Bittersweet and the little soap company

Spring Is Finally Blooming!

I do declare, I believe Spring has finally made her arrival! She's not making a grand entrance, but rather a subtle, peek around the corner type approach.

I have no preference on which passageway she chooses, as long as she breezes in. I've had my head in the clouds dreaming about her, for what seems forever.

I'll be breaking for a few days taking in the warm sunny days and my family's Easter traditions.

My creative thoughts are running over, and I'm eager to get started on the new blueprints for Bittersweet Spring.

Happy Easter!

There's still time to enter the Bittersweet March Giveaway.

Enjoy caring and sharing SPRING DAYS.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Painting 101, and some "Vintage Vamping."

Painting 101

• Pick color, and then purchase one quart to sample on wall space to make sure you love it!
• Prep walls
• If using a metal paint can, hammer a large nail hole into lip of paint can, keeps it from oozing onto the sides of the can:)
• Cover and protect flooring
• Always paint trim and windows first.
• Paint from top to bottom
• The three types of paint.. Flat, Satin, Semi Gloss
• Flat, usually for ceilings and walls, in the olden days that's all they had. Shows less imperfections, if you have old walls like me.
• Satin, A mix of semi and flat, that's what I usually use on my walls.
• Semi gloss, usually used on walls with high traffic, as it's easy to clean. Keep in mind it cracks will be more noticeable with semi gloss.

I consider myself not an expert painter, but rather a seasoned painter, as I have painted my home too many times to count, both inside and out over the past twenty years.

When I was growing up, my Mom always allowed me to paint my bedroom. I was changing my colors almost every year. I remember my favorite was when I painted stripes onto my bedroom walls. I wish I had a picture of that! I can remember the way I felt after I finished and stood back and looked at my wall of art, done by me! A perfect back drop for my large George Harrison poster!Now that I'm reminiscing, I believe that's where this painting thing all began.

The outside painting is always a challenge, as our home stands over forty feet tall, and that's quite a distance when looking down from the tall ladder. Another thing, when I paint, I don't usually paint just one room, oh no, I do five or six at once. I think once I get rolling, (pun intended), I really get to painting! By the time the sixth room rolls around, well, that's where the seasoned part kicks in!

In addition to the rooms I've already freshly painted, I'm painting the bathroom, and then the hallway, and then the spare bedroom, and then DONE!

Then I can "Vintage Vamp", I like those two words together, and make those darling Chinese lantern potholders!

While I was at the fabric store getting the gingham for making the kitchen curtains, I picked up some little quarters that I thought would be a fit for making the lantern pattern.

It's still cold and wintry in my neck of the woods, and I'm hoping by the time I get finished with the painting, it will be warm and sunny and Springy so I can go outside and do some digging in the dirt!

I'm digging up my herb garden and replanting it this Spring with some of the seeds I received from the seed swap last Summer. Dana sent me some of my favorite flower seeds, and I can't wait to watch them grow so I can pick them!

Here's anther cozy corner I shot yesterday before starting to paint. These photo's are helping to keep me warm during this long drawn out winter.

Enter Bittersweets March Giveaway!

Enjoy caring and sharing SPRING DAYS!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Blogging 501!

I let it slip right by me yesterday, my five hundredth post! What can I say about blogging that I haven't already said? Oodles, but I won't bore you today with my philosophical thoughts about the subject. Maybe I'll just summarize what blogging means to me in a simple word list.

Blogging is..

Soulful.. Caring.. Sharing.. Simple.. Rewarding.. Inspiring.. Happy.. Sad.. Imaginable.. Unimaginable.. Surprising.. Tantalizing.. Appreciative.. Exciting.. Amazing.. Approachable.. Friendly.. Inviting.. Community.. Catching.. Pleasant.. Blissful.. Sweet.. Forgiving.. Creative.. Sassy.. Relaxing.. Love..

These are but a few of the words I think of when I think of blogging. This kind of sums it up too. While you're reading that, notice the paragraph about the decline in close friendships. This surely must have been researched before blogging came about!

What better time than now, to celebrate my 501 post, and to share with you some of the caring and sharing sentiments that have come my way in the past few days, and yet another reason I'm moved by the blogging world and it's community.

I graciously accept this award that Mandy sent my bloggy way! Mandy thank you, it's most appreciated.

Without blogging I would never had received such a reward, and I am honored.

I was also pleasantly surprised when the mail man rang a few days ago and delivered a package from my bloggy friend Clarice. Clarice, I believe you're one of the sweetest gals I've ever known! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

• Can you see? What a delightful little package it was and right up this blogger's alley!

A  beautiful pink tin filled with ephemera and notions so lovely and sweet!

Then there's friendly girls like Angelina that featured Bittersweet on her lovely blog. Amazing works of art on her web site and blog, you must see! Thank you Angelina and Don, this too means a lot to me.

Thank you to all the lovely bloggers that have mentioned or talked about Bittersweet. More than words can say, thank you, merci, danke, grazie!

• 
• 

Happy 501!

Enjoy caring and sharing bloggalicious days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than none)

Happy New Year Winner!

I almost forgot with all the New Year goings on about drawing a December Giveaway Winner.

The winner of the December "Caring and Sharing" Giveaway is.... Mandy from Pearl Maple.

Congratulations Mandy!

Enjoy a caring and sharing new year.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

*Happy Twisty New Year*

The New Year will soon be here! I'm looking forward to exciting new things for Bittersweet and already beginning plans for creating new soulful Bittersweet essentials.

2008 will be surrounded by my love for all bird things, and more hand-pecked creations are being pondered.

The wine pictured, is a Riesling and considered a dessert wine, but I enjoyed it while munching on the crab Rangoon. It is a Washington wine and very tasty indeed. The next time you are searching for wine, give it a try. It's also available in Chardonnay.

I found this easy recipe that I think is the perfect appetizer for the New Year. Rather than cooking them in oil you bake them in the oven. They are delicious, as Lennis and I can attest.

Baked Crab Rangoon

1 can (6 oz) white crab meat

4 oz. cream cheese

1/4 cup mayo

1/4 cup finely chopped onions

won ton wrappers

Mix the above ingredients. Place won ton wrappers inside oiled cupcake pans, place spoonful of crab mixture inside each wrapper and bake in a 350 degree oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown around edges. Serve with sweet and sour sauce. Your guests will love this "New Twist Recipe!"

Have a Happy Twisty New Year!

Enjoy a caring and sharing New Year too.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than none)

*From Me To You Giveaway*

It's time once again for Bittersweet to announce our third "CARING AND SHARING" GIVEAWAY!

This month's Giveaway is appropriately themed for the holidays.

A blissful bounty of our hand made goodies to stick in your best friends Christmas Stocking.

Our hand stamped holiday bird note cards tied with velvet ribbon. A hand made bird stuffed with excelsior to hang on your Christmas tree. A posy of vintage style velvet flowers. A bar of our signature holiday soap, Velvet Spice, and a little embroidered sachet filled with fresh aromatic lavender. All the goodies are packed tight inside a burlap bag.

 

  TO ENTER:

Send an email and in the subject box write, I WANT TO ENTER, please include your name and email address.

GOOD LUCK!

Christmas Gift Idea #1

Instead of gifts wrapped in paper, make a hand made stocking and fill it with special treats. Cookies wrapped in sparkling cello bags, pretty stationary tied with lovely ribbon, sachets filled with aromatic herbs of the season.

Your stocking gift will surely become a favorite Christmas soulful tradition!

If you're browsing blogs today, please visit my friend Pearl Maple and read her little topic on Blessings. I was lifted after reading the column this morning.

Enjoy caring and sharing HOLIDAYS! Remember, we're all blessed in one way or another...

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

October Giveaway Winner!

Congratulations to The Angel Forever! You are the lucky winner of the "Pretty In Pink", October Giveaway...

I'll be Posting the next giveaway, Holiday Bliss in a few days.

Enjoy caring and sharing Holidays.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

And The Winner Is....

Congratulations to Julia Fieger from the Blue Apple Farm, you are the winner of the Bittersweet September Pamper Hamper Giveaway!

Random number courtesy of Violets are blue.

Don't forget, Bittersweet will be hosting giveaways each month from now until Christmas!

I'll be posting the Bittersweet October Tickle Me Pink Giveaway soon.

Enjoy caring and sharing Autumn days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Remember September?

I'm taking a short break from Bittersweet work to share next months giveaway. Although it really hasn't cooled off to my liking, I can't help but think about the chilly months to follow, and how all us girls and boys out there will need to pamper our skin a bit more. Congratulations again to Tammy. Tammy your package is on it's way..

September's giveaway includes a mix of products from the Bittersweet Pamper Hamper.

 

Oat's & Goat's complexion bar, Skin Thirsty Body Oil, An Aromatic Bag Of Bath Salt, and a Shea Butter Vitamin C Face Creme. The lucky September winner will indulge in the above.

Here's how it works.. Just drop me a note, I want to enter, along with your name and I'll enter you in the Bittersweet Pamper Hamper September Drawing. GOOD LUCK! The Giveaways are open to my International Bloggy Friends too!

Off to work I go... Can you say, Wide Leg Pants?

Remember...It's more fun to give than to receive!

Enjoy caring and sharing days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than none) 

And the winner is..........

Congratulations to Tammy Glaseman, you are the winner of the Bittersweet Warm & Cozy Giveaway! Random number courtesy of Violets are Blue. 

Don't forget, Bittersweet will be hosting a giveaway each month from now until Christmas... I'll be posting the September giveaway within the next few days.

Enjoy caring and sharing days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Sweet Seed Swapping

Yesterday the mailman rang and dropped off a package. It was from Dana my seed swap partner.

Dana had cleverly placed her seed collection in the cutest container. She numbered each type of seed and then included a little note listing all of the seeds and a brief history about each one.

The note read....

Hyacinth Bean ~ A delightful annual climbing vine. Green leaves with a purple underside. Purple bean blossom and purple bean pod. Not edible but certainly beautiful!

Mixed Columbine ~ There are several Columbine varieties here. Pink Barlow, Purple Barlow, McCall's Grant, and my favorite Grandmother's Bonnet.

Nigella" Love-In-The-Mist" ~ A freely reseeding annual. The light blue to purple flowers in late spring are lovely... and so is the resulting seed pod.

Butterfly Weed Or Milk Weed ~ This beautiful perennial blooms in early summer a bright vibrant orange. Butterfly Weed is in the milkweed family and so attract the caterpillars of monarch butterflies which feed only on milkweed foliage. Adult butterflies of many species sip nectar from the beautiful blossoms of butterfly wee.

Now I ask you, from these descriptions, don't you want to run out and purchase these seeds? What a great selection of seeds, and I suspect they all came from Dana's garden.

I have been wanting to plant Nigella for some time, as I love the dried seed pods it produces.

Thank you Dana for caring and sharing your wonderful seed collection.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than none)

Far Away Friend

I have some exciting news! I'm overjoyed and filled with excitement! Can you feel my excitement?

Leigh Ann, a bloggy friend from Pink Kitchen is moving to KC from New York! I never in my wildest dreams ever thought I would have the blessing and pleasure of actually meeting Leigh Ann.

I can't wait to take her to lunch at Ginger Sue's and show her around my little town. We can make a day of it, and visit my friend Julie that owns the vintage chic shop. There she can find lot's of pink stuff to create her pink kitchen again,  and my friend Linda that owns the garden shop, and Kelly a jewell of a gal next door that owns a shop called Farmstead that carries the coolest goods and essentials you'll ever find in a shop, and Nell Hills, Curious Sofa, and of course Bittersweet. I'll send you home with lot's of smell good goodies... Leigh Ann, I just can't wait!

Enjoy a caring and sharing weekend.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

 

   

It's a beautiful day for an auction!

It's the Saturday of the auction. I'm up early, 6 Am, and getting ready to shower and head over to the house. Yesterday Sandy and I set out more stuff, and Patrick made "Auction Signs" and we carefully placed the signs around town.

I met the auctioneer yesterday too. He talks really slow. I'm anxious to hear what he sounds like when he does his thing. If he talks like he did yesterday, this could be a very long auction! Giggle..

I'm bummed too. I knew before hand that I would not be happy with the offer the insurance company offered me. Yesterday an agent called, and shot me a very low offer for my car. I flat out told him I wasn't taking it! Isn't that just the way life works. I've had the same insurance company, ST ARM, I'll let you fill in the gaps, for thirty some years and never filed a claim, and now they can't even offer me the amount my car is worth. I hate conflict! You wouldn't believe the things the insurance claims guy said. He really tried to intimidate me. Wrong move buster!! I'll be sticking with my figure, not yours.

I'm trying not to think about it, and just enjoy the auction and have a great day. I still need to set my stuff out too. I didn't want to leave it over night, especially with the luck I seem to be having lately.

Sandy is a hoot! She slept in the driveway last night so that she could keep an eye on her items. I don't blame her, I would not be able to sleep at home, if I had so many valuable things outside.

We had a ton of people stop by yesterday and inquire about our auction. I'm taking my little Canon, and will try and take lot's of pictures.

Some of you should receive your "love bird packets today". I was headed to the PO to mail these packets when I got hit. I sent them out after the accident. It makes me feel really good to share them with you.

Wish me luck....

Enjoy a caring and sharing day too.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Spring Surprises

Patrick is having a blast in L.A. He called last night from a little bookstore, and said Senator John Kerry was arriving at the bookstore to sign books. I believe they are going to Warner Brothers today, and if they have time Venice Beach. I lived in Hermosa Beach for awhile. My back yard was the beach. I lived in front of the strand. It was wonderful! I'm sure Patrick is indulging in the California atmosphere.

Patrick recently moved his bedroom into our spare bedroom, and left his Newspaper office in his old bedroom. That newspaper room looked like several tornadoes came through it! I thought while he was away, I would clean and organize a bit, and surprise him when he comes home.  A bit turned into an all day cleaning event. When you have only one child, you feel compelled to keep everything.  Not only do I feel obligated to keep everything, Patrick feels exactly the same. Lets see, I began cleaning and sorting at seven in the morning and finished around ten last night. Now that's a good days work. I slept like a baby.

I am also working on some new items for Vintage Two. I am so revved about these new things I'm working on. I'll give you a hint..

  This is the dictionary's meaning of the thing/s I'm making. Items designed to be useful or important for only a short time, esp, pamphlets, notices, tickets, etc. All that, and then add some French Connection!

Do you know what it is? Oh, the sky is the limit, and I just can't wait to put it together!

I changed my packaging on the Bittersweet Laundry Powder. I'm taken back to my French heritage while designing these labels.

I am sold out of Cherry Poppins Peg Bags, but will be making more today. I have one French Blue left.

The auction is next Saturday! I will be posting pictures and info on Vintage Two.

Enjoy a caring and sharing day.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)   

Tall Woody Bench, Less Woody

Remember the tall woody bench that was my Mothers? I had mentioned in another post how it was not one of my favorite pieces, too primitive, but since it was my Moms I don't want to get rid of it. Yesterday I gave it a make-over. I didn't have enough polka dot fabric to make the skirt, and I had been wanting to work on this project for quite awhile so I had to improvise. I had just enough polka dot to trim the skirt. Sometimes Improvising turns out to be better than what was planned, and that is the case this time.

See the woolly bear setting on the woody bench? That was my Moms too. She always had him setting on her bed. Patrick used to play with him when he visited Grandma. Lot's of memories with both the bench and the bear. It's sweet to have both objects in my work room, as they help me stay grounded.

Enjoy a caring and sharing day.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Just Bliss

Out of all my flea market finds during Saturday's trip, this little book stands above all others. It was a steal at $5.

The book is packed full of happy poems. I really like the cover of the book with it's art deco style flourish type design.  I had no idea the book was so  old. I was thinking it was from the sixty's or seventy's. The age of the book was indeed a pleasant bonus. A happy book too, and it's cover is pink!

ONE makes one's own happiness only by taking care of the happiness of others.              --Saint-Pierre

CULTIVATE not only the cornfields of your mind, but the pleasure-grounds also.            --Whately

WHAT'S the use of worrying?

It never was worth while, so pack up your troubles in your old kit-bag, And smile, smile, smile.   

--George Asaf - 

Enjoy a caring and sharing day.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Steps

I was up to my brown eyeballs working on VintageTwo yesterday. Sandy sat and co-piloted as we became step by step closer to finishing the web site. It had been awhile since I built Bittersweet, and I had forgotten how many steps go into creating a web site. Each little step brings you closer to a finished project.

I'm happy to have some under my belt, it makes it less stressful, and much faster when working.

We are so pleased with the way it's turning out. We are almost ready to begin taking pictures of the items that will be available, and maybe if I keep my fingers crossed will have it up and running this weekend, Sunday!

Seven categories so far, but last night why I lay in bed I thought of a few more. Just to give you a little nibble, we are going to have interviews with other shop proprietors, and flea market vendors, along with the crafty Chic's and dudes in our little part of the country. Happy!Happy! Joy! Joy!

I'm really excited about that!

This morning that temperature read 0, nodda, and I thought yesterday morning was cold! Missouri weather is very odd. By the end of the week it's suppose to be fifty. I will take that!

I've ordered some new books that should be coming in anytime. Don't you love to order new books?

Today I will be taking pictures for the new web site. It will probably be an all day thing, as it takes me forever to get the shot. Oh, I almost forgot too, I will be offering the dry oil on Bittersweet too.

Enjoy a caring and sharing day!!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Teamwork Baby!

Teamwork, it's truly the magical word when working closely together with anyone. Your winning football team knows the word well. Volunteer organizations know the meaning of the word, and now I can safely say my husband and I do too.

Moving day turned out to be faster and better than I ever imagined, thanks to my power mover husband. Not only does he get right in there, he's a great packer. He is so much better at packing than I am. He also can lift furniture like Superman!

We managed to get almost everything out and moved into home within a few hours. I still have a few things to get, but most of it is in it's new space. It's fun having an array of different merchandising stuff to work with. My studio is much smaller than the shop, so I can be picky and choosy on what stuff goes into my new home studio.

I kept most of the pieces I had in the shop simply because they are unique, and rare, and would be difficult to replace. The little pink party dress is one of those finds.

I am returning to the shop today to get the glass items. I have a lot of glass jars, and bowls that were used to merchandise Bittersweet products. I love the look of products in glass, I will continue the look at home.

After moving yesterday, I felt the need for a trip to the fabric store. I needed a little fabric therapy! For me, the fabric store is as invigorating as the book store. I throughly enjoy picking out new fabrics, and find it to be soothing and satisfying.

I found the perfect fabric for making some of the new Bittersweet stuff. I am so excited! I can't wait to get it made and on the web site. It's going to be a complete switch from what I have now. It's going to be just fabulous darlings!

The entire month of January I will be working on the new designs and posting them onto the Bittersweet web site.

I'm scaling down a bit with my manufacturing, but in return, will offer more cohesive and creative designs. I am bursting at the seams with excitement and anticipation!

Enjoy a caring and sharing day!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Package Arrived, How Exciting!

 

Yesterday the mailman rang, and delivered a package from my vintage Christmas swap partner Kelly. The package itself was beautifully wrapped in old fashioned brown paper and embellished with hand drawn art work of red and green Christmas tree's and holly surrounding the box. I have always been fond of this brown wrapping paper. Isn't that crazy? It reminds me of the olden days, for back then, after purchasing  one's weekly necessity's of dry good items the store owner then carefully wrapped the items in this plain, but forever vintage caramel brown paper.

As I opened the box, I'm thinking to myself how much I've been enjoying swapping, and the blogging camaraderie, and friendships that form during these lovely swaps.

What a delight to my twinkling eyes should appear as I open the box, but beautiful Victorian crochet trims, vintage German trims, little hand made birdie sachet stuffed with cloves, a vintage hankie case, adorable hand made bunting, that I absolutely love, a darling red notebook adorned in a red checkered jacket with a vintage button cleverly added as a clasp. No detail was left undone. I can tell from Kelly's package she's creative, clever, very generous and well organized. Love, Love, Love em all!

Next swap ~ vintage beauty... Now that's right up my alley!

Shop Thursday, and a late night too. I love to be in my shop at night during this time of year. Bittersweet is decked out in sparkly little lights, and as I look outside the store window the shops and businesses are trimmed in Christmas bling. They are finger print images that will be forever in my mind.

Enjoy a caring and sharing day!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

 

Sweet Tweets...

   

My bird swap package from Peta arrived on Saturday. I couldn't wait to see what was inside the stunning tin. I can tell she spent a large amount of time and effort  picking each item. Everything was so beautiful!

The bird tin with a picture of a "Carmine Bee-eater", that's one of the prettiest birds I've ever seen! A little pocket size map puzzle showing the region of Australia Peta lives in, and below, a retro 1974 fabric calender. I don't believe my pictures do them justice. My crappy camera, with the automatic flash. I have placed a piece of black electric tape over the flash , this might have something to do with the not so good photo's . That "New Zealand" table cloth is too cute! I plan to place it on a table while entertaining, and serve "New Zealand" kind of food. Not sure what that would be, but sounds fun! The porcelain rooster bowl, very vintage, and in excellent condition. A little humming bird magnet that I proudly placed on our fridge. The two little porcelain love birds perched together, so sweet!

Peta, thank you!   

This was the first swap I've participated in. I believe I got more  excited then a kid at Christmas! It was so much fun! So much that I also signed up for the "vintage Christmas swap", and I am  looking forward to it too!

It goes back to the blogging thing, just look at how many beautiful friendships are formed through this generous thoughtful act of kindness through the blogging world.  OK, I will shut up.

Monday, Monday... I am too blessed to be stressed! This is a phrase one of my close friends Debbie says, and I like it. I've been repeating it to myself the past few days.  I am starting to become overwhelmed with the holiday rush. This is the first year in ten years I've been so busy this early in the season. Believe me, I'm not complaining, it's just going to take me awhile to adjust.

It's so hard to judge how much stuff to make, and since this is my busiest time of the year $$, I don't like to run out of things. Today, I am going to make another one-hundred fifty lip balms, and  another one-hundred bars of velvet spice, along with more little boxes. I may have predicted wrong on the most popular selling item at the boutique this Christmas. Saturday I sold around seventy-five little boxes. Whew!

OK, I can hear myself, one ear is telling the other, isn't Jill a wimpy complainer?

I am to blessed to be stressed... Yes indeed!

Thank you for all of your kind comments, they are truly appreciated and make me feel really good!

Have a sharing and caring day!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Vintage Swap

It's Saturday morning and I'm headed for the boutique. I am so excited about the upcoming "vintage bird swap"! I can't wait to find out who my swap partner is! I have been wanting to  participate in a swap for a long time, but just haven't had the time.

How exciting! I wonder who created this marvelous swap idea? I'm sure it would have to be a sensitive, loving, generous, creative, person. I believe I'm more excited about swapping then Christmas.

Why do I get so excited when receiving packages in the mail? Is it weird to think this way? If I order something from a catalog, I anxiously await it's arrival, wondering will I get it today? Is that it? Is it the not knowing when it's coming that is exciting to me? Don't think that's it, maybe an itty bitty piece of it.

The mailman recently delivered a package to the shop, and I knew I hadn't ordered anything, and I'm wondering what is this? I was so excited , I didn't know it was coming, soooo. That kind of ruins the when will it arrive theory.  It turned out to be a lovely gift from another blogger, Alexis Claire Kelly.

What a lovely gesture! I had commented on her blog, and she reciprocated with a heavenly little vintage fiber postcard. Alexis, I will treasure it forever!!

It's the gifts we don't expect that are even more special to us.

Which brings me to..

The reason I like this blogging/swap thing, is because it's such a loving thoughtful thing to do. Friendships are formed that may have not been otherwise. It reminds me of when I was around ten or so , my best friend was moving to another state. We vowed to write each other every week. I remember going to the store with my Mother, and explaining to her that I needed to purchase some beautiful stationary so that I could correspond with my friend. Back then it was "Yellow Happy Faces", remember those?

I couldn't wait to take the stationary home and begin writing to  my friend. Each week I would anxiously await the arrival of her precious letters. We would tuck little treasures in the letters, like Fall leaves or ticket stubs from our favorite movie we had seen that week.

I believe that is why I fancy the bloggy/swap revolution.

It is a revolution, you know!

What a wonderful one indeed!

It has brightened my day more often than not..

It's things that make our lives more interesting!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

   

Friday Off!

I'm taking this Friday off from the shop. Tonight is homecoming, and the kids get out early today, which means crazy crazy downtown. The parade begins around 1, and the square will be blocked off to allow the parade to circle around the square.

What shall I do today? Piddle around the house. It's going to be a beautiful day, I might go for a drive, or maybe just lounge around and read a good book. Maybe bake, ooh I know, make some gooey butter cookies! You simply must try these scrumptious little baked cakes.They are a must-have cookie at all my shop celebrations. Your family will love them!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 egg
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
• 1/4 cup confectioner's sugar

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a medium bowl, cream together the cream cheese and butter. Stir in the egg and vanilla. Add cake mix, and stir until well blended. Roll into 1inch balls and roll the balls in the confectioner's sugar. Place 1 inch apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
3. Bake for 10 to 13 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove from baking sheets to cool on wire racks.

ENJOY!!

Let me know how you like them.

Have a great relaxing Friday!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

SWAP!!

Another triple digit day. YUK... Tomorrow, 78 and rain, love it!

Don't feel like doing much of anything when it's this darn HOT!

I am excited though.

Some of you have received an E. mail from me regarding swaps. I am new to the swap circuit so don't know a whole lot about it. Thank you for all your information. It is truly appreciated.

A special thank you to... Dacia for all the valuable info.

I can't wait to do this! I have been looking at other blogs and seeing the treasures they receive with their swap partner. What fun!

I also noticed all the work that is put into a swap. Keeping track of everyone and taking record of addresses and people on the lists. Thanks for doing that.  I also appreciate your work.

It will be a refreshing change to make something to give rather than to sell.

Today was change the shop some more. When it's slow I try and take advantage of it by changing things around. I get tired of seeing the same thing in the same spot to long. Change is good!

This evening, going to prop my feet up and watch some television. Amazing how that sounds so good. Must be the heat!

Have a good one!

Happily,

Jill 00(Remember, two hugs are better than one.)