Clothing Hold

Hey all, I am currently on hold until further notice for purchasing clothing items. Times are tough and business is slower than to be expected. Until business picks up, I cannot purchase clothing. In the future, I will lean towards buying from loyal customers that shop here versus just anyone. In addition, I will start to purchase those items that I am shy with. Come on in and shop! Right now I have baby boy clothing 35% off sizes 0-12 months!

Sharing Some Happy Moments!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Fall to Christmas

Just as a note to pass along. I have some great Christmas items for both boys and girls. Fancy dresses, shoes, sweaters, skirts, and pants. I am only taking clothes that are season appropriate at this time and early on in the month. I will take them on a first come, first serve basis, then start calling folks that have clothes in the sizes that I need most. I appreciate all of the business and the word of mouth advertising. Notice the new store hours. I still will continue to stay open late until 8 pm on Thursday for you working folks.

Happy Fall

I have a few costumes, coats, and Halloween T-Shirts, perfect for the month of October. Looking ahead, I have some gorgeous Christmas dresses, winter themed PJ's, and some adorable sweaters for both boys and girls. There was a fantastic article in the NonPareil based out of Council Bluffs covering the store. I am not what you call busy, but I am starting to see a steady flow of customers. I see new faces everyday, so people are sharing the Second Helpings Secret!!!! Thanks for that. Hey, for a day of fun for both you and your kids, consider trick or treat on the Glenwood Square. There is a Costume Parade and the businesses will share goodies with the little ones. In addition, you can stop by the store!!!

Whooooaaaaaa Nellie.

I love all of the goodies folks are bringing in, fantabulous stuff! Here is the deal, bring stuff in, but please consider shopping as well. I have to put a hold on the goods for just a moment because I am pulling more in than I am putting out, ouch that sounds dirty! I have a few folks that I have told to hold off until October. I really want to take everything right now, but so many of the things have been really great which costs me a lot of cash. Continue telling your friends and family to stop by. The more traffic, the more I sell, the more I can buy! Get it???? Look for my little guys to be working the homecoming parade here in Glenwood. I am hiring them to hand out coupons for the shop. I am paying them each a soda pop. That is a HUGE deal because I do not believe anyone under the age of 18 needs a soda in their life. Anyway, they will be handing out 10% off an entire purchase coupons. If you read and keep up with the blog you can mention the coupon to me, and I will honor it. Thanks for your support, Second Helpings Rules and so do the Huskers, tis the season!

Make a Smilebox postcard

Holy Heck, Grand Opening Tomorrow

Everybody, just a reminder, our Grand Opening is tomorrow. Coffee and snacks will be at 9:30, along with a ribbon cutting with the Chamber. Would love to have visitors. Today, I was actually was busy enough not to get everything done for tomorrow. I will be making a late night visit to the shop to tidy up and re-stock. Imagine that, re-stock after only a week of patrons! I also have a goodie basket and gift certificate up for grabs, just sign up to win! I am still on hold for items, unless you have sizes 5-8 in boys or girls. Until then, I have a list started and I will go down the list on a first come, first serve basis! Love to all.

I am Full!

Come one, come all and shop until you drop. I am currently on hold for taking clothing items. I am full and my backroom is full. Once you all come in and shop, I will be able to move backstock out and start taking more items. I am making a list of those folks that would like to sell clothing to me and I will call from the list on a first come, first serve basis. Remember, the Grand Opening is next Thursday at 9:30. There will be goodies to eat, and a prize drawing for a Gift Certificate!

Open!

I had my first unofficial day and it was a great success! I have not advertised and I still had dedicated shoppers! I thought the soft opening would give me the opportunity to iron out some kinks! I will admit there were a few! I am a creative thinker, not a technological thinker so a couple of minor issues with the computer through me into a frenzy. I made it through, thanks to some help from my IT friend Bill and the patience of my customers that I was not able to hand a receipt to because my printer was giving me grief. Who knew you had to set certain printers to default. Why they cannot do what I need them to with just the click of a mouse, is beyond me. Some computer guru needs to come up with computers that read minds and do what they are supposed to no matter how learning disabled the user is! Currently, I am popping at the seams with products. I am actually going to have to start turning away the goods until I can get some of this product out of here. It does not mean that I won't take them at a later date, I just have limited storage and backstock space. My poor living room is currently full of backstock. If you know me, I like a tidy space so the fact that my floor is full of tubs of clothing is making me crazy! Come on in and buy some goodies, then I can take more goodies off your hands! Grand Opening continues to be next Thursday the 27th at 9:30. Come one, come all!

Is Sleep Really So Important?

I think I have had a total of about 9 hours sleep this entire past week, and I do not see that the future holds many more z's. I am busy, busy, busy getting the loads of clothing items tagged, priced, and merchandised. It is going to be a tight squeeze, but I figure shoppers want to shop for items ~not enjoy the vast amount of space a store can offer. I am going to pack the racks full and keep open space to a minimum, so suck it in folks. I have a couple of gal pals that have put in many hours, helping me tag, size, and keep me company. Thanks Jenny and Brooke, you girls rock! In addition, my friend Eric hung and moved heavy furniture. I appreciate your manliness, my friend. My mom was also kind enough to bag jammies and put little outfits together. I believe she also peeked at the girlie clothing in a longing sort of way. She adores her grandsons, but the hope of having a granddaughter to clothe is still in her heart. She is going to have to put that order in with Jim. My gut instinct is that she will have a great granddaughter by Hank or Sawyer before that one happens. I actually have a phone number now ~ 712.527.7183. Important dates: August 18th, soft opening. August 27th - Grand Opening. Looking forward to seeing you all!

It's Around the Corner!

SHHHHHHH! Soft opening is on August 18th. This gives me an opportunity to open the doors without the pressure for one week. Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting is August 27th. Anyone is invited. My doors are bursting at the seams with goodies. I have some fantabulous stuff. I have an abundance of girls and boys 2-3T goodies, so those with little ones in that particular size, you will have more than enough to look at and buy!!!!!! In addition, to all of the lovely clothing coming in. We have the store looking quite gorgeous! I refinished a cabinet that should be paid homage to each time you walk in. I love it. Craiger suggested putting a price tag on it and selling it. He is silly, that boy, I would kick someone's bootie if they wanted it because I would have to find the perfect replacement and I am quite sure that it is just not possible. Keep checking back with the blog, thanks for your support!

Hangers, Hangers, and More Hangers

We are trying to wrap up the remodel. Our faithful crew has laid the floor, done the required electrical work, and built the dressing room. They are making the cash register stand at home and bringing it in this week. At least I hope so, because I have to shabby chic it!!!! In the mean time, Craig's List has come in handy to purchase some furniture. I have the most incredible cabinet in my posession, I have finished chicking 3 sides, once we move it, I will finish the fourth. It is full of color and attitude, much like myself. I have gone through over a 1,000 hangers and have to purchase more. I believe this to be a good thing because the store will be fully stocked when we open and I will have a good supply of backstock to refill. It has been sooooo much fun opening the boxes to see what sort of treasures await. Of course, I am especially drawn to the girlie girl stuff since I get to buy my fair share of masculine clothing. I have many books, keep in mind that rather than sell books, I will operate a trade system. You bring in a book, and you can take one of mine, so the kiddos that wait while parents shop have some fun books to read and look at.

This week my niece, Abbey, is staying with us to help me out with the shop, or the boys. We intend on hitting a few thrift stores to find some decorations to fill in the gaps. She has an eye for fashion as well. I imagine we will also fit in a pedi so we can relieve our stress from all of that shopping.

Friends and family continue to be very supportive, if I haven't said thank-you, consider this a huge shout out!

Remember, August 27th is the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting at 9:30 am. I would love to see some familiar faces. We will have some goodies to munch on and a shop full of clothes to buy. I will also have a couple of drawings for some lovely prizes.

Request

Hey all, I have a customer that is looking for a triple stroller. If anyone has one for sale, let me know and I will put you all in contact with one another. Thanks, and keep the requests coming. Reminder: Ribbon Cutting August 27th at 9:30, come on in for goodies, shopping, and conversation!

Painting Almost Complete!

OK folks, the painting is almost complete and I am heading back to painting retirement. The shop looks awesome, but my husband and I are going on very little sleep which makes for interesting personalities around the house! My boys have been troopers hanging out with Scooby while I paint away. They have asked to help; however, my OCD self has declined their offers. I will say a huge shout out to my friend Jenny who showed up to paint after we said no over and over. She was not having no for an answer. She said she would keep asking to help until we accepted. I will say her persistence paid off, as she whipped the rock and read room into shape in no time. I continue to work on inputting inventory, it is making my eyes go cross. I really enjoy shopping on-line, chatting on-line, and facebook, inputting inventory into the computer is not quite as much fun, but a necessary evil. I am now starting to take clothes items. I do not have set hours so if you have some lovely pre-loved clothing, give me a holla and I will make time to check them out and get you some cash. Save the date::::::: Ribbon Cutting is Augut 27th at 9:30 am. The chamber will be there with a photo op and we will have goodies to eat! I hope you can all stop by.

Painting is not for Pansies

Ok folks, I came out of retirement to paint the shop. As many of you know, we like to move on a regular basis so I have spent many an hour painting. After many long hours behind the brush, I chose to go the "hire a professional" route. A much better choice than the "do it yourself." Unfortunately, my business plan budget did not include the "professional painter." The end result will look fantastic. I am going to look at the bright side: Climbing up and down the ladder is like a great set of squats. I get to listen to great music while I am in the shop because there is no other form of entertainment at this point. I get to enjoy the company of my children while I spend at least 1-2 hours during the day. In addition, I have to use my creative juices to come up with activities during that 2 hour window to keep them occupied. Thus far, worksheets (Hank's least favorite), food (Sawyer's most favorite), videos, books, and the Godforsaken DS.

In addition, to making the shop pretty, there is much going on behind the scenes. I am in the process of shopping out credit card merchants. This is a racket!!!!! For every credit card transaction, this middle man gets a small percent of the sale! FYI to my future customers, paying with cash and or check would be greatly appreciated! I am building up stock and have some incredibly cute items. I love shopping for the girlie items because with two little guys at home, this is my girl shopping fix! God did not bless me with a girl, for fear of our bank account going bust! I am also learning this QuickBooks Point of Sale software. I am not a natural. Technology is not my friend. I am trying to talk to it and wine and dine it, but the learning is not easy.

My husband has been a saint, he works long days and still goes to the shop at night to knock out some honey do's. In addition, my parents have been great support. They have been kind enough to hang with my little one's to give them a shop break. Videos and DS only go so far and do not equal a day at the pool or park.

Thanks to everyone for their well wishes. Keep August 27th on your books. We will be having the ribbon cutting and grand opening at 9:30 that morning. There will be some goodies and photo ops!

I Love the Bernards!

Ok, a quick holla to my friends the Bernards. Mr. Bill set up my entire computer system without a blink. He downloaded all kinds of things: software for my POS system, Quick Books, my printer, Microsoft, etc. His lovely wife did not bat an eye at him taking time away from their family to do this. Let me just say, these are friends without expectation. Bill did this willingly. He came over tonight to go over the basics with me, and I can be a student with special needs. This just goes to show that true friends help whenever one needs it. He volunteered his service without me begging or pleading. He helped research products to get me deals. I came in under my computer and software budget because of Bill taking time. This is a man with a 24/7 job of family and fighting fires. I just love this family, they ROCK. I asked to pay him, and they shot me down. Little do they know we owe them BIG because not only did this family help me get my electronic system up and going, they now have to deal with a whiney four year old that intends to marry their five year old. I have to set up a dowry and I am in the red because of all of their help. I do have a large package of beef heading for their door step from Omaha Steaks as a token of my appreciation, but that still does not fulfill the love and gratitude I have in my heart for these people. I can only take the message that a friend in need deserves help in deed, if I can repay the Bernards in any way, they should let me know.

Bump in the Road... Flat!

Ok, I met with the zoning officer today and found out that I need to go through some proper channels to get this thing going. I am all about the rules so I took the time to listen to what he had to say and I recieved the appropriate paperwork. Of course, it will be filled out tonight and returned tomorrow. I do NOT like to waste time. I have mixed emotions about the person who I spoke to on the phone yesterday, she was not as positive as the zoning officer. She shall remain nameless because she could be a potential customer, but let's say I imagine I was on the recieving end of a bad day's attitude. Thanks for all of the well wishes! You all rock!

Ouch, A Bump In The Road

Ok, this is the deal, I called the city zoning office today to ask about putting an awning above the two windows facing the street, no biggie right???? Not so fast sister. I found out that not only can the awning be an issue, but the store itself may not be allowed. I have to make contact with the zoning officer tomorrow to set the record straight. Apparently, they may not allow such a store on the square here in Glenwood. I was shocked and aghast. I had no idea that this could be an issue. So... those of faith, keep me and my little adventure in your prayers, those not of faith, go hug a tree in honor of Second Helpings tonight. I will keep you all updated. Until tomorrow mornings 7:30 call to the zoning officer, a glass of Shiraz will have to keep my anxiety at bay.

Believe

Believe is going to be my mantra for this business adventure. It is official, the lease has been signed and the money deposited. My address will be 13 North Vine, Ste. 1. I am not going to be superstitious of the fact that the address not only contains the number 13, but is the number 13. I Believe that to be my lucky number, at least from this day forward. OK, I have a few folks wanting to bring in their gorgeous pre-loved clothes, this is incredible; however, give me a moment to breathe and organize. My OCD self needs to get into the place and unpack some hangers and steamers. Once I get the stuff in my garage and basement over to the shop and unpack it, I will say to you all, bring in what you have, I am really hoping for some cute size 4 and size 7 boy's clothing for fall.
I am really excited to make the place look spectacular. I have been busy crafting it up until the wee hours of the morning. I cannot just have the norm, I want this place to look like a shopping wonderland. I have my handy dandy contractors Mitch and Lynn working with me and of course I have myhusband slaving away. He is a saint. I will take before and after shots and get them on here for all to see the transformation. Any questions or comments, feel free to post.
Believe!!!!

Update!

Calgon take me away!!!! Each day creeps up on me. I am setting a tentative soft opening date of August the 18th. I will give up the address next week. I have had a couple of people ask if this will be children's clothing only and the answer is yes, sort of. I may throw a couple of adult things in here and there, but I really want to focus on the kids! Also, it will be located in Glenwood on the square. Remember, this is not too far from Omaha. Have wheels, will travel. I will be willing to pay 30% of what I sell the items for at retail. For example, if you should bring in some awesome high quality clothing worn by your little one and I sell it all for $100 within the store, I will write you a check for $30. This is a no hassle way to do business. I am planning on Mondays as a shop day for me. If you cannot make it to the store, I may come to your home to pick items up. Think about that one folks!
Anyway, here is the latest: I have an awesome friend that helped me buy my computer and software systems online. He saved me a load of cash, keeping me under my budget (I like this), and he helped teach me a couple of things, God knows that this brain needs all of the help it can get. I sign the lease next week and Glenwood State Bank gave me the thumbs up for backing. Next order of business, a sign and logo. Thanks for all the well wishes, pack your boxes full of clothes. I will start taking them about 2 weeks prior to opening!

Welcome to the Second Helpings Boutique Blog Spot

Hey All, A quick hello to let you know that I am just starting to get this crazy idea of a business started. Rather than a website, I am going to run a blog. Within the blog, I will keep you all posted of important information and dates.

What is Second Helpings Boutique? This is my new little adventure at retail for children, the cache' is that it will be gently loved clothing that has been worn by some adorable little person prior to coming to my store. I will pay for these lovely items right when a customer brings them to me. I will have high expectations but not high prices.

I do have a tentative location; however, the lease will not be signed until July 1st. I am waiting on my licenses for the State of Iowa.

How can you all help make this business a success? Start saving your lovely clothing and consider bringing it to me. In addition, spread the word!!!! Glenwood is just a hop, skip, and jump away from Omaha. To all of my Glenwood friends, which there are not a lot right now, take it to the town folks and let it roll. I am counting on your tongues to be a wagging!

Opening will be late August prior to the start of school. Any questions, feel free to post.