sugar snap pea

Thanks MOM!!

2011-05-02T07:22:00.000-07:00

GUUUESSS who is back! Yep. But Im pretty sure Im not going to make any excuses or say I'll get better at writing, until I actually DO BECOME better and consistent at keeping yall up on this blog!

Lots of wonderful and exciting things are coming up for sugar snap pea! We had to take a slight snooze on our e-commerce website, but our hopes are not all lost. We are still working on that, and will let you know as soon as it happens! (perhaps even reward you for your patience)

But today's post is to say thank you to all the MOMS. Moms who love their kiddos and bring them to SSP to show them off. Moms who may be on a business trip but still cant resist not bringing something back for their little ones. Moms and Dads who may be on their baby vacation or babymoon, and spend hours at SSP just getting excited for their new arrivals.

To say THANK YOU to all of you, please stop by Sugar Snap Pea this week and get a special promotion. When you purchase 2 full priced items, you get your 3rd 50%. Pretty dandy!

whats with the silence?

2011-03-15T08:00:00.001-07:00

Im pretty sure I can count on multiple hands, mine and yours, how many time I said i'll get better at blogging about SSP. I think I'll just stop saying it and try to get better :) With the fall show that just happened in NY, to multiple trips that i'm taking to building a website and interviewing for positions at ssp (if you're interested in a retail position dont hesitate to email me!) I have fallen off the wagon. But worry not, ill be getting back on this asap!

in other news....

FUN NEW THINGS!!!!

So many of you have asked about shoes, and well, we have new ones!! Morgan and Milo didnt disappoint again and looky here what we have, varying in sizes!

girls sizes 6-13.5

girls sizes 9.5-2

girls sizes 9-1

baby unisex sizes 4-7

boy sizes 7-12

playground has never been more fun in these!!

outfit of the day

2011-02-14T14:28:00.000-08:00

Sorry this blog seems to be so unstable :) We are swamped building our website which we hope to bring to you by the end of this month!! We had a great success hosting Jonathan Miller and Sammy's books this past sunday. It was so much fun, that we decided to keep his books and sell them! If you'd like a signed copy, we have a few extras!

To continue with our fun products and small shipments that are starting to arrive here and there, we are continuing with our "outfit of the day" posts. Our outfit of the day fits in with this beautiful weather we are having. Perhaps start thinking about beautiful easter outfits? Great pieces by egg baby.

Girl:

Sizes 6 months-6 years

isnt the back so cool??

beautiful front of the dress

Boy

12 months-6 years

yes please.

outfit of the day

2011-02-03T11:12:00.001-08:00

Our website phase I is complete, which means we are THAT much closer to letting you have full shopping control of all of our store goodies. In the meantime, I would like to feature outfit of the day. This way, you can start checking out what we have!

Girl Tea

sizes: 2-8

Adorable bubble dress that is great for transitional cold weather but can be used in warm spring as well!

Boy Tea: a Tee that can easily be layered and pants that roll up or down. Don't let the light color fool you, super durable and easy to wash!

Sizes 2-8

are you joining us?

2011-02-02T10:28:00.000-08:00

Super exciting news! Sunday, February 13th, we will have our local artist Jonathan Miller read and sign his fun books: Adventures of Sammy. Check out Sammy and his owner here and join us on Second Sunday! Remember, King street will be closed to cars, so walking with strollers and kids will be that much more fun! Check out more info on Second Sunday here.

If you can't make the reading schedule, come purchase a book to support our local artist anytime!

If you're not getting our emails, but would like to, please visit www.sugarsnappea.com to sign up! Promise we are very good about not bugging you too much ;)

so humbled-nursery notations

2011-02-01T10:40:00.000-08:00

As many of you know, December was a crazy month. Mostly because I had to leave the store and for me, its like leaving your baby with a relative...you trust them, but you call them every 15 minutes to make sure your baby is ok. ( I don't have children, but Im totally picturing myself doing that....oh boy)

Anyway, when I was traveling, the store was in very trusted hands of Meg and Heather (some of you love them more than you love me....and I'm ok with that...) So while I was away, we had a lovely visitor that I heard SO much about prior to her visit. I was HONORED that she stopped in and loved the store, but what I didnt expect is for her to blog about it on her amazing website: http://www.nurserynotations.com/

Here is the funny part-I've been following her blog for some time now. In fact, all the fun nursery designs that I saw, and some other neat inspirations for the store, came from that blog!! So much to my amazement this morning, and to a little stalking, I found out she wrote an AMAZING article on her blog. Jaw-floor-grin-side to side.

THANK YOU! THANK YOU and I hope that next time we can actually meet face to face!

P.S. all my new mommies and mommies to be-still not sure how you want to decorate your nursery? Make this page your daily go to!!

To check out the article and some of her great pictures of the store check here:

http://www.nurserynotations.com/

visiting and living charleston just got better!

2011-01-31T12:10:00.000-08:00

Sugar Snap Pea loves Charleston! If you don't live here (we're sorry for you) but have been dying to visit, your trip planning with your little ones just got easier.

Starting in February we are offering a rental program to make packing a little bit easier. We will continue to add new products to our lists, but if there is something you need but don't see on the list, give us a call!

Live in Charleston and have been dying to see if these products are right for you? Come rent them for a day and if you're satisfied and ready to purchase one from us, we will rebate your rental!

Currently on our rental lists include:

Bugaboo Cameleon: Perfect to rent as a bassinet or as a stroller. Great for infants and for our bumpy cobblestone streets. Heading to the beach? Turn this stroller into a 2 wheel cart!

Rate: Day Rate-$10, Weekend rate (friday through sunday)- $20, Week Rate-$45

Bjorn Travel Crib: 11 lbs total, easiest folding and unfolding. You will never want to go back to your old pack n' play!

Rate: Day Rate-$7, Weekend rate (friday through sunday)- $20, Week Rate-$40

Bugaboo Bee: Perfect one part fold stroller. Be ready to head out to the beach or off the peninsula to see some other Charleston sites!

Rate: Day Rate-$7, Weekend rate (friday through sunday)- $20, Week Rate-$40

Bjorn Synery Carrier: Light and Mesh, perfect for our Charleston Heat. The best part? Has full back support, so will make carrying your little one easier on you and them!

Rate: Day Rate-$5, Weekend rate (friday through sunday)- $15, Week Rate-$30

We will be taking reservations, so make sure to book yours ahead of time!! info@sspbaby.com

we're cooking something good!!

2011-01-26T10:14:00.000-08:00

January may be a month where people relax from their busy holiday schedules, but that's not the case here at Sugar Snap Pea! As many of you know, we have a lot of fun secrets under our sleeves, and well be announcing them very soon!

Currently we are working on our webstore!! So many people, locals or visitors, asked if we had an online store, that we knew waiting another 6 months wouldn't be smart.

Currently our goal is to have everything up by February 21st, but who knows, we may work overtime :)

Some of the fun things it will include:

~baby registry~

While we LOVE having moms come in and register here, and will continue to encourage in store consultations, we want your out of town relatives to be able to buy you gifts you actually WANT!

~baby registry recommendations~

we love helping parents make smart decisions for their new additions. You'll be able to read on our registry recommendations and make an educated decision on what you'll want to register, even if its not with us!

~top 10 gifts~

so many of you have birthday parties that you know you HAVE to go to, but have no idea what to get. Enter-SSP. We will make the best recommendations based on age, quality and price.

~gift baskets~

We are finally going to launch our concierge service we talked so much about! Pick a gift from $25, $50 or $100 and let us do the rest! (these will be preset or you can customize your own)

And remember, all of our gift wrap is complimentary!

Any other fun options that you'd like to see on our site? Were open to all suggestions!

P.S. GOOGLE: Sugar Snap Pea and see what you get! We just beat our biggest competition-the vegetables!

HAPPY 6months TO US!!!!!

2011-01-21T12:46:00.000-08:00

google images-nicksmithphotography

SSP IS 6 months today!!!! Thats right! We're growing faster than we can stand it and are so so excited. To celebrate we are having a little birthday party. Ok, half birthday party...we hope to look like this by the end of it:

On a serious note: On February 13th (beautiful Second Sunday on King Street) we are having Jonathan Miller, the author of Adventures of Sammy, have a fun book signing and reading time for all of you! Times are to come, but there will be 2 readings so that you can be sure to stop by!

HAPPY 1/2 BIRTHDAY SSP!

P.S. Keep checking our website-sugarsnappea.com, Margaret is AMAZING and our webstore is COMING SOON!!!

dont walk...RUN!

2011-01-18T12:56:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! I deserve a big fat F for neglecting this blog. But not to worry, 2011 resolution will keep me in check when it comes to updating this blog :) ( i am sure this blog will get more attention than my gym membership)

I hope everyone had a great holiday and thank you all for stopping back to ask me how my travels were. Visiting my folks was wonderful and I had my store in wonderful hands, thanks to Heather and Meg.

2011 is here and I can not WAIT until all the new stuff arrive. We just got our new tea collection items for early spring and its amazing. The best part? we have sizes through 8!!!! Our next collection will have sizes through 12 in select outfits for girls.

Dont believe me that its great? How about some of these images below? I will leave you drooling, while I finish unpacking it all ( and psst we have 30% off some great items too!!)

5 months!!

2010-12-21T13:09:00.000-08:00

SSP is 5 months today! I can't believe were getting so old! And today I realized that were not the only ones. I noticed myself re-asking customers how old their babies are, because I could have sworn they were just born, or we just talked about the cool bathtub for them. And now, they are either starting to crawl, walk or even talk. I cant wait to look back at this time and see these kids grow before our eyes.

We have a lot of fun and exciting things planned for 2011. Some things we started to share, some will be a big surprise. But for now, I just wanted to say THANK YOU! Thank you for making this year so great for us. You welcomed SSP into your homes and for that I am so grateful!

lifetime memories

2010-12-15T11:49:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago Sugar Snap Pea hosted Santa. He was kind enough to stop by our store to snap a few pictures and let some kids tell him what they want for Christmas.

I dont recall my first picture with Santa, but I sure am glad I was able to witness a few firsts at the store. From sweet newborns to unsure and cautious toddlers, Carmen was able to capture wonderful images.

I even got wonderful emails from parents saying I have their permission to post these fun memories for everyone to enjoy! I look forward to many more in the years to come!!! And how cute are these kiddos?!?!

Tripp Trapp!!

2010-12-07T09:40:00.000-08:00

Its true. Stokke Tripp Trapp is coming to Sugar Snap Pea. Its almost as exciting as Santa....almost.

Here is why the Tripp Trapp is so great. I believe when you make an investment it should last you awhile. This goes for it all...strollers...cribs that start as a small bassinet to a toddler bed, and so on.

This high chair starts as a great seat for a baby 6months all the way to a baby 99 years old. After your child grows out of the high chair position, you can use it as a chair for doing homework and then a chair you can pull next to your thanksgiving table. The beauty of this brand, is that everything is made out of natural wood and the quality is impeccable.

The colors can be as traditional as you want (from white, black and neutral) to purple, red and green.

Sugar Snap Pea will have these by the end of the month in the store, but if you want to pre-order your color today, you get a special gift with purchase!

SANTA!!!

2010-11-29T12:22:00.000-08:00

It's true. I am becoming a kid more and more, while owning my own children's boutique. I may or may not be more excited that Santa is coming to Sugar Snap Pea this weekend. Thats right folks. Mr. International traveler himself, will be at 161 1/2 King Street for a little modeling photoshoot. Young or old, you are welcome to come sit next to Santa and tell him what you may want this Christmas and get your picture taken by our wonderful Carmen.

So stop on by, say hello and lets kick this season off right!

P.S. its still not too late to go to lovegave.com and make a childs Christmas that much more special. Dont forget about the 10% offer!!

Love Gave...have you?

2010-11-19T07:23:00.000-08:00

As the holiday season is approaching, people are starting to look for a place and a way to give. When I started Sugar Snap Pea, I had every intention of making sure that SSP cares for others. This season, Sugar Snap Pea will be involved in many fundraisers, but one to point out will be Love Gave-the Bike Drive.

Please read below on their effort:

"LoveGave Bikes is a city-wide effort to give bikes to over 250 kids spread across 12 different Charleston area schools. For most of these kids, no bike would mean no Christmas present this year. To pull this off, we need you to partner with us. There are two ways you can give: online or in person. To give online, use the link below and we’ll purchase and deliver the bike on your behalf. To give in person, purchase a new bike at the West Ashley Walmart during the LoveGave Bikes event Thur. Dec 2, 9am — Sat Dec 4, 7pm. We’ll be perched high in a crane above the parking lot for 58 hours broad-casting live right here at LoveGave.com, chatting with you and giving updates on our progress along the way!"

Best part of it all? If you're not counting on kids who will be overjoyed because they will have a Christmas present? Sugar Snap Pea will offer you 10% off if you participate! And lets remember, that this should happen not just during the holiday season!

GO TO LOVEGAVE.COM and give!!

Traveling in style

2010-11-08T14:54:00.000-08:00

Well, its that time of the year. When 4pm feels like 9pm, and its pitch dark at 6pm outside. But not for long, because before you know it, Christmas lights are going to take over our streets and it will be nice and bright.

So while I'm not participating in jolly music yet, I am thinking about upcoming holiday travel. This is when I wish I were a kid again, and I'd say that luxury is back in traveling.

Trunkis are a great little suitcase that packs a great deal of stuff for a fun trip to grandma's and also can be a nice resting seat while at the airport. Kids can push themselves through hallways, and also can be pulled by the parent. Besides the fun side of it, its also very practical if you're traveling with a stroller or another kid.

I may or may not be jealous that I cant fit on one.

Urban Sunday

2010-11-01T09:52:00.000-07:00

I met a lot of new vendors at ENK. So many, I cant wait for you to see during spring time at sugar snap pea. However, there is one fun accessory line that just arrived. Some of you may think its a typical southern thing, but with its catchy name, the company shows that a fun accessory for a boy is not just a thing of the south.

Urban Sunday makes wonderful bow-ties and ties for babies all ages. I just got an amazing order of gingham, bicycle, and seahorses bow-ties and ties. You don't have to turn your little guy into a little man just yet, but there will always be an occasion when a tie is a must :)

the power of advertising

2010-10-25T14:34:00.001-07:00

I come from the ad world. A world where you spend lots of money for a reader to see your shiny ad and make a split decision if they like you or not.

I was always on the: "you should be in our publication" side. Now, Im the person I used to run after. Advertising is great, but its usually very painful to spend the money that you actually need to advertise well.

I could think of million other places to put the money ( more merchandise, classes, maybe even lunch) but you cant have a sucesful business unless people know about you. Ho Hum.

Social media is great. Its a tool, that if used well, can bring great brand recognition and may cost you a bit less too. So I tried to dabble in it all. Sugar Snap Pea obviously has this blog, facebook and twitter accounts, and now we're going to print.

If you visit Charleston, you'll see SSP ads in a local map and then another visitors guide. Our latest, is going to a local magazine-Skirt. Check it out! And if you're not a fan on facebook...well Im not really sure what your excuse is ;)

baby store mythbusters #2

2010-10-20T08:44:00.000-07:00

So I guess Im going to do a fun series on myth-busters. Im kind of excited about it, since Im learning so much as I grow this business. This week it will all be related to clothing.

Myth # 2--there are no cute and practical shoes for kids.

Yesterday I got a few delicious pairs of shoes. Indulge below:

our winter shoe :)

great for school since so many schools need a rubber bottom.

Stop in and get your size! They range from 7-2!

baby store mythbusters #1

2010-10-19T07:19:00.001-07:00

Sugar Snap Pea is growing and growing oh so fast! In the past (almost) 3 months, I have laughed and wanted to cry at some things that some people say re: SSP. But something that I keep hearing over and over, is that boy clothes is "just not as cute". (this usually happens when people are looking at a fun tutu, or a hair bow) And while I would agree that boys may hate you for putting that stuff on them (but if you have a picture, Im thinking their rehearsal dinner is a great time to bring in that snapshot), I think that our imagination should just go a bit further and past some tule.

Now, I know that not everyone will have the same style as I do, for their kids and I am slowly starting to be ok with that. As soon as I realized that there ARE fun clothes for boys, SSP started to load up on them. I've said how excited I am about spring, and you will see why starting in December, but if you haven't been to SSP in awhile, you may be shocked about great boy looks that we now carry.

So moms! Im on your side! Lets shop for your sweet boy!

Endless possibilities

2010-10-11T12:09:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday everyone. Its been crazy here at SSP. I just returned from a great buying trip in NY where I picked up wonderful new lines (Toobydoo, Olive Juice, Morgan and Milo and Baby Soy, as well as returning favorite lines like Kate Quinn, Feather Baby, Neige, Tea and many others). And starting in December, you can start shopping for your little AND bigger kids in your life ( on selective sizes that will go to age 12 for girls and 8 for boys)

Our marketing brains are exploding with fun things ahead, and be sure to keep up with your weekly blog reading and facebook updates. TRUST ME, it will be worth your time ( and money)

Now that Christmas is approaching (don't worry, I'm a store that believes in celebrating holidays in its order, so no Christmas decorations before Thanksgiving, sorry folks) it is good to start thinking about a nice Christmas Wish-list.

How often have you received an outfit from someone, that you know you will never put on your child? (wrong size, color, texture) Or a toy that your child may have outgrown, but you're too nice to return it, incase the gift giver ever returns to your home and asks to see that cute toy they got your kid 5 years ago.

Here at Sugar Snap Pea we are taking the awkwardness out of gift giving. You may now come in and make a simple wish list for what you may want from your grandma, friend or just anyone that has a desire to give you a Holiday gift. Don't live in Charleston? Not a problem. We have prepackaged gifts, or can customize a gift in any size, cost and flavor to your liking.

More info on these fun options are coming to your inboxes, so if you haven't signed up, do so, by going to www.sugarsnappea.com and add us to your mailing list.

Ok, off to sort fun new items that are coming in rapidly.

P.S. Thanks to Way Way for a nice post about SSP. Check her out here!

for those of you who haven't seen our latest display for the breast cancer awareness month:

save the milk machines

a BIG deal!

2010-09-29T19:43:00.001-07:00

Well, I know Im just throwing everything and everyone off by blogging twice in one week. Im just making someones week that extra special (i'm thinking my mom, but then again, it may be just a wishful guess)

This Saturday, Im packing up with my friends The Cutey Booty and Barbara Beach, and heading to the spring buying show in NY, to get some great new items for SSP.

Yes, I will know whats hot and whats not for babies 6 months in advance. Here is the big, secret, fun announcement that my blog readers are about to find out:

SSP is going up in sizes for Spring! Thats right folks, Ill be going up to size 12 for girls and possibly 8 for boys.

I have been so honored to get such a great response from all of you, so I look forward to seeing you all, including those that have been left out due to current small sizes. *currently go up to size 5t. (this includes my wonderful cousins who are super excited)

So the reason I wanted to let you all know about this, is because I need your help. I'd love to know about some of the brands you may have enjoyed, perhaps only able to buy online, but wish you could see them before purchasing, or just something you are dying to see at SSP. I'll be your eyes at the show, and will bring full report for what looks and feels great, is wonderful quality and a great price point.

And if you are not able to stop by the store, send us a quick note or give us a call and we'd love to ship to you!

Heres to a great buying trip~

Well Looky Here ( or up)

2010-09-28T08:08:00.000-07:00

I know its not monday...but it was totally worth the day to blog about it. Today Sugar Snap Pea got its sign. Thats right folks, no longer will you have to bend your necks, look up into the sky and try to figure out where you are or what amazingness you're standing in front of. Sugar Snap Pea is seen from afar and from up close. The little giraffe is happy, yet modern, friendly and all of the things that Sugar Snap Pea is to you. All thanks to Limelight Co!

So come on near and check out the sign! Oh, and while you're here, come in and say hi.

sleep well

2010-09-20T19:29:00.000-07:00

I've recently seen a lot of blog posts about beautiful nurseries. Usually those have not so pretty prices attached. Of course lot of thought has to go into your kids room, besides budget. Is the crib safe? Can we use it for another child? What material is it made out of? And now, cribs have taken it to the next level. How long can I use this crib? When deciding on a crib for sugar snap pea, I knew all of those questions better have good answers before I pick a furniture line. And sure enough, I am very happy with my choice. Argington has managed to create a unique, clean, classic crib line, that is not only safe for you and your children, but is also going to last you just past those 2 years.

The Bam line starts as a bassinet, which later on converts to a crib. Not ready to part ways with this set yet? You dont have to, because the crib turns into a "big girl/boy" bed with just one conversion piece.

The beautiful part (besides its functionality, style and feel) is the price. You can buy the bassinet alone, and then upgrade to crib pieces if you want to, OR you can buy the set and save 100 bucks. Lastly, remember that although it looks unique, Bam will take normal size crib sheets, vs custom ordered.

Stop by SSP to check it out. Currently its the home to our beautiful jelly cat toys :) They seem to love it, and I know they snooze in it all the time, so no doubt your child will too!

fits through all doorways!

the nifty toddler conversion piece

Buga-BOO!!

2010-09-13T14:53:00.000-07:00

Buga-boo! No, thats not me getting you ready for Halloween. Its the stroller line that Sugar Snap Pea is bringing for our lovely customers. Strollers are a funny thing. They are going to be part of your life for a long time, so when choosing the right stroller for the store I had to take a lot into consideration.

Charleston is blessed with a gorgeous historic downtown, so you want something easy to ride on old cobblestone streets, but easy to pack into your car and drive to the beach 10 minutes away. (this schpeel is actually not for the stroller, its for all of those that live far away from Charleston, but should be packing up and moving asap)

So many people feel that they step into a european boutique when they come to Sugar Snap Pea, so what better way to continue the motif, but with a european stroller line. Come to SSP and check out the new beautiful ride your baby will be happy you purchased! (and so your back)

Whats SSP to you?

2010-09-06T13:29:00.000-07:00

Happy Labor day everyone. I feel like I'm truly celebrating this labor day by laboring away on all of my new merchandise. And man oh man, do I have a lot. I had to order extra 300 hangers (mind you, that's how many I ordered the first time around, and occupied every single one) and then just ran out and wished I had more. Well, at least I wont have the case of "nothing to wear" at my store. I just added tea collection, where all daily tea items are under $30 and are great for everyday school wear. I have beautiful Neige line for girls that is so easy to mix and match, you'll never wonder who dressed your child. I can go on and on, but this post isn't about all the amazing new fall stuff. Its about what is beyond the sales room.

When I first opened the store, I had a very scary back room. I feel like most stores have one. Mine was SO scary I didn't even want to put my merchandise in boxes. ( i maaaay have a slight fear of bugs...or places where bugs can easily hang out)

So I was determined to make my back room Zhenya friendly. During the construction process, I realized, that it would be great to make it EVERYONE friendly.

So this post, is mostly for you folks. Those who live in Charleston and would like to frequent SSP beyond shopping for clothes and gifts. SSP's back room (which any clever names are welcomed) is going to be used for many different purposes. Baby shower rental room, Baby and Mommy classes, Baby 101's and many more. Most likely the room will be available in late September early October, so this is the time to put your thinking caps on.

What would you like to learn at SSP? How would you like our community to grow and how can we help?

I'm all ears!

Now please, stop by and buy something so I can hang more stuff up :)

no, thank YOU!

2010-08-27T14:04:00.000-07:00

I think its very important to let customers know how grateful I am that they want to shop here and I hope you all know that I am so very honored and humbled by this!

And all customers! No gift or purchase is too small. I think its important to have a range of products everyone can purchase. From a small, cozy little rattle, to a nice swaddle set, to your first outfit, to a carrier and I can go on and on. There will be days when you just want to browse, and thats great too! Come in for some AC (thats when its working.....)

Occasionally you will have those "I have a giant list of things I need to buy" days. Bonus! If you spend just $200 with sugar snap pea, you will get a free 30 minute baby session with the amazing Carmen, from Carmen Ash Photography. Some of you may have seen the great photography hanging on my walls. Well, your baby can look that great too! I will leave you starring at these pictures, but just remember, next time you are at Sugar Snap Pea, we are very, very thankful!

for full terms and conditions please contact Carmen: Carmen@CarmenAsh.com 843-718-2432

Why Charleston is great!

2010-08-24T06:53:00.000-07:00

I have said it before, I'll say it again. I love Charleston. The community is wonderful, the weather is great and the beauty of this city is just breath taking.

That is until your AC goes out in your store 4 times in one month and everything blurs together. Yesterday was crazy, I lost 5 lbs just standing in this heat and doing nothing, but I think were back in the game. Lets not count on Lucky #5 anytime soon :)

So to sound off on that community...

I have met wonderful retailers along Charleston and we have all become a little small family. (ok, thats what I think, they may say Im the unwanted step child...but in my mind, its puppies and flowers and everyone loves each other, Im sticking to my story)

Today I found out that one of our dear retailers-The Sally Bettes shop, is having a huge MOVE sale on 74 N Market Street. Now days when we hear the word MOVE, we assume that its a bad thing. Not in this case! They are just changing locations, but all those in Charleston become winners by feasting on their sale.

The sale is from today through Saturday. Im on my way there after I close, to make sure I get something before anyone else :)

Feeling shopperific? Mention this blog and you'll get a little something extra.

1 Month Birthday Present-TO YOU!!

2010-08-21T09:38:00.001-07:00

So I know its not Monday and not my regular day to blog...but you'll be glad you read this and read THE WHOLE THING, you'll be glad you did!!! (especially if you live in Charleston)

Before I opened my store, I heard about a great new organization, called 3rd cup charleston. The organization started by Greg Mortenson, and below is a little bit about his story:

In 1993 Greg Mortenson was returning from a failed attempt to climb K2, the world's second highest mountain, in northern Pakistan. During the ascent Greg and three climbers rescued a fifth climber. The rescue took over 75 hours. After the rescue Greg became separated from the group. Both weak and exhausted he wondered into a small improvised village. The people in the village welcomed Greg and nursed him back to health.

To repay the village for saving his life, Greg promised to return and build a school. From this simple promise grew one of the most incredible humanitarian campaigns of our time—Greg Mortenson's one-man mission to counteract extremism by building schools, throughout an area dominated by the Taliban.

In pursuit of his goal, Mortenson has survived kidnapping, fatwas issued by enraged mullahs, repeated death threats, and wrenching separations from his wife and children. But the change he has made on the world speaks for itself. As of 2009, Mortenson has established or significantly supports 131 schools in rural and often volatile regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan. These schools provide an education to over 58,000 children, including 44,000 girls, where few education opportunities existed.

Mortenson’s success in the region has brought great praise from the Pentagon and he is considered a valued unofficial consultant to the United States Military. Three Cups of Tea is now required reading for Special Forces troops deploying to Afghanistan

“Three Cups of Tea” is one of the most remarkable adventure stories of our time. Greg Mortenson’s dangerous and difficult quest to build schools in the wildest parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan is not only a thrilling read, it’s proof that one ordinary person, with the right combination of character and determination, really can change the world.” - Tom Brokaw

So why am I telling you this? Well, Sugar Snap Pea gave itself a 1 month birthday gift. We are sponsoring this organization, and as a thank you, we are getting 25 tickets to the September 1st RiverDogs Game in Charleston!

Want to come out and support Sugar Snap Pea, 3rd cup charleston and the RiverDogs? ITS ON US!!

First 25 people to email get FREE tickets! Email: zhenya@sspbaby.com for your tickets!

Happy Birthday Sugar Snap Pea!!!

keeping promises

2010-08-16T18:51:00.000-07:00

I hate making promises I cant keep. Even if that promise is to write a new blog post every Monday. Its Monday...you deserve that promised post..even if its going to be about nothing.

(how about that for an attention getter opening sentence that will make you want to read on)

This past weekend I had the pleasure of being a bridesmaid in one of my best friends wedding. For the first time in 2+ years all of our close girlfriends ( there are 8 of us) got to see each other. So much has changed. 1 ( and the first to be married almost 3 years ago) has a baby boy who is going on 2. Our second bride, has been a world traveler and made it to Michigan from London. Our third bride is expecting a baby girl in October, and our 4th bride will be taking a luxurious vacay in Australia after a beautiful wedding. Needless to say, Im friends with cool people. We also joke that the remaining 4 are going to be creating a nice gap in time, so unlike the past 4 reunions for weddings, we will be going on an all girls cruise sometime next year :)

With great reunions come some separations. That is the separation between me and the store. I have no idea how mothers leave their children after spending months with them on maternity leave...yes, I realize Im comparing something perfectly un-human, like a store, to a very different human with feelings, emotions and needs, like a child, but Im pretty sure Sugar Snap Pea has become my baby.

I was very grateful to find someone who was willing to babysit but most importantly, put up with my hovering like a bad helicopter over them, and texting them in 20 minute intervals.

In fact, everyone joked that I would be taking work calls while the bride walked down the isle....that did not happen, I promise :)

Everything went smoothly, some things still remain a question ( like why your store alarm goes of) but most importantly I learned that sales will still go on, even if Im not there.

So while it was good to get away, it was so great to be back. I feel ready to continue on with Sugar Snap Pea and bring you all different services and items. Stay tuned, great things are coming ahead!

new routine

2010-08-09T12:57:00.001-07:00

I cant believe my first 2 weeks just flew by. So much love has been put into this space. Some spots more than others. Some painting mishaps still bother me, but since Im the only one to blame for that, I'll let that one slide :)

Since I thrive on organization, I've decided that Monday will be my official blog day. So this way, you can always be in the know and through out the week you can check twitter or facebook for even speedier information. (www.sspbaby.com)

As promised, I have a sneak peak of the amazing photos by Jenna Daniels. For a crazy day as the grand opening was, Jenna managed to create a sense of peace on that day. I'll let you be the judge yourself, but think she's pretty amazing!

Enjoy!

no they are not concerned shoppers...they are just adding everything in their head that they want

we took a great mobile and made it into an amazing thingymagigy over the counter

just a few people stopped by...

entertainment for kids and adults

pointing is good...pointing means-adorable

she might kill me for this picture...but i love it...i think she was telling a story

the never ending tears

D'lish and Yoj..enough said

my little sticker elfs

Monday-Saturday home

so this picture is there because of hilarity of the situation...note the cardboard..

and now its gone...

lets do it again!

Back to FRIENDS (or school)

2010-08-05T08:05:00.001-07:00

It's sugar snap pea's first school year. I remember my first day at school. It was magical. New backpacks, new EVERYTHING. 2 weeks later, I wondered why my notebook and backpack didnt look fresh and shiny..( i thought this as i tossed my backpack on a dirty floor 30 times a day...I got smarter)

A new fun email just went out regarding our Back To School program. Its the perfect timing, because SC has a tax free weekend on certain items, and luckily, SSP qualifies for majority of those items! So if you don't get our email by this evening, and would like to, please let me know!

Behind the scenes...

2010-07-26T18:12:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, July 21st, Sugar Snap Pea finally opened its doors. At 4pm people walked in, loved the smelly candles and beautiful flowers by Charleston Stems and enjoyed the great event thrown by Yoj Events and D'lish cupcakes. Thats at 4pm.

24 hours before, the scene looked a little different. 4pm Wednesday marked a 3rd day, and a 2nd label printer mishaps. Neither would print any price labels, and neither would talk to my computer. I previously spent a full day trying to apply my "IT" skills. That led nowhere. Then 2 days in a row, I had IT folks from all over try to assist me as much as possible. In fact, up to 1pm on Wednesday, I still had IT folks trying to figure out what was wrong. Needless to say, at 2pm, I decided to make an executive decision to hand label everything. You should have seen the store. I had amazing people help me out. From moms, holding their babies with one hand and writing prices with the other, to people hanging "GRAND OPENING" sign which they glittered the night before ( anne marie rocks) to amazing interior designers going a step beyond their duties and hanging mobiles above my counter ( which were made by Way Way and are available for custom order)

So 4:00pm, we opened the door. Everything seemed fine ( minus half of the items missing their prices, woopsies) and then my phone rang. My dad wanted to wish me a happy opening and say sorry they couldn't be there ( currently living overseas...approx 8hour time change). Then my dad said, "hang on hunny, I have to get the door for mom" and here I'm thinking, "argh dad, I dont have time to talk, I have a half disastrous store to run". So while being on hold, I continued to organize the tissue paper. Then I glance at the front door, and walks in my mom and dad. Let me start out by saying that I dont cry...usually.

I get very upset when animals get hurt. I cry at cartoons when animals die ( or they just stop drawing them). However, I cried at an on-star commercial earlier that morning. So I knew, that seeing my parents, whom I haventseen since Christmas, was all downhill from there. Everyone was crying. My mom, my dad, and everyone who witnessed this great surprise. (If you werent pregnant at that reveal, I dont know what your excuse was:)

So that was just my grand opening first hours. The rest of the night was amazing. Jenna Daniels took some professional photos, which I cant wait to see them, and will dedicate an entire post just to them! Food was amazing, company was amazing, and best of all, I thank you for your great encouragement.

I've been looking forward to this day for awhile now. I now realized that the grand opening was just the beginning to it all. Here is to great stories and the years to come at Sugar Snap Pea!

cords...confusion...and count down

at this point they remotely logged into my computer, so all i could do was tissue paper bags

and the hug.....

with more tears...happy tears.

JUST A FEW DAYS AWAY!!!!

2010-07-16T12:26:00.001-07:00

PLEASE JOIN FOR A GRAND CELEBRATION! emails went out and if you don't get an email in the next few hours and would like to be added to our mailing list, please email me: zhenya@sspbaby.com THANK YOU!!!

im not allowed to sleep there...

2010-07-10T06:56:00.001-07:00

By my lease, Im not allowed to sleep in my store...but for the last week, I feel like I have spent more time there than at my own house, but if that lease said I can reside, oh boy, we would be in trouble. Oh well, I knew this would come, however, I didn't care to spend the last week painting and ripping up somewhat old floors (said she politely)

So to catch you up on whats been happening in the last week, as its been exactly a week, since I got my keys and lost my freedom.

Saturday we ripped the carpet ( again, HUGE thanks to BritNAY (she likes to be called that) and Nic) and then we painted. More like, they painted, and I cried. Then, they left me...and I really wanted to cry a lot. But I didnt. I just started to make matters worse with my painting.

Let me tell you about that....I HATE PAINTING. Mostly because I suck at it...and really, really do mean that. I am not good, I waste paint and it looks like ...well, not good.

So just please be kind, when you come to SSP , make sure not to make fun of the crappyness that is my painting, and just adore the cute product. Thanks :)

Speaking of product....items are coming in LEFT AND RIGHT. I know my AMEX # by heart and have been using it very frequently...sweet. So Im very excited to see everything in its place.

Wednesday, my friend Candice and I took a little trip to the sweedish land of cheap furniture. Ikea was great. We spent...good 6 hours, instead of planned 3. Yep, we're awesome. I look forward to putting all those fun pieces together. Because if you've ever shopped at Ikea, you KNOW things are needed to be put together from 1000 little pieces to 1 table. Im sure I'll be adding that to the list of hates...right next to painting.

Grand opening is still scheduled for the 21st, and its creeping up closer and closer. Im still missing 2 very important furniture pieces that are basically essential to the grand opening, so Im hoping they are just going to drop on my front step. I know what I want, I just havent found the right one...oh the story of my life.

Well, with that, Im leaving you with some before and after photos of the store in its current condition. Back to painting and crying.

pretty pretty floors before the hard wood and after the sad carpet went bye bye

We will be utilizing that arch so stay tuned for that change

aww look at those pretty pretty floors

oh that thing? thats just my store.

2010-07-03T18:42:00.000-07:00

So some of you may have seen me run around like a crazy lady waiving my hands up and down...some of you have seen me asking for a bag to breathe in....many of you have seen different sides and emotions. All of you were lucky to witness at least one. For that, I thank you.

Its been VERY VERY long, standing still, if you will, 6 months. On friday I was given a key to my new ...ahem...sugar snap pea's new home! Thats right folks, sugar snap pea is happily moving out of my apartment and is taking over a beautiful space on Charleston's busy shopping street-- King street.

There are soo many of you that have been there for me in so many different ways, and I can go on for days and months thanking everyone, but I hope you all know how grateful I am for each and every one of you.

So since my goal opening date is July 21st--my moms birthday (i'm hoping she will find this cute and wont want an actual present ;) ) I had to hit the ground running, and let me tell you, the past 24 hours haven't been slow.

I know I mentioned earlier, that I wanted to share on this blog not just what sugar snap pea has to offer, but also, what steps I had to take, to make sugar snap pea into a reality. So stay tuned, business savvy people...or just people who dont mind my blahbing.

However, today I wanted to share about my last 24 hours. After getting my key around 10:37am friday morning,(if you're in charleston and need a great real estate agent, who will not think you're crazy for emailing him daily multiple times for 5 months..ok, who will not OPENLY admit that you're crazy, but has full right to think you are, let me know!!)

10:39am my friend Candice, or as I lovingly would like to call her, "when i have no words she explains me to contractors" and I layed out the store. ( I had about 489 pictures and ideas, she had to have several "talks" with me to make me come to some sensible conclusion)

I met with construction (aprox 12:30)

furniture builders (1:15)

city of charleston (3:45pm),

home depot( 4:45) and rushed home to throw an impromtu girls dinner party (5:55pm).

Today, started around 5:30am, when my brave friends Mr. and Mrs. Stockman showed up at my store at 6:00am for a little demolition. You WANT to be friends with these people. They brought everything you may want for a little fun game of "ripping out 20 year old carpet and painting 1000 square feet" of tricky space. Im pretty sure they have 1 of everything you may find at Home Depot and Lowes combined.

Our first project was to cover all the windows so that people would be intrigued about seeing something new and exciting going into a previously empty space. As we were covering the store, morning joggers asked us what is going in, and were happy to hear sugar snap pea's catchy name. Second, and very important step, was to get an AC guy to check out a potential moldy situation. Luckily we passed that inspection with flying colors and I can safely say that were good to go! ( once the gross carpet is outta there).

Per the lovely picture, you'll see my very well coordinated outfit for this great project day. I knew sorority flip flops would come in handy 5 years after graduating and well, who doesnt like to show off their 1998 bandana. (I haven't seen that thing since 98, I swear!) Don't mind the expensive leather gloves...better than touching the gross carpet (mom, I live in the south, please don't add gloves to my christmas list)

space available? NOPE! TAKEN!!!

Another brave friend showed up and sniffed some fumes and helped me make a grey wall look white and fresh. Thank you Bethany! While I wanted to do EVERYTHING today, 12 hours later I couldn't feel my right arm. It was time to give in and go see a tear jerker=toy story 3. I am happy to say I didn't cry....much.

So with that, I leave you with a picture of the space as it was this AM at 6. More painting coming up, a fun Ikea trip and of course, the beautiful new floors on wednesday! Stay tuned, July 21st is right around the corner!!!

from chalk to chuckle

2010-06-27T16:23:00.000-07:00

I've been dreaming about different ways Sugar Snap Pea is going to look (or better yet, waking up at 4am in panic). Yes, having the best product is very important to me and I hope you will love what we are bringing this summer. However, customer service is HUGE. Part of our customer service is going to involve the pleasant feel of the store, where adults and kids will want to return all the time!

I remember my little brother having a great love for writing on our hallway wallpaper. Yes, this was before everyone swore off wallpapers, and before it came back as a huge decorating hit. (thank you, endless days of HGTV). There is nothing more appealing than having some tea and starring at an inked wallpaper. He used other products like markers, but never anything that would come off the wall. Again, notice all rebel stories never involving me...

These days, parents are getting smart and "wall training" their kids. This is the safe zone, that is not. One way to do that, is by painting part of the wall in chalk paint and let kids roam free.

Sugar Snap Pea is going to have that "safe zone" wall where kids (and adults) can express their creativity. Also, be sure to look out for specials, events and other fun information on that wall!

Take a look for yourself at these great walls!

images : the stir, sweetiepiepumkinnoodle, joliejolie, google images

From Me to you...stranger who will be my sibling

2010-06-17T13:51:00.000-07:00

I've heard many funny stories about parents preparing their only child to realize that he/she is going to have a new baby brother/sister. I was that kid once. Granted my age difference with my brother was 8 years and I was perfectly happy as a single child. My mom and I were bffs and I already had plenty of dolls, thank you very much. No need for one that actually takes all the attention away from me.

However, when my little brother was born and as he grew to cause trouble, I remember asking my mom not to punish him for whatever he may have done, but to punish me instead.....yeah I used to be sweet...not sure what happened.

Sugar Snap Pea decided that there is a fun way to make that intro transition. A great bonding time for parent/child is to prepare something for the new addition to the family.

Poloppo is an amazing invention that allows your kid to express their creativity by creating a little onesie for the new baby. Its super easy too, both on you and your child. The package comes in with everything you may need. Paper to draw, crayons to draw with, and a PREPAID envelope that you send in the art work. Shortly after, you will get the onesie you requested (comes in different colors and sizes) at your doorstep!

Poloppo also offers big kids tees and other fun art projects. Watch out, sugar snap pea may have a fun art class one day!

be THAT guest~

2010-06-14T10:05:00.000-07:00

For as little time as I have been in this business, I can already tell you I've learned a lot! From what first time parents need, to what they absolutely shouldn't even consider spending their money on. Often enough, a mom really does want something that she may not have the courage to buy... Enter, a really cool shower goer. This is me in every scene.

Yes I want to get future mommy something she will need and use, but its always fun to make her giggle. If you want to be that guest at the shower and get the giggle award, I present to you, the Bibi&Mimi onesies.

Just don't be shocked if you get dirty looks from those who brought diapers as gifts...they don't realize their gift is just as good as yours....just a little messier.

Mature eyes only

2010-06-04T10:53:00.000-07:00

I remember walking through trade show booths in New York this past March and something caught my eye....something that I wasn't sure I could easily recognize, but yet looked shockingly known.

I stopped and spoke with one of the inventors of Mimijumi Bottles. The concept behind the creation of this great product is simple...WHY CONFUSE THE BABY. Well, maybe it wasn't how I had it described to me...but that's basically what I got out of it.

Your baby just experienced a lot of changes by being born...people are snapping pictures, grandpa in the back yelling " THIS IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BABY EVER" and then they try to teach your child how to eat. That's right...lets just change it ALL up on a baby.

"Mimijumi was created by two psychiatrists and an industrial designer with the goal of creating new products that will revolutionize the parenting process". Yes please.

So while some men may be uncomfortable holding a bottle that looks a lot like the actual thing, remember, its for the good of your baby :)

Sugar Snap Pea just got an order of these and I cant wait to share them with our customers!

Rub-a-dub-dub

2010-06-01T18:38:00.000-07:00

Rub-a-dub-dub Sugar Snap Pea has found a great tub!

While I have never had to break my back bending over a giant tub washing my brand new child, I can only imagine what joy it can be...

Alas, you can pull your back muscles other ways now..but it wont be washing your new baby. Puj baby(check out this video) invented a great tub that is space saving AND adorable at the same time.

sugar snap pea will have these very very soon!

Great Must Read

2010-05-24T10:20:00.000-07:00

I am so blessed to wake up daily and realize that I have found a great career. However, being raised/from Europe, I had a slightly different childhood than most of my friends. I played with different toys and I read different books. When I decided to open a baby boutique, I realized that my childhood can be a great help in my design vision, and can be somewhat different when it came to finding classic "american" gifts. SSP will be carrying a lot of great classic wooden toys and toys that focus on child development rather than its plastic functionality.

However, growing up I read books that looked more like this:

Rather than like this ;)

Luckily I have great friends and parents who have made sure I am aware of the absolute must reads for the new babies. So what about you? What do you think are essential books that kids must read these days? Do you have a classic favorite that you still remember word by word?

Look forward to reading them all!

something extra special-must have!

2010-05-17T10:18:00.000-07:00

When I first started to think about opening a store, I visited a show in Chicago. There, in passing, I met a young lady who caught my eye with something very unique and special. Her art wall design had a very clean and modern feel, however she understood how to capture something that can be timeless as well.

In my true stalking abilities, I decided that once I open Sugar Snap Pea, I absolutely have to have her work in my store. So, 7 months later, I reached out to the owner of Hoot Designs Co.

While Kristen specializes in other categories besides babies (cue to all my wedding and decor field friends), her special baby prints are just adorable.

The name of the game is simple. You can either purchase a pre-made print, OR you can order a special print with a special meaning for each letter. ( A is for Aunt Lori, etc) I already have a special place in my store for a print for Sugar Snap Pea, however, I still need to come up with some letters. As you can imagine, my store is going to be a very special part of my life, so I am dedicating this "baby print" to SSP.

So, those of you who want to take a stab at some letter recognition, sent me a note, and maybe your idea will end up on the final work!! I think letter Z is already taken :)

If you are expecting or thinking about a great gift, start thinking about your alphabet, because once SSP opens, we will be taking orders!!

how do you measure rejections?

2010-05-10T15:22:00.000-07:00

Today I had a wonderful lunch with my cousin-in-law. I knew I had family in Charleston, but I didn't know how wonderful they were until recently.( I only met them this Easter). My cousin shared a wonderful quote she heard a child say in her Sunday school class "rejection is God's way of protecting us". How true! It is so often that I want something so badly, but after its all said and done, so grateful it was never given to me.

One of the reasons I've been so sporadic about posting my blogs, is because we are still in the midst of finding that "perfect space". (we, being my real estate agent and I...really has been confusing people for some reason...and I guess they assume I talk about myself in multiple persona's)

I originally had a space I was interested in, however, due to our delayed opening date, we weren't able to secure it. Sure, there was a moment of "ah shoot, we have to do it all over again" feeling, but later on, it gave me more options to look at other spaces, I wouldn't have considered in the first place.

Now that the scheduled opening date is approaching (stay tuned...may be as early as July), we may have more spaces in our favor. I'm still sticking with "mums the word" approach until we get a lease, but at least you know why I've been a slacker :)

To offset my ramble with some pretty stuff... Sugar Snap Pea is proud to support our local designers. I'll be highlighting each of them on this blog.

Our first highlight is Shawna. She is an owner and designer of may-bee clothing. I saw her little boy dressed up in the cutest pants one Sunday morning, to later find out, that we can have all the boys wear them!! Check out her website and if you have any special requests, we may be able to cook something up!! I'm so excited to have her join the Sugar Snap Pea family :)

you did that ALL day?

2010-05-03T17:44:00.000-07:00

Starting your own business is wonderful. Your boss is great, flexible schedule and great pay..not so much. There are days when after its all said and done, I cant believe I spent 12 hours doing xyz. Today, that xyz was looking at gift wrap and bags. While I think I know what I want, there are so many different ideas that I think I could use. I wanted to share some fun pictures and inspirations that I found today. If any of you come across something you like, feel free to send it along to info@sspbaby.com. Makes me wonder what we all did before the world wide web....oh well, glad I didnt have to know those times.

would be really fun to make this seasonal gift wrapping.

love this one..dont be surprised if it appears at SSP sometime :)

before it all began, and Blueprint was still in press, I loved this baby shower ideas.

I see SSP having its own wrapping paper...just you wait!

images: google images, marthastewart.com, delightful blog.

Are you up for a challenge?

2010-04-23T09:34:00.001-07:00

So many of you know, Sugar Snap Pea is going to be that perfect 1 stop shop for new moms and grandmothers to be. I have spent a great deal of time learning about swaddle blankets, and the perfect slings and even the perfect feeding spoon for your child.

However, I will never pretend that I know everything when it comes to getting ready for your bundle of joy ( at least not yet ;)

I'm blessed to be supported by so many friends who have already become moms or been around enough babies, and so this challenge is for you.

Sugar Snap Pea is finishing up a perfect "registry" list. The categories are:

{Nursery}

{Clothing}

{Gear/Travel}

{Changing/Sleeping}

{Nursing/Feeding}

{Bathing/Grooming}

{Play/Activity}

The registry is not limited to babies, but also is extended to help moms watch their little babies grow into big strong toddlers.

-THE CHALLENGE-

1. Come up with clever names for each registry category. These have to be unique, simple and straight to the point. Permission to be as creative as you can get! Permission to edit each category = granted.

2. Send your "I thought Id never survive without" in those categories. Some items I may already have and just hiding from you, some I may not even know existed.

3. What are the absolute must haves categories and items for the growing toddlers? (through age 4T)

I believe that every challenge is way FUNNER( excellent word, dont mock it) if it has a prize at the end. So while the prize is a secret, my faithful panels of judges and I will pick a winner.

May the best player win!

my little vision

2010-04-22T14:38:00.001-07:00

I recently had coffee with my friend Jenna. Jenna and her husband are photographers here in Charleston. We were discussing how they were in need of some branding, and after 2 hour coffee date, we realized we think the same. In house decor.

Let me explain. When someone asks me what I want something to look like, I automatically think of furniture and colors in a room. This applies to everything. "What do I want my business cards to look like? Let me show you an image of this gorgeous kitchen, and hopefully you'll understand".

I wish I could be the kind of person who can create ugly spaces into amazing-ness (new obsession 9-by design on bravo). However, I'll stick to my managerial mindset, and just tell others what to do.

So when people started to ask me what sugar snap pea store will look like, I started to throw all kinds of inspirations, while non of them are of actual stores. I have a big board of images and textures, but I wanted to show you a few images that I loved. Lets see if the final project ends up to anything close to these images :)

images : google images, pinkwallpaper, full house.

I think I need that...

2010-04-21T16:51:00.001-07:00

These past months have been great. I have had the priveledge to meet many wonderful retailers

here in the Charleston area, and have already been supported by many.

When people ask me what I am about to do, I say, "I'm opening a baby store...I'll be selling some babies"...well I think out of 20 tries for that joke, I got a half "you're weird" laugh...so I've since decided to stop with the joke. I have upgraded my horrible jokes, to actually telling people about the different products Ill be selling.

While I cant discuss every single line, I will share some items here and there, to get you excited about shopping at SSP.

Sugar Snap Pea will carry only the cutest clothes, but besides adorable outfits, SSP will carry items for feeding, playing, sleeping and any other "must have" items a new mom may need.

Today, I got a box of our wonderful Safe Sippy 2 cups. If you have 59 seconds, check out their little video. These bottles come in great "southern" styles as well as excellent functionality.

Its a cup that is dishwasher safe, BPA free (helps our tree friends) as well as serves the purpose from a standard sippy cup need for the younger users ( that mind you, does not spill) to toddler-big girl/boy cup with a straw!!!

Sugar Snap Pea wont carry 20 different types of sippy cups, but will strive to carry the best of the best. It has been said, that Safe Sippy 2 is the Rolls Royce of sippy cups- The beauty? No need for any down payments for this functional toy. The price is great!

revisiting the plan

2010-04-16T08:39:00.000-07:00

I recently had to look over my business plan. I recall writing it on a 9 hour flight from Chicago to London (before you assume I was this glamorous lady sipping on champagne while someone offered me a hot towel, let me paint you this picture...)

I was tired, a sense of time blended in and "17 again" (-great movie btw) was playing for the 3rd time that flight. All I wanted to do was to fall asleep. However, I knew I couldn't. No, not because I was sandwiched between two people competing for "who can snore louder" but because I was going to tell my parents that I was changing my life... completely....I was going from a biweekly paycheck, to no money at all and was praying for their blessing.

I was always a good kid. I believe I got grounded once, and Im pretty sure the ground rules for being grounded never got established ("umm, dad, i know i'm grounded, but can I watch TV and call my friends?"-"sure sweetie")

I heard many times people say " you should write a business plan, it will help you". I didnt believe them, until I actually wrote one out. My mind was going 12 different directions. By putting something in writing, it helped me more than I can explain. Finally, an idea of having dancing monkeys in my store did sound like a crazy idea (ok, maybe i really didnt think i was going to have them....maybe)

So when I recently revisited my plan, it was so wonderful to see all of the ideas that I have for Sugar Snap Pea. A lot of these ideas I wont be able to share with you until the grand opening, but one thing I can for sure say, my customer is my priority.

So you, my customer and friends, what would you like to hear/read about? This blog is not just for me to ramble about puppies and flowers, misspell every word and make half funny jokes, but for Sugar Snap Pea to become your beloved go to informational friend/store. Want to hear about Charleston and great friends I am making? Done! Palmetto bugs? Done! (so not looking forward to those) Perhaps you have a great idea about how I should arrange my store, marketing ideas and great brands I need to carry. No idea is ever stupid or silly!

I obviously got my blessing from my wonderful parents. Parents, if I could clone them, everyone should have. Because of their wonderful, first and most important, emotional support, sugar snap pea is becoming what it is today. So thank those in your life, who have really been an encouragement to you! Never got an encouragement? Drop me an email, and you'll get more "atta boy/girl" than you were hoping to get.

Look forward to hearing from you all! (oh, I've started to say yall...it sounds as funny as you can imagine coming from me)

Lets Sling!

2010-04-14T12:21:00.000-07:00

It is very rare to meet someone who doesn't just giggle looking at cute kids clothes. Its just so little and precious! To think, they eventually become teenagers ;) (I still call my mom daily to apologize for being a brat between ages 14 to...well yesterday)

But besides the cute goo goo and gaa gaa, we have to realize that they are very small, fragile human beings. They need special attention, and special products to keep them safe. Slings have become a very popular item. And yes, they are a great product. The child is close to a mothers body, feeling safe, as well as gives mom the ability to multi-task. Unfortunately, like any other product, people need to be educated on how to use them. You may have heard about certain product recalls. If you have any questions about slings, I have become more knowledgeable, than I ever thought Id be :)

Below, is a small product information on the proper use of different sling use.

Sugar Snap Pea picked up a great product for the fall, and is excited for Charleston to use it!

K'Tan carriers are safe, hold heavier weight than most, and have a unique design, both for safety, and accessibility.

Some wraps need pages and pages of manuals, on just how to get something out of a box. K'tan has great instructions and shows different ways you can use this product. But dont take my word for it. Starting this fall, Sugar Snap Pea will be offering different classes to help mothers make the best decision regarding their purchasing decisions!

its the people...

2010-03-26T09:44:00.000-07:00

I went to a really small college, where the town's motto was "its the people". You cant make this up even if you tried. However, after being there for 4 years, you realize, it really is all about the people. So many of you have sent me such lovely notes and messages about my new adventure, and it lights up my day! So thank you.

Since this blog is not just about what cool things sugar snap pea will carry, but the every aspect of my business, I wanted to highlight a special family in my life that helped sugar snap pea ...well get its name.

When this first crazy idea came to my head about picking up my life and moving to a strange city, I decided to pay a little visit to my friends in Portland, OR. They are the perfect family. Really, Im writing this with tiny bit of envy. I met Mark in college, and we got along great. He kept saying how much Id enjoy meeting his fiancee, who lived in OR at the time. I never thought much about it, until Heather and I started an innocent gmail relationship. Long story short, our relationship blossomed so much, that we rendez vous in Chicago and then I decided to visit them in OR. (ok, really it was heather, but thanks for the house mark ;)

When I first arrived in their wonderful city, we headed to a great brunch and mark said, I think you should name your store sugar snap pea. I looked at him like he was crazy, and carried on with our conversation. The more time we spent, the more I kept going back to that name.

Sugar Snap Pea...how perfect. Sugar, sweet southern ways, its elegance and charm. Snap, fresh modern approach to clothing and childhood, and Pea, for your little one....THAT WAS IT!

No business ever takes off because you did it all yourself. So I was so grateful for that help! I knew that the name would stick for many reasons, but i trusted this family so much, because they are wonderful business owners themselves.

Mark opened Clive Coffee a few years ago. This wonderful company has amazing leadership and runs perfectly. Im saying that as a friend and also as a customer. After visiting their home and having some of their coffee, I decided to order his french press. Its because of that press, that I get things done during the day. Really, its my new best friend.

Dont take my word. Look at this video and take a look at some of the images from his website, and do yourself a favor, order something and you'll be changed forever. From customer service, to fast shipping (and bonus, no sales tax), amazing products and everything you may want from a business, they have it. Its wonderful to have friends like Mark and Heather. And its wonderful to have all of you as friends! Thank you!

P.S. they knew nothing about this post...its my pure pleasure to embarrass my friends this way.

my first shipment!!

2010-03-22T18:01:00.000-07:00

So for those who are following my on and off lack of blogging, I thank you :) These past couple of days and weeks have been crazy. Currently we are in the midsts of finding the perfect space for my store...keep checking back, something may change soon ;)

As you know, I just got back from my first trade show. When you attend trade shows that have immediate and later deliveries you can ask some vendors to deliver at a later date...however some need to ship right away to accurately stock their wear houses...so with that said...my apartment is turning into a lovely baby wear house. Luckily all of this stuff is so cute, its like Christmas morning opening every box!

Today we got the first shipment of our wonderful aden&anais products. I cant wait to tell you every little detail of these great products...but I will have to just wet your appetite by showing some of the pictures. Aden & Anais is known for their amazing swaddling blankets (those without babies may be scratching their heads...but don't worry...I didn't know what they were not too long ago) However, they make for amazing shower gifts and every mother needs them. Aden&Anais has also mastered the perfect burpy/bib set and many more. Don't believe me? Look at the very reputable celebrity list :)

So get ready to make sugar snap pea your perfect baby shower gift destination!

and it feels like home

2010-03-17T21:26:00.000-07:00

Oh New York New York...How I have a love/hate relationship with you. I love that you can have 7 different restaurants on one tiny street, and that you can buy a dozen of roses on the street for 5 bucks at 5 am. (which, to agree with my friend Ren, gives guys 0 excuses not to buy flowers) However, I do not miss people stepping on you and not even realizing they did it... After leaving Chicago and visiting New York, I am that much more certain that Charleston is an amazing home for me!

After coming back from my first trade show I learned SO much. I was very scared that I was going to want to buy everything at the show. And sure, there were a lot of great stuff that I wish could fit the budget of my customers. However, narrowing down was easier than I thought. I was able to find about 15 vendors out of hundreds. I think they will work very well for Sugar Snap Pea and I hope you all will agree when you see the amazing products in August. In the meantime, the big headache of the moment is finding that perfect spot for the store. Between the perfect location, much needed small space and enough foot traffic, Im hoping the perfect one will just appear :)

Until that perfect space finds me, I wanted to leave you with some wonderful images of my new home town-Charleston, South Carolina.

images by google images

A few firsts for me...

2010-03-04T15:20:00.000-08:00

Today brought me a lot of "firsts". First...I overpacked. Now, Im sure some of you think that its a usual thing for me. Well, let me tell you, that when I travel to Europe for 2 weeks or longer, I never once checked my bag. Thats talent folks! So much to my shock, I think I overpacked for New York...and why? I AM planning on shopping...

My second "new" thing today was matching all of my laundered socks...thats right...they all returned. Although I think there is some other universe/space where socks are just orbiting the earth. Im responsible for at least..half of them.

Finally, I've never been to an airport as small as Charleston. I think they may ask us to go push the plane down the runway...Oh well, here is to a wonderful weekend. Im going to leave you with some fun images I got from the ENK trade show! Don't worry Charleston, Im bringing all the goods back!

Big Bird time!!

2010-03-04T11:31:00.000-08:00

Ok, so some of you may think Im talking about a big yellow bird...no no. Im talking about a little tea cup of an airplane Im taking to New York to get all the goodies for the fall. Coming from Chicago, where you only fly giant air busses and mess with airports like O'Hare, Im going to have to start getting used to flying in small little airplanes to get me places. (and also not arrive 8 hours before your flight in hopes of making it)

So what's in New York? Some of you may not know this, but "back to school" clothes for us starts in March. While most of you don't start shopping for your fall stuff until September, we get to see all the fun stuff 6 months in advance. I am taking my little folders and charts and budgets and ready to spend some money on clothes that Im too old to fit into :) (but Im sure I would have looked darling in it back when)

However before that adventure, 3 of my best friends are meeting me in New York for a fun girls weekend. I cant wait to brunch with them and chat about our lives now. On the agenda, yummy brunch at Essex and lots of shopping.

I'll be sure to keep you posted on everything I find in New York and cant wait to take lots of beautiful pictures!

Will you be my friend?

2010-03-01T20:25:00.000-08:00

First of all, thank you to all who have sent little kind notes regarding this fun new adventure. Cant wait to see where this takes us. On another note, its time for Sugar Snap Pea to make friends. Although the store doesn't have an address yet and even a set open date, we are ready to get some great vendors! Our first friend -- the Cutey Booty. I met its owners a week ago, and absolutely fell in love with their product and the ladies behind the brand. These two local moms love their products ( and how can you not--look at those!!!) and I am so excited to work with them! In fact, Id love to put those on myself when it comes August here in Charleston...kind people have been warning me...but I think Im still for a nice "southern" treat :) Bring it on humidity.

New beginnings!

2010-02-27T14:01:00.000-08:00

I’ve never been the blogging type. Sure, I have over 40 blogs saved under my favorites. I try to read them at least daily, and often enough I drift into the beautiful images looking back at me. However, never ever ever did I think I would be on the other side of the post. Im not funny...(at least when I try to be). I still make grammatical mistakes.(i’ll be using “english is not my first language” excuse many-o-times) And worst of all, I ramble. “Land the plane” phrase was invented with me in mind.

So why start one now? Well, about a year ago I decided to take a leap of faith and open my own baby boutique. I experienced every possible emotion under the sun. Tears, excitement, fear, overwhelming peace, feeling like this is the right thing, feeling like this is the worst idea, you get the picture.

I picked up my corporate life in Chicago and moved to Charleston, SC. I feel like Dorothy following the golden brick road. God has been leading me on this road, and when I step off the road, I’m rerouted. FAST.

I have more than ever appreciated my friends through this time. From getting me friends they may have in Charleston. To offering free advise, and above all, working late on my silly graphic requests. (Margaret McCarthy is an angel)

My hope for this blog? Just to share. I loved finding different stories as to why someone opened their own business. Frankly, if I can help someone, it will be well worth it.

So this blog is for EVERYONE. Moms to be, who are excited to learn about new products out there for their little ones. To future entrepreneurs, to a girl down the street, to friends back home in Chicago, to future friends in Charleston.

Thank you for standing by my side! Here is to new beginnings for everyone!