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.