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 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!

Holiday Hours, Updates, and Info

Can you believe how fast the time is passing? It is almost 2009! *Pause for thought*

Wow.

So, I have been super busy with the store and trying to get everything together I almost forgot to get it together for Christmas. Time to get together those last minute items or (for some of us) to get started shopping! I also have been playing phone tag with Becky's House because I want them to not only take the stacks of donations I have ready, but also put a bin in the store for all the donations to come (thank you everyone who has donated!), and I was hoping to get an adopt-a-family in time for the Holidays. I will try again tomorrow and let you know what happens.

First, with the holidays around and the school schedules changing I have some changes to the store hours temporarily.
This week:
Tuesday I have something in the morning so I'll be open about 11:15/11:30 until 4.
Wednesday, regular hours 10-4.
Thursday is still up in the air. I have an event at my daughters school I would really like to attend and I could still be at work by 11:30 or 1 depending on if I stayed for the whole event or not. Or if it looks like it is going to be busy, I can be at the store 10-4.
Friday will be 10-4, normal hours.
Saturday I will be back at the Farmer's Market in Scripps Ranch (Please no rain!) from 9-1 and then I am usually back at the store by 2:30. If you want me to bring something particular to the FM, I can do that. Or if you need to go by the store and look around, there might be someone (like my dad) who can ring you up. I'll update that later in the week. But I am back by 2/2:30 until 4 so feel free to come by the store.

Next Week:
Sunday closed as usual.
Monday the 22nd I will be open! Last minute gifts, shopping, holiday clothes, etc. Thought that might be helpful for someone at least. I probably will be there 11-3.
Tuesday the 23rd, regular hours 10-4 (so far, sounds like that will work- maybe 10:30).


Then closed the 24th and re-opening on the 3rd of January. I probably will be open for a little bit on Saturday the 27th and maybe Monday and Tuesday the 29th and 30th. However, it might be by appointment. I have a lot of inventory and stuff to do around the store so I'll be around to do that. And I also live close by. So as it gets closer I will have calls forwarded to my cell phone during the days I am closed. If someone wants to come in and shop, I can open up. I am also open to having playgroups/mom groups/meetings/parties/etc. if anyone is interested in setting something up during that time it would be a perfect time for something like that.

So, that should cover it all. I'll be back open in January Tuesday-Saturday from 10-4 and business will be as normal.

I will post some pictures tomorrow, but my new Melissa and Doug shipment arrived and I have some great, affordable, long lasting, durable toys ! Also, the non-slip "clippies" barrettes have arrived, along with pacifier clips by Hippie Clippies. Totally funky, yet stylish. I should be getting some more in of those also. And I'm also expecting a shipment of new See Kai Run shoes and Inky Binky Baby hopefully in the next couple days. And I'm looking to sell a couple more Diapees and Wipees so I can place a re-order. And I still have some Laura Roppe CD's left.

In addition, I have some great resale toys such as a foam ABC 123 floor mat from the Right Start, an Easy Bake Oven, Dora House, Games, Puzzles, Bead Set, and more. I have fantastic, warm, and funky stroller blanket that straps into the stroller (European Brand, great quality) that is perfect for this weather. Some slings and carriers, diaper bags and shoes too. And a variety of new and resale blankets, clothes, gifts and more.

I'll try and get one last email coupon out in the next day or so. And military discount is tomorrow the 16th. Perhaps I'll extend it a couple days again. Keep an eye out for that also.

That's all she wrote.

Missing Post and Hours!

I had a great post last night but it disappeared. Where did it go? Hmmmmmmmm...


Anyway, I'll be opening Tuesday and Wednesday morning at 11 (I might be in earlier, like 10:30ish but just in case) due to some errands and a doctor's appointment.

Since my other posting disappeared, just a reminder military discount extended today through Friday and we'll be back at the Scripps Ranch Farmer's Market on Saturday. Let me know if I can bring anything specific!

I'm off :)

Voting Day!

So, the candy drive has ended and no donations :(

I guess the short notice was not very helpful. My bad. Good intentions though.

However, Tuesday is voting day and as a good citizen (and of course, one of my degrees was in Political Science) I encourage you all to take ten minutes and go place your votes! Can't remember where to go? The link on the site is still up that can direct you to your polling place. Bring in your sticker (or receipt of mail-in if you voted by mail) Tuesday or Wednesday this week November 4th and 5th for a 5% discount of any store purchase. As usual, cannot be combined with other coupons, discounts or store credit. No minimum purchase required.

Military discount is also until the 5th this month.

Briefly, I still haven't figured out how to put on the machine at the store if I might be running late or have to run out for an appointment so I'm still posting here. I have an appointment around the corner Wednesday morning and might be in twenty minutes late if it lags (which I have a feeling it will). And later this month one day, I have another one at 8:30. I will post which day when it gets close just in case that one also runs late.

If you haven't been in recently, I have lots and lots of new stuff - some of it has been inventoried and lots more is on its way to be. I will also be getting more new stuff in (new Gymboree, new and used Baby Lulu and more) hopefully this week. And I got boxes of donations for both the store and to donate (Thank you, thank you, thank you). So I'll be going through those also as time allows. I will also pick up donations locally if I am able.

Also, I found this fabulous web site I hope to be getting some new items from just in time for fall and the holidays. Handmade, boutique quality and totally stylish accessories. I'll post pictures and more information after the details are made. And hopefully in the next month or so, some other handmade stuff will be working its way into the store. In addition, I have these great little "hold-alls". I have to take pictures because my description won't do them justice.

But here goes a brief try-at-it:
They are basically different style of baby-socks made into little purses. Great for holding anything that falls to the bottom of your bag- not just change. Think pacifiers, lip gloss, medication, tampons even. Or great as gifts for kids and adults alike. Love them.

These sort of things are what helps make this resale shop a boutique- quality, variety, great deals and fabulous stuff.

What ideas do you have? Anything you would like to see? Feel free to post comments if you don't have my email- I read them! I know I love the resale aspect of the store. Not only economically for us moms does it make sense but recycling our little ones stuff (and our maternity) is a good thing to do. However, we all like something new now and then also and I like that my store has that option.


It feels like fall finally, at least for now! Here's a picture of one of my girls (way back when) cozied up in her Barefoot Dreams jacket. Don't forget the playroom, rocking chair and changing station if you just want to get out for a bit. It is part of the store for a reason and I love to see it being used!

Speaking of a new season, let's get some ideas going. Activities you would like to see, playgroups to plan, merchandise you would like to see, community events (like a blood drive), etc. Or maybe you have something you do and would like to promote or sell. Or a "class" to teach. And I still haven't started on story time but would love to add that now that the weather is changing and people are looking for new activities. I want your input as the consumer.

Talk to me!

Happy Halloween!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Friday and an exciting Halloween with their little ones!

Sorry if closing the store was an inconvenience, but it ended up being a super busy day between class parties, quarterly sales tax filing, and not only getting three little excited kids ready to trick-or-treat, but then trying to get over-tired candy-eyed children to bed! Another late night of course, but it was all worth it.

The Halloween Costume rack at the store will now be replaced with Holiday outfits! I'll keep the costumes in the store for a short time before putting them in storage in case anyone is looking for any dress up outfits, but not too long. As the store is beginning to fill up and things to inventory is piling around, I do not want to accumulate too much clutter. Until they are packed away, they will still be 10% off the marked price.

And since the "special occasion" rack I have is not that big, I will probably still have great staple items around the store to be used for the upcoming season for dress-up and/or pictures, etc. So, if you don't see what you are looking for, as always- just ask. I'm more than happy to help you with ideas.

I also should be getting in a lot more new items (and possibly some larger sized used) on consignment so I'll be busy putting out new fall items such as Gymboree, Baby Lulu, CachCach and other boutique items for below retail. Be sure to stop by and see what is new. Remember, with a resale boutique, merchandise is constantly changing so there should be some new-to-you fabulous find each time you come in.

Some items of interest...

Did you accumulate way too much candy today, piled along with your own leftovers that did not get passed out? Don't want the temptation (for you or the kids) sitting around for the next year? Donate them to a good cause! Pick out your favorites and bring the rest by the store on Saturday (I'll let you know if I can take them next week as well). My oldest daughter's school is one of the schools teaming up with San Diego's "Super Dentists" Dr. Keri and Dr. Hoss. For each pound of candy donated, the school will receive a $1.00 donation and so will Rady Children's Hospital Foundation. And the best part? The candy will be shipped to our troops overseas! I saw the article in the November Issue of Family Magazine (did you see our first ad????) and wondered how Fresh Picked could be a part of this. Then today I heard the school would be taking the donations to the dentists, so I could just bring any extra or donated candy to them and they would pass it on. Everyone wins. I hope you have a little something to drop off for this good cause. I'll be open the usual hours on Saturday, 10-4.

And Tuesday election day is finally here, so go vote and wear your sticker to the store for a special discount. And if you forgot where your polling place is located, I placed a link to the site on my sidebar. I'll post more details before Tuesday. Presidential elections have the highest voter turnout and this year, the issues have been even more heated. Remember to educate yourself on an issue/proposition before voting on it or if you are confused and don't have the time, feel free to leave that box blank. It is okay to just vote what you know about so you make choices you are happy with.

Finally, tomorrow through Wednesday (November 1st-5th) will be military discount days, so please bring your ID if you are eligible.

Until next next time.

Brief Update

This will be short because my girls did something crazy to my computer turning it red- not so good on the eyes. Especially this late at night!

Kids.

So, I got about 11 votes showing interest in the Halloween Party Suggestion I had. I put a new pole up with some actual dates to vote on. If you are interested, please cast your vote. I'd like to get some ideas and people in, but I need to know a date to confirm them. I think it would be fun. Some stories, some pictures, maybe some trick-or-treating around the building. Just my ideas so far. Maybe just a casual event over a course of several hours so more people can atend.

Next, several people have asked me about specific See Kai Run shoes. I'm going to try and contact everyone that asked, but I might forget someone or maybe you are not on the list. If I have enough requests, I'll place an order. And you won't have to pay shipping when you order from me instead of their website. So, if you are interested call the store and I'll get your information.

I still have some Halloween costumes left- and some free glow bracelets to go with them!

Speaking of lists, I sent out my email coupons and had a couple people call for appointments, but no one has brought in their coupon. Don't let it expire.

Military Discount is extended. Our ad came out in the Military Press this week and so I'm extending my discount at least through tomorrow (Saturday) or maybe even a little longer. I want to help out the families of those who are out defending our Country.

Lots of new and interesting items in so if you haven't been in for awhile, come back and see the new clothes and accessories I have in. And some adorable new stuff.

If you need help making a gift basket for a baby shower or creating your registry, I would like to start doing that on some of my down time. More about it another time.

That's it for the evening. No more red-computer-screen :)

Great Discount Two Days Only!!!

Busy night so I'll make this quick.

Due to the upcoming nearby Air Show on Miramar Base, I will be offering a 10% discount off of any purchase on Friday October 03rd and Saturday October 04th. Offer cannot be combined with other discounts, coupons, or store credit. However, no minimum purchase is required.

If you do not know the backroads to get to the store so you can avoid the traffic on Miramar Road, please call the store and I can give you directions from where you are coming from. The number is always posted on the site. Look to the right towards the logo. Or if you are already heading to the air show and want a quiet break and cool air to relax for a few minutes, I will be open regular hours those two days.

So come by and enjoy a discount on all merchandise!

Discounts!

I sent out an email with a 5% off coupon on a $30 purchase. If you were not on my mailing list but would like to be, send me an email or publish a comment on the blog and I'll get an email and send you a coupon.

Also, I will be offering a 5% Military Discount on the 15th of each month (or the following Tuesday if the 15th falls on Sunday or Monday since I'm only open Tuesday through Saturday 10-4. Military ID is required.

Group discounts are also available (playgroup? friends? etc.?) Contact me for more information and exact discount will be calculated depending on type of event and number attending.

Discounts cannot be combined with other offers or used on store credit. Also, I take cash or credit. Credit/Debit includes Visa/Mastercard/Discover and AmEx.

I also have a link to a coupon on Google Maps. Check for updates and new coupons- you never know!

When selling me items, store credit is kept in the store on a card and in my computer and does not expire.

Please sign in when you come into the store or when you are leaving so I can keep my lists updated. Also it helps me know what items people are looking for when I am buying things.

Hope this helps! Any questions feel free to call. The number listed first on Google maps (the 619) is my cell. I need to change that and put the store number up this week. Sorry about any confusion.

Also, I will eventually be buying for either cash or store credit- I just need to get on my feet and completely set up. And sell some stuff. Some come on in!

Looking for off brands? I have a ton at home to sell through craigslist or donate. Depends on when I can get a donation bin in. Until then there is a box in the store, so feel free to bring some stuff in or put anything I don't buy in there. I'm hoping to work with the YWCA/Becky's House.

Thanks again and I'll update again soon :)

Also, my craigslist postings are under keyword search SRMom3. I'll post specials and stuff like that also, as well as my personal stuff. And if you are out there flagging all my posts- you are only hurting people getting info on the store- I'm going to keep posting like everyone else. Most of my customers I have met through craigslist and I think it is a great place to work together.

I also finally got my business cards and would like to exchange them with some of the other resale shop owners since I take stuff they don't and vice versa. Referrals are good.

Anyone interested in helping hand out some fliers would be awesome! Keep in touch and thanks to everyone reading and stopping by. I hope to get the street signs up by next weekend the latest and bring in some more traffic. Between my three kids, family in town and my husband getting facial/jaw surgery I've been swamped whether at the store or not but I love it.

Keep me in business and stop by!