Update on Hours, New See Kai Run!

See Kai Run- New styles and Upcoming Sale! Look at these styles. Adorable, fashionable and comfortable. My two younger ones LOVE them.

Help me with my re-order on See Kai Run shoes. After many requests, I think it is time I start carrying the smallers. Look at these adorable styles! How to choose???

You, the consumer can help me out! I will take special orders by request (size and style) in addition to some picks of my own. I did this last time with just a few of my customers right around the Holidays and it was great. You get the shoes you want and you support "the little guy" (me). Then you can pick them up from the store, have them shipped (or sent to a friend as a gift- ask for gift wrapping!) and even ask me to bring them to the SR Farmer's Market for pick-up. Please contact me for details. Let's try and get an order together within the next week before some of their great winter styles are GONE!

Why See Kai Run? Besides the fact that it was, of course, started by a mom... Here are some fabulous reasons from their website:

Our Shoes
See Kai Run and Smaller promote healthy development of babies' and children's feet with their ultra-flexible soles, soft leather and wide toe box. Our footwear meets the American Podiatric Medical Association's rigorous standards for foot health and functionality and has been awarded the APMA's prestigious Seal of Acceptance.

Why See Kai Run?
Healthy Fit

Very flexible soles are healthy for developing feet.

Wide opening and toe box accommodate even the chubbiest little feet.

Velcro closure allows for adjustable fit and easy on and off.

Leather lining is breathable and durable.

Padded collar adds comfort and helps our shoes stay on little feet.

Quality Construction

Leather used for our footwear meets the most stringent available U.S. and international guidelines.

Sheepskin leather uppers are butter-soft and more durable by weight than cow leather used by many other brands.

Durable construction and rubber sole stand up to heavy play indoors and out.

Urban Style

Hip, urban styles in modern color palettes.

Bold designs and detailing.

Modern takes on classic styles.

These are some of my favorites and the more popular styles in regular See Kai Run (above pictures are of the smallers by See Kai Run). I'd love to eventually get interest from my customers about the Elevens. Elevens are their 'sister' company that has similar buttery leather, trendy styles, and the larger sizes have great designs for the school-age children. Check out the website http://www.seekairun.com/ for info on all three styles and sizes.

Okay, briefly as of course, it's late again :)

Tuesday the 24th and Wednesday the 25th, I will be running around between the store, appointments and working on the webpage www.freshpickedboutique.com. I'm both excited and nervous about such a big project! So, feel free to call or email but I wouldn't recommend stopping by either day without confirming I'm there. I am expecting to be there regular hours Thursday and Friday and Saturday the Farmer's Market unless something about the site needs my immediate attention or anything like that. I then expect to not only have regular hours again for March (excluding the occasional this and that) but also fun events planned!

Also, check out my Facebook Page and/or store and become a fan!

And a new shipment of BabyLegs is on the way. I will also be sending out an email update and coupon soon- however I may have mixed up some of the "add-me" and "remove-me" so I'll post when I send it out and if I made any errors, please forgive me and let me know. I'm switching my contact list to my Fresh Picked email account and well, it happens.

Okay, off to finishing up so I can try and get some sleep before the kiddos get up for school.

Please continue your input, phone calls, reviews, and patience as it helps give me the drive to push on no matter what is trying to cut me off! Thank you!

Oh, also a new shipment of the Larger Size Bloomin' Beanies is in along with some other fun things. Woo hoo! Including Corkers and Awareness ribbons. This place just might be coming along. It just wouldn't be the same if I was an online only store- we need both and we are hitting month six so it's time for reviewing...

Where have you been?

Last week was a SUPER slow and quiet week at the store. Is it the horrible economy? Was it the beautiful weather (sneezing crazy Santa Ana, but hey, it's San Diego)? Or am I just not marketing myself right?

I think it's time to
A. Go online and let you shop, shop, shop
B. Bribe you in with Princess Parties, Story time and Free Frozen Yogurt
C. I have Coffee!!!!
D. New products on their way
E. Back to the Farmer's Market on Saturday Mornings
F. Shipping!
G. More mailings, coupons and fliers. More more more.
H. Tell a friend discounts
I. Great projects like the blood drive, and other things to bring you out for good purposes and shopping
J. Remind everyone that I'm half re-sale and the other half is new high-end trendy excellent quality but affordable items! So think birthday parties, showers, gifts, get your basic clothing needs, picture attire, some fun accessories. One stop shopping. I'm working on getting some wrapping stuff in the store. Want a basket or gift package made up? Give me your budget and I'll give you something the rest of the guests will be green-eyed over and the guest-of-honor smiling!
K. Send your ideas and I'll be back for more :)

PS I'll be open today at 11 and Friday at 11. Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday at 10:30. Close at 4. That's this weeks schedule!

"Let your children play"

Today's thunder showers made my first story hour a total flop! I'm pretty bummed... However, The Big Chill (Scripps Ranch yummy frozen yogurt located off Avenida Magnifica) has offered to donate some yogurt to my next story hour! They have new holiday and winter flavors to try out also. And remember, I keep their coupons in my store :) I am going to take my kids over there to do some taste testing of my own. I wonder if candy-cane flavored yogurt would be good with hot fudge? Hmmm... Ice Cream and Yogurt in the wintertime might seem like an odd combo, but to me it is just as comforting. And it lowers your body temperature a tiny bit making it seem just a little less cold outside (even if it is only temporary). But, that's me. I have ice cream or frozen yogurt almost every night. I joke that's part of my "diet".

So, I'll be thinking of another good day to do a story hour (or half-hour). It's supposed to rain again on Monday. And most kids are off school. Something to do in the yucky weather and maybe do a little holiday shopping while getting a free treat! Any interest?

On to another subject, as I mentioned in an earlier posting my new shipment of See Kai Run shoes had arrived. They have new boxes with a little letter from from the owner on the side. I just loved the quote. Here it is "See Kai Run is a family owned business located in Seattle delivering the highest quality shoes to thousands of jumping, dancing, skipping, soaring little ones throughout the US and abroad. Let your little ones outside to run...and climb...and play! They'll look stylish, and most importantly, their little feet will be protected and comfortable in our butter-soft leather and flexible rubber soles. Enjoy!"

It reminds me of bubbles on a warm Spring day...

For those of you not familiar with the brand, here is some info from their web site. And like all my vendors, it is a family based business supporting moms!

See Kai Run and Smaller promote healthy development of babies' and children's
feet with their ultra-flexible soles, soft leather and wide toe box. Our
footwear meets the American Podiatric Medical Association's rigorous standards
for foot health and functionality and has been awarded the APMA's prestigious
Seal of Acceptance.

Why See Kai Run?
Healthy Fit
Very flexible
soles are healthy for developing feet.
Wide opening and toe box accommodate
even the chubbiest little feet.
Velcro closure allows for adjustable fit and
easy on and off.
Leather lining is breathable and durable.
Padded collar
adds comfort and helps our shoes stay on little feet.
Quality
Construction
Leather used for our footwear meets the most stringent available
U.S. and international guidelines.
Sheepskin leather uppers are butter-soft
and more durable by weight than cow leather used by many other brands.
Durable construction and rubber sole stand up to heavy play indoors and out.
Urban Style
Hip, urban styles in modern color palettes.
Bold designs
and detailing.
Modern takes on classic styles.

And some pictures of my new styles (and some I still have in stock- some on
sale!).

Okay, so not the best layout. Hey, it's late. And rainy. I
think I'll finish the laundry and go cuddle with my little ones.

Tomorrow I have a holiday party for my oldest daughter at 9, so I'll probably be open around 11-ish. You can always call first. Or just assume 12-4. I'll get there as early as I can because I do have a ton of stuff to inventory and tag. And I found some more Holiday/Winter clothes- both new
and used. Come and get them. All new clothes are usually marked at least 30-50% off! It depends on different factors.

And special opening on Monday for last minute shopping from 10:30 to 2:30 at least. That's all for tonight.

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.

Farmer's Market

Just a reminder and time/address information.

We have a booth tomorrow, Saturday the 28th (I guess today at this time!) at the Scripps Ranch Farmer's Market. Located at E.B. Scripps Elementary School, which has moved to 11778 Cypress Canyon Road (San Diego 92131), the hours are from 9 AM to 1 PM.

I will be bringing a small sampling of our merchandise, as well as fliers and coupons.

So get out and support local merchants this Saturday instead of fighting the ridiculous crowds at the malls!

Hope to see you there.

Holidays and Other News

Yes, they are officially here - the Holidays! Time for crazy family gatherings and stories to create and tell to our children. Cameras will be snapping and video cameras catch all the wrong things (kidding! sort of). Portraits to be taken, given, saved, or preserved. (See below for a great link for your framing needs!)

Fantastic outfits and accessories are at the store. Lots of stuff for gift-giving also. And speaking of giving, in addition to taking my usual donations I am also trying to get some "wish lists" from Becky's House or the YWCA in the store. I'll update with more information as it moves along. Please remember no matter how little you might have, someone out there is also in need. Giving really is the best gift to yourself.

Interested in donating some food items? My fabulous chiropractor (Dr. Jason Shumard) located upstairs in my building (Active Posture- see link below!) is hosting a bin in his office at the request of his Assistant for Mama's Pantry. They are collecting nutritious non-perishables. Mama's Pantry is a part of Mama's Kitchen. If you don't already know about this Charity, go to their web page at http://www.mamaskitchen.org/ and check it out. Dr. Jason is offering people who donate five or more items to be entered in a drawing. I'll post a list of the items in the store or you can contact his office directly for hours and drop-offs at 858-564-7081. And thank you for working on my never ending migraines!

And while your at it, make an appointment! Treat yourself (or a friend) to a healthier body and get rid of some of that chronic pain we mothers wake up to (some of us daily). As a mom, there is no day off or time to rest an injury or heal from an illness. You deserve 15 minutes to devote to your body. It is the little things we have that keep us going. Light a candle, take a bath, do some Pilate's, take a five-minute time-out in your room instead of sending the kids to theirs and visit a nutritionist and chiropractor. Speaking of nutrition, I hope in the next few weeks to get the nutrition questionnaires into the store if anyone is interested in a consultation from a nutritionist! Also working on some (shhhhhh secret - can't post details yet!) organic, homemade products for mom and baby!

In addition to this season of new beginnings, let us remember ourselves as being important. We need to function in order to care for our little ones. Lots of baby steps because we are all strapped for time, but anything we can do we should. Talk to other moms- you would be amazed at what you find out. Someone might need a hot meal or a friend to go to the park with. Take the time to make yourself feel good by getting to know those around you and you never know what you might learn from them that will enrich your life.

Okay, lecture over. Here I am, mind racing with things to do and feeling overwhelmed myself and I am up again late working not pampering myself. But no matter how stressed I am or how crazy my day is, I really try and make it a point to take a few minutes to do something meaningful or helpful to someone else and something to clear my head for a few moments (if only a few moments, I'll take them).

Backtracking...

So, as I have mentioned lots of new items in and more on the way. It is so exciting. Every new thing that comes in I treat as if it is a little gift :)

Here is a sample of some of the sock purses or as I call them hold-em-alls that I now have in the store. I mentioned them several postings ago but couldn't really describe them without a picture so here it is!Great for holding anything that falls to the bottom of your purse (or diaper bag), for gifts to new moms/grandmas or even your kids, and of course cute. Who can't resist baby size socks? You know you all still have to stop when you see a tiny sock!

I also have been busy putting together little outfits and re-designing the store. I still need to decorate it but it is hard when it is still "unfinished". I also currently have separate racks for some Holiday stuff. Of course, most of the stuff is not just Santa Sleepers and Red Velour Dresses (although I have them) but great stuff for pictures, family dinners, winter outings, and more. A lot of the stuff I carry year-round I moved to the rack for ideas. It's great to think about not only using a resale boutique to recycle your old clothing, but how to make good use out of the purchases you make. Here is a little sample of my new "outfit" rack. I mix in some new and resale items in this picture and you can look closely to get a preview of the Bloomin' Beanies I know have in stock! More to come and I can devote a whole other post to some of my new items (so perhaps I should considering the time...). Anyway, how cute is this? Come in, grab an outfit and your set. Well, maybe while you're there you can grab a Melissa and Doug toy for a gift and that sweater you've been meaning to get and a pair of shoes. Just an idea ;)

You can see that cute little diesel shirt in the corner but not the matching shoes! Size 2T and priced to sell. On the other side you can see my dwindling rack of diapees and wipees. Must be about that time for some new orders. So start your shopping- Resale stores are in and I can give you a million reasons why I'm not just any resale store but I'll save that for another post. Those of you who have been in recently know there is so much more to it.

Final note of the night, Fresh Picked Boutique will have a booth at the Scripps Ranch Farmer's Market this Saturday. I'll be there with some hand-picked products instead of the store, but it will be open for sales and I'll be there from 2-4 afterwards. I hope it goes well. I'm assuming in this economy a lot of people would rather support locally, save money and not fight the crowds at the mall but I guess we'll have to see. I'll try and get an email mailing out this week with coupons and of course, I'll mention the SR Farmer's Market there also. I will also post again about that as it gets closer to Saturday.

As for hours this week, tomorrow (Wednesday) I will be there working and preparing, etc. I assume it will be a slow day so I probably will just be open from about 11-3 for customers unless I get a call from someone needing some help before Thanksgiving! And I will be closed Thursday and Friday. Friday I'll be working from home so if someone really wants to stop by I might be able to make a quick shopping appointment. Shoot me an email. And then Saturday the above mentioned Farmer's Market.

So, that's all for now. Thanks for reading as always!

Veteran's Day - Store Hours

Brief update- Tuesday is Veteran's day and since it is a school holiday I will be working but with limited hours. I will have (probably at least 2 of) the kids and they probably don't want to spend an entire day at the store with me (and really, the feeling is mutual).

Please email or call if you have any questions. I'm just going to play it by ear and probably just come in a little later and take it from there. I do however live close by so if you need something or have the day off yourself and wanted to come by, I will do my best to accommodate anyone.

Let me know. Most of you have my email or the store number. You can always comment here and I can check. I'm planning about 11-3 give or take. If I get people in or calls, I have no problem staying longer. If the clock is ticking and the kids get bored and no one is coming by I may leave earlier.

So... Other than that regular hours until Thanksgiving week. I'll plan on closing early Wednesday (haven't decided what time) and I will be closed that Thursday and Friday. I plan on re-opening Saturday with maybe something fun or a special. If there seems to be interest, maybe I can even do a few hours that Sunday.

And of course, Holiday outfits and more are in so come take a look!