Take a minute to Vote!

I would absolutely LOVE some feedback on my survery regarding the Halloween party! I only have two responses so far. If it happens, I have all sorts of ideas but I have to have the numbers there to make it worthwhile. Trick-or-Treating around the building (after I talk to the other tenants of course), story time, maybe a contest, contacting a photographer.

This would be a great way to get another use out of your costume. And if you only have a tiny one, you want to dress them up but don't really want to go trick-or-treating yet. But you want to dress them up of course! Get some friends together and get the group discount (please call for an appointment for those- I think the details are listed earlier in the blog and if not I'll do it in the next few days).

I have a handful of costumes in the store, but I would love to add some more. It is hard to pay full price for a costume they can only wear one year, unless they are really into dress up or you have someone to hand it down too. So if you have some to get rid of, or you need to clean out your dress up bin of the outgrown clothes, you know where to go!

See Kai Run

Hi-

I'm getting ready to place my next See Kai Run order. It will be a small one (I hope to place another by the end of the year the latest). I'll be calling everyone on my wish list that requested See Kai Run in certain sizes or styles but if you have any requests for style or sizes, give me a call at the store before Tuesday morning with your ideas/request, name and number and I'll let you know when my shipment arrives!

Don't pay shipping and handling or not be able to try on your shoes when you can come in locally!

And don't forget to vote on the party!

Early Closing Thursday September 25th!

Hi everyone-

I'm behind on posting anything exciting, I know. I'm still recuperating but I'll get to it. Promise.

In the meantime, just wanted to give a quick update for those of you who check regularly.

Thursday, September 25th I have to close by 3:30 for Back-to-School Night for my oldest daughter. Regular hours will resume 10-4 Tuesdays - Saturdays unless otherwise noted here! It is only a half-hour before closing time but just wanted to give a heads up so if you are planning on coming in the afternoon, you can get there before I have to leave.

So, come on by a little early. Lots of new stuff in and I'm taking appointments for store credit (only) still. However, I can only look at small amounts of stuff at a time for the next week or two while I recover (think 1-2 laundry baskets, bags, or small bins at the very most). Call for an appointment! I also am buying Halloween Costumes and Holiday Wear. Maybe we can have some kind of Halloween party the week of? Get some extra use out of the costumes? If I get some interest I can even contact a photographer who might be interested. I actually figured out how to put a survey on the site to see if I get some hits on having a Halloween Party and what would be a good day of the week. Maybe even Saturday so school aged kids can attend? A little trick-or-treating and a Halloween story would be cool also! Since I haven't had an official "Grand Opening" and won't until things are fully up and running, I would like to do some sort of events in the meantime to get some new (and repeat) customers in. I have lots of ideas, now its time to start putting them into fruition.

Speaking of pictures, I want to start decorating the store but don't have enough frames for my pictures I have had taken. Thinking Pottery Barn (or that Modern Style- Target, whatever) in off-white (or even black or maple). If you have some you aren't using, I'd love to buy some used ones. Maybe you recently remodeled and changed your colors or bought a ton of frames on sale you don't use. Or just need something from the store or the cash more than some picture frames right now. We all know that feeling! Give me a call.

Can't believe it has almost been two months since my "soft opening". I would love to keep this store up and running so if you have been meaning to come by, please do. Like I always say, even just to let your kids play or feed your new baby and have another mom to talk to. You can see what I have in stock and when you need something, you'll know where I am and what sort of stuff I have (or will buy!). I specialize in clothing, shoes, and accessories (such as blankets, hats, high-end bedding and such). But I also have toys, nursing supplies, photo albums, games, books and a small selection of baby play mats and chairs. Once the play equipment sells I probably won't carry more unless there is high demand because I really want to keep the boutique atmosphere. I love that the store is organized and spacious. Sure, I need more racks and sometimes I am short on sizes but hey, I just opened and I want to keep my prices affordable so I do what I have to. My new stuff is all discounted also- and cleared with my vendors on the pricing.

Check out some of the new cute stuff I have in the store. This Kate Spade Bag has a matching wallet. It's not the best picture, but it is the black back with the etching pattern and the pink inner lining. I have a few other Diaper Bags including another Kate Spade, a babystyle and a new Bumble Bag.

I still have some fabulous Melissa and Doug new toys left (some are currently sold out on their site), Diapees and Wipees, and See Kai Run Shoes. All new (I have a sampling of other new items as well) and I would like to place another order soon on these items. So come see what I have remaining and add to the store wish list for my next order if you are looking for something specific and I'll see what I can do for you!

How fabulous is this stuff?

And remember, it's not just baby clothing. I have up to size 14 and Juniors as well as Maternity, Transition & Nursing Wear. Okay, off to rest for the night. I am still working on my email list for coupons, sorry for the delay. I need to actually compile the list of names in my contacts somehow (Gmail confuses me sometimes on the Contacts) so I can just send a quick email and coupon instead of typing each name and checking for duplicates, etc. Things have been a little hectic, but I will get to it. In the meantime, there is the one on Google Maps which is linked from this site and I have different specials on craigslist San Diego sometimes (search SRMom3).

For now, keep reading and I'll keep writing :)

Update

Feeling a little better each day and looking forward to being back at work on Tuesday. I also have added new inventory to the store so if you haven't been in for awhile, it is time for a re-visit! I will have to post some new pictures. I have received lots of requests to order some more See Kai Run shoes, but I would like to sell a few more pairs first. Come in a check out what I have left!

I also still have a fair amount of other new items. Don't forget my new items are all priced just below retail (and without shipping) and my resale items are all excellent quality. If you have not thought about buying resale clothes yet, my next blog entry will be about how resale shopping is the "Green" thing to do right now. Not only is it economically realistic, but you are recycling fantastic fashion! And supporting other moms :)

Enjoy the last of the weekend! I know I haven't sent out a coupon in awhile so I will work on getting that email list together while I re-coup.

Saturday 20 September

Sorry for any inconvenience, but due to some health issues the store will have to remain closed again today, Saturday. Store hours will resume as normal Tuesday, 10-4, through Saturday starting the 23rd.

Hope to see you there :)

Important Update!

Friday September 19th and possibly Saturday the 20th, Fresh Picked Boutique will be closed. Business will resume as usual on Tuesday the 23rd. Please feel free to call and leave a message or send an email during this time if you have any questions on whether the store will be open at all on Saturday. I will also try and keep this updated and posted.

I have some personal stuff to attend to, that needs to be tended to ASAP, and so unfortunately I have to do it on a Friday and close the store for at least that day and possibly Saturday also. However, if I am feeling up for it and/or have some help Saturday the store will be open. So please call to find out. The number is posted throughout the blog, but for quick reference 858-621-8776.

Also...

The winner of the Melissa and Doug Prize was selected by drawing on September 13th 4:00 PM as posted. A customer saw me shake the box, hold it sideways and she drew a name for all fairness! The winner was Marsha K. Congrats! Hope you are enjoying your Melissa and Doug toy :)

Remember, I have lots of Melissa and Doug toys for just below retail and without shipping. All new. Great also for gifts. Stock up for upcoming last-minute birthday invites now that school is back in. I have stuff for most ages. Even stuff sold out on their site! I would love to order more before the holidays so come on in and help me decrease my inventory so I have a reason to restock and add more variety. I can also take special requests for the upcoming holidays or just because. Don't be afraid to ask.

Also, I am still looking for girl clothing size 3T and up and boy size 18M and up. Call for an appointment. I will consider other items in small quantities, excellent condition, high-need, and great brands. Still just store credit- but I have a lot in the store and the credit does not have to be used immediately.

Keep Fresh Picked in business. Spread the word, tell a friend or neighbor. Schedule a play-group meeting or friend get-together for a discount. It has been just a short period of time but this is a word of mouth business and I am so thankful to everyone who has helped out. With a selection of newborn to junior size clothing, maternity, new and used clothes, toys, shoes and great accessories for fantastic prices what is not to love? Diaper bags, bedding, carriers, etc. I am still not selling any furniture or car seats. However, I have a few playmats and chairs.

Back to my nightly chores. I'll keep this updated with new pictures soon. Please call or email with questions. Hope to see some of you next week. Love my faithful readers :)

Goodnight.

Thursday, September 11th

Sad date as I type the above.

(moment of thought)

Anybody military who comes in from today through the 20th (next Saturday) will get an extended military discount- just bring a card. Even if you are related you obviously are eligible (a wife, etc.).

However, one note I will be having to close the store early today- around 2:00 to go to a doctor's appointment. Business will resume as usual 10-4 Friday and on.

Thank you to all of those affected by this date. We love you, we are proud.

Pictures and Free Toy Drawing

Here is the playroom that I have been talking about. Now I am not the best picture-taker in the world (hey I don't make my money as a photographer so I don't really care) and it is from my phone (can't afford a digital camera) but I think I did a pretty good job. As you can see, I really do have a changing table, sink, rocking chair, lots of toys and more that will not only entertain your kids but is also great for those of you who are new moms and maybe just want to come in to have somewhere to go.

I remember when I had my first baby, (and even the subsequent two) there were times when I felt so alone and so lost and needed to leave the house but places to go were so limited. I mean- the second I left the baby started crying to be fed. Then she pooped. And then probably wanted to be fed again. She was too young for the park. Hated the stroller for the first several months. She never slept. A lot of my friends either did not have babies yet, they were older or they worked. I just wanted somewhere to go. I oftentimes went places like Nordstroms just because I knew the bathroom/mom's area would be filled with other like-moms and had a comfy nursing area, a bathroom, and a nice changing area. I want other moms to feel that comfort at my store! You need someone to talk to? I have three young kids. Come sit and rock your baby. Or play with your toddler. If the store is slow, I am grateful for the company and if it is busy you have other moms surrounding you. And we understand. And when your kids are older and have meltdowns when you try and shop, this playroom is excellent for entertainment. Books, blocks, toys. I can shop for you while you play. Or your kids can play with my youngest (who by the way, turned a year today!) if he is there or any other kid that might be there while you shop around. It really is fantastic and the heart of my store and dream.

So my crazy week has led to my lack of posting. My oldest daughter started kindergarten, my younger daughter moved up in preschool to the "big girl class" and my baby turned one today! Omigod. And we were all getting over a nasty end-of-summer cold on top of other life obstacles. However, we are all physically well again and back on our toes and I am ready for a steady flow of customers. Come on in :)

If you look closely, you can see my "baby" shopping in this picture. Too cute. I did not want to upload the giant image and take up the whole blog but there he his sneaking a peak at the 2T girl collection. You can see the maternity to the right and the baby girl clothes to the left. My little helper!

And the other thing I mentioned in my header was my drawing I am having. From now until Saturday the 13th of September, I am having a drawing for a free Melissa and Doug (new) puzzle of your choice (maximum $10 value). No purchase necessary and one entry per family- must be at least 18 to enter. So even if you cannot shop this week, stop by and enter the drawing and check out the store. I am also still only buying for store credit but have lots of appointment times available. I will look at all brands and sizes- you never know so just give it a try. I am still especially in need of boy clothing 18 months and up and girl clothing sizes 3-6.

Here's my awkward pictures of my Melissa and Doug Toy Rack:

I also have great things like lacing beads, pirate chests, monster puppets and sold out items like magnetic dress-up and more. All new. I also have other new and used toys and games from infant on up. I'm also working on my book collection to include not just new mom books but kids and teen reading material at low cost!

Next post I will include some pictures of my clothing- both new and used. I'm also thinking of bringing in fall/winter original new baby lulu (made in the USA) if there is interest.

Also remember since the 15th of the month will fall on a Monday when I am closed, the Military discount day will be Tuesday the 16th. Please bring ID!

Off to finish watching Big Brother and going to bed. I have homework to put into a folder and lunch and snacks to pack. See you soon!