Story Time!

It's Wednesday and we'll be hosting a playgroup for story time today! Come by at 11:15 if you would like to join us! Address, phone number and a link for directions are located on the right column and below.

Yogurt from the Big Chill in Scripps Ranch has been donated :) A Big Thanks!!!

Also, they are having their Anniversary tomorrow:

Greetings from The Big Chill Frozen Yogurt!

Please stop by on Thursday, March 26th to help us celebrate our third year as Scripps Ranch’s favorite yogurt shop.

All customers can get a FREE cone of yogurt, a Baby Chill for just 99 cents, or a Big Chill for just $1.99!

Please call on Thursday for the day’s flavors.

See you soon! The Big Chill Frozen Yogurt

10299 Scripps Trail San Diego, CA 92131

858.530.2445

http://www.thebigchillfrozenyogurt.com/

Also, did you know you can now order/purchase Arbonne products through Fresh Picked? A representative will be available today during story time if you have questions. Otherwise, contact me for more info. Their baby products are fabulous- if you are looking for that special something for a gift or because your baby's sensitive skin deserves the best, give it a try.

And....

Now carrying See Kai Run Smaller! Shipment arrived yesterday and will be on the shelves today. Love them!!!!!

Happy Wednesday!

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.

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. :)

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

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!

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 :)

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 :)