Sunday, December 21, 2008

Happy Hollydays


Today was simply beautiful, and reminds me what a wonderful community can be created around a store! With deep soft snow everywhere, a few people decided to brave the chill air and head outside. All of our customers today came in on foot, spent a few peaceful moments on the sofa, browsed for some special little gifts, and when I closed it was with a sense of peace that all was well in the world. I hope you feel the same way!
It inspired me to finally post some of my personal favorite 'moments' from the Santa photo shoot on our website.
Merry Christmas everyone and enjoy your last few days of shopping! We're open 10-5 until Christmas Eve, when we'll close around 3pm.
Kim
xoxo

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Chick Pea Friends' Christmas Sale! (Brrrr it's cold out here!)


It's cold, and I'm coming up with great reasons to stay inside tonight, and what's more fun than blogging? So I thought I'd post a little pre-Christmas sale notice, in case you've had your eye on something extra special for a gift, a cozy play outside, or your family dinner!

All Ben Sherman - green, grey, and navy (including 3 great coats) - 2nd piece is 25% off
All Sophie Catalou - the gorgeous lilacs - 2nd piece is 25% off
All Joe's Jeans - remaining pairs are $20 off!

We don't have sales often - but we have a special reason for the Joes. Sadly, Joe's Jeans (famous for their ladies styles you can find at Aritzia and Fab and other notable shops!) is not going to continue their kids line, so since we're not able to carry them year-round, I'm searching for a new line for Fall 09 and that means you can find a steal on this great denim line right now. Sizes 6mo-6years for girls and boys.

Happy snowball fights tomorrow (and we've got the heat on so drop in for a visit to warm up!)

Kim
xoxo
PS ...the photo is addie learning to use the "chi" machine to improve her energy at Gran and Napa's house on Salt Spring...

Monday, December 8, 2008

Kangol for Kids


I've been getting a hard time (in store - not here in comments - you guys are too nice!) for long posts. So here's a short one! Kangol winter hats have arrived. And they are great.
I love the classic tan wool - but the bumble stripe has enough energy to make an old sweatshirt look good. Historically British and urban appropriate. Hard to go wrong!

Kim
xoxo

PS Boys are in tan, red, black, blue/grey stripe, and green/black stripe. Girls are in tan (great with classic chesnut Uggs!).

The season of giving and it all started with Santa...

So I have only one thing to say - WOW - what an amazing group of parents came out for some Chick Pea holiday style and showed their support for Free The Children.

More than twenty families spent a few precious moments with Santa last week, and between the hugs, and shrugs, and looks of awe, and fear (i have to be honest!) every child had their moment.

I love the simple and fresh photography from Revival Arts Studio, and the way it contrasts with the old world velvety Santa. So sweet and classic. I cannot even pick one as a favorite - I ended up posting this one from my short list of about 12!


As a special thank you to all of the Chick Pea families, Marc Kielburger at Free The Children has sent a copy of their illustrated book for kids - It Takes A Child - to pick up along with your 5x7 photo. It tells the story of Craig, who started the charity to end child labour, when he was 12. It's a heavy topic for young minds, but what better time to start teaching about social responsibility than the very beginning?

So now the biggest job of all - deciding where to put our $400+ in donations to good work! At Free The Children we can allocate it to any number of their Adopt a Village programs. We can give 8 goats - or a 6-month lunch program to an entire primary school! I think I'll leave it to the people on the ground in Kenya to decide where it will help the children the most.

A huge thank you to all of the families and the precious little ones who joined us for the festivities!

Kim

xoxo

Friday, November 28, 2008

Organic Storybook Toys

When I see my little Addie carting around her three favorite stuffed animals, jabbering away, serving them tea and insisting on 'feeding' them from her tea set - it brings back the magic of a lovely plush toy. Especially one with personality.
Miyim has done just that - and they're organic and safe to boot! These storybook characters have everything that makes the perfect gift - organic, safe, adorable, long lasting - and boxed and ready to wrap up! At $34.95 they're a perfect welcome for a new baby or companion for a growing imagination.


I have to say this squeaky blue elephant stroller toy has stollen my heart ($16.95). There's also his good friend yellow giraffe and little pink bunny!

Kim
xoxo

Four Things that Represent Chick ...


A question for all of our loyal readers...what four items best represent Chick Pea? We have decided to run our first ad ever in the New West News Leader to introduce and welcome new families to Chick Pea - and I need to pick three more items that represent the essence of our little store!
I went with the Natursutten all natural soother this week because it's such a necessity for new parents, and a wonderful and unique product. What would you put in next Saturday's ad? Email your ideas or add a comment!

Kim
xoxo

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Santa's in Demand!

Santa is so busy getting ready for the holidays that we only have a limited time with him on Sunday for photos! We'll see as many good little children as we possibly can and are now taking a wait list in case we have cancellations (and you really want your holiday mini session with Revival Arts Studio!), and we'll also give you first choice on spring mini sessions coming up in early 2009.

Join the wait list now!

Thanks to all of the parent-elves who are working so hard to make Christmas a season of miracles and happiness for the little ones! We will see you on Sunday!

Kim
xoxo

PS Thanks to the awesome people at BabyVibe who covered the event!

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Tiny Sweater Sample is here!


We held our first "Tiny Sweater" class recently and we showed everyone the sweater sample in the state of lovely chaos before it's all put together. Well - here's the reveal! A little motivation to keep working at it! It really does turn out like this...

This is the tiniest size (3-6m0) from Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino 2 and goes up to 24mo. It really is a pretty simple job to knit it, once you learn a few tricks. Pick up the classic natural shell buttons (shown here) anytime, we have lots in stock and they look fabulous with every shade (75 cents each).


Next classes are the Stripe Hat (Dec 11) and Baby Duvet (Jan 20). If you'd like to sign up for the next Tiny Sweater class email or call 604 525 2266 and we'll put you on the list for January/February! Dates to be announced!

Kim
xoxo

Friday, November 21, 2008

Photos with Santa...Chick Pea style!


This holiday season we're celebrating the simple heartfelt moments. And for me - that starts with the tradition of Photos with Santa - Chick Pea style! Revival Arts Studio will be in house to do mini-sessions for your kids, about 10 minutes long. Just enough time to keep the kids focused while we snap away to capture a traditional shot with Santa, and add some extra frames of just your kids you can preview in an online gallery later.

Reserve now: Sunday November 30th, Reserve your time 11am-1pm, Drop in 1pm-3pm at Chick Pea

What you get: 1 5x7 semi-saturated print of your best shot and a link to a photo gallery where you can order additional shots directly from Revival Arts Studio

What it costs: A $20 donation, all proceeds will go to Free The Children, supporting primary education for children around the world

How to book: Call 604 525 2266 or email and will schedule in your spot between 11am and 1pm, or let us know you'll drop in during the afternoon so we know how many people to expect. We'll stay on schedule as much as possible, but as always with little ones, please be patient if we're a little behind!

Imagine a textured brick wall, a jolly Santa from ages past, and a professional photographer - all in Chick Pea style!

See you there!

Kim

Thursday, November 20, 2008

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN..............

THE STORY OF CHICK PEA..................KOBY WAS 4 MONTHS OLD AND HIS SMILES AND GIGGLES WERE OFTEN. HE WOULD LAY IN HIS CRIB STARING AT THE BABY CHICKS ON THE BUMPER PADS OF HIS CRIB. THIS IS AROUND THE TIME THAT I STARTED TO THINK ABOUT MY CHILDHOOD DREAM OF HAVING A SPECIAL SHOP OF MY OWN. THIS IS WHERE THE IDEA OF THE BABY CHICK CAME FROM. AS I WAS BRAINSTORMING CONSTANTLY KOBYS DAD WAS EATING A SALAD THAT HAD CHICK PEAS IN IT AND THE REST IS HISTORY...............I MARCHED DOWN THE NEXT DAY AND REGISTERED THE NAME "CHICK PEA CHILDREN'S BOUTIQUE".
3 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE RUNNING STORES FOR KOOKOO DESIGNS AND A SHORT BUSINESS COURSE LATER...............AND THE PERFECT SPOT WAS FOUND. A QUAINT SPACE OF 600 SQ. FT.........KOBY BEING JUST 15 MONTHS WE HAD A PICKET FENCED PLAY AREA WHERE HE COULD OFTEN BE FOUND. MY FAVORITE MEMORIES ARE OF PLACING HIM IN THE CRIB IN THE WINDOW WHILE HE WAS SLEEPING. HE TRULY DID GROW UP IN THAT STORE. THE MOST LOYAL OF CUSTOMERS MADE THAT LITTLE SHOP BLOSSOM INTO SOMETHING FAR BEYOND MY ORIGINAL DREAM..........A SHORT 2 AND A HALF YEARS LATER WE WERE FORCED TO LOOK FOR A NEW LOCATION. THE MAJOR DOWNFALL TO A SHORT TERM LEASE AND A NEW BUILDING OWNER.........NO SPACES AVAILABLE AT THE TIME ON THE DRIVE..........SO A QUICK LOOK ON CRAIGSLIST, A RAINY DAY DRIVING TO NEW WEST, AND A 12O YEAR OLD BUILDING FOR RENT ON A STREET THAT INCLUDES A TRAIN, A TON OF TRUCKS, A MILITARY STORE, A HANDFUL OF ANTIQUE SHOPS AND SOMEHOW I FELT THIS WAS THE PERFECT NEW HOME FOR CHICK PEA. THE SPACE WAS FILLED TO THE BRIM, LITERALLY FLOOR TO CEILING WITH THINGS. HOUSED AS STORAGE FOR THE PREVIOUS 4 YEARS WE COULDN'T EVEN WALK INSIDE. BUT I COULD SEE HIGH CELINGS, BIG BEAMS AND WAS TOLD THEIR WAS BRICK HIDING UNDER THE CEMENT AND PLASTER ON THE WALLS. KNOWING THESE SMALL DETAILS WAS ENOUGH TO CONVINCE ME, EVEN THOUGH MY BEST FRIEND ANGIE WAS HOLDING MY HAND TELLING ME I WAS ABSOLUTELY CRAZY!
6 WEEKS OF WORK, IT TOOK ME AND MY DAD 3 WEEKS TO CHIP AWAY AT THE BRICK. ADD 3 MORE WORKMEN TO THE MIX TO BUILD THE MOULDINGS AND DO REPAIRS AND THROUGH THIS PROCESS A BEAUTIFUL NEW CHICK PEA WAS BORN.
IT HAS BEEN THE MOST INTERESTING TIME OF MY LIFE. THE PAST ALMOST 5 YEARS HAVE BROUGHT SO MUCH LAUGHTER, A FEW TEARS, MANY BEAUTIFUL FRIENDSHIPS AND MY SON HAS GROWN FROM A TODDLING BABY TO AN ALMOST 6 YEAR OLD BOY. I HAVE REACHED A POINT WHERE LIFE IS PULLING ME IN NEW DIRECTIONS..........IN THIS CHICK PEA HAS FOUND A WONDERFUL NEW OWNER. SOMEONE TO LOVE AND NURTURE AND GROW THE BUSINESS.
WISHING KIM THE VERY BEST.
XO


LOVE SARAH, RUSTYN AND KOBY.