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!

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.

Saturday at the Store

Sorry I didn't update my status last night- I had a wild little one that needed lots of "mommy time".

Just wanted to confirm that I am not at the SR Farmer's Market this week, but I will be at the store doing some much needed inventory. I will open for customers between 12-2, although I will be there more hours than that. You can call the store number anytime and I will get the message and get back to you or answer. I also check my email very frequently and do my best to keep everyone informed and all questions answered.

And remember, if there is anything you need and I am not open- just call. I can either make an appointment or ship. I will also be closed this upcoming Tuesday (St. Patrick's Day!) for morning volunteering and afternoon appointments, fitting in somewhere working on the site!

I expect the site to be launched by the end of the month (even if it isn't totally complete) and therefore my hours should return to "normal" if all goes as planned.

See you soon :)

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.

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!).

Hours Update for the Week (Con'td)

Okay, kids get sick and mom's do too. I'm doing my BEST. And holidays and holiday parties are at school and I WANT to do it all and be there but can't always be...

Thursday hours will be 11:15 (give or take 5 minutes) to 3:30 and Friday I will be there early instead of late (say 9:30/9:45) but have to leave by 2:00 and will be doing my volunteer work in the afternoon instead of the AM, which accounts for me being there early instead of 10:30 as usual on Fridays.

Still working on next weeks hours. Can also do appointments for shopping!!!! Thinking Tuesday 10-4, Wednesday maybe 9:30 to 2-ish? Closed Friday except by perhaps special request and Saturdays are open for suggestion. I'd like to be at the Scripps Ranch Farmer's Market in the AM (which I can have someone fill in at the store for shopping purposes) and be at the store at 1:00. That may be a temporary routine for the next few weeks. The store will probably still be open- just not for buying until I get there.

Working on it- keep you updated.

I will be there doing inventory all day today and getting new stuff on hangers and priced so excuse the jeans and t-shirt :) I will be available for all customers otherwise!

Remember, email me. Call the store. Or if you want my cell phone for purposes only of appointments, questions or am I on my way and I know you as a customer - just ask!!!!

I'm getting lot's of brand new merchandise in for the holidays and can also take special requests on See Kai Run and Melissa and Doug toys that will arrive in time at whatever prices I can get and NO shipping so JUST ASK!!!

Lots more. I'll keep updating. Just remember I have three kids to scramble after and I want this business to be a fabulous sucess so I will do whatever I need- including offering shipping if I need to.