I can't wait for these to bloom! I'm getting super anxious for spring to arrive. Although we've had an unseasonal warm winter, there's just something about the renewal of spring. Not to mention those beautiful blooms. I've mentioned many times how if I weren't a soap girl, I'd be a flower shop girl.
The shop is moving ever so softly into spring. New spring flavors are being whipped up and wrapped in pretty hand made Italian papers. An assortment of flavors like, Cashmere Rose, Lavender Patchouli, Willow & Sage. This soap girl must keep a list so that I keep track of all those bars and flavors, and curing time, and all that stuff.
We enjoyed a quiet Valentine Day. I made this dish, which was a keeper, and everyone had second helpings. Roasting veggies of any kind enhances the flavor and kind of adds a mellow taste to your dishes. My friend Clarice taught me that. You've heard of me mention her more than once. Right? If not, hop over to her Instagram page and introduce yourself.
Yesterday was a busy manufacturing day. I'm somewhat in awe when I stop and think about how my business has grown. The number of soaps, balms, crèmes, salves, and apothecary keeps expanding beyond my expectations. I welcome new growth and plan to cultivate and nurture it as it grows. Just like a flower, I'll need to pluck off dead ends, and keep an eye on things.
Since I started Bittersweet some nineteen years ago, (April will mark twenty years), I've kept a journal that's filled with the many apothecary recipes. Notes on additions, what's worked, not, better, new and improved. As I browse through the worn pages of the journal and read the old recipes, my heart sings a happy song. Who knew back then, that would turn into this.
To think that it all started with very little money, (one-hundred dollars). Passion is worth its wait in gold. Honestly, you can't put a figure on passion. It's priceless!
It's good to have passion...It does a soul good.
Changing the subject to these frosty corked bottles. What is about a corked bottle? Well, I really am fond of the aesthetics of a frosted corked bottle. By the way, this toner came from one of those journal recipes. I learned a considerable number of things when making the first prototype a few years back. Not all Witch Hazels are created equal. I'll just say.
It's a Spring Biscuit kind of day.
Good thoughts and happy days.
Jill
