Bittersweet and the little soap company

Balance

After a busy week of celebrations, and packing orders, and making the few things I needed at the moment, I'm back in a balanced Bittersweet production this week.

Most of my supplies have arrived, and I'm ready to make more soap. It's exciting for me to make new Summer soaps, and create new products.

It has been my experience that when owning one's own business, there's a secret to setting your priorities, keeping it fun and non repetitive. I use the word secret, simply because those who have figured it out very seldom disclose this valuable information.

The secret word is balance..

It's not necessarily perfect balance, and it's not a balance that everyone else can see, but a balance within yourself.

A balance or comfort level knowing you're exactly where you want to be, or at least know which path to take to get there.

It took me quite a few years to grasp this balance thing with my company. 

For the first couple of years Bittersweet was priority above all else, and yes that includes my family, friends, and home life.

Bittersweet flew so quickly in it's first few years, there was little time to look back, but only to focus and plan ahead. I was constantly promoting and marketing in every direction, I had sales reps traveling the country selling my products, which meant in order to accommodate the customers , I had to keep up with manufacturing and packaging, and billing, and invoicing, and the list goes on and on. I had decisions to make, what size warehouse shall I get, how many more sales reps shall I hire, how many employee's do I need.

It didn't take me long before I realized I wasn't having fun, and that this is not what I desired my life to be, and definitely not the direction I wanted for Bittersweet. That's where the word balance quietly came in.

To obtain the balance,

I... had to think about what I liked most about Bittersweet and the thoughts I had before I created it. That was a no brainer, I loved to make things!

Second, I had to ponder why I wanted to start my own business to begin with. Was it created for the shear purpose of having my own business, and the freedom of being my own boss? Heck no! No matter how many ways I looked at it, it always came back to my love for making things. I had to think, did I want to offer my product as mass produced products seen from store to store, or did I want to offer my unique creations exclusively?

That's the day I learned about the word balance, and my interpretation of the word. I'll never forget that marvelous day!

I learned that Bittersweet was molded from inspiration, and my passion for creating things. I learned that the things I loved most out of life, family and friends, should stand shoulder to shoulder, and compliment one another to form a union of zen. I learned that the soulful feelings I had while making things was a private experience, not necessarily to be shared with everyone.

I learned that's it's never going to be a perfect union. Just as a marriage takes hard work and compromise owning a business takes even more.

I believe there are three C's to help you achieve the union and balance. Communication, Compromise, and Care.

Once you achieve your balance , everything else falls into place, and your soul is happy and content.

Owning your own business is demanding, but it's also very rewarding.

Whether you desire to have hundreds of sales reps, large warehouse's scattered throughout the country, or want to sell millions of your creations, or simply just make and sell a few things, there's one word that always holds the key for everyone, balance.

Enjoy caring and sharing May Days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one) 

 

 

A bit old-fashioned nowadays, I suppose, but oh how I love old fashioned!

While I was making these, my mind begin to ponder as it often does. I began to think about how important and significant it is to journal one's life.

Nowadays computer blogging has somewhat replaced the pen and paper blogging, I believe.

Please, don't misunderstand me, I love blogging! I think its the greatest thing indeed! I'll be the first to admit my pen and paper quite often got left behind on the back burner, where it's much easier to set at my computer and write my simple thoughts.

Nevertheless, the paper bound hand written journals I have are such a joy to dig out of my trunk every now and then and read.

Just like looking at old family pictures you haven't seen for awhile, touching, feeling, and reading the descriptions written on the back, browsing my hand written journals ,offers those same soulful feelings.

I make and sell a considerable number of these hand made journals at Bittersweet. It makes me feel good to know, people are still writing down their thoughts the old fashioned way, as well as blogging on the computer.

I've been working on a pantry re-do. I haven't quite got it right yet.

     

I'll be announcing the Bittersweet Soap Giveaway tomorrow!

Enjoy caring and sharing days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

*The Ages*

I've planned a small get together with friends on Friday evening. It's actually a get together for an early celebration of Lennis's Birthday, as he is turning FIFTY!

Isn't the age thing interesting?

Last week while setting in the doctors office waiting room I began to ponder that exact thought. As I set there I begin to think about the other people that were setting across from me, beside me, and throughout the waiting room. It's a Jill thing, instead of reading magazines like most, I prefer reading people.

My mind traveled back to when I was twenty and not a care in the world, well at least my cares were superficial and small. That's what I think now.  I was a single girl living the single life.

Then my thirties.. I still am carefree, happy, and life is pretty darn good!

I reach my forties, and my child is growing up quicker than I ever would have imagined. It's as though the days pass like seconds, and time somehow has increased to warp speed. My body has so many inconsistency's, as well as my moods, but yet I'm still happier than ever. Could it be true? Things get better with age. 

As I sat in the doctors office, I began to think about this. I see the elderly woman setting across from me. I think, this will be me some day. That's not something you think about in your twenty's or thirty's. It's a forty, fifty thing.

I saw many things as I sat in that office, and one thing stood out in my mind.

We are all here for a specific reason. Each and every one of us has a purpose. A purpose for living, a purpose for dying, and a purpose for loving. I do believe those three things are the sum of it.

Life isn't about how much money you make while you're here. It isn't about what kind of house you live in or the car you drive. It's about you! The choices you make determine the outcome of things to come, some choices being only temporary and some being permanent. Each day is a blessing!

I'm sure that many that sat in that office were not thinking life was a blessing. Many were thinking about the pain they felt in their body's and I'm sure some were thinking about death. I would imagine it's hard to think positive when your body is in pain.   

As we get older we begin to think about these things and many more thoughts that we never imagined when we were younger.

Funny, I never imagined I would ever live to forty, let alone fifty! Isn't that crazy? I remember when I was a kid looking at my thirty-something parents and thinking, "wow, they're old"!

It's all about how you look at things. Remember the positive, negative thing?

Enjoy caring and sharing summer days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

 

      

*Happy Busy*

It's nice to break with blogging every morning in between my studio re-mod. After a few days of doing the same thing, I get antsy to do something else. I'm sure it's a  form of Attention Disorder. Did you know there are over thirty-five forms of the disorder? What's up with that?

It looks cloudy outside, like it's going to rain. Sewing machine here I come!

I've mentioned before how I always get overwhelmed this time of year. It's a good overwhelmness though. The word overwhelmed maybe isn't the appropriate word. Well, yes I guess that's the right word. It's a good thing I'm a multi tasker! This time of year I might have ten or twelve things going on at once. Here's the kicker.. I love it! I like to plan, reconstruct, organize and put together, that's just me. I believe it stems from an inherited gene. My entire family is high strung, and over-motivated.  I'm afraid my fourteen year old son is too.  This is his business and web site.

Isn't it wonderful how we are all so different in this world?

I have days that I don't feel like doing anything. I cherish those days, as they are telling me to slow down a bit.  I have to tell you though, I am happiest when I'm busy.

You know being busy is a soulful thing.  Each and everyone of us looks at it in a different way. Some like being busy, others don't. That's the reason I enjoy reading other women's blogs. Their busy is different from mine , or maybe it's similar to mine. Maybe it's a mix. At any rate, I enjoy exploring other's busy goings on.

Enjoy caring and sharing summer days.

Please say a prayer for the folks in Minneapolis.

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)   

 

 

*Prep Time*

An enormous amount of Bittersweet's time is spent on prep time. Without it, stuff just sets, nothing fancy, nothing stands out, simply there.

When I was dating it was always the prep time that held the tone for the date. I planned what I was going to wear on the date hours before. I planned how I was going to wear my hair, which shoes to wear with the outfit I had  chosen, which purse, all these things, prep time.

Think about it for a moment... We spend an exceedingly amount of time prepping.

Gosh, I prep for blogging. I prep for the pictures I take, I prep for my family's meals. I prep all my business stuff. I prep for everyday life on a continuous constant basis.

What would a life be without prep time? I'm not sure...

I believe prep time is a favorite time for me. I thrive on planning and tweaking and fixing and preparing. I believe most of us do.

I'm prepping all the time. It's the final results of all that prepping I appreciate. You know, that moment when you've completed the preparation and you like what you see. The moment of satisfaction from all your planning and you can pat yourself on the back and say "good job"!

Yeah, that's what it's all about!

Enjoy caring and sharing summer days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than none)

Summer Slide

When one owns a retail business it's a bonus for the guy or gal to be a quick change artist as you are constantly, and I do mean constantly changing merchandise, switching seasons, switching colors, and on and on....Gosh it's a  full time job just making things look good. Wouldn't you shop guys and girls out there agree?

When I first opened my shop back when, I quickly realized how the word Retail  transformed itself into a complete different word than I once thought.

Personally, and notice I say personally, I once thought of the word in a rather simple way. Simple in not really thinking too much about the word, but thinking the word meant a person who sells things, and that was about it.

After opening the boutique my feelings and definition of this word quickly transformed into a new appreciation for the word.  I began re-thinking the word , and when I thought of the word I would now think of words like, ever Changing , ever Revolving, ever Moving, ever Transforming. Yep, I believe those words best describe the constant change of retail life. He or she must also have a keen awareness of their surroundings and always be one two steps ahead of their game.   

Don't get me wrong, owning your own shop is what I would refer to as one of  life's Royal Rewards and unlike anything you will ever have the privilege to do.

Once one owns their own shop and experiences all the exciting day to day changing adventures, challenges, and rewarding accomplishments only retail life can exclusively offer, then something happens deep inside you.

Call it what you want....

Call it, Retail Fever!

Call it, Gotta Have A Store!

Call it, Once Bitten, Always there!

No matter what you call it, every retail friend/person I've talked to has had these same feelings at some time during their retail life.

Sure it takes a lot of time to operate a retail shop. Depending on what kind of store you have, some take more time than others.

The dots are connected through retail's ever changing way it comforts your soul with it's pure exclusive feelings of satisfaction and personal rewards you experience. These feelings last throughout your entire life.

Enjoy a caring and sharing day.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

 

Second Day

It's the second day after my car accident, and I have to tell you it's much better than yesterday. I was freaking out yesterday about how I felt. I felt emotionally torn all day. Even last night I was still feeling really sad. I was suppose to go to a party at my neighbors, but just didn't feel like being around people. Today though I am feeling better, and beginning to resume somewhat back to my normal. It is a slow normal.

By the way, thank you for your comments and concerns, they were a big part of my healing yesterday.

Am I sounding like a drama queen? I feel like it!

I'm seeing a whole new side of myself that I didn't know existed. I keep thinking about when my car was crashing into her car, and how everything went black. Why was it black? Did I blank out when I hit my head on the roof of the car?  Did I shut my eyes so as to not see, kind of a defense mechanism. It's driving me crazy thinking about it, no pun intended.

Then I'm thinking too. There's a reason for everything. That's what I believe. All a reason from GOD I believe. What was GODS purpose for me being in this wreck. Could it be that the young girl needed to experience a  scary car accident  to possibly avoid an even more life threatening accident? Maybe the experience was meant for me, maybe even for both of us. I may never know.

I did find out why the air bags didn't deploy. The mechanic said they have to be hit just right. If the impact is off by just a half inch of where the air bag deploy mechanism is, they won't come out. You know, that may be a good thing too. I set very close to the steering wheel when I drive. If the airbags were to have popped out, it might have possibly hurt my wrists.

Clarice, you are right. Someone was looking out for me. That's another thing that's bugging me about the accident. During the time of the impact, I know this is going to sound crazy, but I did not feel alone. I can't really explain it. The odd feeling happened at the precise moment of the impact.

OK, I know some of you are thinking, boy, Jill really must have hit her head hard! Seriously though and honestly, it was a weird feeling.

Today I'm taking the silver rental car in for a trade in. I don't like the car. Then I will clean out my little car for the last time, as it is headed to the salvage yard:( I will take my bent broken license plates off, and take any personal belongings that are left in the car home.

Then the process of finding a new car. I don't believe I will pick silver this time, maybe white or black.

I stopped by Sandy's yesterday. What a lot of stuff! The auction is Saturday.

Today is my friend Alan's birthday, and I plan to stop by and visit with him on his birthday.

I'm physically feeling fine. Thanks for being you!

Have a caring and sharing day.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

 

Five Seconds

Here's something to think about. Have you ever had an idea or a thought, and said to yourself,  I'll wait awhile before I do that? How about getting ready to leave the house and thinking, you know what, I'll wait a few minutes. Yesterday afternoon was a day I wish I would have waited just 5 seconds. 

As I drive down the street, just a few blocks from my house, I come to the four way stop, the same 4 way stop I've been stopping at for some almost twenty years. I notice a girl in a car to my left, it's my turn to go, and next,   BOOM, CRASH, OH MY GOD, and then astonishment!

The impact was horrendous. During the impact, I blanked out for a few seconds, and my head and neck, I'm sure resembled a bobble head. 

I had proceeded to go, and she ran the stop sign so I hit her head on with my car. My car is totaled! At least I would think. I couldn't even get out of my door without pushing it really hard.

After the crash, I remember being really mad at first. I even yelled out my window to the girl right after the impact, "What the Hell were you doing? She's a young girl, maybe even high school? She's says, I'm sorry, and begins to cry while setting in her car.

I continue setting in my car and think to myself, am I hurt? I feel the top of my head and there's a bump, and it kind of hurts. I notice my neck is hurting too. About that time I also notice my air bags didn't deploy, and thinking that's really weird. Why didn't my air bags deploy?

The paramedics arrive within minutes, and at this point I get out of my car and head over to the young girls car to check on her. She's really shook up, but it appeared she was not hurt. I notice a cross around her neck, and remember thinking she thinks strongly enough about GOD to wear a cross. Then I think about yelling at her, and feeling really embarrassed about doing such a mean thing.

The paramedics ask me if I'm OK. I say, "I think so." One of them I knew from a past fund raiser I hosted after the tornado. He remarks, "I wonder why your air bags didn't deploy?" I keep looking at my car, oh my my.

A man walks over to me and says, "I was behind you, and saw the whole thing". He tells me the young girl ran the stop sign, and was busy talking on her cell phone.

I hate cell phones, then I think, but I wish I had one now, and I would call my family to let them know what has happened. I posted about the cell phone thoughts in another post. It's very unusual, I know, but I don't have a cell phone. Patrick and Lennis both have one, but I choose to not.

I walk over to the young girl again and apologize for yelling at her. I'm beginning to come back around, and thinking how lucky I was to be walking around.

The police officer arrives, and the paramedics push my car backwards down the hill out of the middle of the street.

The police officer fills out his report, and issues the young girl a ticket. She's still crying. The police officer says, "I wonder why your air bags didn't deploy?" My neck is hurting more.

The tow truck arrives and says, "why didn't your air bags deploy"? He lifts my car up to carry to the repair shop. The girls Father arrives, she's still crying. The business office worker across the street are standing outside watching everything. I hear four little school boys talking amongst themselves, "did you hear that crash"? "That was the biggest crash I've ever heard and seen"!

The tow truck driver asks if I need a ride, and well, I guess I do. I was even considering walking home, it was only around ten blocks. Then I'm thinking someone will come by I know, and I'll get a ride. About that time, my friend Sandy drove by. She had just stopped by my house and spoke with Lennis, and asked if I was OK, she hadn't talked to me and was concerned. Sandy was on her way to the auction house when she drove by the wreck, which by the way, that's where I was heading too when I was hit.

So many thoughts... So many emotions...Just 5 seconds..... Why didn't I wait just five seconds?

I've never had a wreck before. I consider myself to be a good driver. I'm always watching out for the other guy!

Sandy gives me a ride to the car shop, and I fill out the paper work for a rental. The lady asked, do you want a silver Taurus or a white one, I say, neither. She looks at me odd. "I'll take the silver", I say, "it's the same color as my car.   I'm thinking to myself, I want my car! My little car that I've had for five years that only has twenty-seven thousand miles on it that is energy efficient.

I'm very very very  thankful that I am alright. I thank GOD for allowing both myself and the young girl for being OK.

I get into the rental and drive home. Lennis is out working in the yard as I pull into the driveway. He doesn't even notice I'm in a different car, same color remember?

I tell him about the accident, he's freaked. I go inside and take an aspirin because my neck hurts.

I think, if only 5 seconds......

Enjoy a caring and sharing day.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)   

   

   

I Think, Therefore I Do

My friend Carol at Our Red Door  tagged me this past weekend and gave me the honor title of "The Thinking Blogger Award".

Carol, thank you.  The gesture was very sweet indeed and I am flattered!

I have been taking a little break from the computer, and I am so sad about yesterdays university tragedy. So, so sad and disappointing. I'm praying for the victims family's and the killers family.

Enjoy a caring and sharing evening.

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than none)

Absolute Honesty

All right girls and boys, I have a favor to ask of you. It's just a tiny favor though. Patrick is suggesting to me that I need to build another Bittersweet web site. He thinks the current site is not very user friendly. This is where you come in. May I ask you please, to visit the Bittersweet link and send me your honest comments, thoughts and feelings about my little web site.

When you visit, please consider these thoughts. Do you like the look of the web site? Was it easy to navigate? Did you want to order something? 

Patrick and I have completely different tastes, well I guess that's good considering my web site is stuffed with flowers and pink.

When I built my first web site, some eight or nine years ago, I had no training or knowledge in building one. I puttered along for a couple of months teaching myself.

I have built web sites for friends, and several for Bittersweet, but with Bittersweet's in particular, I've never really been completely happy. There is always that one thing or two that I don't like. You know what they say, if your not happy with the way something looks, then change it!

The web sites I have built cost nothing. Well, that's not true. My time is valuable, but money wise,  I pay seven dollars a month for hosting, and that's it.

Your comments are truly appreciated, and will help assist me in my marketing techniques. Please be completely honest in your answers.

Thank you in advance.

Enjoy a caring and sharing day.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Quiet..

Ah yes, the word quiet.. I still remember you in my mind.

For thirty-two years I was quite comfortable with quiet. I adored quiet! I welcomed it! I...You get the picture! Then I brought a brand new baby boy home into my quiet world, and the word quiet was no longer anywhere to be found. Quiet was replaced with cooing and crying and giggling sounds, with the exception of the crying, these new sounds were comforting and soon became more comforting than quiet was before. H'm....

I noticed the quiet last night after Patrick left..

Lennis and I converse back and forth, and even carry on great conversations, but it's so quiet! It's so funny how things change. How does one prefer one thing over another, and then change completely?

It begins when you bring that new little baby into your home. You nurture them, love them, comfort them, and give them all you have, and just as you get used to doing all that it's back to being quiet.

I can see the future clearly.. When my child goes off into the world, again my space will be whispering quiet. Quiet I'm finding now, will be an adjustment. You know, it's odd, I never really thought about quiet like this before. Maybe by experiencing it now, I will be prepared more for the future. Somehow, I don't think that, but at any rate, will be pondering that thought in my mind.

Now this wasn't intended to be a sad blog, rather a something to think about blog.

I'm not really sad about the quiet. I will just have to get used to it again. When quiet arrives, I'll remember this blog. I will also remember that these feelings are normal and healthy to experience, and that it's also a big part of being a parent.

You don't have much time to think about these things when your children are little, but as they grow, these thoughts begin to appear. As these thoughts come up, think about them, and don't look at the sad quiet, but rather a happy quiet. A quiet you will embrace, for now, you know the difference between quiets. GOD'S lovingly way of teaching you.

Enjoy a quiet caring and sharing day..

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)   

Inside the magic ball

Can cupcakes be happy? They make me happy! I believe they have an aura of happiness wrapped around their paper packaging. Cupcakes are usually associated with celebrations similar to what a cake would be, but yet different in the way of their size and cuteness.

Did I say cute? Yes, I believe cupcakes are cute too! Their popularity is at an all time high. When I go to the recipe area at the book store I can't help but notice the number of cupcake books on the shelves. Very tempting too. Each book cover looks happier from the next with candy colored icing whipped around the tops of the cupcakes, and cherries atop some, come on it's the synonym of cute!

In fact, maybe that's where the phrase "cute as a cupcake" came from, hmmmm.

Personally, I believe it's one of those timing things. I also believe what goes around, comes around, meaning first time around good, second time around better, and of course, third time around absolutely magnificent!

It's the making of a trend. Well it's actually the beginning of the making of a trend. If you look at everything that is trendy right this minute, you will find that most if not all, have been around for a long time. That this is not their debut, it's actually their second or third on-core, maybe even fourth or fifth.

I enjoy pondering the thought of what will be the next hot trendy item. Well, their won't be just one, but it's fun to try and hit on the trend before it becomes a trend.

I'm thinking bed jackets.  They were popular in the sixty's, and I believe they will make a huge come back very soon. You E-Bay people out there, buy them now, and sell them later!

I guess if you live to be very old, you would see lot's of things come back around and around. Is that what contributes to making you old?

I've always heard too, a gal or guy should never wear something twice. Have you heard that? I mean for example, during the seventy's I wore bandanna's and hip hugger pants. Are those off limits to me now? Who on earth thought up this silly rule? OK, and the no white after Labor Day? Come on! I love white clothing! I have tons of winter white sweaters in my closet.

On to the next prediction... CLOGS! Oh my, I wore those during the seventy's too. They made a bit of a comeback during the late eighty's, but were short lived. I predict this time around they will be hotter than ever! How about clogs with short little white bobby socks and tapered jeans, huh!

Then there is the ever popular black and white. It's been hot so many times, it's never really ever been non-hot! This summer HOT, HOTTER THAN EVER with very chic modern style black with big swirly patterns and textures, similar to the seventy's, and of course matching bandanna's and head bands.

There you have it! My trend predictions. Keep an eye out for them, as they will be coming soon!

Enjoy a caring and sharing Saturday!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one) 

 

Smell Good Laundry!

 

One of the reasons I started the laundry product line @ Bittersweet was the fact that I had been so disappointed in other so-called natural laundry products that just didn't live up to my standards. I'm a fragrance girl, and love to spritz, and fluff my clothes with smell good things, but don't like chemicals. So....

I did some research and found some great old recipes that were once used in making laundry powders. Recipes that my Grandmother and Great Grandmother used in their day, free of chemicals or preservatives. I was specifically searching for recipes to make laundry powders and linen sprays.

After considerable digging and searching I found some original recipes that would have been found on your Grandmother's grocery shelf, although they would probably not have contained fragrance or essential oils, depending on the era.

In those days there was no such thing as dryer sheets. Women would hang the freshly laundered clothes outside, and allow the clean fresh air to dry them. If they were lucky enough to have lavender growing in their garden, they would carefully pick the fresh lavender stalks and gently braid them together to make wands to place in their linen drawers and closets. They had learned through experience, how lavender would protect their linens from moths, and the sweet aromatic smell was such a welcome extra bonus.

Not one seed of lavender would have been wasted. The women would carefully gather the loose seeds and place in a bowl  for use in making sachets and potpourri, and I'm sure too would tuck a bit of the lavender inside their handkerchief to indulge in its sweet aromatic fragrance.

For stubborn rust stains the women would mix an equal amount of cream of tarter and salt to make a thick paste and then apply it to the stain and allow it to set for a couple of hours in the sunshine. I myself, was amazed how well this works, and have used it on countless pieces of my own vintage linens to remove those pesky rust spots.

On ironing day, yes they had a specific day that they did ironing. They opened the cupboard, and took out the box of starch ,carefully adding water to the powder to make their own starch. Depending on the amount of stiffness they wanted, they would either add more or less water until they created the starch they desired, and for special linens, they might have used their precious rose and lavender floral water they had made using their bounty reserve supply of roses and lavender from the past seasons flower and herb  garden.

Today, there is so much emphasis on trying to make our lives easier, quicker, and less complicated. I personally believe that today's measures to achieve this have fallen short. One thing I don't understand too. Why are we in such a big hurry?

This girl likes to do things the old-fashioned way! I love hanging my clothes outside to dry! On a warm summer day, they are usually dry within an hour.   I prefer the smell of real lavender over synthetic overly-scented laundry powders, and fabric softeners. I love opening my linen drawer to smell the sweet lavender sachets that are tucked inside. Ironing is very relaxing to me, and I love to spritz my clothes with lavender linen water. There is nothing on this earth quite like the smell of clothesline fresh linens sprayed with lavender spray.

Yesterday while making the Bittersweet laundry products, these are the thoughts I had while mixing and creating. I enjoy making products that I know are safe, and although simple, by no means less effective than other products found on our grocery shelves today.

January 2007, something to think about!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

 

      

Countdown, and More Caring and Sharing!

Are you like me, and can't believe it's now the week of Christmas! I'm experiencing automatic over-drive this week, trying to keep the boutique stocked and orders sent out. This week will be totally nuts!

Saturday I had seventy-five customers within my first hour. I actually had a line from the cash register to the back of my small shop. Most of my customers have gotten to know me, and have become good friends,  which I believe came in handy while they stood there patiently  waiting for me to package their goods.

If it had been the mall, it might not have been a pretty scene.

Remember when I mentioned that I was to have a caring and sharing day on Friday?

It was so much fun!

Here's the story.. I have a little room in the back of my shop that houses extra stock of merchandise, along with sale items. It's good stuff, just don't have room in the front of the boutique, and I switch merchandise out regularly.

On Friday, a Mom and her eleven year old daughter came into Bittersweet. I told the little girl to go check out the back room. Then I asked her if she would like to pick out presents for both her Mom and herself for Christmas from the little room. During this time, Mom was asked to stay in front so the daughter could shop. Amazed and excited she filled her shopping bag with aromatic candles, body cremes, and flower pins.

Now I know that this Mom is a single Mom, and probably has a limited budget for Christmas. I also know that some people would not feel comfortable doing this, and to be honest, I wasn't sure how I was going to pull it off, without offending anyone.

Let's go back to Friday though. Remember when I said GOD was sending me these people.

The next caring and sharing moment...

When I make my weekly trip to the grocery store, I always try to go through  check out with this one particular girl. I have gotten to know her over the years, and every time I go through her aisle she pulls out pictures of her little girl to show me, and tells me about her family. On Friday she and her little girl came into the boutique after the single Mom and her daughter came in.

Can you see where this story is going?

Again, I sent the little girl to the back room, and helped her pick out items for her Mom. She was only five, but I could see that she was having so much fun just being able to pick out presents by herself. She was too cute! "I think Momma would like this", she said. I answered, "Do you think so, well lets put in the bag then."

Friday was great!

Why did I do this you ask? Well let me explain... You might think a person does such a thing to make themselves feel better. No, that's not it at all, although when you do something like this is does make you feel good, but that's insignificant.

You see, I believe that our purpose on this planet  is to help others as often as we can, and that GOD sends these lovely souls to me so that I can "Share and Care". It's not a free ticket to heaven, and it doesn't make me a better person then anyone else.

It's simply a blessing from GOD!

These little windows of opportunity are always there, you just have to learn to  recognize them, and share and care in spirit rather than physical.

Enjoy a caring and sharing day!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than none)

UP!

Yes indeed, up is much better than down! I can't believe how sick I've been the past few days. It's scary! I am up and around but that's about it. I would say I'm on lite duty.  I will seriously consider getting a flu shot next year.

I have been thinking the past few days too, since that's about all I felt like doing. I am so very blessed to be healthy. Two days of being sick, and I'm a lost soul. Imagine feeling like that every single day. The fact that you want to do things, but don't feel well enough, is so very frustrating, and demeaning.

I also was thinking about this time of year, and how so many people are sick and disabled and need our help assuring they have a little piece of Christmas to tuck away and bring out on those not so good days. When I get to feeling better I am going to do just that!

The nursing homes and hospitals would be especially good candidates for such work. Not sure exactly what I'm going to do quite yet, but I assure you, I am going to do something! The big picture is really quite small indeed..

That vitamin C I mentioned, I really do believe it is helping, and I'm having a barley cocktail every morning, although I have one every morning regardless. The barley grass , I believe, is helping boost my immune system.

During, and in between sleeping for forty-eight hours, I watched the food network, and have to say, enjoyed it. Their producers and directors deserve a hand. They are whipping out some great recipes and ideas. I was almost overwhelmed from all the different holiday treats and appetizers they've been showing.

I'm not a semi-homemade gal, normally, but I was intrigued by Sandra's show yesterday, and all of the nifty ideas she shared, which I thought sounded fun and easy.  I especially liked the idea of making the peach fondue with the dainty meringue's.  I would probably prefer making the meringue's from scratch, but if your in a pinch for time, what a great holiday gift! In fact, all four of the recipes on this page sounded good to me.

What I should be doing? Making more ~ sugar baby, peppermint foot creme, lip balm, bags of bursty.

It's countdown for shopping at the boutique, with only eight more shopping days left! I can hardly believe how fast the time goes.

After Christmas, there are major changes in store for Bittersweet. I'm waiting until after the holidays to announce my new plans. I am excited with anticipation over the new business plan I've created. I'll keep you posted....

Enjoy a caring and sharing day!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)   

The Three Wisemen?

Remember those little windows of opportunity I've talked about? Yesterday was filled with at least three.

My first three visitors of the day were men. Now, it's not very often that even one man comes into the shop, let alone three. I think it has something to do with the lavender aroma that flows out my front door, not to mention the pink, and more pink I have coated throughout the boutique, and speaking of boutique, probably the word too is a little intimidating to most men.

Yesterday was the exception... My first visitor, and I didn't get his name, don't know that names were even important yesterday. Let's call him Bill though, so we don't get confused. Bill walked into Bittersweet with the utmost confidence. I greeted him as I always do with my customers. May I help you find anything? Bill said, no he was just looking.. Let me know if I can help you, I said. Bill asks me, do you make this stuff? Yes, I do. I make things too,  Bill said. Oh, what kind of things do you make, I asked? Bill suddenly got very recluse and seemed to be getting nervous,  and I could tell he didn't want to tell me what he made, so I didn't say anything else. He explained he was working on a patent for his creation. Oh that's great, I said. We talked for quite awhile until my next man of the day walked in.

I had seen this man around town before. He had poked his head into my shop asking if I was hiring, and seemed a little down on his luck. Will call him Joe. Joe, probably in his twenty's, and a nice looking kid. I had noticed before when he checked on employment, he had a speech impairment, and it was difficult for me to understand him. Yesterday, as he stood by the door I understood everything he said! He still had the speech impairment, but it seemed that I had no problem at all understanding him. He was excited, and more upbeat than before. He explained how he had just gotten a job, and that he was going back to school, and that he also was getting an apartment. I told him he should be very proud of his accomplishments and congratulated him . I later went next door to the book store, and they said Joe had come into there store too, telling them about his new exciting life.

The third visitor was Jack. Jack had been in  before around a year ago, I remembered him. One reason I remember Jack, he's a huge Harley man. Harley in the fact that he rides a Harley motorcycle. One thing that stood out about Jack was his outgoing personality. One of those people  that just automatically  rubs off on you in a good way, and seem to have that bigger than life way about them. Jack  was raising  money for battered woman, and a local shelter for both the women and their children. He had his little envelope in hand filling it with money for this worthy cause.  We talked for a few minutes, and then he left to continue his work.

After Jack left, I couldn't help but ponder in a Jill kind of way,  about all three of these men, and how each one of them held a tiny piece of the puzzle of life, and that without those pieces the puzzle would not be complete, and as insignificant as they may have seemed on their own  when first entering, the three of them in number  were mighty!

Yesterday was a wonderful "caring and sharing" day, and another finger print of life..

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Out of Ink!

I use my printer on a daily basis. Considering that, I always try to have a reserve of ink cartridges  on hand. I ran out over the weekend and was not able to print anything.

Which brings me to my next topic.

Do you think we are connected to much to our computers, printers?

I must admit, I used to freak out when I ran out of ink. It meant that I could not make labels, catalogs,invoices, business cards, etc., etc.

Now, no problem, I actually enjoy it, and take advantage of it too.

I don't run out on purpose, but when I do it's a refreshing break. I think that before when I ran out and freaked out, there was a problem. Realizing that, I learned a valuable lesson. Don't get to attached to anything that can't talk back to you.

Now days, there are so many electronic gadgets it's hard to distinguish one from another. Most of us use at least one during a normal day.

What happens when you can't? Do you get upset? Or have you overcome that desperate feeling of it holding you captive.

My advise... Don't allow it to consume you. Free yourself from it's hold. Yes, doesn't that feel better?

OK, I'm probably scaring some of you.

Just remember this.... People are much more important than any electronic devise will ever be.

Take it from me, someone that has experience. Don't Worry... Be Happy... Remember that song?

Anyway, it's things that make our life a little more interesting.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than none)

Happy Birthday!

Today is my friend Julie's birthday. Julie and I met when Bittersweet was next door to her shop.

Well, maybe I should go back.

One afternoon, after closing our shops, Julie and I sat on the porch enjoying  a glass of wine, while discussing the days of retail life  and other various topics.

Julie mentioned she had been a manager at a local bank back around 1985. I too, was an assistant manager at the same bank,and at the same time,  but different branch. After talking we found out we indeed both were employed by the same bank. We had been to the same bank events, trainings, holiday parties, etc., and here we are some twenty years later both having shops right next to one another,  setting on the porch drinking wine.

I eventually moved above Julie's shop.

I've often thought, do you meet certain  people your suppose to meet in your life?

I have to tell you, from my experiences, I would say yes. Every person you meet is there for a reason of some sort.

I'm very happy that I re-connected with Julie, and that we are friends.

People come and go in your life. Each one, I think, has a purpose, sometimes hidden, but nevertheless, always there.

Happy Birthday, Julie... I hope you have an extraordinary day!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one, especially to my friend Julie!)

    

Lavender kind of day

Today has been a lavender kind of day. It's been so HOT. This picture kind of sums it up... 

I'm finding myself daydreaming , wanting to surround myself in a  huge field of fragrant purple lavender while cool breezes gently touch my face, and since it's so hot, I prefer being naked.

Yes, I believe the heat is getting to me. I am so tired of it. Tomorrow more extreme heat. I have a ton of things to do, but frankly don't feel to motivated to do them. I do have some new sewing project planned, and I would imagine since it's yucky outside, I should take advantage of working indoors.

Soap, more soap too. Vetiver, which I absolutely love, and Nag Champa, which is a favorite at the boutique.

Tomorrow, rest day... So far, so good.

I'm a little bummed about some news I've heard about our downtown,which has contributed to my lavender blues mood.

I found out yesterday that another shop is moving to a different location, and the building located downtown will be used as storage. What a waste. We have such few shops now. It seems that this happens frequently.

Liberty is a county seat so we have lots of lawyers. In fact, last count there were around one-hundred and twenty five, just in the downtown area alone. Nothing against lawyers, but personally, I would rather have revenue from shops and restaurants. It would help our little city grow.

Suburban downtowns and small business are struggling so. I'm not sure how it's going to turn out. Hopefully it won't be to late before people realize their importance. I wonder, do people really care?

I wonder what Doris would do?

Something to think about, and anyway it's things that make life a little more interesting.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than none)

Happy Girl Again

Wow, ditto from yesterday. HOT again and I'm making more soap. Patchouli Sandalwood today, I'm again, waiting on the oils to cool.

Did you know that Sandalwood is almost extinct. (Should be a question mark here, but my keyboard is not allowing me to:) So please just ignore those notta question marks. I'm sure you've noticed by looking at my blogs, punctuation is not my strong point. I'm jealous of you out there that are experts on the subject.

Back to Sandalwood. The tree itself is rare, and takes forty years before you can extract oil from the tree. So sad, one day it will be NO MORE. The oil is very expensive, costing about twelve-hundred dollars a pound. Most soap makers use a synthetic blend rather than the essential oil. Synthetic blends actually do have the actual plant oils, but small amounts. A chemist synthetically blends the final, what are called, "Fragrance Oils".

I use both. I have always used essential oils while making my soaps, and prefer them, but I also use  fragrance oils because quite simply, I love fragrance! You must be very careful while choosing these oils, as some are better than others. Usually, if you have a good working nose that's all you need.

Bad oils smell fake to me, and resemble nothing close to the real thing. I would never put these oils in any product that I make. YUK. I will stick to the good stuff. Fragrancing your soap is one of the most important steps in making it. Don't scrimp on the fragrance.

Well, I did it again. Going on and on about soap, so easy for me to do. Anyway...

Finally, I have the Hollywood order done! It took longer than I anticipated. Here is  a picture of my messy work in progress. Eighty-five little boxes, and inside a bar of Bittersweet Soap. Instead of sending all the same thing, I am sending a variety of boxes and soaps. The event is not until the end of the month, so I expect to hear back from one of those lovely Hollywood people.

Each time I send things to Hollywood it is donated, and even though they get so much stuff, it's a great opportunity for a little girl like me to get my product out there.

How did I get on the list:) They invited me.

During the Academy Awards each star received over one-hundred thousand dollars worth of stuff. Is that crazy or what:) I know that some of them give their stuff to less fortunate ones. To them I say, that's wonderful!

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

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than none:)

Oh My, Oh My......

After shooting the picture of the curing rack in the soap room.....I'm saying Oh My!!

Even though I have been making soap every week, it's not enough.

So , I am doubling my production line to accommodate supply and demand. Instead of making new soaps, I need to make my regulars that my customers are already using. I've mentioned the soap before and how I am so passionate about it.

Bittersweet has been manufacturing soap now for almost 10 years. Some might think after that amount of time a person might get tired or burnt out from doing the same thing. Not even! In fact, probably the exact opposite. I love what I do and consider it a blessing from God.

Each time I make soap, it's an unique experience. A soulful, peaceful feeling of making something that is truly extraordinary. A beautiful soul soothing experience. It keeps me in sink with my creative side.

Maybe that's why after ten years, it continues to be the most popular item.  Each time a customer picks up a bar of my soap, they somehow experience the passion associated with it. Like it's rubbed off on each bar. I know that sounds kind of weird, but I really have noticed this so often.

Grant it, some people could care less about what kind of soap they lather up with. They would just as soon purchase such a hum drum necessity at Walmart or Target and that's OK with me but.....

I recently stopped by Target, which let me say , I love Target just like you gals, but here's a point. You know the "dollar area" in Targets? I saw some of the prettiest soap packaging ever on the shelves in the dollar area. The two bars of soap were wrapped in beautiful  pastel pink paper and tied with a satin ribbon. As I picked them up I thought to myself, such packaging and only one dollar, what a deal! Then I read the ingredients. Oh my, oh my! That's all I'm going to say.

My point.... Most people picked up that beautifully wrapped soap just as I, and thought this is great, I can get two beautiful bars of soap  for one little buck, not even caring what's inside the beautiful packaging. Of course I couldn't miss 'Made In China'. What a double bummer. I was disappointed and sad.

Ahh, packaging....Very Important. I'll go into that later.....For now.... 

My next point.... Nothing personal, but I'm getting more and more disappointed each time I pick up an item and on the bottom, 'Made In China.

Is it me? Am I purchasing more stuff, and it's just a coincidence that more and more I see this popular Verbal Noun?  Why doesn't it say made in California or made in Missouri? I wish I could see more of that! Unfortunately, I don't believe that is going to happen any time soon, but I am entitled to my wishful thinking. Thank GOD! I am also thankful that I live in this country and am proud to be an American! A proud American Soap Making Woman that is.....

Anyway, it's things that make my life a little more interesting!

Happily,

Jill 00(Two hugs are better than none)

Sad News

Kevin, owner of the Polished Edge, stopped by the boutique today. I hadn't seen Kevin in awhile, so it was good to see him. Kevin brought some bad news with his visit. He told me Mr. Braun, previous owner of Braun's Jewelry and previous occupant of my building, had passed away. I met Mr. Braun shortly after I moved in. He had stopped by and introduced himself as having been proprietor of Braun's Jewelry from 1957-1989.

Mr. Braun continued to pay me monthly visits after that first introduction. We sat and discussed various topics, mostly about business and the downtown square. We even developed a code for what kind of day, as in money, I had at the boutique. He suggested a four bell system. Having a four bell day meant that is was a $$$$fantastic day and a one bell being , yuk. The last time I saw Mr. Braun he asked, "What Kind of day are you having ?"

"Mr. Braun, I'm having a four bell day, thank you," I answered.

He would get a huge smile on his face and say..."You will do just fine in this business."

Somehow coming from Mr. Braun, it was reassuring and added maximum confidence.

During the holidays a couple of years ago, Mr. Braun paid me a visit at the boutique. I had decorated the shop in evergreen and garland and was anticipating the holidays. Mr. Braun commented , "You need some Santa Clause's in here."

"Yes that would be nice but I haven't seemed to find ones that fit in the shop," I said.

He said nothing. A few hours later, Mr. Braun came in, on this second visit of the day, he was holding boxes. He brought in six boxes all together. I was very curious as to what could possibly be in these boxes? He opened the first box and to my amazement inside the box was a vintage Santa all decked out in typical Santa gear; red suit, white beard, and white, not black, boots. "I have five more, all in their original boxes from 1957". After Thanksgiving I'd put these Santa's in the two windows for my holiday display," Mr. Braun explained.

"Oh my gosh", I said.

He asked me if I was interested in placing them in the boutique, and of course I was speechless for a moment. "Oh, I would love too," I said.

The first season I displayed the Santa's, I was overwhelmed by the number of  people that  stopped by exclaiming how they remembered the Santa's when they were growing up, and how it brought back fond memories of their childhood.

I purchased the Santa's from Mr. Braun on a price we both agreed upon. Being the business man he was, he had me sign an agreement , and we shook on it.

What a lucky girl I am! Every Christmas I proudly put those Santa'