New Atmosphere, New Beginnings

We are slowly getting back on track and have been busy,busy behind the scenes (and out doing events) to get ready for our new re-opening.

In the meantime, appointments, shipping, special requests, etc. are still being accommodated. So please feel free to contact us. All contact information is the same- except for the address of course.

At this time, there will be no drop-by times so please call ahead for personalized service.

Otherwise, come on by the Scripps Ranch Farmer's Market and if you have any special requests on items or wrapping, just call before Friday evening and I can get everything prepared. Or I can bring certain items since I vary weekly what I bring with me.

There is lots of new stuff to choose from. Inventory and pricing is still being logged in, but it looks as if there will be plenty to choose from and your shopping experience should be a comfortable and relaxing one! And if I don't have it- I can help do personal shopping and referrals.

Again, inventory is full so I am not presently buying at this time. And although I don't usually have larger items, as I complete the unpacking I will have some of my own personal stuff to list and will need to be sold ASAP. These include highchairs, swings, a pack-n-play, infant play mats, and more.

The online store is still being finalized but orders can be placed by phone and shipped or delivered...

See you soon!

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!

New Arrivals! Hours for Remainder of Week...

Today, Wednesday, I will be working from home trying to sort out this inventory for the web site- among other things that I will write about later, should they become a reality.





I will be in Thursday and Friday, normal hours (10:30-4, Friday perhaps a few minutes later due to volunteering). Saturday, if all goes as planned I will again be at the SRFM. Anything, I can bring, let me know.





Otherwise, I will probably be bringing a selection of my new stuff from Inky Binky Baby. It includes the latest prints for burp cloths, onesies and bibs, along with 1 1/2" and 3" headbands with flowers.





I will also be bringing lots of BabyLegs, Pacifier Clips, Hair Clippies/Corkers/Holders, and some Melissa and Doug toys.





I am pursuing lots of new ideas, affordable boutique items, and different ways to help spread the word about the web site since the store hours are going to be getting complicated because of some daycare issues in the next five weeks. I need to be able to either (a) get something in place for the kids on Tuesdays and Wednesdays- which I'm working my butt off to do! (b) plan activities and shipping, etc. only on those two days or (c) suggestions????





I am also in the process of inventorying a ton of new clothing- various brands, starting with newborn sizes and then going up as the bins get sorted. However, I may just place them on the online store (except for those that have doubles). Everything is older "seasons", but still practical and fashionable! And that also means, about 50% off the original retail price (sometimes more, sometimes a little less....).





We are talking Gymboree, Gap, baby Dior, Baby Lulu (USA), Ralph Lauren, and more. In addition, I actually am adding some great layette basics from lower-end names like Carter's, because I know people are looking for them and who can pass up a great sleeper, brand new, for just a few dollars!





Also, with Spring Break coming up and my chaotic schedule, I will be using Monday-Wednesday for not just appointments/events/playgroups/ideas from customers...., but also to get these donations sorted and to the appropriate shelters in need.





I'd love to bring a larger cash donation- don't forget the Awareness Clippies!





And as for donations, it's not just clothes they are looking for but think of those things around the house that you use everyday and do not realize how vital they are to your routine. Toothbrushes still in packages? Brands of Dental Floss you never opened because it was not the one you meant to buy? Something given to you that was nonreturnable? Diaper bags and backpacks in decent condition that are not something you can sell, but someone could surely use... Or a bag of crayons and some pads of paper. Stickers you have piles of and don't want to throw away but cannot seem to use them up. Feminine products that are unopened because your husband bought the "wrong" brand and you shoved them in the back of the cupboard so you wouldn't hurt his feelings. Unopened baby food (unexpired).





Like I mentioned, April is National Child Abuse Awareness Month. Even if a child is not directly abused in a Domestic Violence situation, they are often victims of abuse in many other ways. By donating to the women and their children in these shelters, you are doing your part in raising awareness that this happens across all economic lines, to your neighbor, your friend, the lady at the grocery store...





If you need assistance or have any questions- give me a call or email!

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...

It's Friday, I'm In Love: Check out the new merchandise in stock!

`As I mentioned previously, I will be having a booth at the Scripps Ranch Farmer's Market again this Saturday (and hopefully thereafter- excluding rain). It seems to be a great venue to market some of my merchandise and get the word out about the store. I thought Saturdays would be a busy day at the store with the people who work during the week, but it seems to be my slowest day!

So, get outdoors. This is San Diego right? There is a ton of stuff there for kids to do and it is one of the most popular and largest Farmer's Market around. Visit their website for more info at http://www.srfm.org/SRFM/Home.html

This week they are having a Treasure Hunt for the kids with prizes, in addition to the other wonderful things there- including a playground :)

I bring mostly new and seasonal items when I go, but if you contact me before 4:00 Fridays I can also pack up any specific requests you might have or meet you afterwards at the Store (2 or 2:30 usually). The Scripps Ranch Farmer's Market is located at EBS Elementary School (the new location is the old Marshall Middle School) and the address is 11778 Cypress Canyon Rd. (92131). Directions available through their web page also- click on find us! And then come and find me there from 9-1.

I am still doing inventory at the store- lots of new items to brag about and as soon as I can I will post more pictures and updates. Regular story time needs to be decided this weekend so I can get it posted in the major magazines and web sites - but it will be at least twice this February.

Lots of Valentines outfits, gifts, and accessories also available right now. I have my two little ones at the store this morning until around lunch so come by and play if you want :) I won't be doing a lot of "work" until after lunch.


Happy Friday!

"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.

New Pictures and my first Story Hour!

I just sent out an email mailing, but I also like to mention everything here. I will be collecting new items for Becky's House (hopefully I'll have enough in by the 23rd) to make a drop-off at the latest. They are requesting something a little different for their Adopt-a-Family this year. Since there are so many people in need, they aren't taking specific requests, but instead are asking for a gift for a mom, a dad, and one or two children (they are especially low on older children/teen items). Anything would be appreciated, no amount too small. Also, gift cards to Grocery stores or Target, etc. are welcomed.

Wednesday the 17th at 11:30, I'll be trying out my first Story Time. Short notice, but with the cold weather and rain it just might be what you need. I'll bring in some books to read, but please feel free to bring in your family favorite to share. This will be geared towards the younger children because most schools are still in session. It'll be fun. Or crazy. But let's try it out and see how it goes!

Remember to check the holiday hours or call/email until normal hours resume in January.

In addition, I am not taking anymore buying appointments until January because I have a lot to tag and inventory at the moment. That way, when you come in more items will be on hangers for easier browsing.

Back at the Scripps Ranch Farmer's Market on Saturday- this may be our last trip there, at least for awhile. Special requests? Call or email.

I unbelievably still have Holiday outfits and accessories in stock, both resale and used. Excellent items from Janie & Jack to Osh Kosh and even some Carter's sleepers. I also tried to mostly stock items that can be worn more than once, would do well for pictures, and/or could be mixed and matched with other items so you get the most for your money.

New items have arrived! My Melissa and Doug toy shipment and See Kai Run shoes have arrived just in time for gift-giving. I also have plenty of other items for gift- including gift certificates! I can even mail the gift certificates in a festive envelope if you pay over the phone by credit card. Or come in to shop, donate, or read and pick it up then. I'm awaiting more items from Inky Binky Baby but I do have items left. And I'm now carrying non-slip boutique hair clips, bows, and pacifier clips by Hippie Clippies. Here's the pictures of some sample items as promised:

Fresh, Funky and Freakin' cute. I am even wearing them (as well as the clips from the Inky Binky Baby Bloomin' Beanies!). Enjoy! Hope to see some of you in tomorrow even at the short notice for story time. And I hope to see a lot of you in the very near future :)

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.