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 :)

Costumes and Tees for Halloween

Just a reminder- Halloween costumes are in. I have a small selection of both boy and girl costumes in newborn sizes to about a 4. I don't have any pictures to post, but I do have some really cute costumes. Like all my other "pickings" I only selected quality, adorable costumes that your little ones would look great in. From a bunny baby bunting, to a babystyle "chick", Batman and Mermadia, I think the selection is pretty good.

I also have some great sibling or friend costumes such as Winnie the Pooh and Tigger or Little Miss Muffet and her spider! In addition, I have some inexpensive Halloween Tees from 3M to a size 5/6.

Come check out what I have and do some fall shopping while you are at it. Like I mentioned earlier, all costumes will come with a free glow bracelet while supplies last. And only a few more days to vote on whether I should put together a halloween party! It only takes a second to click the box and say whether you are interested or not.

So, don't go pay full price for a costume until you come out and see what I have. Especially if your kids don't ever play dress-up, they are only going to wear it once (maybe 2 or 3 times if you do pictures and a party).

New Buying/Selling Policy and More!

I get a lot of questions about what exactly do I buy? How does it work? I printed out my original policy to have on hand at the store. I will also answer any questions by phone or in person. I have also made an important change to the way store credit can be used. Times are tough, budgets need to be adhered to, and all new businesses are run on trial and error. I believe this policy to be fair to both the store and the Customer.

NEW IMPORTANT POLICY: Store credit can only be used on other resale items. I can no longer accept store credit on new Clothing, new See Kai Run or Monchi Shoes, new Diapees and Wipees or new Melissa and Doug toys. If there is a rare item that is new that can be purchased with store credit it will say such on the tag and usually be placed with other resale items. In order to maintain a store with a variety of new and resale items, I have to be able to keep new items in stock by having them purchased so that the money is there when a new order needs to be filled. In the beginning, the store policy allowed any item in the store to be purchased with store credit but we have a budget to work with. The exception was temporarily made, however after careful consideration and long conversations, it was decided that the resale items and new items would naturally have different expectations. In addition, it is fair that if you sell an item to a resale shop for store credit, you expect to purchase quality resale items in return.

- Usually, buying is made by appointment only. If you do not make an appointment, and I have the time I will look at what you have, although you may have to wait. There are no particular buying days, however Thursday-Saturday are usually best. Please call if you need to cancel/reschedule! I will give you the same consideration. Buying times are usually between 10:30 and 2:30, however other accommodations may be possible, just ask. Considerations are based on daily circumstances.

-As this is a new business and I get so many appointments and calls about selling items, we are still only offering store credit at this time. The current store credit offered is 40% of what I will price the item. This is usually about 1/3 of the original value, although it may be more or less depending on several factors. Eventually, once the business has been open longer, you will have the choice between store credit and 25% cash. This is competitive buying prices in the resale business. If the items do not come in freshly laundered and ready to be tagged, I will give 35% Store Credit, make an offer (depending on the item, brand, need, condition), or refuse the item at the time. I have been spending hours and hours each week washing and ironing because I wanted to buy some great stuff that was brought in even though it looked as if it had been wrinkled in a ball! But now that the store is filling up, I need to spend my time on more important things or offer less money to make up for the time, water, electric, etc. If its donated to the store or the donation bin, I don't care if it needs a clean up! Just thankful.

-Store credit does not have to be used right away or all at once, although it can. It does not expire. I am constantly buying items for our resale area so there is always new stuff in stock for you to look through. Our resale area is currently larger than the new items and I plan on it remaining that way or at least maintain an equal balance.

-What stuff do I buy? First, I do not buy large items such as strollers, high chairs, car seats, cribs, etc. If I have them in the store, they are either my own, a friends, or on consignment. So there usually is something or other out of my ordinary items. Therefore, it does not hurt to ask if I have a play mat or a bouncy chair. I love the roomy atmosphere of a boutique, while selling resale items. I despise crowding and unorganized stores/racks. So, for the most part, think smaller items. This may change at some point (I have been advised there is way more money in the larger items), but for now, I look at clothing, some shoes, diaper bags, slings/carriers, crib bedding, blankets, hats, nice accessories, some small toys, games, popular books, etc. I do have some items such as new photo albums, nursing pillows, shower gifts, boppy headrests, shopping cart covers, etc. I have just a small selection at this point to see if they sell. If they do, I will be buying more or bringing in more new items. I also maintain a wish list.

-Items should be freshly laundered, free of stains, and in great condition. Sometimes they are not and if take them anyway the price will be less because I have to take it home and see what I can do with it. If it is something I really want, I will do just that. Items can also be new- with or without original tags or packaging. I can usually tell and it will be priced accordingly. Also, I usually cannot look through more than a couple bins at a time. It can be very time consuming for us both and it is unlikely that I would need that many items at one time. You can always ask when making your appointment. Then you can come back with more items another time. Unlike most stores, I am still taking some newborn (up to 12M) clothing. I am very particular about what I buy, but even more so in the smaller sizes due to the fact that babies sometimes grow so fast that I have so many people coming in with just the smaller sizes. I sell up to size 14, Juniors, Nursing/Transition, and Maternity. And I do actually have some newborn styles- don't be afraid to take a look at the tiny stuff for your new baby. I promise to only have quality items- there are so many things that don't need to be purchased new. Babies need a lot and in this economy, buying resale items will save you a lot of money.

-Donations are also welcome and accepted, both for the store and for our donation bin. If you don't need or want store credit, I thankfully except all donations. Your kindness would be very appreciated. I will even pick up donations locally. Anything I cannot sell will be donated. If you bring items in that I don't buy, you may leave them for the donation bin. Or if I say it is something I would buy but don't currently need, feel free to hold on to it and call back at a later date. For our donation bin, I am working on setting up something with Becky's House and the YWCA. I have a large amount so far, so thank you to everyone who has graciously given their items to be passed on to someone in need. I also take donations for the playroom.

-This is a boutique, and therefore I am looking for name brands, clothing in high-demand, boutique or designer brands. I occasionally will buy a lower brand if it is in excellent condition, has great stitching, great style, very popular or I am very low in that size and it is a great basic addition to any wardrobe. I do my research, although time consuming and usually at home, through the Internet, catalogs, other stores and store owners, and of course talking to other moms. And having three kids of my own, I know what washes well and passes on well. What sort of brands? Think anything you would find in a small boutique or high-end department store. Original catalog brands. Internet stores and boutiques. Also popular stores like Gymboree, Gap, abercrombie, etc. Accessories would be things from Pottery Barn Kids or babystyle for example. Popular New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles brands, as well as most European brands are very good sellers. Shoes should be in like-new condition and well made. As my racks fill up, I do get more particular with the brands and styles. But I will take a look at whatever you bring- some things are irresistible!

-Seasonal items are preferable but due to the climate here, not always necessary. Therefore, I try and keep a little bit of everything on hand. We have all been in the position of one of our kids growing in the winter, but it is warm enough for shorts! Or in the summer here, sometimes you need a sweater at night. Also, you might be traveling to a different climate. I can also help you with layering ideas for items that can be worn year-round when you are purchasing something. And I can point out specific items or even shop for you by bringing you items while you relax or play with your little one. And since some basics do not go out of style (or are coming back in style) I will look at older clothing unlike many stores as long as they have been kept in great condition.

I am also looking into taking orders for baby shower gift baskets. I know a lot of businesses like to give useful gifts to their employees as they leave on maternity, but have no idea what is really useful. I'm looking into what they are buying and paying and then hopefully getting the word out that I can do a better job for a better price. I also would be interested in giving consultations (for a fee) for new moms on what items are really necessary, creating a registry, etc. These would be at least an hour or more and very detailed. I would love to get into doing those to things in addition to the store. I'll keep you updated if it becomes a reality. Of course, if you come into the store and just have basic questions about that kind of stuff, my advice and help would be of no charge! Or if you need to buy for a friend and you don't have children yet, you should ask what they might really want or need and I can show you what I have in stock. And if I don't have what you are looking for, I will refer you to where you can find a particular item.

Maternity and nursing items should also be of good quality. And please, no over the belly stuff anymore! Those of us who have had to wear our waistlines up to our bra-straps cursed the designer. And when the new mid-belly, no waist, and under the belly styles came out, we praised the designers!

I do also have some other frequently asked questions that I should try and post soon. For now, I think I have covered the basics on buying and selling. Hope it helps! I'll be back with some pictures of some of my new clothes. Also, I should be getting the Halloween costumes that I have so far out on a rack by the end of the day tomorrow (Tuesday). I am still buying costumes and holiday wear!

Sale on See Kai Run

Thank you to those of you who braved Miramar Road and came shopping during the Air Show! Hope you enjoyed your discount.

Speaking of discounts, I have put a sale on two of my styles of See Kai Run new shoes- Indria and Jackson. Now at the low price of only $32 due to the fact that they are more on the "summer" side of style. Below retail and no shipping, how can you resist? In our climate, these shoes can pretty much be worn year round. And yes, you can wear white after Labor Day!

Not only are See Kai Run shoes great first walkers (they were my sons and would not try and sell you on something I did not truly believe in!) but they grow fabulously with your child. They hold up great during that crawling-walking stage as well as later on the playground. And they can dress up or down. I would also like to see if there is interest in the larger sizes (9 and up) from their sister company eleven. Of course the prices are higher, but the quality is worth it. I will always work with my wholesalers to get the best deals for all of us.

These are fabulous boutique shoes and I hope my customers agree. If you haven't tried them yet, come on in and feel the buttery leather and flexible sole. And they are approved by the Pediatric Society. See Kai Run only are made in whole sizes, however they are great for all types of little feet. As we moms know, those precious feet come in all forms as they grow!

Help me make space so I can get some new styles in. Here is a closer look at what the the Indria and Jackson sale shoes look like:

Lots more going on, as usual. I have some other pictures to include in a future post. I also am discussing concepts on some possible policy changes on buying/selling that would be in the best interest for the store and the customers.

Our ad in Family Magazine should be coming out in the November issue and one in the Military Press this month! Our first real advertising! They are small but as always, thinking about keeping overhead low so prices remain low. Check the classified columns. I also want to write that post about going green and recycling fantastic clothing! And I'm working on an idea for my next giveaway drawing since the Melissa & Doug one has ended. Isn't it time for a new prize?

Also, I still am looking for votes on the Halloween Party. I need more votes than the 7 so far to put the work into it. And speaking of Halloween, I'll be putting the costumes up this week. I am buying quality costumes for store credit also! And I have free glow bracelets to go with every costume purchased. But quantity is limited; once they are gone I probably won't be getting any more in.

That's all for the moment. Plenty more to post as mentioned so keep reading!

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!

Take a minute to Vote!

I would absolutely LOVE some feedback on my survery regarding the Halloween party! I only have two responses so far. If it happens, I have all sorts of ideas but I have to have the numbers there to make it worthwhile. Trick-or-Treating around the building (after I talk to the other tenants of course), story time, maybe a contest, contacting a photographer.

This would be a great way to get another use out of your costume. And if you only have a tiny one, you want to dress them up but don't really want to go trick-or-treating yet. But you want to dress them up of course! Get some friends together and get the group discount (please call for an appointment for those- I think the details are listed earlier in the blog and if not I'll do it in the next few days).

I have a handful of costumes in the store, but I would love to add some more. It is hard to pay full price for a costume they can only wear one year, unless they are really into dress up or you have someone to hand it down too. So if you have some to get rid of, or you need to clean out your dress up bin of the outgrown clothes, you know where to go!

See Kai Run

Hi-

I'm getting ready to place my next See Kai Run order. It will be a small one (I hope to place another by the end of the year the latest). I'll be calling everyone on my wish list that requested See Kai Run in certain sizes or styles but if you have any requests for style or sizes, give me a call at the store before Tuesday morning with your ideas/request, name and number and I'll let you know when my shipment arrives!

Don't pay shipping and handling or not be able to try on your shoes when you can come in locally!

And don't forget to vote on the party!

Early Closing Thursday September 25th!

Hi everyone-

I'm behind on posting anything exciting, I know. I'm still recuperating but I'll get to it. Promise.

In the meantime, just wanted to give a quick update for those of you who check regularly.

Thursday, September 25th I have to close by 3:30 for Back-to-School Night for my oldest daughter. Regular hours will resume 10-4 Tuesdays - Saturdays unless otherwise noted here! It is only a half-hour before closing time but just wanted to give a heads up so if you are planning on coming in the afternoon, you can get there before I have to leave.

So, come on by a little early. Lots of new stuff in and I'm taking appointments for store credit (only) still. However, I can only look at small amounts of stuff at a time for the next week or two while I recover (think 1-2 laundry baskets, bags, or small bins at the very most). Call for an appointment! I also am buying Halloween Costumes and Holiday Wear. Maybe we can have some kind of Halloween party the week of? Get some extra use out of the costumes? If I get some interest I can even contact a photographer who might be interested. I actually figured out how to put a survey on the site to see if I get some hits on having a Halloween Party and what would be a good day of the week. Maybe even Saturday so school aged kids can attend? A little trick-or-treating and a Halloween story would be cool also! Since I haven't had an official "Grand Opening" and won't until things are fully up and running, I would like to do some sort of events in the meantime to get some new (and repeat) customers in. I have lots of ideas, now its time to start putting them into fruition.

Speaking of pictures, I want to start decorating the store but don't have enough frames for my pictures I have had taken. Thinking Pottery Barn (or that Modern Style- Target, whatever) in off-white (or even black or maple). If you have some you aren't using, I'd love to buy some used ones. Maybe you recently remodeled and changed your colors or bought a ton of frames on sale you don't use. Or just need something from the store or the cash more than some picture frames right now. We all know that feeling! Give me a call.

Can't believe it has almost been two months since my "soft opening". I would love to keep this store up and running so if you have been meaning to come by, please do. Like I always say, even just to let your kids play or feed your new baby and have another mom to talk to. You can see what I have in stock and when you need something, you'll know where I am and what sort of stuff I have (or will buy!). I specialize in clothing, shoes, and accessories (such as blankets, hats, high-end bedding and such). But I also have toys, nursing supplies, photo albums, games, books and a small selection of baby play mats and chairs. Once the play equipment sells I probably won't carry more unless there is high demand because I really want to keep the boutique atmosphere. I love that the store is organized and spacious. Sure, I need more racks and sometimes I am short on sizes but hey, I just opened and I want to keep my prices affordable so I do what I have to. My new stuff is all discounted also- and cleared with my vendors on the pricing.

Check out some of the new cute stuff I have in the store. This Kate Spade Bag has a matching wallet. It's not the best picture, but it is the black back with the etching pattern and the pink inner lining. I have a few other Diaper Bags including another Kate Spade, a babystyle and a new Bumble Bag.

I still have some fabulous Melissa and Doug new toys left (some are currently sold out on their site), Diapees and Wipees, and See Kai Run Shoes. All new (I have a sampling of other new items as well) and I would like to place another order soon on these items. So come see what I have remaining and add to the store wish list for my next order if you are looking for something specific and I'll see what I can do for you!

How fabulous is this stuff?

And remember, it's not just baby clothing. I have up to size 14 and Juniors as well as Maternity, Transition & Nursing Wear. Okay, off to rest for the night. I am still working on my email list for coupons, sorry for the delay. I need to actually compile the list of names in my contacts somehow (Gmail confuses me sometimes on the Contacts) so I can just send a quick email and coupon instead of typing each name and checking for duplicates, etc. Things have been a little hectic, but I will get to it. In the meantime, there is the one on Google Maps which is linked from this site and I have different specials on craigslist San Diego sometimes (search SRMom3).

For now, keep reading and I'll keep writing :)

Update

Feeling a little better each day and looking forward to being back at work on Tuesday. I also have added new inventory to the store so if you haven't been in for awhile, it is time for a re-visit! I will have to post some new pictures. I have received lots of requests to order some more See Kai Run shoes, but I would like to sell a few more pairs first. Come in a check out what I have left!

I also still have a fair amount of other new items. Don't forget my new items are all priced just below retail (and without shipping) and my resale items are all excellent quality. If you have not thought about buying resale clothes yet, my next blog entry will be about how resale shopping is the "Green" thing to do right now. Not only is it economically realistic, but you are recycling fantastic fashion! And supporting other moms :)

Enjoy the last of the weekend! I know I haven't sent out a coupon in awhile so I will work on getting that email list together while I re-coup.

Saturday 20 September

Sorry for any inconvenience, but due to some health issues the store will have to remain closed again today, Saturday. Store hours will resume as normal Tuesday, 10-4, through Saturday starting the 23rd.

Hope to see you there :)