Bittersweet and the little soap company

Happy Easter.

Maisie and I wanted to wish all of our bloggy friends a wonderful peaceful Easter.

Did you realize we won't have another Easter on this date until 2160!

Yes, it's true my friend.

So enjoy this Easter.

Enjoy a caring and sharing Easter.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Happy Valentine's Day!

Enjoy a caring and sharing Valentine's Day!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

*Snowy Merry Christmas*

To all my bloggy friends ..

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I'm so excited! We're getting another round of snow just in time for Christmas! I can feel that it's going to be wet one so I'm waxing my blades so that I can go sledding tonight.

Patrick's Christmas Eve Menu:

Sugar & Nut Glazed Brie

Horseradish & Garlic Prime Rib

Butternut Squash Risotto

Crusty Fresh Baked Herb Loaf

Spinach Salad

Chocolate Caramel-Pecan Souffle Cake

Seasons Greetings.. Merry Christmas.. Happy Hanukkah!

In case you're wondering how other's celebrate the magical day..

Enjoy caring and sharing days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (two hugs are better than one)

*Last Minute*

I'm shipping what I believe will be the last of the last minute packages out today and tomorrow. I keep thinking that business will soon die down, but as of yet I'm still a busy girl. I'm hoping everyone gets there package before Christmas! You never know this time of year, crazy things happen with the mail! I'm keeping my fingers crossed they all get to their destination.

I've sold out of Velvet Spice soap, and only a few bars of Cinnamon Spice left on the shelves.

I did a considerable amount of shopping on line this year. I'm waiting on one more package to arrive before Christmas Eve, and then ahh, finished.

I ordered some dutch cocoa for my Step mom. Since I began baking with the cocoa I've noticed a huge difference in all my chocolate recipes. I can't wait to make brownies after Christmas, as I know they are going to be extra delicious and chocolately good!

The chocolate cake soufle calls for dutch cocoa too. Yummy!

The next few days I'll be crossing off my list and checking it twice. I know you're doing the same. I'm looking forward to spending time on Saturday with some girlfriends and exchanging gifts.

Enjoy caring and sharing holidays.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two holiday hugs are better than one)

*Cozy Christmas Cooking*

Every Christmas Eve my Dad, Step mom, Brother and his wife come to our house for Christmas. We ususally keep it low key and serve appetizers and offer wine and coffee, but this Eve Patrick has said he wants to cook a Christmas Eve dinner.

Patrick by the way is our 15 year old son, in case you don't know. He's our only child. Patrick is good at many things, but one thing he's especially good at is cooking. This kid has cooked since he was able to walk! Place a cookbook in front of Patrick and you never know what he'll cook up, pun intended!

Over the years, we've been treated to a variety of decedent desserts, and gourmet meals, all of which have been extraordinarily delicious!

Christmas Eve, Patrick's going to prepare a standing rib roast with all the trimmings, while Mom makes the desert, chocolate caramel-pecan souffle cake, dollop of homemade whipped cream on the side!

I have begun to slower the pace, and take in some Christmas joy. Bittersweet is filling last minute orders, mostly teacher's gifts, and beginning to slow down for a well deserved winter's nap.

Thanks for all the wonderful positive feed back, it is very much appreciated, as you will never know.

Busy weekend with family and friends.. I'll be cleaning house and wrapping gifts, oh I almost forgot too, my birthday is on Friday, not sure what is planned for that, maybe just a relaxing dinner out with my family.

Enjoy caring and sharing days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two holiday hugs are better than one)

*Peace on Earth*

This Christmas is leaving me feeling tilted. I thought the extraordinary happy Christmas feelings were going to kick in at any moment, but as of yet nothing, na da thing.

Maybe it's because I've been so busy, and I haven't the time to enjoy the moment, or maybe I feel I haven't done enough caring and sharing, I don't know, but I'm just not in my usual Christmas spirit.

One thing that's really bothering me this year is the gift giving thing. I'm overwhelmed on what to get nieces and nephews. I've never been a gift card gal, but I'm seriously considering the thought. Horrible, isn't it?

Are these feelings normal when you reach a certain age?  Am I losing those  special once -a -year magic feelings I've felt on all other Christmas pasts? Oh I hope not! I must snap out of it!

If only there was Peace On Earth, and everyone did for everyone else, and gifts were simple and well appreciated, and instead of saying Happy Holidays it was OK for Santa to blow out Ho, Ho, Ho, and Merry Christmas! After all the true meaning of Christmas is the first six letters of the word isn't it? I know that's what makes it Christmas for me!

Now I'm beginning to see the reason I'm not feeling the spirit of Christmas.

But, I mustn't forget, Christmas past's have been surrounded by war and famine and sadness, but the spirit of Christmas always managed to shine through magically each and every time.

Oh I'm so glad I wrote about this, my feelings are beginning to turn. I'm realizing again the true meaning of Christmas. I thought I had lost it for a moment.

Christmas is the one day of the year we set aside our differences and allow ourselves to experience the soulful magic feelings that surround us with a puffy love Christmas cloud that follows wherever we go.

Christmas is love.... Ah, I remembered

Enjoy caring and sharing holidays

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

*Pondering Thoughts*

I finished the last batch of cookie packaging last night. These are going to the guys Lennis works with.

I'm in overdrive as I keep inventory at a steady level for two more weeks. Lot's of Saturday pick ups, and my sewing room looks like a tornado hit. Paper everywhere, gifts that need to be wrapped, ribbon scattered. "Tis The Season!"

The ice is finally beginning to slowly melt on the trees. I know it might sound silly, but I am feeling their pain.  This past week has been an ongoing torture for them. It's so sad to see them drooping and hanging, and limbs scattered everywhere throughout my little town and most of Missouri. My husband's sister has been without power for most of the week, and lives about an hour and a half from us.

Tasha Tudor how did you do that?

The idea of living deep in the woods being self contained has always sounded appealing to me, but I am sure if I really actually lived that way I would literally cry for electricity after a while.

Every second of your day would be filled with demanding chores! Baking bread so that your family eats, canning, and boiling water for washing clothes and bathing, because there's no warm running water, and cutting firewood for heat and cooking, quilting blankets for warming your body on cold icy nights, knitting gloves and hats to keep your family and yourself warm while you chop and kindle wood. Of course the wood would have already been cut during the warm summer months, but what if you run out, because of the extra long cold winter?

Books were your best friends! As well as your pets, and of course your family, as you have no television or computer to occupy your time. Baking would be a delightful treat and most appreciated by family and friends. Oh, I mustn't forget soap making! That would be done in the summer too, and probably outside in a big black kettle.

As I ponder these thoughts, I can't help but think about today and how much easier my days our compared to back then. I often take it for granted. As I open my dishwasher to load the dirty dishes, I think how simple such a task is for me today, and how much more time consuming and choring it was back then.

I do envy the simpler days though and how people appreciated and cherished the everyday things in life. Back then your life was surrounded by anticipation.

Anxiously awaiting the silk fabric to arrive that you ordered from the local mercantile. Praying you have a bounty harvest so you can feed your family through the winter. Romping through the forest to find the perfect Christmas tree. The smell of popcorn popping  in the fireplace, as the children set and string the kernels to decorate the tree. Mom knitting new mittens  by the fireplace after the children sleep nestled in their warm fluffy straw or feather beds.

 

Enjoy caring and sharing holidays.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

*Pleasant Re-runs*

They are re-running the holiday soap making segment I did a few year's ago today. I was browsing DIY and noticed it is airing @1 pm central. You'll get to see the entire family on the show, even Lily and Miss Bea.

Last night Lennis and I bravely left the house to deliver the holiday cookies to our neighbors. I put the cookies, and petite cakes in large take-out boxes and then wrapped them in cello.

The chocolate French cookies were to die for! They have a sandy cocoa texture from the grated bittersweet, and were the most aromatic cookie as they baked. The smell of cocoa filled the house.

When we delivered the cookies I was hanging on to Lennis for dear life! It's icy everywhere you look, walk, and feel, and the horrible scary sound of the poor winter tree's popping and cracking and falling limbs in the distance. Yes, we risked our lives to deliver those cookies! It was worth it though, my neighbors were very much appreciated of the gesture, and I got to say "Merry Christmas" to each one of them!

Busy week so far, and winding down for a busy weekend at Bittersweet. Bittersweet is open two more Saturday's before the big day! All this hustling to get Christmas orders out, and keeping up with inventory can wear a girl out! I'll soon be ready for a January break!

I am excited about slowing the pace, and setting at my sewing machine for awhile. I have some new patterns I'm anxious to make, and believe it or not, thinking about new Bittersweet Spring items and anxious to get started on them. All after Christmas of course!

Enjoy caring and sharing holidays.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

*Shimmery Morn*

Lily woke me around 2:30 this morning to go outside and potty. As I opened the front door I heard scary sounding cracking and popping from the tree limbs falling from their heavy icy coating. I was yelling, "hurry up, quickly, hurry,", I was freaking out thinking  a limb would fall on her while she was out standing in the yard.

After I came back inside I couldn't go back to sleep, thinking about our gnarly tree in our front yard, and how we had discussed getting it cut down last fall. The tree is a soft maple, and is slowly dying. Our house was built during the twenty's and I'm sure the tree was planted when our house was constructed. "Hang in there maple!"

Yesterday I began baking Christmas treats for my neighbors. I baked petite pound cakes, and snow ball cookies, and chocolate muffin tops. I love my new muffin top pan! What an ingenious idea! I wish I would have thought of it! Hat's off to the gal that did!

I also canned more chutney. Patrick and I indulged in two jars of the first batch!

Later, providing I have power, I'm making the French dutch cocoa cookies and my favorite candy, pralines. You must read this, very interesting about the name.

When Patrick was about six months old we vacationed in Louisiana. I remember seeing women standing on the street corners selling their homemade pralines. I am a fan of Southern sweets.

I used the dutch cocoa while making the chocolate muffin tops, and have to say the rich cocoa flavor stood out. I believe I will be including it in all my chocolate recipes.

I'm hunkered down for the day packing orders, baking, reading a new book, and wrapping Christmas presents.

Enjoy caring and sharing holidays.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

 

 

*Holiday Happy*

Even though we had the threat of Missouri icy wintry weather, our family contemplated and came to the unanimous vote of carpooling to the concert on Saturday.  I am so happy we did! I had never been to one of their concerts, and was in total awe over the light shows, angelic music, and wonderful narrated Christmas story.

If you've never been to one of these, you must add it to your holiday treat list. They are usually in town for only one evening and offer two shows, so you have to get your tickets fast! 

Kansas City has a wonderful new arena that housed the concert beautifully.

I must tell you about something that happened that night that even awed me more than the show.

I'm not sure where these thoughts came from, I was just simply taking in the wonderful atmosphere and my mind began to ponder certain things as I sometimes do. As I sat and listened I couldn't help but think about the performers and how hard they work during their show. They run back and forth all over the stage through the audience and back again at least one-hundred times I would imagine. I wondered if performing made them happy.

I began to think about other people setting next to me across from me behind me. I began to wonder what these other people that sat in this huge arena did for a living and wondered if they enjoyed what they did. Having these thoughts was very strange to me. I had not planned having them nor had I ever considered such strange questions inside , but considering the moment was magical, I went with it.

The thoughts turned into peaceful special feelings that I'm sharing with you.

I thought..    

I wonder if the girl that fries burgers in the cafe is happy? I wondered if the photographer taking pictures of the concert was happy? I wondered if the man selling cotton candy in the aisles was happy?

Then I began to think about happiness and what it truly means..

Now that's a huge question I know, and I have no idea why I even began to think about it, but I'm happy I did!

Then I began to think that having these thoughts so close to Christmas was not inappropriate at all!

I believe happiness is frying hamburgers in the cafe, if that's what you want to do. I believe happiness is taking pictures, if that is indeed what you want to do. I believe if selling cotton candy makes you happy then, cotton candy it is!

I believe that is doesn't matter what you do, really. Happiness comes from deep inside. It sets quietly beside your soul.

Your work doesn't make you happy or unhappy.

It's the little things you sometimes take for granted that really make you happy.

I believe being happy is sharing time with family and friends. Happiness is a cup of warm hot chocolate after a sled ride on a wintry night. Happiness is trust in GOD that everything will always work out, and never doubt that he wants you to be happy!

As we walk back to our car from the concert, I couldn't help but notice the bundled parking lot attendant in his tattered layers standing in the cold nights air. "You folks have a good time at the concert", smiling big, he asked. I commented to my husband, "he sure is happy"! My husband answered back, "he's happy to have a job!"

I pondered again...and said to my husband, "yes, he's happy to have a job, but mainly he's happy to be happy!"

Enjoy caring and sharing holidays.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)   

*Snow*

Our first snow of the season fell yesterday most of the afternoon. Have I told you how I love snow? Of course I have! I sat and worked at my computer watching the flakes fall outside my kitchen window. It was a powdery snow, not that great for sledding, but I did take a long winter's snowy walk through my neighborhood. There's magic in the air after the first snow a peaceful serene feeling fills the atmosphere.

I'm assembling my list for caring and sharing. Do you remember, every Christmas I share with less fortunate humans with what I can share with, Bittersweet.

This past summer a man that Lennis works with passed away suddenly leaving behind a wife and  little boy about Patrick's age. I had planned to put them on my caring and sharing list at Christmas, and am putting together a holiday surprise package for the two of them to open.

The other day I browsed Heather's site and saw these. I ordered one, and am really excited for Heather, cause I really believe this is a wonderful product. Love the packaging Heather! They would make great  Christmas gifts! Check em out!

I am waiting to make the "Double Chocolate Sable Cookies", I could not find Dutch Cocoa. I ordered some on-line here. Don't they look yummy?

You must check out Clarice's little trees and the technique she used! So pretty, and what a wonderful little pastel kick on Christmas!

Tomorrow we're going to see this and eat dinner on the Plaza. If you've never been to Kansas City, and thinking about a visit, the Plaza is a must see during your stay. You will love it! Enjoy caring and sharing holidays.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

*Chutney Love*

Yesterday evening I had this sudden urge to make the chutney I've been yearning to make for around a month now. Up to this point I have been so busy, and last night I just decided I was placing everything else aside and making that chutney!  I realized I now have a new craft love! How on earth could I have lived on this earth for forty some years and never canned a single thing? I am in awe of this whole canning thing. Gosh, I'm ready to dig up my back yard and till the earth and plant a garden so I can fill our pantry with wonderful wholesome foods.

I believe the  cranberry chutney was an excellent choice for my first run. My kitchen smelled heavenly while the cranberries, ginger, orange zest, and cloves were simmering. I couldn't wait to taste the aromatic mixture!

Then came spooning it into the little jars, so much fun too!

Now dressing the jar with a cloth jacket, again too much fun! Which fabric to choose, oh my, oh my! Red gingham was my plan but hey what about this, or this, or maybe this. Then the hand made tags that tie on the jar, I wrote on the back, "Cranberry Chutney", and "Made Fresh", date.

I only did six jars as I was concerned they may not turn out the first time around.

Kind of cooly cool too, the jars I chose just happen to be my maiden name!

So much going on, and much more to share, and it's suppose to snow here later today!

I'm going to wax my blades on my sled so I'll have a super slide down our huge hill! I've always been a bit of a dare devil!

Enjoy caring and sharing holidays.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than none)

MERRY TAGGING!

I'm sure you're wrapping, and shopping, and taping, and bundling and you are surely in need of some cute little tags to place on your pretty packages. Here are a few Christmas images from my archives. I had planned to have a Christmas CD available on the web site, but things got so busy. Just copy and paste into a program. I use publisher and then choose a label format so I can get a dozen or so to a page. MERRY MERRY TAGGING!

Enjoy caring and sharing holidays.

Happily,

Jill oo (Two hugs are better than one)

*Maker Of Soap Giveaway* Merry Christmas and Recipe Update!!

Firstly, I hope you have not made the sugar cookies, cause Miss Forget Me Not forgot to include the 1 cup of butter in the recipe. Yes, that's one cup of butter and one cup of oil. Sorry..

It's time to announce the final "Caring and Sharing" Giveaway.

Appropriately named I believe, and my specialty, soap of course!

This happy month of December, the month that really stands out as a caring and sharing month for most of us I hope.

The "Maker of Soap", that's me, will giveaway (6) bars of my fragrant olive oil soaps so that your winter skin will be nourished and pampered in a most extraordinary way!

Simply email me your name and I'll enter your name in the December, "Maker of Soap" Giveaway.

Enjoy caring and sharing holidays.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

And The Winner Is!

Congratulations to Dana in K.C. you are the lucky winner # 14,  of the "Caring and Sharing Holiday Giveaway!

Watch your mailbox for a package to arrive soon!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

*Melt in your mouth cookies* Updated

This is a favorite sugar cookie recipe that I always bake during the holidays. The recipe is packed with butter and oil, but oh how good they are!

I usually don't use cookie cutters, just mound into round balls and ice with cream cheese frosting rather than plain powdered sugar icing. I sprinkle each cookie with white sugar crystals.

They are the first cookie to disappear on the cookie tray during the open house, and I always get requests for the recipe.

Later when I have more time, I am going to try this recipe too. It looks like a great chocolate cookie recipe, and I love short bread type cookie recipes, especially French ones!

*Sugar Cookies

1 cup sugar

1 cup powdered sugar

1 cup oil

1 cup butter melted

2 tsp. vanilla

1/2 tsp. cream of tarter

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking soda

2 eggs

5 1/2 cups unbleached flour

mix, roll and shape or drop round teaspoons onto lined baking sheet. Bake @ 375* for 9 minutes or bottoms begin to turn golden brown. Ice with powdered sugar icing.

Holiday Idea # 12

Surprise an elderly neighbor or friend with a plate full of sugar cookies. It will surely sweeten their holidays, and you'll be the most popular elf on the block!

Enjoy caring and sharing holidays.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

*Holiday Extravanganza*

It's that time of year again for Bittersweet's holiday open house.

This will be my 11th year of hosting the event, and the eleventh one being the only time I haven't went "all out".

Usually I send hundreds of invitations, make oodles of cookies, and fill at least a hundred goody bags with treats for my customers.

This eleventh event though is going to be low key and minimal work. I have sent no invitations, no emails, no news flashes. Nothing, Null, Zero!

It's not that I'm not in the holiday spirit, oh no not that! It's simply cause I'm so busy, and a girl can only be so busy!

I am making sugar cookies, and the studio is filled with fresh one-of-a-kind, Bittersweet  inventory, although I have sold out of some items, I have replaced ones that I am able to replace.

I am looking forward to a relaxing simple Holiday open house on this 1st Saturday of December that marks number 11..

Here are a few shots of Bittersweet friends from past open houses.

 

I will be announcing November's Caring & Sharing Giveaway on Sunday afternoon.

GOOD LUCK!

Enjoy caring and sharing holidays.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

*Sewful Christmas*

I have a couple of friends that love to sew and that are probably in need of some new sewing notions, and since Christmas is coming up, I thought that some "Sewful Christmas Notions" would be  pleasantly pleasing as a Holiday Gift.

I'm giving couture cartons filled with must have sewing notions and I'm tucking in a few other inspiring sew essentials. I'm making some iron on jean patches out of  some snazzy fabric swatches that are sure to add a bit of charm to their favorite pair of jeans as well as some pretty stick pins to beautify their pretty pin cushions.

I'm taking two embroidery hoops and inserting some of my favorite fabric in between the loops. Then I'm going to tie the two together with pretty ribbon. The pins, jean patches, and maybe a cute pattern inserted between the two loops and some vintage trim. Not only will the recipient have sewful notions, but two decorative hoops to hang in their sewing rooms.

Holiday Idea # 11

A Sewful Notion Christmas Gift With All The Trimmings.. 

Enjoy caring and sharing holidays..

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

*Holiday Shopping*

Iv'e been doing some shopping here. I noticed they have muffin top pans which just happen to be on my list too! They also have these, which I think will be nice for packaging cakes and breads.

I would consider myself to be a practical shopper. Not a glove and slipper giving girl, but rather items that I know the recipient will be sure to use.

I found these cute little coin purses here. Every girl could use a cute little coin purse.

The basket under the tree is stuffed full of goodies for my niece. She's in a college dorm, and the basket is filled with practical eats and treats that a college girl mustn't be without.

I hope your having fun window shopping and making your lists.

I know I am!

Holiday Idea # 10

Pack a basket full of baking goods, rich  dutch cocoa, imported vanilla's, baking utensils, cookie cutters, recipe books, etc.

Enjoy caring and sharing holidays.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

*Life Bliss*

What a terrific Thanksgiving we had! I have to admit I'm sick of turkey, and I am in desperate need of several walks to ward off the candied sweet potatoes and celery root mashed potatoes. Which by the way, were quite tasty!

The Saturday studio is glowing with Christmas cheer, and I'm stocked up on inventory again.

I spent Friday making fresh batches of brown sugar lip balm, white chocolate "", dry oil, headache sticks, face creme, extreme body creme, peppermint foot creme, whew! I was a tired little girl after that!

Saturday the gals from Kansas stopped in. So nice indeed to see you gals! I always look forward to your visits!

By the way, after you left I continued to have KU fans the entire day. Shea and Susan from Topeka, KU fans, and Leslie from Liberty, again KU fan. That must make you fill a tad better. I'll leave it at that girls! I look forward to our visit in Spring!

My to-do list is much smaller than last weeks. I purchased the jars for making the chutney, but have yet to have the time to make it. Hopefully next week, cause I'm really excited about the canning thing, and sharing it as gifts.

I've began some Christmas shopping on line, my holiday shopping preference, by the way. I hate the mall atmosphere, so I'll do most of my shopping on line or in my little town. We have some of the cutest shops downtown and it offers me a chance to catch up on "what's happening down town"! I've been a house hermit lately busy making stuff, and look forward to the change of scenery.

Don't forget the "Caring and Sharing Giveaway" is still underway until the end of the month, and you have a chance to win!

Enjoy caring and sharing days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

 

*Lovely Gingham Christmas*

I have to say, one thing I never get tired of is red gingham! It has a timeless sweetness about it, and it fits in perfect at Christmas. I tie my packages with gingham ribbon. The ribbon itself reminds me of simpler days, and the fabric reminds me of  vintage aprons.

  The Saturday Studio is decked out in its red gingham attire and accessories. The candy jar is filled with peppermint sticks for my customers children that drop by, I also like to give the kids chocolate golden coins. Which are sometime hard to find, but I did spot some here.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Enjoy caring and sharing holidays.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

*Happy & Giving Thanks*

Funny how you can change a few words around and still come up with the same meaning.

I hope each one of you that happens upon Bittersweet are blessed with a happy, delightful, beautiful day of thanks...

I will be stuffing myself with turkey and pumpkin pie!

Enjoy caring and sharing holidays too.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than none)

*Magical Idees*

I anxiously await this magazine every three months. The arrival of the holiday addition is always anticipated with excitement and wonder. Even though the magazine is French, and I can seldom make out but a few words, the pictures make up for the lack of the above. I especially look forward to both the Spring and the Winter , as I feel those issues are special and seem to be oozing with the most creative ideas.

Holiday idea # 9

Browse these wonderful ideas from the mag..

Are you drooling yet?

Enjoy caring and sharing holidays!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Lucky Break!

I can't tell you how happy I am to be able to take a break from wrapping, packing, shipping, and making! Don't get me wrong, I love Bittersweet, but sometimes I get overwhelmed and just need a break. Blogging allows me to do just that, and I welcome it with open arms.

I have some cozy corners decked out with fresh inventory and awaiting a busy Saturday Studio. Oh how I would like to sleep in! Not yet, busy little elf I am, I am.

I had planned to have "morning trousers up on the web site, but I am selling them as soon as I make them at the studio. It doesn't look as though I'm going to have them listed before Christmas. That will be an after Christmas to do.

I did manage to get a few pinnie's made, but again have yet to list on the web site.

I always like to offer a wide range of gifty girly useful  products under $10. Soaps wrapped in pretty packaging and gifty stocking stuffer items like lip balm, and lemon nail creme. All three fit under both the tree and the budget! I will be making fresh batches of "brown sugar" lip balm as soon as receive more containers.

Enjoy caring and sharing holidays.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

*Holidaying*

I began planning our Thanksgiving menu today. I browsed "the book" again admiring different tables capes. I am particularly fond of this one. It looks so cozy and warm looking. I love the tall grapevine cones setting on the table. I'm of course always partial to red. I think of cinnamon sticks, pine cones, and aromatic spices when I gaze at this table. I'm on the look out for those grapevine cones, as I want to duplicate this look.

Holiday Idea #8

grapevine and pine cone tables capes

Bittersweet is already sold out of "Cranberry Spice" soap! I can't believe how fast it disappears this time of year. There is still an inventory of "Velvet Spice" and "Cinnamon Spice", but it too will be gone before Christmas. Here is an easy link for ordering while supply lasts. It won't be available until next holiday season!

An early holiday treat for me... Liz, over at Wickedly Chic focused on Bittersweet in their "Indie of the week column". I'm impressed with this web site. So much to see, you must check it out!

Thanks Liz!

Enjoy caring and sharing holidays.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

*Origami Love*

My passion for paper was the inspiration for creating these origami pouches that are popular at Bittersweet.

They are especially nice during the holidays for holding treats and tiny gifts or candy canes.

Step 1. Start with square piece of paper

Step 2. Fold square paper into triangle matching corners exactly

Step 3. Fold right side towards left side of triangle matching

Step 4. Fold left side the same way

Step 5. Fold back flap into two left and right pieces, matching corners

Step 6. Fold front flap into pocket

Step 7. Finished origami pouch!

Holiday Idea # 7

Enjoy caring and sharing holidays!

Happily, Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

*Sugar Plum Ideas*

I spotted this book in the craft shop today. As I stood in the check out line, I browsed its cover and skipped through a few pages only to realize it was a book I wanted to add to my library collection. The book is literally stuffed full of wonderful "sugar plum ideas", both affordable and unique, and  well worth the price! I used my coupon, so I purchased it for half price. 

While browsing through shops today I came to a realization. I realized how much I cherish hand made over commercially made items.

Whether it be a simple jar of hand made chutney or sugar cookies embellished with crystals and sparkles. I'm a hand made kind of girl! I guess that was the true inspiration for creating Bittersweet.

 

Doesn't this cake look decadently delicious? The book is also packed full of delicious recipes. I am working on my Thanksgiving menu, and spotted a yummy marmalade glaze recipe for our Thanksgiving turkey. I'll share the recipe before Thanksgiving.

I like this idea for holiday table settings.

I'm gathering ideas and storing them similar to what a squirrel does with his/her nuts.  

Holiday Idea # 6

Rather than stockings hang Santa Hats upside down for a holiday twist. Love this!

Enjoy caring and sharing Holidays!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two holiday hugs are better than one)

*Holiday Goodies*

Every Christmas our neighbors come knocking and present us with a jar of hand made chutney. I love chutney! I can make a meal out of crackers, cheese and chutney. This holiday season I am going to make jars of chutney as Christmas gifts for my friends and family. I floated the Internet and spotted this recipe that I thought might be tasty. I like the fact that the recipe has fresh cranberries, which should be convenient to find at the market this time of year.

I copied this recipe from this web site. I have never canned before so this will be a new domestic experiment. It doesn't appear to be too difficult after reading several how too's,  and I figure our Grandmother's and Great Grandmother's canned most all of their vegetables, jelly's, and condiments as a necessity to feed their families. So there is a first time for everything. What better time than Christmas!

I'm going to put the chutney in small jelly jars and cover the lids with red gingham fabric and then tie with a holiday tag. 

I also discovered this web site while looking for jars, and was overjoyed when I saw the gingham lids. I especially love the strawberries too!

I am not running out to purchase a bunch of canning equipment, just some prongs to lift cans out of hot water bath, and a funnel. That's it!

Cranberry Chutney

Ingredients:

1 tsp. grated orange rind

1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

1 bag fresh cranberries

1 1/4 cup finely chopped onion

1 1/4 cups chopped glace pineapple

3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

2 Tbsp. peeled, grated and finely chopped ginger root

1 cup red wine vinegar

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 cup golden raisins

1 tsp. dry mustard

1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 tsp. ground cloves

1 cup water

Combine grated orange rind, orange juice, cranberries, onion, glace pineapple, garlic, ginger root, and vinegar in a large stainless steel saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Boil gently, covered, until cranberries soften, about 15 minutes.

Follow instructions for canning here...

I can almost smell the aromatic combination of fruits and spices cooking on my stove as I wrote the recipe.

That's Holiday Gift Idea #5 by the way..

You have until the end of November to enter the Bittersweet Caring and Sharing Giveaway!

Enjoy caring and sharing Holidays!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than none)

*Tender Wrappings*

Along with the thought of Christmas Stockings, comes the pondering thought of Christmas Wrappings. I picked up a copy of this last night. I slowly turned the pages, allowing my mind to be  engulfed in each and every page right down to the last. I don't know about you, but I really like the way they have changed the format and style of this magazine.

I was particularly fond of this wrapping. I have always been drawn to old fashioned brown papers. You know, the kind the local mercantile store proprietor would use to wrap ladies textiles after their purchase. I can almost feel the ladies excitement as they made that once a week travel to town to purchase staples. I would imagine having the opportunity to pick out calico fabric to sew a new dress was total euphoria! Then the merchant carefully wrapping it in the brown paper and tying it would only add to the excitement and anticipation.

The merchant then tied the bundle with twine or jute, probably hemp back then. I like the natural ivory colored twine the magazine chose to tie the package. I have purchased this twine/ribbon before at the fabric store fairly inexpensively.

I am particularly fond of these too. They used these to make the tags. Which you can purchase from this lovely company. Then you can make tags and cards for many years to come!

If you fancy red and white twine like I do, you can find it here.. I have had the same spool for a couple of years that I use to tie customers items. The spool still looks the same as it did when I first bought it. The brown bag paper looks timeless tied with this string. Wrap it around several times to get the desired width.

Holiday Idea #3

bake these extra yummy cookies and use ginger bread cookie cutters to create old fashioned ginger bread girls and boys. Wrap them in brown bag paper and tie with classic red and white twine. Hand stamp your gift tag and tie to cookie bundle.

Enjoy caring and sharing HOLIDAYS.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Sparkly & Bright!

Although I've been neglecting the studio while filling orders and working on other projects, the corners are filled with Sparkly Christmas Cheer!

I also hav