Sunday, October 16, 2016

Gratitude Sunday

Inspired by:  Wooly Moss Roots -Simply Joys of a Soulful Life Gratitude Sunday

G r a t i t u d e  *  S u n d a y


{Sunday's heartfelt tradition. A time to slow down, to reflect, to be grateful. A list of gratitudes.}
This week  I am thankful for:


Foggy mornings.

Cozy days.

Books.


The kids and Marsh doing Lego's together.

Games with the kids.

Zo reading to me!

Talks with my sister.

Rainy days.

So many new long socks at Pippi's!


Visiting with friends.

Rainy runs.

The coastal trail.

Baby hugs.

Long weekends.

Sunday, October 9, 2016

Gratitude Sunday

Inspired by:  Wooly Moss Roots -Simply Joys of a Soulful Life Gratitude Sunday

G r a t i t u d e  *  S u n d a y


{Sunday's heartfelt tradition. A time to slow down, to reflect, to be grateful. A list of gratitudes.}
This week  I am thankful for:

Being able to laugh when some may not.

The great turn out at the League of women voter's candidates forum.

Some great conversations.

The amazing teachers my kids are lucky to have.

My sweet Zo starting to spell and read!


Being able to take a needed sick day. (Thanks Rachael!)

Getting to appreciate the little things with my kids.

Finding a yummy tomato soup recipe!


Listening to the kids enjoy piano so much.

A productive week.

The start of Socktober. (We picked our first winner Friday, 3 chances left.)


Cozy goodness at Pippi's.

A field trip to Gowan's with Zo's class.

My dad, always offering to help me in any way he can to support me in my life, (he's also a great Baba.)



Pajama mornings in the front yard.

New books!

Ice cream with both grandmas this weekend, what a treat!

Time with Grandma and Grandpa.


Experiments.

A lovely day with Grandma walking around downtown.

Zo helping me in the kitchen.


Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Happy Socktober!

It's Socktober again! Join us to celebrate Socks!


This Socktober we will be giving away four prizes, one each Friday this month.  How can you win one of our awesome prizes?
Anytime you come in and spend $50 this month you will get an entry into our weekly drawing or you can just take a photo that includes your pippi socks and tag us on Facebook,  and we will enter you in our weekly drawing.

@Pippi's Longstockings, I love my cozy socks!




Sunday, October 2, 2016

Gratitude Sunday

Inspired by:  Wooly Moss Roots -Simply Joys of a Soulful Life Gratitude Sunday

G r a t i t u d e  *  S u n d a y


{Sunday's heartfelt tradition. A time to slow down, to reflect, to be grateful. A list of gratitudes.}
This week  I am thankful for:

Rain!

Getting to spend time with Pippster's babies while I work!

So many new socks at Pippi's.


A supportive family.

A husband and friends who help me stay balanced.

Running into some of my dear customers out in the world.


The opportunity to walk around many neighborhoods in our community and talk with them about our city council election.  I love this town!


Showing my kids that participating in positive local politics is a great way to help our community.

Hearing my kids talk about the things they care about and how they want to make change in their world.

When my brother and niece stop by just to hang out.

Family time.

Listening to my kids play piano.

A visit from the tooth fairy.


Coffee with friends.

Productive days, and productive evenings. 

Being able to squeeze as much as I can into my days!

Pumpkin ice cream at Cowlicks again!


Being able to enjoy our beautiful coastline.

Cozy couch cuddles and reading snuggled up with my two kids.

A few days this week that hinted at sweater weather! (a.k.a. sock weather).

Getting to take my kiss on bike rides/runs.


The teachers that my kids spend their weekdays with.  We are so incredibly lucky to have such amazing people educating our kids.

Getting to see some of our high school's homecoming events this year.  I always remember homecoming fondly and I love to see the kids creativity.


Wednesday, September 28, 2016

The Secret to Not Getting Overwhelmed ... Start Early

If working retail for the past 15 years has taught me anything it's be prepared for the holidays.
It gets super busy in the sock world come November and items sell out fast so I try to be prepared with enough socks for all my lovely customers, that's my job.

Of course my personal life is another story. 
But, I have learned a lot from my customers.  I have many customers who do their holiday shopping all year round.  Me, I think I would forget what I did with all the stuff and them come upon a treasure trove of gifts 3 years later.  But, starting in October, that I can do. 

Pippi's has lots of great cozy socks and wonderful gifts in the store right now, and I know our other local businesses are busy stocking up on new items for fall and winter as well.

If you buy gifts for your siblings, extended family, close friends, and co-workers in addition to your kids,that's so much all at once! Why not space out your shopping, to a more manageable $50-$150 per month?
Here is my plan: I am going to start with my extended family gifts in October (I have to ship most of that anyway).  My friends and co-workers in November and just focus on my kids and immediate family for November/December.

Helpful Hint:
Socks are a great gift to keep an extra pair or two on hand wrapped and ready to go just in case you forgot someone or are surprised by a gift from someone you didn't expect!

And don't forget with Pippi's stamp card your 6th pair of socks of tights is half price!

This is my plan for the holiday, but you know what they say about plans...How do you stay sane during the holidays?

Sunday, September 25, 2016

Gratitude Sunday

Inspired by:  Wooly Moss Roots -Simply Joys of a Soulful Life Gratitude Sunday

G r a t i t u d e  *  S u n d a y


{Sunday's heartfelt tradition. A time to slow down, to reflect, to be grateful. A list of gratitudes.}
This week (it's been a while so...the past few weeks) I am thankful for:

The beautiful days we have had this week.

Friendship.

Early mornings.

Squeezing in time to read when ever I can (thank you swim practice).

Headlands tomato soup. (It's my current craving).

Getting to go on Zo's first field trip with her.


Some quiet time with Marsh.

My parents inviting the kids for a sleep over. 

The relationship my kids have with my parents.

The amazing love and understanding that Marshall always gives me.

The kids making friends at school.

Birthday parties in the woods.


Kids being kids.

Small town community.

My amazing employees, I am lucky to have people working for me that enjoy their job!

The privilege of having my own business, and the ability to make my schedule work for my life and my family.

Wonderful customers who shop at Pippi's and make all that I am able to do possible, I am so grateful for you!

Monday, September 19, 2016

Shop Mom and Pop

As Fort Bragg locals we are lucky to call this place home.  Folks travel long twisting roads to get here and soak in the salty air and small town goodness of Fort Bragg before they head back to their reality. We are so spoiled this is our reality! A line of four people at the coffee house or a retail shop, that's a long line for Fort Bragg.  Too many people at a beach,  we can just go to the next one! A downtown full of unique locally owned businesses yup, we have it pretty good.
As town slows down and becomes our comfortable haven of peace and quiet again after the summer crowds it's your turn to enjoy our beautiful downtown.  Come on out and support all of your favorite locally owned businesses we are here for you all year round.  See you downtown!

Sunday, September 18, 2016

Gratitude Sunday

Inspired by:  Wooly Moss Roots -Simply Joys of a Soulful Life Gratitude Sunday

G r a t i t u d e  *  S u n d a y


{Sunday's heartfelt tradition. A time to slow down, to reflect, to be grateful. A list of gratitudes.}
This week (it's been a while so...the past few weeks) I am thankful for:

Friendship.

Support and encouragement from friends old and new.

Teamwork.


Strong women.

Impromptu morning talks and time with a dear friend.

Allowing myself space to be me, and giving a little time to myself each day.

Time with my family.


Time with my kids.

Unscheduled days. The re-entry to school has been so busy with my scheduled on top of my kids, our first un-schedualed day was such a relief!

Hearing about Ro and Zo's school days.

Listening to Ro and Zo play.

Cooler weather and warmer socks.


Fall-ifying the shop.

Taking the kids to the the clean up our coast event yesterday.  They were so happy and proud of what they did.

Reading with my kids.

Games and goofiness with friends.

Friday, September 16, 2016

September Allready?

How is it September? How are both my kids in school? How is my to do list so long? How has it been so long since my last blog post?


The answer to all of the above, life.  Life got busy, it hasn't slowed down much either but I am ready to refocus on the blog and Pippi's social media a bit more again. 
The kids are in school and Pippi's is gearing up for fall with tons of cozy socks!  Wool, cashmere, bamboo, we have so many good things!
As we head into fall and gear up for the holidays, remember, come downtown and check out the new stuff Pippi's (and all the other downtown shops) have in stock for this fall and winter. 


I have an ever changing inventory and I always have a big range of price points so all of my customers can work within their budget.  Don't forget your stamp card, when it's full you can treat yourself to a half price pair of socks!  See you soon.

Friday, May 20, 2016

Pippi's would like to thank you with Donuts and Discounts or Coffee and Cupcakes, the choice is yours.




All our loyal customers, you rock!
You have kept Pippi’s going strong for ten years!!!
(Ten years, one move, two kids, and lots of socks!)
Thank you,
and
Happy 10th Birthday to us!

Please join us Friday May 27th for Coffee and Cupcakes from 10am -noon.
(Cupcakes are from A Sweet Affair…so better make that while supplies last!)
Gotta get to work?
How about you join us for our extra special pre-party with Donuts and Discounts from 9-10am?
9-10am 30% off store wide and gifts with every purchase, don’t miss it!

Sunday, May 1, 2016

Gratitude Sunday

Inspired by:  Wooly Moss Roots -Simply Joys of a Soulful Life Gratitude Sunday

G r a t i t u d e  *  S u n d a y


{Sunday's heartfelt tradition. A time to slow down, to reflect, to be grateful. A list of gratitudes.}
This week (it's been a while so...the past few weeks) I am thankful for:

Crazy Chickens.

Productivity.

Opportunities.

Skype-ing with my sister.


Collaborations.

Sunshine.

Creative kids.

Amazing teachers.

Sweet customers.


New sock lines. (Really though, Pippi's has been getting lots of great new inventory it.)

Garden time.

Fun with friends.

Sunday, April 24, 2016

Gratitude Sunday

Inspired by:  Wooly Moss Roots -Simply Joys of a Soulful Life Gratitude Sunday

G r a t i t u d e  *  S u n d a y


{Sunday's heartfelt tradition. A time to slow down, to reflect, to be grateful. A list of gratitudes.}
This week (it's been a while so...the past few weeks) I am thankful for:

Community in action.

A good and very informative debate on Measure U, I think everyone who went heard an overwhelming amount of information that explained why this measure is wrong.

Walking Fort Bragg with my dad.

Piaci with the family.

Coffee dates with friends, and playtime at Pippi's.


New stuff in stock at Pippi's.

Baby cuddles.

A fun earth day celebration.  I love seeing how the gardens at the high school have evolved over the years.

Running into so many friends at the earth day celebration.

Family days.

Celebrity sightings, Smokey is still cool after all these years.


My yard in the early morning.

The blooming roses in my back yard.

Rain after my garden hose broke.

Science experiments, especially her large (and totally gross) jar of what she calls mischief...


Time spent with my dear Marshall.

Our lovely little downtown, I am so lucky to get to be there each day.

Redwood school and the great teachers there.

Rock band with the kids.


Being able to encourage and support someone when they needed it.

This town.  I love walking on my errands downtown each morning I love that I usually run into a friend, customer or acquaintance and and have the opportunity to share small moments special people each day.

Friday, April 22, 2016

This Moment

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.


Inspired by SouleMama


Sunday, April 17, 2016

Gratitude Sunday

Inspired by:  Wooly Moss Roots -Simply Joys of a Soulful Life Gratitude Sunday


G r a t i t u d e  *  S u n d a y


{Sunday's heartfelt tradition. A time to slow down, to reflect, to be grateful. A list of gratitudes.}
This week (it's been a while so...the past few weeks) I am thankful for:

Family time.

A visit with the Carr family, it is always so good to spend time with them.


Being able to take a wonderful trip to the happiest place on earth!

Watching Ro and Zo enjoy spending special time with their friends.

Being able to spend nearly all day everyday with my kids and Marshall this week.


So many moments to remember.

Being productive in the yard.

Fun with friends.

Silly times.


Rowan and her potions.

Visiting with one of my dearest friends from college. I love that each time we get to visit one another it feels like not a moment has passed.

A new neighbor moving in on Laurel.  I am so excited to have The Bookstore as a neighbor!

Beautiful weather.

Friday, April 15, 2016

Discrimination is Never Okay



Seven months ago I wrote a post called The Segregation of Our Downtown.  If you read it you may remember it, if you didn't please check it out... Or just read on.
The measure to ban social services from our downtown, Measure U, will be on our June ballot.

After two tries to get the 313 signatures necessary the  "Concerned Citizens of Fort Bragg got their discriminatory measure on the ballot.  They are now campaigning for it.  Please be aware, the people that are part of this group are ignoring reality and the facts, and are flat out lying about what this measure will do.

They claim :  "The project in the Old Coast Hotel was put there after January 1, 2015 and will be required to move."
In reality: This measure will not force the project out of the Old Coast.
First, it's not permitted in California State law to retroactively zone, or make an existing land use illegal.  It becomes “legal non-conforming.”
The second issue is transitional housing.  They have made such a poorly written measure that it can't even do what they intend.  Transitional housing is not affected by the measure.   It says that right in the measure.  (In the last bold paragraph and the last sentence it says this does not include transitional housing.) Some services offered at the Old Coast may be affected, but transitional housing will stay.

They claim: "This will not affect the social service businesses that we already have in the CBD." 
It will. Even if a social service business was in their downtown space before 2015. If the law passes they will become classified as "non-conforming."  They will not be able to move, or expand with in the CBD. 
How many businesses never need to move or expand?  In the past two months, four businesses have moved locations to or from Laurel Street alone.

They claim "Measure U is a Non- Discriminatory Zoning Change."  
Well, if you have to qualify your measure specifically as "non-discriminatory" clearly you've done something wrong.  The measure blatantly discriminates against a certain "kind" of person (specifically those who are living in poverty, homeless, disabled, or mentally ill), and says not only to these social service businesses but also to anyone who utilizes social services, "you are not welcome here."   This is discriminatory.  This is segregation. This is a Civil Rights issue.

The latest un-truth is this: "The organizations who moved in after January 2015 knew Measure U was going on the ballot and chose to gamble."
As you can see the date on my blog post linked above is September 8, 2015. Their claim that anyone "knew" their horrible initiative would be on the ballot is a false claim. They didn't even get all the required signatures turned in until the end of 2015.

I can not stand by and watch our town become a part of the hatred and discrimination that's happening on at a national level. We are better than that.  We need to continue to work at making Fort Bragg a place we are proud of.  A town that helps people.  We need to continue supporting all of the wonderful social service businesses we have in our community and we need to welcome them into our public spaces.  The people who use these services are part of our community.  How can we include them in our community and support them while also discriminating against them?

Please, spread the word. Educate your friends and family, vote NO on Measure U.  It is Unnecessary Unenforceable and Unjust.

The No on U campaign is being lead by leaders from within our social service community.
Like their Facebook page for updates.
If you want to help reach out to them.  You can email them at  fortbraggssa@mcn.org .
If you would like to make a donation to the No on U Campaign any small amount helps.
You can make donations for $99 or less  payable to: "SSA-AMU" (Social Service Alliance Against Measure U) and mail to :
Social Services Alliance
305 E. Redwood Ave
Fort Bragg, CA 95437

This Moment

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.



Inspired by SouleMama


Sunday, April 10, 2016

Gratitude Sunday

Inspired by:  Wooly Moss Roots -Simply Joys of a Soulful Life Gratitude Sunday

G r a t i t u d e  *  S u n d a y


{Sunday's heartfelt tradition. A time to slow down, to reflect, to be grateful. A list of gratitudes.}
This week (it's been a while so...the past few weeks) I am thankful for:

Daisy chains.

Sunny days.

Long walks.

Family time.


Helping my kids with their piano practice.

Scooter-ing.

Walks with the niece.

Coloring eggs.

Easter egg hunts.



Being able to participate in Rowan's class.

Being lucky enough to have great customers and employees that make it possible for me to be with my kids so often.

Bike rides.

Helping with the Read-a-thin at Redwood school.

Easy meals, currently I am roasting veggies multiple times a week, luckily the kids like them!


Spring Carnival at the high school.  I have been taking Ro and Zo since before they were in school, it is so fun, and I think it gets better each year.

Pizza night at Piaci.


Vases full of picked flowers, spring.

Starting to plan and prep my garden.

First grade relay races, they are pretty entertaining.


My mom's quilts.

Being able to take my kids to art shows.

That my kids get to see their Gaga as she creates these pieces.

Creativity and love everywhere.



Support from family and friends.

All the  beautiful new babies joining us in the world!!! It makes me so happy.