Story Time!

It's Wednesday and we'll be hosting a playgroup for story time today! Come by at 11:15 if you would like to join us! Address, phone number and a link for directions are located on the right column and below.

Yogurt from the Big Chill in Scripps Ranch has been donated :) A Big Thanks!!!

Also, they are having their Anniversary tomorrow:

Greetings from The Big Chill Frozen Yogurt!

Please stop by on Thursday, March 26th to help us celebrate our third year as Scripps Ranch’s favorite yogurt shop.

All customers can get a FREE cone of yogurt, a Baby Chill for just 99 cents, or a Big Chill for just $1.99!

Please call on Thursday for the day’s flavors.

See you soon! The Big Chill Frozen Yogurt

10299 Scripps Trail San Diego, CA 92131

858.530.2445

http://www.thebigchillfrozenyogurt.com/

Also, did you know you can now order/purchase Arbonne products through Fresh Picked? A representative will be available today during story time if you have questions. Otherwise, contact me for more info. Their baby products are fabulous- if you are looking for that special something for a gift or because your baby's sensitive skin deserves the best, give it a try.

And....

Now carrying See Kai Run Smaller! Shipment arrived yesterday and will be on the shelves today. Love them!!!!!

Happy Wednesday!

Saturday News and Then Some.

I'll actually be in the store for a few hours today instead of the Farmer's Market to catch up on some inventory and receipts/tax logging (fun stuff!). Feel free to call and set an appointment if you want to come by. Otherwise, I'll be working on the online store the remainder of the "working day" and every night after the kids go to bed as long as I need too.



I have a weekly update also and will post later today or tomorrow.



There is so much going on- so I am going to be in and out of the store to get some things settled. I know this has been a major inconvenience for some of you- but, it has to be done and the sooner the better, so I do apologize.



Although my usual store hours are Tuesday-Saturday (or SRFM on Saturdays), for the next few weeks I will take shopping appointments or offer discounts/shipping any day of the week (but you have to ask!). The store phone is forwarded when I am out of the store and you can call or email anytime.



Wednesday was planned as another story time in the afternoon- however, it seems that I just have a playgroup interested if I offered an earlier time. And so I offered them to come at 11:15 on the 25th and figured if anyone had RSVP'd for later, I could do it twice. But I have no confirmed afternoon RSVP's so I am going to officially change the time to 11:15. I will contact anyone who had inquired but not confirmed as well as post a separate post just on that. Also, I will update any web sites it is listed on...



I will elaborate more in a later post about more of what is planned for the next few weeks, as well as update the information on the main part of this site and my voicemail.



The online store is going to be a very important part of the business, as the economy is very slow and reaching a national market and offering convenient online ordering for shipping (pick-up also will be available for locals through the online store!) will ensure that Fresh Picked remains a fabulous San Diego business for years to come. This also will hopefully not only increase what merchandise I can offer, but increase selection!



It should be a Win-Win situation,- just think of it as a "remodel". When businesses go through a change or remodel, they often have to work around the clock but behind closed doors to do it efficiently. Both big chains and small businesses frequently need to reassess what is working, what is not, and what could change.



Hang in there with me and I promise you won't be disappointed. And don't worry if you have credit because your store credit is and will be good- even online. As soon as the website is up and running, I will figure out how to issue the "discount" and notify those of you with credit.



Gotta run. Happy Saturday! And soon I can get back to writing fun blog postings instead of all this blah, blah, blah informative stuff.

New Arrivals! Hours for Remainder of Week...

Today, Wednesday, I will be working from home trying to sort out this inventory for the web site- among other things that I will write about later, should they become a reality.





I will be in Thursday and Friday, normal hours (10:30-4, Friday perhaps a few minutes later due to volunteering). Saturday, if all goes as planned I will again be at the SRFM. Anything, I can bring, let me know.





Otherwise, I will probably be bringing a selection of my new stuff from Inky Binky Baby. It includes the latest prints for burp cloths, onesies and bibs, along with 1 1/2" and 3" headbands with flowers.





I will also be bringing lots of BabyLegs, Pacifier Clips, Hair Clippies/Corkers/Holders, and some Melissa and Doug toys.





I am pursuing lots of new ideas, affordable boutique items, and different ways to help spread the word about the web site since the store hours are going to be getting complicated because of some daycare issues in the next five weeks. I need to be able to either (a) get something in place for the kids on Tuesdays and Wednesdays- which I'm working my butt off to do! (b) plan activities and shipping, etc. only on those two days or (c) suggestions????





I am also in the process of inventorying a ton of new clothing- various brands, starting with newborn sizes and then going up as the bins get sorted. However, I may just place them on the online store (except for those that have doubles). Everything is older "seasons", but still practical and fashionable! And that also means, about 50% off the original retail price (sometimes more, sometimes a little less....).





We are talking Gymboree, Gap, baby Dior, Baby Lulu (USA), Ralph Lauren, and more. In addition, I actually am adding some great layette basics from lower-end names like Carter's, because I know people are looking for them and who can pass up a great sleeper, brand new, for just a few dollars!





Also, with Spring Break coming up and my chaotic schedule, I will be using Monday-Wednesday for not just appointments/events/playgroups/ideas from customers...., but also to get these donations sorted and to the appropriate shelters in need.





I'd love to bring a larger cash donation- don't forget the Awareness Clippies!





And as for donations, it's not just clothes they are looking for but think of those things around the house that you use everyday and do not realize how vital they are to your routine. Toothbrushes still in packages? Brands of Dental Floss you never opened because it was not the one you meant to buy? Something given to you that was nonreturnable? Diaper bags and backpacks in decent condition that are not something you can sell, but someone could surely use... Or a bag of crayons and some pads of paper. Stickers you have piles of and don't want to throw away but cannot seem to use them up. Feminine products that are unopened because your husband bought the "wrong" brand and you shoved them in the back of the cupboard so you wouldn't hurt his feelings. Unopened baby food (unexpired).





Like I mentioned, April is National Child Abuse Awareness Month. Even if a child is not directly abused in a Domestic Violence situation, they are often victims of abuse in many other ways. By donating to the women and their children in these shelters, you are doing your part in raising awareness that this happens across all economic lines, to your neighbor, your friend, the lady at the grocery store...





If you need assistance or have any questions- give me a call or email!

Saturday at the Store

Sorry I didn't update my status last night- I had a wild little one that needed lots of "mommy time".

Just wanted to confirm that I am not at the SR Farmer's Market this week, but I will be at the store doing some much needed inventory. I will open for customers between 12-2, although I will be there more hours than that. You can call the store number anytime and I will get the message and get back to you or answer. I also check my email very frequently and do my best to keep everyone informed and all questions answered.

And remember, if there is anything you need and I am not open- just call. I can either make an appointment or ship. I will also be closed this upcoming Tuesday (St. Patrick's Day!) for morning volunteering and afternoon appointments, fitting in somewhere working on the site!

I expect the site to be launched by the end of the month (even if it isn't totally complete) and therefore my hours should return to "normal" if all goes as planned.

See you soon :)

Super-Quick Post!

Just wanted to let everyone know I won't be able to make it to the SR Farmer's Market this week, so I will be at the store instead. So those of you who have been wanting to come by Saturdays can have a heads up. I'll post later more details and all that!

Happy Friday the 13th!

Books and Treats!

Today I have my bag packed with books, ready for story time! This is the first time I advertised an event, so I am interested in seeing how it turns out. Hey, gotta do things a few times before you can perfect them so let's just have fun. And some good Dr. Suess books in celebration of his Birthday month!

I was hoping to get more clothes on the shelves and priced, but it's been so busy. However, I do have the spare rack out with items that are inventoried so I can look up the price. But between the craziness of the past few weeks and the web site, things can fall a little behind.

The new stuff from Inky Binky Baby didn't arrive yet, which is a bummer because I am so excited to see the new line (and well, getting new shipments in stock is just exciting. But I still have some great items in stock and well, I probably wouldn't have had the chance to tag them before this afternoon anyway! And I'm probably going to do my See Kai Run order today- so last chance for custom orders!

I do have the new shipment of BabyLegs and new items from Hippie Clippies, as well as some new Melissa and Doug toys. And there are lots of new and resale clothing out so if anyone is interested in shopping while we read... And new styles of diapees and wipees.

This is my first big store event, and I'd like to plan lots more if all goes well . And if it gets a little wild and crazy, that's okay too. If my kids end up coming, it will be a little chaotic- but fun! Thanks again to the Big Chill Frozen Yogurt for the donations! I'll have coupons for them as well. Back to work now. :)

New Time, New Week, New Stuff and New Events!

I've been crazy-working on the online store and so much more to do! I've been invited to four big shows also (on weekends other than the Farmer's Market) so I'm trying to decide which (any? all?) are best suited. For sure, the SR Community Fair! Keep you updated on the rest in case you want to check out some stuff in person (if you are local), on a weekend, while doing something else fun!

Thursday story time is still planned for 1 PM. I have had lots of calls, emails, etc. and not really sure whether to expect just a couple little ones or a dozen- either way we will have fun. As mentioned- RSVP's requested, not required. And small groups welcome. Or I can plan some day specific to your group. Please excuse the *dust* as I finish re-arranging the store, get out donations, and divide some things out specifically for online, etc. Let's just have fun. Casual. Come by.

And I think by April we should be ready for some parties? Let's get on it ;)

I have lots of new stuff from Hippie Clippies and Baby Legs, and expecting an order from Inky Binky Baby. Love the new line!

Just call or email if you are coming by Tues/Weds and want to make sure I'm at the store before dropping by. I know it is awful for walk-ins if the store is closed, but as a new business and the only employee- well, I have to weigh out the risks and then jump.

STOUR HOURS MARCH 9th-13th

Right now, I'm thinking Tuesday 10-1ish and Wednesday I can either come early and leave again at 1 or come by after lunch and stay until 3. I have to leave both days by 3 regardless (school transportation for this week and next!) But Thursday all day. Friday again will be a short day, 1:30-4. Volunteer!

Saturday, still debating. Might take this week off from the Farmer's Market to accommodate some Saturday-Shopping requests and work in the store. Lots to do there anyway with so much going on. See how the week goes... www.freshpickedboutique.com available SOON!!!!

But once the online store is running, things should calm down. If all goes well, I hope to have it at least up for viewing by the end of the week and completed by the end of March... I do take orders over the phone and ship though anytime so just because my "online shopping cart" isn't available to view doesn't mean it is not there.

So, I haven't had any fantastic postings or interesting stories lately and I hope you, as other moms, understand that sometimes life throws us into a whirlpool of demands. I promise as always to accommodate you as best I can including shipping, appointments, coupons, service and I always welcome custom orders! Let me get your gift together so you can get one more thing checked off your own list. And so after all that, I just have this to add:

I also have lots of donations for drop-off and as always, there is a high need in the shelters so if you have anything in nice or fixable condition including infant towels, blankets, bibs, stuff for moms, books or toys, clothing, etc. and don't know what to do with it- give me a call and arrange a time to bring it by (or if you see posted hours for the day any time during those).

Donations to the store welcome as well ;) Anything that we don't need (or sell right away) goes into the donation bins.

Don't forget to purchase a ribbon clippie so I can include some needed cash donations! Want a custom ribbon for your cause? Doing a walk? Etc.? Ask, ask, ask. Let me see what I can do for you.

Women and children often leave with little or nothing and tend to get lost in the system. Keep them safe and comfortable- it is something they might not have been in a long time. Remember, domestic violence comes in all forms and affects all "classes" of people. Being thrown from a "middle-class" lifestyle to being homeless is only one of many transitions and hardships that are endured. Google it. Then look around your house. Most people have at least one toy or never-going-to-wear-those-too-small-pants again or the shower gift that just was not your style! One small item adds up when everyone contributes. I'll do the work- I just need you guys to keep giving. It has been fantastic.
boys to men campaign NYC

National Child Abuse Awareness month is in April. Let's see what Fresh Picked can do to raise awareness on symptoms and signs of child abuse and neglect- and understanding that their is more than one way child abuse is defined. Emotional, intimidation, witnessing abuse, neglect, ignorance, and more all are forms of child abuse. Even when their are no "bruises" to arouse suspicion, their just might be an "inside boo-boo".

Okay, back to work on the site and try and get some sleep. Tuesday and Wednesday the hours are not "set-in-stone" except I do have to have to leave no later than 3. So, if you want to come in I will shuffle my schedule if possible and if not, get you a coupon or offer free shipping. This is the make-it-or-break-it six month point. Got to get the site up! I love the store and so many people shop online, I know we can reach a greater audience and encourage fashion, affordability, recycling of clothing, and other fun stuff and at the same time have a "brick-and-mortar" location that supports other moms. A place to shop in comfort, take a seat, let your little ones read a book and play. Nurse or feed your baby.

Much thanks and love to Shanon for all the hours devoted to creating the layout and design hours to come as it gets perfected (remember, I will have it up and running before it is actually "completed"). Words don't say enough/money doesn't pay enough. Need a site for your business, group, organization, personal use or whatever- I'd love to pass the referral on! Just ask.

I'd like to place the See Kai Run order early this week, so if you wanted a custom order from me now is the time to email/call! I'll also follow up with everyone who had asked (or at least I will attempt to!).

Stay tuned.

Thursday Update: Phooey on Technology

Quick update again- things have been busy with everything!

First- it seems there is some trouble getting onto the new online store from some computers, which I am trying to figure out how to fix. When you go to http://www.freshpickedboutique.com/ it should say "Coming Soon" with my logo and a link to my blog (this site). Seems some connections are giving an error message saying "Cannot be displayed" or "Cannot be found" - including my own current connection. I've been trying to work on so I can get it up and at least started within the next week. If your computer is having this problem- let me know so I can find out more about it. It doesn't seem to be a firewall or security problem. Cable connections and Cable with Routers are going through. But so far DSL with routers are not able to access. Email me and let me know if this is happening to you so I can get the problem fixed ASAP! Email, call or submit a comment or fill out the form below and let me know your type of connection and whether or not you have a router so I can give the hosting company some more info. It may also just be something on computers connected through routers on an internal connection (like a business) using a router. I need to find out more so the problem can be fixed and any help would be appreciated. Thank you!

If you have emailed or left me a message, I have a list of emails and calls to return that I am replying to as fast as I can. If I have not responded- feel free to send a follow-up because I have one email that was returned with the wrong address that was left on the machine so I am trying to find out what I did wrong in the spelling and another phone call that got cut off the last two numbers. Darn technology right?

Current hours- today, Thursday I have an appointment at 10:30 and 2:30 so I will be open from 11 to 2:15. If you need anything after hours, please call or email and I will work with you. Questions and RSVPs are also ok to send anytime of day.

Friday, should be normal Friday hours (11-4) as I am still volunteering at my daughter's school.

Saturday....

Is it going to rain or shine? Weather forecasts keep changing so hopefully by tomorrow I should know whether I will be at the SR Farmer's Market in the AM or at the store. I will keep an update on that. Again, should I go to the Farmer's Market and you would like to visit me there and bring something specific, please call or email before 2:00 PM Friday to ensure I can get that for you. I also can open the store for an hour afterwards for those of you wanting to do general shopping if I have at least one appointment to do so. Let me know!

Remember, I can ship or deliver if you are nearby in some cases. Call ahead if you are thinking about gift wrapping, baskets, etc. so I can plan accordingly. By next week I should have a better selection of gift wrap and once the online store is running I will have full gift wrap service available.

Military discount still today and tomorrow!

Lots of new arrivals and working on tagging and inventory so if you want something you don't see- please ask. Also still taking special orders for See Kai Run and See Kai Run Smaller! Working on contacting those of you on my email list who listed an interest. More new arrivals and ideas coming soon also- I'll keep you updated.

Thank you everyone for your support. As always, donations are accepted always of any item and I will get them to the appropriate DV shelter as their needs vary. I also take direct donations that can be sold- I price them at a low price to just cover overhead to keep things up and running and if they don't sell quickly they do go to a shelter or a family in need.

Finally, story time is planned for Thursday March 12th at 1:00 and Wednesday the 25th at 12:30. However, if I get requests for other times or days I can work with that. RSVPs are requested but never required. It just helps me plan on spacing and children's age. Or if I have a big request for a time change or longer than an hour so people can come and go- that works too. Input on further dates and times always welcome and playgroups, moms groups, etc. always welcome or I can set up something special just for your group.

Okay, I'm off and running as usual. Subscribe to my feed or follow the blog for notifications of updates. And if you are on Facebook, both the Fresh Picked Boutique Group and Fresh Picked Boutique Store pages are up and running and I'd love to have you check it out!

Looking to get the link on the site here for that and seeing where else I can get some word out.

Also have some requests for parties/crafts/etc. Let's work on setting those up. We can even do after hours or Sundays.

Thanks for reading, as always.

XOXO

Wednesday open regular hours!

New Month, New Week, Same ol' craziness!

I am really excited my March ads are out and new products are in. Story time preparations and ideas for more fun. Website in the works. Stuff getting tagged. Inventoried. Prepared for sale. Getting updated customer list for a coupon mailing.

However...

Having some issues working on the web site

Events at the kids school

Doctor's appointments for the little ones

and stuff like that this week.

So...

For all of you, THANK YOU for your continued support through all my recent crazy hours. It will normalize again. It's just right now, with everything I have to rely on my customers calling or reading my blog to get the ins-and-outs of the week.

I will be open this week Tuesday-Saturday (well, if it looks like rain still- otherwise Farmer's Market on Saturday).

However, my hours will vary because I'm not sure of how long each will take.

But I'm always available by phone and email or fill out the comment form below and I will get back as soon as I can!!! Hopefully Tuesday I will be done and at the store by 11; but I have a feeling it will be a little later than that. No idea. Or I might just do what I can and be there by 10:30 and leave a little early.

As soon as the madness settles and the website complications are worked out, things will be routine again. Routine for a mom ;)

I will update more about the story times and answer to group requests and all that as soon as I have a few minutes to get to one at a time. I did get in some new stuff and I still am awaiting some final answers before placing a See Kai Run order so if you haven't gotten in your request and you'd like a special order- lemme know! I can even run cards from home and meet up for appointments this week.

Your continued support is awesome. I really want to get this boutique up and running. And you, my customers and potential customers, are my future!

Military discount offered this week, Tuesday to Saturday (March 3-7). If you call during NORMAL business hours and I am off working on one of the above mentioned things, I can give you a coupon code. Or offer shipping for free. So hang in there with me and I'll pay it forward.

Speaking of, one of the things I need to do is do some drop-offs of the fabulous donations Fresh Picked has received! My donation bin is currently full and if I cannot get a pick-up this week I am going to just do it myself because I need to make room for more. While I'm on the topic of support and donations, not only are the Purple Awareness Ribbon Clippies in, but the Pink ones will be here this week!

Show your support for all cancer survivors and victims of domestic and child abuse with the purple ribbon and if you don't know what the pink ribbon is for by now... ;)

Support with style!