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.

Saturday December 13th Schedule

So... The big question arises. Is it going to rain and when?

If it is raining, or is extremely probable that it will rain I will not be doing the Scripps Ranch Farmer's Market on Saturday and instead will be at the store awaiting smart shoppers avoiding the malls on a Saturday in December to do some shopping. It is much to risky to bring merchandise to an outdoor market and have it potentially ruined by the rain.

But if it is not raining, we will be at a nice booth (wearing a really cool scarf probably due to the cold!) with great gift ideas, coupons, and fliers.

Also, we now have gift certificates!

And... Hair Clips (Clippies) and Pacifier Clips. More on their way and pictures to be posted when I have a little time.

Exciting new products. Exciting resale-new-to-you-products. Received some of my new Melissa & Doug toy shipment today. Anxiously awaiting the next one! I'll post some pictures and product names of those also. And of course, the new See Kai Run order should be in before the Holidays also!

But, I also have a great selection of quality used items and clothing for you to choose from. My inventory changes weekly and I do my best to keep up with my customer's requests. I still also have both new and used outfits and accessories for the Holidays and Pictures or Santa Visits. And some of them can really be mixed and matched with other clothing to be reused throughout the year instead of just a one-time-wear. Whichever is right for you.

So be smart and do some holiday shopping or buy a friend a gift certificate at Fresh Picked Boutique. Consistency, Customer Service, Quality and Variety are important goals to me. And you are supporting other moms because at this point all my products come from other moms- even the big vendors of new products were once small ideas by a mom looking for something different.

And while you are there, pick up a copy of Laura Roppe's CD to give to a friend or yourself. Listen to her music at www.lauraroppe.com and see why it is a must-have gift.

And my neighbor La Jolla Picture Frames (see link below) can personalize and frame items of your choice such as shadow boxes, memorabilia (like Jerseys, etc.), rugs, family portraits, etc. He can even spruce up an old photo and preserve it. What a fantastic gift idea. I'm doing one or more myself (shhh.. can't say anymore about that here!)

Also coming soon- awareness ribbons. The Purple Ribbon (my personal choice) which represents all Cancer Survivors, Cancer Awareness & Detection, Cancer Remembrance and Domestic Violence and Child Abuse. Also, Pink Ribbons for Breast Cancer. Once I get the ribbons in and figure out my cost and what I can price them at, I will post pictures of those also and let you know where the donations for each ribbon purchase will go to.

Final note, Dr. Jason at Active Posture Chiropractic Clinic upstairs from me is still accepting donations for Mama's Pantry (see earlier post for more info or contact his office directly at 858-564-7081 or click on the link below). Remember the gift of giving this holiday season. I'm still waiting to see about the Adopt-a-Family from Becky's House and my YWCA donations. Remember, I take donations at ALL TIMES! You can donate directly to me and then in many cases I may even pick up the items or designate the items solely for YWCA/Becky's House Donations and they will be placed in the bin for a family in need.

Ideas? Questions? Comments? Speak up, I'm listening :)