Bittersweet and the little soap company

Sweet Saturday Studio

The Bittersweet studio was booming on Saturday. It was officially the first Saturday  Bittersweet has re-opened in my home. You know how when you start something for the very first time how you have to get some kinks out. Well, not too many kinks. In fact I'm very pleased with my little home studio, and I absolutely love working in the new area. I still work in my kitchen making soap, and creams and such, but having a little store just a hop and a skip down the stairs is very comforting to me. Just in case you can't feel my enthusiasm, HAPPY, HAPPY, JOY, JOY!!!

The gals and guys that came by on Saturday were stocking up on Bittersweet soap, and checking out some of the new products.

The dry oil is a huge hit! In fact I'm making more today. I plan to put it on the web site soon. I love this stuff!

For those of you that called asking about the lavender liniment, I should get vitamin E this week, and as soon as I do, I will make an extra large fresh batch of liniment, and plan to get it on web site too.

Oh my gosh, Sandy dropped by last night to show me her latest creations for the VintageTwo web site. I can't wait! Loved, Loved, Loved everything. Things that are really different too. I wanted her stuff! Again, HAPPY, HAPPY, JOY, JOY!

Am I starting to get on your nerves? I'm getting on my own nerves...

Patchouli Julie, this is your Valentine!

My friend Julie loves Patchouli. So I appropriately call her by that name. I even incorporate the name into Bittersweet patchouli products. When I had the boutique, customers got a blast out of the name. A lot of them know Julie, and that made it even more real.

I'ts such a good feeling to be busy. You gals and guys out there that know me, know how I like to be busy. I am a happy soap making girl!

Enjoy a caring and sharing day!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

 

Love

February weddings aren't they romantic?

I'm working on making some February wedding bridal gifts for Bittersweet. I don't usually do too many custom orders, but weddings are a exception. I get to use textiles and lots of embellishments that I don't normally use on Bittersweet products so it's a change from the norm.

I'm also working on creating a new body product. A customer had asked if I could make a dry body oil, and I told her I would check into it. I researched it, and found that I can, and will begin manufacturing a dry body oil. I am planning on working on the formulation today, and then I will get started on the packaging. Dry oils are soft and non-oily to the skin, but yet still moisturize, and penetrate into the skin. It will be a nice product to introduce with the rest of the Bittersweet Spring line.

Speaking of Spring... I know we still have a lot of winter left, but I am  so anxious for Spring. I get this way every winter about this time. This year I'm even more excited since I will be home with the studio. Being home will allow me to have more time to plant flowers, and just set outside on our little porch and listen to the birds. Doesn't sound boring to me one bit! I haven't been able to do such things for years. Owning and managing the shop took every bit of my time.

Off to work....

Enjoy a caring and sharing day!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

 

Studio Bittersweet

   

I shot pictures of the Bittersweet studio early this morning.  I haven't got things exactly where I want them, but it's coming along nicely. I love the "Coffee Time" sign above my desk, and notice the bunting that hangs in front that I got from Kelly in the Vintage Christmas Swap. Kelly I just love the bunting! 

I have yet to begin on the little soap room. That room will be filled with all Bittersweet's soaps and cremes, at least that was what I was thinking. I am still amazed on how much merchandising space I have in such tiny areas.

I have to make so many more things to get stocked up for Valentine's Day. It's easier to have stuff to put in the empty spots rather than have empty spots. The little room is on the most part empty, so I will begin there. The two glass apothecary cabinets that I have in the little room are such a pleasure to decorate with. I have seen pictures of similar cabinets in magazines, and they place glass jars filled with pretty soaps, and fluffy white towels here and there. I kind of have that pictured in my mind as to what it should look like.

I am concentrating on Bittersweet stuff for the next week or two, and then I will have more time to focus on VintageTwo.

Enjoy a caring and sharing day!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Button, Button, Who's Got The Button?

Owning a business and a little shop is similar to writing a novel. So much time goes into planning what your creating, and not to mention the packaging, and colors, and the list goes on and on.

Lately I've had to force myself to concentrate on one thing at a time, otherwise my book work will never get finished.

I have so many ideas floating in my head, and so many new prototypes to design that it can drive me crazy if I allow myself to think about them all.

I'm currently focusing on the Vintage-Two web site. This picture is a glimpse into one of the little projects I'm working on now.

Button, Button, who's got the button?

I have collected old buttons for as long as I can remember, and plan to offer some of my vintage button collection on the Vintage-Two web site. For those of you that incorporate vintage buttons into your projects,these buttons are for you! Some of the buttons are very old, and will add the perfect touch to your projects.

Ironing day too. I have a very large pile of vintage linens that are in badly need of some de-wrinkling.

May your day be filled with passion!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

   

Red Wine & The Studio

I finished the painting yesterday. I can't believe it took most of the day, and I'm so glad it's done! Last night I poured myself a glass of red wine, and went downstairs to begin working more on the designing of the studio. The studio is a small space, and I have to utilize the space as both a shop and work area, which I'm finding takes a considerable amount of thought, and a glass or two of red wine. Nevertheless, I am very happy with the beginning stages, and am finding that I really do have the perfect amount of space for both.

I'm excited about making new soaps for spring. I am going to make a tomato soap. The fragrance is crisp, with a hint of sweetness. Also on that list of upcoming new soaps, citrus basil, it smells so good!

Upcoming 79th annual Oscar Party held at the Beverly Hills Hotel on February 25th. I need to get new soap made to send to the event. I will need to send one-hundred & fifty bars of soap.

Here's the list of new stuff & things I need to make for Bittersweet before February 1st!

1. New Soaps
2. Package Soap to fill empty soap wrack
3. New Soaking Salts housed in Irish linen cloth bags
4. Soothing Heat Pillows in natural knobby muslin
5. New Bittersweet Catalog
6. Fancy Pot Holders and matching tea towels
7. Little Easter Boxes
8. Lavender Dream Pillows wrapped in silky purple brocade fabric with butterfly appliques
9. Lavender Eye Pillow using same silky purple fabric
10. Lavender Laundry Powder
11. Lavender Dryer Sachets~Yum
12. Lavender Linen Spray
13. Ironing Spray that makes your clothes smell so, so good!
14. Little Girl Smock Aprons
15. Stuffie the Dog
16. Zoe Dolls
17. New Furniture Polish
18. New Business Cards
19. Update Web Site with all of the above new products

I can't write number twenty!

Oh my.... Well, I guess I better get busy!

Enjoy a caring and sharing day!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

   

 

Last Saturday.....

And pre-Christmas Eve at the Bittersweet Boutique. I have been so busy,and the days are just spinning by right before my eyes. I thought it would be appropriate to post this picture of the boutique on today's blog that my friend Linda took when I first opened.

Throughout the year to come, and hopefully year's to come, I will frequent back to this post remembering my life during this time. A time that has filled my soul with sweet memories that have indeed made me grow in a way that I would never have imagined. The special memories like Linda bringing me this picture shortly after I opened, and  Mr. Braun's Santa's, and caring and sharing, and all of the other countless  happy memories I will hold forever in my heart.

I would have never imagined some seven years ago, when first opening Bittersweet Boutique that it would be such a valuable finger print in my  life.

Before my Mom passed away, and during the time I sold to other shops, my Mom would often say.  "Why don't you open your own little shop", and I would always reply with the same answer." Mom, I would never want to be tied down to a shop all day, that's just not for me"!

One day after visiting my wholesale customers, pulling into my driveway, I thought, and it happened this fast... I am going to open my own shop! Lennis was home that day, and I remember coming into the house and saying hello, and then saying, "I am going up to the square to find a retail location so that I can open my own shop". You should have seen his face! I drove uptown, circled around the square a few times, and there it was, a for rent sign in a window of an old historic building off the square. I thought to myself, this would be the perfect spot for me!

I came home called the number on the sign, and next thing I know I'm moving in and setting up shop. It all happened within a few short days.

Isn't that odd? Remember, when I used to tell my Mother that I  could never do such a thing, and I have to tell you, I felt very strongly about not wanting to.

GOD directed me in the direction that I was suppose to be in, and although this was not the path I probably would have chosen myself, I am forever grateful that he chose this way, and I am forever grateful that I was allowed to have had such a wonderful journey.

Here I am, some seven years later....

Who would have thought that owning one's shop would be such a lesson in life...

It is truly  "A Wonderful Life", and I can't wait until the next chapter!

This Christmas my wish for you is that you too have a wonderful life, and that your cup runneth over with joy and blessings from above. Always remember.. There is only one of you, and that you were born with a purpose.

Have a Happy Christmas!

I'm taking a few days off, and I'll talk to you next week. I can't wait to read next weeks blogs, as I know you will have special Christmas stories to share.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than none)

Peppermint Saturday

Saturday morning, and work in progress whipping up a fresh batch of Peppermint Foot Creme. I love the rich golden hue this aromatic creme produces. The golden color comes from the natural bee's wax. Remember when I thought that Lavender Pillows would be the hot Christmas Item? Nope, Peppermint Foot Creme wins the award this season! I have a call-backs to make to let customers know I have it available this Sparkly Saturday!

More Sugar Baby too... Lot's of gift orders to fill, and so busy.

Yesterday was the best caring and sharing day ever. I will have to tell you all about it later. Back to work I go.

Enjoy a caring and sharing day!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

First Friday

For the past ten years Bittersweet has hosted a holiday open house on the first  Friday of December. If I remember, I've hosted two others that fell on the first. The one's that have fallen on this day seem to be special .  Maybe because it's officially twenty-five days before Christmas, or maybe just because it's the first, I'm not sure. 

Before I had the shop, the event was hosted in my home. Each one is different from year's past, as I meet new people during the year, and each person brings along their distinct  personality with them to the party making it different from the one before. I always look forward to seeing my good friends, both new and old.

Funny too, right before the event I always have the same thoughts. I would almost compare these thoughts to what an actor experiences before going on stage. I wonder how many people will come? Did I made enough stuff? I hope everyone has a good time! My stomach gets nervous and tingly with the anticipation of the evening. Isn't that silly? Silly yes, I do believe it is. Nevertheless I have those same crazy thoughts every single open house event.

I remember when I used to do shows years ago, I would have the same thoughts. Is this something all crafty people experience? The excitement of not knowing has always excited me. Does that even make since? Well, what I mean to say.. The anticipation of such an event is exciting and I can't wait until tonight's celebration. Yes indeed, it is a celebration! Time spent with my good friends and family, on the first Friday of December. I'm getting excited as I type!!

I have found that it doesn't matter what the event or where your going, you alone set the tone. If your happy, everyone around you is happy! Remember that phrase, "Spread Happiness"? I love that little phrase.

I know that this time of year a lot of you are having shows and selling your creations. I hope you experience a "Four Bell Day!" Remember to spread that happiness all around so that other people can catch it!

Have a caring and sharing day too!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than none)

Simple Sparkly Shop Saturday

Another simple Saturday, and even though it's simple it's a little crazy at the shop. So busy keeping up with the Bittersweet  inventory. I'm not complaining, I love being busy!

We're having such warm weather, it hardly feels like it should this time of year. We very seldom have snow, but it's usually much colder. It's been short sleeve weather every day. Missouri weather is the strangest, it can change at a bat of an eye. One moment it could be sixty-five, and the next forty.

Remember the lavender eye pillows I thought would be popular, and by the way, make a great stocking stuffer . Yesterday was their day. They were practically flying out the door. Too early to see if it will continue, but...sold out yesterday!

Bittersweet's open house is coming up on Friday. I always look forward to this event. Lot's of work to do before Friday. I would like to shop for a fancy dress to wear, and need to make lot's of stuff, and more cookies, and whew, I'm already wore out! It will be fun though. Lennis's sister is coming to work that evening, which will allow me to mingle with my friends and customers. I'm preparing little gift bags for each guest. Each will get a little holiday soap, and a bag of bath salt.

So simple sparkly shop  Saturday it is.

Enjoy a caring and sharing day!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

 

Shiny Green Friday

 

Yes indeed, it's not black Friday to me. I prefer to call it Shiny Green Friday. It's one of my busiest days at the boutique, and I usually don't even have time to eat lunch it's so crazy. I've talked about owning one's shop before, and the inconsistency's of taking home the green stuff on a consistent basis.

I've been experimenting with some trial  photo software, and having a blast with it. I'm giving all my photographs a face lift. I'm learning it's not necessarily the quality of camera you have, but rather the software to be able to tweak and customize. Where have I been? Photo shop is wonderful!

Here are a few of the new shots of Bittersweet... I got a little carried away showing them, but I can't help it, I can't believe the difference a little software makes.

I have several things to make this morning before the big day. Bursty Balls are always a big hit this time of year, but I must make a confession concerning them. I hate to make them! They are so temperamental. If you don't get just the right amount of water they take forever to fit into the mold, and even worse, if not the right amount of ingredients they stick in the mold and you can't get them out. So.. I've decided since I'm so busy to make fizzy bath salt instead. It's the same ingredients, just not in a round ball, and so much easier to make. Making so many different things, and trying to keep up with inventory, sometimes you just have to make a few little changes here and there. Fizzy Bath Salt it is!

Off to work this shiny green Friday.

Hope your Thanksgiving was filled with love and laughter...

Enjoy a caring and sharing day!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

 

Coming Soon!

Yesterday I began addressing the some six-hundred and fifty open house invitations. I can't believe postage costs more than the actual invitations. Oh well, gotta have em!

See that glass bottle, something new.. Perfume in a convenient roll on. Something I will be working on today. Perfume is tricky to make. You must have a bass,  top note, and  middle note, and know which ones are which, or it truly helps to know this, otherwise your perfume may smell like fly spray, and we don't want that!

I'm going to fiddle around with the different fragrances and see what I come up with. These little perfume's will be available on the Bittersweet web site too.

Yesterday I made more lavender mint soap. I really like the combination of the aroma's. The lavender softens the strong fragrance of the  mint and they  compliment each other very well.

Today, another soap making morning, although I haven't decided what kind yet. I have fennel essential oil, and sage too that I've been wanting to use, but need to study more about both of these oils before incorporating them into soap. It's odd too, my instincts always tell me when I need to be a little more cautious with certain essential  oils. Both fennel and sage fall under that caution range.

For example, I am highly allergic to Lemon grass, and it's use will almost send me to a trip to the emergency room. I didn't even know I was allergic until one night I decided to put a few drops into my bath water. I had not even been bathing for twenty seconds, when I thought I was going to spontaneous com bust! My skin became beet red and inflamed and felt like I was walking through fire. So, there you have it. You must use caution with any kind of essential oil. Always mix them with approximately two ounces of base oil, such as almond, jojoba, or grape-seed, then place a few drops on inside of arm. If you don't get itchy or it doesn't burn, your probably OK.

I don't mean to freak everyone out about essentials. Just remember to check them out first, and everything will be peachy keen.

I'll let you know what I come up with..

Enjoy a caring and sharing day!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

'Tis The Season!

For candy colored soap, cheery & bright!

I'm psyching myself out for another busy day at the boutique! I have been making new stuff so that I can stock the Bittersweet shelves with Christmas goodies. Preparing for tomorrow nights "Girls night out", and keeping notes of items that have sold out. I do believe those two words are music to my ears!

Blue Moon candles are a big hit this season! They've always been popular, and this season their popularity continues. I've made more little boxes, as I had sold most of the ones I had made. I love making the little boxes! They were an original Bittersweet idea that I am very proud of. Thanks Mom! I just had a thought too. I wonder how many little boxes I've made over the past years? I know it's been in the thousands. I will continue to make thousands more.

The holiday soap is cheery & bright! A shot of the festive soap packaging I decided on. What do you think? Candy coating the boutique a bit, with a splash of red, green, and Frenchy black. The shop resembles a large round candy lollipop, and reminds me of a song that song Dolly sang...

Tonight in the kitchen baking cupcakes and gooey butter cookies for tomorrow nights event. 

The anticipation of Christmas and all of the preparing for the holidays is always a little overwhelming at first, with so many things to do, and so much to keep up with owning one's shop.  It's simple math though.  If I don't make things to sell, then I don't make any $$. Not like the person that goes to work each  day and collects their paycheck at the end of the week. Retail  life is very inconsistent and totally  unpredictable, with the exception of Christmas! Christmas is a little slice of heaven for me.

Christmas has always been my favorite time of year regardless of whether I owned a shop or not. I love everything about it!

Of course, the core, and the inner most  reason personally , is the main reason we celebrate to begin with. The birth of baby Jesus. That sets the tone for me, after that, it's everything that follows. All good of course, sparkly and bright, and love, lot's of love for each other and the world. That's why Santa was created. Yes, all things good, and caring and sharing during this wonderful time of year.. Each day a blessing indeed!

Have a caring and sharing day!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Flashy Girl

 

I am not! In fact this is about as flashy as I get! This darn camera... I bet you can guess what's on my Christmas list.

Whew, busy girl lately. Velvet spice soap is going, going, almost gone already! More coming but it will need to cure for a couple of weeks. Check out the festive holiday packaging! I still can't believe how early people are Christmas shopping this year. This week busy too, with "Girls night out", and Christmas lighting ceremony. Plan on staying open late both nights, and will offer extended hours beginning November 30th.

I always look forward to Sundays. I don't do a whole lot on Sundays. Just kind of putt around the house. It's a good time to relax and to do normal every day things. I like to read the paper , cook breakfast, which I hardly ever have time to do any other time, and just lounge around all day. Sometimes I don't even get out of my pajama's! It does something for my psyche.

Have you ever participated in a recipe tree? I received one last week in the mail. I usually don't bother with this kind of thing, but didn't want to break the chain, and decided that it would be fun to gather different people's recipes, especially this time of year. It took a considerable amount of time preparing the envelopes, copying, and making address labels for each letter to be sent. I sent six letters, and if everyone joins in, I should receive thirty-five recipes. So Theresa, if you read this blog, you should be getting some letters soon.

Monday is a good day for soap making, and that is what this gal is doing today. I need to order more supplies too. Can you believe another one-hundred and fifty lip balms already almost gone? I only have around twenty left! Oh my!

Saturday I was a little bummed. I sold an original  Zoe doll I made. She will reside in beautiful Hawaii. I guess if she had to go, Hawaii is a wonderful destination for her! Zoe is well known for spreading happiness wherever she goes. After the holidays I plan to make more Zoe dolls, they are fun to make, and it's a good feeling knowing that your spreading a little sunshine.

Today's schedule includes making more headache sticks too.  I don't believe I've ever talked about them before. They are a huge  at the boutique! Here's the story if your not familiar.

Both migraines and sinus headaches are caused by constricted blood vessels. Peppermint opens up those vessels similar to what caffeine does. Yes, it really works! If you feel a headache coming on, just rub the headache stick below your nose and breathe in the cool peppermint. Within minutes your headache is gone!

Off to work I go!

Have a caring and sharing day!

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Simple Saturday

As in, I am able to take a break at the shop. I have been busy in between customers, putting up Christmas decorations, and making new stuff. Things are going quick! I can't believe how early people are already purchasing holiday gifts, but hey, this gal is enjoying the moment.

I've already sold out of "Brown Sugar" lip balm!

There are several events upcoming. "Girls Night Out", coming up in a couple of weeks, and the night after, downtown lighting ceremony, which is provided by local volunteer's and merchants. Thank you volunteer elves!  Scores of open houses throughout the square too. Forgive me if my blogging gets a little spastic during that time.

Aren't the lily's pretty in the picture? My friend Alan, that owns a flower shop down the street from Bittersweet.I believe for some twenty some years, creates the prettiest flower arrangements I've ever laid my brown eyes on! The other day I stopped in to say hi, and he was making red carnation topiary. They were beautiful! One of those moments I wish I had my darn camera too! From now on Alan, when entering your shop, I will have camera in hand..

So, simple Saturday it is. I can relax and enjoy the company of friends and watch for those windows of opportunity for "sharing and caring".

Have a four bell day!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Shop Music

OK, I feel like since it's November 1st I can openly talk Christmas! I love listening to Christmas music during this time of year, and especially while putting up the decorations.

There are three Cd's that are my favorites. First, "James Taylor At Christmas." Who doesn't like James, he's all American and has that kinda common warm baritone voice  like my brother or uncle sounds like, but with a few high note twists here and there. Second, Blossom Dearie, and yes that is her real name. Scandinavian I believe. This gal can sing! Every song she sings sounds like a beautiful song bird, soft and light with her own unique style. Another favorite, although I couldn't find in on the Internet, Patsy Cline Christmas. I believe I picked it up at a discount store during the holidays a couple of years ago.

So now that it's "November 1", I'll be digging out my old Christmas music and enjoying this once-a-year tradition. I've even been known to dance in the shop when no one's around.

It's another thing that makes my life a little  more interesting.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)   

Happy Holiday Shoppers

Appearing at the boutique yesterday.  

Lot's of heat pillows made their way out the shop door, along with holiday room sprays.

I need to switch the bath salt jar to "Velvet Spice", and add a bit of pink mica for a silky shiny holiday effect. "What are mica's," you ask? If you clicked on the link, I bet your really confused, know I would be.  In short they are minerals used to manufacturer natural make up. They are especially popular in lipstick. I only add color to the bath salt, I don't incorporate color into most of my products, I prefer the natural color hues they produce on their own,and find them more appealing. It's a personal thing!

Bath salt on the other hand, seems to be more attractive with a bit of shiny mica color, especially during the holidays.

Shop Saturday this morning, and I have a few chores to do before I head out.

Have a four bell Saturday, and remember, think Christmas, and be cheery and have fun, and don't stress!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

SHOP ELF WANTED, START IMMEDIATELY!

I believe that is the sign I will place on the front window of the shop. Yesterday was exhausting! I climbed up and down the ladder at least fifty times gathering all of the holiday stash. It's exciting going through it though. I kept finding things I had forgotten about, which made me feel really good. I am using the decorations from years past, and trying not to purchase more.

I love Mr. Braun's Santa's! They are so retro, and fit right in with the rest of Bittersweet. I will never part with them, they mean so much to me. I am going to try and take some pictures today, and get started posting them on the web site and blog.

Remember the velvet ribbon I mentioned? It came in yesterday, and it is stunning just like I imagined.

I incorporated more red then I first thought I was going to use, but it actually looks warm and cozy, and reminds me of when I was a kid, pictures soon!

I have three Christmas tree's displayed in the shop. One white , in the front window, and two evergreen inside the boutique. One with white lights and the other colored. Do you prefer white lights or colored? White lights look rich and elegant, while colored lights remind me of Christmas past , and I love looking at their candy color specks embellishing the green Christmas tree.   

I love Christmas! This year I'm looking forward to adding more cherished memories to my fingerprints of life.

Have a four bell day!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Holiday Favorites

Thanks for the nice comments yesterday girls.

I'm still whipping out lavender stuff. I sold most of the eye pillows last week, so back to the sewing machine to make more.

Every holiday at the shop, there has been one product that seems to fly out the door. It's strange too, no matter how I try, I can never predict what it will be. One year it was laundry powder, while another year, little bags. Last year, more than one, and probably in order. Soap, heat pillows, lavender everything, bursty balls, and the little bags.

I'm going to go out on a limb and say this year it will be about the same as last year, but especially the lavender eye pillows, but I'm never right so...

I am in limbo right now waiting on the manufacturing items I need to gear up for the busy season. I'm even running low on lavender to fill in the eye pillows. I'm excited to make more little boxes, because this season I'm making most of the boxes creamy white and beige. I have some vintage creamy white holiday graphics I'm using on them.

Let's get this Halloween thing over with so I can get the boutique all decked out for Christmas!

I can't wait to take pictures of the finished products. While searching for this season's packaging, I came across some beautiful velvet ribbon that is going to be stunning wrapped around the velvet spice soap. I about flipped out when I saw it. I had been looking for awhile.The velvet ribbon at the fabric stores is sold by the yard and way to costly for wrapping thousands of bars of soap. OK, I do realize I'm getting excited about ribbon, but why not? Don't you appreciate things more when you have to wait for them? I know I do!

I'm still awing over the apron patterns sweet Sharon brought by last week. I'm also excited about those too. Can't wait to transfer and start sewing.

Hope everyone has a great day!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than none)

Today Is The Day!

I have a confession to make to everyone. For those of you that have been to Bittersweet, you know how everything looks pretty, neat, and organized in the shop. Well, the back of the shop is, I'm just gonna say, ugly! It's such a mess I can hardly get around the corner, and as I do I usually stumble over all kinds of junk. First, I cleaned out the wedding room, and tossed all the stuff in the back. Then I redecorated the shop again, and DITTO, back of the room.

This area in the back serves as my storage/kitchen/lounge. It's only 7'x5', and next to this area is an even smaller bathroom, and that's it. I have no storage area. You shop proprietors know what a serious dilemma this can be.

I do have a little room off the hallway towards the back of the shop. I've shared pictures with you in past blogs. It was previously the wedding room, and now accommodates baby bird. Before Bittersweet, the building was used as a day spa, and the little room was a massage area. For me, this little room, 10'x10', has been nothing but a constant challenge. I would consider it a wasted space for retail, and even though I have never really had a big problem with sticky fingers, it's a shoplifters haven.

Soooo, I have decided that today is the day! I am going to move baby bird into the front of the shop, and use the little room as storage, and work space. I'm even going to put my television in there, along with my sewing machine, so I can work on some of my sewing projects.

I know it sounds a little stupid, but I'm even excited about my new room. Gosh, why didn't I think of this before?

It's things that make shop life a little more interesting.

Have a great day!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

   

Celebration de Noel

OK, I know I just talked about Halloween yesterday, but seriously gals, if I don't get on the ball, and start thinking Christmas, I am going to be in trouble.

Trouble meaning, I will be so busy I won't have time to think, and that's not fun, so don't even want to go there.

For the past ten years Bittersweet has celebrated Christmas by hosting a Holiday Open House.

It's always held on the first Friday in December.

This year, December 1st.  It's the biggest annual event Bittersweet hosts. So much goes into planning this event.The treasured evening is filled with friends. Most of my customers have become friends I am honored to say.

OK, deep breath Jill...

Make Invitations, then copy and mail by mid November.

Decide on holiday colors for the boutique, last year pink, white, and silver, and of course a splash of red from Mr. Braun's Santa Clauses. I like the color choice last year, I believe it  might rerun again this year.

Wrap holiday soap with elegant gift giving packaging. Sew bags for housing sea salt, (last year I chose a creamy damask, so pretty! Possibly use same, because I have yet to see anything jump out at the fabric store.

Make tons of the little boxes using holiday motifs, like the picture here.

Then comes the production line... Hard to say this year? Last year I more than tripled my manufacturing. Deep breath again... So order bottles, jars, containers to accommodate all the stuff I am going to make, and please no back orders....

Oh, don't forget to order shopping bags... Very important!

I have some new things I'm working on too, so........

Hey, writing it down has helped! Thanks.......

Anyway, it's things that make shop life a little more intersting.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

New stuff at the boutique

Cherries.... Love em! I love this cherries box from Hannah's Treasures.

I found the cannisters at an Arkansas Flea Market. I love using these vintage tins to place product in. They are a perfect fit.

New Lemon grass and Lavender hair fragrance and cleanser are popular too. Making shampoo is quite the ordeal, I must admit. It's made similar to the way I make the soap but is a much slower process. It turned out great! It's thick and rich, and it smells sooooo good! No chemicals in this stuff! I've washed my hair with it and I absolutely love it!

Wrapped and ready at the boutique. Vetiver soap is HOT! I've talked about vetiver before. It's a fragrant Fall Soap. One of my favorite!

So many things to do today. Make Sugar Baby, Bursty Balls, and tons of computer work to finish.

Have a great day!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Rainy Shop Saturday

A soft rain is falling on this Saturday as I wake and enjoy my first cup of morning coffee. So nice to have cooler rainy weather...

I did it again, I changed things at the boutique. This is an in between time for decorating before the holidays, where as most stores are decorating Fallish, Bittersweet is somewhat different. Since I make everything I like to focus on product rather than decorations. Christmas is really the only time of year the boutique goes all out.

I love Christmas and I especially love decorating the shop during this time. I get to put Mr. Braun's Santa's out, and make the holiday soaps that smell so so good. I haven't decided yet, what packaging I'm doing on the Holiday Soap?

Usually HGTV re-runs the holiday show the day after Thanksgiving, so the web site is busy along with the shop busy too.

I always get a little overwhelmed before Christmas, knowing how busy it gets, and trying to keep up with it. I'm not sure why? Something to do with "Type A Personality", and being a perfectionist,  I'm sure! Well, after reading that, maybe I'm a little bit of "Type B" too.

Anyway, today I'm taking more pictures of the shop and hope to have a "4$$Bell Day!"

I just have to throw this in before closing...

The President flew directly  over our house yesterday afternoon while leaving Kansas City... Patrick heard his plane, and we all went outside, and yep, sure enough.. I'm not familiar with how long they ground  planes during the President's departure,  but I would guess it was about an hour before I saw or heard any other planes during that time. Funny too, it left me with a overwhelming proud, kind of weird feeling. I thought to myself at that very moment... How lucky we are, and even though some don't agree with the way our country is being ran,

I am proud to be an American. Of course an American with French, English, German, and Pakistanis heritage.   

And, it's things that make my life a little more interesting.

Hope you have a great day!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Favorites at Bittersweet

Over the years since opening the shop there have been products I've made that have become notorious with Bittersweet. They are also my top sellers at the boutique.

Number 1,  SOAP, yep soap, has been my biggest seller for ten years. I've talked about the soap  before many times.

Number 2, Little Boxes.... I've talked about these too.

Number 3, Soothing Heat Pillows..... This one was a surprise. I wasn't expecting these to be so popular. I have made thousands. If you have never used anything like this, your in for a treat. I fill each one with corn which produces a moist soothing heat after being placed in the microwave for a couple minutes. They smell so good while warming.

Number 4, Bursty Balls.... That's what I call them. Other companies may call them something else.  I've also talked about them. The reason I call them "Bursty Balls"? After making them, and transporting from home to the boutique, they would sometime burst before I could safely get them into their jars. Seemed appropriate at the time. It's funny to watch customers faces as they sputter the words "bursty balls." Each person has their own little way of saying it, sometime laughing and giggling as they do. Fun for me to watch!

Number 5, Laundry Powder... I starting making this about 4 years ago. I thought it would be popular along with the other laundry items I make. Again, I never expected that it would be so popular.

After I created the actual laundry powder, and Lavender was first, I had to decide if I wanted to offer it in different scents. Of course I did, being the fragrance girl I am! Peppermint was my next fragrance choice. After researching this popular herb, I found out it neutralizes odors, along with it's many other talents, that might be another blog.. I needed one more scent. Do I dare. OK, Rose it is. I am not fond of rose fragrance, but many of my customers are so, and I have to admit I do like it on my linens. Next, packaging. This one just kind of fell into my hands, thanks to MARTHA. Yes, Martha came through for me while searching for laundry powder containers. Yep, I purchased the containers from my local Kmart store. Since then I now buy them from the manufacturer.

Number 6, Sugar Baby......A creation that I must admit I am addicted to. I had purchased other mass produced sugar scrubs before, and they were so so. I needed to make this one better. So, back to the kitchen to experiment with different recipes. I chose sugar rather than salt simply because I liked its smooth texture. The fragrance was pretty easy. I knew I wanted an invigorating scent. What better than Lemon and Rosemary? I love using it on my face, and it tastes good to!

Number 7, Lavender Linen Spray... I have a hard time keeping up with this one too. I spray it on my sheets and in my closet to freshen and keep pesky moths at bay. I use tons of Lavender at Bittersweet in various products. I love it! The shop always smells like lavender.

Number 8, Dream Pillow... Little pillows filled with lavender blossoms to place inside pillow case. As you sleep, soothing aromatic lavender surrounds you to help you relax. Big time packaging changing on these over the years. I like the final packaging results. I wanted to somehow have something to place the actual pillow in after making it. The answer, Origami Pouch.

Number 9, Button Boxes from Hannah's Treasures.... I love these! I don't make these. My friend Marilyn makes them. Chances are, you've seen them in a magazine, because I think Marilyn has been in about every magazine that's out there. From the very beginning, to the very end, she hand makes the entire box. What an eye she has! Lovely vintage wall paper! Check out her web site! (Site was down for awhile, keep trying)

Number 10, Bittersweet Lip Balm... Again, I make thousands of these each year. Why is it different from most chap sticks? Lanolin... Lanolin is very healing. I don't put it very many of my products as some people can by allergic to it. I have to tell you though, it's hard to beat! It heals cracked dry skin unlike anything I've ever seen. Oh, and also included in those ingredients, Vitamin E too. Did you know that vitamin E is a natural preservative? I put it in all of Bittersweet Products. Lip Smack en Good, that Bittersweet Lip Balm!

Oh my,,,,, my little fingers are tired!

There you have it, My Top Ten....

Making new things all of the time, so I hope to have some new stuff to add to the list. It's a nice warm feeling to make things that people like.

After all, it's things that make life a little more interesting!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than none)

Anticipation!

It happens every year about this time. I get anxious for Fall to get here.  It's the in between before the Holidays.

This year, as year's past, I'm stocking up for Fall. Even though I always think I've made enough it's never enough. That's a good thing for me! After 10 years of Bittersweet, I'm kind of getting the knack. (Knock on wood!)

Bittersweet is the busiest during the holidays. It's non stop making things both day and night for about a month. I work really hard trying to keep up with supply and demand during this time.

There is a light at the end of this Holiday madness though.

I close the boutique after Christmas during the month of January to regroup and make new stuff for Spring. Ahhhhh.....

Anyway, speaking of new stuff and more old stuff. Fresh batches of Lavender Linen Spray, Rose Bud Padded Hangers, More Flirty Skirts, Little Holiday Keepsake Boxes, and the list continues to grow by the day.