Saturday-Get Your Shopping Done Outdoors!

Nope, it's not going to rain.







It's not going to rain because....



I'm back at the Scripps Ranch Farmer's Market today!



www.srfm.org for info and directions click on the link :)

I'll be bringing hats, new shoes, yummy leg warmers, clippies, bibs and all the fun accessories you could need for the Holiday weekend and weeks to come!

I will have some clothes - and I have more in my car, store and house perfect for the Holidays that just need tags so don't be afraid to ask or get an appointment.

I'm off- hope to see you soon!

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

Store Hours Update for February 10-14

What a crazy week! Sorry I have had to mostly have the store closed the past week, but when your baby needs you- you just have to be there.

I have another appointment Tuesday morning, but plan on coming in the remainder of the day. However, I have no idea how long I will be so feel free to call before coming by.

I am assuming regular store hours the remainder of the week and will post updates as well as some new pictures I have of new items!

Check in on the site or call/email with any questions! Thanks for your support.

And I do have some great Valentine's outfits and accessories- including the BabyLegs Kiss me set (see the adorable picture above!). It's a limited edition and I only have two sets left! Remember, I can also ship items or if this week ends up being a little crazed I live nearby and can meet customers at the store if you want me too. Just ask! Hope you had a great weekend!

Time Flies!

Wow things have been exceptionally crazy- even for me. More so than usual, if that is possible. I have so many things going on around me I felt like none of it was getting "together".

Is that a mom thing or is it just me?

It has been like Christmas at the store. Lots of new inventory and shipments and moving around displays. Although like Christmas-time, that comes with big bills and OMG I hope I am doing all this right!

I am pretty confident that I am making good decisions for myself and my customers and that we can make it through this economy. This is it everyone. If things don't start picking up- I'm going to have to go online ONLY and that is the end of the dream :(

So, let me know what YOU the customer wants.

Yes, I am a resale shop but that part took a couple years to get together and it stays very steady. I rarely need to buy stuff for that part of the store because I have a pretty good supply. I still have un-inventoried items. It never hurts to ask because I am looking for items here and there all the time but like all shops around here, once you get a basic inventory - you just can't buy a lot of items at once because you just don't have the room. I'm looking for that fabulous can't find outfit or fantastic basic that I just can't seem to keep in stock. Or great recyclable items like slings and stuff like that.

And remember, on top of the resale department I sell a good variety of new items (clothing included) so there is always choices.

My current vendors I work with are:
See Kai Run
Baby Legs - Just in! http://www.babylegs.net/newWeb/home.php?main=ways&sub=ways
Melissa & Doug
Little Knits
Inky Binky Baby
Hippie Clippies
Diapees and Wipees

I also carry Laura Roppe's CD's (please please please go to her website linked below or google her or check out uTube - I'll put a video up one of these days) and fall in love and come in and buy a CD. I can't say enough about her and even though I only met her a couple times, her music speaks to you like a friend and you'll feel like you know her. Become a fan and check out her blogs and her story and that's a whole new world. I have had her CD's in the store before I realized what an impact her story would have on me so go on, when you are done reading here and listen online to "Float Away" or "Little Daughter"

and possibly coming soon by popular request- FuzziBunz (more about that- including interest, classes, casing, etc.) I'm thinking I need to invest in a few pairs myself. I never thought I would say that, but this economy and planet are in need of change, saving $, and supporting other small businesses (by moms of course!)

and then I have lots of new clothes that are mostly on consignment from other out-of-business boutiques/stores/online sellers/etc. Or great finds I have found that didn't have minimum orders since I'm on such a tight budget.

I'm on my laptop and it is as usual super late so I'm going to skip the pictures and long stories and finish up.

Okay, so new shipments in so I'll be around getting everything displayed nicely AND preparing for the Scripps Ranch Farmer's Market. I'll post all the info and address again for convenience. I'll be there every Saturday for awhile (unless it rains, then I'll be at the store) and then possibly at the store for an hour afterwards. I usually just bring my new items or seasonal resale items but will bring any item there if requested so feel free to shoot me an email or call (before 4 on Friday!) and I'll pack up specific items for special pick-up. Plus, then you get a fun day out supporting the community, local businesses, and lots of stuff for kids to do!

On the BabyLegs- remember they (1) aren't just for babies! (2) aren't just for girls (3) did you notice that the new on the new Olivia show she has a different pair on in each scene? So cute, and my neice knows the little voice behind the most popular pig! and (4) are totally comfortable, stylish, and afford-ably priced. They are one of the most popular shower gifts right now! I personally love them with a set of burp cloths and something fun like Diapees and Wipees. I can also do special orders and team orders for sports!

Gifts- I will package and ship your gifts. If you want something I don't have give me your budget and I will make a perfect gift prepared for you to give with just a couple basic questions and deposit.

Story time- thank you again to The Big Chill in Scripps Ranch for the donations! I can't wait to catch up on everything and plan a regular story time once or twice a month. I'd like to post on the major web sites and Family Magazine (look for our ad this month!) to catch a fun turn-out and try out different themes and music.

Thanks again for your support. I know the past few weeks have been a little off for not just myself physically, emotionally and at work - but also it seems everyone has a story themselves. So hang in there. We can make it through the tough times. Hey, I pushed out three babies. I can keep my chin up :)

Military Discount Today & Tomorrow!

Today, Friday and tomorrow will be Military Discount Days. Bring your ID, bring a friend even. Applies to new or resale items.

Still working on getting out and inventoried all my merchandise, but still plenty of room for your stroller, to play, or nurse your baby and shop.

Hopefully coming in soon by popular demand... Baby Legs! Check out their fabulous web site for the perfect new must-have for your baby, older daughter or self! Great gift idea and perfect for the layering weather around here. www.babylegs.com

If I haven't mentioned before, I now am offering national shipping. Just pay by credit card over the phone. Or buy a gift and I'll ship it out for you. (A small fee may apply depending on the order).

See you soon! And check back for more regular updates as things are starting to return to normal (if anything about running a store with three young kids can be normal!).