Re-Opening - Moving - Donation Drive - SALE SALE SALE

Today, Thursday the 9th we are re-opening the store after a few week hiatus of preparation, sick kids, coordination donations and re-organization! 10:30-1:30 and phone/email/website all hours for messages!

Warm up with some BabyLegs and a Beanie. Get some new shoes for the holiday! At SALE prices :)

See the new merchandise from See Kai Run, See Kai Run Smaller, Inky Binky Baby, Binky Baubles, Melissa and Doug, Hippie Clippies, and more!

To thank you for your patience, for the remainder of the month, all in-store purchases will get a 5% discount! Bring a donation (please nothing with big stains or holes) and receive 10% off your purchase! If using store credit, I can only give you a 5% donation with donation. You can save your store credit if you want the discount.

New items are in and since we are moving the store (new location TBA, but will remain in the Scripps/Miramar type of area), we need to SELL and DONATE so there is less to move!

I will be in the store more hours than the "open" posted hours because I have lots to do. So always feel free to call because I may be able to meet you at the store, a mutual location, the Farmer's Market, or ship. Sorry for any inconvenience, as I have said before, but sometimes changes are for the best and it is our belief that this is the best way to accommodate all needs! Lots of thought and research have been put into this decision. I love my building, I love the neighbors and square footage and design but it just is not the best decision if Fresh Picked is to be around for years to come!

Hours will be posted regularly, as they will be irregular for the remainder of the month until we must move to a new location. All new products will be at the store, but some of the larger resale sizes have been moved. However, if that's what you are looking for I just need a little notice to gather them up and bring them in.

To end this ramble, I will update our ads and the sidebars by the weekend. Thursday's hours will be 10:30-1:30 for shopping. Friday will be 12-4 (pending an appointment I may be able to open earlier or have to close earlier).

Saturday (more info to come) repeat "it will not rain, it will not rain" I will be at the Scripps Ranch Farmer's Market along with the Humane Society and the Easter Bunny (10-12)! And commercial filming. Stop by for your chance to be on TV.

Okay, off to the store. Please call or email or visit regularly for store info and hours until new location is announced. I will be doing TONS of events on weekends, working on the website and doing shipping and everything I can do accommodate customers until a regular schedule is established.

Thank you for your patronage, your support, and for helping Fresh Picked remain a reputable business that I hope to pass down someday to my own children. We are not "closing our doors" just re-arranging.

Love you all for your continued support!

Still Here!

Sorry Sorry Sorry for the long delay!!!!!

Spring pounced upon us and so did millions of other things.

Good news:

Fresh Picked is still in business.

Inventory is full.

• meaning I am not buying anything at this time)



• meaning also lots to choose from once I get organized!

Other news (Bad? Depends on how you look at things!):

• It looks as though we will be moving locations, no stress probably very nearby, perhaps closer to most of you. Closer to my kids for sure- at least that's the idea.



• We will be open until the end of April at the current location. We will be at the SRFM all month. And thereafter pending other events only really.



• No new permanent address left- been looking at lots!



• All store credit is STILL GOOD. I will be calling with an online code also those customers because soon...



• The online store will be complete.



• Personal chaos , three sick kids (plus mom) and co-workers with also very sick with sick kids has set us behind schedule!



• But we will be better than ever.



• We will be accessible 24 hours a day.



• There will be a place to shop locally- even if smaller- until we get rolling and get a fantastic store-front smack-in-the middle location.



• Events being planned!

SO sad to leave my beautiful boutique but I know when to quit when I am ahead.

FPB is not going to close.

We will also be starting the Farmer's Market again (which if it wasn't for the eye infections would have started already!). Huge events like the Community Fair and Baby Expo are being planned.

• Playgroups and day cares will be notified. Our new address will be listed here ASAP.



• The store number will remain the same. It will be forwarded to a Cell Phone during all closed hours.



• Credits and discounts will be out of control! *Blush* Probably should've left that out.



• We are not losing any vendors- if anything we may be gaining some!



• I will have time to craft and design again myself :)

Many, many, many reasons went into this decision. Bottom lines- cut the overhead before it gets us, I am working 60-80 hours a week- why not 40-60 and take a 20 hour a week job with health benefits I really need if necessary?- online shopping keeps me working 40+ hours plus I get to spend time with the kids, more time for fairs and shows, and then one day, re-open bigger and better!

Oh of course, there is more and slowly it will come out.

But it's late, I must sleep. That's where I have been. Dealing. Searching.

WE ARE NOT CLOSING OUR DOORS- WE ARE MOVING!!!!

Everyone will be contacted by the end of the month.

All donations will reach shelters this month for National Child Abuse Month.

Hours so far will still be by appointment. Sorry :( But appointments are great. And there will be days I will be there most/all of the day. If I have not returned your call- PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL because I lost a bunch of messages.

My kids have Spring Break and they all had ear infections and eye infections for the past couple weeks. I just could not open the store under those conditions!!!

Gotta find a new spot.

Got to get the web site LAUNCHED.

Customer's contacted.

Store ready.

A big sale coming maybe????

Shipping as always available. Coupons available through April- just ASK.

Stick through our spring transformation and watch the butterfly break free!

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 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