. The book goes on sale in November by publisher Powerhouse Books (click here for information). But the images really speak for themselves, the history that is presented in these beautiful photos is amazing, the expressions and the surroundings.

Vivian spent her life as a nanny, she never showed anyone her photos until her death in 2009 at the age of 83, just two years before John Maloof found her work. John stumbled upon a piece of her photos and then he went on to find the entire collection of her work and also more about her history, he then found her obituary just two days after she died.

A good street photographer must be possessed of many talents: an eye for detail, light, and composition; impeccable timing; a populist or humanitarian outlook; and a tireless ability to constantly shoot, shoot, shoot, shoot and never miss a moment. It is hard enough to find these qualities in trained photographers with the benefit of schooling and mentors and a community of fellow artists and aficionados supporting and rewarding their efforts. It is incredibly rare to find it in someone with no formal training and no network of peers.

see a news story about john and the vivian maier story on youtube here

NO school!? what!? - 10% off and free shipping

2011-10-06T19:37:00.001-04:00

10% off and FREE SHIPPING

now through Monday, October 10th

KIDS, BABY, & anything for yourself... entire store!

10% off and FREE SHIPPING*

(on orders $100 or more)

USE CODE: 'friends'

*free shipping within USA on UPS ground only

free shipping will be taken off at time of shipping

(couldn't figure out ONE code for both... sorry!)

THANK YOU!!!!

love - carina

PASS IT ON....

diane keaton for bed bath and beyond?

2011-10-06T13:27:00.000-04:00

WHAT? yes, I said the same thing... but they look pretty nice! I have not seen these things in person but I am always one of those people who is looking to change my bedroom with the season, so I am in need for a change and maybe this is it! It's pretty darn tasteful, as Annie Hall should be, but I can't help but think... does the younger generation of consumers relate Diane Keaton? So here I think to myself, I better get these goodies now because they may not be around long! (tell me this hasn't happened to you). This must be Bed Bath and Beyond's version on Missoni!?

Diane's philosophy, in which she says, "Remember driving by all those barns standing on the side of a country road. Remember the white washed wooden patina - each one an individual, but also an inherent part of the American landscape too. A simple life. My duvet collection offers the warm feeling of those great old barns, but most of all the dream of home, your home." Did she really say that... probably not, but I still like them... no way getting past that!

shop for the Diane Keaton bedroom collection here at Bed Bath and Beyond

you can get her design inspired dinnerware too!

got a blank wall... here's an idea!

2011-10-05T12:57:00.001-04:00

Recently while we were at a street art fair, there was a beautiful artist painting by numbers on a large mural, I loved the idea and thought... I would like to do that! Then, later in the very same week I got an email about this wonderful little company... wallpaintbynumber... what a catchy name! Well, that is just what it is... you supply the image, you can choose the size, and the colors, it's all up to YOU. Now all you need is a blank wall, right?

Wallpaintbynumber is custom-made, personalized wallpaper. The wallpaper is based on a picture you send to wallpaintbynumber. This picture is converted to a “colour by number” pattern on wallpaper. Just grab your brushes and paint, choose the colour corresponding to the number and colour the panes. Create a perfect and original image for your wall, or even better yet, have fun painting it together with your child! Prices range from 195/euro - 345/euro for the largest 270 x 450 cm.

click here to visit the site and get more information.

new eco-kids! + contest!!

2011-10-04T14:49:00.000-04:00

I am so happy to have this new line of hand made finger paints and play-dough, both in 5 color tubes, which are FANTASTIC! They are called Eco-Kids cause that's what they are... We took the play-dough with us on a car trip and we couldn't stop playing and making things and I sat in the front seat just kneading away at the stuff. I realized that it made my hands super soft and smelling great! (not that normal playdough smell...) maybe a touch of rosemary!? or is it the vitamin E oil? At any rate I love these guys and love what they are making!

vegetable colors that are amazing!

finger paints - color become VIBRANT when you add water!

SO as a special introduction we are offering a tube of playdough and a tube of fingerpaints! Just make a comment here and we will pick a lucky winner! (okay, so I have never done this before but I thought I might give it a go... so if you like the idea tell me so otherwise tell me that it's NOT a good idea! ha!)

I know you will love these, they make great gifts and it's always good to have some on hand! They come in eco-conscious corn starch jars that are perfect for re-packing and taking with you anywhere!

so have fun with ECO-KIDS! - click here to find on Nonchalant Mom

musical inspiration..

2011-09-29T09:05:00.002-04:00

It all started with T magazine, I began to get interested in music again. Somehow in each issue they mention a band here or there as inspiration and I think, hhmmm I'm going to have to give them a go, and I have made some good music choices lately, thanks to T. I love how T is never inspired by movie stars, but much of the time it IS inspired by everyone else in the world! (not to mention every PLACE in the world!). Sally Singer I love you! (that's not music, that's editor)

Along with the T inspiration I figured that needed to ask my old friend Wayne what his music inspiration was right now. Wayne is a California guy at heart, but found himself in New York City for too many years, then ejected himself off to work in Italy for the past few years. Wayne knows more about music than anyone I know, and his taste is pretty out there, but most of the time he hit's it on the head. He is also the best Graphics man I know (he created the Nonchalant Mom website back in 2004 and it still works for me!). So without further A-do, here is Waynes current music list, he didn't say much about anything, except to say that it's mostly new music (he used to be very into old stuff, lots of jazz). I left it in his stream-of-consciousness kind of text because that's the way he is:

LANA DEL REY-VIDEO GAMES out in oct, Anna Calvi, john maus, Richard Buckner, wooden shjips, Benjamin Biolay, the war on drugs, chris smither (folk), Amina Alaoui (ECM), Anouar Brahem (ECM). Richard Galliano-Luz Negra. Rediscovered Violent Femmes-Hallowed Ground yesterday. All bert jansch from 60s, early 70s and 2000s (bert jansch, last cd black swan is excellent and his first simply called bert jansch is a classic).

I am sure that everyone is more tuned in than I am but I had not heard of ANY of these bands, I went through iTunes and ended up buying just about every one (except for the Violent Femmes, not into that but hey... I'm sure it's great) and I feel pretty good now thank you!

thanks Wayne! I am going to ask him if he will keep us in the loop every once in awhile, I have begged him to start a music blog... but I can't seem to get him to do it. COME ON Wayne!

hermes birthday party... what!?

2011-09-28T21:36:00.000-04:00

I took a visit to the beautiful blog of Simple Lovely today and last weekend she went to the anniversary party for the Dallas Hermes store... holy COW! It was the 25th Anniversary of Hermes in Dallas and boy did they do it right.

There are so many ideas here... LOTS of wonderful inspiration that you can use for your own over-the-top amazing party! face painting can be sweet if you put your mind to it...

And these silver Mylar horses... just gorgeous!

Fun can be in the simplest things... done right!

Josclyn takes such great images and I hope that they inspire you for a perfect party of your own... I think those horse shaped silver balloons have to be the BEST of all!

Jane Foster - genius!

2011-09-27T06:18:00.001-04:00

genius! is Jane Foster... I found her etsy shop today via Design Mom, who ran a house tour which is fantastic as well (click here to see). I loved her house so much that when I went to her etsy shop I felt I had just hit PAYDIRT! bright and exciting prints that are colorful and simple (and ah, yes, SCANDINAVIAN influenced..). So far she completely delights me with her things and I can't imagine anything better

so watch out American Girl... here comes Tilda!!

She will come to you direct from Janes hands in Totnes, Devon in the UK - so you can buy her already stuffed ($56) or you can buy a kit to make her yourself! ($22/usd)

HOOO HOOO! who!? Jane also makes these perfect Owls! (love them all!)

I am going to give all of my friends these for christmas... there DONE!

click here to visit the Etsy site for Jane Foster
or to find out more visit her blog here

hello shiso...

2011-09-26T21:18:00.000-04:00

Are you looking for simple, sweet, easy and just darn cute for your kids hair? Or maybe a cute little bib or ditty for yourself... hello shiso has some simple answers for you! Hello shiso accessories are made by an easy going Berkley mom who just comes up with enough cuties to make your life smile upon you more. I love these heart clips.

but here simple bibs, with just a bit of delightful embroidery make a perfect everyday soft bib

or catchy necklaces!?

And these new bracelets!

See how a tiny pretty thing can brighten up your day!

Thank you shiso mama! - visit hello shiso here

my favorite dinner!

2011-09-23T20:42:00.000-04:00

Last night I made my favorite dinner in a long time... I don't know about you but my husband has been traveling for the last couple of weeks and although we do eat fine dinners just me and the kids, we tend to be VERY simple. The night before it was sushi rolls w/salad, a really simple pasta the night before.. you get the picture. But last night I went all out, it was like a date night at home with the kids (AND it was just a plain old Wednesday...).

We had Branzino (Mediterranean sea bass) baked 'sotto sale' or in salt, steamed radish tops and roasted potatoes (or as my son says - french fries!). Lately our local Whole Foods has had Branzino on hand and I think it's really nice to cook a whole fish (would rather CATCH the fish but maybe next time!) so that the kids see that we are eating fish and don't think that it's chicken all the time! For this reason I like to bring it to the table and serve it that way so that they can see me fillet the fish and everything.

Baking the fish in salt makes it incredibly tender and delicious, it just melts in your mouth. It's very easy, lie the fish on a bed of salt, add some olive oil to fish, fill the cavity with whatever herbs you have on hand (in this case I only had basil, oregano and sage), and then take salt and pack it onto the top of the fish too. Depending on the size of the fish you will use about 1/2 - 3/4 cup salt, and you can see how it almost cracks off when you are done. Use a good salt too like Si salt or a good sea salt. Italians like to add more olive oil (really GOOD quality olive oil) and salt and pepper to the fish on your plate but I don't think it needs it! You decide!?

Toss potatoes cut into large slivers with olive oil and rosemary, salt and pepper and put them on a roasting sheet and bake for a bit before you put the fish in a 400 degree oven. Put the fish in for the last 20 minutes. In the meantime cut the tops off radishes and wash really well (they are usually grown in sandy/dirt so it's always hard to get all that dirt out!) chop up and steam just a bit. Add a bit of salt and pepper before serving. The kids really like radish tops, they have just a watery flavor, radish tops are very high in vitamin C and an amazing source of calcium, they clean your blood, and all they while taste great! I also like to garnish the plate with some cut up radishes for color!

There you go... a REALLY easy DELICIOUS meal for you and your kids!

Oh and I almost forgot... the whole meal cost = Branzino $8.60 + 4 potatoes $2 + radishes (2 bunches) $2.40 = approx. $13

can't beat that for three people! even at McDonalds....

of A kind

2011-09-22T03:46:00.000-04:00

I was brought to this website via Clare Vivier, who made a lovely wallet/type thing for 'of a kind' (long since sold out) - as in one of a kind... they ask their favorite designers to make something specifically for them and then they sell it to YOU the audience! These are a unique list of designers, so they give you the story behind them... how they came to 'of a kind' and explores their mission. I think it's a great opportunity for everyone, we win because we get to see these lovely things that they come up with, the designer wins because they are introduced to bevy of new customers and there you go - the American dream in action!

Today I got an email for The Fete collection necklaces by Alyson Fox, which I love... they have that quirky color/shape thing going on that I love... and they look super stacked with many other necklaces (maybe even one of my nonchalant mom necklaces!?) - sign up for their mailing list now and get some great tips-offs on some fun designers that are making GREAT things!

click here to visit of a kind

bunions

2011-09-21T14:24:00.000-04:00

IF YOU HAVE THESE....

GET THESE....

Do you remember when this split toe Nike shoe came out (maybe it was in the 90's - I remember being in Italy and it became all the RAGE) I was certain then and I still am that these were made by someone who has bunions... or maybe Nike hasn't figured that out yet... anyway, if you have bunions, like I do (that's my feet above) your feet will feel delighted to wear these shoes!

My bunions are one of the main reasons that I love yoga, I am constantly checking my stance (and it's probably why I like Iyengar so much) and making sure my big toes are straight (it's not easy if you have bunions, you have to concentrate on it!) - I thought it would come down to a book one day that I could write... I have solved the problem of bunions... YOGA! Well it hasn't made them disappear, but I think that they do not cause me to much hassle because I do yoga. And I hope that I will not have to have surgery or have trouble walking like some of my cousins and aunts.

The fact is, they run in my family. I know, I know... everyone says they are from my shoes, or sugar (macrobiotic) or what have you... but honestly they just run in the family. I would like to add here that they could run in the family because the people in our family that have them are a little crazy for sweets, but I am not going to go down that avenue...

In Macrobiotics they suggest that these bunions are from sugar, which I can tell you, when I eat a lot of sugar my bunions become inflamed and red... so yes, sugar is NOT good for them. But they are not going to go away if I do NOT eat sugar, it's too late for that and I think it has something to do with my constitution. The other time that my bunions get aggravated is when the weather changes drastically, in a humid direction that is... so I could be a weather girl instead of a shop owner... hhhhmmmm??

At any rate I would like to offer these delightful Nike shoes to you if you have bunions and tell me what you think, it's wonderful to have a shoe to keep your toe in-line and straight. I honestly feel great in them and I also run in them (which is NOT suggested but feels great for me!) - not the most attractive shoe I can imagine, the black lace does this shoe no favors, but hey... maybe Nike will let me design a pair for them?? that's a good idea, no!?

get your Nike - it's called The Rift - black w/neon pink soles from Nike here (I didn't find them in ANY stores!

20% off jewelry and accessories!

2011-09-20T15:37:00.000-04:00

If it's not clothing then it's probably on sale! --until FRIDAY take 20% off on all jewelry and accessories - use code: 'accessories' at checkout and the discount will be applied to your order. This discount shows up for just about each collection but this is a very rare opportunity to get 20% off:

jess brown! - this could be a good time to pick up a Christmas present for someone very special!?

atsuyo et akiko! - this collection of accessories sells very fast... so it rarely goes on sale, this is a great opportunity to get a deal on some very cute jewels for your kids or yourself!

clare vivier - have you been holding off on getting yourself an amazing handbag... well jump on it now!!

nikki b - get a friendship bracelet for you AND your friends! (and get 20% off!!)

Maison de Vacanses - get these chic accessories for the home... last chance!

This sale does NOT include personalized jewelry - jump in now and get something before the sale ends on FIRDAY, SEPTEMBER 23rd (the first day of Autumn!!)

don't forget the code: 'accessories'

love - carina

more lucky fish!

2011-09-16T23:40:00.000-04:00

BACK IN STOCK! yes, they always go fast... and it's hard for us to keep up, but this season we were really on the ball and we knew what to re-order in the first weeks! Things from Lucky Fish were flying out the door fast and it didn't take us long to realize that sizes 6 - 8 - 10 and even size 12 were going, going, GONE! So we re-ordered the following t-shirts for your kids!

blue foil spider on olive thermal T

glow in the dark moon on black thermal t

safari T on organic cinder t

giraffe printed on front and back in orange on slate t

fade bunnies on white thermal t

click here to see the entire Lucky Fish collection on Nonchalant Mom

new issue small magazine !! Fall 2011

2011-09-16T11:14:00.001-04:00

I love this new issue of Small Magazine... from the first page onward, maybe it's the green, but most likely its for what's inside! Always inspiring and always a barrel of fun!

like this great idea for snow globe cards! - easy and fun, good for Christmas cards!

Always the BEST!

click here to see the whole magazine!

oops and these...

2011-09-14T11:18:00.000-04:00

should I get them?... should I not get them? .... I have 50% talked myself into them....
(the shoes that is...)

No. 6 sling back clogs at Totokaelo

what am I doing now, you ask!?

2011-09-14T11:13:00.000-04:00

It's been such a long time since I have posted one of these, and I have a few obsessions at the moment that I have been dying to share...

bruce webber at lake Mille Lacs in Minnesota

1. I don't know how I got onto this, I think it's because I thought it was THE Bruce Webber that was cycling across America (it's not THE Bruce, but it's Bruce Webber columnist for the New York Times). I think it's just about a wish for everybody to drive across America, but this guy is BIKING it for the second time! I am not a twitter fan but it must be his easiest way for him to post so I have been checking in with his photos, recently he was in the very town in Minnesota where our family had a lake house, Garrison, Minnesota - on Lake Mille Lacs! at the moment he is making his way across Wisconsin, but he has come all the way from Oregon and it's so much fun to watch his route. click here to see the story in the NYT and here is link to photos on twitter.

2. I have been looking for chap stick with the perfect color red since Dr. Hauschka pulled their pot-gloss back in the 90's (I bought up as much stock as I could find when I heard it was going away, sound familiar!?). And when I find myself at the Beauty counter my favorite question has always been, "Is there a lipstick, the goes on like chap stick that has just enough of a hint of red?" - I usually get a silly look and as they walk away from me, they say "no". Burt Bees has been my solution until now.... I just ordered the new Fresh Passion tinted lip treatment - it's PERFECTION! my answer to lipstick!! - get it by clicking here

3. Although it is the end of summer, I will tell you that this Solar Recover has been the lifesaver of the season! Especially on our trip to Austin, TX. We would come in from the heat and my family would line up to get misted down and cool off! This product is so delightful to your nose and body it's just great.. we never burned and never peeled, in fact no skin issues at all! It has distilled water, vitamin E, essential oils of calendula, lavender, sesame, geranium, roman chamomile, sandalwood and french seaweed extract... it all equals something that smells great and is soothing to your skin (I got this tip from Joslyn at Simple Lovely!) - get it at Whole Foods or click here.

4. It's hard for me to go to bed without washing my face... I can't help it! but my current favorite night time product is Midnight Recovery Concentrate by Kiehls - it smells delightful, feels lovely and I look younger when I wake up! (Just kidding!) - get it at Kiehls

5. My kids are crazy for Mango Tango smoothie drink by Odwalla, I love it too, but it's been nice to get away from apple juice and have a change on hand!

I hope that these ideas are helpful to you... and make your life more FUN!

my kind of tiger mom!

2011-09-13T10:37:00.000-04:00

Towards the end of the summer I was counting the days when school was going to start again, it didn't help that it was supposed to start one week and then we had that darn hurricane which pushed the start date back a week... so there we were in limbo for an additional week, lot's of plans for working and there we were figuring out MORE activities for the kids... don't get me wrong I LoVE to hang out with my kids, and since both my husband and myself work from home we hang out with them a LOT, so after a summer of pandering to all the crazy whims that come up, I am completely ready to get back down to a schedule and get my butt back to work!

My friend sent me a link to this article in the Wall Street Journal and I laughed until I cried, I sent it to some other friends and they laughed until they cried too... so I wanted to let you in on this delightfully articulated article that will make you laugh until you cry, I hope!

click here for link to A Long Summer for Weary Tiger Mothers - by Samantha Bee

jess brown and bottega veneta

2011-09-12T22:22:00.000-04:00

Jess Brown's handmade dolls are near and dear to the hearts of little girls everywhere, but did you know that she is also a favorite of the gorgeous Italian womens clothing and accessories label Bottega Veneta! Yes, indeed! Bottega Veneta asked Jess to make life size dolls for their flagship store windows and they turned out amazing... she even managed to make accessories and bags in their signature shapes.

h-e-l-l-o dollies!

jess working on her dolls in her studio

NYC window of Bottega Veneta

jess with her life size dolls

visit her website to see the complete slideshow
click here to find her amazing dolls on nonchalant mom

ad in small magazine...

2011-09-11T21:12:00.000-04:00

I just made this ad for small magazine and it looks so cute I had to share it with you! My son always want's everything to have him all over it and lately since most everything comes in Franny's size he doesn't get very much to photograph, so I made sure to cover my bases with this ad...

I love SMALL magazine!
click here to see - the new issue will be out soon!

Emily Ulmer fans...

2011-09-09T10:42:00.000-04:00

I just got an email from Emily Ulmer about her very special Christmas Card package, and even if you are in NYC you can take advantage... she will be coming to the East Coast next week so book your place asap!

here's the details:

- A two hour photo session (your choice of location)
- 50 flat cards plus envelopes (heavy card stock- choose from a selection of designs)
- 15 high resolution digital files (to make high quality prints)
Total Price: $450

Folded cards available for an additional $25. Additional digital files and prints available for purchase separately.

And, as a special offer, I am offering a 10% discount if you book your session by September 15th.

I don't know about you but I'm booking my spot!

Visit her website here for more information

7 things every mom should do before the school year starts

2011-09-07T20:20:00.000-04:00

The folks at the O blog has asked a few bloggers what they like to do before the school year starts, and when they asked ME I was kind of stumped... I wish I could have had a 'huddle' with 'design mom' about the whole subject. My first response was sort of superficial (and a bit of a fashion hound approach), it is to check my kids closet and make sure I take out all of their beaten down summer clothes and replace them with some shiny new gems so that they are sparkling for the first day of school! I can't help it but it's really more fun dressing them than it is myself. So if their drawers are stocked with things I like, it's not a problem!

I loved all of the suggestions and they are helpful, so take a look and get ready!

click here for full story on the O blog

Austin, TX - summer vacation

2011-09-07T12:42:00.000-04:00

State Capital in Austin, TX

It's not as if we weren't warned, everyone said "are you crazy to go to Austin in August?!" including a few people who LIVE there... but we were dying to go and see the place, because we have heard so much about it. It was pretty easy to book our locations because we were probably the only people going on vacation to Austin! It was hot HOT hot! we managed to be there on the 60 - 67th day of over 100 degree temperatures. We decided to stay at two different places so that we could get a feel for the area, and one happened to have one of those twirly pool slides which was perfection!

For the first few days we stayed at Lakeway Resort and Spa - even people that live in Texas who I talked to had never heard of it... I'm honestly not sure where I found it, but it turned out to be a great spot! The rooms were fine, nothing special, just basic, but the pool and outdoor area was terrific! No crowds, no saving seats necessary and we met two wonderful couples, with kids, and we all had fun together (they were both living in Austin!).

this image and above is Barton Springs

Next we stayed at the W in central Austin. A friend was showing us around a bit so I felt like we got a very good feel for the area, it felt a lot like a hot Minneapolis to me, super nice people, music, theater, arts... great food (well, that part was better than the Minneapolis I remember). It was hard not to spend a lot of time at the pool even at the W because of the heat (a perfect time for a long game of Scrabble in the shade!). We made a day of it at Barton Springs, which was delightfully refreshing and also Krause Springs which was a bit like Jurassic Park. The cool water of these springs made for a great way to beat the heat.

Nana (my mother in law) was adamant about going to see the Alamo, so we went down to San Antonio for a sweltering day, it's a beautiful city as well. We were pleasantly surprised by the history and the size of the city. My husband and I spent a lot of time looking at neighborhoods in Austin just in case we might want to move there one day... you never know what's in store for you right!!??

look how low Lake Travis was... someone said 40 ft?

lem lem... back to school... for me!?

2011-09-04T21:53:00.000-04:00

lem lem Fall 2012 collection

I know that you are all concerned with back packs and lunch boxes, tennis shoes and rubber boots, but I just thought you 'might' want to take a moment to check out something for yourself... from Lem Lem! I am really crazy about this new collection and while I want to take every piece... then you wouldn't get any! so go ahead and dig in... then I will too!

gojo easy top

mera scarf

Lem Lem is not the typical collection that would come to mind for Fall, but they came up with a doozy... They readied their fine looms with the finest of Italian merino yarns and the result is an amazing Fall collection that is soft and cozy, delightfully lofty, and filled with deep rich colors that only Lem Lem can spin off their neon brights. Some of the scarves create an almost denim look when they warp the looms with cotton and then the weft is merino, the result is a deep slightly more structured look (this is the mera scarf). And don't be afraid of the percentage of acrylic, it's the neon thread, you can't get that neon color with natural thread.

azmera scarf

ayana scoop top

They approached their woven pieces with the feel of a knitwear; think sweaters, vests, coats and shawls! Each with their distinct color combination's which are rich with warmth and sophistication. Our model is wearing silk/cashmere underpinnings by Lutz & Patmos, but these pieces look perfect with just about anything (even a t-shirt!).

langano smock

bernere blanket wrap, worn as scarf

click here to see more of the lem lem collection at Nonchalantmom

ssshhh... don't tell anyone!

2011-09-04T16:14:00.000-04:00

I know it's a 'family' weekend and all but I can't wait until tuesday to get back to WORK and blogging and all that... so I am taking a quiet moment, everyone is outside and they still think I am making the banana bread. I cranked up the music (found a nice mix via T magazine - spin city - pretty kooky but doing the trick) and taking a moment to unwind. I don't know about you but our kids were supposed to be back in school LAST week, but due to Irene they are starting Tuesday, that false start somehow threw our family for a LOOP! I have collections rolling in each week and my husband has a show coming up in Houston, TX so he is painting his butt off in his studio... and then the kids are home, they have had enough of summer, they can't wait to see their friends again at school and the bickering has started between two kids that usually get along like best friends!

To remedy the situation I took out our tent last week, we put it up in the back yard and it gave the kids a bit of a distraction while they kitted it out with their toys, sleeping bags, cranked up the battery-less flash light, books to read, it was all set! Since my husband and I are ALREADY exhausted we decided to take turns sleeping in the tent with the kids so at least someone got a good night's sleep. It was a great idea in the end and led to barrels of fun, telling stories and playing games with flashlights. While my husband and I exchanged text messages after they went to sleep, texting has turned into a love letter writing for the two of us and I don't know about him but some how that little phone gives us a minute to thank each other, give each other ideas, and just basically be nice to each other... I don't know what we would do with out it! (god, does this mean we don't know how to communicate!?... who cares.. this works!)

I took a moment to flash through some of my favorite blogs, T Magazine, Bloesem, Pretty Mommy, etc.. and found that most everyone is 'on vacation' for one reason or another so I don't feel so bad... see you soon and have a great Labor Day weekend!

I'm looking forward to TUESDAY!

Hurricane Irene

2011-08-31T22:01:00.001-04:00

Just a quick note to say that we are all safe and sound here at Nonchalant Mom. Yes, there were some scary moments during the storm, but we have emerged for the most part in good condition. I just wanted all of you to know that we are keeping up with your purchase orders and shipping seems normal right now. We're working hard, even if everything isn't 100% yet ! Thanks for your patience and kind words of concern and support !

hello long time no blog... right!?

2011-08-27T23:57:00.001-04:00

kit+lili on the ironing board, lem lem on the hook in my office, nico nico behind me....

Oh! I am SO behind... our house looks like a photo studio, clothing draped everywhere... photo shoots every morning (when the light is good) and then afternoons spent photographing flats, then all night long entering data and ironing... this is the fun/not so fun part of Nonchalant Mom! I love it and I hate it! But I have to say that it's been more exciting than ever with terrific results on the photo shoots, the coolest collections I have seen in years! (BRAvO amazing designers!) and it's all GREAT!

Then came IRENE... now we spend our days listening to The Weather Channel and wondering if we should board up the house! We decided not to... so I will photograph the aftermath for you, we are just hoping that #2 (our guesthouse) will hold up to the pounding rain and wind... uff da!

ESP no1

nico nico

In the meantime feast your eyes on our fun photos and check out the collections on Nonchalant Mom, they look great and I hope that you like them... we are about 50% in on the Fall collections right now with kit+lili just arriving, nico nico, the introduction of ESP no. 1, Makie, Lucky Fish, and for women... Lem Lem, yes it's here! I couldn't get anyone to model for me as the Hurricane is taking everyones time, so next week I will have some photos for you to see. For the time being, you can see everything flat on the website by clicking here! (it's sO-O-O-O-o GORGEOUS, it's like couture really, I am amazed at the craftsmanship, the weaving, the textures and the airy lightness of everything!

AND amidst all of this we took a vacation last week to Austin, TX (perhaps this is what put me behind!!). We are in LOVE with Austin but in HATE with the heat! It was craziness and I have never felt something like that before... we practically stayed in the pool the entire time (that's why my kids have such a nice tan... I just couldn't keep enough sunblock on them!!-re-applying every hour.. it was crazy!). But I will give a full Austin report (including the best pools in town!) when I get my life back...

I will be back soon!... Sorry I've been away so long!

love - carina

nico nico

kit+lili

visit nonchalantmom here!

new FALL 2011 collections just arrived!

2011-08-19T15:48:00.000-04:00

ESP no.1

We just got a couple of my favorite collections for the Fall season, new to Nonchalantmom is ESP no.1, which focuses mostly on the best fitting jeans I have seen for kids... and then it also happens to have some of the best knitwear too! It's all made in the USA, jeans, t's and the knitwear is made by a small knitting group in the midwest - beautifully made at that! Easy for kids with bright and delightful colors that will make your kids jump for joy!

We also received a fresh batch of LUCKY FISH... I know you all go crazy for it and this particular grouping we pulled together is one of my favorites, I love each and every one of them! so visit Nonchalant Mom now for your favorite back to school clothes!

shop NONCHALANTMOM by clicking here

interview: Monica Patel of Two collection

2011-08-17T00:14:00.002-04:00

When I met Monica I had an instant feeling that that she was very talented and that she would be a friend as well as someone who's collection I am crazy about! Monica is one half of 'two', a collection of beautiful caftans that you can absolutely live your life in! They make you feel and look fantastic, they are practical, easy to care for AND they look great... all the time! In talking to Monica I realized that this is exactly what she was looking to create. I thought it would be nice for you all to get to know Monica a bit, because I KNOW that you all LOVE her caftans! (for one thing I can't seem to keep them in stock!)

Carina: To start with, I have to ask you because I use both ways on my website, what is the difference between a kaftan and a caftan?

Monica: It's a toss up, Seems you could use both according to your mood. Kaftan is a Persian word and has a more ethnic touch to it and Caftan with a c seems to be the French version! Both are used universally..

C: Now, because I think it's such a fantastic story, tell us about how you got the idea for 'two', where it all started, I think there is a wedding involved right!?

M: YES!

My wedding really kickstarted the collaboration we had been talking about doing for years!

Our wedding was in a gorgeous location near Portofino-Paraggi In Liguria.

When it came to deciding what the guests should wear I daydreamed about my Indian aunts and cousins wearing their gorgeous sarees. Just something unpredictable and I think fascinating to see out of context!

The way it realized itself, it's an image I will never forget!

Piola my creative partner who helped me get started with Two was herself inspired to do a similar thing at her wedding in Rio. I sent her several sarees for her to play with. She ended up wearing a fabulous dress by a great Brazilian designer, Maria Bonita. Drop dead gorgeous. and had made all the kids dresses and her post wedding loungewear of the sarees for post lounge wear. Piola looked stunning in them and I knew this was a match made in heaven. She is incredible with details and I adore her, even when she cooks, the onions are minced perfectly..!

At that moment I knew we had to do it. It felt right to me.

My goal is to modernize the textiles and find a way to make it wearable for someone's daily life, make it chic and push it to the next level , always keeping in mind, comfort and wearability is key.

The sarees themselves inspire us!

C: Tell us about the name: Two - I have a problem writing it, because I never know weather to capitalize it or not, I really just want to use your logo each time I write it because I love it so much, did you make it?

M: I wanted to design something with a handmade ( imperfect but perfect) feel that I would still like in the long run!

Yes! the logo is lowercase but in an email i capitalize the T so it doesn't get lost among the too's and two's! I find it suits us..... we're happy..!

We came up with the name to represent mother and child and the collaboration between us.

We want to eventually make items for both..in a design studio curated way.

C: How are you changing the world with your caftans?

M: First of all, I am flipping out on how much I am learning about sarees. I have always been in awe of them, the draping, the colors, just beautiful.

The part I love is that we are helping to save a tradition by turning it into something wearable for modern day. It's so satisfying to have that knowledge as its such an enormous part of Indian culture.

There are villages that depend on the future of handwoven and handmade sarees.. I wanted to make wearable items that can actually help keep a tradition alive, and make my customers happy.

Our goal was to make an item that lasts season after season, unique, special and so comfy you can't NOT wear it.

C: Tell us about the fabric, I think the sarees you choose are fantastic! We want to know more about them...

M: Most of the sarees are individual in weight, style, design

we design each dress/caftan according to how each sari drapes.

I like to work with natural fibers that are super soft and wearable. Sarees come with a good amount of starch so I always prewash and treat them to get them soft.

Now my 2 yr old toddler, Henri recognizes a sari.

He'll see me washing the fabrics and up and say, "Mommy, Sari?"

it's the cutest thing.

This season we are testing out all types of fabric primarily handwoven and some prints. I am excited to go to India to pick out my own textiles face to face next season, as the past two years I have been sourcing from home...so I could be with the kiddies

C: Can I come with you!?

C: If you put you and your partner together I think you guys have lived all over, how did this inspire you?

M: Piola is a mix like me-she's half Spanish and half Brazilian, I am half Italian and Indian and it's almost like having two separate worlds, plus the one you are living in. I think it has allowed us to be exposed to each other cultures and learn about them at a faster pace. really hands on and gives you that curiosity and love for traditions and culture.

C: When I met you, you were about to leave on a vacation that I wanted to go with you on... it sounded great... how was Puglia, Italy in June?

M: Puglia was great. June was quiet and relaxing, we went with the kids and stayed in a residence called Masseria Alchimia owned by a Swiss German woman who fell in love with Italy years back.

She's lived in Puglia for a while now and even owned a Trulli.

Caroline sold the Trulli and bought a Masseria and did a great job renovating it into a home with several apartments. One great thing about it, was having a kitchen to cook for the kids and room to roam. it reminded me of a Barbie kitchenette from the 70's. The property is surrounded by OLD old Olive trees. There is a latteria, farm around the corner with ricotta and fresh cheeses..

Everything is White washed . My husband was ready to move there & the sea has beautiful tones of green and blues.

What i love is seeing the old mixed with the new, we were walking through Ostuni and there was a beautiful piazza with modern chairs everywhere and classical music (think cinema paradiso) playing. Just the juxtaposition of the old and new, culture with modern. I LOVE THAT.

The downside,

The trip was a lot about being in the car to the beach to the hotel, to towns, I think with a baby and a toddler I would be happiest with a market on the corner and a beach front apartment so we could reallly RELAX. It was a little tough getting the kids to the historic towns and keeping them happy.

Their schedules were off and after a while they got used to it. but next time it's beachfront with a mini market.

C: Tell us about where you stayed.

M: masseria-alchimia

happy mistakes...

2011-08-12T14:05:00.000-04:00

makie fall collection 2011

While we were photographing the new Fall 2011 Makié collection, I was taking photos of Sander and I couldn't fit him in the frame anymore in the hallway where we usually shoot (best for white background and luminous light) because he is too TALL! wow! how time flies... So I went outside and photographed him through the window and the images that came out were amazing!

another through the window photo... those are our rocks outside!

Sometimes there are just these happy mistakes and they are the BEST! Pretty soon Sander will grow out of the clothes... but while we still have him I will always use him... he is the best model, always a smile (well almost!)

in 2004 our first season wearing Erica Tanov kids

Thank you Sander!

2011 Macrobiotic Summer Conference

2011-08-11T20:23:00.000-04:00

my gorgeous niece Stephanie, you can look this beautiful too if you eat macrobiotic!

Last week was the 2011 Macrobiotic Conference, I was not able to attend the whole conference but my sister and her daughter were there to give me highlights, it was a huge gathering (attendance was up!) and everyone was as enlightening as ever! With over 30 subjects to choose from EACH DAY of the conference (which was three days) it was an abundance of information and cooking demonstrations and exercising and more... much more! My sister is a big fan of the cooking demonstrations so she loved Yuji Yoshino's Japanese Macrobtiotic cooking demonstration and of course Michio's lecture which is always incredibly inspiring and charismatic, he always makes me realize why I love macrobiotics so much, and this year his lecture was called One Healthy Peaceful World (which is the meaning of Macrobiotics!) and boy does our world need a bit of that today, do you think that there are some unhealthy eaters out there?

If you would like to check out the various classes you can buy the CD's and listen to them at your leisure.. (I love to do this, for long car trips and such). I got: Empower yourself with Daily Self Diagnosis by Warren Kramer, Explore and Balance Your Chakras for Harmony of Life by Susan Krieger, and of course Michio Kushi's lecture, I will write more on them when I listen to them!

In the coming year I will do my best to bring some of the lecturers to Nonchalant Mom and they can give you an infusion of enlightening information that may bring you a bit closer to Macrobiotics for you and your family. If you want to take classes or visit the Kushi Institute in Becket, Mass. please visit their website here.

click here to visit the Kushi store to buy CD's here
click here to find out more about the Kushi Institute

steamed squash, brown rice/barley (w/sesame seeds), pickled cabbage, steamed mustard greens/kale, white beans & kombu and a delicious muffin (can't remember how/what it was made of...)

Schools - Are you sending your child to the right school?

2011-08-10T18:41:00.000-04:00

Who really knows for sure? But when our son was very small, and before we had really thought about it I was certain that I was going to send my kids to Waldorf, it was the school that I wished I had gone to so of course I'm going to send my kids there! Then while talking to a friend who had older kids she questioned if that was the right school for our son, my first reaction was "who cares?! it's what's best for him" but this certainly made me think twice about schools, and now, years later I do admit she was right!

We went to an open house for the Waldorf School near us and it was confirmed almost instantly, this was not the school for our son... I was so bummed out, but it turned out that Montessori WAS a great style of education for him, he is now happily in a great public school that we are lucky enough to be in the district of and he couldn't be happier and so are we.

Then we had another baby, four years later, she was a completely different animal, aside from being a girl, she was TOTALLY laid back and easy (you can take a guess at what kind of child my son is... let's just say that he has LOTS of energy). THIS was my Waldorf child, I thought to myself! My point is that my friend told me that different kids need a different kind of education style and she was very right! (thank you Nikki!)

I am bringing this up because I know that everyone is talking schools again (and I am sure that you have LONG signed up for a school) but it's never too late to make changes if you see that it's not working for your child. Take these first few months and know your options, what is available in your town, and make sure that you are making the right choice for your child's personality and not for social or other reasons that don't have anything to do with your child.

There are millions of blogs devoted to this subject but if you are like me, you don't read a lot of blogs and it's possible that you are a little bit laid back about this choice. So if you are, just take a moment and think about matching the personality with the right kind of teaching technique. And if you are looking at your baby, lying on their mat kicking around, you have more than enough time to think about what is right for your child. Don't be afraid to admit that your child may need a stiffer set of rules and may need a different kind of school than you had in mind, or conversely, maybe your child is that flower child that has all the patience in the world and is more in tuned to explore... We are lucky today that there are so many options!

Good luck and educate yourself on school is best for your child.

backpacks and The best of the BEST (2011)...

2011-08-08T19:59:00.000-04:00

stripe fleece (soft!) backpack by Pocketo! $58

It's that time of year when everybody goes crazy for backpacks... funny enough, lately I have collected a few that I thought looked great! These are not necessarily for kids so check sizes if you are getting them for kids, and if not check sizes anyhow...

classic english country leather satchel $195

Really my favorite is the Kanken by Fjallraven, I meant to offer them in Nonchalantmom but I never followed up on my order, so no bags this season, let's see if I can get on it for next season! But in the meantime a few have popped up... and they are pretty darn nice!

stripe fleece classic backpack by Pocketo $58

classic english countryside satchel - $195 (or large size $215)

Fjallraven Kånken - $65 (or kanken mini $45)

Chester Wallace $165

The Chester Wallace is more of a messenger style, but super chic! (maybe too chic for kids... no!...) it's made of waxed canvas, so it's waterproof to boot! (because the company is from Portland!). Visit their website here to find out more or buy them here.

the Chester Wallace in action...

The Herschel Heritage backpack ($89)

Quite possibly the back packs my kids will be toting this year are these delights from The Herschel (maybe not the 'heritage' but the more simple one below), a family company that quite possibly builds the finest backpacks, at least the most classic ones I have laid eyes on in a long time!

The Herschel - the Settlement ($70) - notice the very cool brass zipper on this one!

The Herschel - classic ($45)

The Herschel - survey ($50)

What's backpack will YOUR kids be toting this year.... come on... tell us!